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OJ Da Juiceman Ft. Jay Rock P###. By Southside

“Gunshots”

Duct Tape Entertainment Presents: Alley Boy

Alley Boy is the main artist off of Atlanta’s newest record label, Duct Tape Entertainment, which is distributed by rap powerhouse, Asylum/Atlantic Records. Alley Boy hails from the Zone 6 section of Atlanta. He was sidelined by some jail time but started fresh in the Hip-Hop game upon his release. Along with Big Bank Black, Alley Boy is making serious noise in the streets of Atlanta and on the mixtape circuit.

Alley Boy: Whats up man

AllHipHop.com: What good with ya man?

Alley Boy: Chillin man, workin

AllHipHop.com: Why don’t you tell me a little bit about that man?

Alley Boy: Well you know, basically like Duct Tape is really family, its more than a movement. It’s really family. Much love to everyone over at Duct Tape. All the way down to, we don’t do security, we got some big homeboys who come with us out of and G dudes that control guns and s**t so we are safe when we are out. Basically we just real loyal, all of us are from Atlanta that’s why we get so much support out here.

AllHipHop.com: One of the questions that I asked Big Bank Black [Duct Tape CEO] that I wanted to ask you was, how did you guys get your movement going with limited radio airplay and a limited internet presence?

Alley Boy: Really man, just going hard in the streets of Atlanta, know what Im saying? We kick it with a lot of the DJ’s or whatever. We got a good relationship with a lot of the DJ’s, know what I’m saying? Really like from the very jump on the grind, we really were just like ‘lets kill the clubs.’ I was doing a lot of open mics or whatever. I already knew what to do, it was so official. I guess I could just say like word of mouth. Atlanta is at the forefront of music and they get a lot of recognition right now, there’s a lot of people, A&Rs or whatever out here calling down here to the radio or whatever like, “Who is Alley Boy? Who is that Duct Tape? Who’s this that and the other? It was like I guess I could say its word of mouth more than anything.

AllHipHop.com: So how did you get into music?

Alley Boy: Well you know, basically I’ve always been a big fan of music first. I’m a big fan of the music so this has always been something I wanted to do from since I was younger. I probably wrote my first rap when I was like 8 or 9. Listening to Jeezy, growing up on 8 Ball and MJG. I really listened to them and studied them, so I started writing by myself. I always thought it was cool to do. You know what I’m saying? I looked up to rappers. Like outside of the street cats that I looked up to, I looked up to rappers. I started standing out from what I was doing with the passion that I had when we was in the streets you know what I’m saying

AllHipHop.com: What would you say that you bring to the game?

Alley Boy: I feel like everything now is a repeat. But I feel like as of now there isn’t much passion in the game. Dudes aint putting up a fight. I rap from my gut. I don’t do punch lines, I don’t do metaphors and all that. That aint my thing because I rap from my gut and I rap my heart. Its all about passion in the s**t that I be saying.

AllHipHop.com: When you were locked up, Black started Duct Tape, what would you say that you learned when you were locked up? What was that experience like for you? Can you talk about that?

Alley Boy: You know, it was basically like for me. I been to prison twice, not to glorify it, but it was basically some of the worst times of my life. Me and my brother had caught drug and gun cases together. They came up in one of our little trap houses and they arrested us or whatever but I already had some s**t over my head. But I was facing more time than he was so. My brother always knew that I had a passion so he just started a label. I was like you already know what it is when I get out. Yea he made sure I was straight when I got out. I was thinking in prison, everything, that glitter aint gold. A lot of the money that we were jeopardizing our lives for out there on the street wasn’t really worth it.

 

AllHipHop.com: I feel it man. On a more positive note man, can you tell me about some of the mixtape you have coming out and as well some of the collaborations that you are working on.

Alley Boy: Oh man, like this thing, we just been on smash right now. I got a new mixtape coming out, but we pushed it back. It was supposed to release it on the 21st but I pushed it back because got a lot of new s**t that I want to put on there and I had a lot of stuff I wanted to put on there and I had to get it mixed so I pushed it back. Its called the “Definition of f**k s**t” with DJ Holiday on the Empire Mixtapes. My brother just dropped one, “The Birth of Big Bank Black” that he did and I got a lot of collabos on there. I got some s**t with Wacka Flocka, Princess of Crime Mob, got some s**t with Young Dro on there you know what I’m saying? I got a lot of stuff that I got on tuck that I ain’t put out yet. I got few songs with Sean Garrett, Pleasure P. I’ve really just been on overdrive really.

Michael Jackson’s Physician to Surrender; Manslaughter Charges Expected

(AllHipHop News) The man who Los Angeles authorities believe is responsible for the death of Michael Jackson is expected to surrender to them this week, according to CNN.com.

 

Although prosecutors have not announced any charges, Miranda Sevcik, a spokeswoman for the legal team of Dr. Conrad Murray, says the physician has not been told how or where he should surrender.

 

Nevertheless, Murray’s attorney, Ed Chernoff tells CNN that his client is “more than ready to surrender and answer to any charges.”

 

Murray has been at the center of the ongoing investigation surrounding the death of Jackson, who died unexpectedly on June 25. The music pioneer’s passing was ruled by the Los Angeles County coroner as a homicide resulting from a combination of drugs that included propofol and lorazepam.

 

Murray has kept a relatively low profile since the tragedy after proclaiming his innocence via a YouTube video that was posted last year. In anticipation of possible charges against him, Sevcik revealed that Murray traveled to Los Angeles from his home in Houston, Texas last week.

 

Murray expects the charges will be announced within 24 to 48 hours, she added. Murray’s anticipated surrender marks the latest chapter in the ongoing aftermath of Jackson’s death. At the time of Jackson’s passing, Murray had been treating the singer for insomnia for six week. A police affidavit noted that Murray told investigators he had given Jackson three anti-anxiety drugs to help him.

 

It wasn’t until Jackson finally began sleeping that Murray said he left the bedroom for “about two minutes maximum.” The affidavit further stated that “upon his return, Murray noticed that Jackson was no longer breathing.” As he crooner was rushed to a UCLA Medical Center, Murray was with him. Jackson was later pronounced dead, despite attempts to give him CPR.

 

The newest development in the Jackson investigation comes just days after the King of Pop received a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Grammy awards on Sunday (Jan. 31).

 

Prior to his two oldest children accepting the award, Jackson was honored with a heartfelt tribute that included the premiere of a video for his 1995 single, “Earth Song” as well as a live performance featuring Usher, Smokey Robinson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Celine Dion. Jackson’s philanthropy continues to make news as the world celebrates the 25th anniversary of the release of the song, “We Are the World.”

 

The1985 single, which was co-written by Jackson and Lionel Ritchie, featured the two singers as well as an all-star roster of artists that came together to raise money for famine relief in Africa. A new version of “We Are the Word” featuring an all new line up of entertainers was recorded Monday (Feb.1) in the same studio where the original song was made.

 

Those participating in the remake included Usher, Hudson, Dion, Faith Evans, Miley Cyrus, Akon, Justin Bieber, Anthony Hamilton, Harry Connick Jr., Tyrese Gibson, Natalie Cole and Keri Hilson as well as rappers Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J, Drake, Kanye West, Kid Cudi and Lil Wayne.

 

Proceeds from the updated version of “We Are the World” will go toward relief efforts in Haiti.

Chamillionaire Announces ‘Major Pain’; Reunites For Tour With Paul Wall

(AllHipHop News) Because of label politics and the current overall state of the music industry, Chamillionaire has decided to drop a new 18-track mixtape entitled Major Pain.

 

Despite a previous declaration not to make any further tapes, Chamillionaire realized that mixtapes serve to give him the creative freedom denied him in a structured, major label environment.

 

“I felt it was time to take it back to the original grind that made these major companies pay attention in the first place,” Chamillionaire told AllHipHop.com in a statement. “I don’t think there is any reason why any artist with real knowledge of independent hustle, should sit and wait for any major system to work for them, but, because I am signed to a major recording label, there are still a lot of things that I would like to be able to do, that I’m not really allowed to do. Politics in this business often stand between a creative mind and the grind but I’m gonna try my best to feed my fans without getting into too much trouble.”

 

Part of that independent hustle will be a long-awaited tour with early collaborator Paul Wall.

 

The duo released several popular albums early in their careers, such as the Source Award nominated Get Ya Mind Correct.

 

“The lack of marketing and promo budgets in a weak economy isn’t going keep me from touring to different cities and releasing music to fans that still demand it, “he explained. “That’s why I decided to start the Major Pain series and tour with Paul. It’s what the fans want.”

 

Paul Wall’s first appearance will be in Austin, Texas as headliners on March 17 for the South By Southwest tour .

 

Other emcees slated to appear at SXSW include Trae the Truth, Dorrough, and Chalie Boy.

COMPASS Unveils What’s New In Footwear

 

The COMPASS trade show features the cream of crop when it comes to footwear. In its fourth season now, the show was launched by BPMW – the same fashion agency who brings us the fresh (capsule) show. Kiki got a chance to walk the show today, which took place in NYC’s Puck Building. Many top brands from DJPremium.com and DrJays.com showed off their goods, such as Rubber Duck, Diesel, Punkrose and more. See highlights from the show below: Doc Martens continue to be revamped with new funky and innovative designs – and we’re actually considering purchasing the line to sell on DrJays.com!

 

 

What do you think? The brand displayed their signature yellow stitching in a collection of classic boots as well as those with floral prints, polka dots, metallic finishes and more.

 

 

 

Check out this guy in the Abington Collection by Timberland booth, constructing leather slippers right then and there:

 

 

Diesel had a wide variety of footwear, including sneakers, classic boot styles as well as more futuristic looking ones:

 

 

 

 

A fairly new brand on DrJays.com, Rubber Duck is introducing new interesting looks like a furry leopard print, knit fabrics, camouflage and much more:

 

 

 

 

Punkrose is staying true to that edgy, glamorous rock chic style with sequin and studded kicks

 

 

 

We came across a brand called Native, which at first sight look like Crocs for stylish grown ups. Unlike of those clownish creations, Native utilized rubber material in dope sneaker and boot designs:

 

 

 

Gourmet showed up with some clean styles, and a few more “out there” looks:

 

 

 

Are you feeling it? Overall it seems that footwear, like clothing, is growing up in a sense. Classics are being revamped with new detailing and fabrics, and high quality materials are being used in creative ways. It seems like the line between sneakers, boots, boat shoes and other styles are becoming blurry, as brands mesh different styles together. Boots are huge across the board, from duck to combat and biker inspired. The most prominent trend in this arena is definitely that vintage, rugged and worn in work wear style in shades of brown, grey, burgundy, and of course black. As Women’s Wear Daily reported, men’s runways were dominated by boots in both Milan and Paris this month. “It was an amazing season for footwear,” said Michael Fisher, men’s editor for forecasting firm Stylesight. “Almost every (pair) of pants were tucked into boots. It really leads to an opening for footwear to be the main theatrical element of the collections.”

Jeanette Branch :Apache’s Gangsta B***h Is Grown Up

 “Have you ever shot a gun in real life?”

Jeanette Branch heard these words as she stood on stage before Treach of Naughty By Nature and Apache, two of the founding rappers of Flavor Unit. During her audition, Branch assumed the daunting role of a gangster b***h, something she saw on her native New York streets. But she was no gangster and neither was she a b***h. Still, her audition sold Treach, who screamed, “Apache, that’s what I’m talking about!” She knew all the moves. She knew how to walk with authority, but with a sense of sexiness, which was attractive to street thugs. Jeanette Branch’s moment etched her legacy in Hip-Hop history.

Branch mourns with the Hip-Hop Community at the tragic loss of Anthony Peaks p/k/a Apache. Branch and Peaks shared a moment that resulted in “Gangsta B***h,” a classic rap record that caused the culture to shift. Branch, now an actress and producer, reflects on Apache and gives an update on where she is in her life.

 AllHipHop.com: I didn’t know you were a real actress. Back in the 90’s, if you saw somebody in a video, you figured they were somebody’s friend or something. Did you start out acting?

 Jeanette Branch: I started out as a dancer, but the thing about the video is the video is the video was the first time I was actually able to act. Not just dance in the video, not just be a girl in the video, but to actually play a role. I wasn’t an actress at the time. The video helped me get that acting bug.

 AllHipHop.com: Were you like the gangsta chick seen in Apache’s video?

Jeanette Branch: Not to the core, but I grew up and was raised around those girls. It wasn’t a hard stretch for me to play one. The girl in the video got down for her man. Whatever he did she was able to run  and do the same thing.

 AllHipHop.com: How close were you to Apache?

 Jeanette Branch: I haven’t spoke to or seen Apache in years, really since not long after that video. Maybe three or four times after the making of that video. Being able to be around him and working with him on set. He was a very good dude. He was a kind caring kind of dude. Approachable. You can laugh with him. A real dude. It was so tragic, because he was so young. Too soon.

 AllHipHop.com: How did you feel about the impact of that video? Obviously, people started to dress differently and females started to look at themselves in another way.

 Jeanette Branch: I think he had a profound affect. Females started rocking bandanas a little bit. My mother is proud of the video. It had an affect on everyone in a positive way. It told females they could stand up and have a voice. You could go toe to toe with your man and stand by your man. That was a first of its kind. It was a good thing.

AllHipHop.com: Did  you ever feel like there was a negative affect to the video? You were pulling out guns and machetes. 

Jeanette Branch: I think Apache and them were amazing in the concepts that they came up with in creating that. All credit goes to Apache in creating that character and the impact.  I don’t really think it had that bad of an impact. I think it was more of a trend that came in and people ran with it and then it went back out. It wasn’t like those girls didn’t exist before the song. They did.

AllHipHop.com: Has anything else come out of that video for you?

 Jeanette Branch: Not necessarily with Apache or Flavor Unit. It heightened my curiosity about acting. That’s what it mainly did for me. I’m in LA. I’m an actress. I’m a stuntwoman.  I owe all of that to that video.

 Apache – “Gangsta B***h” (story continues after video)

 

 

AllHipHop.com: Can you update people on your current projects

Jeanette Branch: One of my recent project, I played a role opposite of Ving Rhames, called Wrath of Cain, where I play the mother of his child. Gillie Da Kid plays our son.

AllHipHop.com: You were in a movie called “Baller Blocking” back in the day?

Jeanette Branch:  That was in 99…definitely late 90’s.

AllHipHop.com: How was that experience?            

Jeanette Branch: We shot that in New Orleans. I fell in love with the city and the people. It was a wonderful period. At the time, “Bling Bling” was out and Cash Money was definitely on top of the rap game.  They gave back so much to the city. They gave a lot of the clothes to the kids in the projects.

AllHipHop.com: What do you think about the female representation these days? Its considerable different than when you did “Gangsta B***h.”

Jeanette Branch: I supported everybody and what they are doing. Its definitely about a look now, instead of skill. But I don’t knock anybody for what they are doing. I support everybody.

AllHipHop.com: you don’t see the rugged look as much as the vixen.

Jeanette Branch: It is what it is. Music and Hip-Hop is ever changing.

AllHipHop.com: Any last comments about Apache?

Jeanette Branch: He was definitely a lyrical monster and I am glad to have worked with him.

 

For more: http://www.jeanettebranch.com

Def Jux Folding? El-P Expains Rumors

Dear Inter-web, fans, friends and JUX family,

People keep asking me what’s up with JUX. There’s been some talk, there have been some rumors. Some half true, some way off. Reports of our demise have been mildly exaggerated. Here’s what it really all boils down to: (read on)

This year, a decade after starting DEF JUX and after overseeing the releases of some incredible albums including the forthcoming release of my dear late and great friend Camu Tao’s brilliant “KING OF HEARTS” LP, I’m stepping away from my duties as artistic director for the label to concentrate on what I love most: being a producer and an artist full time. This is something I’ve been contemplating for a few years now, and can’t think of a better time or, with the eventual release of Camu’s record, a more poetic way to transition into a new direction.

This means change for JUX. Of course we’ll still have our website, we will still sell our catalog, merch and more as well as bring you news and updates on all our projects and artists. We will be releasing “KING OF HEARTS”, a DEF JUX remix compilation, a 10 year anniversary retrospective and some other goodies. But then as a traditional record label DEF JUX will effectively be put on hiatus. We are not closing, but we are changing. The process is already underway, and the last several months (for those wondering what the hell we’ve been up to) have been spent dealing with the technical aspects of wrapping up the label in it’s current form and re-imagining our collective and individual futures.

In 2000 starting a traditional record label made a lot of sense. But now, in 2010, less so and I find myself yearning for something else to put my energy into. I also see newer, smarter, more interesting things on the horizon for the way art and commerce intersect, and as an artist and an entrepreneur, I’m eager to see them unfold. The evolution of this industry is, in my opinion, exciting, inevitable and it would be nice to see the DEFINITIVE JUX brand be a part of it. In other words, maybe we can turn this hoopty in to a hovercraft.

All business aside, and regardless of what form JUX may inevitably take, my focus for the immediate future is going to be back-to-basics. The fun stuff: sitting in the studio and immersing myself in music, performing it for for my fans when the time comes and whatever (or wherever) else might be out there creatively for me. Thats how it all started and that’s how the next phase will begin. The days of me dedicating the majority of my time and energy into providing JUX with a constant stream of physical releases from multiple artists are on hold for the time being. My heart (and what little common sense I possess) is telling me to simplify my focus and it has always been my policy to listen to my heart.

Truly, DEF JUX has been amazing to be a part of. So many good people. So much fun. I feel very lucky to be friends and collaborators with people who have affected and continue to affect my life and work deeply and indelibly. Working with the likes of Amaechi Uzoigwe, Jesse Ferguson, Jason Drake, and Katy Eustis at JUX as well as allies like Kathryn Frazier (biz3), Michael Bull and Lisa Socransky-Austin (to name only a few) has been incredible. These are people who worked for generally meager wages because they loved what they did and they believed in the artists and the idea of DEF JUX. Anyone would be lucky to have worked with even one person as dedicated and passionate as all of them are. They are true champions of indie music and they (and too many others to mention here) have my gratitude and loyalty forever.

None of it would have existed, though, if not for the artists. Artists who rolled the dice on us the same way we did on them, and were there with us as we battled it all out. CAMU, MR LIF, AESOP ROCK, MURS, CAGE, ROB SONIC, HANGAR 18, CHIN CHIN, CANNIBAL OX, THE PERCEPTIONISTS, RJD2, DESPOT, SA SMASH, YAK BALLZ, CRAYZ, THE MIGHTY UNDERDOGS, DIZZEE RASCAL, DEL, P.F.A.C, ACTIVATOR, COOL CALM PETE … the list goes on. I consider them all geniuses at what they do. Every victory that they have had and will have will always feel like a victory for myself and all of us at JUX. It’s been a joy to create and even struggle with them all. It has not always been easy, but it’s almost always been fulfilling. I only hope the work we put in together helped build a path to their collective futures. They have my sincerest well wishes and genuine respect.

Lastly and most importantly are the fans… h######## THE FANS! Our fans are no joke. I can’t tell you how humbled I am to have felt the love and respect that they have shown us all. Even when we did things they didn’t like, they stuck around. This was their label as much as ours. We answered to them, and yet they respected that we did what we loved, nothing more and nothing less. We always will. You are why we do any of this, and I’ll never be able to express how much your support means to all of us. I think I speak for all of us Jukies when I say I love making music for you and can’t wait to make more.

Until then, on behalf of everyone here at JUX and from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

EL-P

Founder/Artistic Director/Recording Artist

DEFINITIVE JUX

Hip-Hop Rumors: Solange Defends Beyonce! The Grammys Keep Dissing People!

DISCLAIMER:

 

All

content within this section is pure rumor and generally have no factual

info outside of what the streets have whispered in our ear. Read on.CLAUDETTE THROWS DRUNK ROBBY UNDER THE BUS

Homegirl did a recent interview and said that Robby was a drunk lush before City High and before they were even dating. OUCH. Here are some exerpts from her interview with She Is.

Claudette Ortiz: Initially I wasn’t going to say anything… & I think that stemmed from fear because of the relationship I had with Robbie… it was an abusive one. He portrayed it like it was a “lovely romance” & it wasn’t.

Claudette Ortiz: I met Robbie before the group (City High)… We started out as friends… we were both singers & knew some of the same people… My older sister and him were in the same grade so she knew him too… they were 2 grades above me… when we first started dating she said to me “are you sure you want to date him?” I asked her what she meant by that & she told me Robbie had a reputation of getting really drunk (since) back then & told me a story about him drinking excessively to the point where he’d passed out. I knew he drank but I never saw that side of it. He was my first boyfriend, we were young I was 16 & he was 18… we were nice teenagers. Everything seemed fine in the beginning but over time it became like a nightmare.

Claudette Ortiz: We were working on the album & it was rare for him not to be drunk… My management asked me not break up with him (he knows this) but it just became too difficult for me. Going on the road, recording… it was terrible. We were in Hit Factory & I remember him walking past me & he said “so this it, we over?” & I said “yes”.

Lush perspective cannot be trusted!

(here is the full interview

)NOBODY REALLY WANTS TO DO “WE ARE THE WORLD”

“We Are The World” came out way in the 80’s. People have changed so much since then that I know nobody really wants to do it. They just want to do it to be cool with Quincy Jones and to honor MJ. So, when Roger Friedman’s showbiz411.com drops the bomb, I am not shocked. Lady Gaga said no, even though she was begged to be in it. Jay-Z. No. Beyonce. No. Alicia Keys. No. Alicia – NO? Not even Mrs. Beatz would do it.Justin Timberlake. Jennifer Lopez. Madonna. No. No. And No. There are a lot that are in it though, but those that are missing says a lot. I wonder why?

WELL, WHAT THE HELL WAS CBS THINKING?

They are trying to destroy rap. Wayne, Em and Drake actually performed the clean version of “Forever” and rehearsed with said version…YET…CBS basically muted it. This is what they said:

“It was a rousing musical performance, but words were edited from the live telecast that didn’t meet our broadcast standards. We have great respect for artists’ creative freedom, but there are certain things you can’t say, or sing, on television.” – CBS spokesman Chris Ender. SOLANGE DEFENDS BEYONCE

THE GRAMMYS ALSO DISSED THE JACKSON FAMILY!

Wow. The Grammys not only dissed Hip-Hop, they dissed Michael Jackson’s whole family, except the kids.

JANET SAYS:

CBS has been “banning” Janet since that fiasco called Nipplegate!

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

Gary Coleman’s bailbondsman said Gary didn’t even say thanks. Damn, Gary. What an ingrate.

IF you thought Nicki Minaj was on that song with The Game, you were wrong. Blame, DJ Drama.

Rumors are already swirling that Amber Rose is about to be a singer, with her weird inclusion in the new “We Are The World” remix.

According to Bossip, Matthew Knowles’ alleged mistress Alexsandra Wright has given birth to a baby girl and DNA tests say he’s the pop.

Damn, the Grammys are crooked! Lalah Hathaway got robbed two times from the Grammys! Here is the crazy thing. These suckers have GPS so the singer is tracking her iPhone! They are gonna get you, thief! 5700 Hubbard St and closing in!

SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END

Answer: F**K NO, B***H!

EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY

Kanye must have had a invisible cloak and pushed her Grammy! Tayor Swift broke her Gram!

CHANCE ENCOUNTERS

G LOVE???

Nickelodeon’s Amanda Bynes turned to her Twitter to vent about a certain someone not receiving the awards they deserved at the Grammys and word is she may be talking about Drizzy.  She says it’s ok because “he won [her] heart!!!”  She also says this mystery guy is “the most talented person ever!!!” and inspires her.  Unfortunately she says she wont name him until “[they’re] an OFFICIAL couple and AGREED to tell people”.

THE OTHER SIDEIllseed let you know about dude from City High’s alcohol problems a few days ago.  Dude basically says he turned to drugs after the chick from the group left him for the other guy.  Well she, Claudette, has come out to tell her side of the story.  She claims she left him because he was an abusive drunk and they weren’t anything past teenage sweethearts.  She says she hooked up with the other guy a year after they had broken up and they’ve been married for 9 and 1/2 years.Better days…or were they???

LIL MO IS COMING

I believe she’s been doing radio since we last heard from her but Lil

Mo is with new management and getting ready to drop again.  From the

looks of things it’s an independent effort…you looking out for this

project???

TELEPHONEWhen Bey and GaGa shot the “Videophone” video there

was a lot of security and nobody really knew what was going on.  this

time around not so much.  The two recently linked up to shoot the EPIC

video for LG’s “Telephone” with Tyreese aka Black Ty on leading man

duties.  Here are some shots of the shoot and some info on the concept:The video centers around a women’s prison full of female bodybuilders with Semi Precious Weapons (a rock band) as guards:

They also shot some scenes at a diner where there is going to be a “huge choreographed dance sequence”:

And at some point they end up in the “Pu**y Wagon” from Kill Bill:

THROWBACKSSome pretty cool vintage pictures of a Lil’ Kim we knew many moons ago:

SNEAK PEAKValentines Day is right around the corner and Chris Brown has a treat for yall this year.  He hit Ustream the other night and gave some fans a preview of his new mixtape slated to drop February 14.  Have a listen … the album was dope:

I’M JUST SAYINCongrats to Monique for getting the Oscar nomination … remember I told you she would loooooong before you even knew what Precious was???I wonder how 50 felt about Eminem performing with Lil Wayne???  Didn’t working with his enemies get Jadakiss and Fat Joe got at???Mary J had to check the house band at Clive Davis’s pre-Grammy party. 

She kicked her performance off by asking them “are we still in

rehearsal, or do we have it together???”.

Did you know Ziggy Marley was nominated for “Best Musical Album For Children”???

Happy belated birthday to Erykah Badu and Jay Electronicas daughter…he tweeted a pic of her yesterday:PEACE – CHANCECDR @ TWITTER FACEBOOK & GMAIL

JAY-E AND BADU,

WE LOVE YOU!!!

They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about

them then they should worry!

-illseed

WHO: illseed.com

WHAT: Rumors

WHERE: AllHipHop.com, MySpace.com/TheIllseed

HOW: Send your rumors and ill pics to illseed at [email protected].

Rappers Lace Up For Celebrity All-Star Game

(AllHipHop News) Rap stars Pitbull and Common will compete in the NBA’s All-Star Celebrity Game, which will take place on February 12 at the Dallas Convention Center.

 

The two rappers will suit up to play in the celebrity basketball game, which will feature teams coached by Magic Johnson and Alonzo Mourning.

 

The Hip-Hop acts will play with or compete against a variety of celebrities, including Anthony Anderson, Dallas Maverick’s owner Mark Cuban, actor Chris Tucker, actor Paul Moore.

 

Athletes confirmed to play include Rick Fox, Chris Mullin, Robert Horry and Harlem Globetrotters’ team members Scooter Christensen, “Big Easy“ Lofton, “Special K” Daley, and “Flight Time” Lang.

 

The celebrity basketball game is one of a number of events, parties and concerts taking place during All-Star weekend, which takes place from February 11-14.

Lawyers After Diddy Over Possible J-Lo Sex Tape

(AllHipHop News) Sean “Diddy” Combs’ previous relationship with Jennifer Lopez may soon come under lawyer scrutiny courtesy of a lawsuit from Lopez’s ex-husband Ojani Noa.

 

Noa is embroiled in a contentious court case with Lopez over his intention to release his own tape of the actress kissing a woman and engaging in lap dances.

 

Noa has maintained the footage is not overtly sexual, but his ex-wife filed an injunction against its release, claiming the footage is “private and personal.”

 

Noa’s business manager Ed Meyer wants Combs to testify in order to verify if a sex tape exists between the pair.

 

The purpose is to show a distinct difference between the content of his client’s footage and the possible Combs/Lopez tape.

 

“Ojani’s footage is not a sex tape,” Meyer explained to the NY Post. “In addition to kissing women, there are points where she’s lap dancing [with] Ojani [and others]. All with her clothes on. We’re trying to establish that it’s not a sex tape and therefore usable in Ojani’s movie.We will ask: Is there a sex tape between [him] and Lopez, and what does it involve?”

 

Lopez’s lawyer Jay Lavely vehemently denied the rumor of a sex tape, chastising Meyer’s comments as irresponsible.

 

“Ed Meyer’s comments are false and ridiculous. Ms. Lopez will be completely vindicated on her claims in this matter,” he stated.

 

Jennifer Lopez failed to secure an arbitration motion, resulting in another hearing. At press time, the next date court will be on March 4.

How To Market (and Protect) Jay Electronica (Part I)

I can count on one hand the number of times I have known I should write and build on something, yet didn’t want to. This is one of them. I haven’t even wanted to discuss this subject on the phone with my inner circle. Only three people even know what is ultimately at the root of my thinking on this.

The subject of Jay Electronica, the time of his rise, and his prospects for underground, independent and commercial success, even geopolitical impact, are that potentially serious. A hint to the wise is sufficient.

Sometimes you can hurt someone unintentionally by saying too much. And sometimes the greatest form of humility is not telling all that you know or see on a subject.

But sometimes time demands that you take a chance and risk what needs to be risked in order to accomplish a greater good.

To say that Jay Electronica, creatively, stands between two worlds and eras would not be an exaggeration, if you know the time.

Jay Electronica, the man of the hour, humble and spiritually sensitive is feeling this more deeply than anyone, I’m sure, in answer to a question of how his meteoric rise and the support and weight of it all feels, he reportedly said, “Its overwhelming, you know what I’m saying? Its overwhelming. It makes me feel good. But I gotta’ check myself too cause it makes me feel scared too. Like ‘okay I can’t be playing with these people’ because they are connecting with something — when they come to me — I feel like there is something they connected to greater that ain’t me, you know what I’m saying? So it makes me scared, too. And I don’t want to get in trouble with God. But yeah, its a good feeling, man. S**t, I can’t explain it. Its overwhelming.””Overwhelmed” and “scared” are two emotions most would not think the hottest rapper out would openly admit to. But Jay Electronica is not just ‘hot,’ he’s smart, and sober-minded, apparently realizing he understands there is always a price to pay for raising the dead.

“…And by the time they get their seats hot and deploy all their henchmen to come at me from the treetops…”

With that in mind I want to start an important conversation and start to take care of the important matter of fighting to properly position Jay Electronica for business and greater influence as an artist-leader-entrepreneur. The brilliant Tolu Olorunda, already has taken care of the proper, cultural interpretation of Jay Electronica in his AllHipHop.com editorial, “Jay Electronica’s Exhibit C: The End of “Genetically-Modified” Hip-Hop? (https://allhiphop.com/stories/editorial/archive/2010/01/04/22082850.aspx).

He has the potential to go places no other artist has, ever, and just in time.

Promoting A Phenomenon (The Difference Between Longing For Change And The Demand For It). The reaction to Jay Electronica is a phenomenon in and of itself. That means two things: he represents an idea whose time has come and he represents the longing of people for change (as the Honorable Elijah Muhammad stated it in Message To The Blackman, ‘As we know, wherever there is a longing or demand for a change, nature will produce that man, who will bring it about.”. There is an important difference between longing for something and demanding it and it has everything to do with whether or not Jay Electronica will be a mainstream commercial success (which is even the hope of the underground and international community). As an economist and student of mathematical theology I could go very deep into the Honorable Elijah Muhammad’s words and how they relate to the economic law of how supply produces its own demand. Maybe in a building session with the Believers and the Gods and Earths one day (smile).

What I notice in the response of a certain segment of people to Jay Electronica’s Just Blaze-produced messianic “‘Exhibit C” is either one of two things: 1) ‘Damn, I never heard nothing like this before in my life!’ 2) “This is what I’ve been waiting for (even praying for)” Neither of these sentiments in a business sense is ‘demand.’ They reflect only an emotional, cultural, or spiritual longing. And this is why it is so important for Hip-Hop fans – especially in the Northeast to realize that fawning over Jay Electronica, or romanticizing over the conscious-era of rap or wondering if New York rap is back is not a significant factor impacting the business of making Jay Electronica a massive success (which I define in the Hip-Hoppreneur ™ context as 1) his full development as an artist who sells millions of records all over the world 2) the development of a business team infrastructure that can develop the Jay Electronica brand and help make the right decisions – keeping it in alignment with his image and reputation without compromising his need for artistic freedom and personal integrity 3) his emergence as a leader at the community level, brokering power and having an impact in the United States, with influence around the world). Until certain things are put in place or fall into place around Jay Electronica, much of his popularity represents just longing. It will become demand when fans, consumers, and supporters can connect with and engage him in creative, commercial and community context.

Knowledge As Lifestyle. Jay Electronica (2010) as Public Enemy and Rakim (The 1980’s)

As I’ve written before, the biggest phenoms in the history of rap were

50 Cent in 1999 and Snoop Dogg in 1993. From an artist standpoint [in

terms of suddenly influencing how other artist’s rap it is Nas, Rakim

and Treach, (over time, Jay-Z may be the most influential rapper ever in

terms of artists imitating his style)], and in terms of consciousness

(the greatest sudden influence over the thinking of the Hip-Hop

community and fellow artists it is not even close – Public Enemy and

Rakim in 1987-88 (over a longer period it was KRS-ONE)]. Much of the

excitement over Jay Electronica is that he seems to be the most sincere

and authentic conscious artist (he actually sounds like he knows

and understands the Lessons and Teachings he refers to, and is not just

quoting something he has memorized or read), who delivers the message

with a captivating style and with street credibility (that’s what being

homeless will do for you). People can’t resist natural law and

universal order when presented right.

To understand it, just think of Hammer. Yes, I said MC Hammer. As much as people hated on him the basic reason for his popularity has never really been acknowledged. It was the universal appeal of dance (anthropologists bear witness that every culture in the world has it in some form). You could mock him, laugh at him, and even act like he wasn’t cool (“He ain’t from New York so don’t even play him.”) but at the end of the day you sat there and had to bear witness to how good of a dancer he was. There was a longing and demand for what Hammer represented, and he took off because the business side of his team and industry was equal to the task. Knowledge too, has natural and universal appeal like that but as a friend of mine jokingly said to me in response to my explanation of Jay Electronica as the appearance of a person providing knowledge when people want it the most, due to the insecurity we all feel due to the recession, wars, and technological and demographic change; he jokingly responded, “but knowledge does not appeal to young people.”  His point was clear – commercial radio and video outlets who target teenagers don’t reward the playing of music on the basis of its conscious lyrical content. But clearly, as we can see from the impact of President Obama – who to me is more Role-Model-In Chief than Commander-In-Chief – on young people, knowledge is making a comeback.

What Public Enemy and Rakim did (and uniquely too, Big Daddy Kane) was make knowledge cool – and the strong presence of the Nation of Islam and the Nation of Gods and Earths – on the street and neighborhood level showed that knowledge could actually be a lifestyle and the basis of kinship and community. Not surprisingly, both communities or Nations are embracing Jay Electronica enthusiastically, even passionately, but again, longing is not demand, in a business context, and this is not 1987.

While still very powerful, the Nation of Islam and Nation of Gods and Earths, for the time being, don’t have the same kind of intense connection with and appeal among the youth of New York City (nor in the critical region of the South), nor do they influence the radio playlists today as was the case with the local 98.7 Kiss FM and 107.5 WBLS-FM. Of course a COINTELPRO style war against the Nations have contributed to this.

The challenge for Jay Electronica (and for the Nations) is to not confuse longing with demand. Until the conscious communities rally around his music as a commercial bloc and intelligently influence DJs, Program Directors and industry executives that there is the potential for a teenage market for Jay Electronica’s music, don’t expect a cross over appeal and heavy rotation anytime soon. There are conscious professionals, and very well-meaning professionals on the inside of most of these radio stations and video outlets who would love to support this artist, but they have to be given a business cover to do so. The Heavy Hitter, Hot 97’s DJ Enuff deserves credit for taking the chance on playing ‘Exhibit C,’ but an army needs to come behind him, not just willing to applaud Jay-Electronica but write letters, make phone calls, and put up their dollars to support his career, showing the world of trade and commerce that they aren’t doing them any favors. Playing Jay Electronica’s music (and videos) is good for business is all we should expect them to care about.

Make Sure the South And The Streets Are With You Too (Not just the conscious and Northeast crowd). Although I love Mos Def and Lupe Fiasco, I have to admit I cringe a bit when I see Jay Electronica in too strong of an embrace with them before, say, 40 Glocc, Beanie Sigel, Young Jeezy, or Lil Wayne. I Grew up in Jersey, worked in Philly, and lived in Harlem before coming to Washington, D.C. 10 years ago [(by the way I’m not hearing Jay Electronica being pumped on U Street or Georgia Ave, out here, nor in the ipods of the young people I build with in D.C. – and I’m barely hearing Wale anymore (smile)]. It was one of the best things that could have happened to me because it showed me how incubated and deluded one can become from remaining in the intellectual and social comfort of the Northeast community. We have a lot of pride in that part of the country and we are the historic foundation of the Hip-Hop culture and industry but we turn the rest of the country off with our perceived arrogance, sometimes.

When I came to D.C. I would build with Brothers in the District about this regularly. The perception of New York outside of New York is something every New Yorker needs to hear, regularly. One of the worst things that I believe Jay Electronica could do would be to allow the New York and Conscious Hip-Hop community to claim him in a way that makes him appear exclusively theirs. This is easier said than done as those communities come with a following, intellectual and emotional support, and media influence. But catering to them turns off the rest of the Hip-Hop nation. This is why I’m not as excited as so many other conscious folks are by the just announced Lupe Fiasco-Jay Electronica collaboration.

Believe me, I’m touched to see Diddy, Mos Def, and Jay E on the same stage, and I know that Lupe-Jay E. collab is going to be fire, but let’s pump the brakes a bit on the New York love and start building with some Bloods and Crips (from Newark, NJ to Compton, California) and let’s get on a DJ Drama mixtape with all the hottest artists from Down South. Let’s hype up talk of a regional and national bidding war that has everyone from Snoop Dogg (the new creative Chairman of Priority Records), Birdman, Diddy, Master P., Floyd Mayweather, 50 Cent, Shady/Aftermath, Live Nation, and Scarface all wanting to sign the hottest rapper out.

Even if Jay Electronica is already under contract, let’s act like he’s not. Here’s where Diddy could be real helpful. Similar to how Cam’ron asked Dame Dash’ to regulate’ his record label negotiations for him, Jay Electronica could do the same with Diddy. It could be a nice publicity move and helps to subliminally reinforce what Puffy’s presence always does (‘the man who helped break Biggie as an artist is backing me’). We also need to see and know that the Magnolia Projects and New Orleans are supporting Jay Electronica, as much as New York is. That means the marketing of him can’t just revolve around hot beats and intellectual lyrical firepower. It has to show that real relationships exist in the ‘hood and that there is building around the phenomenon that is Jay Electronica at the street level. This can be done, but Jay Electronica has to have the right team around him, capable of guiding him as a leader as much as an artist.

Next week I’ll get into some more specifics, but it is important to establish that the talk of Jay Electronica as ‘the next one’ in Hip-Hop is a fun exercise (I remember this as it related to the multi-talented Saigon and Papoose who were set to take off before some costly mistakes and errors were made just a few years ago) but turning it into reality will require real smart business moves, and consistent actions from his supporters that move beyond words and applause. He is already a special artist, but for him to fully realize that potential in a cultural, political, and economic environment – which is what the Internet, music industry, and media are – as Just Blaze says, ‘we need something realer!’

Here’s to helping Jay Electronica achieving all he desires creatively while changing the game for the rest of us.

Cedric Muhammad is a business consultant, political strategist, and monetary economist. He is also a former GM of Wu-Tang Management and a Member of the African Union’s First Congress of African Economists. He is author of the book, The Entrepreneurial Secret (http://theEsecret.com/). His talk show, ‘The Cedric Muhammad and Black Coffee Program’ can be viewed every Wednesday from 12 to 5 PM EST (USA) at: http://www.cedricmuhammad.com/media/. He can be contacted via e-mail at: cedric(at)cmcap.com

Play-N-Skillz Shoot Videos With Inertia, Rapper Tum Tum

(AllHipHop News) Last weekend Dallas, Texas producers Play-N-Skillz shot music videos with Inertia, the debut artist on their G4 Muzik label, which is distributed by the popular SRC/Universal imprint.

 

Inertia’s videos for “Body” featuring Slim of 112 and “Betty Crocker” featuring Tum Tum, were shot in Dallas and included several notable cameos.

 

On Saturday (January 30), the video for “Body” was shot at the classy PM Lounge in downtown Dallas and featured guest appearances by Slim, model Jessica Rabbit, DJ Krave, DJ ASAP, Fat B of MPR Entertainment, George Lopez of Jin Entertainment, Bay Bay and Martellus Bennett, tight end for the Dallas Cowboys.

 

The video had 1940s “mobster” and “Goodfellas” feel, with a variety of beautiful women on set. Model Jessica Rabbit was the featured counterpart in the video serving drinks to the G4 crew and having an acting scene in the video with Inertia.

 

“To work with Play-N-Skillz is hard work but its satisfying and a great feeling to be around greatness like that,” Inertia told AllHipHop.com. “Those guys put a lot of heart into their music. Its not manufactured, its not artificial. It’s real, so to be able to work with them it’s an honor and a humbling experience.”

 

Slim, who was on site for the first single “Body”, and who is coming out with an album called Cruise Control this year and is excited to be working with Play-N-Skillz.

 

“I got a lot of history with G4 and I was one call away. Actually we were in Miami when we did the song and Inertia had the idea,” Slim told AllHipHop.com. “I was like, ‘you know what? I’m feeling this record right here.’ This was a real hot record, so that’s why we’re here in D-Town.”

 

“As far as the ‘Body’ single goes, I feel we took Dallas Hip-Hop to another level,” Play told AllHipHop.com. “That’s very important for us because the rest of the world only has one feel for what Dallas Hip-Hop is all about. He is our first artist on the deal so we had to give the video that worldwide look, not just that local feel.”

 

On Sunday the G4 Muzik staff shot the video for “Betty Crocker” which features Dallas rapper Tum Tum.

 

The video featured appearances by the Definition DJs, DCC, DJ Krave, DJ ASAP in addition to old school cars, 4 wheel bikes and models and an overall more street feel.

 

“We were only supposed to shoot one video, but the ‘Betty Crocker’ song has been heating up so much that we ended up shooting the video on the second day,” Play revealed. “It’s a record for the streets for the mixtapes, for the club, everyone is going to like that one”

 

According to Play, he and Skillz are in the process of finishing up work on Inertia’s debut album.