homepage

The Death Of The Group & The Art Of Professional Loyalty

Check out any Hip-Hop oriented radio show, magazine or website and if you pay careful attention in between the latest incarceration reports regarding Gucci Mane, T.I. and Lil’ Wayne, you’ll notice two themes: stories of groups and cliques breaking up on one hand; and news of previously successful groups, who have broken up, talking reunion – long past their prime.

Technology, new business trends, and the natural flow of change, of course, has something to do with the decline in the number of groups on the scene today, but most civil wars in Hip-Hop especially within successful crews, are self-inflicted and due to a special form of ignorance.

Most artists are simply never made to appreciate there is a difference between feeling personal loyalty and demonstrating professional loyalty.

The subject is one of the most controversial in Volume II of my book, The Entrepreneurial Secret (http://theesecret.com/) but once people realize the difference, they can accept that being able to outwardly show loyalty to something on a level you don’t personally feel is a valuable business skill and one that keeps organizations together to the benefit of all involved. The result: people make more money united than they do apart, as the group brand increases in value.

Until this technique is perfected, and people understand it doesn’t make you a hypocrite, we will never see strong teams again in rap. It’s just becoming too expensive to experiment with putting people on. Today it isn’t personal love that will bind us together but professional loyalty.

Here is how my business mentor, Frank, describes it in my book:

“The entrepreneurs and professionals who are going to survive the current economic crisis… will understand the difference between demonstrating loyalty and being personally loyal. They know that demonstrating loyalty is a business dynamic, not a spiritual requirement. It is the ability to demonstrate attachment, support, and connection. Politicians can switch parties and still win elections. Coaches can leave football, soccer, hockey, basketball and baseball teams and win championships with different teams. CEOs can leave to go to new companies in a very short period of time and lead organizations full of people they have never worked with before, and in fact have competed intensely against only days, weeks and months before. Entrepreneurs can set up businesses in different countries selling products to consumers because they know how to demonstrate loyalty, even if they have more personal loyalty to a particular political party, company, or country.

“This is because these persons are able to demonstrate to others what they may not feel exclusively or deeply within their hearts…There is a difference between wearing a brand proudly and feeling proudly about a brand.

“I believe that at office parties, and drinks after work, you should be wearing the brand of the company you work for proudly, or demonstrating some form of loyalty to it. That is different than feeling proud about it. If you work for Nike, then everything in your wardrobe should have its symbol on it. But some people will say ‘I’m not working for the company on off hours.’ But they are confused. No one is asking them to feel something but rather only to demonstrate the feeling.”

Most of us – who will never learn these things in elementary, middle, or high school – are simply too confused about what Frank describes to make it work for us in business. In a world like rap culture where street ethics are supposedly valued, and being real often amounts to only superficial things, it is too easy to become personally offended or to feel betrayed by basic business activities. Asking an artist to sacrifice a personal gain, or pass on an opportunity for the benefit of the whole of a group is confused with being “son’ed” or “kissing someone’s a—.” When you throw in the painful history of oppressed people (the communities from whom the artists come) who associate ‘service’ with ‘slavery’ or ‘exploitation,’ things only get worse. Finally, when one recognizes how individuality (read: Russell Simmons’ not wearing suits to business meetings or formal social affairs) is celebrated more than following rules of etiquette, or celebrating ‘team’ in rap culture, it is easy to see how only a few people in Hip-Hop will ever be able to balance the personal and professional sides of loyalty in a group setting.

From the corporate world we see a recent example of this in the debate over Microsoft employees being shunned for using iPhones. Here’s how the Wall Street Journal described it in a recent article, “Forbidden Fruit: Microsoft Workers Hide Their iPhones”:

”The iPhone is made, of course, by Microsoft’s longtime rival, Apple Inc. The device’s success is a nagging reminder for Microsoft executives of how the company’s own efforts to compete in the mobile business have fallen short in recent years. What is especially painful is that many of Microsoft’s own employees are nuts for the device.

The perils of being an iPhone user at Microsoft were on display last September. At an all- company meeting in a Seattle sports stadium, one hapless employee used his iPhone to snap photos of Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer. Mr. Ballmer snatched the iPhone out of the employee’s hands, placed it on the ground and pretended to stomp on it in front of thousands of Microsoft workers, according to people present.”

I thought of G-Unit and the drama over 50 Cent dismissing Game and Young Buck from the team for basically, from his perspective, not showing enough professional loyalty. I’m not making a moral judgment about the ethics of Game and Young Buck. I believe both of them very well could have been correct for refusing to do what 50 Cent wanted them to do (which seems to boil down to showing more negative energy toward G-Unit competitors). To me, that was a personal decision. Clearly though, on a business level, their careers have never been the same since they were dismissed.

When you look at it from 50 Cent and the G-Unit brand’s perspective what 50 expected of them was not unreasonable. It was consistent with his style, formula and modus operandi which is perfecting ‘the art of beef.’ To me, both parties share responsibility for possible mistakes and errors – 50 for bringing people into his team that did not have his temperament or concept of loyalty, and Young Buck and Game for signing up with someone who they probably suspected was capable of asking them to go places their value system wouldn’t let them.

In the final analysis all parties involved suffered on a business level. Just imagine how hot (and commercially successful) the natural second G-Unit album would have been with Lloyd Banks, Yayo, Game, Buck, 50 and Olivia (they could have just thrown her and 50’s underplayed ‘Cloud 9’ on the album) released, say, around the Spring of 2005.

I have no problem with the CEO of Microsoft, Steve Ballmer not wanting his employees to be using iPhones in his presence. When building with his employees about their iPhone use, he reportedly told them that when his father ‘worked at Ford, his family drove Fords.’ I’m sure that not all Ford employees believed Ford made the best cars, but it was not personal loyalty the company expected, it was the demonstration of professionally loyalty.

Having said that, I think Steve Ballmer would be foolish and Microsoft would be making a mistake if it did not interpret so many Microsoft employees using the iPhone as an indication that the Microsoft has a long way to go in order to make Windows mobile phones truly competitive. We’ll see if it learns any lessons with the release of the Windows 7 Series this Christmas.

I simply do not see the elements in place for most cliques, teams, and groups to survive much less thrive in today’s roller coaster music industry and the sacrifices it demands. Coming from the House of Wu I look for three elements in any new unit supposedly headed for stardom. If I don’t see these, along with a healthy appreciation for business principles I don’t co-sign: 1) an undisputed head of the group who guides with wisdom rather than just charisma or force 2) an ideology, knowledge base, or belief system that the group accepts and 3) kinship ties – at a blood, marriage, childhood, or neighborhood level.

Through RZA, the Lessons, and a Staten Island-Brooklyn connection not only the original 9 members, but supporting artists, executives, staff, and entourage were all linked together.

Simply picking a crew of artists on the basis of talent and even complimentary creative energy is not enough. To build a successful group these days, one also needs the elements that Wu-Tang had along with clarity about the concept of professional loyalty.

Until then, the only song rap groups will be making is “Break Up To Make Up” – whether by Jeremih or The Stylistics.

20 years later, I’m still mourning the break-up of Brand Nubian (and what could have been – culturally and commercially) and their inability to live their classic ‘One For All’ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPfBRSscspU).

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/). He can be contacted via e-mail at: cedric(at)cmcap.com

Hip-Hop Rumors: Swizz Beatz & Alicia Break Out! Drake Album Rumors! J-Lo Quits?!

rumors 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.

SEE SOMETHING? SAY SOMETHING!!!!!

EPIC FAIL OF THE YEAR

 Whoa, pops…really? I know we like ’em thick but this is too much! About 450 pounds too much!

 42-year old Donna Simpson from New Jersey currently weighs about 600 pounds and is attempting to double her weight by consuming 12,000 calories a day six times the amount recommended for an average woman. The craziest part about her mission which costs about $750 a week is that it’s being funded by some freaks who enjoy watching her eat on her website. What!?  This should be as illegal as child p###, according to her interview with the Daily Mail:

 

“My favorite food is sushi, but unlike others I can sit and eat 70 big pieces of sushi in one go…I’d love to be 1,000 pounds. It might be hard though. Running after my daughter keeps my weight down.”

 

And on what her partner Phillipe who she met on a “plus sized website” thinks about all of this…

 

“He’s a real belly man, and completely supports me. He worked night shifts and would come home at 2 or 3am and bring the leftovers with him. We’d stay up and eat huge piles of steak, mashed potatoes, and gravy with butter. I started gaining weight quickly and my husband liked it. He said I was sexier when I was bigger, and I felt happier too.”

 This may be some insurance scam. Dude is supporting his wife eating herself to death!!!

 GAGA AND BEYONCE – BANNED?

 Lady GaGa and Beyonce have the honor of being banned by MTV. YAY! Or was it?  MTV is countering the rumors that it banned the weird video, because it didn’t make it past the censors. But, just the rumor alone has people jumping online to read about the hubbub. I didn’t think MTV played videos anymore anyway.

 THE DIVORCE IS FINAL…

 And Swizzie can go OFF now! Showing his boo-ski A. Keys off at the Gotham magazine party.

 

 SOME DRAKE ALBUM RUMORS!

 

I jacked this off thisis50.com so forgive me…I think I was being as lazy as I wanna be:

 

In Toronto this afternoon (March 12th) a few guys got an invite from Universal Music to meet Drake and listen to some new tracks from his soon–to–be–released album. “It sounds like a monster to me,” says Ace Burpee. “It was really good stuff. And Drake is a nice kid. Here’s what I can tell you…”

 

1) There’s a song on the disc called “Fireworks” that has the greatest beat ever. Drake has this sidekick producer called 40, and he’s talented. I met him as well this afternoon and he’s also a good kid. He’s about to be very, very busy. “Fireworks” has a hook on it courtesy of Kings of Leon. It’s catchy.

 

2) There is a Kanye West–produced track on the album that comes with a story. The track was made by Kanye for Beyonce, but Drake really wanted it so he wrote her a handwritten letter asking if he could use it. She read it and thought it was sweet and e–mailed him to give her permission. It’s a great track.

 

3) There’s a Jay–Z/Drake track that he played for us – minus Jay’s verse. Jay–Z doesn’t let anyone hear his stuff before it comes out. Drake claims it is the greatest verse Jay’s ever done.

 

4) I think the final track on the album is called “Thank Me Now” or something. He played us a recorded verse then did another one live and it was one of the best. Really cool.

 

5) He sings on a bunch of tracks on the album.

 

6) This Saturday Drake will be in L.A. doing a track with Dr. Dre and Eminem.

 

7) Yes, there is a Timbaland beat on the album.

 

It is highly possible that the biggest album of 2010 will be from a Canadian, and his name will be Drake.

 

Sidebar: No, Drake isn’t done recording Thank Me Later.

 

MORE ON THE FAB CONCERT IN QUEENS

 

I don’t know if this matters anymore, but here is some info from somebody that was at the Fabolous event.

 

WHAT UP ILLSEED? THIS IS MAESTRO LUNGS RAPPER & PROMOTER FOR LOCH121… WELL AS YOU SHOULD KNOW I’M FROM BAISLEY & LIVE THERE CURRENTLY! THE NIGHT OF THE FAB SHOW, THE MIC WAS TOOK FROM FAB’S HYPEMAN! WHO WE ASSUME WAS PAUL CAIN BY A MEMBER OF G UNIT AFFILIATES TEAM NEW MONEY! WHO ARE FROM BAISLEY PROJECTS! WHICH IS LIKE WALKING DISTANCE FROM THE CLUB! TIL THE CROWD STARTED CHANTING BAISLEY THEY REFUSED TO GIVE THE MIC BACK! HENCE THE DELAY OF FABOLOUS PERFORMANCE. TIL THE DJ FINALLY BEG THEM & FAB SHOUTED THEM OUT THEY SHUT THE CLUB DOWN FOR LIKE 45 MINUTES! THATS THEM CRAZY BAISLEY BABIES….LOL! PEACE

 

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES!            

 

What’s going on with C-RAYZ WALZ. Somebody told me they saw dude performing with a blonde wig. I’m just asking.

 

Angela Simmons is dating Robert Kardashian? I thought she was dating Skillz or Lil Bow Wow. Wow!

 

I am not hearing good things about this new Usher album. Not that I care, but it seems like a lot of things are backfiring for him.

 

People have started a rumor that Waka Flocka cannot read. I mean, there have been stranger things to happen in the world.

 

Jennifer Lopez may be a wrap. After several failed singles and being dropped by her label, she is now talking about taking a break to be with her fam. Uh huh…yeah.

 

SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END

 This Corey Haim story is taking a turn for the worse. Turns out he was living with his mother in the Valley while she was fighting cancer when he overdosed and died at 38. To add to that, his meager personal effects are on eBay to help pay to bury him. Man, they are selling dudes gym shorts! Somebody cut a check! Anyuway, they are saying that Corey’s death may be related to a huge underground drug ring.

 

JAMIE FOXX – YOU WRONG!

 Here is the dissing of that chick Gabby that played “Precious.” This is not a good time to be overweight. People are coming down on them. Uh…I’m not exactly innocent, but its all in tough love!

 

 J-HOOD SPEAKS ON STUFF THAT NOBODY CARES ABOUT ANYMORE…

 LMAO! I’m kidding. Mikey T The Movie Star got at J Hood and got the deal on what 50 Cent was offering him.

 

 

EPIC WIN OF THE DAY

 

This dude runs a t-shirt line called T.I.T.S. and guess who they have for a model?

 

ROSA ACOSTA, 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].

Hip-Hop Rumors: Krayzie Bone Leaves Bone! Memphis Bleek’s Friend Shot!? Trey Songz New Shakey Deal!?

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.

BLEEK’S MAN MURDERED

 

Remember that Fabolous event in Queens that didn’t have any violence and Fab didn’t get stopped from performing? There was a shooting nearby and I heard somebody was slain. Now, this isn’t funny, but there is a rumor that the person killed was a friend and crewmember of Memphis Bleek. Have you heard of GBaby, a rapper signed to Bleek’s Get Low Records? Hopefully this is justa  bad rumor!

POSITIVE NEWS BREAK: NAS GOES BACK TO SCHOOL!Nas was on hand at the Boys and Girls

Club’s 43rd annual National Keystone Conference in Pittsburgh to drive

home the importance of education and leadership. The elite lyricist

spoke candidly about his personal life, admitting that he never finished

high school and regrets the decision despite his years of a success as a

musician. He now plans to obtain the diploma, and urged those present

not to make the same mistake. “The reality of it is, you need to keep

educating yourself, and I wish I had stayed in school,” Nas explained.

“Be your own leader.” Nas, along with Ne-Yo and former NBA player Bob

Lanier, were brought in by the Keystone Club, a subgroup within the Boys

and Girls Club that emphasizes leadership through community service.

The organization’s Vice President of Corporate and Partner

Relationships, Frank Sanchez, applauded Nas’ message for highlighting a

desire for education in spite of his

financial success and popularity. “This is an incredible message, to

have someone who succeeded so much in their life, but there is still a

void,” he told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

For the full story: https://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/03/15/22147322.aspx

KRAYZIE LEAVING BONE?

Are the Bone Thugs totally out of Harmony? After getting the rumor that Bizzy Bone would not be on tour with the rest of the group, I am getting word that Krayzie Bone is leaving too. If this is true, it would be a tremendously bad blow for the crew. Then, they would only have Layzie Bone, Wish Bone, and Flesh-n-Bone! OUCH! I know Flesh is like “WTF!? Can I get paid!?” Anyway, a statement of some sort is supposedly coming down the line. Seems pretty sad that one of the most legendary rap groups cannot pull it together.

As I finished, I got this in my inbox:

 

Two-time, Grammy Award Winning rapper Krayzie Bone of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony said goodbye, Monday night to his former hip-hop group. The Thugline Records Official MySpace announced its status as “Saying Goodbye”. Sources close to to the camp posted on their official web-site that Krayzie Bone has left the group.

 

Krayzie won a Grammy Award for his work on Chamillionaire’s “Ridin” and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s “Tha Crossroads”. Rapper Bizzy Bone of the same group left as well, and so it remains the three current members, Layzie Bone, Flesh-N-Bone and Wish Bone, who are related by blood. It’s not said if Wish Bone is leaving Thugline Records as well.

  TREY SONGZ’S NEW DEAL

 

Somebody close to Trey hit me up on this. I really don’t know how true it is or what, but it sounds about right, considering the state of the music game. Anyway! So, apparently Kevin Liles has a new management company that is doing great things for Trey’s career, right? On the flip side, Trey is becoming a huge artist in his own right. Heck, the dude went to visit the White house with Jay. So, from what I understand is his lable is pushing for him to assume a new deal…a 360-degree artist deal! If you don’t know, these types of deals cover everything you do, including tour money, ringtones, and even money you make in film Obviously, each one is unique to the artist, but that’s the idea – they cover everything. Well, there are acts where this works..Jay-Z, Madonna…and so on. But, here is the catch…this insider tells me that Atlantic is also a part-owner or investor in Kevin Liles management company so this presents a clear and dangerous conflict of interest! Red Flag! Trey may be a good candidate for the 360, but under a different set of circumstances! Good luck!

 SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END

 Most people are trying to lose some weight, but this woman bumped her head on something juicy…like a fat burger! Donna Simpson of New Jersey is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the fattest mother at 600 lbs. I think that record has since been broken, but she is looking for another BIG honor! This fool is actively eating herself to death so she can go down in history as a women that weighs 1,000 pounds. She is nutso! She told telegraph.co.uk, “I’d love to be 1,000lb. It might be hard though. Running after my daughter keeps my weight down.” DOWN? Uhmmm…. So this woman has launched a website where people can watch her eat, bath and other niceties in her life. She makes me want to throw up and work out. YUCK! Her frends and family are terribly concerned but this Donna chick is happy to eat herself to death. Oh, she has three kids, from 3 to 14. Sad.

 

CHANCE ENCOUNTERS!

NICE SEND OFF

Check out how Wayne spent his last night of freedom. Do you think he thought it was gonna really happen this time???

BIG’S BABY MOTHER SPEAKS

Biggie’s “ORIGINAL” baby mother, Jan Jackson, called into this radio show to speak on what she’s been up to and even talks about the movie. Say’s she should be a little salty cause they dumbed her down and a little more but it’s mot about her. Check it out interesting info:

RULE HEADED TO CHURCH?!?!?

Kinda…Ja will be starring in an independent movie alongside Adrienne, the spanish chick from 3LW.  The movie centers around a drug dealer who sees the light and falls in love with a church girl.

Daaaaamn homey…in high school you were the (you know).

PROFESSOR JONES

Ummmmmmm…OK. Jim Jones will be teaching a music class at a New York City public school for 8 weeks in the near future. SMH…they just do whatever with these kids education.

On another school note … remember when I told you Chris Brown was going to read tp some kids in Harlem.  he had a good time.

I’M JUST SAYIN’

Rihanna met Matt Kemps family over the weekend.  She popped in while in town to see Matt at training camp.

James Browns body is missing???  SMH

Stacy Dash wants another date with Jaimee Foxx.  And since she let all her ex-husbands smash on the first date…I wonder how Foxx’s Grammy night was???

Shorty that was in the “leaked sex tape” with Young Berg, Jenna Shea, is the self-proclaimed “Thickest white gurl…raised in Inglewood Cali” and is currently “dating” Young Jeezy.  She’s got a bright future behind her.

Check out more at www.ChancesWorld.com

SEE SOMETHING? SAY SOMETHING!!!!!

FAT LADY, 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].

French Montana Lands Lady Gaga For ‘Excuse My French’

(AllHipHop News) Konvict artist French Montana will receive a boost from his Konvict label mate Lady Gaga, the rapper revealed to AllHipHop.com.

The Moroccan-born, South Bronx raised rapper, who released the popular Cocaine City DVD series, has been signed to Akon’s Konvict imprint since 2009.

French Montana met up with Lady Gaga during her headline grabbing New Year’s Eve party at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami, which he attended with label boss, Akon.

The pair hit it off and the result was an official collaboration for his album.

“That’s going to be one of the singles, you know,” French Montana told AllHipHop.com. “I mean you talking about Gaga, you talking about a mil and a half a show. Like, that’s other kind of money. Gaga’s that new. Gaga’s that other money, you know, like you can’t compare her to nobody. You talk about Madonna this and that, like, Gaga’s that new talent.”

French Montana recently released a new single with UGK co-founder Bun B. titled “Bad Habits,” which is taken from his upcoming Mac & Cheese Part 2 mixtape with DJ Drama.

The collaboration with pop superstar lady Gaga will be on his debut album for Konvict titled Excuse My French.

“That’s gonna be out real soon in summer, probably late summer it’s supposed to be dropping. We gonna keep cleaning the streets, man, give them what they need,” French Montana told AllHipHop.com.

To read the full interview with French Montana and Bun B., click here.

Jay-Z Announces European Tour Expansion

Fan in Europe will get a glimpse of world famous rapper Jay-Z this summer, as the chart-topping artist has expanded his UK tour.

As previously announced, Jay-Z will play a series of high profile festivals in the UK in June. He has added more dates to the tour and will now make stops in Germany, France, Scotland, Switzerland and Ireland.

On June 4th, Jay-Z will start the trek in Germany at the Rock am Ring Festival with Rage Against The Machine, Muse and others. The tour ends in July, at the T in the Park Festival in Scotland, where almost 100,000 fans are expected.

Jay-Z is currently in the middle of his “BP3” tour of North America. He is slated to perform at the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh tomorrow (March 16th).

Jay-Z’s European tour dates are listed below:

6/4/10: Rock am Ring, Germany

6/5/10: Rock im Park, Germany

6/6/10: Paris Bercy, France

6/7/10: Manchester Arena, UK

6/9/10: Birmingham LG Arena, UK

6/11/10: Isle of Wight, UK

7/2/10: Eurockéennes Belfort, France

7/4/10: Wireless, UK

7/9/10: Oxygen, Ireland

7/10/10: Frauenfeld, Switzerland

7/11/10: T in the Park, Scotland

Nas to Pursue High School Diploma, Encourages Youth to Stay in School

(AllHipHop News) Nas was on hand at the Boys and Girls Club’s 43rd annual National Keystone Conference in Pittsburgh to drive home the importance of education and leadership.

The elite lyricist spoke candidly about his personal life, admitting that he never finished high school and regrets the decision despite his years of a success as a musician. He now plans to obtain the diploma, and urged those present not to make the same mistake.

“The reality of it is, you need to keep educating yourself, and I wish I had stayed in school,” Nas explained. “Be your own leader.”

Nas, along with Ne-Yo and former NBA player Bob Lanier, were brought in by the Keystone Club, a subgroup within the Boys and Girls Club that emphasizes leadership through community service.

The organization’s Vice President of Corporate and Partner Relationships, Frank Sanchez, applauded Nas’ message for highlighting a desire for education in spite of his financial success and popularity. To date, the 19-year veteran has a resume that boasts 9 solo LPs; four which are #1 albums, and all certified gold or platinum.

“This is an incredible message, to have someone who succeeded so much in their life, but there is still a void,” he told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Last week, a confirmed tracklisting was revealed for Nas and Damian Marley’s highly anticipated album Distant Relatives.

The project will be released on May 25 with appearances from Lil Wayne, K’Naan, Junior Reid, Dennis Brown, and Joss Stone.

Lloyd Banks Drops New Video; Talks ‘Beamer Benz Bentley’ Success

(AllHipHop News) Queens, New York rapper Lloyd Banks’ debuted the video for his latest single “Beamer, Benz or Bentley” today (March 15).

The single is taken from his mixtape V5 and has become popular on mix shows and clubs around the country, while a variety of rappers have already laid their own verses down over the instrumental to the track.

Banks reflected on the success of the single and the staying power of the mixtape game in an upcoming interview with AllHipHop.com.

“The success of ‘Beamer, Benz, or Bentley,’ it just reminds me of all the places I’ve gone due to a single record,” Lloyd Banks told AllHipHop.com. “One record could take an international artist back around the world.”Banks will repay Juelz Santana for his cameo on “Beamer, Benz or Bentley” with an appearance on The Skull Gang leader’s upcoming mixtape The Reagan Era.

Banks is currently touring across Europe with rapper 50 Cent on the “Before I Self Destruct Tour.”While the rapper enjoys playing the live arenas that 50 Cent is able to fill, he told AllHipHop.com that the smaller, intimate venues were special to him.

“We’re more excited about those shows than anywhere else because….we get a chance to do the material you want to do, not the material they used to hearing,” Banks told AllHipHop.com. “To get out there and give them that mixtape material mixed in with the hits that they know…that’s always a good feeling.”

Philadelphia rapper Beanie Sigel is featured in the video, adding fuel to lingering speculation that he will be officially joining the G-Unit camp after a falling out with former friend/collaborator, Jay-Z.

Banks and Sigel performed together over the summer at Great Adventure, during a trip for neighborhood kids sponsored by 50 Cent.

“Shout out to Beans,” Lloyd Banks told AllHipHop.com. “Beans came out did his record, which is like a whole new raw energy, similar to when we did the 40 Day event [in Queens].”video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player

Funk Flex Announces New TV Show; Deal With Flowmaster Mufflers

(AllHipHop News) Hip-Hop DJ Funkmaster Flex has announced a partnership with Flowmaster Mufflers today (March 15) in addition to revealing a new television show in the works.

Funkmaster Flex will showcase Flowmaster’s products on his eight-city cark and bike tour, in addition to using the exhaust specialists’ products in his new show Funk Flex Full Throttle.

During each episode of Funk Flex Full Throttle, the DJ showcases the latest rides and details the performance enhancements he makes to his own automobiles.

“Flowmaster gearheads, customizers, rodders and young tuners are a group of unique individuals that are defining the creative future of the auto industry each time they step on the gas pedal,” Funkmaster Flex said. “I hope my tour, radio and TV shows provides an excellent platform for Flowmaster to showcase their products and inspire these aficionados with new exhaust technology ideas and keep things poppin’ in 2010.”

According to Flowmaster’s CEO Winnie Flugger, the deal with Funkmaster Flex was a strategic move to promote the company’s products to the lucrative Hip-Hop market, which is known for its enthusiasm for automobiles.

“We’re really pleased to have connected with Flex for 2010 and see the bond between our groups as a great way to further increase the Flowmaster message and brand to a loyal audience of fans and soon to be fans of our product,” Flugger said.

Funk Flex Full Throttle will debut on a cable network this April.

Jaden Smith Named ShoWest Breakthrough Male of the Year

(AllHipHop News) Months before the release of his latest film, The Karate Kid, Jaden Smith is receiving kudos for his work on the feature from the ShoWest film festival.

The young star, who is the son of rapper/actor Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, has been named ShoWest’s Breakthrough Male Star of the Year. The award will be presented Wednesday (March 17) at the event, which will be held in Las Vegas’ Bally’s and Paris Las Vegas hotels.

According ShoWest managing director, Robert Sunshine, Jaden Smith was a logical choice for the Breakthrough Male award in light of his work on The Karate Kid.

“Jaden Smith is an exceptional young actor who has delivered a true breakout performance with his portrayal of Dre Parker in The Karate Kid,” Sunshine shared with The Hollywood Reporter.

Described as the most prestigious and longest running convention and trade show for the cinema exhibition and distribution community, ShoWest features film screenings of major studio and independent feature films which are slated to be released in the Summer. Special events featuring Hollywood starts as well as educational seminars are also held during the event.

The Karate Kid marks Jaden Smith’s third film to date. The entertainer made his film debut opposite Will Smith in The Pursuit of Happiness. That appearance was followed up with a role in the 2008 remake of The Day the Earth Stood Still.

In The Karate Kid, Jaden Smith will share screen time with fellow co-star Jackie Chan. The Herald Zwart-directed feature is scheduled to hit theaters on June 11.

Monday Fashion Feature: Why Your Girl Should Rock Dimepiece

 DimePiece is one of our favorite brands on our sister site DJPremium.com. VIDEO: Why Your Girl Should Rock DimePiece Backed by two amazing young ladies – Co-Creators/Designers Ashley Jones and Laura Fama – the Los Angeles-based brand’s overriding theme is female empowerment and challenging male-driven stereotypes. Boss Lady caught up with the girls during their “Peep Show” event in Las Vegas last month to talk about the brand’s foundation, what exactly makes a woman a “dimepiece”, how much the Los Angeles lifestyle influences their designs, working with singer/model Cassie and the brand’s new direction.Check out DimePiece on DJPremium.com: Karl Tee by DimePieceTiger Mesh Jodhpurs by DimePieceGonna Get Yours Thermal by DimePieceBarbie Clones Leggings by DimePiece

The Quandary of the Hip Hop Intellectual

The desire to relegate one’s existence to the development of the mind presents a multi-faceted quandary. When a black man devotes his existence to intellectual inquiry, it ensures that he will ostracized by the proletariat of his race, and virtually ignored by the Anglo-Saxon academy. As Hip-Hop intellectuals, we have to be beyond reproach to be taken seriously and excessively erudite to survive. We still live with a sense of Double Consciousness, forced to endure situated identity conflicts on a daily basis. We are entreated by marginalized populations to “keep it real” and asked by the Eurocentric majority to conform to the gold standard.

We have been fathered by intellectuals from the past, which explains our Janus face. Although we realize that “To whom much is given, much is required,” sometimes we wish that we could ask our father to take this cup away from us. We labor assiduously to apply our intellect to the problems of the day, and channel the knowledge of the collective unconscious in the process. We endure disrespect with dignity. We realize that one has to be different in order to make a difference.

The ways in which a person becomes a Hip-Intellectual are variegated in nature. Some are inspired to become intellectual gargantuans by teachers, professionals or lay scholars. These mentors embody the very best that academia has to offer. They are erudite scholars who can only be described as “gifted while Black.” Michael Eric Dyson and Tavis Smiley are our Romulus and Remus, establishing unwritten rules for us as they lead by example. Their offspring are ultimately seduced into devoting their existence to reading, writing and commentating on the quandaries of the day. Others simply become Hip-Hop intellectuals by osmosis, meaning that ingrained in their psyches is an undying thirst for knowledge. For them life as an intellectual is the only plausible existence. Their cerebral cortexes are wired for one thing, acquisition and storage of vast amounts of information.

Equally as variegated is the education path that a person follows to become a Hip-Hop intellectual. Some follow the path of Langston Hughes, James Baldwin, Richard Wright, and Ralph Ellison. These men did not study at a prestigious university like Harvard, Yale, or Brown, but received their formal education at the largest university in the universe, the world. They took advantage of the literary subcultures of their eras. Some Hip-Hop intellectuals are produced by the finest Black and White universities and have been instructed by the best of the best and encouraged to push the envelope intellectually. They became intellectuals in order to alleviate the suffering and misery of their race and express their individuality

No matter whom our influences were or the path we took to the academia, we represent the talented tenth that Dubois immortalized in his writings. Hip-Hop Intellectuals are proud, boisterous and grandiloquent, but most importantly brilliant. It may seem as though we pontificate excessively and use “big words” to seem intelligent, however we always bring our “A” games. We represent a marriage between the philosophies of Malcolm and Martin, Biggie and Tupac, diverse ideologies inhabiting one body, one soul.

Born during the genesis of Hip-Hop, our births signaled a new dichotomy within the Black community, an intellectual immersed in what many call one of the most destructive movements ever to hit the Black community. For many, Hip-Hop represents all that is wrong with the Black community, but for us it represents Black expression in its most refulgent state. We realize that we have our work cut out for us, but we always press on towards the mark. Our intellect is to be the savior of our community because it dismisses the notion that blacks are intellectually substandard. We are America’s worst nightmare, a ni**a with a brain.

Omillio Sparks: Spark Another One

“You can bull crap with music if you want to,” jokes Omillio Sparks, quoting former boss Beanie Sigel. Former Roc artist, State Property Member, and now under Tsunami Group management, Omillio Sparks is back on the scene with a new stance. The crew is now scattered about, Sparks is betting on himself to win his with cinematic aspirations and music on deck.

AllHipHop.com: So, where have you been?

 Omillio Sparks: I’ve been working…just been in the lab. Just working goin’ hard, about to push the mixtape. I’m putting my team back in order….I have a new team around me Tsunami Group. So just getting some situations in order. We just working!

 AllHipHop.com: Tell me about the mixtape and the album I’m a Grown Man Walking.

 Omillio Sparks:  We gonna drop the Mixtape first, Omillio Sparks Volume 1, that’s crazy! Got some features with Bird Gang, of course State Property..That’s a given they on there, Franky D. But the Grown Man Walking album is stupid! We got Jim Jones on that one. I been in New York bustin’ moves so…..I’m resurfacing!

AllHipHop.com: Why did you choose that title?

Omillio Sparks: It is what it is. Time went by, I matured, I grew, I’m on my grown man. I’m on my business, I’m just real focused right now. You can hear the maturity in the music. I’m still on my grind, I’m still me, but you can hear the change.

AllHipHop.com: Outside of the artist that you mentioned, who do you want to collaborate with?

Omillio Sparks: I still got some features from Wayne. It’s a record I got with Jadakiss. So I got a couple of features. We just got to put the album together to see what’s gonna make it, and what’s not.

AllHipHop.com: Future collaborations?

Omillio Sparks: Definitely! I want to work with Jeezy. It’s some new artist coming out of Philly that I’m working with. It’s a lot of other artist out there I want to work with, but I’d rather reach out and make it happen before I start talking about it.

AllHipHop.com: Everyone knows you for your songwriting for hits, especially for “I Just Wanna Love You”. Are you still doing that nowadays, or are you just focused on yourself?

Omillio Sparks: Right now I’m just focused on what I gotta do, but definitely that’s on the table. Writing is definitely on the table because that’s what I do. I’m definitely gonna write some music for other artist, that’s in the future.

AllHipHop.com: Before you got into the business, what was your inspiration for music?

Omillio Sparks: I was always around other artist. The would always tell me “Come to the studio, you talented.” I didn’t realize how much impact I had on people with some of the songs I had, so I just went hard. We started putting out music Independently, and I saw the responses I was getting. So I went hard for about 2 ½ years, one thing led to another, and I was in NY having a meeting with Jay and we were signed to Roc-A-Fella. You can bullcrap with music if you want to, but I take it serious!

AllHipHop.com: What makes you an original artist?

Omillio Sparks: I think it’s my voice and my style of rap. I separate myself from the rest because I do me. I don’t limit myself, I just make music. I don’t stay in one zone, and I’m not one dimensional. Some people are scared to jump out the box; I’m just making music.

 AllHipHop.com: You are under Tsunami Group now? How did that happen, and why did you choose that route?

 Omillio Sparks: I went to New York, and somebody knew CJ. They took me to see her and when I sat down with CJ we just talked and it had to happen. The chemistry was there, and I say within a month we were making noise.

AllHipHop.com: You have a few films under your belt, any more in the future?

Omillio Sparks: Movies and TV; we got that all lined up. That’s longevity there so I’m not stopping there, like you said it’s under my belt now so it don’t make sense to stop. It makes sense to keep moving forward, and that what I’m doing. Music is my first love, I gotta do that! That’s a no-brainer! I have a film coming up called “48 hours Till Dark” staring DMX and Fredro Starr.

AllHipHop.com: What’s the synopsis of the film?

Omillio Sparks: DMX has his own team, Fredro has his, and I have mine. We all get tipped off about the same spot. Its sort of has a “Trespass” theme, but it’s different. I know it’s gonna be crazy on set with them!

AllHipHop.com: How hard, or easy is it for you transitioning from rapping into acting mode?

Omillio Sparks: It’s not hard at all, it’s like remembering your script, is remembering your verses. It’s just getting into character, knowing your character, and making it come alive on screen. It’s a challenge…..but I like it, I love acting.

AllHipHop.com: I’m sure you get irritated by people asking you about Jay, Dame , and Beans, but how did the breakup of the Roc affect you personally?

Omillio Sparks: I was more disappointed, like WOW we were making history. It really wasn’t a bad thing for me because I was free. I was out of my contract. I was able to move like I wanted to move without being obligated to a company. But it was a disappointment because it was like a family. I was around a bunch of them dudes, we spent a lot of years together, so we grew to love each other. Then it all ended…that was crazy. It’s over so you move forward, you can’t dwell on it.

AllHipHop.com:  You still keep in contact with everybody?

 Omillio Sparks: Of course I keep in contact with everyone from State Property. I talk to Dame. I even saw Jay afterwards and we chopped it up. Everybody is living their own lives right now, I got to focus on me. When I’m out and about and we bump heads, we chop it up; ain’t no bad blood between me and none of them guys.

 AllHipHop.com: Twitter…..Love it or Hate it?

 [Laughing]

 Omillio Sparks: I’m getting the hang of it. I got my Twitter page on right now! Hit me on @TheOmillioSpark. Basically letting people know my day to day, so I’m with it….It ain’t too bad!

 AllHipHop.com: I’ll give you a shout out on Twitter

 Omillio Sparks: You gonna shout me out? What’s your Twitter?

 AllHipHop.com: I’m @mdotperiod

 Omillio Sparks: All right I’m bout to get on Twitter and let them know I’m talking to @mdotperiod right now!

Omillio Sparks: Don’t be fronting on me when I hit you on Twitter!

AllHipHop.com: I’m not….I’m not. Let’s fast forward to 2011….where do you see yourself?

Omillio Sparks: On the movie screen and the music out there like crazy because we working so hard. We gonna work 2010 so by 2011 we gonna be exactly where we are supposed to be….On Top! Doing it….Its Official!Some reminders:

Jay-Z – “I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)” f/ Omillio Sparks

Omillio Sparks ” DJ Turn it Up”

Omillio Sparks- “It Ain’t My Fault”