“Whip It Like A Slave”
“Whip It Like A Slave”
“Love Drunk”
“Sh*t 2 Real”
This is the final word on the year 2009: AllHipHop’s Person(s) of the Year!
These two men come from the same era in Hip-Hop, but have assumed very different paths in the game since the 90’s. However, their journeys thus are both bookmarked by greatness, in some form or fashion.
These mighty individuals are Jay-Z and Raekwon.
JAY-Z
AllHipHop’s staff is well aware of the detractors that loath our appreciation of what Jay-Z is able to bring to the rap game. Allow us to articulate how he came to take this 2009 distinction as a Person of the Year. Looking at Hip-Hop from an artistic, business and creative point of view, it is nearly impossible to “hate on” or overlook what Jigga did in 2009. Here are some questions we asked ourselves and also request readers to query. Ask: What rapper can fill the Garden these days and even include a widely recognized philanthropic angle (Madison Square Garden – Answer to Call concert)? What other Hip-Hop artist broke Elvis’ Record for No. 1 albums for a solo artist? What other rapper played for president Barack Obama in 2009? Who released an album and at 40 remains more relevant in the game than when he started (albeit in different ways)? What rapper has received numerous accolades in the music game (Grammy nods, BET Awards, MTV Awards)? What other rapper had a No.1 single on Billboards Hot 100 for several weeks straight? Oh, what other rapper sold well over a million units and wasn’t named Eminem?
And, as far as we’re concerned Blueprint 3 was one of the best albums of 2009 and Jay-Z was definitely one of the starting players of the year.
RAEKWON
Raekwon is a different sort of emcee, but just as important as Jay in 2009’s landscape. We deem Only Built For Cuban Linx II as the best album of 2009. The statement is most certainly arguable, considering Hip-Hop’s assorted flavors, but the album is an undeniable work of art. In an era where the album is continuously marginalized and ignored, The Chef smacked the FIRE out of music industry. Said smack was so forceful that Time magazine, iTunes and scores of apathetic Hip-Hop fanatics exalted Raekwon, as they had a in 1995 with the original OBFCL. Furthermore, Raekwon and his team had a masterful grassroots promo-plan and they executed it with the precision of a butcher’s knife. Rae provided his own blueprint to success as an indie/underground artist. His dedication to Hip-Hop was also evidenced as he participated in AllHipHop’s coveted Social Lounge, a forum to educate and inspire the community.
THE END AND THE BEGINNING
Jay-Z and Raekwon are our honorees for Persons of the Year for a number of reasons. They are proof of Hip-Hop’s viability on a number of platforms, internet, television, the streets, radio….and so on. Both men are elder statesmen by Hip-Hop standards, but are living, breathing proof that Hip-Hop with extended years is not a death sentence. If anything, their age and experience have proven to be an asset…an unassailable advantage. But at the end of the day, these gentlemen proved that they were the best at what they do by uncompromisingly giving the people a bit of what they wanted, a bit of what they needed – even if the fans weren’t sure of their own desires. Raekwon and Jay-Z aren’t the only ones that did great things in 2009, but they blazed a special kind of trail, one that will stay hot for years to come. These two men both dropped on Sept. 9 and the community loyalist supported both BP3 and OBFCL2. Raekwon and Jay-Z represent what happens when power, business, street knowledge, industry knowledge, wisdom, commerce and art intersect.
2009 maybe gone, but Jay and Raekwon and those they they inspire give good reason to look forward to 2010 and beyond.
Editor’s note: The Person of the Year honor is generally appointed to a single individual.
“Happy Days”
“09 Obituary”
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.
THE DAILY TWO CENTS – EMINEM IS NOT DEAD!
Somebody must want to see Eminem dead! Why? Every year or so there is a rumor that the Detroit don was killed or something. See Xzibit A…or is that Exhibit A…or C? ANYWAY:
This “article” has been floating around the net – and not even Yahoo – for several years. Everytime is is proved to be false and – AGAIN – in 2010, we are shooting this one down. Eminem is still alive!
Click here to get the full listing of stuff that has transpired this week.
EM, 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].
(AllHipHop News) Emerging rapper, producer and singer Mike Posner suffered a setback this weekend, when his North Carolina residence was robbed.
According to Posner’s Twitter page, he was on the road performing a series of dates in Dayton and Cleveland, Ohio.
Posner, who recently wrapped up a semester at Duke University and is signed to J Records, apparently returned home to find his house had been burglarized.
“Shout outs to the people that robbed my house and took all my music equipment,” Posner Tweeted sarcastically today (January 11). “Thanks. Appreciate your hard work and determination.”
Posner recently inked a deal to be featured in LRG’s Spring 2010 advertising campaign is currently in the studio with Teddy Riley, working on his debut album.
Posner has worked with artists like Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Wale, DJ Don Cannon, Clinton Sparks and others.
(AllHipHop News) Sean Diddy Combs is forging a new path into fellow rap mogul Dr. Dres territory with the debut of a new line of headphones called Diddy Beats.
In October 2009, AllHipHop.com broke the news about the venture between Combs, audio/video accessories maker Monster Cable and Dres popular Beats by Dr. Dre headphone collection.
The rapper/actor played an active role in helping create the in-ear headphones, which features Monsters tangle-resistant ControlTalk headphone cable and comes in an exclusive Sean John-inspired travel case as well as an assortment of eartips.
The creation of Diddy Beats expands upon Combs natural love of music, which dates back to his childhood.
According to the businessman, the sounds of his past expressed various phases of his life and career.
“My mother played music for me as a child, and I grew up loving the way music made me fee, said Combs. “It brought out joy and pain. It was my first career, my first love. No matter how many roads I travel, my heart always takes me back there. Music is my life, and Diddy Beats is an expression of how great sound makes me feel.”
Featuring a sleek black and silver chrome finish as well as a high-tech aluminum, the leather-wrapped Diddy Beats headphones will be available in black and white for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $179.95.
At this time, a release date has not been set for the headphones.
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.
THE DAILY TWO SENSE
Weekends are generally slow for rumors and whatnot. But, what do you think of what happened to Lloyd Banks in Canada? Whoever beat that Canadian promoter, lit his a### UP! But, that was about all that happened as far as I am concerned. If there is more, let me know at:
Now here is some stuff.
REBIRTH AIN’T COMING OUT!
I told you this one once in a rumor and I’m going to tell you again, because a source told ME. That pseudo rock album that Lil Wayne has been trying to force people to like ain’t coming out. I got this rumor last year and I was lucky enough to get it again. The Rebirth album’s not going to see the light of day. As you know, it has leaked in its totality. The label said that version of the album isn’t coming out anyway and a different version will come out in March 2010. I’m speculating here, but they may have a different, non-rock album on deck or something. But, my sources say the rock-with-autotune isn’t going to make it.
NICKI MINAJ OFF THE HOOK?
A Nicki Fan did this video and he says is clears Nicki on the allegations that she’s that hood rat lesbian that used to make Remy Ma “eat the box.” SMH.
MORE LLOYD BANKS STUFF
One of my Canadian homies said that only 40 people showed up to that Lloyd Banks concert and that was the real issue. I’m hearing the promoter didn’t promote, but Banks wanted that money.
Here is an interview with the dude that got beat down.
Here are some fans mad.
ILLSEED’S QUICKIES
They are saying that Monica Danger has lost her newborn baby. She’s been committed a few times…looks like they came and got her.
This sure came out of nowhere! Regina King and Malcolm Jamal Warner (aka Theo from The Cosby Show) are a couple and they are soon to be married. I wonder how true that really is. I had no idea.
Just so you know, I DO know about the Sisqo/thong mess, but I just couldn’t bring myself to talk about it. Dude’s needs to get it together.
What’s the relationship between Lil Wayne and JR Smith of the Denver Nuggets? I know they have matching tats with the Young Money logo, but…what’s the deal?
EPIC WIN OF THE DAY
Flex Alexander got totally emotional at a gospel event as he thought about his mother getting off of crack cocaine after 17 years.
Nice to see him grow and evolve. I LOVE THIS COMMERICAL!
Shout out to Santo!
JAZZY F’s RUMORS
What’s good to all my people that love to come to the rumors section and get all the scoop! Well its ya boy Jazzy F. and I’m GOIN IN!
So Lil Kim aka Ms Swan I’m hearing is gearing up for a major comeback. She jumped on Rihanna’s “Hard” and performed in NYC over the weekend. I heard she is about to sign a serious deal.
Over the weekend I heard Diamond formerly Crime Mob went live on ustream and was showing off some guns. I assume they were Scrappy guns. She may need them, because I heard Princess has been locked away laying some heat down in the studio we all know Princess is the real talent and Diamond is just eye candy.
Also yall know that video of Jim Jones hinting for a Dipset reunion. I hear there is no reunion planned or in the future at all. Cam ain’t thinking about them dudes. Jim Jones bit the hand that gave him everything he got and now he knows he can’t sell records without Cam.
Mr Vacant Lot 129th street Dame Grease. You know the producer that Swizz Beatz jacked for his style well he was on twitter saying he spoke to Max B. To be continued. Shout out to Meeno. DopeBoyClassics mix tape coming soon.
I heard all the “Love” show contestants are getting shows now. Stay tuned I will definitely let you guys know who is actually getting their own show. The girl New York done started a frenzy. Its ya boy Jazzy F. Baby and I think I made enough of a mess today so make sure you guys holla @ me on www.twitter.com/itsJazzyFBaby
YUNG BERG’S NEW BEEF?
One last word from Jazzy F. Baby.
So I’m hearing your Yung Berg is having some issues with songs he wrote which was Produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League (Grammy nominated, produced hits for Mary J. Blige, Rick Ross). Any who, the demo for it (the beat with the hook) leaked last year. It was a record that Yung Berg wrote the hook for the singer (Casha) to do the demo. Somehow it leaked out the music studio, got passed to Carlos Ferragamo and J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League gave him the blessing to use the record for keeps. Yung Berg leaked his own version of it, but it’s listed as a Rihanna feature, even though it’s not Rihanna… it’s Casha singing. (Casha did the song “The Business” with Berg). Now, look what has gotten started!
Carlos Ferragamo’s version of the song “Baby I’m Back”:
Yung Berg’s version of the record “I’m Back”:
YUNG BERG, 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].
The views expressed inside this editorial aren’t necessarily the views of AllHipHop.com or its employees.
Like his ear-ringing, pitch-piercing
singing, many of Bonos ideas fall flat: Aggression isnt enough: Artistry
ought to have greater command.
In an Op-Ed for the New York Times last Sunday (Ten
for the Next Ten), Sir Bono listed 10 touchstones for the next 10 years,
one of which had the original title, Intellectual Property Developers. Bono writes
the only thing protecting the movie and TV industries from the fate that has
befallen music and indeed the newspaper business is the size of the files. The
immutable laws of bandwidth tell us were just a few years away from being able
to download an entire season of 24 in 24 seconds. And there lies the problem:
Many will expect to get it free. Refuge for this shapeless logic is found in
the past decade of unregulated, laissez-faire
piracy:
A decades worth
of music file-sharing and swiping has made clear that the people it hurts are
the creators in this case, the young, fledgling songwriters who cant live
off ticket and T-shirt sales like the least sympathetic among us and the
people this reverse Robin Hooding benefits are rich service providers, whose
swollen profits perfectly mirror the lost receipts of the music business.
Stop right there! Is Bono implying that
these fledgling songwriters, whose cause he seems hell-bent on avenging, only
or being cheated of their commission these last few yearsand for no other
reason but illegal music downloading? And is he also attempting to lay blame on
the internet service providerswho are no saints themselvesrather than a music
industry too
arrogant to predict a revolt amongst consumers, following
decades of disposable songs and one-hit wonders?
But, you see, this is the sort of thing
Bono does. His sympathy, to the man looking from the outside in, seems to fall
on the hapless victims whose rights hes been renowned as champion for. Bono, unfortunately,
is hardly an activist. Bono, in truth, is a shillfor power structures and huge
conglomerates. In this case, his gladiator Halloween costume is fitted on
behalf of fledgling songwriters wronged by rich service providers; but,
really, it is the big, rapacious record labels he is going to war for.
Next, Sir Bono, his highness, betrays
his true intentions, with calls for censorshipeven so far as advocating the
kind China is notorious for: But we know from Americas noble effort to stop
child pornography, not to mention Chinas ignoble effort to suppress online
dissent, that its perfectly possible to track content. And there you have it:
From teenage love, praying tongues,
strange fruits, bally boots, and native drums.
I thought the age of romance was over. If
anyone, in 2010, still believes the music industry is a victim of anything but
its own hubris and collective stupidity, I hear Bernie Madoff can still squeeze
you in for the big payback a-coming.
With ruthlessness and the kind of fearlessness Suge Knight can only
fantasize about, major record labels bullied
artists and fans for years, never anticipating a day when the tables would
turn with their victims assuming full control. Mind you, these are the same
labels who fined fans charged with illegally downloading copyrighted songs up
to $150,000 each, some ending up with bills as high as $675,000 and $2,000,000.
Is he referring to the same record industry currently
being sued in a $6 billion class action lawsuit by burnt artists? Have we
been overcome so easily by selective amnesia that we fail to recall how
vehement major record companies wereand arein treating artists like ATM
machinesworked until emptied of their last pennies? And when fans demanded
creative and complex music, in the midst of inundating trash, how many of those
demands were met?
But Bono has mastered this artof
skillful shilling. The same guy who preaches a brand of morality nuns can only
hope of aspiring toward has different set of rules to which he adheresmuch
different from those he proselytizes. Four years ago, U2, Bonos band, began
relocating its multi-million dollar business empire to Holland, due to a
cap on artist tax-exemption which had just gone into effect. Ireland was facing
financial hell, and, besides such productive measures as shutting down special
needs classes in primary schools and levying pay-cuts to struggling workers,
tax increases were also being pursued. The tax-emption, which big bands like U2
had benefited significantly from, was initially introduced to aid
underprivileged artists. When Bono and the boys got word of the cap, they fled
for Hollanda tax-free haven. Meanwhile, the poor and indigent of Ireland were left to fend for
themselves.
But Bono, whose pals include anti-war
peaceniks like George Bush and Tony Blair, is celebrated by mass media as a moral
crusader against militarism and povertybetter yet, African poverty. Bono is
no man of peace, legendary music critic
and Sirius Satellite radio host Dave Marsh wrote
last year; he has yet to speak out against any war. This fierce defender
of poor peoples rights is part owner of Pandemic/Bioware, producers of
Mercenaries 2, a video game which simulates an invasion of Venezuela. Worse
yet, for all his award-winning antics and semantics about poverty-stricken
African families, last year Bono met with US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates
to discuss plans to set up a new U.S. military command for Africa. Bono is a
proponent of AFRICOMthe dreaded imperialist order opposed
by most African governments.
I might be wrong, and in some ways hope
I am, but Bono appeals to me as just another feed-the-children financier whose
intentions cannot be counted as pure. Yes, hes willing to stand in the midst
of pot-bellied, dry-mouthed kids, with flies levitating in circles, but how
much does this Good Samaritan value the humanity and dignity of those he is known worldwide for speaking on behalf
ofeven if they gave him no such authority.
A couple of years back at the acclaimed Technology,
Entertainment, Design (TED) conference,
Bono was in the audience as veteran Ugandan journalist Andrew Mwenda was
assailing, with
breathtaking eloquence, everything Bonos philanthropic career rests
uponAid to Africa. Mwenda argued that aid, while charitable and conscionable,
can often do more harm than good, since 1) aid often never reaches those for
whom it is meant 2) aid feeds the notion that Africans are lazy, laggardly bums
who, despite the benevolence of Westerners, refuse to pull themselves up by
their bootstraps 3) aid helps clear the consciences of European countries who
owe far more than a few shillings of their declining currency 4) aid most
always has hidden agendas undisclosed even to recipient governments 5) aid,
when treated as the end thereof, rather than means to an end of independence
and self-sufficiency, can nurture subservience and subordination among
oppressed populations. In response, Bono did what all self-respecting, humble
public servants know is besthe heckled Mwenda in an expletive-riddled rant.
Bono never, for a second, felt perhaps
this African journalist (African first, journalist second), knows more about
Africaand her needsthan an Irish singer. His hubris couldnt take being
upstaged, so he screamed bullocks and other unprintable words.
Social entrepreneur Andrew Rugasira had
it right when, responding to Bonos bratty behavior, he
opined:
The G8 countries
are not driven by the pleas or haranguing of rock stars. They are defined by
hard-nosed economic and political interests borne of a history rooted in
economic and political domination, virulent self interest, and the reality that
they got their societies to where they are now not through handouts, rooted in
kindness, but by home grown solutions to their developmental challenges.
Bonos knowledge about Africa came to
life again in his editorial. Number 10 was as opportunistic and slow-witted as
the first: The World Cup Kicks Off the African Decade. First, my intelligence
is higher than Hollywood standards, so I dont buy the notion that
sports can change or alter political or racial paradigms. Bono, however, is
drawing this parallel between the 2010 Worlds Cup and a decade he believes
would mark new frontiers for Africa. Of course my hopes for Africa and Bonos
are probably diametrically opposed, so I find his predictions quite frightening.
From his arm-chair of convenience, he reminisces over the 2006 civil war in
Ivory Coast which, his version of history suggests, was put on hold because
the West African country qualified for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Okay, Bono:
believing is believing? Then he castigates
South Africas critics, who should be red-faced now since its impressive
preparations underline the changes on the continent, where over the last few
years, 5 percent economic growth was the average. This is Bonos conception of
the African Decadegrowth, changes, potential, working to shore up
fragile young democracies across the continent.
If South Africas preparations for the
World Cup underline future changes on the continent, I wonder how Bono
accounts for the governments
displacement of thousands of its poor residents to make way for these
preparationseven
breaking prior promises to provide equitable housing for evicted citizens.
Is Bono concerned that the same poor he wants the world to believe he bleeds
for are
being attacked by government agents who, like other rogue forces of the
past, are willing to shed human blood for a bonanza lastingly only a few weeks?
Make no mistake: This is Bonos bit.
Like a comedian, he captures his audience through acute timing and emotional
ecstasy. But once those gullibleentrancedminds have been surrendered, he goes
in for the killor punch-line, if you will.
Ill let Dave Marsh have the last word:
Despite the inspiration that many people take from the anthems Bono has
written, there is not one shred of evidence that he disagrees on any issuewar,
tax shelters, immigrationwith the power brokers he wants us to believe are the
last best hope of mankind.
Tolu Olorunda is a cultural critic whose work regularly appears on TheDailyVoice.com and
other online journals. He can be reached at: [email protected].
CAVI is an urban clothing brand best known for its custom military inspired shirts.
You’ve seen them on everyone from Fabolous to T.I., Akon, Jay-Z and many others. The line was founded by three young men who previously had no experience in the fashion industry – Phil Gapud (Head Designer & Director of Marketing), Nathan Krivosheyev (Director of Production) and Danny Victor (Director of Sales and Operations).
CAVI’s Phil Gapud and Danny Victor, pictured at their showroom last week
Kiki got a chance to catch up with Phil and find out how he went from the music industry into fashion, how CAVI so quickly gained such famous fans, where the military inspiration came from and much more. We also went by the brand’s showroom to preview their spring 2010 collection and copped some exclusive pics – check it out:
DrJays.com: You were first an intern at Motown/Universal Records. Were you originally anticipating a career in the music industry?
Phil: “I did get a Bachelor’s degree in business management/music business. I was always into fashion, and by wearing my novelty military shirts, I broke onto the music scene, placing product on every known artist”.
DrJays.com: Although your latest collections encompass many different looks, CAVI is known as the originator of the custom military inspired shirt. Where did this interest in military fashion come from?
Phil: “I have family that was in the military but it actually didn’t influence my fashion sense with CAVI. “The military look was always tough and rugged to me. By adding medal insignia, patches and different colorways, I took it to another level. And by adding a personalized name tape for celebrities, it made them feel exclusive, making CAVI the go-to brand for that military look”.
CAVI’s spring 2010 is clean, with a focus on great details
DrJays.com: It seemed you guys had some great product placement right off the bat, with your shirts spotted on the backs of huge names like Jay-Z and Fabolous. How did such popular fans come about so quickly?
Phil: “You can’t deny good product. CAVI is defined as ‘Product of Great Taste’. Also, with my music background, I had developed so many relationships and it was a no-brainer to get CAVI placed on many artists. “Hip hop artists have a major influence on setting trends. With CAVI, all major artists supported the brand because the product was, and still is, HOT.
CAVI is here to stay and never was just a trend. In 2004 we put the stamp on military fashion, and going into 2010, we’re making plans to dominate contemporary fashion.”
DrJays.com: We always noticed Fabolous representing especially hard for CAVI. Does he have any sort of involvement with the brand?
Phil: “Fab has been a great supporter of CAVI since day one. We appreciate his love for our brand. He really understands how CAVI should be worn.
Fabolous
“Fab’s clothing line, Rich Yung, did a collaboration military shirt/tee box set with CAVI last year that went really well. Other than that, we are basically supporters of each other.
“CAVI has never been a celebrity driven live. We pride in ourselves on pushing great product and the people who support our movement”.
DrJays.com: Describe a typical day as the Head Designer/Director of Marketing of CAVI.
Phil: “First thing I usually do is check my emails and check out what’s going on online as far and fashion and entertainment blogs. Definitely need to be in the know of things and understand the climate in this business. My team is constantly looking for unique ways to market CAVI. Grassroots marketing has always been an effective way to connect our customers to our brand. “My partner, Danny Victor, and I critique our design team’s work, making sure our future designs are precise and on point. And of course during the course of the day we have numerous meetings from sales to design to marketing. Very long days are common while learning and developing this business”.
DrJays.com: What is your favorite CAVI piece in the upcoming collection?
Phil: “In the spring 2010 collection, my favorite piece has to be the ‘Yacht Jacket. It’s available in three colorways and has built in wires so you can style the jacket the way you want to. It’s a very comfortable and fashionable piece so go check for it!”
DrJays.com: Fashion in 2010 – what do you foresee becoming popular in terms of trends?
Phil: “One thing I learned recently as far as upcoming trends – everyone is growing up. Guys want to feel and look grown and mature in what they wear”.
DrJays.com: If you had to give our aspiring clothing designers three tips for success in this business, what would they be?
Phil: 1. Be persistent 2. Believe in your product 3. Don’t give up. Follow your dreams, or else you’ll be working for someone else who did.
DrJays.com: Any interesting news or collaborations coming up in the near future?
Phil: “In spring 2010, our CAVI womens line will debut. Also look out for CAVI’s boxing champ Yuri Foreman, as well as Nascar driver Chase Austin, sporting CAVI in the ring and racetrack near you! “For more CAVI news, check out our blog www.CAVIDreams.com and follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/cavinyc.”
Check out the latest CAVI gear on DrJays.com by clicking HERE.
(AllHipHop News) Rapper Lloyd Banks and three associates were arrested in Ontario, Canada this weekend for assaulting a promoter, AllHipHop.com has confirmed.
Banks, born Christopher Charles Lloyd and the three other men were arrested for allegedly assaulting promoter Chris Hines of Chris Hines/Ultimate Entertainment.
The G-Unit rapper was allegedly booked at Club N.V. in Ontario, Canada to perform select cuts from his catalog.
Banks was allegedly late to the venue and only performed one song and walked off the stage, further inciting an already agitated crowd.
According to reports, Banks and the three other men assaulted Hines in a hotel room near Kitchener, when Hines reportedly refused to pay Banks for the performance.
Hines was rushed to the hospital, where he was treated and released for multiple contusions and head trauma.
As of this morning (January 10) Banks, Shaun McGee, Tyrell Cooper and Nicholas Sloan are in custody in Kitcheners District 1 police station.
Sources told AllHipHop.com that the four men will be charged with assault, robbery and forced confinement.
The year 2009 hosted quite a few beefs between rappers, with Beanie Sigel airing Jay-Z out, Canibus reengaging Eminem and Joe Budden incurring the wrath of a couple of Wu-Tang Clan rhymesayers over comments about Method Man. While these triggered discussion among music fans, the biggest feud of the past year belonged to Rick Ross and 50 Cent.
The war between the two rappers kicked off 2009 when Ross fired the first shot with the song Mafia Music. The tune, which leaked on to the Internet in late January, included a number of disparaging remarks aimed at 50 Cent, criticizing the G-Unit leader about his relationship with his childs mother, and the controversy surrounding the fire destruction of his Fort Dix, Long Island mansion.
50 Cent responded in kind with “Officer Ricky (Go Head, Try Me),” after which Ross expressed his disappointment in 50s diss the next day on Shade 45. As a result, the Miami-based entertainer gave his rival 24 hours to come up with something better to engage him with.
Not only did 50 return Ross fire, the rapper officially took the gloves off with his video Warning Shot.
“Rick Ross, I’ma f**k your life up for fun,” said 50 Cent, who consistently highlighted Ross past as a correctional officers with a series of humorous cartoon shorts titled “Officer Ricky.”Ross former occupation continued to supply material for 50, who interviewed Tia Kemp, the estranged mother of one of Ross children in February. In the video, Kemp claimed Ross hardcore image was fake while confirming his stint as a correctional officer.
video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsfree video player
Despite the beef (or because of it), Ross enjoyed the successful release of his third studio album, Deeper Than Rap. The project, which included the John Legend-assisted hit single, Magnificent, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 158,000 copies sold in its first week.
Ross continued to go at 50 Cent on the album by staging a mock funeral for the New York-based rap star in the video for the song “In Cold Blood.” 50 Cent remained undaunted as he created another video series of shorts titled “Pimpin Curly.”
Throughout the year, the pair would engage in a continuous war of words via song (“Kiss My Pinky Ring, Curly,” “Push ‘Em Over The Edge” from Ross; “I’ll Be The Shooter” from 50 Cent and G-Unit, “I’ll be the Shooter,” “A Psychic Told Me” from 50 Cent,” and Gay-Unit Workouts from Ross).
50’s G-Unit brethren, Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo, also got involved in the conflict with anti-Ross songs of their own, “Officer Down” and “Somebody Snitched,” respectively. Ross’ Triple Cs crew would not be spared from 50’s wrath as the rapper taunted the group by calling them “Triple Cheese.”
As the beef progressed, things continued to get personal with the mentioning and appearance of those closest to Ross and 50 Cent. Ross’ friend, DJ Khaled, was thrown into the dispute when G-Unit members filmed a video for “A Psychic Told Me” that showed the disc spinner’s mother dozing off at work.
Ross took a stand soon after the video hit the Internet as he posted images of 50 Cents son Marquis with a monkey head on the Net. Media and fan backlash over allusions to violence in 50 Cent’s video would ultimately result in the rapper expressing regret for what was done.
Despite this, 50 Cent would continue to use Kemp to taunt Ross as she, her son, DeAndre, and Ross’ son, William Roberts Jr., appeared alongside him and boxer Floyd Mayweather in a series of pictures at Mayweather’s Las Vegas mansion in November. According to 50, the pictures and accompanying video were justified once Ross crossed the line with the pictures Ross posted of the Queens native’s son.
When youre competing as an artist, theres boundaries that I wouldnt cross myself personally, until the other artist crosses those boundaries, 50 Cent told Vibe. It was a point where Rick had took my sons picture, he cut a picture of my son out and put him on top of a monkey. At that point, the parameters changed. Nothings off limits at the point.
Nevertheless, 50 defended his time with Ross’ family by saying he was simply showing them a good time while blaming Ross for not communicating better with Tia and his family. Prior to that, Ross released a remix to the 50 Cent Ne-Yo hit “Baby By Me,” included more than a few lines directed at his nemesis and his G-unit crew. Kemp’s relationship with 50 extended into a business alliance with the release of Kemp’s tell-all book, Tia’s Diary: Deeper Than Rap through G-Unit Books.
Although Ross garnered a number one debut with Deeper Than Rap, the same could not be said for 50 Cent, who had his lowest opening week with 160,000 copies sold of his latest album, Before I Self Destruct. The figure was a far cry from debut week numbers of the rapper’s previous releases as Before I Self Destruct debuted at number five, according to Billboard.
Ross took advantage of his rival’s misfortune by proclaiming victory in his beef with 50 Cent at a concert for DJ Khaled’s birthday in November.
So we celebrating my n***a birthday, but were also celebrating the demise of a p***y. R.I.P. to the donkey, we buried him, Ross said. It feel good, n***a. Dont look surprised, you knew we was gonna do it. Theres only one record that can describe the feeling. Although both men took an active stance against each other, 2010 looks to be interesting as far as whether or not the beef between Rick Ross and 50 Cent will thrive or fade away. Ross is currently at work on his forthcoming album, Teflon Don, while 50 pursues more acting and music related ventures.
No matter who prevails, the one thing is certain. Ross and 50 will follow 2009’s lead and make their happenings one to watch, hear and talk about.
(AllHipHop News) Former Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight is being sued by the mother of his child for support.
Tammy Renell Hawkins filed papers in Los Angeles County Superior Court, seeking child support for their four-year-old, Taz Maree Knight.
According to court documents, the former multimillionaire now earns just $1307 per month.
TMZ.com reports that under California law and based on Knight’s income, the woman would receive just $302 per month in child support for Knights four-year-old.
At its height, Death Row Records was grossing over $100 million annually, based on albums by rappers like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur, The Dogg Pound, Lady of Rage, MC Hammer and others.
Knight filed for bankruptcy in April 2006, after losing a default judgment to Michael and Lydia Harris, who claimed they invested over $1 million in seed money to start the record label.
A new court battle has erupted over the infamous Hip-Hop label Death Row Records, which was once home to rap stars like Tupac, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and others.
Lara Lavi and Wideawake Entertainment bought Death Row Records in bankruptcy court for $18 million dollars.
The new owners, Wideawake-Death Row Ent. are currently battling over Death Row Records with the company that financed the purchase, New Solutions Financial Corp.
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. This is not a rumor! Clearly, Keyshia Cole is contradicting the allegations of her mother, Frankie. Frankie said Key Key was married when she clearly wasn’t and on top of things…she was reportedly stupid drunk. STATEMENT FROM KEYSHIA COLE: To all my friends and fans – It’s time that I clear the air. It’s not a secret that I haven’t been in contact with my mother Frankie, and my sisters Neffe and Elite and I never wanted to air out our differences to the public. While I won’t go into detail here I find it necessary to let you guys know I decided to stop communication with them because I was at a point in my life where I needed serenity and peace to move forward. Please know I love my family very much but it was time to let it go. You guys are a witness to a lot of what was happening from watching on air and online. Now that I am becoming a mom my passion for having a loving and peaceful home for my child is my #1 priority. It’s very important to both Daniel and I. My plate is very full; I have a new baby coming, we are planning our wedding and I am working in the studio on a new album that I am close to completing. The stress that my family is giving me with their constant false reports is not healthy and it’s not what I need at this time in my life. Please understand that there are only a few people that can officially confirm or deny anything that’s happening in my life and that’s me, Daniel, and my publicist, Tresa Sanders. And my girl Monica never lies. Love Your Girl, KC SEE WHAT FRANKIE DOES NOW! They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!-illseedWHO: illseed.comWHAT: RumorsWHERE: AllHipHop.com, MySpace.com/TheIllseedHOW: Send your rumors and ill pics to illseed at [email protected].
While this isn’t a new mixtape, Bishop Lamont deserves this look. This dropped on Christmas eve and has been getting a buzz on the net. Check it out for free and Download it here!
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.
The New Year’s accolades are coming to an end, but we had to make a brief rundown of the failed rumors of 2009! There were a ga-zillion rumors that took place over the 365 days of the year. some were true and others were not. We take a look back and the Top 5 FALSE rumors of 2009!!!
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].
(AllHipHop News) CEOs Carol A. Dorsey (Chopper City Records, Madd Money Entertainment) and Dawn Lady Dolla Harrington (Dollas N Sense) have confirmed a joint business venture focusing on artist management and label development projects.
As founder/co-CEO of Chopper City Records with rapper and nephew B.G., Carol Dorsey was instrumental in the New Orleans emcee selling 8 million records to date, and introducing the group Chopper City Boyz.
Dorsey was also an integral part in the early career of R&B breakthrough artist KJon, working with the singer until 2007.
Currently, she is working with E-1 Entertainment and Atlantic Records to finalize B.G.s 11th solo LP Too Hood 2 Be Hollywood.
With labels pulling back resources, Dorsey feels her experience offers the insight needed for artists to secure funding and negotiation leverage.
Over the years I have developed intuitive insights, creative instincts, business savvy and inimitable showmanship, plus a strong A&R eye sight in rap, Hip-Hop, R&B and pop with a creative view of artist imaging in bringing out the best in each individual artist that I choose to work with, she explained to AllHipHop.com, :As a sound business woman, I know good business when I see it, and Im excited to take my business relationship with Dawn to this new management level. Outside of this new movement, I will continue to run Chopper City Records along with my partner and nephew, B.G.
Dawn Lady Dolla Harrington had her start under Dorsey as an intern with Chopper City Records in 2004, and worked extensively with B.G. and Chopper City Boyz later on as an Executive Assistant.
Through the Lady Dolla moniker, Harrington went on to establish her own Dollas N Sense Entertainment and Booking Agency, along with modeling groups the Chopper City Girls and the Lady Dolla Dolls.
Since my first venture in this industry I have been determined to expand my reach to other facets of the game, and now with this new exciting partnership with Carol/ Madd Money Entertainment, I truly believe that there is no limit to what we can accomplish, Harrington told AllHipHop.com. I would like to thank B.G. and the amazing people at Chopper City Records for their faith in me and teaching me so much, and I look forward to achieving greater success.
At press time, the companies will retain offices in Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Atlanta.
Their targeted clientele are artists with record deals, those previously signed to deals, and unsigned artists that have Soundscan sales and BDS airplay history.
Whats up everybody? And Happy New Year to you! I trust you rang in 2010 in a memorable way. Me, I cant lie. I slept it in and woke up to tell the tale. This year is definitely off to a chilly start with cold weather blanketing much of the country, President Obama tightening up on airport security after a failed terrorist attempt on Christmas day and the death of Johnson & Johnson heiress Casey Johnson.
Thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends of Johnson and golf pioneer Bill Powell, who died last week from complications from a stroke. Congratulations go out to Keyshia Cole, who reportedly got engaged and is expecting her first child with her fiancé, Cleveland Cavaliers player Daniel “Bobbie” Gibson and pop singer Katy Perry, who is now engaged to her comedian Russell Brand.
Shout out to the sounding boards, who harbor plans of taking things to the next level in 2010.
Check this out. Its the Last Word for the week ending January 8, 2010.
1. Michael Jackson Hearted Lady Gaga; Showed Interest in Collaborating with Pop Starlet
Just a few Words back I mentioned how interested 50 Cent was in working with Susan Boyle. If the thought of that pairing made you shake your head, consider what might have been if Michael Jackson had been able to collaborate with Lady Gaga.
As strange as it may sound, the late music legend did express a desire to work with the pop sensation before his death last year. In a new video interview with Jacksons choreographer, Travis Payne, it was revealed that Michael and Payne tossed around a bunch of well-known names to work with on his This Is It shows in London.
“I gave him a short wish list [of possible collaborators] … and he was like, ‘Sure, they can all come, as long as their schedules permit and it’s not too much of a problem for them,'” said Payne, who didn’t specify when the conversations with Jackson took place.
The video interview which was posted Dec. 30 on YouTube by Amsterdam-based producer/actor Raffles van Exel. “Of course, I suggested Janet, of course Whitney Houston. … Diana Ross and Mariah Carey we talked about. We talked about Missy Elliott. We talked about Usher, of course. We talked about Justin [Timberlake], Celine Dion … Sting, Seal, Bono, Tina Turner. We talked about all these people that I thought were cool but that he liked.”
Although the mentioned wouldve provided a memorable experience for fans, Jackson provided an additional name he wanted to reach out to when asked about other collaborators.
“He goes, ‘Lady Gaga.’ I go, ‘Really?’ He goes, ‘Yeah.’ He’s the one who really got me to get into her, said Payne, who admitted that Michael was a big Gaga fan. He literally told me, ‘You gotta get into her. She’s good.’ So, I started listening to her music more and going on YouTube and looking at her performances, and I was like, ‘He’s right.'”
Needless to say, Gaga lived up to Michaels hype with having a great 2009 that included a hot selling debut, countless fashion statements and overly theatrical performances. The diva got wind of Michaels chat with Payne when she called Payne last November. How did she take knowing what Michael thought of her?
“She got moved by it,” Payne said.
It truly makes you wonder. And while I think an MJ /Gaga collabo wouldve been an event, it may have paled in comparison to what mightve been if Michael and Prince had done a song together at the height of their fame and popularity. Now that couldve been epic.
How do you think MJ wouldve sounded in a duet with Gaga? Would it have been classic or just a footnote in their respective careers? Could Michael and Prince (or any of the folks Payne mentioned) have blown peoples minds if they joined forces on a track? So many possibilities. And while were in a collaboration mindstate. Check out the next item.
2. Madonna Tops Ludacris Duet Partner List
To say that Ludacris shows out on when making cameos on other peoples songs is an understatement. All you have to do is hear him with Nas (Made You Look remix), Usher (Yeah!), Ciara (Oh), T-Pain (Chopped and Screwed), Shareefa (Need a Boss),Field Mob (Georgia) and DJ Felli Fel (Get Buck in Here), and its clear the man is on a mission to stand out. That mentality will be on full display when Luda rhymes alongside various female artists on his upcoming album Battle of the Sexes.
Although Monica and Lil Kim lend their talents to the project, there is one female whom the rapper/actor cites as his top choice for getting in the studio with.
“Madonna, but I can tell you that has not happened yet,” Ludacris told Black Voices BoomBox. “Maybe one day soon.”
The thought of Madge working with Luda may not be too big of a stretch. She did make a tune with Lil Wayne (Revolver) for her recently released greatest hits album. But if the Material Girl isnt available, maybe Ludacris can use Miley Cyrus as a plan B. To hear him tell it, Luda is very familiar with the Hannah Montana star. Or at least one of her hit songs.
“My daughter is eight-years-old and I’m forced to listen to Miley Cyrus’ ‘Party in the U.S.A.’ all the time,” the rapper shared. “She hasn’t met Miley, but maybe I can make that happen sooner or later.”
And with that, I leave it to you to speculate on how Luda would be around Madonna or Miley. One thing is certain. If he could pull it off with either one of them, the results would be memorable, to say the least.
3. B2Ks J-Boog Travels Down Domestic Violence Ave.
B2K may be over and done, but its good to see that the members of the group are still keeping themselves in the public eye. Raz B with those sex abuse allegations from years back, Omarion with his steady solo career and now J-Boog with his issues with the law.
TMZ reports the 24-year-old singer (born Jarell Damonte Houston) was arrested on Sunday (Jan. 3) for after being arrested for suspicion of domestic assault and failing to pay traffic tickets. The arrest stemmed from a dispute between J-Boog and his girlfriend and mother of his three children. According to TMZ, neighbors say they heard screaming in the house earlier in the day.
Police were ultimately called to take care of the situation, which resulted in six to seven police cars arriving on the scene. J-Boog was ultimately released late Tuesday (Jan. 6) with no charges. Sources close to the singer dispute the domestic violence allegations involving him and his girlfriend as they deemed the claims as being 100% false.
Damuer Leffridge, COO of J-Boog’s label, revealed that that an official filing for domestic violence has not taken place. In addition, Leffridge, confirmed that J-Boogs girlfriend was the female involved, she does not plan on pressing charges against her boyfriend.
“Shes not interested in pressing charges,” Leffridge told Vibe on Tuesday (Jan. 5). “TMZ got it like he beat some woman to death, and that just didnt happen. Boog went here today to see what the district attorney is going to do. He had like two or three traffic tickets that he needed to take care of. Thats the reason why he had to stay yesterday, to clean up the tickets.”
4. Precious Leads NAACP Image Award Nominees
The Precious award tour continues on as the critically acclaimed film scored eight NAACP Image Award nominations. The films star, Gabourey Sidibe, collected a nod for best actress while co-stars MoNique, Mariah Carey, Paula Patton and Lenny Kravitz also received nominations for supporting actress and supporting actor respectively. Precious director Lee Daniels earned a best director nomination as the film earned nominations for outstanding motion picture and outstanding independent film.
Other nominated films include Invictus, Michael Jackson’s This Is It, The Blind Side and The Princess and the Frog. Sandra Bullock and Quinton Aaron from The Blind Side, Princess and the Frog star Anika Noni Rose and Invictus Morgan Freeman shared the nomination spotlight for thier performances as well as Sophie Okonedo (Skin), Taraji P. Henson (Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All By Myself), Denzel Washington (The Taking of Pelham 123), Idris Elba (Obsessed) and Jamie Foxx (Law Abiding Citizen).
Musically, Jay-Z leads all with five nominations. Following suit are Rihanna and Alicia Keys who are nominated for outstanding female artist, along with India.Arie, Mary J. Blige and Whitney Houston. Anthony Hamilton, Charlie Wilson, Maxwell and Ne-Yo will compete with Jay-Z for best male artists.
The 41st NAACP Image Awards, which honor diversity in music, TV and movies, will air live Feb. 26 on Fox.
5. Mariah Carey Jokingly Plays the Director Card For Drunken Acceptance Speech
By now, youve probably heard about and or seen Mariah Careys drunken acceptance speech at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Im glad Mimi was recognized Tuesday (Jan. 5) with the Breakthrough Actress award for her work in Precious, but that speech was not one of her best moments.
So who does she point the finger at for how she acted during her rambling moment? The director of Precious, Lee Daniels, jokingly of course.
According to Carey, the combination of Daniels and a bit of the good stuff took a noticeable toll on her prior to accepting her award.
“The thing is me and Lee hadn’t see each other in a long time, and then he was presenting my award, so he starts off immediately with inside jokes, Carey told the Associated Press Wednesday (Jan. 6) night, while laughing backstage at the People’s Choice Awards. “We had splashes of champagne, and I love Lee but he’s a bad influence.”
The songstress admitted that she did not eat enough food before she rushed onstage to be honored. Despite being the center of many jokes this week and opinions surrounding the incident, Carey is quick to advise folks to lighten up and not take her speech so serious.
“If people don’t understand me and think I’m just like this girl that stands by a microphone and sings ‘Hero,’ then they’re definitely not going to get me,” the singer/actress stated. “But if people knew me better, they would understand I have a sense of humor, and basically that’s what gets me through life.”
In Other Words
While no one can truly replace Walter Cronkite, the legendary news anchors voice was put to rest this week with a new vocal for The CBS Evening News. On Monday, CBS ushered in a new era by replacing Cronkites introduction of Katie Couric with a voiceover featuring actor Morgan Freeman.
In addition to voicing the Evening News introductions, CBS News and Sports president Sean McManus says Freemans voice will be used to record different introductions when Couric has special reports and is on location.
Throughout her career, Rihanna has always given fans some things talk about. This will probably be no different as the songbird prepares for her literary close-up. Media sources report Rihanna will release her first book this year.
Despite a lack of details surrounding the144-page project, sources reveal the tome, titled Rihanna: The Last Girl on Earth, will lend up including a combination of photographs and short words written by Rihanna and Simon Henwood.
Those attending The Marijuana Policy Project’s 15th anniversary gala will be in good company. USA Today reports that Cheech & Chong will headline the event, which will take place Wednesday (Jan. 13) in Washington. The gala will include the Marijuana Partys announcement of a new strategy that will include a congressional bill to end marijuana prohibition on the federal level.
Since its founding in 1995, 13 states have passed medical marijuana laws. Before then, medical marijuana was illegal in all 50 states.