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Concert Review: India.Arie

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Alternatives

Date: February 5, 2009 Location: Unitel Studios, New York, NY

On an arctic New York night, Neo-Soul chanteuse India.Arie marked

her return to live performance with a taping for VH1’s Soul Stage. With the

release date of her fourth disc Testimony: Volume 2, Love & Politics approaching, the two-time Grammy winner was beyond

excited.  “I’m so happy to be

here!” was the mantra for an evening where her word proved to be bond.

 

Gliding onto the small stage in a sleeveless black

turtleneck and dazzling full-length skirt, the newly shorn Arie kicked off her

ten-song set with fan favorite “Video” from her 2001 debut Acoustic Soul. Her stellar four piece band and three background

singers underscored the bonus of an additional verse for “Video” – updated

with new lyrics that reflect her personal changes since the songs original

inception.

 

Arie chatted up the crowd on her creative process between

“Grains”, a sweet, harmony filled interlude included on Testimony: Vol. 2 and “Ghetto”, her ode to the commonalities of poor

areas worldwide. “This is the first album where I see myself as I am right

now”, she offered. “This is world music.” 

 

“This is actually a political song”, Arie said before her

trio of background singers began harmonizing the opening notes of “Chocolate

High”, her duet with Musiq Soulchild. 

“A song can be sensual without

being sexual.” Her male background singer proved a more than ample stand-in for

the missing Musiq and got the multi-hued crowd swaying in their seats.   

 

Sandwiching new music between old, her background provided

the perfect blend to her alto dips on the classic “Brownskin”, given a

refreshing new arrangement with a healthy dose of heavy bass and keys. The

recent Presidential election wasn’t overlooked in song as Arie gave a sparkling

rendition of “There’s Hope”, a song included on the playlist for CNN’s coverage

of the latest Presidential election.

 

Continuing with her world music theme, Sade’s “Pearls” was

vocally injected with the rhythmic sounds of Africa without distracting from

the songs original sentiment.  Joining

Arie on stage for the reggae-kissed “Therapy”, Morgan Heritage’s Gramps Morgan

backing vocals and appropriately placed chants of “Oh” between the choruses provided

the ideal combination to Arie’s airy, crisp vocals. 

 

By the time she arrived at the song written by her mother,

“Long Goodbye”, India.Arie had nothing else to prove. Obviously never one to

rest on her laurels, midway through “Ready for Love”, Arie established her

skillfulness as a flutist, further demonstrating that her musical gifts were in

abundance and display for the evening. The audience was held hostage and

released by the voice of angel ready to soar again – and they didn’t seem

to mind one bit.  **To get the latest AllHipHop Alternatives Features, follow us on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/AHHalternatives**

 

Hip-Hop Rumors: The Real Rumors Around Chris Brown And Rihanna! Kanye’s New Boo?

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: 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.

TODAY’S RUMORS!

THE DAILY TWO CENTS

What is there to say? Over the weekend, so much happened. Here are the links for what you might have missed.

Link 1 – Snoop leaves Interscope

Link 2 – 50 Cent Goes At Ross and Ross goes back!

Link 3 – Foxy Challenges 50 Cent and 50 disses her!

Link 4 – Classic Big Pun collaborations!

Link 5 – Rick Ross’ baby mom’s has a past and its not pretty.

RHIANNA HAS A BLACK EYE OR ANOTHER FEMALE?

Here is the official news story on this and the rumors are to follow.

First, from what I understand Chris Brown is out of jail or police custody and has been charged with one count felony criminal threats. His bail was set at $50,000..

Nobody really knows what happened, but Chris Brown might have really messed up bad, if the rumors are right. They are saying that Brown and Rihanna got into a fight late Sunday night. In the fight, he hit her, but the person is presently listed as unidentified. Anyway, the victim identified Brown as her attacker. He rolled before the cops got there. Anyway, I am hearing that the alleged altercation has the lovely Ri Ri with a blackened eye. I am not sure, but that’s the intel that I am getting. You know we are going to hear more on this. Why is all this foolishness taking place during Black History Month.

Here is the second part of the rumor, where I will tread very lightly. My homey Rhymestyle (who I battled on Twitter) sent me a blurb that Chris and Rihanna might have gotten into a beef, because she may have given him a VD. If you don’t know what that is, its a venereal disease. In this particular case, the word Herpes has been floating around. NOW, THIS IS FALSE, until proven true at some point in the future, Right?

Anyway, I must note that there are sources that I trust that say Brown didn’t hit Rihanna at all. They are saying that there was actually a car accident. I am also hearing that some girl disrespected Rihanna by hitting on Chris Brown right in front of Ri Ri. Ri Ri screamed on the girl and the girl may have gotten too hype and Chris busted clocked HER, not Ri Ri. Also, I am hearing that their PR reps are all looking to get on the same page with whatever the final story will wind up being. MAKES SENSE TO ME!

BEYONCE WANTS HER MILLION!

Apparently, in Austria there is a huge festival called The Vienna Opera Ball. It takes place on February 15th, 2009. A rich Austrian real estate mogul invites a star or starlet to accompany him to the ball every year. From what I understand, Beyonce accepted his invitation to attend this years ball, who has been escorted by some starlet since 1992. I heard that B’s management agreed to do it, but it was past the deadline. Now, it appears that Nicolette Sheridan from “Desperate Housewives” was booked instead. I heard Beyonce is LIVID that she will will miss the $1 million dollar for two days pay off. Other honorees in the past include Carmen Electra and Pamela Anderson. I don’t know how true this is, but…Damn.

FAKE SNOOP TRICKING PEOPLE!?

I hate to saying it, but some people might not have been important enough, but AHH is good to go for this. Here is what I am hearing from people other than us. I can’t believe it. I’m not even important enough to get tricked by a fake Snoop Dogg. I’m wack. Peep it though. Apparently, there is a person pretending to be Snoop Dogg and inviting people to Cali for his concert. Well, somebody at AllHipHop was invited too, but guess what? It’s a fraud! This smoke out thingy was supposedly going to show several rappers like Kurupt, Snoop Dogg, Juelz Santana, Lil Wayne and others smoking until somebody passes out or something. I heard B-Real wants in! Anyway, nobody got any information after being strung along for several days. Poor, important people.

KANYE GOT A NEW BABY BOO?

There is this new chick named Amber Rose and she’s allegedly the new love interest in Kanye’s life. Who knows? Anyway, Amber has really short hair. Almost bald. She’s very pretty though so that is nothing more than her shtick. Pause. Anyway…here are the images TMZ found.

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

Fantasia didn’t finish high school, but thats going to change. She is going back to finish whatever level she never finished in school.

Auntie Vivica Fox is going hard in the paint! She is going to be hosting a reality show  called ‘The Cougar’ and she is going to help older women get a younger dude. SMH.

Lil Kim is all set for the next season of “Dancing with the Stars.” Go Kim and click here for the story.

You know, if Chris Brown hit RiRi or any woman…that’s a straight hoe move.

GOTCHA! Eddie Murphy will be paying Mel B over $40,000 a month for child support for their daughter Angel. That’s a lot of bread for the next 17 or so years.

I hope M.I.A. has that kid! Anyway, she likes to talk about the politics of Sri Lanka. Check her out here.

I guess Common and Serena are still an item. They were seen going through LAX Airport on Friday (February 6).

Rick Ross to 50 Cent, “fake teeth, fake street. Only fake n***as feed on fake beef.” At least he’s admitting the beef is fake.I wonder what Ross thinks of The Game “siding” with 50 Cent?

Charlie Wilson has prostate cancer. Good luck, OG. We’re pulling for you.

RANDOM QUOTES

Ne-Yo explains what happened with Jim Jones and his homey/manager.

“I guess Jim Jones and Vogn have had drama in the past or whatever so Vogn taps me on the shoulder like ,‘Look who just walked in here. Jones wasn’t necessarily trying to hurt nobody he was more trying to embarrass, trying to humiliate Vogn and Vogn being who he is, Vogn wasn’t going for that. So at one point it escalated to where Jim Jones pulled out his cell phone and started recording, put the phone right in Vogn face, talking ‘bout ‘You a punk, you a this you, you a that,’ recording it on some I’m gonna put this on YouTube. Vogn at that point couldn’t take anymore, smacked the phone outta Jim’s hand. [And] they got to wrestling on the floor in the Louis store.”

Wrestling? SMH!

Jermaine Dupri is enjoying the single life, I guess.

“I GOTTA SAY THERES IS NO PLACE LIKE VEGAS WHEN IT COMES TO PARTYING AND THE TITTYS!!!!! THEY NEED TO CHANGE THE NAME [TO] T#### LAND LOL” (Usher is rumored to be in Vegas with JD doing his new album. Two and Two = Four.)

GRAMMY OBSERVATIONS FROM ILLSEED

So, Chris Brown put hands on Rhianna? I wonder what they were fighting over?

So, Jay had to show up during Coldplay’s set, eh? I want Jay to show up on his own set doing “Money Goes” or something.

Al Green still has it.

Glad to see Estelle getting a nod even though she didn’t stand a chance against Coldplay.

I love how Kid Rock can flip flop between rock and other genres.

Loving the Chris Brown gum commercial. At least when he allegedly “two-piece” Rhianna, he was minty fresh.

Kanye West was straight looking like Rockwell up on stage.

The first thing I thought of with Morgan Freeman was “they used to call me crazy joe, but now they call me BATMAN.”

“Swagger Like Us” didn’t do it for me, but T.I. killed it with that last verse.

Wayne was flaggin’ for the Grammy crowd!

At this point…uhm…I became more interested in Twittering about it. If you want to see my views, check my twitter pages. Twitter.com/illseed

SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END

I don’t know if you all are keeping up with what’s going on the world, but Australia is going through some terrible wildfires. Here is a letter from one of my favorite Aussie readers named Luca. This is some crazy mess. Read up.

“I’m speaking of the South East Australian Wildfires that have ravished our state over the past 2 days. This is surely our worst disaster in my 26 years on this planet. My sister and her boyfriend were in the fires but were luckily saved by changing winds. The scariest thing was that no one knew the savagery of the fires (We have these types of bushfires almost every year but this year was insane), my sister called me from a local pub where families had been evacuated to (families who had lost everything, their kids ran around butt naked because they’d lost EVERYTHING to the fires) and I honestly didnt feel that she was in trouble until i heard that her shoes were melting. Its just so so sad. People who tried to escape the fires in vain jumped into their pools but were boiled alive.. People too late to flee jumped in their cars at the last minute to realise that the fuel in their cars had evaporated.. The scariest thing is that all this didnt happen out in the outback- it was 20 minutes away from the city of Melbourne, Australia pop. 3.5 million.”

EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY

According to panachereport.com, Micheal Jordan’s daddy sexually abused his daughter. She makes these claims in a new book. You know, Michael Jordan’s daddy is dead and gone. He’s not here to defend himself or even comment on the allegations levied at him. On the other side, his daughter probably wouldn’t lie about such allegations. In my opinion nobody wins in this case so, it’s an EPIC FAIL.

“Please understand that sexual molestation brutally violates a child’s mind; destroying all traces of innocence. And more often than not, it takes with it their security and self-worth while imprisoning them in a painful world of silence and guilt.”

“When I finally found the courage to let my father’s deeds tumble from my lips, I did not know what to expect, but I never in a million years would have guessed that my mother would turn on me. Her words of betrayals did far more damage to me than my father’s deeds. They spoke volumes to the fact that she really did not care about me, which my father obviously knew. It is because she was so expressive with her dislike for me that probably made my father know he could get away with violating me.”

“It turned out to be true, when he told me that if I ever told, it would be he that my mother believed and me that the family hated.”

“My father confessed his actions on the same day that I disclosed them to my mother. And on that frightful day of admission, I watched my mother, looking for a sign, any sign that she cared about me.”

“I watched her as she stood in my bedroom citing their decision to send me away. Once again, I became the little girl who was always looking for her mother’s signal of affection and approval, but once again there was none!”

“The memory of my father whispering in my ear during the wee hours of the night about the beauty of my body has played over and over in my head for many years. And as if that has not been incapacitating enough by itself, having to comprehend the fact that more often than not, he had just gotten out of the bed he shared with my mother to find his way to my bedroom has just added to the realization of the painful situation.”

“It came to injure my mother’s womanhood to such a point that she came to think of me as her adversary, with her striking out at me (the other woman) every chance she could, no matter where we were and what the occasion.”

Source: “In My Family’s Shadow,” by: Deloris E. Jordan

BIGGIE ON “MARTIN”

SHELZ GIVE YOU THE UPDATE IN THE NEWS AND RUMORS

Mistah Fab Is Recovering.

DJ Backside with her folks at O-Zone got at Mistah Fab while he was still on the mend to find out what happened with the car accident. Broken backs and injured lungs? That’s some really real stuff right there. So glad they are doing okay. I hope that continues.

Jamal Anderson Arrested for Cocaine Possession.

Falcons fans, remember Anderson? He’s the running back who created the Dirty Bird in the Falcons pre-Vick days. Well, he was found in a local bar this weekend in the bathroom snorting coke off the toilet with some other dude. He was working as an analyst on ESPN this past season. They haven’t commented on the arrest.

MIMS Talks Other People’s Relevancy…And Jay-Z, Wayne and 50 Taking Jabs At Him

LOL@ Respectable jabs. I guess “The American King” is trying to bring some diplomacy to Hip Hop.

Tameka Foster and Some Bad Brazilian Plastic Surgery?

It’s being reported that she was in Brazil getting some kind of procedure done and Usher had to scadaddle down there and miss some Grammy festivities because something went awry with the surgery. Hopefully, this isn’t true. If it is, I hope it’s nothing major.

SHOUT OUT TO JAMES

One of the IC members named James passed away last year. Today is his birthday. Bossup hit me and asked me to post his daughter as a reminder that life is precious. Here you go.Cute baby.

CAPTION THIS:

Diddy stares at a one-dollar bill in his hand. What is he thinking?!

For more, go to illseed.com. Or just follow me at http://twitter.com/illseed

ONE DOLLAR BILLS, 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 allhiphoprumors@gmail.com.

– allhiphop rumors

Lil Wayne Collects Four Grammy Awards

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

On a night filled with emotion, memorable performances and legal drama, Lil Wayne emerged as a multiple winner Sunday (Feb. 8) during the 51st annual Grammy Awards.

 

The rapper, who received eight nominations, was honored with three Grammys for best rap album, best rap song (“Lollipop” featuring Static Major) and best rap solo performance (“A Milli”).

 

To celebrate his best rap album win, Lil Wayne brought his family onstage and expressed his gratitude toward those responsible for his good fortune.

 

“I just wanna say thank God, thank New Orleans, thank these people you see right here and thank you,” said the rapper, who beat fellow nominees Jay-Z, Lupe Fiasco and T.I. to receive the award for his latest album Tha Carter III.

 

Despite Lil Wayne’s dominance in the rap categories, the Cash Money Records rapper was bested for album of the year by former Led Zeppelin member Robert Plant and bluegrass singer Alison Krauss.

 

The pair won five Grammys for work on their collaborative album Raising Sand.

 

Performers at the annual event proved to be memorable with a very pregnant M.I.A. performing her “Paper Planes” before T.I., Lil Wayne, Kanye West and Jay-Z donned tuxedos to join her for the Grand Hustle lyricist’s “Swagga Like Us.”

 

The Grammy nominated tune earned Lil Wayne a fourth Grammy for best rap performance by a duo or group.

 

The rapper later returned to the stage to bring the spirit of his hometown with “Tie My Hands.”

 

“We’re doing this for New Orleans, y’all,” said the Lil Wayne, whose performance included Robin Thicke, Allen Toussaint, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Terrence Blanchard and video images of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

 

Lil Wayne was not the only rapper on hand for another Grammy performance. Prior to “Swagga Like Us,” Jay-Z took the stage with Coldplay for “Lost.”

 

T.I. followed suit later in the show with backing from an orchestra and Justin Timberlake for “Dead and Gone.”

 

Coming off her rousing rendition of the National Anthem at last week’s Super Bowl, Jennifer Hudson garnered a standing ovation as she performed “You Pulled Me with a choir.

 

The Oscar winner, who was touched by the outpouring of love from the crowd, took home the Grammy for best R&B album for her self-titled debut.

 

“I first would like to thank God who has brought me through, Hudson said. “I’d like to thank my family in heaven and those who are with me today. Everybody, thank you all.”

 

Past and present artists united as Smokey Robinson, Ne-Yo and Jamie Foxx brought back memories of the Four Tops by aligning with the group’s lone surviving member Abdul “Duke” Fakir, for a tribute to the legendary Motown group, who received the lifetime achievement Grammy.

 

In addition, the Jonas Brothers received assistance from Stevie Wonder, who provided additional vocals for the trio’s#### “Burnin’ Up” before concluding the set with his classic “Superstition.”

 

Other artists who took home Grammys included: Mary J. Blige (best contemporary R&B album for Growing Pains), Ne-Yo (best R&B song and best male R&B vocal performance for “Miss Independent”), Chrissette Michele (best urban/alternative performance for “Be OK” featuring will.i.am), Al Green featuring Anthony Hamilton (best traditional R&B vocal performance for “You’ve Got The Love I Need”), Al Green featuring John Legend (best R&B performance by a duo or group with vocals for “Stay With Me (by the Sea)”), Alicia Keys (best female R&B vocal performance for ” Superwoman”).

Breaking News: Chris Brown Turns Himself In For Allegedly Assaulting Female

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Update: Singer Chris Brown has turned himself into police after an alleged assault of a female victim.

The LAPD is investigating the matter and charged Brown with felony battery.

 

The alleged assault took place at or near Hancock Park in L.A early this morning (February 8).

 

Police said they received a 911 call from an unidentified female earlier today and when they arrived, they found a woman with injuries.

 

While representatives for Rihanna told TMZ.com the singer was ok, a rep from The Recording Academy confirmed that neither Rihanna, nor Brown attended tonight’s Grammy ceremonies.

 

“We have just been informed that Rihanna will not be attending tonight’s 51st Annual Grammy Awards,” a rep told AllHipHop.com. “We’re sorry she is unable to join us this evening.” Rihanna’s absence stemmed from a car accident the singer was involved in on Sunday morning, according to Entertainment Tonight.

 

A Grammy representative told the news show that Rihanna’s face is slightly bruised from the accident.

 

No announcement was made as far as who would replace the vocalist on stage at the Grammys.

 

Representatives for the pair were unable to comment further as of press time.

EXCLUSIVE: Snoop Dogg Finished With Geffen/Interscope

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Snoop Dogg has confirmed with AllHipHop.com that he will no longer record with Interscope, his label home for over 10 years.

 

The split comes nearly one year after the release of Snoop’s ninth studio album, Ego Trippin’.

 

Lead by the crossover, 80s inspired ballad “Sexual Eruption,” the LP debuted at #3 on Billboard’s Top 200, but fell short of gold certification.

 

While the West Coast veteran declined to give specific details on the reason for the sudden split, Snoop verified there will not be any final albums with Interscope.

 

“We are pushing the envelope on getting everything finalized,” Snoop told AllHipHop.com exclusively. “But I will not be releasing anymore projects under Interscope/Geffen.”

 

In his first tenure with Interscope under Death Row Records, Snoop released his classic, 4X platinum debut Doggystyle (1993), the platinum Murder Was the Case soundtrack (1994), and the double platinum sophomore solo Tha Doggfather (1996).

 

After moving to Master P’s No Limit Records for 3 albums from 1998-2000, and briefly to Capitol/EMI in 2002, Snoop returned to Interscope via the Geffen imprint with 2004’s well-received, platinum album R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece, 2006’s The Blue Carpet Treatment (gold), and finally 2008’s Ego Trippin’.

 

To date, Snoop Dogg is estimated to have sold over 15 million records worldwide during his tenure with Interscope.

 

At press time, Snoop has declined on divulge his next possible label home.

Rapper Common Performing At Miami Gardens Jazz Festival

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Chicago rapper/actor Common has joined an all-star lineup of performers taking part in the 4th Annual Jazz In the Gardens in Miami Gardens, Florida this March.

 

Common is among the evening’s headlining acts, which will be hosted by radio personality Tom Joyner.

 

Other headlining artists are Anthony Hamilton, Erykah Badu, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Kenny G., Roy Ayers, Jonathan Butler, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Angelique Kidjo and others.

 

“Four years ago, we were just another jazz festival, now it is really amazing to know that nationally and internationally, we are a well-known and respected music festival. ‘Jazz in the Gardens’ has become an economic resource; infusing a new stream of revenue into the South Florida area; creating business opportunities for local businesses and sponsors; and driving tourists into South Florida and the local community. In 2009 we will exceed our past attendance records and continue to make Miami Gardens the winter-break destination for adults,” said Mayor Shirley Gibson.

 

Over 30,000 people are expected to attend this year’s concert, almost double the amount that were present in 2008.

 

The 4th Annual Jazz in the Gardens concert takes place March 29 at Dolphin Stadium.

 

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or by visiting the Dolphins Stadium’s box office.

Hip-Hop Rumors:50 Disses Foxy! Rick Ross’ 50 Cent Site! Bow Wow & Soulja Boy End Beef

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: 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.

THE DAILY TWO CENTS

It looks like the beef in Hip-Hop is going crazy. Its like they pumped the beef up with steroids or something. These people are giving each other deadlines, they are creating sites against each other and even making cartoons. This is a far cry from when KRS-One battled MC Shan or LL vs Canibus or even Nas and Jay! I have to say, it may not be Hip-Hop, but it sure is entertaining. If I’m killin’ Hip-Hop for being an observer, then so be it! Seriously, if this was a soap opera, it would something prime time like “Dynasty” or something. Onward!

BOOOOOOOO! BOW WOW AND SOULJA BOY END BEEF!

Well, it would seem that these two guys managed to mature in about a week. The beef is over. Bow Wow recorded the peace treaty and posted it on the internet. Here you go.

NEW CARTOON: 50 CENT DISSES WITH THE CARTOONIES

50 Cent has a new diss for Mr. Ross called “How Officer Ricky Got His Deal.”

50 GOES AFTER FOXY BROWN AND RICK ROSS

LOL @ 50 Cent wearing a jheri curl wig! This guy is going all out with the comedy. He’s crazy! I guess Foxy’s diss should be forth coming, because 24 hours is up…no recant.

IN CASE YOU’VE BEEN UNDER A ROCK…

In a statement to AllHipHop.com, Brown’s representative stated, “Foxy is giving that n***a 24 hour [period] to retract that statement or she’s going handle [him] Brooklyn Style.”

I guess we’ll see Foxy going at 50 Cent in a few days! Now, that is crazy, because 50 Cent straight up dismissed that notion in the above video.

RICK ROSS LAUNCHES DISS SITE

Rick Ross has a new site called thisiscurly.com. The site is devoted to dissing 50 Cent. The best thing on that site was a video called “Yams” with Triple C’s. Check it out.

For more, go to illseed.com. Or just follow me at http://twitter.com/illseed

WHACK, 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 allhiphoprumors@gmail.com.

– allhiphop rumors

Big Pun Remembered, New Documentary on the Way

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Today (February 7) marks the 9 year anniversary of the sudden and premature passing of Christopher Rios, better known to the world as Big Pun.

 

After enduring a rough childhood growing up in the Bronx, Pun sought refuge in rhyming to deal with his mother’s drug addiction and an abusive step father.

 

By the late 80s, he had met lifelong friends Cuban Link, Triple Seis, and Prospect. Together, they formed a music click coined the Full a Clips Crew.

 

During this time, Pun would be known to fellow local emcees by his first stage name, Big Moon Dawg. Years of work paid off in 1995 when Pun met fellow Bronx rapper Fat Joe.

 

Impressed to find such a raw talent in his own borough, Joe featured Pun extensively on what many consider his best LP, Jealous One’s Envy.

 

After building a strong buzz with underground hits such as “You Ain’t a Killer,” Pun dropped his seminal 1998 debut Capital Punishment.

 

Celebrated for its varied displays of lyricism, flows (“The Dream Shatterer,” “Beware”) and powered by the hit single “Still Not a Player,” the album became the first platinum album ever from a Latino emcee.

 

Also, the LP scored a Grammy nomination for 1998’s Hip-Hop Album of the Year.

 

Pun’s stardom was short-lived, as the Bronx native could not gain control over his weight issues, even after ballooning to over 500 pounds and several attempted interventions from family and friends.

 

On February 7, 2000, Pun succumbed to a fatal heart attack at the age of 28.

 

Since his death, two posthumous albums (Yeeeah Baby, Endangered Species) and a controversial documentary (Still Not a Player) from his widow Liza Rios have been released.

 

Sometime this year, Pun’s life will receive further examination with a new documentary entitled Big Pun: The Legacy.

 

The tribute project was originally announced last summer, but was delayed over post-production and distribution issues.

 

The film is reported to contain never before seen interviews and performances from Pun.

 

Additionally, the documentary features reflections from industry colleagues who Pun inspired personally or through his music, such as the Wu-Tang Clan, DMX, Snoop Dogg, Chuck D, Rosie Perez, Mobb Deep, and Cypress Hill.

 

At press time, a release date has not been set for the film. This year, Big Pun would have celebrated his 38th birthday.

Remembering Big Pun: The Classic Collabos!

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Uncategorized

When Big Pun died, it was a dark day in Hip-Hop. Frankly, it was probably darker than most fans realized. Pun was a member of an innovative and elite group of MC’s that reclaimed the art of lyricism. Influenced by Kool G Rap, he lead a renaissance with acts like Canibus, DMX, the Goodie Mob and connected with the acts of the early-to-mid 90’s. When he died, we lost a general in that movement.

Pun is consistently remembered for his rhymes, wit and swagger even nine years since his sudden death. Here is a collection of my favorite collaborations to recall one of the most exciting artists in Hip-Hop history. The list pairs Pun with a vast supporting cast that includes Black Thoughts, Fat Joe, Cuban Link and The Notorious B.I.G. The inventory isn’t meant to be perfect, because I’d like to swap favorites with other Pun fans. If you miss Big Pun, offer your favorite songs and collaborations from the big man.

Christopher Rios (November 9, 1971 – February 7, 2000)

“Twinz (Deep Cover ’98)” – Big Pun Feat. Fat Joe

Every time I listen to this song, it’s like listening to it for the first time. It gave us one of the best one-liners ever. Pun says, “Dead in the middle of Little Italy, little did we know that we riddled two middle men who didn’t do diddly.” Whoa. This remix stretched Dre and Snoop’s shoes. Period.

“Blow For Blow” – Big Pun and Cuban Link

Without question, this is my favorite Big Pun mixtape song. An amazing display of lyricism by both men – “Hit you with so many rights, you’re gonna beg for a left.” I quit.

“New York Giants” – Big Pun and M.O.P.

Unfortunately, a lot of people (fans and sideliners alike) wrote off Yeeeah Baby, Pun’s second CD. Not me. I loved that album, but realize it was impossible to top the classic Capital Punishment. “I bring death to your door like an escort from hell.”

“We Run New York” – Big L, Big Pun and Biggie Smalls

This song is special, because it aligns three rappers that have died on one boom bap track.

“Super Lyrical” – Big Pun and Black Thought

At the time, Black Thought had yet to be properly recognized as somebody that could spit side by side with a harder edged rapper like Pun. The two met in the middle stylistically and the results are a wonder to the ear.

“John Blaze” – Big Pun, Fat Joe, Nas, Jadakiss and Raekwon

This is the remix of this song. On the original, Nas rhymed different lyrics. Rumor has it, Big Pun is the reason for that change.

“You Came Up” – Big Pun and Nore

This was a happy, Latin-flavored song. Not forced and effectively articulated Big Pun’s travels from the bottom to the top. “Latins going platinum was destined to come.” Yes indeed.

Finally – a classic interview with Big Pun, Canibus, DMX, Mos Def, Mic Geronimo, and John Forte.

Hip-Hop Rumors:50 Cent Has Something For Rick Ross!

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: 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.

THE DAILY TWO CENTS

Hey, everybody needs a day off and I’m no exception so I took off yesterday to handle my health business. I am BACK once again. The crazy thing is, I miss one day and all kinds of crazy stuff happens!

R.I.P. BIG PUN!

I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again! Big Pun was like one of the illest rappers of all time. In the short span of his life, he hit HARD. Today is the anniversary of his passing. Peep this new song called “100% Preciosa” – Pun and Marc Anthony. Can you believe how fast NINE years goes?

Click here for the song!RICK ROSS MIGHT HAVE A REAL PROBLEM!

AllHipHop beat 50 Cent to the punch on this one. We interviewed the Real Freeway Rick Ross from back in the day – in Aug. 08. Click here for that. We were not trying to dis, BUT, I heard, 50 Cent is doing the same thing in his pursuit of Rick Ross. OH BOY. All I can say is this beef is like a recession…its going to get worse, before it gets better. I don’t know if you all know, but Ricky Ross, the man from Cali, is largely credited as distributing mad drugs straight from “The Man” to the hood. The fact is, he doesn’t approve of Rick Ross. I wonder what he will say as it relates to Rick Ross.

THE GAME OFFERS TO HELP RICK ROSS!

The Game recently chopped it up with Kube 93 FM’s Eddie Francis and he offered his services to Rick Ross. The Game is probably the only rapper that has survived 50’s onslaught.

“For the first time in like four years, man…I’m kinda lowkey riding with 50 on this one. This is like the first time in four years, I’m siding with dude. It’s crazy. I don’t know what’s gonna come of it. Ross, call me homie; reach out to my folks so I can get you out of this mess, man. He took his baby’s mama shopping. She’s trying on fur coats with the Stevie Wonder jam in the background! Rick Ross, holla at your boy man. That boy 50 is eatin’ you boy.”

Here is the audio:

FAT JOE COMMENTS ON THE RICK ROS/50 CENT BEEF!

ETTA JAMES FALLS BACK

Etta James has finally admitted that she was hating on Beyonce when she said that she wanted to kick her butt. She told the Daily News she didn’t really want to get physical with young B. “I didn’t really mean anything,” James said. “Even as a little child, I’ve always had that comedian kind of attitude. … That’s probably what went into it.” She also admitted that she was upset that SHE wasn’t invited to the inauguration at all. She also said that she could have rocked her song better than B. That’s fair to say. Anyway…she should have gotten an invite.

THE ILLEST 50 CENT DISS!!!!!!

This lil’ kid just went IN on 50! Rick Ross – hire this kid!

THE ILLEST RICK ROSS DISS!!!!!

MISTAH FAB IN AN ACCIDENT!

I heard some very sad news. I heard that Mistah Fab that has always been a fan favorite was in a car accident early yesterday. I heard they were on the way to a show and their car somehow was flipped and turned over about four times. I heard his manager is in…(as I write this, I realize AHH news already has this on the site.)

MOVING ON TO WHITE RAPPER BEEF!

Who out there remembers a name called Copywrite? He was and still is a dope rapper from the mid-West. Now, I always liked this guy for his lyrics. At one point there were rumors of him signing to Roc-A-Fella. Years later, there are rumors of Asher Roth signing to the Roc. Neither dude got down with Jay-Z. Copywrite has released a diss of Asher Roth saying that Rothy sounds too much like Eminem. I think there are some facts behind this, but there are significant differences. Shouldn’t Eminem be the one that’s p##### off though IF Asher is swagger jacking? Check it out.

http://www.zshare.net/download/552195212df2d69c/

SHOUT OUT TO IRV GOTTI!

I got an email from Danny and Dan Dan got down to the low down on why Irv Gotti was at the high school game a few days ago.

What up IllSeed! Irv Gotti actually has a nephew ( Blaise Ffrench) who plays for a Division 1 college team. My alma mater is University of Texas at El Paso and he has been spotted at the Don Haskins center quite often for home games. My little sister is a Golddigger (no pun intended) Dancer for the University and she stopped him after a game recently. She asked what he was doing here in El Paso and he told her he was there to watch his nephew play. I know this isn’t news worthy, but I thought I could contribute to the Rumor sections cause we never get any “celebs” around our town. I’m a huge fan of your column, keep doing your thang!

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

I heard Pharrell and N.E.R.D. did their thing at VCU (Virginia Commonwealth University).

Nas rocked somewhere in Michigan and shocked the crowd by letting Slaughter House open for him. I heard it was Royce, Joe and Joel. Where’s Crooked?

SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END

This is one crazy story. Guess why a doctor just got his license revoked? Staffers at the doctor’s office were giving a teen girl an abortion. BUT, the girl was so late term (like 5 or so months) that she gave birth in the middle of an abortion. When she gave birth, the doctor’s people stuffed the baby in a plastic back and actually killed it. Pierre Jean-Jacques Renelique is the doctor and he’s under investigation. This alleged fraud doctor allegedly had unlicensed people working there. The baby’s mother, Sycloria Williams, wanted to terminate the baby, but now she is suing, because they ended up committing murder. In a statement she claims “she witnessed the murder of her daughter.” Here is the scene, as told by CNN:

“The staff began screaming and pandemonium ensued. Sycloria watched in horror and shock as her baby writhed with her chest rising and falling as she breathed.”

A clinic co-owner entered the room and used a pair of shears to cut the baby’s umbilical cord, the suit said. She “then scooped up the baby and placed the live baby, placenta and afterbirth in a red plastic biohazard bag, which she sealed, and then threw bag and the baby in a trash can.”

“The complainant [Williams] observed the baby moving and gasping for air for approximately five minutes,” according to a police affidavit requesting a search warrant for the clinic.

SMH AT THIS WHOLE MESS!

BOW WOW VS SOULAH BOY MOVES TO “UGLY LAND”

I know I said this beef was spam and it still is, but Soulja Boy has raised the stakes a bit with this new video.

Two snaps? Ouch!

BOW WOW REPLIES…

Another reply with his crew of goonies!

For more, go to illseed.com. Or just follow me at http://twitter.com/illseed

WHACK, 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 allhiphoprumors@gmail.com.

– allhiphop rumors

Foxy Brown Gives 50 Cent 24 Hours To Retract Rap Line

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

50 Cent may have a new adversary within a day’s time. The G-Unit leader has drug in rapper Foxy Brown’s name into this beef by mentioned her name in the ballooning war of words with Miami heavy weight Rick Ross. Foxy Brown says she is granting 50 Cent 24 hours to retract the line where she is briefly mentioned on “Try Me.”On 50 Cent’s diss track, he says, “The cop f**ked a fox.” The line, although scant, refers to a brief, personal relationship Rick Ross and Brown had. It also refers to Ross’ past as a correctional officer. Foxy Brown’s camp issued a statement that proclaims that she has no involvement in the conflict between the two rap titans. In a statement to AllHipHop.com, Brown’s representative stated, “Foxy is giving that n***a 24 hour [period] to retract that statement or she’s going handle [him] Brooklyn Style.”Ironically, after 50 Cent wrote the initial song, Rick Ross gave 50 Cent 48 hours to offer a more substantial response. 50 Cent returned with a number of insulting videos, including cartoons and a taped shopping spree with the mother of Ross’ child. Currently, Brown is working on her new album Black Roses, which is expected to be in stores this summer.Rumors swirled that Foxy Brown and Rick Ross were to be married, but those proved to be false.

Mistah Fab In Terrible Car Accident

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Rapper Mistah Fab was recently involved in a terrible car accident that has left the rapper hospitalized and his manager with a broken back.

The incident allegedly occurred as the rapper was traveling in California. He was in a town called Bakersfield after performing with Glasses Malone and headed to Los Angeles.

Fab gave fans an update on his twitter page.

From a mobile phone he wrote, “THANK U GOD!!!!!!!!!! yall LOve LIFE. Man I LOVE LIFE..I’M Happy To B here.”

The rapper is presently unable to walk, his manager Stretch broke his back and his DJ Tito sustained lung damage.

Fab said that the accident occurred while he was sleep. His manager drove and hit a puddle and the vehicle began to hydroplane.

“I’m still n the hospital but I’m cool. The shock of every thing is what’s killing [me],” he said. “[It] just keeps flippin’ over in my mind.”

Rick Ross’ Lawyer Clarifies Ongoing Child Support/Paternity Suit

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

With questions still lingering from the damaging 50 Cent clip with his son’s mother, Rick Ross is now launching a legal offensive against the serious accusation not handling his fatherhood responsibilities.

 

Ross’ attorney Allan Stephen Zamren told AllHipHop.com that the claims made in court and in the recent viral clip by Tia Kemp are without merit.

 

“As a matter of fact and for the record, every month on or about the first of the month Mr. Ross pays a substantial amount of money, in excess of State of Florida, Child Support Guidelines to this child’s mother for the support of the child,” Zamren explained to AllHipHop.com. “This child support money is in addition to money Mr. Ross pays the mother for clothing and other expenses for the child. Mr. Ross has also established a pre-paid college fund for the child and paternity of this child has not yet been determined.”

 

In the clip, 50 and Kemp discussed the allegation of Ross “repossessing” a truck following a heated child support hearing where the Miami rapper was questioned extensively about his assets.

 

Kemp further explained that Ross’ alleged actions have deprived her of the ability to adequately care for their son.

 

According to Zamren, the video masks the real reason for Kemp’s loss of the vehicle.

 

“A motion to return the motor vehicle that has been the subject on various internet websites was provided to the mother prior to 2009 for various reasons including but not limited to being charged for aggravated battery, battery and contributing to the delinquency of a minor when the mother used the vehicle as a deadly weapon,” Zamren told AllHipHop.com. “The mother failed to put the child in a car seat and purposely drove the vehicle into another while the young child was in the car.”

 

While Zamren does not expect these revelations to stop the sensationalism around the 50 Cent-Rick Ross drama, the attorney hopes fans will at least remove the opinion of Tia Kemp from the situation.

 

“The mother is currently unemployed and has (2) other children from another man whom she receives limited child support for. Statements made by or on behalf of the mother to disparage, defame, libel and slander Mr. Ross as to the child to obtain additional child support payments are untrue,” he stated. “Mr. Ross is an excellent charitable member of the community. I have known him for years. It is my pleasure to represent him and to know him.”

 

At press time, Tia Kemp could not be reached for comment.

Rick Ross Attacks 50 On Air; Claims Ex Was A ‘Maid’

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Undeterred by 50 Cent’s stunt with his child’s mother, Miami’s Rick Ross has made a promise to end the Queens mogul’s career next month, via the release of Deeper Than Rap.

 

Appearing today on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, a confident Ross explained his plans for his newfound hated rival.

 

“I’m setting up the biggest album of the year on March 24. It will forever change the game,” Ross stated. “I’m offering the biggest monkey in the business a challenge. You got Dre. Go get the best beats you can get, monkey, since they all flopped in the last year. His album has only been pushed back a year, his MTV show was canceled before the season even went through. The monkey is playing right into our trap.”

 

Regarding the ante being up for this beef outside the booth, Ross argues that it’s the only recourse for 50, since he is far removed from his lyrical prime.

 

“This Curly is not the ’03 Get Rich or Die Tryin’. This monkey I’m dealing with is barely holding on to a musical career,” Ross quipped. “Kanye murdered this man a year and a half ago. No one sees him on that level [anymore]. He should’ve been retired. But I have the opportunity to do that. Hopefully he’ll accept my challenge.”

 

Previously, both albums were scheduled to drop a month apart: 50’s Before I Self-Destruct in March, and Ross’ Deeper Than Rap in April.

 

Now with the media and fan frenzy involving the two, Rick Ross appears focused on engaging 50 in another album battle to decide the feud’s ultimate winner.

 

“He hasn’t come with fire in 4 years. His singles been struggling for the last 4 months,” Ross continued. “This is my inauguration into the White House. You’re gonna have your Reverend Wrights.” Finally, Ross brushed off the video of 50 with his child’s mother, denying that he doesn’t take care of his son and that he never had an actual “relationship” with the woman beyond employment. “I done dressed over 10,000 kids [through my charity foundation]. She was a maid of mine,” Ross revealed. “And the child is being taken care of. It [the video] didn’t offend me. That’s what I expect from her.”

 

At press time, 50 Cent could not be reached comment. Early today, the G-Unit head appeared on Miami radio and derided Ross as an embarrassment.

 

Rick Ross’ Deeper Than Rap is now expected to drop March 24, a week before 50 Cent’s tentative March 31 date for Before I Self-Destruct.

Raider and Yukmouth’s Smoke-A-Thon Banned from Hip-Hop Sites

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

A viral marijuana smoking contest featuring Yukmouth and Raider’s running back Justin Fargas has been shut down across the web.

 

The clip showcases Yukmouth and Fargas at an undisclosed home explaining the rules for this weekend’s “Smoke-A-Thon” contest, which is scheduled to primarily showcase rappers competing against each other.

 

Although Fargas was not shown smoking marijuana or handling any drug paraphernalia, the Raider could still face disciplinary action from the NFL.

 

According to the league’s drug program, players can be fined or suspended even for “behavioral” or “psychological signs” of drug violations.

 

Possibly anticipating this, Yukmouth made a point to declare during the video that Fargas does not smoke marijuana.

 

Justin Fargas, the son of Huggy Bear (“Starsky and Hutch”) actor Antonio Fargas, has been with the Raiders since 2003.

 

For the last 3 years, the California native has also been the team’s leading rusher.

 

Yukmouth, who is also the CEO of the Rap-A-Lot distributed Smoke-A-Lot Records, is preparing this month to release his fifth studio album, The West Coast Don.

 

The album is set to host guest appearances from T-Pain, Ray J, Mistah F.A.B., Dru Drown and C-Bo.

 

To date, the NFL is declining to speak on the matter, and will not elaborate on if they took any action to have the video removed.

 

At press time, Justin Fargas could not be reached for comment.