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Hip-Hop Rumors: Def Jam Layoffs? Strip Club DJ’s? Bootleggers Get Busted!
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.
DEF JAM LAYOFFS
Uh Oh! Bad rumor alert! There is bad news on the horizon that Def Jam is about to do a massive round of layoffs very soon. I hope they can at least let people enjoy the Christmas Holiday and get through New Years. To to be perfectly honest, I have been hearing some other, way bigger rumors about Def Jam that may actually impact the whole music industry. I know in the internet nation, its not really common to hold on to something, but Im going to do just that. Why? Im hoping this one isnt true.
A RUMOR I LOST!
Check out this rumor that I actually lost in the flood of junk mail!
Peace Illseed. This is Marchitect from Delaware. Im up here in Pittsburgh Pa taking in the sites, and handling some biz, when I go to a place called Cheerleaders (club/ strip club) where Jazzy Jeff was spinning. Brother, let me tell you … first of all Pittsburghs, Dj Bonics killed the tables. Then they bring out the p### star Gina Lynn as the featured dancer. Then Jeff goes on and spins and just kills it. I heard its the most successful night the club has ever had. 20 dollars a head 200 dollars a bottle, and people in there just loving it. The rapper Skills from Virginia was with Jeff, hyping up the crowd. Turns out Jeff passed out a Michael Jackson mix, on cdr to a few heads, and now every one in Pittsburgh wants that thing! They really made an impression on everyone out here, and im sure the next one will be even better. Oh by the way, they packed the house and it was maybe 8 degrees out!
Wow .Jeff and Skillz parties in strip clubs. I wonder how much that pays?
BOOTLEGGERS BEWARE!
You didnt think Hollywood was going to forget that lil Wolverine leak last year, did ya?
A man named Gilberto Sanchez, 47, was arrested in New York yesterday. FBI agents descended on dude and charged him with leaking X-Men Origins: Wolverine before the official release of the film. The Feds are saying that other people may actually be arrested along with Sanchez. Nobody knows, but he may or may not be THE original leak of the movie. Here is the formal info:
On or about March 31, 2009, in Los Angeles County, within the Central District of California, and elsewhere, defendant GILBERTO SANCHEZ, also known as (“aka”) “theSkilled1,” aka “SkillfulGil,” aka “Skillz101,” and aka “SkillyGilly,” did willfully infringe the copyright of a copyrighted work by the distribution of a work being prepared for commercial distribution, by making the motion picture “X-Men Origins:Wolverine” available on www.Megaupload.com, a computer network accessible to members of the public, when he knew and should have known that the work was intended for commercial distribution.
Not worth all that drama, Skilly Gilly!
TRAILER FOR IRON MAN!
While we are on the topic of super heroes. Peep the official trailer for Iron Man 2!
video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsfree video player
I have to give a lil pre-fail mention to Terrance Howard. I like dude BUT, they say he wanted more money for his role in Iron Man 2. The producers were like NO WAY and got Don Cheatle. OUCH. Here is the real fail of the day.
EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY!
My girl LaTesha send this over from the good people over at Yahoo.com. This is listed as one of their dumbest acts of the year.
Anthony Armatys is a fool. The dude now faces about sic years in jail. Dude accepted a job in 2002 for a telecommunications manufacturer. Well, he never went to the job, because he declined it. Well, the company had already processed his paperwork and everything and started to pay him as they would if he were an employee making SIX FIGURES. Well, good old Armatys just started letting the money roll in and he didnt say a single word for five years. After five years, this dude decides to make an early withdrawal from his 401k uhhhhhhh YOU DONT WORK THERE, DUMMY! How are you going gonna pull money from a 401K at a place you dont work? You know where this is going. The company, Avaya, noticed that dude wasnt supposed to be getting money in the first place and he was arrested. Now he owes them the full $470,995.53. FAIL FAIL FAIL!
THE DAILY TWO SENSE – IM WORKING!
Just so you all know, I am working on the year in review for AllHipHop so my rumors may be a lil shakey for a few. So, email me your fails of the year, your fools of the year, epic wins, best of whatever you can think of and lets get it going!
CHANCE ENCOUNTERS
Here is some stuff from CHANCE.
YES!!!!!!!
I
posted Mos Def’s tribute to MJ yesterday but THIS S**T RIGHT HERE…is
what I’ve been waiting on ever since Michael passed. Chris Brown
performed at the Nokia Theater in New York Tuesday night and took some
time to pay homage to the King…of all the people who’ve paid tribute
I knew Breezy was going to kill it:
And in more CB news Natalie Nunn from The Bad Girls Club
told Angela Yee of Shade45 that she and Chris did do the do and if he
keeps denying it and calling her crazy she’ll release the naked
pictures she has of him.
GOOD HAIR???Remember
Sara Stokes from Diddy’s “Da Band”. Well aside from stabbing her
husband she’s been up to a few different things including trying to
launch a solo career and modeling weaves for The Weave Shop. No word
on how big of a check she’s receiving but nowadays any work is good.
Oh yea and that’s Risky from The Real & Chance show next to
her…she’s also a spokesperson/model.Risky and Sara:
PARTY ALL THE TIME
A while back I heard that Kanye didn’t allow Amber Rose to host
parties which is usually a pretty big source of income for celebrities
who don’t actually do anything. Well I guess now that Kanye is
worrying about getting his own s**t straight she can do whatever she
wants. She was at Love in DC the other night where she reportedly
received $20,000 and was flown in on a private jet just to host. She
also hosted a party this past weekend in the Chi at the Zentra
nightclub. Here’s some video from a party she hosted a few weeks ago.
I’ve fallen for Miss. Rose based on her pictures but this is my first
time seeing her actually speak and I must say she definitely seems down
to earth and pretty street…I like…except for the stog:-In DC:
In Chicago:
TROUBLE IN PARADISE????It
looks like the “kids” issue is pushing Hip-Hop’s golden couple further
and further apart. In a recent interview with Neon, a German magazine,
Beyonce said “I want children – not now, later. He’s quite not aware of
that fact yet”. It also appears that Jay is expecting too much from
her. She said sometimes she likes to hang around the house in sweats
but Jay feels like “women go to the toilet with heels on”.“Gotta keep it fresh girl/ even when we sexin/ or don’t be mad at him when it’s on to the next one” -Jay-ZThey were both at the Robin Thicke album release party but no pictures together:
THE VIEWI love The View … judge
me if you want…but I try to catch it as much as I can. The other day
I was watching and to my surprise the Doggfather comes out to talk to
the ladies for a little while. Snoop definitely has the ability to
fit in anywhere…the definition of charisma:Snoop
had a release party the night before and even though he was 2 hours
late hitting the stage (3:00 am) after smoking a “very sweet smelling
substance” he tore it down. Lil Kim was there and according to the NY
Post “her outfit left little to the imagination”
I’M JUST SAYIN’Shout out to all the international readers especially Natalija in Germany.Whitney
Houston says although her daughter looks just like her she’s more
outspoken and takes after Bobby Brown personality wise…not sure if
that’s good.The Guinness Book Of World Records has dubbed Samuel L Jackson The highest grossing male actor of the DECADE.
EMI, the label, is suing Vimeo for hosting videos of people singing songs from their artist…smh.
Make sure you come out to my Toy/Coat drive in BK today…click here for info.Ron Artest has written an open letter to Tiger Woods telling him to hold his head and comparing Tigers situation to his own…check it out here. And a tabloid is saying he smashed Jessica Simpson.Ray-J’s VH1 show beat Diddy’s by about 200,000 viewers…congrats.Madame Tussauds in New York immortalized Diddy by unveiling his wax statue yesterday:
SARA, WE LOVE YOU!!! NOW CUT IT OUT! PAUSE!
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].
Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige Honored by Essence Magazine
Queen Latifah and Mary J. Blige will be among 4 esteemed honorees next March at Essences third annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon.
The event recognizes women of color whove made strong impacts in the entertainment industry.
Next year, the award luncheon will also commemorate Essences 40th anniversary. Latifah is being honored with the Power Award for her numerous milestones in music, film, and TV.
The New Jersey native was the first solo female emcee to go gold with 1993s Black Reign.
That album also earned her a Grammy for the female empowerment anthem “U.N.I.T.Y.” In film, shes received acclaim for her diverse roles in Set It Off, Bringing Down the House, The Secret Life of Bees, and her Oscar-nominated turn in Chicago.
On the small screen, Latifah executive produced and starred in HBOs Life Support, winning a Golden Globe and SAG Award.
Mary J. Blige will take home the Songstress of the Year Award.
The veteran singer performed Lean On Me in January at President Obamas Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial.
Her latest single, The One, featured Drake and was released on July 21. The new album Stronger with Each Tear is due out on December 21.
To date, Mary J. has had every one of her albums go multiplatinum or platinum since her 1992 debut Whats the 411?.
In addition to Latifah and Blige, rising actresses Zoe Saldana (Star to Watch) and Gabourey Sidibe (Best Breakthrough Performance) will receive recognition.
“Our annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon is taking on special meaning in 2010 as we are celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Essence magazine by paying homage to phenomenal women throughout the year,” explained Essence editor-in-chief Angela Burt-Murray. “We are proud to carry the Essence legacy into the future by honoring the accomplishments of such brilliant performers as Latifah, Zoe, Mary J., and Gabourey, whose incredible talent and sheer grit are serving to change the face of Hollywood.”
The Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon takes place Oscar Award week on March 4, 2010 at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Locksmith: In Rare Form
Revolutionary
Bay blood surges through the arteries of Locksmith. If hes rhyming
alongside Left, the other half of his group, Frontline; or, if hes
surgically euthanizing MCs in battle, Lock is Dr. Kevorkian. This Grind
Time grime reaper snatches souls, sending them to the dead poets
society in the sky. Locksmith is devoting himself to Hip-Hop. Although
he didnt create the Hip-Hop helix, his impending solo, Frank The
Rabbit, will help unlock its secrets. In his AllHipHop.com debut,
Locksmith clarifies his thoughts on everything from regional Hip-Hop
to religion.
AllHipHop.com: For the
folks outside of the Bay, what differentiates The Frontline and Locksmith
from other regional talent?
Locksmith: As far as
the Bay area, I think that everybody is unique. If youre not unique
then youre following a pattern; or, youre following a specific
type of gimmick or something to that degree to that extent. We just
wanted to find our own niche. Even before the notoriety, we always wanted
to be our own artists. We didnt want to follow E-40 and Too Short.
Weve always respected those dudes as artists; but, we wanted to set
our own trend. The Bay is a very diverse area; so, our music and as
artists we reflect that. We never followed just one specific trend or
localized ourselves to one area. We always wanted to internalize everything
that was going on in the whole country and put that into our music.
Were very aware of whats going on in the nation and internationally,
too. So, we put that in our music and it fits our personalities. Its
reflected in our music.
AllHipHop.com:
Sometimes emerging MCs striving to break into the mainstream may sacrifice
their lyrical integrity in order become more commercially appealing.
What motivates you to remain steadfast to your lyrical ideals?
Locksmith: Its not
even a question; I just do what I feel. Whenever you start consciously
saying, I want to appeal to this [it] can be deadly to your career.
I dont consider myself an underground artist or a commercial artist.
I just do what I do. Sometimes, Im in a mood to where I have thoughts
that may appeal to a wide range of people. I may have s*** thats
going on internally; I dont know if people will identify with it.
But, I know that Im going to do it. My producer, E-A-Ski recorded
this track, Rare Form. I just had some s*** on my chest. Lyrically,
I just wanted to go in and do what I do. He was like, Yo, this s***
is hot. We gotta shoot a video. Im like, Yo, are you serious?
Hes like, Man, I think this is dope. This needs to get out there.
So, we did itnot thinking that this was something that was going
to get a lot of notoriety. This is some intense type of s***; right
now everything is real soft in a sense. Hip-Hop has become more like,
you know, easier to swallowas far as the mainstream goes.
So, putting out something like
Rare Form I didnt expect this to do anything except provide
a visual for people online. The s*** ended up getting added to
MTV and spun in regular rotation. Its big on the radio stations
out here in Northern California. Im like, Wow! You have a song
with no hook with a long verse for like two something minutes, and its
getting played on the radio. Im going to shows and people are knowing
the words. So, thats not something that you can plan for, you just
do what you do
AllHipHop.com:
In respect to the four main principles of Hip-Hop: the emceeing; the
deejaying; the B-Boying and the art of graffiti, how would you describe
Hip-Hops current state? Are we experiencing a Hip-Hop depression
or a Hip-Hop reformation?
Locksmith: Some days
I feel like Hip-Hop is being revitalized and some days Ill see something
and it kinda gets me like, Ugh! If I can still make an impact
and I can still do what I do, [and] if I still have that passion inside
of me to keep going, then I feel like its very much alive. Ive
noticed that when I see people appreciate what Im doingand I appreciate
what the other dope artists are doingI feel like Hip-Hop is very
much alive and that the principles and the essence of it is very much
still alive.
The problem is that its
becomewith capitalismand whats going on in Western society,
were able to market that and [its become] watered down to a certain
degree. Its going through all this commercial rigmarole, and then
it gets kinda watered down. And youre like, okay, youre
sick of being fed these same images over and over again. Thats just
the companies and their marketing thats making it that way. But,
Hip-Hop and its essence is very much alive. Every time that I walk somewhere
in The Bay area, I meet tons of young kids and people of all ages telling
me, I love what youre doing! Its incredible; they show me
love. That lets me know that Hip-Hop and the passion for Hip-Hop is
still very much alive and those principles are still present.
Locksmith: “Rare Form”
Locksmith – Rare Form / NEWUploaded by PeteRock. – Explore more music videos.
AllHipHop.com: How do
you approach a lyrical battle, is it always pure spontaneous flow? Is
it okay to come with prepared verses?
Locksmith: I fell into
battling when I first started emceeing Battling is such a critical
part of Hip-Hop itself; Ive seen its progression. It started off
as being this total freestyle, off-the-dome kind of thing, to progressing
to people having lines, to people having something prepared for somebody
that you know [youre going to battle] ahead of time. I go into a
battle preparing for anything to happen You dont know what youre
going to get You cant come into a battle so prepared that where
you have it all written down and you dont know what this guy is going
to say. At the same time if hes preparing for you then you have to
be somewhat prepared for him. He may come with something thats totally
written and then youre stuck trying to freestyle off the dome. So,
you just have to be ready for whatever.
Within this last year, Ive
been back on the battle circuit doing some damage. Ive learned that
I have to watch every opponent… Ive had some MCs that have Googled
me and have come back with some totally false information. Theyve
seen it on the internet so they felt they could attack me. I have to
be mentally prepared for that and know whats going on
AllHipHop.com:
On November 5th, Maj. Nidal Malik Hassan, is alleged to have
murdered 13 soldiers at Fort Hood military base. Its been reported
that before he began shooting he bellowed, Allah Akbar [God is great]!
What do you think of those who are so willing to try to establish a
correlation between his actions and his faith?
Locksmith: I dont
know what was going through that persons head… Its like what
Malcolm X said, The chickens coming home to roost. I dont know
what was in that brothers heart and what he was doing. I know that
dont believe the media most of the time. The media is controlled
by sponsors and corporations that are promoting a certain thing. So,
I cant really go by that. All I know is supposedly what happened.
Im a Muslim. Islam does
not preach violence on innocent people. The only time that you can use
physical action is when somebody is threatening you directly and you
fight back against that; or, when you have to stop oppression. If you
see somebody else killing or unjustly doing something to someone else,
then its your obligation to step up and stop that. But, I dont
really know all the details on that. I dont know what went on with
that particular person. I can only speak on that part; thats how
we deal with it.
AllHipHop.com:
Lock, I want to thank you for your time. Is there anything else that
youd like to express?
Locksmith: Just go to www.iamlock.com or www.IMGMITV.com. Shout out to E-A-Ski and shout out
to my brother, Left!
Kid Cudi Drops Off ‘Monster’s Ball Tour’
Cleveland, Ohio bred rapper Kid Cudi has dropped off of Lady Gagas Monsters Ball Tour, the rapper said in a statement.
According to Kid Cudi, the tour schedule is interfering with his ability to record his new album, in addition to new acting commitments.
“Kid Cudi has decided to take an early leave of absence from Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball tour, in order to balance his schedule surrounding the recording of his next album and acting commitments,” a rep for the rapper said in a statement. “Cudi does not want to disappoint his fans and will move forward with his individual show dates in December and throughout the month of January.”
The news comes on the heels of a December 12 incident in which the rapper assaulted a fan during a Vancouver, Canada after someone threw a wallet on the stage during his performance.
Cudi picked the wallet up and threw in back in the crowd. When a fan named Michael Sharpe caught the wallet and threw it back on the stage, Cudi hopped off the stage and punched Sharpe.
Last October, rapper Kanye West dropped off of the tour, after the now infamous incident with Taylor Swift at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards.
Kid Cudi, born Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi, is on the road promoting his album Man on the Moon: The End of Day, which was released in September.
Sharpe has stated that he will not press charges against Kid Cudi for the assault.
I Feel Sorry For You, Wack Rapper
I know I am going to be a big bowl of depression when I say this one, but I have to say it. In saying it, I know I am going to be called a hater and a bunch of other colorful that people use to cover up their intellectual shortcomings.
But it is time to cut the crap.
The music were making is really turning into some trash that a landfill would refuse to house. I like youtube, twitter and facebook too, but the shouldnt be places for you to promote your music as you figure it out. Rappers are doing one song, record a shoddy video and then uploading that b***h to youtube for everybody to see. Then, they spam everything with an email address to show it off.
Mr. Wack Rapper, I know you wont heed this, but stop it. Cut the crap. Get a job. Take care of yourself. Take care of your mom, your kids, your unborn seeds just stop rapping, please!
We cant turn you off all the time. We just cant! You are everywhere. You do mixtapes when you should be flipping burgers or finishing college. You are spending money on studio time and equipment when you should be saving up for a house! Your girl is tired of your shenanigans. You have tattoos all over your non-eating body. Eventually, you are going to get old, fat, and your tats will fade and stretch.
I mean no harm. I just want my ears to be happy. I just want you mother to be a proud one one that can say, My boy has a job and he does not look like a failed heavy metal singer. Now, I am not opposed to everybody looking like a Lil Wayne reject, but I am opposed to losing a GENERATION of young people who have decided that they are going achieve the unattainable at any cost.
Yes, this is beyond me laughing at rappers on youtube. This is a far more grave matter. There was a time when you would dress and act like a rapper and then shed that outer shell for a honest living (even if you still did your rap thing on your time). These Sideshow Bob looking cats cant do that unless the day job is a circus.
I dont mean any harm, but another one is this kid Arab that used to be down with Soulja Boy. Somebody close to me sent me a video of his and honestly, I almost punched my computer.
This is the video.
And its not just the young its the old too.
I came across this the other day and I was just shocked that this person named Mean Green was actually rapping.
Dude had the nerve to make it drizzle and then took the money back when somebody tried to pick it up.
Here is another video of ol Mean Grean, who ended up rocking his Arkansas crowd.
I know you like that!
Nope.
Im really not hating. Im really concerned for Arab and Mean Green. At some point, they are going to have to admit that this thing called rapping just isnt a trade that they are going to fare well in.
If Im wrong, Im wrong but I think Im right on the mean green.
Train Wrecks Swollen Members Tour Bus
Members of Swollen Members entourage were able to avoid tragedy this past Tuesday (December 14) by escaping their tour bus before its destruction from an oncoming train.
The bizarre accident happened on Monday (December 14), when the group was in Colorado Springs, CO following their completion of the Canadian leg of their tour.
Sometime past midnight, the bus became stuck on a railway crossing due to lack of traction. Several minutes later, the signals flashed and the rail barrier lowered to indicate a trains arrival.
According to the tours manager, BJ Smith, everyone present had less than a minute to flee from certain death.
Everyone is lucky to be alive. Everything happened so fast we didnt have time to do anything but get off the bus, Smith told AllHipHop.com. From the time the bus got stuck, to the second the train impacted it, was under three minutes. As soon as we heard the railway barrier go down we could hear a train was coming, so we literally had 45 seconds to get off the bus and get as far out of the way as possible. If anyone else would have been on the bus with us they would have been dead because there wouldnt have been enough time to wake them up and get off the bus.
In the wake of two straight months of touring, core group members Madchild, Prevail, Trey Nyce, and Rob the Viking had flown home before the incident.
The remaining entourage and tour manager BJ Smith were using the bus to make it back to California.
After viewing pictures, Prevail noted the impact point was on the bands sleeping quarters.
“This morning I got news that our tour bus, ‘The Black Pearl’, got hit by a train in Colorado Springs. Luckily everyone was able to get off just in time, because the bus was totally destroyed,” Prevail explained to AllHipHop.com. “The spot where the train impacted was where we would have been sleeping if we had we been on the bus. It’s scary to think how fragile life can be when something like this happens.”
The bus caught fire after the train collision, and emergency crews worked for 4 hours to subdue the blaze and clear the scene.
The train only suffered minimal damage to the front engine, and was able to complete its route following a police verification of no injuries.
The citys Traffic Engineer, Dave Krauth, confirmed that an investigation is ongoing, and the city is seeking ways to improve the intersections safety.
Swollen Members latest album, Armed to the Teeth, was released on October 27.
Hip-Hop Rumors:Diddy Ready To Marry? T.I. IS Coming Home!
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.DJ DRAMA CONFIRMS RUMORS OF T.I.!!!!I caught so much hell over yesterday’s T.I. rumor, I thought I was going nuts. BUT, today…DJ Drama confirmed what I said! Here is what he put on Twitter.Tip comin home sooner than yall think! #Grandhustle2010Now, all the people that dissed and balked at the notion owe me an apology! My boycott has begun. Thanks, Drama. Chance take the rumors, man!CHANCE ENCOUNTERSThis is Chance’s chance to shine!DIDDY’S LOVE LIFEWord is Diddy is getting ready to settle down and Kim Porter should be expecting a proposal in the coming days. He even reportedly purchased a 12-carat ring and sent Cassie on her way. He also took recently took some time to talk to Playboy about a secret affair he was carrying out not too long ago. He says he was involved with a young actress but because they were such big stars she told him “it’s not going to work”. He says if it came out it would have been Puff and J. Lo part 2.
SHE GOT HER OWNDoesn’t look like Kelis is banking on Nas’s alimony check as her only source of income for the future. Aside from working on a new album Kelis has some other tricks up her sleeve. When asked about her plans she said:I want to have my own sauce line. I became a saucier in school. I think food, fashion and music all
go together…I also
want to get my sommelier certification…I love the whole thing. I want to go back to school, too.Think the sauce will be as good as the shake???
ANOTHER MJ TRIBUTE
There have been a lot of Tributes to MJ, some good some not so much. Mos Def decided to give his own while performing in London. I think it’s pretty dope:
A. KEYS THE DIVA???
Alicia Keys passed on a free 3 day stay in “the grandest suite of all
at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge” (below), while in London, because it wasn’t
big enough and didn’t have a good vibe…the hotel is a little upset
seeing as neither Michael Jackson or Madonna had a problem with it. I’m sayin’ though if the vibe aint right the vibe aint right and that’s that.
HE’S GOT ONE TOOIf you read yesterdays rumors you saw the picture of Soulja Boy and Lil Scrappy rocking the same cross tattoo under their left eye. I joked about them being a part of some kind of covert organization but then my homey Grant Simm pointed out that Young Money’s Gudda also has the same tattoo and it got me to thinking maybe this really is some kind of identifying mark. I figure if it is it has something to do with the bloods since SB was allegedly chased out of Chicago for “false claiming blood” and Gudda is affiliated with Lil Wayne who flaunts his gang affiliation. So I figured I’d ask you guys. If any gang bangers out there (preferably from Cali since Snoop said every one else is no bueno) can shine some light on the situation let me know if it has a meaning or there’s just a lack of originality.
I’M JUST SAYINI’m digging that RiRi GQ spread….really digging that.President Obama and Warren Buffet, the second richest man in the world, are seventh cousins, three times removed, and share a great-grandfather named Mareen Duvall who owned slaves in Maryland.Mariah Carey’s label has stopped all promotion for her album and singles…they’re focusing on 2 remix albums they plan to release.Mr. Mariah Carey will be hosting a morning show on
NY’s 92.3 starting January 19, 2010.CORRECTION: Yesterday I said Dwight Howard was suing his wife…she’s actually just his baby mother…he’s also asking for full custody of their kid.T.I.’s lawyers say they are hoping to have him in a halfway house within the next month or so.Christina Milian had her baby shower this weekend…guests were treated to manicures, pedicures and makeovers.I really hope Miss. Minaj isn’t taking the Booty Pop route … she was looking pretty scrumptious at Robin Thicke’s album release party:
COME HANG OUT WITH ME
This has been an amazing year for myself and
my team (Crack Distributors) and I’m so excited to be able to give back
this holiday season. CDR has organized a Toy & Coat drive THIS
Thursday (12/17) at PNC Studios in DUMBO Brooklyn. We’ll be
broadcasting live and there will be wine (for the grown folks), food, DJ’s and a live video game battle (winner gets 2 XBOX or PS3 Games).
All you have to do is bring a like-new toy or coat. Everything we
collect will be donated to New York Cares and the local Boys and Girls
Club. Hope to see you there. Click here for all the info. Peace – ChanceCDR @ Twitter or Gmail
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].
Buckshot To Judge Hip Hop Karaoke Championship In NY
Veteran rapper Buckshot of Duck Down Records will be one of the judges during the 2010 Hip Hop Karaoke Championship in New York this January, AllHipHop.com has confirmed.
Buckshot will judge 12 of Hip Hop Karaokes best practitioners battling for cash in front of a celebrity panel of judges.
Two regional championships were held over the past month. Only the highest scoring competitors advanced to the championship event, which takes place at Irving Plaza on January 29th.
“I’m excited to be given the privilege to judge the 2010 Hip Hop Karaoke Championship, Buckshot told AllHipHop.com. There is nothing harder in the business than getting up on that stage and performing to the masses. It takes awareness, confidence, clarity and, most importantly, breath control. These challengers are also faced with the obstacle of making the crowd believers. I’m anxious to see what songs each contestant will select to perform and if he/she will own that selection.”
After three rounds, one person will be crowned Hip Hop Karaoke Champion and claim the grand prize of $1,000 cash.
Judges in the past have included Prince Paul, Video Music Boxs Ralph McDaniels and Dres of Black Sheep, while legends like Pete Rock, Jeru The Damaja, Rhymefest and Big Daddy Kane have attended the event.
For more information visit: http://www.hhkchampionship.com/
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Amazon Error Releases Lil Waynes Rebirth Early
Earlier this week, roughly 500 Amazon customers were treated to a special early leak of Lil Waynes Rebirth LP due to a shipping mistake.
Those select Amazon customers, who pre-ordered the February 2010 project, began informing media outlets and blogs of the mailing mishap this past Monday (December 14).
In spite of the huge success of Waynes Carter 3, the best selling album of 2008 (2.4 million), the rock-inspired Rebirth was unable to secure a release date in 2009 after suffering six delays.
The latest one was December 21, and one-third of the estimated 1 million manufactured copies have been sent to select retail outlets.
Because of the leak, there is speculation the album may be reworked further for additional tracks.
The first single, Prom Queen, debuted in January.
The latest official single, On Fire, was released on December 3 but overshadowed this week by the recent leak of the Eminem collaboration Drop the World.
Lil Waynes last full project was Octobers anticipated No Ceilings mixtape.
He will be sentenced on February 9 per his October guilty plea for attempted criminal possession of a weapon.
At press time, Lil Wayne nor Amazon representatives have commented on the leak.
Game Ft. Busta Rhymes P###. by Scott Storch
“Breakin Rules”
Snoop Dogg P###. By J.R. Rotem
“Bootiez Automatic”
Alternative Pick: Maxwell Ft. Nas
“Help Somebody”
B. Rossi [Heater Of The Day]
“Welcome To Aviator Land”
Statik Selektah Ft. Talib Kweli and Cory Mo
“I’m Wit It”
Jay’Ton Ft. Bun B
“Ghetto A** Bi**h”
Wednesday Fashion Feature: Trends Of 2009: Should They Stay Or Should They Go?
It’s time to break down and discuss some of the most notable trends of 2009 in the urban market.
Kanye West
Although some of these trends may not be new, they were prominent this year.
We want to know whether you think they should stay, change up, or just die a painful death. Let’s start with perhaps the biggest one –
The Rock Star:
Going beyond rock, it was more like heavy metal that infiltrated runways, hip hop and everything in between. As with most bold trends these days, it’s another hit from the beloved 80s.
80s group Judas Priest
Common colors/shades associated with this trend:
All black everything, gray, silver, gold.Common fabrics associated with this trend:
Leather, spandex, vinyl, lace.Key pieces:
Leather leggings or pants, lace/fishnet tights, statement making black boots, black shades, fingerless gloves, ripped jeans, motorcycle jackets – add studs/spikes to all of the above, black nail polish, a half shaven head and/or mullett like Kelis – you’re good to go, rock star.
Black Splatter Studded Bracelet by Hip Hop Wholesale
Hip Hop Meets Prep School:
Kanye West Nerd meets bad boy with this trend, as clever bow ties are mixed in with edgy colors, sneakers/boat shoes, and cardigans branded by streetwear labels rather than the college you attended.
David Beckham Common colors/shades associated with this trend:
Navy, red, white, tan, brown, pastel shades. Common fabrics associated with this trend:
Seersucker, cotton, linen, twill, wool, corduroy.Key pieces:
Bow tie, cardigans, flat front chinos, short shorts, “murses”, plaid button down shirts, polos, boat shoes, rugby shirts denim shirts – now just cuff your pants and roll up your shirt sleeves for the true prep boy experience.
Wool Tartan Bow Tie by French Connection
Ska & Skate:
The ska trend stems from a music genre that falls between rocksteady and reggae, with roots from Jamaica. It falls somewhere between punk rock and skater, with an added Caribbean feel.
No Doubt really brought it back years ago, and somehow, it has found its way into hip hop.
Common colors associated with this trend:
Red, green, yellow, black. Common fabrics associated with this trend:
Canvas, flannel, cotton, polyester. Key pieces:
Dickies pants, Converse All Star kicks, graphic tees, bomber jackets, cargo shorts, plaid shirts, wallet chains – and of course a skate board.
Alfred Black Wallet by Nudie Jeans
The “Hopster”:
The hopster is basically a spawn of the “hipster” – he just has more of a hip hop edge. Whereas hipsters are known for rocking muted colors and dirty off-white Vans canvas sneakers with more of an 80s punk look, the hopster more vibrant – think 80s hip hop.
Run DMC
He may throw on one of those retro thick gold chains, splashes of neon colors, and chunky sneakers that he tucks his super skinny jeans into. Instead of rocking a vintage graphic tee, he may rock a fresh colorful one by Billionaire Boys Club – with a lego heart by Dee & Ricky attached.
Common colors associated with this trend:
Gray, black, white, anything bright and/or neon – blue, pink, yellow, green – you get the idea.Common fabrics associated with this trend:
Denim, cotton, fleece, nylon.Key pieces:
Colorful skinny jeans, high top retro sneakers, “smedium” graphic tees and crewneck sweatshirts by streetwear labels, retro shades and scarves. Hop on, hopster.
B&W New York Sunglasses by SUPER
Hip Hop Meets Biker:
Thomas Jones What we are referring to here is west coast, tattoo inspired apparel and accessories (Ed Hardy, Affliction, etc.), paired with heavily embellished jeans, lots of bling, and fitted hats that must match up to your sneakers – exactly. Fans include southern rappers, NBA and NFL players. Common colors associated with this trend:
Primary and secondary colors (red, green, blue, orange, etc.), gold.Common fabrics associated with this trend:
Leather, cotton, denim.Key pieces:
Loud tattoo/bling’d out tees, denim with heavy embroidered images, leather patches, studs, etc., flashy sneakers, gold chains and lots and lots of ice.
Hearts A’Fire Tee by Christian Audigier
So you be the judge – and let us know if we missed any other trends that you love or can’t stand anymore! What do you think the future holds for urban fashion? Will men’s style continue down the “metrosexual” route, or will trends like American workwear take over (think Timbs, baggy jeans, rugged leather jackets)?
Jay-Z – Classically hip hop
Will Lady Gaga and Amber Rose influence girls with their futuristic goth feel, to the point where girls will start rocking leotards to dinner and blue lipstick?
Lady Gaga
Amber Rose
Kool G Rap: Secrets Revealed
In part 3 of this extensive conversation with Kool G Rap, the Corona, Queens legend debunks a number of rumors, talks ghostwriting, tells about when Big Daddy Kane shot somebody and how he felt when Bell Biv Devoe sampled his voice on their hit record. (Click here for Part 1 and click here for Part 2 of this series.)
AllHipHop.com: How long had the Juice Crew been around before you joined?
Kool G Rap: They had been around for a couple years maybe. I had definitely heard about the Juice Crew before, but that really didn’t become the Juice Crew until they got a G Rap, a Kane, and a Biz. Before they name was really buzzing on the radio they name was already buzzing to me because I was dead smack in the middle of Queens Bridge, between Queens and Corona. I seen them bubbling from beneath.
AllHipHop.com: Did you ever work with Tragedy (Intelligent Hoodlum)?
Kool G Rap: I knew of Tragedy before I even heard of the Juice Crew, he goes even before me. I didn’t work with Trag too much. I worked with Kane more, worked with Biz. I never recorded with Shan even though we was homies, I mean we used to hang out and we would be booked on the same shows, I had a real close relationship with Shan.
AllHipHop.com: Was there any truth in the rumor that you and Kane had a rivalry?
Kool G Rap: There was really no rivalry with me and Kane. I think me and Kane always been in competition but it was always like a friendly competition.
AllHipHop.com: I heard Scoob and Scrap were your dancers first.
Kool G Rap: Nah, not at all. Scoob and Scrap was always with Kane, they was from Brooklyn where Kane is from. Scoob and Scrap was just as much a part of the clique as anybody.
AllHipHop.com: Was that them in the New York Streets video?
Kool G Rap: Those were my dancers. And I have to be honest I had the better set of dancers. They were the TCF crew they had come out with an R&B record on Cold Chillin’, TCF meant The Chosen Few.
AllHipHop.com: I was told a story about King A from the Kings of Pressure, he said Kane accidentally shot him in the arm and ended up giving him that huge Nefertiti chain, a Gucci suit, and some other stuff to keep it out of court.
Kool G Rap: Yeah. That was a true incident that did happen. I don’t think he was trying to shoot nobody really. It was a small caliber gun and he was trying to shoot out the window, but by the bullet being a small caliber it kind of bounced off the window and hit somebody. (Laughs)
Nobody never wrote nothing for G Rap. I wrote for Shante and I produced for Shan. I wrote a whole song for Shante called ‘Straight Razor.’
-Kool G Rap
AllHipHop.com: Who was writing for who within the Juice Crew?
Kool G Rap: Nobody never wrote nothing for G Rap. I wrote for Shante and I produced for Shan. I wrote a whole song for Shante called Straight Razor. I wrote at least two songs for Shante and it was more like the horror s###. Kane wrote most of the radio commercial records and when they wanted something more sinister and lyrical then they came to G Rap to give her that element for her albums. I believe Kane may have wrote some stuff for Biz but I know the main writer for Biz was Grandmaster Caz from Cold Crush Four.
AllHipHop.com: I love the Cold Crush, one of the best crews ever. Caz is the f*cking dude.
Kool G Rap: My favorite groups was Cold Crush Four and The Force MCs. USA Rollerskating rink in Queens I seen Cold Crush Four and Force MCs before they was the Force MDs. The Cold Crush used to come out a little dressy because rappers back then used to dress up. They wasn’t as dressed up at Soul Sonic Force or Melle Mel and the Furious Five but they was dressed up. I guess they lacked the same amount of money. Rappers didn’t really come out in street wear at that time. When I first heard the Cold Crush I was already loving Hip-Hop but to hear the routines and the harmonizing they took it from the level of the Yes yes y’all, to the beat y’all, and they would take harmonies from songs that you know and convert them to Hip-Hop and rap form, and the beats they were doing it over those were the ultimate break beats of that time, sh*t like Rocking in the Pocket. Oh my God, what they were doing was hot. That was a hell of a time for Hip-Hop.
When I was younger I thought Kool Moe Dee of the Treacherous Three was one of the most phenomenal rappers ever, him and Melle Mel. I never thought Soul Sonic Force was no phenomenal rappers to me they just made great records and thats the credit I give them, but DJ Bambaataa I give a lot of credit because he was one of them dudes that helped push Hip-Hop period to the forefront, cause his name’s been prominent from a very long time ago. Kool Herc might have started it and everybody knew Kool Herc, but Bambaataa I think pushed it out there more and more because his name started to eclipse Kool Herc.
The Juice Crew – the 1980’s
AllHipHop.com: I talked to Scorpio and he told me that Furious Five basically invented modern rapping.
Kool G Rap: DJ [Grandmaster] Flash took it to a whole ‘nother level, they started to bring it from the parks and into the radio, to put Hip-Hop in its first vehicle to take it all the way mainstream. But I remember Funky Four Plus One before the Furious Five and they was rapping. I heard people rapping and became influenced before I knew who the Furious Five was. There was a Rapper named Ray Rock, they had Silky Sam, they had crews and stuff back then, a clique of girls called the Fly Girls, these are people from my neighborhood. I remember DJs from my neighborhood, Disco Twins they was a prominent name in Queens, DJ Polo, DJ Smalls, C and C crew. I was rapping and stuff soon as I heard it. But I was more mimicking other peoples s### then. I didn’t really get deep and write until age 13, when I had all my own written s###. Back when it first started, there wasn’t a whole lot to rapping, it wasn’t like you had to write verses. It was like Yes yes y’all, to the beat y’all, freak freak yall, ya don’t stop, this is like the beginning stages I’m talking about. The rapper that really inspired me and really created the burning flame in me to be better than everybody was a rapper by the name Silver Fox of the Fantasy Three. He was a problem. At the time when the best rappers were Kool Moe Dee and Melle Mel, when I heard Silver Fox I was like Oh my God they got someone better than the f*cking best! He sounded futuristic, like he was from 5 years in the future. On the underground level he was like a monster, he was a beast. A lot of cats was scared of Silver Fox, because of his skills.
The pioneers and the dudes who really brought Hip-Hop to the masses was Run DMC, Furious Five was hot but they had a lot more records that was loved by the hood, except for The Message and White Lines which broke big on the radio. The first artist to take that sh*t completely over the top was Run DMC, they introduced us to the whole world.
“When (Bell Biv Devoe) came to New York for the ‘Poison’ video they had me in the video, I don’t know if that was a way to keep me cool so there wouldn’t be no lawsuits.” (Laughs)
-Kool G Rap
AllHipHop.com: I have an old tape of the Juice Crew tour in London in like 1989 where at the beginning of your set it sounds like maybe you dissed Ultramagntic Emcees and the Get Fresh Crew in your routine.
Kool G Rap: Did I?
AllHipHop.com: Maybe it was Polo, you started the set saying We are not… and Polo dropped the record that said Ultramagnetic then you went And we are not… then Polo dropped The Get Fresh Crew and the crowd went ape sh*t.
Kool G Rap: (Laughs) Wow! Yeah I do remember that. You talking ancient history right now. At the time I didn’t know them like that but I did have a respect for them because I liked they records. There wasn’t any intention to diss, it was just showmanship.
AllHipHop.com: Bell Biv Devoe sampled you on Poison and it was a huge smash, did you ever meet them?
Kool G Rap: There was times we did meet, there was even a Cold Chillin / BBD basketball game. They slaughtered us! You would think Kane and Shan and G Rap could ball because we was more like the street dudes who would be in the courts, I know I used to be in the parks playing. We had no idea that these dudes could ball. Them dudes slaughtered us! (Laughter) When they came to New York for the Poison video they had me in the video, I don’t know if that was a way to keep me cool so there wouldn’t be no lawsuits. (Laughs)
AllHipHop.com: How did you find out they had used your sample?
Kool G Rap: I heard it on the radio like Oh sh*t thats my voice!
AllHipHop.com: How do you feel about sampling and compensation, being as you’ve been sampled but also you’ve used hella loops on your records?
Kool G Rap: I have two ways I feel about that. I feel if somebody uses your whole creativity and makes profits without giving some kind of reward (payment) for that, I mean that’s one thing. But something as limited as taking your voice is more a complement than anything. It was an honor to me, that they would want to use G Raps voice saying Poison in the song and use it as many times in the song as they did. If I was thinking more back then I might have used it as an advantage to say, Listen, I need a song with Bell Biv Devoe on it. Especially at that time, that was like they heyday.
ChartWatch: Gucci Mane, Snoop, Timbaland, Clipse – Sales are IN!
AllHipHop ChartWatch for December 16, 2009 Ive
spent the last few weeks pointing out the sales of reality TV star Susan
Boyle which has raise a lot of questions amongst readers. Mainly,
Who the f— is Susan Boyle? Well, Ill tell you. Shes
a British, reality show star. Now British music artist + Reality
TV should equal your album going double wood here in the states but
for some reason this lady is selling more albums then they can keep
on the shelves. I know shes not Hip Hop but Boyle managed to
sell another 580,000 copies of her album I Dreamed
A Dream pushing her sales well over the million mark.
I
gave that little intro on Boyle because 1) I find it slightly interesting
and 2) the closest thing to Hip Hop in the Top 10 is Chris Brown.
He aint Hip Hop either but at least he has a rapper or two on the
album. The R&B singer took time off of community service to
sell 102,000 copies of his latest album, Graffiti. Flip over
to rumors if you want to see about Chris Twitter tirade.
Now
I dont want to make it seem as though this was a bad week for Hip
Hop. We actually have a few artists from last columns
Dropping this Week make it into this weeks top fifty.
Lets continue on to find out who made it.
First
up is an MC out of the south. Although many critics question
his musical ability he continues to sell and please his fan base.
Im hearing the album is on point, so congratulations to Gucci Mane
for selling 89,000 copies of his new album, The State vs.
Radric Davis. The Atlanta rappers major label album debuts
at the number 11 spot and places him as the top selling rapper for this
week.
This
next album has been on the charts since June and is still pushing big
numbers. I dont know how and I dont know why but this group is
getting at least 50,000 people to buy their album each week. The
Black Eyed Peas move up two spots, from 22 to 20, and sell another 64,000
copies of their album, The E.N.D.
Long
Beach representative Snoop Dogg enters the chart this week and grabs
the twenty second spot. The Westcoast MC sells 61,000 copies of
his tenth studio album, Malice N Wonderland.
Hip
Hop super-producer Timbaland continues his foray into pop music with
his latest album Shock Value II. His latest album enters
the charts at the 36th position and sells 37,000 copies.
Finally,
the Virginia duo, Clipse, enters the charts this week and claims the
forty eighth spot. Their Neptunes produced album Till
The Casket Drops sells 29,000 copies.
Dropping This Week
Its
an all Westcoast Dropping this week. Well start of first
with Sacramento MC Bueno who is dropping his new cd Cant Knock
The Hustle. The album features The Jacka, Dubb 20, and Mistah
F.A.B with production by DJ Epik and Hallway Productionz.
Finally,
coming out of the Bay area is Messy Marv and Berner who team up to release
Blow. The album features guest appearances from C-Bo, B-Legit,
Yukmouth, Husalah & Fed-X of the Mob Figaz, Killa Tay, J-Stalin,
Ampichino and others.
Sneak Peek: Sade’s Soldier of Love
Vibe.com got an exclusive peek at Sade’s new album Soldier of Love. Here is how the magnificent event transpired. Few recording artists in the time of continuing shrinking record distribution, digital music downloads, and a never-ending recession, would receive the posh red carpet roll-out exhibited last night (Dec. 14) at New York’s historic Lincoln Center. But not every artist has the immense mystique and event-like cache of Sade, an act who has meticulously stayed away from the proverbial spotlight since her neo jazz-based 1984 debut Diamond Life.
At an exclusive listening party for the Nigerian-born British singer-songwriter’s sixth studio release Soldier of Love (due Feb. 8), the atmosphere was as elegant as the 50-year old singer herself. Pink roses, pear bellinis, and a mammoth window overlooking a postcard-worthy view of Manhattan’s bustling Columbus Circle proved to be a savvy backdrop. But you get the sense that the diverse range of individuals who made it out to hear Sade’s first new studio album in nearly a decade (who else could get the likes of golden age hip hop producer DJ Marley Marl, legendary radio personality Tom JoynerNew York Times‘ respected veteran music critic Jon Pareles in the same room together?) would have gladly listened to the album at a greasy hamburger joint in Queens. and the
Sade: Soldier of Love
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Musically, the 10-track Soldier of Love doesn’t stray too far from the classic Sade sound. Mournful lyrics that dive into the emotional cost of lost love as well as hope-driven introspection fuels much of the album’s dramatic tone. And that voice? It’s still there: haunting, calming, gorgeous all at once.
Still, nothing could have prepared those in attendance for a rare sighting of the reclusive Sade, who following the session, appeared with members of her backing band that have been with her since the beginning of her career. Dressed in an all black silk outfit, with her trademark crimson red lipstick and pulled-back hair, Sade was greeted enthusiastically by the usually jaded music industry tastemakers who stood in line just to take a picture with the singer who seemingly ages every twenty years.
“She’s been signed to the label for 25 years now, so obviously she’s an incredibly iconic artist,” glowed Rob Stringer, Chairman of Columbia and Epic label Group, Sade’s longtime label home. “We are just thrilled that she wants to make music again. She doesn’t have to put records out every year to be relevant. She’s earned that respect and credibility to where she can put records out whenever she wants.” To hear a straight-no-chaser record-man like Stringer make such a
statement runs counter to the strike-while-it’s-hot mindset of a music
industry in which a much hyped pop star like Rihanna has
released four albums in five years. But Sade, who has sold more than 50
million records worldwide, is known for taking long hiatuses between
albums. Her last studio album, Lovers Rock, was released in
2000. So why the long break this time? “She’s been busy raising her
daughter,” said Sade’s longtime manager Roger Davis. When asked about
the prospect of a tour, he laughed and said, “We can only hope. We have
to get the record out first.”(Story continues after image)
And what does the lady herself have to say about all the outpouring of support? “I’m just happy that everyone came out,” Sade told VIBE in a whispered British tone. “Thank you.”
Highlights on Soldier of Love include:
?”The Moon and The Sky”
A seductive Latin groove accented by Spanish guitars is paced by an assertive rim shot. “Why didn’t you come get me one last time…we could have had the moon and the sky,” Sade sings. Intensely sexy.
?”Soldier of Love”
The official first single and album title track has been a curve pitch for longtime Sade fans. The harder edged Portishead-style production and winking western-standoff feel of the track (complete with rumbling military snares) takes a minute to get used to. But its relentless groove and Sade’s sincere vocal performance makes it more than believable.
?”Babyfather”
Sade at her most whimsical. “For you, he’s the best he can be…daddy loves you,” she says on the reggae-tinged track.
?”Bring Me Home”
One of the tracks that will surely get play from club DJ’s who worship at the alter of early ’90s, digging-in-the-crates hip hop. With it’s thumping bassline, this standout cut is easily the fastest paced song on Soldier of Love. There’s ominous talk of tears. But this dramatic line says it all: “I’ve cried for the lives I’ve lost…” Wow.
?”Skin”
Ranks among Sade’s most heavy vocal and lyrical performances of all-time. A Fender Rhodes keyboard can be heard. So can the pain of a romance gone terribly wrong. “I wish I could wash you off my skin.” There’s no room for ambiguity here.
?”The Safest Place”
Sade finds comfort in another’s arms. Lush harmonies. Hope closes out the album.