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Notorious Soundtrack (Album Review)
In Hip-Hop, death is not the end, but a beginning. The untimely passing of a Hip-Hop artist inevitably ensures their work takes on a transcendent quality, whether or not the art justifies the perception change. Christopher Wallace, one of the culture’s biggest legends, is no different.
Before The Notorious B.I.G.’s highly anticipated life story hits theaters on January 16, the all-time great emcee’s music is once again repackaged for a new generation of Hip-Hop listeners. However, this time the Notorious Soundtrack (Bad Boy) delivers gems for veteran and novice fans alike.
The first half of the disc is a refresher course in B.I.G. 101. Such staple classics featured here include the Bone-assisted “Notorious Thugs,” “Hypnotize,” “Juicy,” and Biggie’s first 1993 single “Party And Bullsh*t.” While B.I.G.’s abbreviated catalogue is loaded with radio hits, the arrangers for this project wisely incorporated street anthems like the storytelling classic “Warning.” That balance clearly details for the uninitiated why Biggie was able to deftly maneuver the line between Diddy’s commercial sensibilities (“One More Chance Remix”) and Big’s hardcore boom-bap roots.
Jay-Z turns in his best lyrical post-American Gangster track in “Brooklyn (Go Hard).” Kanye West reworks Santogold’s “Shove It” into a sinister yet triumphant melody, while Jay crafts vivid images of the combative history of his New York borough. In particular, the BK mogul constructs a skillful second verse that not only holds a double entendre of legendary ball player Jackie Robinson’s name, but also references baseball as an extended metaphor for Shawn Carter’s past illegal exploits. And Santagold extends her talents past routine hook duties by concluding the track with a reggae-tinged third verse.
Jadakiss and Faith Evans team up for a heartfelt open conversation to Christopher Wallace entitled “Letter To B.I.G.” Jada uses the song to update Biggie on the lowering credibility of today’s Hip-Hop artists (“And everybody the king now / You ain’t gotta be nice/ Getting’ shot is the thing now”) and the statuses of his former team (Lil’ Kim, D-Roc, Cease etc.). Ironically, Jada’s frustration with the lack of sincerity in today’s mainstream Hip-Hop echos the same complaints he rapped on his first Biggie tribute, The Lox’s “We’ll Always Love Big Poppa.”
The remaining previously released tracks come courtesy of the seminal Life After Death: “Kick In the Door,” “What’s Beef,” and “The World Is Filled.” Over a decade later, the songs still retain their lyrical potency and overall enjoyment. “What’s Beef” held a morbid irony in 1997 following the senseless slayings of Tupac and B.I.G. In 2008, the ironic twist now comes in reference to the embarrassing deluge of manufactured “YouTube beefs” polluting the culture.
Without question, the highlight of Notorious is the ending trio of unreleased demos from Biggie in “Microphone Murderer,” Guaranteed Raw,” and “Love No Ho.” These freestyles reveal B.I.G.’s early skill set before making the necessary compromises to become a superstar just a few years later.
Aside from some questionable omissions from Ready To Die (“Unbelievable,” “Everyday Struggle,” “Me & My B*tch”), Notorious provides a serviceable overview for those who aren’t well-versed on the eternal King of New York. While not an essential pickup for those who lived the era or hardcore B.I.G. fans, Notorious is still a blissful albeit somber trip down memory lane.
Jay-Z
“Brooklyn (Go Hard)”
Jadakiss Featuring Faith Evans
“Letter To B.I.G.”
Capone-N-Noreaga: Still Reporting
Almost a decade ago CNN prophesized that a “Change Is Gonna Come.” Not to be confused with the media outlet home
to Larry King, the hood’s CNN comprised of Capone and Noreaga
have gone through much tribulation and are back with Channel 10, their first album since 2000’s The Reunion.
Since then, the duo has gone through more than a few formidable
changes and experiences. They’ve survived a well documented street beef with
Junior Mafia, weathered through a friendship that’s been perceived more as a
marriage, and have grown artistically and as men.
Reporting live from one of downtown Manhattan’s finest
Italian eateries, the newly converted vegan N.O.R.E. broke his beliefs for a
plate eggplant parmesean and Capone introduced some
Italian chefs to his “spicy ketchup,” all while speaking with unfiltered honesty
on the latest news related to the Queens natives.
Though, now residing in different states the evidence was
all too real that Capone and Noreaga are back with
just cause to build on the CNN legacy.
AllHipHop.com: How’s does it feel to not have dropped
an album since 2000 with Reunion and
know that Hip-Hop is still hungry for the new CNN album?
Capone: It’s the
best feeling in the world because in reality fans will cut you off in a
heartbeat. For us to be around for over a decade, and still have fans fiendin’ for another album is incredible.
Noreaga: The new album is titled Channel 10 which used to be the channel
for CNN News in Queens and we’ve been incorporating the name since the War Report days. The original title was
going to be Report the War, but we
wanted a fresh name and we wanted to venture out and not do all War Report type
things. And the more we recorded, the more we realized this isn’t Report the War. So Channel 10 really just took on it’s own identity. Report The War will be our next album.
Capone-N-Noreaga “The Argument” Video
AllHipHop.com: CNN’s
been in the game since 96’, yall have been through
several labels, beefs, bids in jail, almost everything. What have you learned
about the music business and what label is Channel
10 being released on?
Noreaga: I got to see the whole business clear
this time around by me being away from people, not drinking anymore, and not
having a record on radio. Certain people that I
thought were my friends stopped calling. But now that I’m back, the same people
are calling again and it made me realize that saying is true, “You are only as
good as your last hit.” I lived through it, some of
your closest people will turn your back on you. I think sometimes we forget this
our job, even though it may be the best job.
Capone: The label is SMC, and they’re doing a
great job on our project, we’ve been through several deals. Honestly, Tommy Boy
was the best situation we’ve ever been in. At the time they were a major label
and they had the capitol to really push us to our best potential and be the
most productive. It ain’t about the label though, it’s
about the people.
Nore: We not from the ringtone era! We ain’t here to sell ringtones
Capone: We just got to continue to make the
records and continue to be who we are. No, matter how hot you are or how big
you are, you can’t conform and give up who you are. That’s what we do and
continue to stay as individuals and not follow trends. With a label like SMC everybody there
is hands on.
AllHipHop.com: Did
y’all feel pressure to keep the music and formula the same and just make that
classic Champion hoody and Timbs
music. Or maybe change things for a bit more of a universal
sound to appeal to younger fans?
Nore: I got on a Champion hoody and Timbs right now…
Capone: Ain’t no change for us, we didn’t
come out making music like Jay, Nas, Mobb Deep or whoever. Fans respect us for being different.
The Channel 10 album has music for
everybody.
Capone-N-Noreaga “Phone Time” Video
AllHipHop.com: What
about autotune, should it die in ‘09 or continue to
live?
Nore:
It’s living, I think everybody got their own way of using it. The reason
why I like Ron Browz using autotune
is because he’s using it in a New York way. Ron Browz
is making it sound almost like Harlem, you just hear
it coming out. I think it’s going to stick around. It’s been in reggaeton, but I don’t sound too good in autotune,
so I’m careful with it.
AllHipHop.com: What
were some of the biggest challenges in recording this album together after all
this time?
Nore:
I think that we’re different people, but we’ll never change certain
things about us. Sometimes he does things I just don’t understand and vice versa,
but we still brothers ‘til the end.
Capone: It really
wasn’t anything too challenging. We had arguments, but then we make records
about it. From the day we agreed to do the album, we put our focus together to
our advantage. After all this
time, we know what we don’t like about each other, and we still don’t like it
but we are able to deal with it because our bond is there.
AllHipHop.com: Nore, you recently called out Vlad
TV for stirring up the Ransom vs. Joe Budden Beef. Do
you feel like these media outlets influence so called “Hip-Hop Beefs” and
should held responsible if some kind of violence occurs?
Nore: Vlad is my
dude and y’all seen me throw him under the bus. I still respect him, but I was
serious when I said he instigated this beef again. And I agree that he is a
journalist. I told him off camera that we just don’t need this right now. I’m
so sick of seeing people on YouTube bustin’ guns and
talking tough. I’m from an era where we didn’t do none
of that. With us you heard about our beefs like with Junior Mafia
, it’s in the actual news, there’s newspaper clippings, you can Google
it. Yet there isn’t one diss record from us against
them. Not one!
Capone: I ain’t the most computer savy
dude, and I ain’t all over the blogs, but I ain’t with putting all that negative s**t on there with the
fake beefs. I’m not on there to
start controversy. You talk about me and it’s real beef. To tell you the truth,
most of these dudes ain’t
got felonies, records, and ain’t been through what I
been through.
AllHipHop.com: This
CNN album comes at a crucial time for New York Hip-Hop. I’d hate to say NY went
somewhere, but NY’s definitely in need to get back to its roots, which CNN is a
big part of. Is there pressure…
Capone: The only
reason there’s some pressure is because we ain’t dropped a group album since 2000. But we still
work like new artists, and we still wanted by the fans like new artists. We
don’t have to drop a new album every year, other groups do.
Nore: I don’t want people to get confused
with the first single “Rotate” because it sounds more radio ready. But with the
first two CNN albums, I don’t think we’ve ever had big radio records. And “Rotate”
is getting 500,000 spins. And people killed us for the record with the Shawty Lo. But I was fiendin’ for
us have a party rocker together. I just love to perform and get people hype.
And “Rotate” that was the last record added to the album for that reason. The
whole rest of the album is champion hoodie music and
all that s**t.
AllHipHop.com: A
lot of New York crews have crumbled. How important is CNN to the New York rap
scene and what do you think keeps fans drawn to you?
Capone: We didn’t
team up with any big names. We one of the few left who ain’t got a Jay-Z, or a 50 Cent backing them. It’s
still just Capone and Noreaga, we still here off our
own merit. Even when we were first coming into the game it was just us two. There’s
only about five rap artists selling platinum. So I don’t care about
record sales. I wouldn’t want to be in a predicament where I owe somebody. We are our own
bosses.
Nore: One of the most powerful things in
life is something called belief. Our fans really believe in us. I remember a
fan sent me some footage of a guy and his crew was called thugged
out too and this dude got married to my music. He and his wife walked out to
“what what what what.” And
now I’m so embarrased by it because this dude
believed in me so much that he thought I would get married to my own music too.
Wrong! I got married to slow jams! And I hate slow jams! (laughs)
AllHipHop.com: Nore, you gave AllHipHop your Top
5 Dead or Alive late last year, but Capone who are your top 5?
Capone: Raekwon, Rakim, Slick Rick, I
might get shot for this right here. Can I get six? I need six man. Biggie and Pac…and Kanye West. I might get shot for that, man. But I
like the dude.
Nore: And in my new top five I’m still
including Lil Wayne and I’m adding Tim Dogg, that’s for
all you f**kin’ bloggers!
AllHipHop.com: We
recently spoke to Alchemist, and he mentioned how you were all in the studio
together when you recorded “Bang Bang” with Foxy Brown. Was that a co-sign on
the beef on CNN’s end?
Capone: Fox wrote
her verse in the bathroom I remember…
Nore: The funny thing is we didn’t really
know she was going to go at Kim… nah that would be lying. I knew she was going
to say something about Kim, but she said worse s**t about her, like she went in
before. But the version we used was the less disrespectful version. I knew the
record was going to be a problem because “Quiet Storm” had just come out and
this was like her rebuttal to Kim’s verse. Mobb Deep
didn’t take no disrespect to it and we didn’t take no
disrespect to it. We all thought that Kim was going at Charlie Baltimore. And
to this day there isn’t a video to “Bang Bang.” So we’ll leave it at that.
AllHipHop.com: Y’all
are two guys that actually knew Biggie when he was
alive, and certainly repped with B.I.G. when LA and New
York were at odds. With the Notorious
movie about to drop, can y’all share any of your earliest Biggie memories?
Nore: I remember right after we recorded
“LA LA,” I told B.I.G., “Yo, we just went at them n****s, we went at them hard!. And he told me, “No!” It was like the exact opposite of
what he wanted. It was like if you were in school saying I did all my homework,
and the teacher says, “You should of just did half!” When Big
said that s**t, it f**ked me up.
We were always the ones cheering and screaming “East coast!” And as a
fan I was tired of the disrespect that New York was getting and that B.IG. was
getting because he always held us down. So when I told him we went at them, he
was like, “Nah don’t do it.” “LA LA” was just a mixtape record, it had no intentions
of being a leaked record. It was for Stretch Armstrong, a Bad Boy mixtape. And not only Did Stretch Armstrong tell Puff, “Nah
I don’t want to use that record,” but DJ’s weren’t playing it. Next thing I know 2Pac did an interview
where he dissed Funkmaster
Flex, and he said f**k it I’m breaking the record. I used to see B.I.G. all the
time in The Tunnel and “Juicy” was my favorite song at the time, so every time
I would see him you gotta
spit a verse for me like a groupie. (laughs)
Capone: We was in
North Carolina and Nas, Mobb
Deep, Biggie and Keith Murray had a show, before I even got a deal and before
anyone knew that I rapped. This was the same show that sparked the Mobb Deep vs. Murray Beef. So we all at the hotel chilling
in one room, and we look out outside across the balcony. On his balcony B.I.G. was in his boxers
dancing, rocking out. He was just a big funny dude, a real prankster. B.I.G. just had so much charisma. And we got kicked out the
hotel that night.
Capone-N-Noreaga f/ Tragedy & Havoc “LA, LA”
AllHipHop.com: Capone,
he actually wanted to sign you back than right?
Capone: I waited
for B.I.G. outside Hot 97 one night, and he came out I ran up to him like, “Yo Big, Yo Big. You gotta hear me spit.” His mans was reaching and all of that.
But I was just like all I want to do is spit for you, so I did and he went absolutely
crazy, just wiling out
Nore: Tragedy was hatin!
Capone: (laughs) Trag was hatin, I remember he was
with Cease and D-Roc, and D-Roc was standing there in goon mode. And I’m
thinking he bulls**tting and I ain’t never going to see B.I.G. again. But he took my
number down and everything. At that same show in North Carolina, we were
all chilling and B.I.G. goes to Nas like, “You know
this dude from Queensbridge, Capone?,
he could rhyme.” Nas was like, “Nah I only know one
Capone from Queensbridge and he bust his gun and all
that.” Then Biggie turns around like, “Oh s**t, it’s you,” and started going
crazy. This was before everything.Capone-N-Noreaga “T.O.N.Y.” VideoAllHipHop.com: Is
there a CNN & Biggie track somewhere in the vault?
Nore: Biggie was supposed to be on “T.O.N.Y.’s” remix. I remembered B.I.G.
called me one day, and he had “T.O.N.Y.” playing in the background and I was
like, “How the f**k you get the record.” And he was like, “Son I’m going to
body this verse, body it.” I didn’t even care about the verse at that moment,
but I wanted to know how he got the record. But the same producer [Nashiem Myrick] who did “Who Shot Ya?”
did “TONY.” Unfortunately though, he didn’t live long enough to record his
verse.
Hip-Hop Rumors: Fantasia Saves House! Dame Dash’s Baby Mom Dram! Tito Jackson, Baby Daddy?
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!UPDATE!MORE ISSUES WITH DAME AND BABY’S MOMMan, I am about sick of the rumors around Dame Dash. Sheeeeesh! The man that co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records is now rumored to be going through a new round of beef with his child’s mother. Boogie, their son is now 17…almost grown! Linda Williams says that Dash doesn’t make his son go to school or refuses to register him. I reported that Boogie recently made his debut as a DJ at a recent party. He was in school but Williams charges that, for the last month of living with Dame, he’s been AWOL. Now, as this rumors is being written, Boogie may very well be in school, as Dame has promised he’ll be back in. I got this via email, but I think it’s from bossip. Either way, I wish these people luck. Kids deserved better, regardless of what parent I right or wrong. TITO JACKSON AIN’T PERFECT?A 25 year old named Tanay Rodney Jackson claims that Tito Jackson, Michael Jackson’s older brother, is her father. Apparently she is suing him just for him to acknowledge her as his father. She also filed a petition in Brooklyn’s Family Court to formally declare Jackson as her father. She first met the 55-year-old former star when she was 17. She told the NY Post, “He told me he was my father when I was 17. (He would) pop over now and then. He didn’t want it public. He was ashamed.” Damn Tito! First Jay-Z disses him, the reality show tanks and now this!ILLSEED’S QUICKIESFergie and Josh Duhamel got married – congrats and good luck! Speaking of lucky! Fantasia managed to save her house! Her lawyers pulled her out of foreclosure somehow. If you see the pic if Fantasia yelling at me, I’m sure she did her lawyers like that too!What!? Bizzy Bone was beaten, choked and robbed by a gang! Click here to read! UPDATE-50 Cent talks about the Dr. Dre/R. Kelly song, that Kanye’s 808 shoulda bricked and what he would do to Wayne if he replied.Here is the audio of 50 Cent dissing Kanye and Lil Wayne. Check it out.UPDATECONFIRMED: LIL WAYNE GOES ROCKIt looks like Kanye West is having some sort of ripple affect. Rapper Drake (who helps write with Wayne) recently confirmed the news of a Lil Wayne Rock album…Drake told MuchNews, “Wayne’s coming out with a new album, it’s a rock album…A complete rock album. I have a song on there. It’s something different in just that whole 808’s and Hearbreaks, just throwing individuals off.”I think this is a good break. I hope he goes metal like Ice-T and M.O.P.
THE DAILY TWO CENTS
I am about Hip-Hop rumors.
I like rumors. Why? They used to be about quiet Hip-Hop wars or who was about to release what. Or who was collaborating on what?
For better or worse, gossip has become a part of the rumors. Don’t know the difference? Gossip is basically talking about people. What they wear. Who they date. If the person they date is ugly. Who is getting fat. That sort of stuff.
I say all that to say that, maybe somebody out there wants to be a sidekick for gossip. I’m talking all the stuff you see on those fancy gossip blogs. Don’t quote me, but I’m thinking on it.
I just want to say thanks to EVERYBODY that read the rumors over the weekend. That goes for the people who had a bit of a “discussion” in the comments. Congrats to the Eagles for beating the Giants. I hear its very nice in Tampa, but we’ll see.
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING – allhiphoprumors@gmail.com.
DR. DRE DOES SONG WITH R.KELLY, FURIOUS OVER LEAK!
Dr. Dre is infamously private about his music. Well, when “Could Have Been You,” allegedly leaked, people got a taste of something POSSIBLY FROM DETOX. From what I am hearing, Dre is LIVID about this song leaking to the internet! The song features R. Kelly, 50 Cent and Bishop Lamont, but I have to say I didn’t hear the version with the good Bishop. I just heard the version with 50 Cent and Kelly. I’ve heard different things, but the main rumor is that the song was supposed to be on Detox. Other sources say its for 50 Cent or R.Kelly.
50 CENT CALLS KANYE THE F-WORD and TELLS LIL WAYNE TO SAY SORRY!
Uhm…does 50 Cent need a beef before his album drops? I say no. But, history says that there will be something. I know for a fact – ok, not a fact – I don’t think Wayne wants any issues with 50 Cent. Kanye is talking about posing nude so he is in a different ecosystem altogether.
MYA’S BABY DADDY IS?
I heard this is common knowledge, but I sure didn’t know. I am hearing that Mya is pregnant by Jared Najjar. Apparently, this lucky dude is the son of an Atlanta BILLIONAIRE Lee Najjar. That would actually make Mya the lucky female as well….LOL. And that’s that. Still, I haven’t heard that Mya has confirmed any of the rumors.
RON BROWZ’S BUNDLE OF JOY
Producer Ron Browz -the producers that brought you “Ether” by Nas – and the man behind the hit single “Pop Champagne” might just be bringing more joy to the world than “jumping out of the window.” Rumor has it, Mr. Ether is expecting a baby boy with his girlfriend! Maybe the baby will go easy on Browz and not make too much ether in his diaper.
T-PAIN, THE AVN AWARDS AND A WHITE GUY
While leaving the AVN Awards a source told me they were walking out with the rest of the crowd and T-Pain, his people and one of his security team (or his goons) were there as well. Well some random dude started talking some wild stuff to T-Pain’s guy and this guy started to spazz on the white guy. Now, I don’t know what the dude said to T-Pain or his guy, but white guy and his boys did their best to pop stuff back at Pain and ‘nem. It was no good. They had to back down and fall back. My source told me T-Pain started to yell, “You thought I rolled with soft n****s!” Rumor has it, there were all sorts of cameras rolling so it should hit the net! The only thing is, because it was the AVN awards, there may be some nudity in them. We’ll see!
By the way, Flo Rida did his thing performing at the awards, I heard. He was only permitted a couple of songs.
JOE BUDDEN’S GIRL…SHE CALLS JOE A LOSER!
LOL…Joe and his girl are like the new…Jeezy and Keyshia? I don’t know, but everybody is interested in them so here you go:
PETEY PABLO CHECKS IN
Petey Pablo has a website somewhere and he checked in about what he’s doing!
“Wzup everybody it’s your boy Petey P just sayin wzup to everybody comin through. I know it’s been awhile but the wait is over I have a new record company called “CMG” and will be up and moving forward starting March of 09 so stay tuned playa’s and playett’s gone…”
WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH $350 MILLION?
Nobody seems to know what’s up with Marc Anthony and J-Lo. One thing is for sure, if they get divorced, there is a lot of money to divide up. Here is the latest on it all for those that care. Apparently, M.A. is some sort of control freak and J-Lo is not really with it. They have made some appearances, but the rumors swirl that they are going to get it on. It must be hard to go through marital issues with the world watching, eh?
ILLSEED’S QUICKIES
Follow AllHipHop.com at twitter if you want all the content on AHH!
What has Coolio become? I saw him dancing on the UK Big Brother and he looked like a colorful version of Leroy from “Fame.” Also, each section has their own too, but I’ll get that later!
Rumor has it, Kid Cudi and legendary MC Craig G are linking on some music. Talk about Hip-Hop coming together.
Arrrrgh! I can’t wait to see “Notorious!” See my videos later in the page.
I heard T.I. might have a new reality show coming up, as he approaches time in jail.
RANDOM QUOTES
Kanye would like to pose nude. Seriously. Read it here.:
“I definitely feel, like, in the next however many years, if I work out for two months, that I’ll pose naked. I [want to] break every rule and mentality of hip-hop, of black culture, of American culture.”
The NY Daily News explains the game:
“The defending champions ran out of miracles Sunday as they meekly fell to the Philadelphia Eagles, 23-11.”
Jill Scott on her pregnancy:
“The first trimester I spent in Botswana. That was one of the biggest challenges of my life. First trimester! You’re sick every morning. It was seven hours time difference, the heat, the bugs, the 14 hour days.”
Public Enemy’s Chuck D told AllHipHop.com that has a new female group called Crew Girl Order to bring the ladies back to the game:
“In ‘09, my fighting the power is for women in Hip-Hop, especially groups, producers, songwriters, and label heads. There are very, very few all women rap groups. Less than we had 25 years ago. I feel it is the next revolution in this ‘same dude, same idea, same voice genre.’ I personally feel that the lack of groups on the male side has hurt, as well as production teams for the sake of soloists, across the board.”Lupe Fiasco comments on the thing that he’s not a part of:“Percival Fats (Born Percival Hindenburg-Fats) Is NOT Lupe Fiasco (Born
Wasalu Muhammad Jaco). Although he is a dear friend. Lupe
does finance the band but is NOT I REPEAT NOT THE SINGER IN JAPANESE
CARTOON. He is however the producer and we value his participation very
much.”
FAITH GETS HOOD FOR BIGGIE
I told you about this last week, but I found the video. Here you go. Faith getting all super hood!
JADAKISS WRITES A LETTER TO BIG
Great video. Also, click here for some never=before-seen footage of the REAL Biggie Smalls aka B.I.G.
GUCCI MANE SUPERMAN PIMP PUNCHES A GIRL!
Look at this! This is the Epic Fail of the Day, but I had to draw attention to it better! The girl talks about it at the end. So, who is the fail?
Gucci Mane Snuffs Girl In The Face
OH NO THEY DIDN’T!
This is the video of the time Beenie Man got mugged – thankfully he got his watch back. Watch and enjoy. Shout out to IC member Water Ur Seeds!
He got his watch back, by the way.
JAMIE FOXX IS ABSTINENT?
I have to admit, this isn’t something that I care a lot about, but it’s a positive cause. Also, it’s my girl Kendra G, who I adore. 100.3 The Beat Philly Radio Host Kendra G has gotten over 150 girls in the Philadelphia area to take the pledge “Abstinence is Kool” which means they have vowed to not have sex this whole entire school year. Recently Oscar Award winner Jamie Foxx stopped by “Live with Kendra G” and gave some encouraging words to the young ladies. Check out the video to see what Mr. Foxx had to say…
JASMINE SULLIVAN ROCKS!
She sings about breaking windows, but I still love her.
CHRIS BROWN DOES THE “SINGLE LADIES” DANCE
I’M OUT!
McNabb was out of pocket for this one!
For more, go to illseed.com. Or just follow me at http://twitter.com/illseed.
BOOGIE, WE LOVE YOU!!!
They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!
-illseed
WHAT: Rumors
WHERE: AllHipHop.com, MySpace.com/TheIllseed
HOW: Send your rumors and ill pics to illseed at allhiphoprumors@gmail.com.
– allhiphop rumors
Naturi Naughton: Naturious K.I.M.
Naturi Naughton’s role as Lil’ Kim in the upcoming Notorious film reveals the essence of the Lil’ Kim we have all grown to know. While Lil’ Kim herself has publicly voiced her discontent with Naughton’s portrayal, perhaps it has more to do with the way Lil’ Kim is depicted in the life of Biggie more so than Naughton’s fine job at acting.
Voletta Wallace, along with other key members in Biggie’s life have openly expressed their amazement at Naughton’s recreation of Kim. Regardless, this breakout role proves that Naughton’s early days in 3LW were only skimming the surface of her future superstardom. With Notorious in her pocket and Fame on the horizon, Naturi Naughton is well on her way to “queen bee” status.
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AllHipHop.com Alternatives: Today at the press junket when Voletta Wallace was sitting there speaking with us, she said she had to make it a point that out of all of the actors in the movie – they all did a phenomenal job – but she felt that you were the one that when she looked at you and saw your acting and saw you on stage, she’s like, “That was Lil’ Kim. I looked at her and I saw Kim. Everyone did a phenomenal job, but when I saw her there, I saw Kim. It was so scary that sometimes I had to turn away.”
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Naturi Naughton: That is such a compliment. I did not know she felt that strongly. Like, wow.
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AHHA: For someone who had the potential luxury of interviewing or speaking with or hanging out with a person who’s fortunately still alive [Lil’ Kim], but you didn’t have that opportunity and yet Biggie’s mom is saying you nailed that role, how did you do it?
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Naturi Naughton: It’s funny because sometimes I honestly am like how did I do this? Because I didn’t have the privilege [to speak to Lil’ Kim] like you said, but the beauty of this role is that I had a lot of other resources. Like I was able to really research her. I read a lot…I read a lot of stuff about her upbringing, some of her issues as she was a young adult at home and being homeless and on the streets and how she met Big in the area. So I actually went to Brooklyn a lot. I had never been to Brooklyn. I’m from Jersey, but it was great that I had all of the resources to research her background.
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And then I had Lil’ Cease and Money L and people from Junior M.A.F.I.A. that really really talked to me and gave me a lot of insight – what it was that was special about Big and Kim’s relationship, or how she used to do stuff. They would be like, “Damn you’re scaring me, you doing it just like Kim.” You know, and I was just trying to channel her in every way I could by reading, watching her videos, choreography routines she’s got…really just embracing the woman that she was, even before she became Lil’ Kim. I wanted to make sure that I let people know that she was human and had a vulnerable side too.
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AHHA: Yea I’ve met Kim and she’s a sweetheart. You know, the contrast from the Kim on record –
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Naturi Naughton: So different! So different! I mean she’s like totally [different]. That’s what everybody says. It’s not that Hardcore…which is so similar…it’s like me. I mean playing this role is so different than my actual personality…people were like ,“How did you go there? You cursing up a…” People that know me are like “What Naturi? What?” It’s a stretch, but it was a great challenge to have.
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AHHA: Since you don’t normally curse or act aggressively, did you relate to the demure side of Lil’ Kim?
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Naturi Naughton: I related to both sides actually, because even though I don’t act out the way maybe she did in the movie, I have felt that. And it was a chance for me to actually be that other person that I don’t get the chance to be in my normal life. I would never necessarily have a fight or cause a problem in the studio or you know certain things…I would never get onstage and flash the audience, but hey this was like the opportunity for me.
Whatever I was feeling when you’re angry or frustrated, I’ve been there so I could relate to some of that hurt. You know feeling like you’re not good enough. I mean I’m sure there is always a point in each person’s [life]…especially women…that we could relate to. I’ve been there in a relationship, I’ve been there on the business side. Just the pressure of feeling like why doesn’t he love me the way I want him to or the way I love him? So I kind of used some of that and injected that into Lil’ Kim because she was feeling the same way I had.
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AHHA: There is an ugliness to their situation. How do you reconcile that with some of the lighter moments? How did you convey that kind of…some of it is actually a little disturbing as far as the back and forth between them. How did you bring that up?
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Naturi Naughton: And you mean the back and forth between Kim and Big?
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AHHA: Yes.
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Naturi Naughton: It’s disturbing. It’s kind of sad because you know it’s hard playing second or always coming second to someone else. I honestly – what I did was just let my feelings kind of take over a lot of times in those scenes, and you know the lighter moments were great to have too when they’re just having fun and he’s creating her and she’s with her suspenders being cute and sexy.
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But then there’s those moments where she feels like, “What don’t you see in me?” and I think that when that happens in those moments, I just let my feelings take over. As an actress I really wanted to just let it pour out so that I wasn’t trying to cover anything up because a lot of times as artists (and Lil’ Kim I’m sure), we put on this façade to show how strong we are and that’s the kind of rap artist she was. And behind the strength, there’s weakness, there’s hurt. I think I let my own hurt kind of just ooze out. This role was therapeutic for me.
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AHHA: Is there any difference between conveying that emotion on the microphone or in front of the camera? Is there any difference between how you let that out?
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Naturi Naughton: Yes because on the mic you can overdo things so that it really picks up so people can feel like you say things. You know, especially when I was rapping a lot of the songs like [Naturi goes into character] “ugh WHAT WHAT!” It’s the way you could kind of use the mic like you know I’ma slay you! But you know sometimes on camera with film, you want to show those emotions, but you have to hold back so that you…you know your eyes can’t do too much.
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You have to keep it small and minimal, because on camera they’re like oh you’re doing too much. I’ve learned that because I’m not from film, I was on Broadway and everything’s like big upset or hurt as opposed to just feeling that sense of rejection in a very slight way. So doing it on a microphone is so much more free because you can move, you can do whatever and really get into it and be as nasty and say whatever, but on camera you have to do it but keep it minimal.
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AHHA: Do you think…and we can all have our own speculations…but do you think Big loved Kim?
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Naturi Naughton: I do. I think he loved Kim in a very unique way. Different from…because you know how you love somebody and you love somebody else another way? I think it doesn’t take away from love itself. It’s still valued as love; it’s just a different kind. And I think Kim really loved him. The love that Big and Kim had was genuine because they came up together.
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It’s a different love when you been with somebody from the streets, seeing them struggle, been there before they were Big or before they were Kim, and being able to grow with that person. Even when you have your trials and tribulations and you go through your drama, there’s still love there and no matter what you go off and do on the side, I think at the end of the day in the bottom of his heart, he loved her.
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AHHA: What do you think it was that made Big pick Faith? Just being her for the duration of the filming.
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Naturi Naughton: Being Lil’ Kim, I think if I was in character I would say – I still do to this day if I was Lil’ Kim – would be like, “I don’t really know what made him pick her.” Which is why there’s still that sense of unresolved feeling. The fact that you can’t answer those questions are the reasons why it hurt so much. That’s when it lingers on. It’s still that lingering unresolved feeling, because I can’t answer that, I’m sure she can’t…no one can. And it’s one of those things that even in character I would still say I can’t…that’s why it hurts so much, because I can’t figure out why this man won’t choose me.
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AHHA: So let’s talk about your next project. You’ve got Fame coming up.
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Naturi Naughton: Yea I’m excited, I’m doing Fame. MGM is doing a remake. It’s gonna be amazing. I am playing the role of Denise. It’s the Irene Cara role, a reinvention of that. All the names are changed, everything is new and it’s a modernized, because you know Coco Leroy? [laughs] A lot of the names are pretty old, so [MGM] just wanted to bring a new fresh edge to Fame. It’s a great cast…I love it. We just started shooting. It’s gonna be really great.
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I get to sing “Out Here On My Own”. I have some really great songs. I’m playing the piano. I’m actually a classical pianist in the movie, and then I discover I have this other talent which is singing and it’s beautiful. I’m really excited so it’s great to show range. Going from a role like Lil’ Kim, [while] I definitely loved playing Lil’ Kim, I don’t want to be swept up into that circle.
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AHHA: So you’ve got two homerun movies. Are you going to be sticking with acting? Are we going to get an album?
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Naturi Naughton: Yea I’m hoping so. I mean the album, I can’t give a time on right now because it’s so many things pulling me every which way with the acting and I’m enjoying this moment. I feel like when I’m put in certain situations, they’re meant to be. I was in a situation at 15 to be a recording artist [in 3LW]. I did two albums, I had a platinum album, I’ve done it.
So I can honestly say even if I…not that I’m saying that I wish I won’t go back, but if I don’t get back to the record industry right now, I know I’ve been there. I’ve done that. I’ve had my time, I’ve had my moment. And now this is my chance to enjoy this moment and I’m gonna hold onto it. It’s precious to me to just let this moment really really settle in and enjoy it.
Additional reporting by Odeisel.
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KNOCKOUT NATION : 2008 Year In Review
2008 was a great year for boxing. Whether you’re a purist who enjoys slick technicians or a bloodthirsty observer who enjoys horrific brawls, there was an abundance of everything. Particularly, 2008 showcased many older stars from the 90s get brutally removed from top draw status, and younger fighters eagerly move in to replace their spots.
So who earned top marks this year? Read on.
Fighter of the Year: Manny Pacquiao
The favorite son of the Philippines continued his dominance of boxing with two signature wins over elite fighters, three weight classes apart. In March, the Pacman squeaked out a razor-thin decision over his determined rival Juan Manuel Marquez in a sensational rematch. Despite Marquez’s best efforts, a key knockdown early on was enough to give Pacquiao a controversial but hard-earned victory. Over the summer, Pacquiao moved up to lightweight to put on a brutal display of speed and power against the limited but tough WBC champ David Diaz. After nine one-sided rounds, Pacquiao ended Diaz’s night with a pinpoint straight left that deposited the rugged Mexican face-first on the canvas.
The Pacman capped his year by yet again moving up, this time to welterweight, to face the much larger Oscar De La Hoya. Despite being a big underdog and never before fighting above 135 pounds, Pacquiao beat De La Hoya from pillar to post, earning a corner stoppage before the 9th round.
As boxing’s newest mainstream star and the world’s undisputed pound for pound #1, Manny Pacquiao looks to further build on his guaranteed Hall of Fame spot with 2009 superfights with 140 pound kingpin Ricky Hatton and previous pound for pound #1 Floyd Mayweather.
Runner Ups
1. Joe Calzaghe
2. Chad Dawson
3. Antonio Margarito
4. Vic Darchinyan
5. Juan Manuel Marquez
Fight of the Year: Vazquez vs. Marquez III (March 1, 2008)
It was a rubbermatch for the ages that crystallized arguably the most action-packed trilogy in the history of boxing. In March, Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez waged war over 12 back and forth rounds. Marquez boxed well early, even dropping his rival hard in round 4, but Vazquez consistently came back to buzz Marquez with huge shots. The championship rounds continued the drama, with Marquez losing an invaluable point in the 11th for a low blow and Vazquez storming out to batter Marquez the entire 12th round and secure a much-needed knockdown with seconds remaining.
The last round heroics gave Israel Vazquez a 114-11, 111-114, 113-112 split decision win, and his second career-shortening win over Rafael Marquez. Although concern for the health of both guys abound, there is serious talk of a lucrative 4th fight in 2009. Can anyone say tetralogy?
Runner Ups
1. Steve Cunningham vs. Tomasz Adamek
2. Joel Casamyor vs. Michael Katsidis
3. Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez II
4. Antonio Margarito vs. Miguel Cotto
5. Chad Dawson vs. Glen Johnson
Most Improved Fighter: Vic Darchinyan
After getting blasted out with one punch by Nonito Donaire in 2007, pint-sized brawler Vic Darchinyan showed vast improvement in 2008 by mixing controlled aggression behind accurate jabs and hooks. Overcoming an early dubious draw in February, Darchinyan went on to capture IBF super-flyweight title in August with a dominant knockout of Dimitri Kirilov. In November, he shocked most boxing experts by annihilating pound for pound technician Cristian Mijares to become the first man to unify the super-flyweight division.
On February 7th, Darchinyan looks to continue his winning ways against hated rival Jorge Arce.
Runner Ups
1. Paul Williams
2. Andre Berto
3. Juan Manuel Lopez
4. Ricky Hatton
I’m Going Down Award: Oscar De La Hoya
The Golden Boy begins a new streak with his second consecutive award for futility. Earlier this year, De La Hoya won a lackluster albeit lopsided decision over an undersized Steve Forbes, who still managed to bust up Oscar’s face in the process. After talks fell through for a rematch with Floyd Mayweather, De La Hoya was able to secure a fight with another great but even smaller fighter in Manny Pacquiao. But instead of any easy victory, the tenacious Pacman thrashed De La Hoya all over Las Vegas for 8 rounds, forcing Oscar to quit on his stool before the 9th. If getting beat up by a blown up super-featherweight isn’t enough to convince Oscar to retire, I don’t know what will.
Runner Ups
1. Roy Jones, Jr.
2. Jeff Lacy
3. Jose Luis Castillo
Upset of the Year: Bernard Hopkins vs. Kelly Pavlik
One of these days, the boxing press will learn not to bet against the Executioner. Bernard’s dismal outing against Joe Calzaghe had many convinced the ageless wonder had finally become shot, and that young middleweight champ Kelly Pavlik would be the final nail in Hopkins’ legendary career. Instead, Hopkins put on a masterclass performance, hitting Pavlik with every punch in the book for 12 rounds without once becoming visibly tired. At 43, Hopkins still remains high on boxing’s short list of pound for pound elites.
Runner Ups
1. Timothy Bradley W12 Junior Witter
2. Carlos Quintana W12 Paul Williams
3. Nate Campbell W12 Juan Diaz
4. Manny Pacquiao TKO8 Oscar De La Hoya
Knockout of the Year: Breidis Prescott KO1 Amir Khan
You’d be hard pressed to envision a worst possible loss then Khan’s September public execution. The PPV bout was supposed to be Khan’s coming out party. Instead, he’ll be spending the foreseeable future attempting to undo his new image as a china-chinned, overhyped protected fighter who was blasted out the first time he met decent competition.
At a mere 21 years old, time is on Khan’s side to make the necessary defensive improvements echoed by many British commentators, such as former champ Barry McGuigan.
No more fighting during Ramadan, Amir…
Runner Ups
1. Edison Miranda KO3 David Banks
2. Shane Mosley TKO12 Ricardo Mayorga
3. Juan Urango KO4 Carlos Vilches
2009 Wish List
Retirements of Evander Holyfield and Roy Jones, Jr
Manny Pacquaio vs. Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather
Paul Williams vs. Antonio Margarito II
Timonthy Bradley vs. Kendall Holt
Chad Dawson vs. Joe Calzaghe
Tomasz Adamek vs. Steve Cunningham II
SICK SUNDAYS: Return of the Three Headed Monster, Jada Builds Momentum, Busta Drops A Bomb, New Drake
What’s good my dudes. 2009 looks like it’s going to be the year of missed chances in 2008 trying to actually come through.
Already a week in and we’ve seen joints by golden age heroes and we’ve seen Aftermath trying to build some momentum with their much ballyhooed “3 headed monster”
Former G-Unit soldier Young Buck have already hopped on a joint together and even new guys like Drake have been trying to make sure that 2009 is their year.
We got a lot of joints today some new some old and a bit over over time, so let’s get it in
Tyga Feat. Lil Wayne-Breaktime
Tyga sounds at times like a young Eminem on this vocally (if not skillwise) and actually better than I expect from him. This is a freestyle kinda song with no real purpose but continuous spit. Anytime you can get a serious verse from Wayne where he takes the song seriously is a treat. He’s got definite flavor and presence. Lol@ “where the hell is my health.” Sick. His verse lyrically gains steam much like on Death Wish. Bump this.
Haze feat. Young Buck -Hate
Katt Williams speech on hate segues into this joint setting the plate on them haters. Buck doesn’t sound rusty but that aggression doesn’t seem to be there on this one. I think if you’re trying to get back in you gotta go harder than this. Haze is adequate. Forgettable but not wack.
Busta Rhymes Feat. Jeezy & Jadakiss-Conglomerate
Bussa Bus is at it again. Right now he’s probably the strongest of these 90’s rappers fighting to survive musically. He bats lead off on this. Jeezy the Snowman shows up with more energy than usual emcee wise. Good showing. Batting cleanup is the kiss of death with a non-sleepwalking performance and a higher speed than he normally delivers. A banger. The Brit chick on the hook is a lil psuedo “Swagger Like Us.”
Eminem Feat. Dr. Dre & 50 Cent-Crack A Bottle
You’ve prolly all heard this by now. It sounds like Eminem is trying to return to Slim Shady mode and i think that time is past. He is too old for that mentality and now it doesn’t sound authentic. Considering how long we’ve been forced to wait for both this and Detox, this is weak. You can almost “hear” Shady when Dre raps. A ghostwritten verse from veterans who have worked together that long shouldn’t be so aparent. 50 doesn’t really sound liek his heart’s into it. In a nutshell after the novelty fades, this track is forgettable. For these three giants that’s a fail. Now wack but just not the caliber that a grouping of these three should bring.
Belly Feat. Drake-I Do This
Yo. Drake Rogers is nasty. You know I hate new rappers but this guy is serious. He’s getting more presence on tracks by the second and he’s just beginning to start killing things with delivery, and not just depending on lyrics. He’s ill on the hook and on this beat he just has a different nature than a lot of the smoothed out stuff he’s been dropping. It feels like getting signed has given him a higher confidence and you can hear it. Belly is no slouch on it and his delivery is grimey, but Drake is the star on this track. Bump this.
Jadakiss-Can’t Stop Me
Jada is putting in work but we’ve heard this song before. The Diana Ross sample gets annoying as hell because they cut it too many times in the opening of the song. It’s typical Jadakiss single fodder. Not wack , not revolutionary. This is really a middle of the album type song. Good to hear but nothing to convert anyone or make you run to buy the album. He won’t lose any fans over it but he won’t gain any either.
Mon E G Feat Rick Ross-Chevy Anthem RemixNo loss on here. Mon E G gets it in with Ross batting cleanup to give the track event status. Beat is dope, bump it loud. *************************************************OT Monday Mixtape NotoriousComing to you courtesy of the folks @ MTV news. Kinda lazy as there’s no real crate digging going on and it’s nothing new but it’s enough to satisfy your Biggie fix **************************************************Double OT-R.Kelly feat 50 Cent-It Could Have Been YouIt doesn’t sound like it’s been mastered fully, the vocals are off with
the beat, but even mastered this is more meh. But it’s new and leaked
so here you go.
Lil Wayne To Report For ESPN From Red Carpet Event
ESPN The Magazine will have a memorable Super Bowl celebration, as it has recruited former Fugees member Wyclef Jean and Grammy-nominated rap star Lil Wayne for its NEXT Big Weekend.
Jean will take the stage January 30 as the headliner for the publication’s 5th Annual Next party.
The private, V.I.P. event, which kicks off at 9 p.m. Tampa, Florida, is designed to highlight what is next in sports, technology, and lifestyle and from ESPN.
In addition to Jean, celebrity DJ Samantha Ronson and guest DJ/ESPN Analyst Marcellus “Dat Dude” Wiley will be on hand for the festivities.
Although he is not set to perform, Lil Wayne’s presence will be known at the Next party, as he reports from the event’s red carpet for ESPNthemag.com.
The assignment is the latest in ESPN’s relationship with the New Orleans rapper, who serves as a blogger for the publication’s web site and frequently comments about sports on the 24-hour sports network.
Despite appearances from Jean and Lil Wayne, the hitmakers won’t be the only entertainers on hand for the NEXT Big Weekend. Singer Sean Kingston will perform at ESPN The Magazine’s Next Day Tailgate.
The event, which is sponsored by Ford’s F-150, and free to the public, will take place from noon to 5 p.m. on January 31 and include sets from the University of South Florida Marching Band and Tampa-based reggae band Impulse.
Working the red carpet for ESPNthemag.com is the latest achievement for Lil Wayne, who was nominated for eight Grammy Awards in December.
The recognition stemmed from the rapper’s work on his latest album, Tha Carter III.
MOVIE REVIEW: Not Easily Broken
Morris
Chestnut has been a leading man for many years in such Black 90s classics as Boyz N The Hood, The Best Man and The Inkwell.
For the last decade, he’s played a role in several ensemble casts in movies
such as The Brothers, Two Can Play That
Game, Breakin’ all the Rules and last year’s break out holiday flick, A Perfect Holiday. This weekend Chestnut
steps up his game by not only starring as the lead character but also acting as
producer of the marriage-in-turmoil movie, Not
Easily Broken.
Chestnut
plays Dave Johnson, a one-time aspiring ballplayer who blew out his knee and
now runs a small home-improvement business. Johnson is a working husband and an
all-around good guy who’s married to an ambitious and overbearing wife Clarice,
played by Taraji Henson of Hustle and
Flow and Baby Boy fame.
Taken
from the popular novel of the same name, written by TD Jakes, Broken is the story of a couple who go
through hell and high water to keep their bond tight. But there are
distractions, namely Clarice’s near fatal auto accident that leaves her unable
to do the things she’s use to doing, and becoming completely dependent on her
insecure and terribly opinionated mother, Mary “Mama” Clark, played by Jenifer
Lewis. Another huge distraction is Dave’s platonic relationship with another
woman, single mom Julie Sawyer, whom he befriends after meeting at her son’s,
swim competition.
Julie
is hired as a rehabilitation therapist for Clarice following the accident and
develops a close bond with the Johnson family. She also happens to be White,
which adds another dynamic to the story’s conflict. Not Easily Broken is a simple film with three powerhouse actors; at
times, the simplicity becomes boring. Taraji Hensons’ character as the
bring-home-the-bacon wife and her mother, who distrusts all men after loving a
no-good husband, make for recognizable retread characters that we’ve seen time
and again in these movies.
Because
we know that Not Easily Broken is
written by the Bishop TD Jakes, we assume that there’s a happy ending, and true
to form, it has a perfect bow attached. Dave learns his lesson just before his
love scene with Julie and Clarice realizes that she’d rather have her man next
to her than her mom. Unfortunately, this film doesn’t’ do much for its audience
in the lesson-learning department.
We’ve
seen this movie and these characters before, so don’t expect anything new. Niecy
Nash, from the Style Network’s top rated show, “Clean House” and Comedy
Central’s hilarious “Reno 911” adds a bit of flavor to the cast, as a friend and
co-worker of Clarice and the esteemed Albert Hall, from Apocalypse Now plays a bishop who keeps reminding the struggling
couple of their marriage vows, the “cord with three strands”
religious metaphor that will make it all better. In a nutshell, this movie
isn’t horrible, just typical and unauthentic. If you want to go on a date movie then fine, but if you’re looking for more, then this movie is not easily impressive.
Kanye West Hopes To Pose Nude To Break Every Rule
Rapper Kanye West has revealed that he would like to pose nude one day to “break every rule…of Hip Hop.”The rapper reasoned that that he wanted to challenge the norms of American and African American mores.“I definitely feel, like, in the next however many years, if I work out for two months, that I’ll pose naked. I [want to] break every rule and mentality of hip-hop, of black culture, of American culture,” he said in the February issue of Vibe magazine.This wouldn’t be the first time a well-known rapper has stripped his clothing off.Brooklyn icon Big Daddy Kane posed partially nude in a June 1991 issue of Playgirl magazine, the female lifestyle magazine and counterpart to Playboy. He also pushed the boundaries – and generated controversy among purists – when he did a risqué three-way photo shoot with Madonna and super model Naomi Campbell. The images appeared in Madonna’s “Sex” book in 1992.Kanye West continues to break standard with his latest offering, 808s & Heartbreaks, where he crooned most of the album with the help of Autotune softwareHe stated that there is a decidedly double standard as it pertains to Hip-Hop acts and himself.“If she wanted to pose naked, you’d be like, ‘Oh, that’s Bjork.’ But if I wanted to pose naked, people would draw all type of things into it,” he said.
Chuck D Begins Movement for More Females in Hip-Hop
Legendary Public Enemy front man and activist Chuck D has set a 2009 resolution to rectify the marginalized representation of females in Hip-Hop culture.
A swept aside issue in recent years, Chuck D argues that the lack of prominent women in Hip-Hop is causing the culture to move backward and devalue many of the progressive strides made by female pioneers in the 80s and 90s.
“In ‘09, my fighting the power is for women in Hip-Hop, especially groups, producers, songwriters, and label heads,” Chuck D explained to AllHipHop.com. “There are very, very few all women rap groups. Less than we had 25 years ago. I feel it is the next revolution in this ‘same dude, same idea, same voice genre.’ I personally feel that the lack of groups on the male side has hurt, as well as production teams for the sake of soloists, across the board.”
The first step in the process is pushing the next generation of female emcees through SLAMjamz (http://www.slamjamz.com), Chuck’s independent record label.
The label promotes the all-female Hip-Hop collective Crew Grrl Order.
The 3 member group is currently completing their sophomore album, which features a pioneer and legend MC Lyte on the first single “All Bets Are Off.”
Even in his eagerness to help, Chuck D remains aware that any movement for females in Hip-Hop should be helmed by women themselves.
And, the celebrated front man is optimistic of his group’s potential to reach the women Hip-Hop music currently does not speak to or for.
“I’m putting [in] my all being the fact that women involvement should spearhead a ‘SHE Movement’ in the genre. And somehow I think there’s room for many more.”
Crew Grrl Order’s sophomore album All Bets Are Off is scheduled for release during national Women’s Month in March 2009.
B.I.G.’s Son Rings NASDAQ Opening Bell In NYC
Closing out a week filled with the memory and legacy of his father, 11-year-old Christopher “CJ” Wallace, Jr. presided over the NASDAQ Opening Bell this in New York City yesterday morning (January 9).
CJ was joined by his mother R&B singer Faith Evans and his grandmother Voletta Wallace in a promotional appearance to support the highly anticipate Notorious, the biopic chronicling the meteoric rise and tragic death of the legendary Notorious B.I.G.
The youngster, who his mother says has indicated an interest in the entertainment business, makes his acting debut in the film as a young version of the father he, sadly, never got to know.
Earlier this week, CJ, Evans and Ms. Wallace were joined by dozens of celebrities who came out to show their love and support at the Notorious premier in New York City on Wednesday.
The celebrity attendees including Jay-Z and Beyonce, Russell Simmons, Nas, Ciara, Fabolous, Mary J. Blige, Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss, Ice T, actor Idris Elba, DJ Clue, Lil’ Cease, and of course, Diddy, made for an equally star-studded after party at the Roseland Ballroom.
The evening was described by some as a scene out of Biggie’s life.
Notorious is produced by Ms. Wallace and B.I.G.’s former managers Wayne Barrow and Mark Pitts, along with Sean “Diddy” Combs, who serves as the film’s Executive Producer.
The movie is based on writer Cheo Hodari Coker’s 2004 biography Unbelievable: The Life, Death, and Afterlife of the Notorious B.I.G.
The film hits theaters on January 16.
Hip-Hop Rumors: What IS Kanye Saying? Return of Rah Digga? Obama Gets Bailout Money!
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
WELL, WELL, WELL… In Cali, they rioted for Oscar Bell…wait, I’m sorry. Sean Grant….My bad, all these innocents getting killed by police can get confusing. The people of Oakland decided to riot. Personally, I am pleased to see this uprising. It seems that’s the only way to get attention these days. So, to all my NYers, why didn’t y’all riot over Sean Bell? I’m just wondering, because somebody asked me. Join the AllHipHop Ill Community to weigh in on this. Click here.
Also, are you hype that “24” is finally coming back to tv? I am! If you are, click here and check out a musical tribute to the return of the show. R.I.P. President David Palmer (the original Barack Obama), Curtis and Edgar.
AS USUAL – IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING – allhiphoprumors@gmail.com.
DJ UNK IS NO LONGER DJ UNK!
What’s this ridiculousness about Unk no longer wanting to be called DJ Unk? For some reason, that man just wants to be Unk. It reminds me of when MC Hammer dropped “MC” or when Diddy dropped “P.” Unk it is.
OBAMA IS GETTING THAT ENDORSEMENT MONEY!
I got this from Jigsaw on Twitter! Obama is about to POSSIBLY get some serious bread. You might not know this, but the president is forbidden to use a mobile device, computer or even email. Well, Obama is one of us so he lives and breathes by the computer and his Berry. The U.S. President-elect could earn more than $25 million, and up to $50 million to endorse the Blackberry. That’s pretty dope. I hope he gives some of that back to those of us that could use a break.
LIL WAYNE HAS ANOTHER NEW SONG – DAG!
Click the pic if you care!
FAITH STEPS INTO THE LIL KIM DISCUSSION!
Talked to my girl Tori and we agree that Faith very classily responded to Kim on MTV by saying the following:
“Any characters in the film had to agree for their life rights to be in the movie. I don’t think I would have signed anything had I felt I was not portrayed properly. I think she had the opportunity to do that. I could be mistaken. I wasn’t there.”
Now, apparently Naturi has a song on her upcoming CD featuring Lil Kim. How odd is that? Kim and Naturi definitely haven’t met, but Kim’s seen her. Not sure why she is so mad, but I definitely want clarity.
THE RETURN OF THE DROP SQUAD?
In like 1994, there was a movie called “The Drop Squad.” Here is the run down, if you don’t know. A black advertising executive abducted by a group that takes sellouts and makes them have pride in their heritage. D.R.O.P. is an acronym for Deprogramming and Restoration of Pride. Rumor has it that a group of revolutionary and conscious MCs are joining forces to form a Super Group. Inspired by the legendary classic “Self- Destruction” and the potential for a true Hip-Hop Movement it is being said that they have come together to combat the ugly turn that Hip-Hop has taken of late with materialism, the promotion of guns/violence and drugs, disrespect of women and fake gangsterism.
I heard NYOIL and Jasiri X are in it with others coming later and they are banding with a lot of guys from the old school that made the so-called conscious movement happen. I say so-called, because it was just Hip-Hop, not conscious.
THE RETURN OF RAH DIGGA?
Rah Digga is quietly one of the dopest females ever. AND I heard she is coming out with new music and a new look. PEEP:
My, My, My…Ms. Digga…looking good.
ILLSEED.COM’S QUICKIES
Would you like to see a woman smash watermelons with her melons? You know you do, you sick bastard! Click here!
Darth Vader comes to America. No. This is so funny that watched it 5 times in a row A-HA! Thanks for sending it, G.
I know G.W. Bush has some supporters around here, but I am not one of them. Click here for the “Top 20 Dumbest Bush Quotes.”
It might be time to put wack MC’s on blast. I avoid that, but it’s getting crazy. Click here for one of the W.O.A.T.s.
If you enjoy seeing people FAIL in painful ways, click here.
Bishop Lamont is dissing Game again. SIGH. He claims Game got beat up and robbed in Amsterdam.
Rumor has it Bang ‘Em Smurf is out of jail. Hmmmm…maybe he converted to Islam and was forced to change his Hip-Hop name.
RANDOM QUOTEKanye says something to Vibe. Um…can somebody translate this for me?
“Jesus Walks” songwriter reveals, “I don’t believe in therapy. I believe you gotta walk it out, you gotta live it out…And sometimes you have to cry it out…I don’t believe in medication or painkillers. And I don’t believe in religion and giving it all up to Jesus.”
DIDDY TALKS TO DEREK LUKE AKA FILM DIDDY
X-MEN FAIL: BE EASYYYYYYYY HUGH!
Wait until after “Wolverine” drops to be doing all this wild ish!
SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END AND EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY
This is really a fail posing as a S.T.W.I.C.T.A.E. Lesson to the kids and old heads: never fight as an elderly person. If these funnies aren’t good enough, click here to read about a death row inmate that GOUGED THEN ATE HIS OWN EYE. Houston has nothing on this brother.
And the elderly founders of the Russian Bloods and Crips.
For more, go to illseed.com. Or just follow me at http://twitter.com/illseed
OLD PEOPLE, WE LOVE YOU!!!
They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!
-illseed
WHAT: Rumors
WHERE: AllHipHop.com, MySpace.com/TheIllseed
HOW: Send your rumors and ill pics to illseed at allhiphoprumors@gmail.com.
– allhiphop rumors
Naturi, Faith, Ms. Wallace Reply To Lil Kim’s Criticism
A week after Lil’ Kim vocalized her dissatisfaction over the forthcoming Biggie Smalls biopic Notorious, the women she attacked have responded to her comments.
Both Faith Evans and Naturi Naughton responded in shock to the Brooklyn rapper’s harsh words, which Evans, for one, has said were unfounded.
In an exclusive interview at the film’s New York City premiere on Wednesday (November 7), Naughton told AllHipHop.com that she was as surprised as any one else to hear that Kim was unhappy with her on-screen representation.
“I hope that when she sees it, she enjoys it,” said the 24-year-old former 3LW singer. “I really put my heart and soul into it, so I hope that her opinion isn’t affected by my performance. Because I wanted to bring her to life in a very real way, as best as I could. I try not to get distracted because people will like it and some people won’t. What can I say.”
Early last week, Kim stated that she had no intention on supporting the film, adding that she was outraged by the film and disappointed in Faith and Biggie’s mom Voletta Wallace for their involvement.
At issue primarily seems to be the negative depiction of her relationship with the slain rapper. “I was not involved in the movie,” she told Hip Hop Weekly. “[The filmmakers] never came and asked me anything about Biggie. But again, this was Faith and Ms. Wallace’s movie.”
Evans, whose 11-year-old son Christopher “CJ” Wallace, Jr. makes his acting debut as his father in the film, maintains that each person portrayed in the film had to authorize the use of their life’s rights in the film.
“I don’t think I would have signed anything had I felt I was not portrayed properly,” the former Mrs. Wallace told MTV in an interview Thursday (January 8). “I think she had the opportunity to do that. I could be mistaken. I wasn’t there.”
As for the final representation of Kim’s affair with B.I.G., Evans pointed out that in compiling information for the biography Unbelievable: The Life, Death and Afterlife of the Notorious B.I.G., on which Notorious is based, writer Cheo Hedari Cocker must have heard enough similar accounts from others to write what he wrote.
In related news, in an interview apparently conducted before the Lil’ Kim interview surfaced, Ms. Wallace expressed her desire to speak with the woman with whom she has remained at odds since her son’s murder in 1997.
“I saw a side of my son that I heard of but I haven’t accepted,” Ms. Wallace told Essence Magazine of her reaction to the film. “I’m angered by certain things, disappointed and shocked. So this film taught me tolerance and to be less critical. I would love to speak to Lil’ Kim, because I need to ask more about this love relationship because I really didn’t like the way he treated her and I’m praying that that’s not it. Only she can answer those questions. She’s a sweet girl and I didn’t think she deserved to be treated the way he treated her, if that’s the case.”
Notorious hits theaters next Friday (January 16) starring Angela Bassett as Ms. Wallace and Antonique Smith as Faith, alongside Naughton’s Lil’ Kim.
Jamal “Gravy” Woodard plays the adult Notorious B.I.G.
Classic Clashes: Death Certificate Vs. Me Against The World
2009 is here and the streets are uncertain. The economy is deteriorating. Political change and turmoil abound and socially we have police killing unarmed cooperating men. The more things change, the more they stay the same.The 1990s had similar issues and historically, in the tradition of Melle Mel, MC’s have generally risen to the occasion to feed the streets what they needed in terms of bringing attention to the issues of the day. Some rappers/groups get relegated to consciousville, while some can’t seem to shake their gangsta rap coats, or their bling bling identities. Very rarely is an emcee able to navigate all three of those realms without avoiding being stuck as far as perception goes. Not only is it a matter of variety, but also a matter of talent and versatility on the artist and the music they create.Two such rappers were Ice Cube and Tupac Shakur. Together they are probably as conscious as you can get without being preachy or zealous, as hard as you can get while still being considered “real”, and as entertaining as emcees as you could get without being soft.Death Certificate came in the aftermath of the Rodney King beating and civil unrest in South Central L.A.. Boyz-N- Da Hood made him a movie star as Dough Boy, and his post N.W.A. notoriety made him arguably the king of Hip-Hop at the time. The album is colored by Ice Cube’s experiementation with the Nation of Islam and features interludes with the late Khallid Muhammad. It features songs about gangbanging, from the mental process to the attempt at a truce. It angrily attacks (some would say unfairly) Korean grocers who owned shops in South Central. In all, while probably Cube’s angriest album, it stands the test of time thematically and execution wise.Me Against The World stands as Tupac’s most well rounded and introspective album. He had enough motherf***ers so the ignant n***as heard him, but conversely featured the timeless “Dear Mama” and the emotionally gripping “So Many Tears.” These songs featured a more mature ‘Pac, in full control of his voice and tempo and able to address societal issues while still remaining true to his artistry. Mentions of the tragic story of Chicago’s Robert “Yummy” Sandifer let you know that Tupac was informed on the ills he rapped about and not just grandstanding.With the Oscar Grant tragedy, rising financial upheaval, and everything else going on in this world, sometimes you miss rappers like this. Here’s some of their very best. Death Certificate vs. Me Against The World. All rappers ain’t built to be in that position. That’s okay. We just thank God for the few that are.
Peace
Jim Jones Named Vice Prez Of Urban A&R At Koch
Koch Records has announced that Harlem, New York rapper Jim Jones has joined the company’s executive staff, as Vice President of Urban A&R.
Jones will be responsible for signing and developing new talent for the Urban Division of Koch Records, which is the #1 independent record label in the United States.
“It feels good to know that the hard work has been recognized by the same people that have helped me get to this point in my career,” Jones told AllHipHop.com in a statement. “They recognize that I’m not only an artist but a person that can smell talent and be able to mold a superstar.”
Jim Jones’ solo albums On My Way to Church (2004), Harlem: Diary of a Summer (2005) and Hustler’s P.O.M.E. (2006) were all released via Koch Records.
Hustler’s P.O.M.E. contained Jones’ massive hit single “We Fly High (Ballin’).”
According to Alan Grunblatt, General Manager for Koch, Jones’ successes as a recording artist have helped put the label “on the map.”
“He truly knows what it takes to make a hit record. I am thrilled to be working with him for many years to come,” Grunblatt said.
The first release under Jones’ tenure with Koch will be the debut album by Juelz Santana’s new group, Skull Gang, which is due in stores February 24.
New singles from the album, “Body Like Mazi” and “Rock Starr” featuring Lil Wayne and Starr are scheduled to impact radio in the coming weeks.
Juelz Santana is also working on a new studio album that will be released in late 2009.
Hip Hop Reps for Oscar Grant Pt. 1
Hip Hop came out in full force to the Fruitvale BART station to protest the police execution of Oscar Grant. From hosts Christina Gomez and Dereca Blackman of the Bay
Area Local Organizing Committee along with several artist and a freestyle from Oakland rapper Jahi.
Hip Hop Reps for Oscar Grant Pt. 2
Oakland rap artists Ner City and Mister FAB and Pittsburgh, Pa rapper Jasiri
X made a rare trip to the Bay Area to show solidarity and make sure the word of the slaying of Oscar Grant III gets spreads for the world.
Hip Hop Reps for Oscar Grant Pt. 3
In part 3, Bay Area Hip Hop artists Sellessie, Tarik of Arab Summit and Mister FAB talk about the police shooting of Oscar Grant.