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Rakim P###. By Nick Wiz

“Dedicated”

R. Kelly Reveals Collabos For Sexually Charged 10th Album

R. Kelly has enlisted the likes of OJ Da Juiceman, Tyrese, The Dream, Keri Hilson and others for his tenth studio album, Untitled.

 

The majority of the 15-track album deals with Kelly’s favorite topic – sex.

 

The album features tracks like “Bangin’ The Headboard,” “Pregnant,” “Go Low,” and “Be My #2.”

 

Untitled features production by Jazze Pha, LOS Da Mystro, R. Kelly himself and others.

 

Last week, the lead single from Kelly’s Untitled album “Number One” featuring Keri Hilson marked Kelly’s 35th Top 10 hit on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

 

OJ Da Juiceman teams with R. Kelly on the track “Supaman High,” while Tyrese, Robin Thicke and The Dream are featured on the song “Pregnant.”

 

R. Kelly is currently on the sold-out “Ladies Make Some Noise!” tour, which ends on December 8.

 

The track listing for Untitled is as follows:

 

1. Crazy Night featuring R. City (Produced by R. Kelly & Lil Ronnie) 2.Exit (Produced by R. Kelly & Jazze Pha) 3. Echo (Produced by R. Kelly, Infinity & Darhyl “DJ” Camper) 4. Bangin’ The Headboard (Produced by R. Kelly, Darhyl “DJ” Camper & Infinity) 5. Go Low (Produced by R. Kelly) 6. Whole Lotta Kisses (Produced by R. Kelly) 7. Like I Do (Produced by R. Kelly & LOS Da Mystro) 8. Number One featuring Keri Hilson (Produced by R. Kelly, Roy ‘Royalty’ Hamilton & Raphael Hamilton) 9. I Love The DJ (Produced by R. Kelly & Soulshock and Karlin) 10.Supaman High featuring OJ Da Juiceman (Produced by R. Kelly &Willy Will) 11. Be My #2 (Produced by R. Kelly & Jack Splash) 12. Text Me (Produced by R. Kelly & Gaz) 13. Religious (Produced by R. Kelly, Eric Dawkins & Antonio Dixon) 14. Elsewhere (Produced by R. Kelly & Christopher ‘Deep’ Henderson) 15. Pregnant featuring Tyrese, Robin Thicke and The-Dream (Produced by R. Kelly, Berris Bolton & DeWayne Swan)

Former Outlawz Member Launching ‘Napoleon TV’

Former Outlawz member Mutah “Napoleon” Beale will launch a new TV show in Britain to introduce people to Islam.

 

Napoleon TV will launch December 1 on Sky’s Up & Coming channel and will air across Europe and North Africa.

 

Beale will present a number of different celebrities being introduced to the Quran, segments on Fatwa’s and advice from accredited scholars, which will help Western Muslims in need of guidance.

 

“It seems like here in America the media is attacking Islam in every way possible, so I decided to use the media to give people an understanding about the true religion of Islam, which is whole and peaceful” Beale told Al Arabiya.

 

The name of the show, Napoleon TV is a nod to his former rap alias as a member of Tupac Shakur’s group The Outlawz.

 

Napoleon TV will also feature exclusive footage of Beale opening an orphanage in Gambia in partnership with UK charity, Muslim Global Relief.

 

The charity is personal for Beale, who was left an orphan after his parents were murdered in front of him during a botched robbery attempt.

 

His older brother Seike Beale committed suicide after the ordeal.

 

“I was an orphan and this is something I want to do because it is close to my heart,” Beale said. “I will not be making a single penny out of this all money raised will go towards helping orphaned children.”

 

As a member of The Outlawz, Napoleon was featured on a number of hit albums with Tupac Shakur, including Me Against the World, All Eyez On Me as well as Pac’s infamous diss track “Hit ‘Em Up.”

 

“People will get to see me going about my business while always striving to get closer to Allah,” Napoleon said.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Wacka Flocka In Jail? Nicki Minaj: Ghostwriter! Cam’ron ENDS IT!

DISCLAIMER:

 

All content within this section is pure rumor and generally have no factual info outside of what the streets have whispered in our ear. Read on.

 

    THE DAILY TWO SENSE!

 

 ParodyI HATE 50 CENT!!!! Rrrrraaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! AllHiphop HATES G-UNIT! Rarrrrrrhhhh!! We also hate Sohh, Nicole Bitchie, Beyonce and Jay-Z! We hate bloggers! Come on people! I was reading the comments in the editorial by “Good Guy” and they were outrageously off base! I couldn’t even stomach how much people assume stuff! Nobody hates 50 Cent! In fact, we have a very good “relationship” with them as a company. And 50’s cool with the people over here, you know bosses and whatever! I don’t know, but people say I say slick stuff about 50, but I don’t. I may comment on things, which is what anybody in my position does. So, dead it! Long live 50 Cent!

 

 

    Despite the mayhem 50 creates…I still hear boom bap in the beats he raps over and I appreciate that. Sue me. Oh, read the review of BISD!

 

    DID HE OR DIDN’T HE? LIL WAYNE’S STATUS!

 

    Did Nivea go into labor on Sunday, November 15? My sources say Nivea has NOT had Lil Wayne’s new baby yet. But still the rumors linger and remain that she did in fact give birth to a son. This would be, is going to be or is his fourth kid. Nivea now has four kids too – well Wayne’s will make it four. These kids get busy!

 

 

 

    But, is Wayne dating Shanell, the singer/song writer down with Young Money? That’s all we care about. I think he needs to make things right with Lauren London to further punctuate that something is wrong with the world. 

 

 

    Wayne and Young Money are slated to drop an album the day he’s sentenced to jail, December 15.

 

    WACKA FLOCKA IN JAIL?

 

    The So Icey team won’t be seeing Gucci Mane for at least six months, but it may be as much as a year! Sadly, I’m also hearing there are other tragedies coming for fans of the crew. This is gonna be short but its 100% true, I’m told. According to my sources, Wacka Flocka has been locked up. I don’t know the details but it’s for something really big. The people from his camp are saying that it’s serious. I am not familiar with this dude, but I listened to some of his music. I don’t know. I guess I hope he ain’t in a cage.

 

    NICKI MINAJ ISN’T SANTOGOLD!

 

    There is a song from Nicki Minaj that got me thinking that maybe sis is trying to be Santogold Part Deux. I listened to this song several times before deciding that Nicki was just playing or something. The song is “Saxon” and it’s not a bad song, but it just doesn’t sound anything like Nicki. Well, it DOES sound like something Rihanna would do and that’s just what it was. The song is a reference track for a joint Nicki wrote for Rihanna. Only thing is, Rihanna didn’t use the song, but it is still a banger…:

 

 

   

 

    MORE TAHIRY RUMORS!

 

 

    So, there is a new rumor with Tahiry, but I want you to read this first. Initially, I forgot why I would be hearing this rumor in the first place and then it struck me…

 

    Joe Budden: “That’s the new thing though. To say ‘No disrespect’ and to be disrespectful. That’s the latest trend. I don’t have a problem with Bow Wow or JD or Trey Songz, especially JD. Everybody’s wanted to do something with his girl (Janet Jackson) at some point in their lifetime. The other side of me starts to say, there are other people of notoriety out there with attractive girlfriends and you don’t hear these rappers speak in such a manner about them [their girlfriends]. So when I see Bow Wow, should I f**k him up? He’s not going to get on camera and say, “Yeah, Beyonce…I’ll f**k the s**t outta her.” Or “I’ll stick my d**k in her butt,” so when I see Trey Songz, should I f**k him up? That’s what the other side of me says. Aside from that, when I ignore that…she’s a beautiful girl. I would say the same thing..maybe not on camera, but I would think it. They can try and they will fail.”

 

 

    So, is Trey Songz some sort of patient dude or something? There are rumors that these two are an item. Like I said Tahiry and Trey Songz makes no sense until you put it in perspective of the past comments. Then it makes more sense. Email me if you know anything about this. I’ve read about lil stuff in clubs and whatever, but nothing crazy.

 

    FONZWORTH BENTLEY TALKS BEANIE SIGEL ALBUM, DIDDY, GIRLFRIEND AND MORE!!

 

    

    

 

 

    Fonzworth Bentley has been hanging out in Philly all week long and while in town he stopped by, “LIVE with KENDRA G.” 100.3 THE BEAT PHILLY. Check out the interview to see Bentley talking about being in the studio with Beanie Sigel , his new album and if he will sign to Bad Boy Records with his former boss and what it REALLY takes to “Work for Diddy.” He also talks about his girlfriend and who his celebrity crush is…you’ll never guess!!

    

   

 

 

    UK RAPPER ROBBED!

 

    I thought the United States had the patent on acting stupid towards their rap artists. Well, that’s not the case, eh? I heard lil’ Tinchy Stryder was robbed of £10,000 worth of jewels! (That’s about $17,000 in the U.S.) Dude was just minding his own when he was stepped to by a couple of men. Well, those men robbed him! But, what I heard was his crew jumped in and stopped the robbery from being fully executed. The police arrested one man and Tinchy got his stuff back, I heard. Ice is played out anyway!

 

    ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

 

    Santo Valentino and I may know the identity of a certain vixen that has booty shots injected to enhance her backside.

 

 

    Shout out to XXL. They have a list of the Top 100 web sites. I copped it and saw AllHipHop.com included.

 

    RIP to Ken Ober, a comedian and host of MTV’s 80’s “Remote Control,” has passed away at the age of 52.

 

    I’m still wondering what “scheduling conflict” can cancel the rest of Jay-Z’s entire tour…

 

    Pleasure P is Eddie Murphy’s daughter Bria, who is 19. You might remember her from the Gucci Mane vid. She’s going to stop with this mess! I don’t know her, but she is getting off on the wrong foot! LOL!

 

    Jermaine Dupri and Janet Jackson are not dating, but remain close friends. Damn, JD! Handle that son! JD paid like $3.2 million in taxes to the IRS. Dude is ballin!

 

 

    Gilbert Arenas and Laura Goven are still together, rumors say. Looks like Shaq may have lost one, but Gil decided to forgive his lady’s antics! Hmmmmm, she should sleep with one eye open.

 

 

 

    BEYONCE CROWD SURFS!

 

   

 

    WHAT IN THE HELL? AARON HALL IS DOING WHAT?

 

    Aaron Hall is known as a helluva singer and a pioneer in the New Jack Swing movement with Guy. But now, dude is doing a show called “Dog Rehab.” Check this out!

 

   

 

    Maybe he can tame DMX? Bad joke, I know! Maybe he can help Mike Vick? Terrible, I am!

 

    RANDOM QUOTES

 

    Cam’ron lays it down and shatters Stan’s dreams.

 

 

    “To keep it 100, Dipset is Dipset, but it’s over and they got to get over it.”

 

    Beyonce is not ready for kids, no matter what you or Jay want!

 

     ‘It’s not time for that yet. But definitely there will be a time. I want to be a great mother, the kind of mother that I have. I want the same bond that I had with my mom and that would be enough for me.”

 

    Chris Brown on dating…

 

    “My whole dating thing, I’ve been kinda chillin’. I mean, I’m Chris Brown. I’m not saying it like that, but it’s just, like, girls are gonna be around. I love women. But I would say I’ve just been chillin’. I haven’t really been trying to get into a relationship or trying to date anybody. I’ve just kinda been working on me. Like I said, just really getting me straight.” – MTV News

 

    DIDDY’S EX AND JUSTIN GO SHOPPING!

 

    This is more than Diddy’s ex. This is Misa and she’s a fashion designer to the fullest. Her and Diddy’s son are approaching that mark of 16. I wonder what they will do? I wonder if I can go shopping soon. Recession, be gone!

 

   

 

 A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR!!!!!

Kicking off tonight’s HIP HOP INVASION on Fuse at 7p/6c is an exclusive

interview with *WALE* on the *”Hip Hop Shop,”* hosted by music and pop

culture insider *Toure’*. Here’s what to expect in the exclusive interview:

* The role of “raw emotion” in his album, which he thinks is lacking

in hip hop

* Using a live band instead of beats

* Working with Lady Gaga on his song “Chillin”

* He explains his song “Shades,” about skin color discrimination

within African-American culture

* How Black Thought of The Roots influenced him

* The lack of major rappers from DC – himself possibly being the first

* His Seinfeld-inspired “Mixtape About Nothing,” he and Toure

discuss their reactions to Michael Richards’ slurs

After the exclusive Wale interview, here are some highlights of what’s

in store on tonight’s Hip Hop Invasion:

*-TUPAC SHAKUR:*  Before I Wake at 9pm/8c & Juice at 10pm/9c

Make sure to be part of the invasion – check the schedule!

http://www.fuse.tv/ontv/shows/hip-hop-invasion/

    SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END

 

    Here is the issue: restlessness. I was walking and an old homeless man said, “We’re getting restlesssssss…” it was scary as hell, but it seems to be the case.  This recent report is proof of that: A homeless man in some country place in the U.S. went into a Starbucks and tossed a scalding hot cup of coffee in a worker’s face. Whoa! The crazy thing is the homeless man was just 28, so his frustration was probably super high. He was in the store asking for coffee and a roll. They gave him the coffee and he eventually threw it in the girl’s face. He failed though. There were two police officers in the shop at the time. They took him down and then downtown. The female worker was treated for first- and second-degree burns to her face and upper body. The dude is in jail now. At least he’s got a home now.

 

    EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY

 

    I can’t believe what is on the mind’s of some people. I scoop this off of ajc.com.

 

    According to the student’s attorney, Forde pulled the 16-year-old student out of class and asked him if he was gay.

 

    “A child’s sexuality is never a teacher’s business,” said Marcia Killebrew, the student’s mother. “I feel like the man was being extremely inappropriate.”

 

    The next day, the teacher got into a verbal altercation in an algebra class, said Madden.

 

    “The teacher threatened to hit him in his ‘f-ing mouth,’” Madden said.

 

    A few days later, Forde asked another student to “put a hit” on the teenager, according to a police report.

 

    “The suspect advised the witness that he would pay him to kill the victim,” the report states.

 

 

    What is going on? A teacher putting a hit out on a kid? This teacher fails! I will say this, there are conflicting reports and the teacher may be innocent.

 

    His mug shot looks guilty.

 

   

 

    Click here for the other Epic Fail if this one was too serious for you. In fact I have a couple fails that should make you happy!

 

 

    MISSY AND DIDDY!

 

    I wonder if Missy ever got that money she alleges Diddy owes her. This made me think of this video that featured both of them and a cameo from Biggie Smalls.

 

   

CHANCE ENCOUNTERS!

Check out some rumors and info from my homey Chance (not the reality show dude!). He’s got some interesting stuff! check it out!

MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO

Fresh off a weekend with the kids (Rick Ross’s) Floyd Mayweather is back to the boxing business.  A lot of people want to see him go at it with Manny Pacquiao and he’s ready to make it happen…as soon as Manny says he wants it.  Floyd says “every time someone asks [Manny] if he wants to fight me, he says it is up

to his promoter, he’s going to take a vacation, whatever the answer is.

I have yet to hear him actually say, yes”.  So ummmmm if that’s all it takes let’s make it happen.  Meanwhile here Floyd is makin it rain in Vegas this past weekend.

POINT EM OUT

A former member of Mase’s S.A.N.E.church has decided it’s time to call Ma$e out for being a false prophet.  He released this song “Eviction” exposing him and says a lot of people are starting to leave the church due to lack of faith in their leader.

TREY GETS IT “JUST RIGHT”

Anybody watching Ray-J’s show???  Well apparently there was a contestant on it by the name of Just Right and she was recently booted but she may not have been booted for the reason they said she was.  Word is she was actually dating Trey Songz on the side and Ray couldn’t deal with it but they edited that story out of the show.  Here they are at a party the other day:

I’M JUST SAYIN’

I want to see “The Carter Documentary” who has a free copy for me??? Hmmmmmmm

Pleasure P is dating Eddie Murphys daughter … he says Eddie Murphy has “given his blessing”.

Wendy Williams has been extended until 2012…producers say “despite what is being reported rating have increased 23%.”

Beyonce says the time is still not right to have some young’ns … sorry Hov.

Latoya Jackson says MJ’s oldest son Prince has the same skin condition as his pops.

Why do Jay-Z and Beyonce always sleep in different rooms???

The Game starts taping new episodes in January…YES!!!!!!!

Janet Jackson says her and Jermaine are not together but are still “best friends” … so I guess he doesn’t have to apologize for Nelly’s bday party last week:

GOOD TIMES

RiRi returned to the stage yesterday for her first full show since CB broke her off…then it was to a star studded after party that included The Carters and Young Jeezy.  She was definitely having a good time and word is she was hella drunk when she left.

P.S. There’s a record on RiRi’s new album called “Cold Case Love” in which she addresses the CB incident.

ChanceCDR – @ Twitter or Gmail

50 CENT, WE LOVE YOU!!!

They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!

-illseed

WHO: illseed.com

WHAT: Rumors

WHERE: AllHipHop.com, MySpace.com/TheIllseed

HOW: Send your rumors and ill pics to illseed at [email protected].

Wednesday Fashion Feature – Trend Alert: Rugby Shirts

Rugby shirts have had their fair share of popularity over the years. Do many Americans actually care for the sport? Probably not. But the latest styles received on DrJays.com have a preppy, polished yet street look blended together which you can’t lose with.

 

Available in various color combinations, and with different levels of details (embroidered patches, prints, buttons, etc.), these rugby shirts will have your repping for your favorite urban brands instead of actual rugby teams.

 

You may see the rugby look in various fabrics, but the classic heavy weight soft cotton fabric makes them even more ideal for brutal fall/winter months.

 

Rock them with a clean pair of jeans, some fresh sneakers or workboots and you’re good to go.

 

Cop yourself a modern long sleeved piece like the Spoils Ruby by AKOO, the Rugby Top With Screen Back by COOGI, or the Polo Grounds Rugby by Triple 5 Soul:

 

The Spoils Ruby by AKOO

 

Rugby Top With Screen Back by COOGI

 

Polo Grounds Rugby by Triple 5 Soul

 

Crossover into a polo style, with short sleeved striped pieces like the Rugby Top by COOGI and the Gov’nor Polo by LRG

 

Rugby Top by COOGI

 

The Gov’nor Polo by LRG

AllHipHop ChartWatch: Rakim Cometh! Jay-Z & BEP Hold It Down! MJ Makes SoundScan Change Up!

ChartWatch for November 18, 2009

 Here is something interesting. Michael Jackson has caused SoundScan to make some changes in how they report album sales. With the renewed success of Thriller and his Greatest Hits album, older catalog release will be included in the new releases. So, as the highest selling artist of 2009, Taylor Swift can see competition from people that released albums over 20 years ago like MJ, who is the second-highest selling act this year. Normally, these older albums are in a separate chart.

So, lets get into it.

First

up, Jay-Z sells 33,000 copies of The Blueprint

3 but dips from the 13th to No. 18.  Then we have The Black Eyed Peas whose album,

The E.N.D, continues to move numbers selling another 30,000 copies this week – impressive! 

D.C

native Wale enters the countdown at number 27, selling 26,000 copies of his

debut disc.  His album, Attention Deficit, is getting some

pretty good reviews, and while selling 26,000 copies is not bad in this

climate, it could be better.  There are

rumors that the album didn’t get the push it deserved, and that it was hard to

find.  Two questions:  What are your thoughts on the album (This is

for people who actually listened to the album…not people who just have an

opinion on Wale), and, if you bought the album, did you have trouble finding it?

(Once again this is for people that actually bought the album and not…well you

get the point.)  Either way congratulations

go out to Wale for moving some debut album units.

Last but not least is Hip-Hop’s current golden boy, Drake.  The Canadian MC sells another 12,000 copies

of So Far Gone and maintains his position at number 45.  The newcomer continues to sell units of his

album before the album.  If this is any

indication of future album sales, Drake’s debut should be a chart topper. 

 

Dropping

This Week

 

We

have some good albums this week.  One of

raps top earners returns to the streets, a legend in the game finally drops his

long awaited album and a ghetto boy gets some redemption.

Some

of you have been waiting…..some of you haven’t….but no matter…its here.  Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson takes a break from

watching Rick Ross’s kids (it’s funny…disrespectful…but still funny) to drop

his fourth studio album. (Before the 50 fans start commenting this is his 5th

album if you include Power of the Dollar.Before

I Self Destruct is the rapper’s last album for Interscope (not including a

greatest hits) and is said by him to have a much “darker and aggressive

tone.”  The album is accompanied by a

movie of the same title.  Before I Self Destruct, has guest appearances

from Eminem, Ne-Yo, Loyd Banks, and R. Kelly, and features production by Dr.

Dre, Havoc, Polo Da Don, Rockwilder, Black Key, DJ Khalil, and J. Keys.  50 has managed to remain a force in the music

industry…but not necessarily for his music. 

His last album, Curtis, was

given mixed reviews but hopefully Before

I Self Destruct, having few appearances and more of a focus on 50, will

have better fortune.  50 fans, 50 haters,

and all those in between should give this one a chance and pick it up.

William

Michael Griffin Jr., better known as Rakim, returns after more than eight years

to drop his third solo studio album.  The Seventh Seal was originally supposed

to be released in 2002 as Oh, My God

on Dr. Dre’s Aftermath record label. 

Since that time Rakim has left the label and totally reworked the

album.  He now releases The Seventh Seal which features Maino,

Tracey Horton, I.Q., Samuel Christian, and Rakim’s daughter, Destiny

Griffin.  It’s Rakim.  I really don’t know what else to say.  He and Eric B brought you Paid In Full, Follow The Leader, Let The Rhythm Hit ‘Em, and Don’t

Sweat the Technique.  There is not

enough that can be said about his influence so if you want to hear some real

Hip Hop, pick this one up.

The

next rapper started of one weekend trick or treating, moved on to robbing some

kids, and ended up fighting a seven foot figure of his imagination.  Bushwick Bill, solo and as one third of the

Geto Boys, has been a controversial figure in Hip Hop.  He is now releasing his sixth solo, and first

Christian, album.  That’s right…Bushwick

Bill is releasing a Christian rap album titled Testimony of Redemption.  Bushwick

Bill was done a lot in his lifetime, from threatening reporters to shooting

himself in the eye, but has now turned it around to become a born again

Christian.  It should be interesting to

see how his storytelling skills transfer to Christian rap.  If you get a chance pick this one up.

Murs

and Slug are two well known rappers that still remain underground.  Each has dropped some critically acclaimed

work of their own, but together they are known as Felt.  The Los Angeles wordsmith and Minneapolis MC

have released Felt: A Tribute to

Christina Ricci, Felt 2: A Tribute to

Lisa Bonet, and now release Felt 3: A

Tribute to Rosie Perez.  Murs and

Slug drop some quality music so if you get a chance check this one out.

Nas, Damian Marley Gather Rap Legends For Debate

Nas and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley have teamed with National Geographic and V-Tech to present the “Distant Relatives” panel debate in Washington, DC next month.

 

The “Distant Relatives” panel debate will feature DJ Kool Herc, DJ Red Alert, dance hall legend Daddy U-Roy , Jeff Chang, Rakim and King Jammy.

 

The discussion will be moderated by radio personality/MTV host Sway Calloway. The event, which is being filmed for a documentary, will explore the origins of Hip-Hop in addition to the global impact the genre of music has had around the world.

 

For those who cannot attend the actual event, the discussion will also be streamed live and broadcast via National Geographic’s natgeomusic.net website.

 

An after party and open-mic show at DC nightclub Zanzibar will take place following the discussion.

 

Nas and Damian Marley’s “Distant Relatives” panel is slated to take place at National Geographic’s Grosvenor Auditorium on December 12.

 

Tickets are limited as tickets are going for $25 and also include entry into the after party.

 

Nas and Damian Marley’s collaboration album Distant Relatives is due out in 2010.

50 Cent: Before I Self Destruct (Album Review)

It’s been 10 years since Hip-Hop’s favorite antagonist unofficially released Power of the Dollar, the introductory EP which sparked controversy with “How to Rob,” a lyrical thrill-ride that jacked the music industry elite of the day. In those 10 years, 50 Cent has had a career that is the stuff of legends. By now, you should know the story by heart, orphaned early in life, shot nine times; he became a mixtape king and then shook up the world by signing with Dr. Dre and Eminem. Music, movies, books, clothing, a fragrance, even a $100 million come-up with Vitamin Water, the G-Unit General re-wrote the Hip-Hop blueprint all the while still being the rapper you love to hate.

With the release of Get Rich or Die Trying in 2003, 50 Cent charmed audiences worldwide with a flow all his own, his storytelling skills and braggadocio were unrivaled, he returned two years later with The Massacre, the deluxe version of which launched his love affair with short videos; he made one for every song on the album. But, it was 2007’s, Curtis, that marked a turning point, some would say a decline, for Fif, losing his album sales challenge to Kanye West’s Graduation put a c#### in his armor, leaving him in a position where he has been before, poised for a comeback and ready to prove his detractors wrong. With Before I Self Destruct, that is exactly what he does.

From the intro, 50 Cent sets the stage for a darker and more ominous album. He waxes nostalgic on “Then Days Went By,” reminiscing on his pre-rap days, (Keep f**king with me you gon’ turn me back to Boo-Boo/have me casing out your crib/tryin’ to pop your f**king noodle). But it’s on one of the strongest tracks on the album, “Death to My Enemies”, produced by Dr. Dre and Mark Batson, where he comes closest to the aggressive and creative threatening that made him a superstar, (I’m like Damien n***a/when I start getting loose on you/closest thing to Lucifier/make you think you got a noose on you/I make it hard to breathe/I come where you hustle, air it out/make it hard to eat.)

50 plays to his many female fans on “Baby By Me” featuring Neyo, sampling himself on the hook, he promises that conceiving a child with him will make a lucky girl a millionaire, and then he turns around and releases his anger on the one woman who actually did have a baby by him. His ex-girlfriend, Shaniqua Tompkins feels the wrath on “Do You Think About Me.” (That’s why my ex is my ex/you don’t wanna be her/she used to have the Beemer/now she on the sneaker/I had her eating lobster/now she eating pizza). The song is a warning for groupies worldwide and yet still manages to pull off charisma and ghetto romance.

On “Psycho”, 50 and Eminem rekindle their familiar chemistry and the song is all that it would be expected to be, energetic and just a little psycho. 50 and Em fire warning shots at their respective enemies, all powered by a good, yet predictable Dre beat. 

With only three guest appearances on the album, Neyo, Eminem, and R. Kelly on “Could’ve Been You”, 50 puts himself and his skill in the foreground. Songs like “Crime Wave”, “Get It Hot”, and “Ok, You’re Right” are classic 50 Cent. He rides the tracks with the lyrical dexterity of a gymnast. Like most G-Unit affiliated albums, many of the producers on the album are lesser-known, making their work more important than their discographies. Dr. Dre has three tracks on BISD, Havoc, Rockwilder and Polow da Don each have one on the 16 track album, but skills on the boards and compatibility play a major role.

 

Not a perfect album, Before I Self Destruct, lags a bit in spots, but makes up for it in sheer effort, the album is a great offering from 50 Cent sure to quiet his naysayers… for now. Sorry, haters, but there will be no destruction here, unless it’s the enemies of Curtis Jackson.

 

“Stretch”

 

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“So Disrespectful”

 

50 Cent’s Ultimate Challenge: How To Market Beanie Sigel (Part 1)

 The views expressed inside this editorial aren’t necessarily the views of AllHipHop.com or its employees.

It’s the second biggest move in the history of Hip-Hop free agency, surpassed only by Tupac’s signing with Death Row Records in October of 1995.

Want another example?

It’s the best affiliation since Lex Luger became an Associate Member of pro wrestling’s most elite unit – the Four Horsemen (Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard, Ole and Arn Anderson) – in the Winter of 1987.

50 Cent, as the new Suge Knight and second James J. Dillon, now faces his ultimate challenge – how to properly market Beanie Sigel, a task that Roc-A-Fella Records failed to perform.

I know, because in September 2002 I was involved in a dialogue with Roc-A-Fella’s marketing department about how to better position all of the artists on the label, aside from Jay-Z. The strategy was sophisticated but revolved around coordinating an ‘outside the industry,’ strategy with the standard record promotion.

The plan I laid out was the re-positioning Cam’ron and Beanie Sigel, not just as ‘hustlers’ and ‘gangsters,’ but as real power brokers and true ‘bosses’ in the communities from which they came – Harlem and Philly, respectively. What we discussed was revolutionary and would have built upon the street credibility of the artists and converted that form of power into others – in the business sector and political arena. They would have been true shot-callers with their neighborhoods as home base from which they would make power moves, generate positive media coverage, and break into new market segments as artists. The plan would have made them bigger and broadened their appeal beyond their current fan base.

Roc-A-Fella loved the specifics of what I outlined. Cam’ron’s manager wanted to move forward with the strategy and all that remained was for a meeting to be arranged to finalize details. Then, we agreed, we would immediately apply the model to Beanie Sigel.

Then, came the surprising news, confirming for me what I had only heard as rumors regarding how decisions were made at Roc-A- Fella Records.

I was informed that Jay-Z’s brilliant business manager, John Meneilly, who was a key decision-maker at the label (a fact that many don’t realize) put the initiative on ice because it would somehow distract or interfere with Jay-Z’s efforts to position himself more positively in community affairs. I was told by Roc-A-Fella that John Meneilly felt that what I proposed was essentially the same thing that was already in motion around Jay-Z’s efforts to do things in the borough of Brooklyn, timed perfectly with the release of Blueprint II.

I was told that all of this would be the subject of an upcoming 60 Minutes feature on Jay-Z. My Roc-A-Fella contact told me that after Jay-Z had the chance to establish himself in this new light, the label would look to incorporate my strategic advice.

I was disappointed a bit, not understanding why what was good for Jay-Z wasn’t good for his labelmates, but I was also excited to know that someone as influential as Jay-Z was moving in this direction. I started thinking of ways to support his efforts.

The 60 Minutes special came, Blueprint II dropped. and Jay-Z did get credit for a few good works. But the effort was heavily top-down (corporate –driven) nothing at all like what I proposed for Beanie Sigel and Cam’ron which would have had them building power and positioning themselves from the streets-up.

I’m sure 60 Minutes did not represent all that Jay-Z was trying to do but I got no indication that Roc-A-Fella pushed back or was disappointed in the feature that really was more of a biography piece designed to further mainstream Jay-Z or make him less threatening.

It was a good look for Jay in that respect, but nothing that could benefit Beanie Sigel or Cam’ron, I thought.

Being ‘positive’ and ‘giving back’ through donations, foundations, corporate partners and appearances is nice but not the same as developing an artist’s street, political, and business leadership profile outside of the industry, in ways that connect them to everyday people and help them sell more records.

What Sigel needed was more power positioning not just good cause marketing.

I truly think Jay-Z qualifies as a Hip-Hoppreneur™ of the highest caliber (and by the way, I’m even considering that he has now, in my mind, maybe replaced KRS-One as the greatest rapper of all-time), but his approach to building power is dependent upon his advancing through elite social and business circles, which generate deal flow and high profile opportunities, but which also by nature, demand less risk-taking, and more conservative and non-threatening decision-making.

It’s a sound strategy, but only one that he and a handful of mega-stars can pull off. The benefits of what he generates have opened many doors for Roc-A-Fella artists (and I do believe Jay-Z’s heart’s desire was to help all of his artists enjoy success) but it did not develop them according to their own natural strengths. They were not on the elite social level that he was, and did not have the same quality team infrastructure he did (business managers, agents, lawyers, publicists) therefore, they could not take advantage of what he made possible for them. And I’m sure that Jay is right when he says many of his artists shot themselves in the foot and expected him to carry them.

But that expectation occurs sometimes when someone has to operate in the shadows of another. A dependency is created, although not intentional. I believe the way Roc-A-Fella marketed their other artists made them Jay-Z dependent.

Whether intentional or not, I believe the label signed artists that served to provide a contrast to Jay-Z and protect his image from becoming too distant from the streets. Therefore, any effort to strategically position Roc-A-Fella’s street-oriented artists in ways that would have moved them outside of the first level category of Jay-Z’s creative protégés, or team members, and into the category of real community leaders with juice from the block to the boardroom, making moves on their own, was not seen in his best interests as an artist, or brand.

Remember to pull off the mainstream success that Jay-Z enjoys you have to become increasingly less threatening, radical, and risk-taking. I believe John Meneilly has been most influential in directing Jay’s career in this manner.

I have no knowledge that Jay-Z was even aware of the discussions that I was having with the label, so I can’t blame him in anyway for not executing the plan on behalf of Beanie Sigel and Cam’ron. But clearly his handlers and team infrastructure were on the eye for any internal competition that would ‘steal’ attention from him. In that sense what was in the best interest of Roc-A-Fella artists (whom Jay-Z publicly called his ‘earners’) was not seen as in his best interests, I think.

A music industry friend of mine sent me an email recently expressing the following:

“Looking at what the sputtering Def Jam did under Jay’s presidency shows he can’t help make certain kinds of artists better. Jay-Z is Michael Jordan with the Washington Wizards, he’s Prince with any other talent he’s ever had, he’s Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis trying to run a record label. Some people can’t function outside of their comfort zone and blowing an artist up makes Jay uncomfortable because he does not want to end his own career by accident.”

I’m just not sure, but the evidence does seem to be there.

My proposal to strategically re-position Roc-A- Fella artists as street credible figures turned community leaders and power brokers stalled. I had little contact with the label until the Summer of 2003, only after the drama and bad publicity caused by Beanie Sigel’s arrest for attempted murder and the criminal justice issues of other members of his crew were dominating Philadelphia and music industry headlines.

At the lowest point, when Sigel was sentenced to jail time, I received a call from my contact in the marketing department of Roc-A-Fella who told me, “Cedric, I wish we had taken your advice. It would have really helped Sigel and my Philly guys.”

While others saw Beanie Sigel’s jail time as another great moment in Hip-Hop’s tradition of ‘keep it realism,’ I was saddened.

How great of an artist and a leader this man can become, I thought to myself.

****

Jay-Z knew what he had in Beanie Sigel – saying years ago that Sigel would eventually go down in the category of a Tupac or Scarface. While he gave tremendous support to the artist, his label’s business model, marketing strategy and the politics that surround his deserved position as Roc-A-Fella’s cornerstone and top biller prevented him from fulfilling his vision for Sigel. And again, I don’t believe Sigel necessarily had the team infrastructure of advisers to pull it off anyway.

So, he could only do his part – making records that would one day give him that legendary status Jay-Z predicted of him.

By my count, for over 6 years, Sigel’s career has needed to take a new direction.

Now, in 2009 it has that chance.

Enter 50 Cent, the man whom I write in my book The Entrepreneurial Secret (http://www.theEsecret.com/) is the example of entrepreneurship by necessity.

Many will argue – but in my mind Beanie Sigel has the potential to become the most introspective (the ability to look inside one’s self and express one’s own thoughts and feelings) rapper in the history of Hip-Hop. I have never heard a rapper more aware, honest, comfortable and clear in expressing the personal knowledge of self and how that affects their ability (or inability) to influence their environment. Anyone who has heard ‘Dear Self’ (Can I Talk To You?), ‘What Your Life Like,’ ‘Prayer,’ Got Nowhere,’ ‘Remember Them Days,’ and ‘Mom Pray,’ knows his ability to weave in wisdom, inspiration, and emotional intensity with a honest picture of his imperfections and shortcomings. His worldview is not just street or ‘gangster,’ its spiritual and philosophical, laced with strategic vision.

I have said that Jay-Z is the classic journalist in Hip-Hop and Nas is the classic novelist. In Sigel, you have an autobiographer (different from the story-telling ability of Scarface, Ice Cube, and Slick Rick, for example). Only Tupac can compare in this area (Styles P. of The Lox and Ghostface Killah deserve honorable mention too) among ‘mainstream’ artists. But what Sigel has that they lack is the ability to weave it together with spirituality and a greater grasp of wisdom and philosophy. While others quote the scriptures, sages, and certain Teachings, I don’t get the impression they are fully comfortable or have a handle on what they are saying and how it relates to their personality (RZA of Wu-Tang Clan would be the only exception).

So 10 years after signing with Roc-A-Fella, in his new association with 50 Cent, Sigel has what he has always needed to evolve him into the legendary all-time great artist that Jay-Z recognized, but could not position properly in the marketplace.

In 50 Cent, Beanie Sigel has found an unusually self-aware artist and business strategist who is creatively fearless (‘How To Rob’ is the most entrepreneurial and risky record in the history of Hip-Hop). In Beanie Sigel, 50 has the most talented artist he has ever had the chance to work with.

They both have similar personalities. They appreciate the principle of subordination (waiting your turn and understanding that helping another person look bigger than you makes you bigger. I write about it in The Entrepreneurial Secret). On paper, they have much more potential synergy and better chemistry than Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel.

My industry friend emailed, “Being around 50 should allow him more creative freedom. Beans said he took the initiative and brought many things to the Roc table, but wasn’t well rewarded for doing so. 50 has been begging his artists to be this way. He’s tired of ‘being the smartest guy in the room’ so to speak. At this stage in his life (later for his career) 50 needs to prove his brand is relevant and can sustain itself. Beans’ personality is compatible with 50’s philosophies. Whereas Jay-Z wanted a right hand man or distant number two, 50 has a different concept of how his organization should work. He prides himself on his operation being autonomous. He wants to build something, while Jay-Z wants to be a star. Jay-Z spends a great deal of his time promoting Jay-Z.”

The key to marketing Beanie Sigel is the creative process by which his new album will be made, and whether or not 50 Cent can execute an unusual way of positioning him in the public.

Otherwise, all this will amount to is short-term publicity for both artists, and a great set up for 50’s new album, including a manufactured ‘beef’ with Jay-Z.

But nothing long-term for Beanie Sigel.

To do more with Sigel than Jay-Z did, 50 will have to do more than just position him as a ‘shooter’ or a street legend. That’s too easy.

Beanie Sigel is an absolute goldmine, if marketed right – an unusual talent who requires and deserves unusual marketing

I’ll explain how it could be done.

50 Cent and Beanie Sigel. Just another sign that we are moving into a new era…one only built for Hip-Hoppreneurs ™

Next Week: The Specifics Of How To Market Beanie Sigel

Cedric Muhammad is a business consultant, political strategist and monetary economist. He is a former General Manager of Wu Tang Management and the author of The Entrepreneurial Secret: Starting A Business Without A Bank Loan, Collateral or Revenue (http://www.theEsecret.com/). His weekly talk show can be heard each Wednesday from 12 to 5 PM (est) at Cedricmuhammad.com. Cedric can be contacted by email at cedric(at)cmcap.com

Gucci Mane Speaks From Jail

Gucci Mane, real name Radric Davis, has broken his silence since his November 12 sentencing and now charges that he was completely to blame for his legal plight.

“I have accepted full responsibility for my actions and I am ready to deal with what is in front of me right now,” Mane said in a statement. “Thankfully, my label is still moving forward with my album release so I will have plenty to look forward to when I get out. I am remaining positive and want my fans to know that I am grateful for their loyalty and continued support. I will get through this.”

Davis has been sentenced to 12 months in Fulton County Jail in Georgia for a probation violation. The rapper could get out of jail in 6 months or less, according to a statement by the court.

Gucci Mane’s attorney, Dwight Thomas, said, “In court, Mr. Davis was extremely articulate and he was remorseful for his conduct. He was able to convince the courts that he was not deserving of the 2-year prison sentence he was facing.”

Asylum/Warner Bros. Records will continue to release his new album, The State vs Radric Davis, on December 8.

Keyshia Cole, Lil Wayne’, Soulja Boy, Keri Hilson and Usher all appear on the album.

Sinead O’Conner, Ali Shaheed, Mary J. Combat Sexual Exploitation/Human Trafficking

A Tribe Called Quest member/producer DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammad has teamed with Mary J. Blige, Sinead O’Conner and new singer Martha B. to raise awareness about American girls who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

 

Muhammad produced the Sinead O’Conner penned the song “This is To Mother You,” which features O’Conner, Mary J. Blige and Martha B.

 

Proceeds of the track will benefit GEMS, the nation’s largest non-profit dedicated towards empowering young women between the ages of 12-21, who have been victims of sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking.

 

“It deeply saddens me to know sexual trafficking of children exists in the world let alone here in America,” Ali Shaheed Muhammad told AllHipHop.com in a statement. “Regardless of where we live in the world children are supposed to be protected! I’m honored to support an organization which services and empowers these girls.”

Muhammad co- produced the track along with Martin “Doc” McKinney (Kelis, Esthero and Santigold) and Paul Hecht (Red Hot Organization).

 

The news of the track comes as the world mourns the death of a 5-year-old in Fayetteville, North Carolina named Shaniya Davis.

 

Davis’ mother, 25-year-old Antoinette Davis, is charged with prostituting the child, whose body was found yesterday (November 16) by authorities.

 

Davis is charged with human trafficking and felony child abuse, because authorities believe Shaniya was offered for sex.

 

Also charged in the case is Mario Andrette McNeill, 29, who was captured carrying the girl on surveillance footage captured in a local hotel.

 

“This is to Mother You” will be released on December 2, 2009, The International Day to Abolish Slavery.