“Pound Dat”
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Alternative Pick: Chris Brown P###. By Polow Da Don
“So Cold”
Ms. Porsh Ft. Tito Lopez
“Sweet Dreams”
Vic Damone Ft. Greg Rooney
“So Happy”
UK Police Target Hip-Hop In Nightclubs
Police in the UK have revealed that they will monitor Hip-Hop and the clubs that play the genre of music.
Over 270 venues in London must fill out Form 696, which promoters must fill out so police can gather information on artists, promoters and venues.
According to the BBC, a new version of the form has been released to specifically target MCs and DJs performing to recorded tracks.
“Detailed research identified which events are most likely to attract crime and disorder,” a spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Police said. At the end of the day, you’ve got to say that certain events attract more trouble than others. We’re shifting the focus away from live music. Originally the definition of what Form 696 applied to was extremely broad so by narrowing it down, it’s thought that we can better tailor it to our requirements.”
The data collected from Form 696 will allow authorities to provide extra security for high risk events and when necessary, to shut down a show completely.
Promoter Rod Gilmore, who promotes the long-running Doctors Orders Hip-Hop night in the UK, fears the new form will allow police to target young, urban youth.
“Reading between the lines, the indie kids are all right but we’ve got to look out for those black boys with microphones in their hands,” Gilmore told BBC News. “Saying it’s over recorded music with DJs and MCs really narrows it down.”
Police claim the previous incarnation of the form was responsible for an 11% drop in violence in or around nightclubs around the country throughout 2008.
DJ’s Rep At McDonalds’ Flavor Battle In Atlanta
In crafting the McDonalds Flavor Battle, the fast food leader was aiming to capture the energy and excitement and recognizing the creativity of one of this countrys underappreciated art forms The DJ experience.
To bring that experience to college campuses around the country, the company put a slight twist on the Battle as it exists online. So while DJ Irie, Spinderella and Bryan-Michael Cox duke it out online, competing to see who can craft the best mix in each of three categories, DJs across the country have been given the opportunity to display their skills in front of students in 25 different US markets. When the Flavor Battle rolled into Atlanta on Saturday, October 10, it pitted three fairly established friends against each other, in a competition that was both fun for the competitors and entertaining for the fans. And one man was left standing, ironically repping for McDonalds most popular sandwich as part of Team Big Mac. DJ Rasta Root called me and said theres a McDonalds Battle and they need DJs to compete and he nominated me, DJ Smilez recounted after his win. I pretty much went home and practiced and threw together a couple of routines, and here I am. Smiles, a popular Atlanta club DJ and producer had previous DJ battle experience. But since his career, lately, has taken a turn towards business and recording he recently launched White Light Records with T!Katz Dell o8o Harris Smiles, born Nate Friend, hadnt battled in about four years. In a sense, time worked in DJ Smiles favor. Four years ago, everything was original wax, he explained, there was no computer to set your loops on. Records skipped and got scratched. You had to practice a lot more.Technology turned out to be a double-edged sword, as Smiles chances at victory were almost ruined when his laptop stand broke right as he started the second round. Still, this wasnt the traditional DJ Battle. The contest between Smiles and his competitors DJ Fudge and DJ Amdex centered more on music selection and crowd involvement. The three turntablists, who are all friends, each brought their own flavor, each taking a slightly different approach to gaining the crowds flavor. DJ Fudge offered three rounds powered by Hip-Hop anthems like Ludacris Number One Spot and Jay-Zs P.S.A.Amdex, on the other hand, reached back to older joints like DJ Cools Let Me Clear my Throat, while utilizing his blend skills to put a familiar twist on newer songs like Dem Franchize Boyz Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It. He even reached into his bag of tricks to produce Willie Hutchs Tell Me Why Has Our Love Turned Cold, the song sampled on Three 6 Mafias Stay Fly. But at the end of the day, Smiles had the crowd. With current hits like Travis Porters All The Way Turned Up, and Dorroughs Ice Cream Paint Job, he kept Morehouse Colleges Forbes Arena jamming through all three rounds. When he pulled out Michael Jacksons Rock With You, however, he won the competition: after his two minutes ended right as the songs bridge started, the crowd sang the rest of the hook all the way thru as if the music hadnt stopped. I think this was a really great event, says co-host Dres Tha Beatnik. It allowed the DJs to get loose anyway they want to. Its difficult because I know all of them personally and professionally. It was a good selection of music. It crossed genre, it crossed gender, it crossed age. And thats what you want in a setting like this.
Rap Pioneer Challenges Wrestling Legend to Match
Founding Fat Boys member Prince Markie Dee has laid out a public challenge to WWE Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik to engage in a charity wrestling match.
The origins of the feud stems from what Markie Dee calls racist comments that the Iron Sheik made to him on Twitter.
The Iron Sheik is known in the wrestling community as an eccentric character outside of the ring, and he hammered the original Fat Boy with several tweets last week.
F**k you I am the legend. I am the Hall of Fame, Iron Sheik stated. You like Jake Roberts dont put me over you try to put yourself over. F**k you. You dont respect the legend you never make the money you need to be f**ked in the ass and be humbled you lowlife. You fat no good fat black motherf**ker. You dont respect the legend take a f**king walk you son of a b***h. I love the god and Jesus.
According to Fat Boys manager Louis L. Gregory, MMA fighter Frank Trigg has offered to train Prince Markie Dee for the proposed fight.
Other parties have shown interest as well. Marvel Comics Editor Ryan Penagos stated on Twitter he would offer cash for the bout, Harmonix/MTV has expressed interest in sponsoring, and Hugh Hefner has allegedly offered to host the match at the Playboy Mansion.
In the meantime, Prince Markie Dee is focused on finalizing the details for Fat Boys Fest 2010.
The event will take place on May 14, 2010, with all proceeds going to Prince Markie Dees Labor of Love Foundation, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and Alexs Lemonade Stand Foundation for Children with Cancer.
For further information, visit http://www.uncle-louie.com/fatboysfest/.
At press time, the Iron Sheik has not accepted Prince Markie Dees challenge.
Friday Fashion Feature: Do You Like Your Denim Raw?
There is nothing like a pair of fresh raw denim jeans.
They might be a little stiffer than soft vintage denim, but they have that new crisp look that automatically cleans up a casual outfit.
Mos Def in Too Black Guys
Where does raw (or dry) denim get its name?
It is denim fabric that is unwashed after being dyed. Unlike denim that is washed and preshrunk to provide a distressed or vintage look, raw denim is harder and you might not be able to fit back into it once you wash it!
Essential Crossed Knives Flap Denim by Artful Dodger
It is common for raw denim owners to not wash their jeans at all – they want to preserve that solid dark look and stiffness. Apparently, some raw denim lovers even go as far as sticking their jeans in the freezer to get rid of odors instead of throwing them in the laundry, which may make the dye bleed. When they’re unbearably funky, dry clean them.
T.I.
The denim will eventually start fading and softening, but after it has been influenced by the way you move and the shape of your body. The end result is a customized, natural fit.
Here’s a hot fall look with a pair of raw Sabit jeans – get it from DrJays.com!
Flannel Woven Shirt by Mighty Healthy
Gore-Tex Field Boot by Timberland
Are you a fan? What’s your favorite pair of raw jeans?
See more on DrJays.com by clicking HERE.
Hip-Hop Rumors: 50 Cent & The Game To Reunite? Beyonce’s A Non Writer? Down’s Syndrome Kid Gets KTFO’d!
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
The fact is, Hip-Hop needs to talk more. Talk within its own and not with the rest of the world. So, that is what AllHipHop is going to do at the Social Lounge this time around. AHH is featuring Killer Mike, Raekwon, Immortal Technique, Saigon and others in a forum for the ages. Ras Baraka, Rosa Clemente and others are involved too. This is going to be incredible with a end of show capper from Blitz The Ambassador. Yo didnt hear this from me but I heard theres going to be food served too. Anyway, this is the way that Hip-Hop talks to each other and gets right within ourselves.
Click here for more info on The AllHipHop Social Lounge, including directions.
50 CENT AND THE GAME TO REUNIT: MORE DETOX RUMORS
I’m pretty sure you are sick and tired of Detox rumors, but I have one that may not be so hard to believe. Well, first of all, you can see that 50 Cent is doing more peace making than beefing these days. Forget the lil’ Fat Joe thing for a minute. Anyway, The Game has been overtly avoiding beef with 50 Cent as well. Well, I am hearing Dr. Dre is going to do what Al Sharpton and the folks couldn’t do. He is going to make peace with these dudes and get them on a new song for the Detox album. Also, I am hearing that the opus is nothing shy of CLASSIC. I suppose we are all just going to have to wait, aren’t we? There is another rumor that Dre. 50 and Eminem are going to be on another song. Sounds reasonable.
BEYONCE DOESN’T WRITE?
Here is a letter in heavy rotation on the internet. A person has claimed that Beyonce doesn’t write her songs, but just gets placement, credit or something else.
A lot of these artists claim to be songwriters, but dont always write a thing. Some, like Beyonce, serve as vocal arrangements, which points to part of the songs composition, and thus, receive a songwriting and production credit. Others, like Beyonce, can demand credit based on their name alone. I myself have heard of new song writers looking for placement with Beyonces last album being told Beyonce demands a certain amount of publishing upfront (and its substantial) or they could be paid handsomely to politely remove their name from the song altogether. Fact is, Beyonce didnt write one song on I Am Sasha Fierce. Beyonce and her team have bought the rights from the songwriters and then Beyonce took credit for it. I have no idea about previous albums but its obvious that Beyonce never had a pen in her hand, which is a shame because Beyonce claims something she isnt.
MR. HUDSON COMMENTS ON KANYE
As you know, Kanye is in isolation for a few. His pal Mr. Hudson is giving up some tape on Yeezys status.
“My friend Kanye West hasn’t gone crazy or entered rehab after the Taylor Swift MTV Awards debacle — I just think everything around him went crazy. I saw him a couple of weeks ago and he was keeping a low profile, which is sensible.
“He’s been working so hard, touring, producing stuff for Jay-Z and Rihanna while also doing shoots for Louis Vuitton. He works 24 hours a day, but I’m not worried about him – he has the right people around him.”
YOU STILL GOT KNOCKED THE F**K OUT!
The dude that got KO’d supposedly was mentally afflicted with Down’s Syndrome off base. I heard he wasn’t too happy at the kid who must have been making some noise as he was on the phone. YO! Pops wasn’t playing that mess. Kick son…get KTFO. Period.
SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END
You mean to tell me that Jesus would approve? WWJD? He would condemn this lepers!
ILLSEED AND KANYE – IN THE SAME SONG
You know, it is about time I am a super star that nobody sees! You have to hear this rap song, because I get mention and so does Kanye. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Did you catch my shout out? LOL! Even Miss Mouth got a mention! But, I did some research and saw that this dude was on Akon’s site HitLab…I wonder if something is brewing?
ILLSEED’S QUICKIES
Timbaland is supposed to be leaking his new song today. Kinda like how he leaked Jays stuff? LOL! Well, these beats better be good since he admitted he didnt give Jay his best stuff.
Apparently, Lil Wayne has already gone on the record and stated that he and Drake wrote for Detox.
I also heard this rumor was something that was “cooked up” by Drake’s camp to create that allure around the rapper. Who knows.
Also, from what I was told, those graphic images of the man being eaten were actually images of him being prepared for cremation. That’s just what I heard. I really can’t deny or confirm this is factual.
Nivea is about to pop out another lil boy for her Wayne.
The dude that bombed on Leona Lewis is not charged with assault AND put in a mental facility.
That Balloon boy is a hoax as far as I am concerned! The cops can find a kernel of crack in a city persons house, but they cant locate a 6 year old? PUL-EEEZE!
They are saying that sickle cell likely played a role in AJ Jewells death.
MARLON JACKSON SHOOTS DOWN RUMORS
If you thought MJs kids were going to be included into some stupid reality show, you were wrong. Check out what Marlon had to say about it.
“The family is appalled about the stories that the kids are being put in the reality show. The family would never put them in a compromising situation. They respect their privacy too much.”
EPIC WIN OF THE DAY
This one just had me tickled PINK! In actuality, I heard about this the other day, but then Eric B and the crew brought it home. Anyway, what happened was a women is in an Atlanta department store. Suddenly, she yells something like, “I won the lottery! Everything you buy up to $500 is on me!” to everybody in the whole store. People go crazy and start buying and lining up to buy as much as they can. Well, the women was promptly arrested and dragged away. I heard she was all smiles over in the cop car. Lucky for her, she hasn’t been charged pending a review of her mental health.
EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY
How drunk can a person get? I mean, seriously! This dude is drunk as HELL!!
LIL FLIP HAS A NEW SONG….AND A NEW DEAL
The rap game is pretty tough. Lil Flip is now signed to some label in Seattle. And, up pops a new video.
ROSA ACOSTA PHOTOSHOOT
Since it is Friday, I figured I would give you all a treat in the form of Rosa Acosta.
SUPPORT AND PUSH FOR UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE
Keith Olbermann Donates $50,000 to health care clinics that travel over the nation giving help to people in need. This is neat, but it seems to be time to get a real deal plan in office.
DIDDY: AUTOTUNE ISNT DEAD TO US
I dont know Diddy. Good luck with this new album.
ALLHIPHOPS SOCIAL LOUNGE – NEWARK, NJ -OCT 17!
Just so you know, Activist and vice-presidential candidate Rosa Clemente has been added to the bill. Blitz The Ambassador will rock the spot along with some special guests.
Keep doing your thing and next time, dont try to take the pic down. We got dat..
For more, go to illseed.com. Or just follow me at http://twitter.com/illseed
FOXY, 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].
Lil Wayne Cusses Out Critics Of His Styrofoam Cup
Lil Wayne and his cup were a big deal in the not-so-distance past.
At the time, right as the Carter 3 started to heat up the streets, there was significant worry that Lil Wayne was indeed drinking Sizzzurp or something similar to what contributed to the deaths of Big Moe, DJ Screw, Pimp C and others that once drank the presumed confection of codeine and promethazine. Fans were concerned and worried, but thats not something that Weezy seems to value. He wants his DRANK…if he wants it.
In fact, based on this interview with the UKs Tim Westwood, Lil Wayne defends his right to drink something that was allegedly lean, but that which he no longer drinks by his own admission. Does that make sense? He never quite confirms, but tells critics where to put their mouths. Even further, Wayne gives the Cup come credit for his popularity, his creativity and his full injection into the mainstream.
He admits that the Cup is gone for now.
I probably should pick that cup up, he said.
Hip-Hop Rumors: Soulja Boy Going Broke? Kanye West’s New Clothing Line? Michael Jackson’s Unhappy In Heaven?!
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.DONDA WEST GETS JUSTICEGovernor
Schwarzenegger signed the Donda West Bill yesterday protecting people
who aren’t physically fit to undergo cosmetic surgery … ‘Ye says they
are trying to push the bill in New York, Illinois and Oklahoma.
EMINEM DOESN’T LIKE A LOT OF FOLKSRemember when
Weezy was upset with Eminem for not doing a track with him?? Well he’s
not the only one. Madonna wanted to collaborate with Slim Shady but he
wasn’t with it…she recently said…“I wanted to work with Eminem. I don’t think he wanted to work with me. Maybe he’s shy.”…hmmmm
I doubt it was because he’s shy…remember Madonna isn’t always honest
about why people dont like her like how she claims her and Michael
drifted apart when he actually thought she was a rude w#### and didnt
want anything to do with her.AND THE EXPLOITATION CONTINUES…When
Michael Jackson was alive he went to great lengths to make sure his
kids weren’t thrust into the spotlight. I honestly didn’t even imagine
they look as normal as they do. Well all that caution Michael took was
in vain since his kids are on deck to be REALITY TV STARS. The family
was pitching a reality show before Michael dies but they couldn’t get a
green light since Michael wasn’t a part of the deal. Well they
recently got the go ahead and they’ve said the entire family will be a
part of the project including his kids.UPDATE: Reebie Jackson says she wont take part in the series
claiming “…Michael would spin in his grave if he knew his kids would
be on this show.”With Joe promoting his record label, Latoya
granting interviews to anybody with a checkbook and Jermaine trying to
put together a rinky d### tribute (lying about who agreed to perform) I
think it’s sad how they’re exploiting the situation. IT AINT TRICKIN IF YOU GOT IT
Khloe Kardashian is almost finished stickin’ Lamar Odom for his paper.
The couple that married a few weeks ago to meet a production deadline
for her reality show is close to finishing the pre-nup that has been
holding up ths official marriage. So far they have agreed Lamar will
pay Khloe a specified amount of money for every year the marriage lasts
and while they are together he will fund a joint account to cover all of their
expenses.
SOULJA BOY GETTING EVICTED???I
heard DJ Envy talk about this on the radio and saw a few blogs report
Soulja Boy was having financial trouble and I figured he was getting
ready to go down like MC Hammer…until I got the details. Apparently
Soulja Boy’s building landlord isn’t happy with the young man claiming
his 10 cars take up all of the visitor parking, he’s too loud and he
has too many guests roaming the halls at all hours of the night (he’s
only allowed 2 at a time). He also owes $10,000 in back rent, which is
probably one month (two at the most). Sounds like an 18 year old
millionaire is disturbing his neighbors and somebody didn’t pay a bill
nothing more nothing less. Soulja Boy turned to Twitter to discredit
claims of his financial ruin posting ANOTHER video where he gives us a
tour of his cash and jewel reserves.ANOTHER KANYE CANCELLATIONKanye was planning to follow in big bro Hov’s footsteps and release
a clothing line called Pastelle. He was taking it pretty seriously
immersing himself in the fashion world and even spent some time
interning at The Gap to help develop his skills as a designer. I was
looking forward to seeing how quick the stans would jump on this (i.e.
Air Yeezys) but apparently the line will never see the light of day
aside from Kanye wearing it at events. Don’t worry though word is he
will be releasing a different line under his own name.Here are some photos of the line that hit the net a few days ago:IM JUST SAYIN’Shout out to Reesha-Mae doing her thing at
Johnson and Wales.On October 17th
12 single strands of Michael Jacksons hair, taken from the coat used to
put out the fire during that infamous Pepsi commercial incident, are
being auctioned
off in London.Toni Braxton owes the bank
hundreds of thousands of dollars, owes her insurance company several
thousand dollars, now they’re foreclosing on her crib.A source close to Kanye is saying he is definitely NOT in India … Where are you Yeezy????One
of the dudes from The New Boyz said he wears skinny jeans cause they’re
comfortable … he doesn’t like having a bunch of space in his pants
… take it how you want to I know how I feel.
Peace – CHANCECDR @ Twitter or GmailFor more, go to illseed.com. Or just follow me at http://twitter.com/illseed
FOXY, 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].
Blitz The Ambassador Headlining AllHipHop.com’s Social Lounge
Those attending this weekends AllHipHop.com Social Lounge are in for more than just mind stimulating discussion.
The event, presented in conjunction with Hot 97 and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, will also include a performance by Blitz The Ambassador, whose unique take on Hip-Hop has been heralded for its use of live instrumentation.
Though far from a rookie, the Ghanaian-born lyricist, producer and film director garnered a great amount of attention and acclaim this past summer with the August release of his debut album Stereotype.
With production by longtime collaborator Optiks, and music by the Embassy Brass Ensemble, the album was anything but a Hip-Hop Stereotype.
Instead it drew from Blitz global upbringing and social awareness as well as his varied musical influences, including Afro-Hop, Progressive Rock, Jazz fusion and Soul.
Blitz and the Embassy Ensembles performance will be the punctuation mark on a panel led by AllHipHop.com co-founder and CEO Chuck Creekmur.
The 6th Annual Social Lounge will engage featured guests Raekwon, Saigon, Immortal Technique, Ras Baraka, Mike Bigga (formerly Killer Mike) and Rosa Clemente into a discussion of a wide range of social and political topics affecting the Hip-Hop community at large.
The event, to be held Saturday (October 17) at 7:30pm EST, will also allow AllHipHop.coms national and international readership to join in the conversation by submitting questions via the sites Twitter page (www.twitter.com/allhiphopcom).
“Being a part of AllHipHop/NJPAC Social Lounge with incredible minds like Reakwon, Ras Baraka, Rosa Clemente and Killa Mike is an honor, Blitz told AllHipHop.com. Anytime there is open dialogue about the state of Hip-Hop or socio-political issues, there is bound to be some passionate discourse so I am looking forward to a heated debate. I will be closing out the night with my band , The Mighty Embassy Ensemble. Come witness the livest Hip-Hop band as we rip through joints off my debut album Stereotype.
The Sixth Annual AllHipHop.com Social Lounge, presented in conjunction with Hot 97, will be held at NJPAC, located at One Center Street, Newark, NJ.
Tickets are $16.00 and available for purchase at http://www.njpac.org/show_events_list.asp?shcode=15377 Live performance of Breathe:
Young City Working On “Life After Da Band” New Reality Show
New Orleans rapper Chopper aka Young City is currently working on a new reality show and album.
According to the rapper, a new reality series in the works titled Life After Da Band, in addition to a new album titled Risky Business.
Chopper told AllHipHop.com that the new reality show will focus on his career after a high profile stint as a member of Da Band, on the second season of MTVs#### series Making The Band.
The new album is titled Risky Business coming out next year, so its about its about to be good look for me, which just shot the video on Thursday with Mr. Boomtown, Chopper told AllHipHop.com.
No release date was available for either projects at press time. video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsfree video player
Busta Ordered To Pay 75K Over Beat Down
Busta Rhymes was ordered to pay $75,000 to a man that accused the rap star of assaulting him after an attack in 2003.
Alex Duncan claimed Busta Rhymes, born Trevor Nelson and an unnamed bodyguard sprayed water on him, punched and beat him during a rap concert at SUNY Albany.
According to the New York Post, during court proceedings, Duncan claimed that he suffered psychological damages and has nightmares because of the attack.
“I wanted something to come out of it. I don’t even go to parties anymore, because there’s always someone asking, ‘What happened to that Busta Rhymes case, ” Duncan testified in court.
Robert Kalina, Busta Rhymes lawyer for the trial, was not in court for the trial or damage hearings.
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Ft. Jay Rush and Lyfe Jennings
“See Me Shine”
Royce Da 5’9″ Ft. Bun B and Joell Ortiz
“Hood Love”
Pryme Ft. Ron Browz
“I Love My Money Remix”
Cormega Ft. Lil Fame P###. By Easy Moe Bee
“Get It In”
50 Cent Continues Fat Joe Feud; Pokes Fun At Album Sales
Rapper 50 Cent continues to poke fun at rap veteran Fat Joe and his latest album J.O.S.E. 2, which was released to stores on October 6.
50 Cent issued a statement that contained Fat Joes album sales for the week, which totaled 8,343 copies.
“A bad man kicks you while you’re down, 50 Cent said in a statement. Well I’m the worst, I’ma kick Fat Joe in the head.
Prior to Fat Joe releasing his 9th solo album, 50 issued a number of viral videos poking fun at the album was released, while Fat Joe replied in kind with messages via his Twitter page.
“Tell 50 to get off my D*CK already, Fat Joe said. He was sick that my album is SO HOT that real music not that wack sh*t him and his clowns are making.”
Fat Joe also appeared on Hot 97s Cipha Sounds and Peter Rosenberg radio show in New York, where he thanked 50 Cent for the free promotion for J.O.S.E. 2.
Wyclef Goes ‘From Hut To Projects To Mansion’ On New Release
Wyclef Jean has revealed details surrounding an upcoming EP with DJ Drama titled From The Hut To The Projects To The Mansion.
The rapper/singers new album features a number of high profile appearances from artists like Cyndi Lauper, Eve, Lil Kim, Timbaland and others.
On the album, Wyclef takes on the persona of Toussaint St. Jean, a character suggested to him by fellow rapper T.I.
According to Jean, the character is based on 18th century Haitian revolutionary Toussaint LOuverture.
“Toussaint is more direct,” Wyclef said of his new alias. “He ain’t going to sugarcoat nothing. Whatever he’s thinking, he’s going to tell you. It’s like, I’ve still got this machete — my tongue is sharper than it’s ever been.”
Tracks on the album touches on the dangers of the street life and the trappings easy money can bring, according to Clef.
Not everything that appears bad is really bad, because the real bad men move in silence, Wyclef said. So be careful what you emulate, because it’s could get you six feet deep. If you don’t see me with a gun, it doesn’t mean that the guy with the gun is badder than me. I’ve been in those communities, but you’ve got to rise past that world.”
From The Hut To The Projects To The Mansion is the pre-cursor to Wyclefs new upcoming solo effort, simply titled Wyclef Jean, which is due in stores in March of 2010 on Columbia Records.