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MC Hammer Launches MMA Management Company

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) MC Hammer has entered into the world of MMA.The rap icon won’t be the one fighting and grappling though as he has launched a full service management and promotional company for MMA fighters called Alchemist Management.”I’ve been a fan of combat sports for years,” MC Hammer said.  “MMA is the fastest growing sport in the world and this is a great opportunity for us to launch a full-service management company.  Alchemist Management will leverage its relationships and resources for the benefit of fighters, the sponsors, and the industry at large.”Hammer will act at the Los Angeles-based company’s CEO.Alchemist Management isn’t Hammer’s first foray into fighting. He once managed Evander Holyfield in the early 1990’s, a venture that lead to a championship belt.Presently, Alchemist Management represents a variety of fighters in the UFC and Strikeforce, two of the more popular MMA organizations.Hammer, born Stanley Burrell, remains one of the most popular rap artists in history. His seminal album Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em sold over 10 million units and stayed in the number one slot for 21 weeks. He’s the first rap artist to sell diamond.

An Open Letter – Slum Village–The End of an Era.

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Uncategorized
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On the break up of Slum Village.

An open letter to whom it may concern.

It’s hard to try to write about Slum Village coming to an end. Although,

it’s an obituary that I have had in my head for a very long time. TheEnd  is one of hip-hop’s more resilient groups because they kept coming

back after continuous and consistent adversities.

However, this time there seems to be no coming back.

It is the end of an era.

Slum Village is the first rap group I ever worked for. They are the

first group to ever pay me. The first to believe in my talent as a music

industry marketer and promoter. They were right.

Over the last ten years, I have worked on and off with this group. I

have been in meetings helping pick singles, I have given my feedback on

marketing, touring, and merchandising. Sometimes I was even listened to,

sometimes not so much. I won’t list my resume here or all of my

accomplishments, because this isn’t about me, but I will say:

I still get calls on occasion to do a little something for the group.

From transcribing lyrics to writing Baatin’s obituary. There is nothing

that I will not do for Slum Village.

And I am not alone.

However, the constant rotation of members, the inconsistent album

releases, the label changes, and abstract pop mixed with hardcore

posturing from the group has relegated them to a small niche fanbase.

Which has ultimately led to their demise.

Don’t get it twisted… despite all the Tweeting and finger pointing it comes down to money.

Or in this case, lack thereof.

So, I feel bad. I love everyone associated with the group. The group

themselves, all members both here in the physical and those in the

spirit world, I have been close to; excluding Dilla whom I had no

personal relationship with in life, but worked tirelessly for in death.

Then there is the label, Barak, and I have close ties to them and love

for them as well. Then there are those who are affiliates, whom I care

very deeply for and have worked and probably will work again with.

So, I have no opinion on who is right and who is wrong. I just can’t take a side.

But, I do have my one wish.

I hope that the legacy of one of hip-hop’s most innovative and creative

groups is preserved and promoted. I hope that people don’t just forget

them or ignore them. That would be the ultimate loss. And I also hope

that everyone can move on and make money doing whatever projects

interest them. I hope that there comes some healing and forgiveness and

people remember the good times. But, I know that will take time. For

now, personally, I’m glad I’m in Atlanta and that my phone isn’t ringing

off the hook with people asking me what I think or that people aren’t

whispering he said/she said s### in my ear.

The end of Slum Village signifies an end for a part of Detroit hip-hop.

Slum was always our big brother. They were the group that every other

Detroit rapper could point to and say, “Look what we can do.” Despite

the fact that it was D12 who sold more records, they were stuck in

Eminem’s shadow and could never really get out. But Slum Village, they

were a group of their own making and they made songs that changed the

face of the game. The music was spacey and unlike any ever heard. They

championed a sound that others replicated to more financial success than

the originals. And that had to suck.

So there are a lot more than just a few hurt feelings. I am hurt and

other than my own rap battle win, I am not a rapper. But I am a Detroit

hip-hop legend, if I say so my damn self, because I spent ten years

laboring for a movement that I believed in and still believe in… from a

safe distance.

I am not sure where Detroit hip-hop should go from here. Things ain’t

been the same since Dilla died…and even more so since Proof died, but

that is neither here nor there. The answer isn’t the same, “We don’t

stick together,” mantra. Instead, the answer to the future is in the

past. If you want to be recognized for your achievements, Detroit

hip-hop, look to what you have accomplished. Stand up, take these

industry muthaf**kas by the collar, shake their a#### and say, “B**ch,

Do you know where I’m from?” Put the damn mural up on the side of St.

Andrews which I tried to do for four years. Work on a documentary. Get

more Detroit hip-hop in the Charles H. Wright Museum, go to the cultural

community for support. Attend Detroit Entertainment Commission

meetings, and yes, stick together.

But, ass kicking isn’t the answer. No fly zones aren’t the answer. Sweeping s**t under the rug is no longer the answer.

It’s time that the Detroit hip-hop community stands up, gets out of “The

Shelter”, a comfortable hiding place, and gets in the face of the rest

of the city and starts making moves.

And if you need me… I will still be right here, right by your side, no matter where I reside.

Peace and Detroit love,

“The Fantastic” Biba the Diva

Knockout Nation: Marquez-Diaz II Prediction, Danny Jacobs Interview, Tyson, Don King-Mayweather

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Lifestyle
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Marquez-Diaz II Weigh-In

A few hours ago Juan Diaz and Juan Manuel Marquez completed their final weigh-in preparations for tomorrow night’s championship lightweight fight (July 31).

Diaz came in right at the lightweight limit of 135. The Baby Bull had a great camp and looked very lean in missing his usual chunky midsection.

Juan Manuel Marquez was very defined and cut making his first lightweight appearance since jumping to welterweight in a losing effort against Floyd Mayweather. Dinamita tipped the scales at 133.5 pounds.

The fight will be a PPV rematch to their 2009 Fight of Year, which Marquez won with a 9th round TKO. Both men are coming off losses and seeking to re-establish themselves as the premier lightweight of the division.

The bout will be for the WBA and WBO lightweight titles.

 

 

Juan Diaz Interview with Beats, Boxing and Mayhem

Juan Diaz was gracious enough to grant me a last-minute interview before tomorrow night. Despite being only 26 years old, Diaz along with many in the press has characterized this as a “do or die” fight. Diaz has had it rough since 2008, going 2-3 in his last 5 fights. Even with an exciting pressure style, a loss here would remove him from elite status.

One major concern I presented to Diaz was recent problems dealing with cuts. In his fights with Nate Campbell and Marquez, Diaz lost focus when he saw his own blood. The normally aggressive Baby Bull became indecisive and tame. And while you can’t practice for cuts, he did tell me those two experiences made him a smarter fighter.

“The first time I got seriously cut [with Nate Campbell] I went into defensive mode. I was waiting too much,” he said. “The time I got cut with Marquez I was too aggressive and put on a lot pressure. It cost me the fight. If it ever does occur again then I know exactly what I’m going to do, and that is not get too aggressive but not go completely defensively minded.”

Diaz was winning the handily early on in the first fight. But as the middle rounds progressed Marquez began to time and punish him with lead uppercuts and counter right hands. Diaz believes he let himself get caught up in the atmosphere of fighting at home and abandoned his game plan. That game plan centered on working the jab as a primary disruptive weapon.

“In the first fight I let my ego take control of the fight. And I think that’s why I lost the first fight so big,” he admitted. “My heart was just content on moving forward and not listening to the trainer or strategy, just fighting. This past year has helped me out in the way I think and listen to my corner.”

Diaz talked about much more, including whether he’s past prime, the state of the lightweight division and about Marquez worries him the most.

You can read the full interview HERE.

 

Marquez-Diaz II Prediction

The problem I see for Diaz is that his fighting style requires a high punch output. No matter how careful he is in jabbing his way in, Marquez with his great counterpunching skill will eventually find Diaz’s punching rhythm and begin timing him (like he did in the first fight).

To have a shot at winning this, Diaz would have to take away Marquez’s punching room and make it a phone booth fight. The problem with that is Diaz doesn’t have to the foot speed of a Ricky Hatton to close the gap quickly enough without getting caught.

I think Diaz will be smarter, but not smart enough to outwit Marquez. The prediction is Juan Manuel Marquez by decision in a competitive fight.

 

 

Danny Jacobs Interview

Another fighter I caught up with is rising, 23 year old American middleweight Danny Jacobs.

Jacobs has only been a pro for three years, but many are banking on the Brooklyn native reasserting the American presence among the middleweights following the disappointing reigns of Jermain Taylor and Kelly Pavlik.

Jacobs takes his first step tomorrow night on the Marquez-Diaz II card when he faces Dmitry Pirog for the WBO middleweight title.

When I asked if the division would be a long-term home or stepping stone for him, Jacobs was very candid on his team’s intentions.

“Well, it’s a business at the end of the day. If I have to go to 168 to get a big fight that the fans want to see, I’ll do that,” he explained. “But I plan to campaign at 160 for a number of years. It’s not easy to make, but it’s good because it makes you work harder to lose the weight. So I think we’ll campaign at 160 for a little while and then move on up to 168 in a couple of years.”

Regarding whether he feels he’ll have to play a character or initiate trash talk to get more attention, Jacobs believes that a straight-edge approach is a stronger long term investment.

“They really don’t stress regarding the media because I think my personality speaks for itself. I think I have a very cool personality; I’m an outgoing guy,” he stated. “So it kind of goes along with it. If I was a real dog guy then maybe they’d pick up and say hey you got to get the people’s attention. I’m a respectable young gentleman so that’ll take me a long way. People like the positive but they also like the villain. But you’ll go a lot further if you’re the good guy. And it flows natural.”

Since Jacobs has fought mostly on PPV, a lot of you may not have had the chance to see him. He has good power, speed and has shown the ability to adjust strategies during a fight. Check out the highlight below.

Jacob’s record is 20-0, 17 KOs.

 

 

Floyd Mayweather and Don King Have Private Meeting

“I’m chillin’ with Don King”- Floyd Mayweather’s Twitter

In my last column, I discussed why Don King was the only promoter than could finalize Mayweather-Pacquiao. And look what hits the news today.

Unfortunately we won’t be able to test out my theory this year since Pacquiao has moved on and signed to fight Antonio Margarito in November.

While both sides haven’t disclosed the specifics of the meeting, Mayweather was almost certainly discussing co-promotional opportunities as he did with Miguel Cotto last week.

In April 2009 while still “retired,” Mayweather had met with King. And going further back, the two discussed business in 2005.

It could be possible that Mayweather was dissatisfied with how Golden Boy Promotions handled the two failed 2010 Pacquiao negotiations. According to writer Michael Marley, King told him earlier today that he’d love to represent Mayweather in renewed negotiations next year.

“Arum and I could work together well; we could work hand-in-glove. We can make things happen. I know that and Bob has said it as well,” King told him. “I know what Floyd can do in the ring and he knows what I can do to bring the most money.”

This potential partnership gets more intriguing when you factor in Mayweather’s current advisors Al Haymon and Leonard Ellerbe. King has no problems with Ellerbe, but Haymon is said to have a strong dislike for King. However, Haymon is at the center of controversy for his role in the latest failed Mayweather-Pacquiao negotiations. He was said to be representing Mayweather’s camp to HBO Sports President Ross Greenburg and Top Rank’s Bob Arum.

The people involved now can’t get it done, so I’d welcome Don King stepping in. I predict not only will Don get the fight signed; he’d get us a rematch as well.

Now whether he does everything legally is another matter.

News and Notes

–          Samuel Signs Contract to Rematch Wladimir Klitschko

–          Tyson on Mayweather: “He’s just a kid having fun, living in a fantasy world.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rapper T.I., Girfriend Tiny Married In Miami Beach, Florida

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Although T.I. has remained tightlipped about his martial status, the rapper was officially married today (July 30th) in Miami Beach. T.I., born Clifford Harris Jr., married Tameka “Tiny” Cottle in a secret ceremony held at a Miami Beach courthouse, TMZ.com reports. Rumors about their marriage began circulating in May of 2009, shortly before the rapper turned himself into authorities to serve a year in federal prison for being caught attempting to purchase machine guns and silencers.The rumors persisted throughout 2009 and all the way up until last weekend, when the chart-topping rapper denied he was marrying Cottle again. “I am not at the liberty to discuss, confirm, nor deny anything,” T.I. recently told Atlanta’s Fox 5 News. “But don’t believe everything you read online,” the rapper said. “I have never commented on such subjects and I never will… I cannot confirm any of these things.”

Slum Village Talks “Eminem as Elvis,” & Slum Village Without Dilla & Baatin

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Features
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Slum Village talk album, future w/out Dilla & Baatin, Eminem as Rap Elvis, Newbies & Jay’s Hip-Hop!

Ms. Drama sits down with T3 and Young RJ about the upcoming album, Village Manifesto f/ J-Dilla and Baktin. T3 talks about the future of Slum Village as well as the significance and feel of the album which may be the last for Slum Village. RJ goes over productions point and incorporating the passed on members. Both talk about upcoming Detroit talent including Illa-J who they have embraced as an emcee. On the topic of Detroit, they both acknowledge their confidence in Eminem who they consider the “rap Elvis” and the “old man” aka Jay-Z who is still killin it. They also talk about Drake who they feel is one of the few new guys making moves and J. Cole who they feel is talent, but still has a ways to go. Check out part 2 to this candid interview with Slum Village.

****

Part 2: Slum Village talks rap groups, Segregating Hip-Hop, Black Soap Opera & Weight Loss Challen

Ms. Drama sits down with Slum Village for part two of the interview. T3 & RJ talk about hip-hop groups, including Slaughterhouse, and the need to separate hip-hop music on the radio. T3 talks about the new single and video for Faster and the use of the black soap opera. They both touch on upcoming projects including solo works of the group. RJ ends with production and features on the album. Plus catch the mini bloopers at the end.

Hip-Hop Rumors: What Really Happened With Foxy! Larry Fishbourne’s Daughter Does P###!

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

WHO: illseedWHAT: Rumors, Funnies, Fails and more!

WHERE: illseed.com, twitter.com.illseed

HOW: Send your rumors, sightings and ill pics to illseed at al*************@***il.com.HERE IS WHAT HAPPENED WITH FOXY BROWN, ACCORDING TO THE NY DAILY NEWS.

This is getting sadder by the moment.

Foxy Brown went underground Friday after the raunchy rapper allegedly sparked a slugfest with her own posse in the lobby of a swank Manhattan high rise.

The brouhaha began after Brown, who has been beset by legal troubles of late, blew off an interview with a reporter in which she was supposed to give her side of the story, a source said.

Instead, the hot-headed hip hop artist stayed put inside the apartment of Passengerz producer Sean Gill on 43rd St. – her address ever since her arrest last week for violating an order of protection by cursing out and mooning another woman on a Brooklyn sidewalk.

Brown, whose real name is Inga Marchand, finally came down around 8:30 p.m. Thursday – six hours after she was supposed to sit down with WNBC reporter Tom Llamas.

And she was swearing up a storm, the source said.

“She was out of control,” the source said. “She was told to keep her voice down and to act right, but she didn’t want to hear any of it.”

When building workers told Brown to pipe down, she pumped up the vile volume – prompting posse-members to put out an SOS call to her manager, Bernadette Brennan.

But Brennan couldn’t get Brown to simmer down either – and was allegedly attacked by the rapper when she tried.

Brown also allegedly battled several other of her supposed supporters, and TMZ.com reported it took more than 10 people to break up the fight.

Cops drawn by the noise responded to the ruckus, but by the time they arrived Brown was gone.

Brennan, who bailed out Brown after her last arrest, declined to comment about the incident or press charges against her client.

LARRY FISHBOURNE’S DAUGHTER IS A P### STAR!

I had to take Laurence back to Larry! This is terrible man! What kind of Matrix did she get caught up in? She even looks like her dad. Her p-name is “Chippy-D.” At the end of the day, this is an epic fail of parental proportions.

SMH!!!! How could you do this to your paw, Montana?

ANOTHER REASON FOR HATERS TO HATE RICK ROSS

But the artist is Range and he’s on the Roc with this song featuring Rick Ross. That’s a lot of R’s. I’m not feeling this, but who am I? I’m sure cats will love it until it blows up.

ANOTHER REMINDER OF THE GREATNESS OF GURU VIA BUN B AND PREEM

Bun B and DJ Preemo are on a track. Man. This is great.

RICK ROSS SEEKS TO SIGN WIZ KHALIFA

But, its too late. Warner Bro is the real loser here, because they had Wiz a couple years back.

What about Torch and Gunplay though?Thanks Rap Radar.

CLEF RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT!?

Yes! I bet Clef changes the date of his announcement to screw up the scoop!

Hip-Hop star Wyclef Jean will announce his bid for the President of Haiti, a source has confirmed with AllHipHop.com exclusively. Sources close to Wyclef confirmed with AllHipHop.com that the rapper will announce his bid for the country’s highest office next Thursday, on August 5th. The 37-year-old was born in Haiti, but immigrated to the United States at the age of 9-years-old, when he landed in Brooklyn, before settling in South Orange, New Jersey. As a member of The Fugees and as a solo artist, Wyclef has sold millions of records, in addition to collaborating with artists like Paul Simon, Gloria Estefen, Destiny’s Child, Carlos Santana and others. According to sources, the rapper will make his official announcement just two days prior to the country’s August 7th deadline to submit his plan for running for President. Analysts are predicting that Wyclef Jean will easily win the race with his financial connections, influence among the Haitian youth and his political connections around the world.

EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY

That is a homemade firecracker in his mouth. In light of my recent racist status, I will refrain from making any overtly obviously clear off color comments. Thanks! Enjoy the fail!

MAIA CAMPBELL IN TROUBLE AGAIN

She just cannot get it together. Maia Campbell was arrested and charged with with all sorts of goodies when police pulled her over. In Cali, she was speeding and driving recklessly and seemed to be under the influence. Sure enough, when the coppers pulled her over, they got all that they were looking for. They found some cocaine in the care. When it was all said and done, Maia was charged with possession of a controlled substance, driving under the influence, driving without a license, a probation violation and a warrant. Her bail was set at $33k. The girl is 33 years old.

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

Jennifer Lopez is the new America Idol Judge, replacing Ellen.

Man, they saying that 50 Cent’s ex-wife was swooning over 50

Cent at a recent show or something. She better smarten up!

A new MJ album is expected this November. I wonder if Mike Jack will drop the same day as Nicki Minaj. MJ is to Nicki Minaj what Eminem is to Drake.

Mikey T says…G.Dep is well he recently was in Europe and has recently been doing some tour date through out the East Coast.

Mikey T also tells me that Gucci Mane and Jim Jones are about to do battle. Both rappers are releasing an album on September 28.

AHHHHHH…HATE!

This is the last thing from Mikey T…dude interviewed the beautiful Milani Rose.

On second thought, I need Milkey to back the camera up a bit next time.

SOME INFO ON MAVADO!

I really have a hard time explaining this stuff so somebody that emailed me can try to do it for me. Peep:hey illseed i need to put things in context Mavado’s visa was revoked however it was not becuase he personally had issues with the jamaican or U.S govt, a while a back the U.S. sent an extradition ordere for a very high profile jamaican don drug lord etc. the jamaican govt was tardy to say the least and tried to resist uncle sam, further to this a lot of high profile jamaicans ,entertainers and even regular citizens had their visas revoked without explanation, Mavado was one of about 20 DJ’s that lost their visa including beenie man,HERE IS A LETTER I THOUGHT YOU SHOULD READ.

This dude…smarter than most. I don’t agree 100%, but he’s got sense and he and I could have a conversation. I didn’t edit it.

Illseed…. While some rants torwards you are not waranted I would

like to apologize for the hate you recieve. However, while saying

Eminem’s sales are due to his VERY loyal white following is true to an

extent. I would go as far as saying that majority of the sales within

Hip-Hop are due to the white people that are in this day and age

embracing the culture. I am a 20 year old/ white/ college student/ who

does live in the suburbs. Yet I went out and supported both Em, and went

and supported Ross. And always have, I own all the albums from both

artists (Even that Triple C’s album).  I love hip-hop and so do majority

of the people I surround myself with. I have plenty of black and white

friends… Yet the ones who buy albums are only the white kids, my black

friends more often than not just download the album and throw it on the

Ipod. Now there is nothing wrong with that, to each his own. But if you

truly love the culture you would support it, all the concerts I go to

are majority white people, with maybe 30% of those attending being

black. I seen Nas twice, Royce, Wayne, Bone Thugs, 50, Scrappy, Jeezy,

Kanye, Lupe, NERD, Jay, and countless others and for every event it is

held the same. Which leads me to believe that white people are more

willing to spend the money to support the music. And its not even like I

live in a majority white area, I live about 20 min away from Detroit,

and obviously most of the events are held in Detroit, or a little bit

north of it. I just wanted to throw this out there, I know I am not the

only one who has noticed this, I just felt the need to speak my peace,

after reading something you wrote stating, that white people were

supporting Em, and that you doubted Ross having the white folk

backing… Saying that just lit a fire for me to start this email.

Because I do support all Hip-Hop…. Eminem, Jeezy, Lupe, Gucci, Jay,

Nas, Brother Ali, Talib, Mos, everyone. I even own all of the Chingy

Albums lol…. I believe the problem with hip-hop is there is not nearly

enough people supporting the culture, in anyway, shape, or form. Maybe

that is also a reason for concert revenues decreasing the way it has,

and possibly why Lupe barely hit gold with ‘The Cool’, and maybe even

why Joe Budden has been hitting the underground so hard, and not being

able to break into the mainstream. HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

SHOUT TO THE LIL HOMEY RYAN ROSS! Peep his rendition of Drake’s “Forever.”

“PEACE, B***CHES…COONS…RACISTS…THIEVES!!!!!

”

OH YEAH….

ALLHIPHOP SPECIAL!

A Free B.O.B. Concert!

AND…YEAH….

,CHIPPER D, A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE ABOUT TO LOVE YOU!!!!!

They

keep us talking, but if we

stop talking about them then

they should worry!

Breaking News: Wyclef Jean To Run For President Of Haiti; Announcement Next Week

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Hip-Hop star Wyclef Jean will announce his bid for the President of Haiti, a source has confirmed with AllHipHop.com exclusively. Sources close to Wyclef confirmed with AllHipHop.com that the rapper will announce his bid for the country’s highest office next Thursday, on August 5th. The 37-year-old was born in Haiti, but immigrated to the United States at the age of 9-years-old, when he landed in Brooklyn, before settling in South Orange, New Jersey. As a member of The Fugees and as a solo artist, Wyclef has sold millions of records, in addition to collaborating with artists like Paul Simon, Gloria Estefen, Destiny’s Child, Carlos Santana and others.The rapper sprung into action on January 12th, when his native land was leveled by a 7.0 earthquake that left 300,000 people dead over a million others displaced. Even prior to the earthquake, Wyclef Jean’s Yele Haiti organization raised funds for the country, but after the deadly earthquake, the rapper helped raise over $10 million dollars in less than three months. The rapper will make his official announcement just two days prior to the country’s August 7th deadline to submit his plan for running for President. Analysts are predicting that Wyclef Jean will easily win the race with his financial connections, influence among the Haitian youth and his political influence around the world. The news of his candidacy has stoked fears in opponents planning to run for the head office in November. “I think if Wyclef is allowed to run he will have a straight victory,” political leader and former presidential candidate Himmler Rebu told Reuters yesterday. Jean, who maintained his status as a citizen of Haiti, was in the country yesterday, where he was preparing for his upcoming campaign. The rapper/musician also has political clout in the country. His uncle, Raymond Alcide Joseph, has been the Haitian ambassador to the United States since 2005 and helped Wyclef’s drive to raise money and relief aid for victims of the massive earthquake. Elections are slated for November 28th.

Konnected: Rocawear/RocNation’s Interactive Guru Keeps It Real

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Lifestyle
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AllHipHop.com announces “Konnected” – a tech-centric video column from the “world’s most dangerous site.”  In collaboration with Lauren DeLisa Coleman, CEO of Punch Media Group,  this new addition will be bringing you everything from the hottest digital tips from interviews with Hip-Hop power players in the new media game to tech/mobile reviews with some of your favorite artists to inside info on new digital launches and more. You are now…Konnected. We now pass the mic to Lauren Coleman.

 

 Welcome to the new tech column on AllHipHop.com.  This reoccurring feature will speak to  first to you, the Hip-Hop consumer:  the one who uses and spends more on your cell phone most in this country, who visits social media sites more often but gets no play in mainstream media. It’s almost like you’ve been invisible.  Well, that’s over.  In this column, we’re gonna chop it up with a variety of on-line and mobile players while getting some tips out of them so you can get your digital game even tighter tips. I’ll be taking you inside the minds and behind the tech scenes with some of the best, while keeping it interactive with you.  You are now Konnected.

—- Lauren 

To kick things off, I decided to interview Aleesha Smalls, Senior Interactive Marketing Manager for Rocawear and RocNation because she is truly holding it down.  I’ve written up some highlights, but afterwards if you want to peep the full interview and get a chance at a Roc freebie, I’m inviting you to click on the link below to view the video interview.  

So, for those who don’t know, Aleesha oversees  the digital dept that handles all the interactive marketing for Rocawear, Roc Nation, Roc4 Life and all of Jay-Z’s digital properties as well as The Artful Dodger.  That’s a lot!  Media buys, partnerships, sweepstakes – the gamut when it comes to the digital landscape.  Been on any of these sites?  She’s the power player behind the decisions. 

Why?

‘Cause she knows her stuff, but also because Rocawear/RocNation has decided to take 360 approach to their customers.  “Everything doesn’t need to be a hard sell,”  Aleesha told me.  “So we decided to take time and get hold of the Internet.  We have a talk to instead of a talk with.  For us it’s about “edutaining” not just celeb gossip.  We have over 25,000 members on Roc4Life where they talk about everything, for example.”

 But the real question is their social sites build, is what’s going to be next from them?  Aleesha let me know that they are really looking at things that go beyond the click.  It’s all about that viral ability.  They’ll be offering even more ways to share, provide specials and promos with countdowns, deeper experience on the fashion tips via virtual experiences on shoots and more.

No doubt, they are successful.

But how do you grab some of that?

Be on the look out because if you live in New York, Roc may be hitting  a spot near you soon.  “We’ll be doing a five borough tour in NYC so that  people get a feel for, for example, a Roc4Life and MySpace.  It’s about us showing the difference between all the different platforms,” explains Aleesha.  “You’re your own on-line celebrity. You’re your own brand. (We’ll be talking about how to) get on as many sites as possible.  You don’t know how many opportunities you might be missing out on.”    Even for execs in the game trying to reach the hip hop consumer, Aleesha cautions that it’s not just about  top 10 indexing ones.  Other sites might actually get a better conversion rate so Aleesha suggests opening yourself up more on-line just like in the off-line world.

She also advises indie labels, rappers, designers to really take a step back and think about how to have longevity on line.  “Don’t just go for just shock factor,” she cautions. “Essentially gonna stop your money from coming in.  Use the on-line space in a positive way.  Stay in your lane and find your niche.  Even for Roc4Life, we’re not the site for celebrity and shock factor. (We have a different place we want to fill). So just make sure that you find a focus and ride it all the way through, and don’t get discouraged on building (web hits).”

But of course, many of your might want to know much is Jay-Z himself into the digital space?

Peep the link below and find out more….

Don’t miss the next episode where I talk with Ice Cube about the future of on-line video from his film-making perspective.  But what’s really good? Tweet me some questions to ask him. Also, what’s up with Young Money and their digital moves? What do you want to know?  Tweet me questions to ask their head of digital! 

Watch for my next post.

Trina Denies Reports Of Relationship With NFL’s Dez Bryant

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Miami rapper Trina has hit back at salacious gossip that she is having an affair with NFL rookie wide receiver, Dez Bryant. According to Trina, pictures floating around the Internet were originally taken after her performance at Club Flow in Dallas. The pair simply engaged in a photo opportunities during the event, but had no further contact after a meet-and-greet at Club Flow. Trina shot down the reports in a statement released to AllHipHop.com today (July 30th). “The allegations of such relationship with NFL play, Dez Bryant, holds no truth in any way. I met Mr. Bryant at Club Flow after performing for my fans and supporters,” Trina told AllHipHop.com. “As a form of admiration and respect, I agreed to take a picture with him. Although, he seems like a wonderful individual upon our first introduction of one another this night, I just want to confirm that ‘Trina and Dez Bryant’ are not dating in any way.”Trina said that she respected Dez Bryant and admitted to taking the pictures willingly, as she has done with previous entertainers and celebrities. “At this time, I ask that you respect my personal life to remain private, and concentrate on the music that I continue to create for my fans,” said Trina, who recently ended her relationship with NBA player Kenyon Martin. “Thank you again for your understanding and support.”Dez Bryant’s advisor David Wells also shot down the bogus reports. “There is no truth to the rumors that Dez Bryant is dating rapper Trina,” Wells said. “Dez is very much in love with long-time partner, Ilyne Nash, with whom he is looking forward to building a home.” Dez Bryant recently celebrated the birth of his second child, a son named Dez Bryant Jr., who was born June 25th.

Alicia Keys And Swizz Beatz Married? Not Yet Says US Weekly

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Has Hip-Hop producer finally married Alicia Keys? According to multiple reports, the pair were wed in a secret ceremony last Sunday (July 25th). Earlier this morning a representative for Alicia Keys reportedly confirmed the wedding to Us Weekly, claiming she exchanged vows with Swizz Beatz, born Kasseem Dean. But an updated post from US Weekly just moments ago blamed their reports on a “technological error” and retracted the story, claiming that Keys has not wed Swizz Beatz as of press time. According to the original report, Alicia Keys were a Vera Wang gown during the intimate wedding ceremony. Last week, Swizz denied that they would be marrying on July 25th. “The wedding is not this week,” Swizz told People last Wednesday. “People are very creative [with gossip], but it’s cool. We have fun with this stuff.”

Lauren London Hosts Event Honoring Angie Martinez, Soledad O’Brien

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Lauren London has been tapped to host an event honoring women in the entertainment industry this September. London, who is the mother of one of rapper Lil Wayne’s children, will host the 2nd annual WEEN Awards (Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network) on September 2nd in New York. The swanky, invite-only affair will honor CNN’s Soledad O’Brien, Hot 97’s Angie Martinez, Nia Long, Letoya Luckett, Hydeia Broadbent and Esther-Silver Parker. The awards are slated to take place at the Asia Society and Museum and will include a “pink carpet,” followed by an awards dinner and reception. Tickets for the awards show range from $100 to $10,000 for a table. For more information visit www.weenonline.org

Why You Need Chambray In Your Wardrobe

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Lifestyle
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As we previously reported from the Capsule and Agenda trade shows, chambray is the “It” fabric right now and going forward into spring 2011. The cotton fabric is woven with a white weft and colored warp, usually light blue. The term “blue collar” worker stemmed from this, as chambray is often used for typical workwear shirts. “Prison blues” is yet another term referring to chambray, due to the fact the fabric was commonly used for prison uniforms. Kid CudiThe 1980s and 90s saw chambray translated into mainstream fashion pieces. And of course, those are two popular decades we can’t seem to get enough of. Although the light blue button-down shirt may instantly pop to mind when you think of this fabric, various colors and designs have been introduced in the versatile chambray, from vests to sneakers. Check out some of our favorites:  Activism Board Shorts by Katin x Apolis Beach Vest by Waste(twice) Chambray Pack by Vans Chambray Button Up by French Connection Chambray Cargo Shorts by CAVISource: Hypebeast