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Big Boi Breaks Down Entire Outkast Catalog
I
ts a challenging predicament that sooner or later all the greats must stare down. How do you live up to the grandiose, groundbreaking achievements of your past? If you’re Outkasts Big Boi, you stick to your guns through label battles, industry doubt and ever-evolving musical tastes and release one of 2010s most intriguing works. The fact that the sonically and lyrically rich Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty can be mentioned with the classic likes of Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, Aquemeni, Stankonia and Speakerboxxx/The Love Below without a hint of sarcasm is an achievement within itself. Big Boi proves that he can more than carry the artistic load without his universally lauded partner Andre 3000. But the long journey to his surprising coup still must be told. Big Boi takes you behind the Outkast curtain and beyond. Keith Murphy
Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik (1994)
“This was boot camp for myself and Dre. On our first record we were strictly MCs. All we wanted to do was rap [laughs]. Organized Noize was responsible for all our production, so our whole aim mainly was to let everyone know that we were about lyricism. We just wanted to annihilate every track; destroy every song that was put in front of us. I dont think we understood how good we were. We were so young. But we knew we had a raw camp and there were n##### who were dead serious about their art.”
ATLiens (1996)
“This is the album where Outkast started getting into the production side of things. There was a lot of experimenting with beats and of course we were still working with Organize Noize. We were on the road two years before ATLiens was released, so we didnt have a lot of studio time. After the tour, we camped out at a hotel and then jumped back into the Dungeon studio to start work on the album. You could hear the natural progression.
We were serious about our craft and n##### were getting better with expressing themselves. We started to get a little respect from the East and the West Coast. But there was still that little stigma of, Yeah, all those dudes from the south cant rap, except for Outkast [laughs]. ATLiens was a darker album. It was harder and represented more so myself and Dres style. I think the best moment on there is Mainstream. Khujo Goodie and T-Mo [from Goodie Mob] killed it. When I think about this album I always remember wintertime, which was our favorite season to record. We were in this little pod of a basement studio in Atlanta just being absorbed by the music.”
“Aquemini was the last album in which we were in the studio together, all the time. By then we had started mastering our own production. I would start doing things on my own and Dre would start doing things on his own, so we had more to bring to the table. That individuality became more [prominent] on the next album. But you know what was crazy? Shooting that Rosa Parks video. It was a family affair because we had everybody out there including Dres future father-in-law, pastor Hodo, who played the harmonica.
Then we had our dancers, The Crowd Pleasers, to come out and support. When you have high power music like that, it makes people want to move in different kinds of ways. Just to showcase different styles of Atlanta dancing, we were all about that. We used to do the talent shows at the high schools and dancing was a big part of the whole music culture in Atlanta from the Bankhead Bounce on out. That s### was crunk! To me thats what hip-hop is all about: dancing, graffiti art, DJing and rhyming. At the same time, we wanted to make sure that our image matched the energy of the music. This is when Dre started experimenting with his clothes. His thing was I want to look like the music. He was all about making his look more psychedelic and having fun with it. Style is all about personal preference. We didnt give a f### what people were saying about how we dressed.”
Stankonia (2000)“Stankonia represented a wild time for us. We were coming into 1999 and we thought the world was going to end, so we were like, F### it we are going all out! You can hear that on B.O.B. The first time I heard that track, it made me feel a certain way. Its unexplainable. The time changes in the song sent shivers through me; it made me feel invincible. “B.O.B. is that s### that just recharges you; shocks the s### out of your ass. When that song comes on its like, Clear!!!
By Stankonia we had defined our individual styles. You can hear more of a melodic aspect on the songs. Ive always been incorporating singing into my rhymes ever since Elevators. But Dre wanted to take it a step further. He wanted to experiment more with the melodies. It just added another element to the music to where people started saying Dre is singing more and Big is rhyming crazy. Verse wise, I just wanted to be devastating on the mic. When I picked up the microphone, I wanted n##### to know I was the boogeyman [laughs]. Im a true MC at heart. And Dre? You cant f### with him on the mic.
Still, it was important to get other talented [voices] involved. The guys I was bringing in were the people I was cool with. We couldnt listen to a whole album with just my voice and Dres voice. So, instead of going out and getting whoever was hot to jump on a song, we got some n##### who was right around the way that was busting. N##### around my way can rhyme. Thats where the Killer Mikes and Slim Calhouns come from. Outkast, Goodie Mob, Witchdoctor and Cool Breeze were not the only MCs that had talent. To me, we were all a part of the whole southern movement. Just letting other regions know, Okay, these boys lyrical ability is off the chart and they are serious about what they are rapping about.”
1982 (Statik Selektah and Termanology) Ft. Cassidy and Xzibit
“Goin Back”
Incognito
“That’s Not My Baby”
Thug Mafia Ft. Gudda Gudda
“Shinin”
Hip-Hop Rumors: Rick Ross’ Crip Problem? Mase Returns? Wedding Pics!
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.ANTOINE DODSON – THE REMIX
This cat Antoine Dodson unwittingly became a victim of the media that interviewed him several times when his sister almost got raped. Well, another company of people called Autotuned News has turned his rant into a song called “Run & Tell That.” LOL!
Here is the original story, if you forgot. There is so much wrong with this, but its also funny.
Should they have let dude bump his gums?
DID RICK ROSS HAVE SOME “ISSUES” OUT IN CALI?
Some people purporting to be members of the Crips hit me up and said that they gave Rick Ross a real hard time out in Cali. I’m really not sure of Ross’ wearabouts in recent days since his CD dropped. But, I have been informed that he was out in Cali and was relieved of some merchandise by the Crips. Now, at first I was told that Ross was robbed and kidnapped, but the kidnapped part was completely false. These Crips have apparently proclaimed that this is just the beginning of the mayhem they plan to impose on rappers that don’t….do…whatever they are supposed to do. Honestly,I don’t know what that is. Cats used to have to pay or something.
MASE IS COMING BACK AGAIN?
Here yee, here yee! I am getting word that Mase is about to try yet AGAIN for a comeback. The word on the street is that Mase hs wriggled out of the Bad Boy deal and has a situation with either EMI (Fat Joe, Raekwon) or Def Jam (Sheek Louch, Shyne). I wonder. And, I am being told the paperwork is almost done.
CONGRATS SWIZZY AND MRS. SWIZZY!
Some pics from the wedding.
THIS IS SAD…
I told you Maia Campbell was at it again. And here is the video.
She used to be one of the finest chicks ever.
Atlantic Records: Maia Campbell (1997 photo shoot)
T.I. AND TINY HAD ANOTHER WEDDING…AND ANOTHER WEDDING?
These two are in love like a m###. They had their honeymoon last month and had two weddings. Yesterday, they did something in Vegas.
Vegas:
Rumor has it, they had a total of three ceremonies.
EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY Montana Fishburne has given the reasons for her foray into p###.
“I’ve watched how successful Kim Kardashian became and I think a lot of it was due to the release of her sex tape by Vivid. I’m hoping the same magic will work for me. I’m impatient about getting well-known and having more opportunities and this seemed like a great way to get started on it.”
This girl is about to get the shock of her life.
Her daddy, Larry Fishburne, has got to be sick with it right now. But, something is clearly missing in the father/daughter/parent/child relationship.
ILLSEED’S QUICKIES
Rumor has it, Ludacris is cooking up a masterpiece of an album.
I know you know this, but I thought I would say it. The girl Caviar from Ray-J’s show is now doing p###. God bless her soul.
Foxy Brown says it is impossible for her to moon her neighbor…she wasn’t wearing panties to begin with! SMH.
I’m hearing the new Batman movie is coming and it will have both The Riddler and Catwoman.
JAY AND YE GET DINNERJay-z and Kanye West ate some dinner Friday night at
Nellos restaurant in the Upper
East Side of NYC. Wonder what they talked about.
TINY AND TIP, SWIZZ AND ‘LICIA, JAZZY JEFF AND WIFE…WE LOVE YOU!
They
keep us talking, but if we
stop talking about them then
they should worry!
Rick Ross, Waka Flocka Help Students Excel At School
(AllHipHop News) Rapper Rick Ross will use his star power to support at risk youth during the 3rd Annual Rick Ross Be Out Day this week. The rappers Rick Ross Charities will host the event with the City of North Miami Office of the City Clerk, Alix Desulme. Desulme, The Childrens Trust, The Urban League of Greater Miami and Ross will present the rappers annual back to school initiative. During the day, students will receive free food, drinks, backpacks, school supplies and other materials children will need to be successful this year. “Were proud of celebrities like Rick Ross who understand we all have to do our part to assist in providing much needed resources to the children of our community,” Alix Desulme told AllHipHop.com in a statement. In addition to Rick Ross and artists from his Maybach Music Group, rapper Waka Flocka Flame will be on hand, along with personalities from Miamis WEDR 99 Jamz. The event is slated to take place on Wednesday, August 5th at the North Miami Athletic Stadium from 1:00PM – 5:00 PM.
Joe Budden Preps Mood Muzik 4, Artwork Revealed
Joe Budden’s post Def Jam success is largely due to his ability to craft high quality mixtapes, the chief being the Mood Muzik series.
The New Jersey-based rapper has revealed the impeding release of Mood Muzik 4:A Turn 4 The Worst, the latest in the series.
The mixtape release date is October 26, according to Budden.
Budden said Mood Muzik 4 will the the “worse one yet.”
The first Mood Muzik, Mood Muzik: The Worst Of Joe Budden, hit in 2004. The second, Mood Muzik 2: Can It Get Any Worse?, largely regarded as the best in the series, came out in 2006. Mood Muzik 3: The Album hit stores in February of 2008 after being released in 2007 as a mixtape titled is Mood Muzik 3: For Better or for Worse.
Below is the artwork for Mood Muzik 4.
DJ Jazzy Jeff Gets Married Too
(AllHipHop News) DJ Jazzy Jeff has announced his wedding today, which has been revealed on the heels of announcements from fellow Hip-Hoppers T.I. and Swizz Beatz.
“Having a quiet moment reflecting on my life so far…I’m blessed beyond words and thankful for God bringing me a incredible life partner,” he said earlier in the day on Twitter.
The details of the wedding were not immediately available, but it was on an island.
Earlier today, T.I. and Tiny as well as Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys announced their wedding ceremonies through representatives.
DJ Jazzy Jeff, real name Jeff Townes, rose to fame in the 80’s with friend and rap partner Will Smith, who then rapped as the Fresh Prince. He has released several album as a solo act and with Will Smith.
Gucci Mane Works With Swizz, Wyclef For ‘The Appeal’
(AllHipHop News) Rapper Gucci Mane has revealed details about his new upcoming album The Appeal will be in stores this September. During an interview with Atlantas veteran DJ Greg Street, Gucci Mane stated the album was good representation of where he is at musically and mentally.I done grown a lot and I think I expressed it really good musically and I just want everybody to hear it and see what they think about it, because I put a lot of time in it and its definitely my best foot forward right now.In addition to longtime producers Zaytoven, Shawty Redd, Drumma Boy and Fat Boi, the rapper has expanded his circle of producers as well for the album. The Appeal will include first time collaborations between Gucci Mane, Swizz Beatz, Haitian Presidential candidate Wyclef Jean and Pharrell Williams. The new people I did songs I actually made hit record with them, Gucci calmly explained. I made six records with Swizz, I made six records with Pharrell. And then I picked the best ones. I think this is a classic.The Appeal is due in stores September 28th.
Swizz Beatz, Alicia Keys Officially Married
(AllHipHop News) Producer Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys celebrated their new marriage today (July 31st) during an intimate ceremony aboard a 260-foot yacht on the Mediterranean Sea. Miss Info reports that Swizz and Alicia were married earlier this week in the United States, before heading to the exclusive resort Costa Smeralda. According to reports, a handful of family and friends were on hand to celebrate the marriage, in addition to Keys pregnancy. Swizzy, born Kasseem Dean, celebrated two bachelor parties as well, according to Miss Info. In addition to celebrating in New York, the producer partied on Friday (July 30th) at Sardinias exclusive Billionaire Club. Alicia Keys wore a Vera Wang gown during the celebration, while Swizz wore a suit made by Tom Ford.The news comes just a day after Atlanta rapper T.I. tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend, Tameka Tiny Cottell in Miami Beach, Florida.
Epic Fail: Firecracker Blows Up In Kid’s Face!
FIRECRACKER BLOWS UP IN KID’S FACE!
I had this on the site the other day, but it didn’t take. I messed up the video so I thought I’d re-run it for you. Check this fail out.
Hip-Hop Rumors: Did Shady Records Rip Off Detroit DJ? Rick Ross On Detox?
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.
ALLHIPHOP SPECIAL!
A Free B.O.B. Concert! TONIGHT – STREAMED LIVE ON ALLHIPHOP!
CONGRATS TO T.I. AND TINY!
BUT THERE WAS ANOTHER MARRIAGE
Rumor has it, the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff got married too. I wonder if Will Smith took time from raising actors and stars to attend? Im just kidding. I know he did. Oh, did you know Jazzy Jeff lives in Delaware? Not to blow up his spot, but I had to say it.
Peep Jazzy Jeff and Will from back in the day.
ALLHIPHOP SPECIAL!
DID…I MENTION….TONIGHT! THIS IS FREE! AND IF YOUR NOT IN ATLANTA, YOU CAN SEE IT ON AHH!
I think I did….
RICK ROSS ON DETOX!
Man, I know this is a rumor that every one will HATE, but I have to do what I have to do. This rumor is coming from one of my decent sources from Interscope. Its actually a reliable source, but this one is a bit hard to believe. I am hearing that there is the possibility that Rick Ross may be featured on Detox. Now, there could be a few reasons for this, in my theory. One, it could be another stab at 50 Cent. I still find it odd how Dre’s working with Ashanti, Lil Kim and The Game. All of them had beef with 50 at some point or another. The other is that it seems like Dre is putting together an album featuring all the hottest artists of the day. The first Chronic was Dre MAKING all the hottest artists of the day. So, take it how you want to take this one. I don’t even know.
DAMN RACISTS!!!!!!
I saw this on Twitter, but I left it alone, because I thought the news would pick it up. But, Slaughterhouse had an incident out at a Radison Hotel. Apparently, they have a NO RAPPER policy there and kicked the dudes out JUST for being rappers! What the hell!? Royce D 5 9 was P#####! Here is what he said on Twitter.
“I will NEVER stay at another Raddisson hotel again… EVER! .. Smh racist ass b###### about 22 hours ago via Echofon”
The Radison was not availible for comment against the allegations. LOL. Did I mention, I was at the Radison and was the one that got them kicked out? This is because I am a well-known racist. SMH. I’ll get off it soon, people. Pause.
DID SHADY RECORDS RIP OFF DETROIT DJ?
DJ Butter is a well known, legend from Detroit, but hes stepping up now about something that happened a long time ago. Here is the deal. He had a mixtape called Sh*t Happens and it dropped about 9 years ago. One of the songs on there was taken and turned into a joint on D12s first CD. Now, DJ Butter feels like he was ripped off. I wonder what the legalites are with jacking from a non-commercial product. I dont know if this was actually in stores hell, Im not a lawyer. Here is what D12 member Mr. Porter had to say:
We got the song and we redid the song and we end up using it for our album. We said “Yo! What is the song for Dog?”. We (D12) was going to use it for DJ Butter’s mixtape. Alright lets call Butter and let him know to not put the song out until atleast after the album (Devil’s Night album). And after ya’ll talked (Referring Eminem and Paul talking to DJ Butter), I Kind of understood that they were going to reimbursed you for that. Basically, They didn’t do none of that. None of that went down. Cause I know Eminem did a drop for you. I’m very busy, but when it come down to it. That don’t make sense!
Audio below:
DAMN!
I didnt realize this came out!
Did the Illuminati shut Juve down? Maybe Juvie thought he could trick people and they would think his CD was actually Drakes? I’m just playin…
LOL! REMEMBER THIS?
Remember Scarlet? LOL here is a parody of her backbreaking fall.
50 CENT!
50 Cent showed up at the Latin Film Festival and hes chilling. I wonder what hes there for.
I SEE
Snooki got arrested but I didnt know she looked this bad. She needs to get with Foxy Brown for some tips on how to look when you are getting knocked by the cops.
ATTENTION! HOUSTON! PEEP IT!
IM OUT AGAIN!!!!
It aint NEVER gonna stop!
TINY AND TIP, WE LOVE YOU!
They
keep us talking, but if we
stop talking about them then
they should worry!
Black Eyed Peas’ ‘I Gotta Feeling’ Sets New Sales Record
(AllHipHop News) The Black Eyed Peas selling power continues as their single I Gotta Felling has become best selling digital download in history, with over 6 million units sold-to-date. The news comes on the heels of their sold-out 100-date The E.N.D. World Tour 2010, which is also one of the top grossing of the year, with over $47 million in ticket sales. Four of the groups singles (Boom Boom Pow, I Gotta Feeling, Imma Be, Meet Me Halfway ) also placed The Black Eyed Peas in the #1 spot on Billboards singles chart for 26 consecutive weeks, the longest run for any act in the magazines 51 years of documenting sales data. “I am so proud to be leading our industry with 6 million digital sales,” said group member will.i.am. It means so much for the future of the music industry.”The groups album The E.N.D. has sold a total over 7 million units world wide and the album is still in the Top 20 after more than 13 months out. “This is an incredible accomplishment for us,” said Taboo. “Of all the exciting news that has happened to us over the past year, reaching this 6 million mark with I Gotta Feeling stands out as one of our proudest achievements.” The Black Eyed Peas are preparing to release a new album titled The Beginning, which should be in stores before the end of the year.
The Situation Goes Into Business With Snoop With New Clothing Line
(AllHipHop News) Jersey Shore star Mike The Situation Sorrentino has gone into business with rap star Snoop Dogg and his spiritual advisor Bishop Don Juan to launch a new clothing line. Snoop Dogg and Bishop Don Juan snagged the Jersey Shore MTV reality TV star for their new Serious Pimp line of clothing. The Situations company MPS Entertainment will launch a Serious Pimp lines of clothing, sunglasses and accessories centered around Sorrentino. “I’m very excited to unveil my Serious Pimp clothing line to the public,” The Situation told AllHipHop.com in a statement. “My company, MPS Entertainment, has worked very closely with Serious Pimp to develop a line that captures the style and confidence that is my trademark. Being ‘The Situation’ means that confidence cannot be bought and certainly cannot be thrown away. The new clothing line embodies the look of a Serious Pimp; it looks good and feels great on you.”The Situation, who recently scored a club hit with Fat Man Scoop, DJ Class and Disco Fried, titled “The Situation,” hinted that a new musical collaboration with Snoop Dogg could be in the works.Serious Pimp was launched in 1999 with the goal of blending Hip-Hop fashion with MMA attitude. The company recently expanded their distribution by partnering with several large retailers in the United States, Japan, the UK and Australia. “We’ve expanded our presence rapidly in markets across the country and overseas,” added Serious Pimp Founder and CEO, Damian Kutzner. “The Situation’s swagger, attitude, and confidence resonates with the Serious Pimp image. We’re very excited to welcome him to the board.”
MC Hammer Launches MMA Management Company
(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.
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
Marquez-Diaz II Weigh-In
A few hours ago Juan Diaz and Juan Manuel Marquez completed their final weigh-in preparations for tomorrow nights 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 cant 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 Im 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 thats 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 hes 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 Diazs 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 Marquezs punching room and make it a phone booth fight. The problem with that is Diaz doesnt 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 teams intentions.
Well, its 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, Ill do that, he explained. But I plan to campaign at 160 for a number of years. Its not easy to make, but its good because it makes you work harder to lose the weight. So I think well campaign at 160 for a little while and then move on up to 168 in a couple of years.
Regarding whether he feels hell 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 dont stress regarding the media because I think my personality speaks for itself. I think I have a very cool personality; Im an outgoing guy, he stated. So it kind of goes along with it. If I was a real dog guy then maybe theyd pick up and say hey you got to get the peoples attention. Im a respectable young gentleman so thatll take me a long way. People like the positive but they also like the villain. But youll go a lot further if youre 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.
Jacobs record is 20-0, 17 KOs.
Floyd Mayweather and Don King Have Private Meeting
Im chillin with Don King- Floyd Mayweathers 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 wont 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 havent 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 hed 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 Mayweathers 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 Mayweathers camp to HBO Sports President Ross Greenburg and Top Ranks Bob Arum.
The people involved now cant get it done, so Id welcome Don King stepping in. I predict not only will Don get the fight signed; hed 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: Hes just a kid having fun, living in a fantasy world.
Rapper T.I., Girfriend Tiny Married In Miami Beach, Florida
(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 Atlantas Fox 5 News. But dont 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
Slum Village talk album, future w/out Dilla & Baatin, Eminem as Rap Elvis, Newbies & Jays 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.
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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.