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DJ House Shoes On J. Dilla, Charles Hamilton

From rumors, Twitter, blogs, and interviews, Charles Hamilton has voiced his side of the recent J Dilla controversy surrounding his debut release.

 

From AllHipHop.com, to calling enraged fans, the pleasantly pink emcee has made comments regarding everything from family acquaintances to philanthropy and even to paranormal experiences with the late Detroit legend.

 

Now, as everyone knows the other side of the spectrum must be heard. AllHipHop.com sat down with the leading voice of the opposition and more widely Detroit as a whole, DJ House Shoes, to get a greater understanding on the state of affairs.

 

AllHipHop.com: First off, I wanted to know what your knowledge of Charles Hamilton was before the entire situation occurred.

 

House Shoes: I wanna say the first time I heard about him was that little Donuts mixtape s**t he had [Charles Hamilton’s Dilla Inspired mixtape: And Then They Played Dilla]. I’ve never heard the s**t, I’ve never had any desire to listen to it but some mother f**ker told me he was on there. Cats was already running that s**t into the ground though you know what I’m saying, rapping over all these Dilla beats and giving that s**t away and all that bull s**t. It’s one of those situations that need to be handled but cats told me he was playing with the beats on there and adding extra drums and all kinds of little hoe s**t. Its like, “You don’t play with them beats man. You don’t play with them period.” If Dilla was here he’d be f***ing ready to get you off of some s**t like that. I mean the catalogue has been raped by MySpace rappers. It’s a whole new age where cats don’t respect. Mixtapes to me have just turned into an excuse for a mother f***er to not have to pay for no beats. I know if I have a beat tape that I’m circulating – and I don’t even have my s**t out like that – but if I hand it to my homies it might spread a little bit but that don’t mean you f***ing go in the studio and cut a joint and throw that s**t out for the world, you don’t know what the f*** is going on with them beats. It’s like that Dilla s**t, Dilla’s gone aint no more beats to be made so if y’all keep running them mother f***ers into the ground y’all decreasing the value. This is a serious f***ing economical situation. Ma Dukes gotta get right man this s**t is grimey right now. Cats just don’t know it’s like, “Aw s**t I don’t need permission I can just rhyme all over this s**t.” Jay was about getting his money man.

 

AllHipHop.com: What was your initial reaction to the posting of the artwork that included James Yancey as Executive Producer?

 

House Shoes: I’ve never followed that mother f***er on Twitter because ever since that s**t [And Then They Played Dilla]. But my boy sent me a link to artwork on his album and I seen that s**t and I was like, “What the f*** is he doing? What the f*** is this cat thinking?” So that’s when I hit him up with my little Twitter message like, “Dilla called me from heaven and said he don’t know you mother f***er,” You know my typical ra-ra s**t that I get on from time to time when cats f*** around. Then he called Sweeney (Andres) from Classic Drug References and Andres just happened to have a little tape recorder next to the phone and now that conversations online for all of y’all to see talking about how he was really close to the Yancey family and he f***ed with Phat Kat. I immediately got on the phone after that and called Ma Dukes, Ma Dukes don’t know who the f*** this cat is and she never spoke to this cat.

 

AllHipHop.com: What was your conversation like with Ma Dukes?

 

House Shoes: I just called her up like, “Do you know uh anybody that is a rapper named Charles Hamilton?” And she was like, “Na, I’ve never heard of him. I’ve never talked to him.” And I was telling her about that s**t and she was like, “Oh hell na!”

 

AllHipHop.com: Did you get a chance to catch any of the new comments that he made in regards to his decision to put Dilla as Executive Producer?

 

House Shoes: He’s just building his lies up. Nothing that he said is true, nothing. And honestly you have to go through proper channels and there is paper work that has to be filled out for that executive producer s**t. That’s part of the whole s**t that goes into writing so how is James Yancey the executive producer? This aint no small independent label, this is Interscope Records, they dot all the ‘I’s and cross all the ‘T’s.

 

AllHipHop.com: Legally is James Yancey the same as J Dilla, in terms of usage and trademarks?

 

House Shoes: Legally they’re one in the same, I’ve done talked to cats. That’s why the label made him take the s**t down [Editor’s note: Charles Hamilton took it down, not Interscope Records] like that s**t has been changed.

 

AllHipHop.com: It’s interesting how that could have legally gotten through the door at Interscope.

 

House Shoes: It’s f***ing hilarious man and it’s really obscene too. Cats that really know the situation know that it’s an estate situation and the estate controls everything and Ma Dukes aint got a penny off of s**t since Dilla passed. So you’re talking about raising money for Ma Dukes but you apparently don’t even know the situation. Because even if that s**t was all properly taken care of that s**t would’ve gone straight to the estate and it would sit there.

 

AllHipHop.com: He said it would go to the J Dilla foundation which –

 

House Shoes: There hasn’t been a J Dilla Foundation. The estate shut the J Dilla Foundation down two years ago. “The J Dilla Music Foundation” (laughs) that’s the first time that s**t’s ever been spoken like that, ever. There’s no such thing, there never has been.

 

AllHipHop.com: What was your reaction to the paranormal comments.

 

House Shoes: Man that s**t was f***ing crazy man. He’s f***ing crazy, I don’t think we need to get into detail on that. I think pretty much everybody knows this mother f***er is crazy from the Black S#### s**t. Black S####’s my man and he’s lucky that s**t happened to S#### because if that s**t happened to a number of people I know that s**t would’ve come down completely different. How you gonna look me in the face and tell me that my s**t is your s**t? This is my joint and you took it off my MySpace and you rhyming on it onstage, I know what my s**t is and I’m talking from a producers angle. I don’t know who out there would’ve not punched this mother f***er in the face. S####, peace and love and all that s**t, I respect that you’re a laid back cat but I probably would’ve punched him in the face right there.

 

AllHipHop.com: Speaking of punching someone in the face, some of your threats on Twitter were pretty physical. Do you think that was more heat of the moment? House Shoes: I mean it was in the heat but the s**t had to do with the executive producer s**t. But when he started laughing off the D and saying, “This was my whole plan to put shine on the D.” Na, we don’t need you to get us shine mother f***er, Detroit runs the whole world on this rap s**t. We stay f**king five to ten years ahead of these mother f***ers. Are you serious dog? And then he started saying out of pocket s**t like, “Peace to all my real Detroit cats,” like f***ing Trick Trick and trying to make himself look like he actually f***s with anyone from Detroit. These cats are heated that he’s even got their name in his mouth. There are a lot of cats that really wanna beat the breaks off this dude.

 

AllHipHop.com: What if Charles came to Detroit?

 

House Shoes: Charles isn’t going to Detroit. Charles won’t be going to Detroit.

 

AllHipHop.com: Royce was pretty adamant about making sure Charles was cool with Detroit and that nobody messed with him –

 

House Shoes: I mean I talked to Royce, and I mean that’s his man, he f**ks with Sonic. But Royce is the homie, that’s my man. We move as a family man, we got a real small circle of cats that got that s**t. It’s a really tight close knit circle and when a decision is made its unanimous and an agreement will be made between everybody, we all ride together. But that was another reason why this s**t got bigger than it was. He recanted, he hit me up and was like, “I talked to Royce and I understand where y’all coming from and I love Detroit, email me your number.” I was like “Na, I aint trying to talk to you.” Then maybe an hour later he put some s**t up on his Twitter like, “Waiting on the knock of the door, were y’all killers at.” [Ambulance sirens heard in the background] Damn I think they might have gotten him dog (laughs). Another thing man, cats gotta be careful because it’s easy to find people, it’s a small circle. He gotta learn to watch his mouth.

 

AllHipHop.com: So Charles is banned from Detroit?

 

House Shoes: Like I said, it’s a unanimous decision. He can’t go there.

 

AllHipHop.com: Charles did announce that he removed Dilla off of any connection to the project. Where do you go from here?

 

House Shoes: I mean he’s still talking s**t about Detroit. As far as the D s**t goes and his safety once you cross that line back home that s**t is permanent. We all know about the no fly zone anyway.

 

AllHipHop.com: If Charles were to take the proceeds and directly give it to Ma Dukes and the Yancey family do you think that would be any consolation for what was done?

 

House Shoes: That would be really beautiful but I mean honestly now at this point that wasn’t his intentions in the beginning because this whole entire s**t is a figment of his imagination so for him to do that now would be like, “I gotta do this s**t because it’s the only possible exit I have with this situation.”

 

AllHipHop.com: I mean Charles did try to justify saying, “loving someone’s work so much that you want to help their family out.”

 

House Shoes: Man that whole s**t is suspect because if really from his heart he intended to do that s**t and his artwork has been online for like a month so this s**t is probably like 6 or 7 months old and you never took any type of step to see how you were actually trying to do it? Just on some real s**t, if you were placing his name on top of your s**t and it’s above and beyond damn near anything else on the album for people to see, if that’s really your intention you aint gonna let a mother f***er know? This aint “ADD Records” this is Interscope Records and on top of this s**t it’s a free f***ing download. How are you getting money off a free download? If anybody in the world can explain to me how you can raise money off of some free s**t I want to know because I’m doing something wrong. If I can learn how to make money from some free sh*t that’d be awesome. It’s like I’m going to create this restaurant and cook up all the food and give it away for free. Didn’t he used to be on drugs? I think he still is. He’s gotta still be on heroin, he gotta get on celebrity rehab or some s**t on Oprah’s show. I don’t have time to hate on s**t I just have my opinion. There’s a lot of s**t that I love in this mother f***er, I got a three month year old son I aint walking around all mad. If I don’t like your s**t, I don’t like it, and if you give me a reason to really state my s**t publicly don’t f***ing don’t get House Shoes mad, don’t get Detroit mad. I’m not out to hurt this mother f***er I’m just trying to show the world what a f***ing liar he is and make him look really bad at what he’s trying to do.

 

AllHipHop.com: What do you think Dilla would think about all of this?

 

House Shoes: Dilla would be on his way over there when the mixtape [Charles Hamilton’s Dilla Inspired mixtape: And Then They Played Dilla] came out. Dilla didn’t like mother f***ers playing with his f***ing music, that was the initial violation. That beat s**t, playing with the beats. Dilla would have been like, “Na dog, why are you playing with my s**t?” When he first started making s**t and doing the Tribe s**t and the Pharcyde s**t, engineers were mixing his joints and f***ing them all up and that’s why all that later s**t for the last six or seven years of his life you heard, all that s**t was two track s**t, like left to right, “Y’all aint f**king with my s**t.”

 

Editors Note: An interview with J. Dilla’s mother, Ms. Maureen “Ma Dukes” Yancey surrounding the Charles Hamilton/J. Dilla controversy will run later this week, exclusively on AllHipHop.com.

Rihanna Subpoenaed for Chris Brown Hearing

R&B/pop singer Rihanna has been subpoenaed to testify in the assault case against fellow vocalist Chris Brown.

 

According to Rihanna’s lawyer Donald Etra, his client was served in person on Tuesday (June 9) in Los Angeles with the order to appear in Superior Court for Brown’s hearing on June 22.

 

“Rihanna was served at my office by L.A. DA investigators,” Etra told People magazine. “If the preliminary hearing indeed goes forward, she is now legally required to be there, she will be there, and will answer all questions truthfully.”

 

The upcoming hearing will be an important chapter in the continuing saga surrounding Brown’s alleged assault on Rihanna as it will determine if enough evidence is present to bring the case to trial.

 

The 20-year-old crooner, who is accused of beating the songbird in February, has pleaded not guilty to two felony counts following the alleged incident.

 

With her appearance in court, Rihanna will be open to cross examination by Brown’s attorney, Mark Geragos.

 

A plea deal could end the case at anytime, making the hearing unnecessary, People reports.

 

News of Rihanna’s subpoena comes amid word that Geragos’ bid to delay the preliminary hearing was rejected.

 

Earlier this month, the attorney filed an appeal to delay the hearing.

 

Court records reveal the appeal was rejected on Tuesday, with no reason given.

 

In addition, Geragos’ bid to gain access to police records he deemed crucial to the hearing was separately rejected.

 

In his appeal, Geragos noted that a state Supreme Court case currently under consideration could affect Brown’s access to the records.

 

Based on this, the attorney sought to have the hearing delayed.

Producers Sue Block Ent. Over Yung Joc, Gorrilla Zoe Tracks

Two Block Entertainment producers have filed a joint lawsuit against the Atlanta-based label, citing the breach of several contracts and a failure to pay royalties on the label’s part.

 

The suit was filed in Atlanta by Dee Jay Dana, born Dana Ramey, and Flawda Water, born Lester Purnell, on Tuesday.

 

The pair claim that Block Entertainment, LLC fraudulently entered both producers into an agreement with EMI April Music by forging their signatures in a 2006 agreement between the companies.

 

The plaintiffs claim to have each entered into an “In House Producer Agreement” with Block Ent, with Ramey signing his agreement in April 2006, and Purnell following suit in July of the same year.

 

Under the agreement, both producers were to obtain rights on the music they received as well as royalties on the sale of those recordings.

 

Both claim they never received what was promised under the contracts, despite having fulfilled their specified duties.

 

The lawsuit further claims that the “In House Producer agreements” signed by both Ramey and Purnell were instrumental in Block Entertainment securing a deal with EMI April Music, Inc. in July 2006.

 

The deal also transferred both beatmakers’ rights to EMI, a transfer they claim was made possible because they claim their signatures were forged on the documents.

 

Furthermore, the two claim that the deal bound them to EMI “for a period that has hindered their ability to continue working as music producers.”

 

The court documents also bring into question agreements signed by each producer for specific songs produced in 2006 and 2007 for Block Entertainment artists, stating that not only have the producers failed to receive the royalties due for their work, they also failed to receive full advance payment for the recordings.

 

Ramey produced “New Joc City” and “Flip Flop” for Yung Joc’s 2006 debut.

 

Between 2006 and 2007, he also produced two songs on Gorilla Zoe’s debut Welcome to the Zoo, including the album’s lead single “Hood Figga,” and the bulk of Boyz N Da Hood’s sophomore effort Back Up n Da Chevy, including the lead single “Everybody Know Me.”

 

Pursuant to the agreements signed for each song, Ramey was to have received a total of $82,500 in advances, plus the applicable royalties yielded from the sale of those projects.

 

To date, however, Ramey claims to have only received $41,250, or half of the advances due on each song.

 

Purnell, who produced the song “I Know” from Welcome to the Zoo, stated he has only received $2500 of the $5000 advance stipulated in his contract, with no royalty payments received.

 

The two producers have requested a trial by jury and a judgment that would cover their back owed monies and legal fees.

 

They are also seeking punitive damages against Block Entertainment in connection to the alleged fraud perpetrated in the negations with EMI.

 

Both Block Entertainment founder and CEO Russell “Block” Spencer and label president Rico Brooks declined AllHipHop.com’s request for comment.

T-Pain: Death of Big Ass Chain (D.O.B.A.C.)

“Bill Gates don’t dangle diamonds in the face of peasants when he’s

Microsofting in the place”

-Andre 3000

on “Red Velvet” by Outkast

I’ve seen some clownish, buffoonish activity in my day, but T-Pain just took the cake, ate the cake and sh***ed the cake all over the internet earlier this week.

OutKast recorded a song called “Red Velvet,” where the legendary group chastised the Hip-Hop baller that blings a bit too much in hard times.

T-Pain recently took to the stage a concert with a pendant that said, “BIG ASS CHAIN.” Mind you, the chain that held the big a** pendant was actually pretty small, but that’s beside the point.

I have to ponder what he was thinking when he bought it. He offered the following insight:

“10lbs. 197kts. Very very real I don’t know what fake feel like.$410,000. Hola señor recession proof. With 32 cars.Oldest child 5 and already got 4 million in her own account.I dont do dumb s**t like this till I know the fams good. So don’t judge me frm what I buy.Judge me frm what I do.Cuz it’s so many artists that put themself before their family.but thanx yo.”

– T-Pain

I have to disagree with him, except with the part about it being “dumb s**t.” At least he knows!

JUST because you are rich doesn’t excuse you from irresponsible behavior as a citizen. Sure, T-Pain is fully allowed to do whatever he wants with his money. I REPEAT T-Pain is allowed to do with his money however he so pleases! But does that mean we have to accept it as a societal norm or something we strive to do?

No.

We are in a recession and everybody I know is feeling a steady pinch from the economy. Furthermore, it is actions such as this that have gotten Americas in this current quandary – reckless, thoughtless spending. Those that don’t have it are doing everything to get by. Those that do have should have some sort of innate desire to help those that don’t, even if it’s a minor gesture like Diddy shunning ice in these trying times.

T-Pain could have change lives with that money -that $410.000 – which was spent on the silliest object ever. A chain. Oh never mind the notion that people died over the creation of such a gaudy piece of junk. Never mind the fact that it is something straight out of a CB4 parody. Never mind the fact that, in this writer’s opinion, the big a** things is just corny!

Imagine, if you can, T-Pain dividing that 410k and giving it to needy college students. Or inner city schools in need of an after school program. What about families where one or both parents has been laid off. How about a self-serving business in the hood that mploys people and also put money back in T-Pain’s pocket?

Wake up.

Pain gave over 410k to a jeweler for a chain, which is highly likely not worth the purchase price. Again that’s his prerogative as a seemingly grown a** man.

I suppose, I take objection to the message it sends to all, regardless of race, creed age or background. It seems that we remain hung up on the same, old foolishness. It seems like people, often times Black men, feel compelled – almost possessed – to demonstrate their value or worth through external adornment. “Hey look at me, I’m worth more than all of you, f***kers! I have bigger, shinier stuff around my neck.”

And whether or not this hunk of junk is real or not, there’s going to be some wanna-be MC father of 3 in the ‘hood or ‘burbs that is going to emulate T-Pain. This is the same dude that has 30-inch rims, as his kids need a better education or vitals for survival.

There have been a number of T-Pain activity going on in Hip-Hop and it just gets worse when the peasant rise up. The chain snatchers got Yung Berg in Detroit and took his colorful Transformer chain on a world tour. They got 50 Cent on stage at a concert in Africa. They jacked Sean Kingston when some fool sent his jewels through the mail. And the stories go on and on.

Oh, remember when T-Pain himself got his chain snatched a few years ago. People are starving out here and they no longer have the same love and respect for their artists.

“Keep bragging.”

-Ad lib on OutKast song.

I don’t know about the rest of the readers, but I feel disrespected as a member of Hip-Hop right now. I don’t hate T-Pain, but I certainly wish he had thought a lil’ more about the type of energy he puts out in the world. Hell, I know his kids are straight, but why not keep them “straighter” instead of foolishly spending huge sums of money on a “big a** chain pendant.” I don’t hate the guy, I just want to see him do better, as most of us strive to do.

Is that too much to ask?

Probably, yo.

I wish I had all the money T-Pain had. I’d probably do some stupid s**t like try to save the world.

Good Guy aka Every Man is a columnist on AllHipHop.com and his columns appear every Thursday or when he sends them over.

Of course his views are not necessarily that of AllHipHop.com, but secretly wish we had a big chain.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Yung Joc Goes To War! Kanye & Amber Together or Not? Prince Needs 2 New Hips!

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

I don’t believe in making up stuff so, therefore it has been a lil’ dry lately. SOOOOOO…. IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING! In fact, take a pic if you see it. Even video will do. Still, there is some good stuff in today’s rumors. Check it out!

My email is [email protected].

YUNG JOC IS WAGING WAR!

Remember Yung Joc when he was totally p##### off at Bad Boy and Blok Entertainment? Click here to read that! I have news for you, kids, he is not finished! Joc is about to make a super bold and rebellious move to stop the people that he claims are stopping his paper, according to Lokey at bet.com. They are saying now that Yung Joc is about to just release his next two albums outside of his contractual obligations to Diddy and Blok.Apparently, the first album is album is a street album called, The Grind Flu. Click here for the first single to the album.

LLOYD WANTS OFF THE INC

A source inside of Lloyd’s management camp hit me up to let me know that Lloyd is finished with The Inc aka Murder Inc. In the next day or so, the singer is going to release a formal press statement announcing his dissatisfaction with Irv Gotti and The Inc. I am not totally sure what he is mad about, but whatever it is, there doesn’t seem to be a way to reconcile. Ooops…click here for the news story. They are getting faster!

KANYE AND AMBER BACK IN THE MIX?

I could be late, but I think that Kanye and Amber are still messing around, contrary to the break up rumors. Apparently, Kanye’s birthday party was very recent and there were a number of celebs there. Well, so was Amber, along with Jay, Jeezy, Fab, Drake, Kid Cudi, and others. You may have seen his cake sneaker on the net. Anyway, you get the point.

Despite my rumors, a rep told the NY Post, “They are no longer a couple.”

DIDDY, DON’T TALK TO RIHANNA!

LOL! Publicist can just be too much. According to Gossip maven Janet Charleson, Diddy recently trying to speak to Rihanna at a basketball game but her wolf publicist said, , “Don’t talk to her – wait till we get inside!” Even RiRi didn’t seem to like that. Allthe other people got statements like, “Don’t touch her! Don’t look at her! Leave her alone!” SMH.

DAVID CARRADINE RUMORS

I really have been trying to avoid these rumors, but they won’t stop. They are saying that David Carradine had some interesting views about sex and God. Basically, one of his close friends said that “[David Carradine] repeatedly mentioned the fact that he was searching for the meaning of life and his desire to know more about the mystery of death. He also stated that in moments of intense sexual activities one could get a glimpse of God and the aftermath.”

This is what TMZ reported:

The photo — published by a Thai tabloid — shows a body suspended from a bar in a closet, with his hands bound together above his head. Carradine’s genitals were also tied.

But the new sharper image also reveals what appears to be fishnet stockings covering the body. You can also see red women’s lingerie on the bed. And, it appears, Carradine may have been wearing a dark wig.

Although there are signs this could have been a sexual act that turned accidentally deadly, family sources say they are still suspicious of the circumstances and have not ruled out homicide.

DAMN, PRINCE – NEEDS A NEW HIP – MAKE THAT TWO!

You might not recall this but Prince was supposed have a hip replacement a few years ago. I covered that in the rumors. Well, it’s not looking good for his other hip now and so he need BOTH replaced. They say its all because Prince wears those dag on high heels to bolster his height. There IS a problem. Prince is a Jehovah’s Witness and they apparently don’t believe in blood transfusions. I hope he can find a way some way.

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

A lot of the commenters on AllHipHop.com said that the Drake/Kardinal beef is old and over. I hope so, but my sources are saying that’s not the case. But, actually a lot of people are saying its old so I will go with that.

I heard there is a fake Juvenile on Twitter trying to get songs with Soulja Boy and Diddy! Don’t be fooled!

There is a rumor floating out there and Jim Jone and Sony are about to walk away from each other. I don’t know how true this is, but its in the streets.

Gucci and Jeezy are the two headliners for the 102 Jamz Super Jam concert in North Carolina so I pray they aren’t beefing!

I didn’t know, but there have been some leaks of Fabolous’ CD. He blames JD for it.

Usher may be filing for legal separation from his wife Tomeka, if rumors are right.

Trey Songz has totally backpeddled off dissing R. Kelly saying that he wasn’t dissing…he just wants the OLD R. Kelly back. But, the old R. Kelly is that dude that’s here now. SMH. PR FAIL.

Willie Northpole was acting like a damn fool on twitter last night, trying to clown MC Hammer. What is wrong with that boy? Doesn’t he know Hammer is a don?! And Kathy Lee, same goes to you, you witch. SMH. Dude is the king of survival. Props!

Trina Johnson-Finn…remember that name? No? She is the chick arrested overseas for being a fake Toni Braxton. Well, she got out of jail, thankfully.

A number of people in Detroit have hit me up and stated that Charles Hamilton reached out to them or somebody near them to clear this mess up. Not looking good.

EPIC WIN OF THE DAY

Check out this hilarious vid merging Lil Jon with Ice Cube with rock group Weezer. CLASSIC!

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EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY

Ooops! I didn’t include the right video for this…check it out!

Anybody out there know Tony Neal of the CORE DJ’s? It’s like the biggest DJ crew in the world. Peep this old clip I got. A freakin bum broke into Tony’s house and fell asleep. Tony gave him the BIZNESS after walking this naked scumbag up.

video platform

video management

video solutions

free video player

CUT BUDDIES?

This was taken after Kamber’s PR said they weren’t together.

ILL PICS

Some guys has a birthday party and they brought the stars out!

Lil Kim was rockin’ the mic…

.Kid Cudi

Wale with his hat to the back. Why isn’t anybody looking at him?

Jeremih? I don’t know who this dude is, but that White dude in the back sure does!!

For more, go to illseed.com. Or just follow me at http://twitter.com/illseed

DILLA, 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].

Video Review: Camp Lo Boom Through ATL

Camp Lo Rains Luchini in Atlanta

By Ismael AbduSalaam

Last Friday (June 5), New York’s Camp Lo brought their unique, 70’s influenced style to the club Cenci venue in the city of Atlanta.

Unbeknownst to many, Camp Lo has been making regular appearances in the A since their breakout, 1997 debut album. With Atlanta being a transplant city full of northerners, westsiders, native ATLiens, and others, the tandem has never had an issue having an audience for any booked show.

The Cenci venue doubles as a restaurant/lounge on the main floor, and incorporates another full bar and stage in the basement. It was smart to hold the show downstairs, as the very dark lighting and intimate setting created the feel of the famous house party painting seen on the cover of Marvin Gaye’s I Want You, and Camp Lo’s debut. Concert-goers loosened up and danced while awaiting the headliners, and were treated to mid 90’s classics that spanned from Dr. Dre’s “Deep Cover” to Jeru’s “Come Clean.”

The 70s-styled Bronx duo was quite tardy for the show, not touching down until close to 2AM. Thankfully, Atlanta standouts Binkis Recs and Senor Kaos held down the venue beforehand with energetic sets that incorporated classics like Tribe’s “Scenario,” and breaks like the Incredible Bongo Band’s “Apache.”

The Lo thanked the patrons for their patience before kickstarting their set with the Smokey Robison-sampling “Lumdi,” and “Dope Boyz.” The crowd was receptive to these offerings, but the excited murmuring made it apparent that everyone was ready to rock out to selections from the group’s seminal debut, Uptown Saturday Night.

Camp Lo soon obliged, receiving loud applause when the rhythms of “Krystal Karrington” hit. Unlike many 90’s acts, whose breath control and lyric memory have deteriorated in the new millennium, Camp Lo’s rhymes were as crisp and clear as their CD counterparts. Ironically, for all of Uptown Saturday Night’s acclaim amongst fans, not many could recite the pair’s dense, allusion-heavy elliptical rhyme schemes. The result was the crowd supporting Sonny Cheeba and Geechi Suede as defacto hypemen, chiming in at the recognizable words and for choruses.

The group mixed in tracks from their latest offering Stone & Rob: Caught on Tape like “On Smash,” and the dancehall-tinged “89 of Crime.” However, like true veterans they continually surveyed the crowd reactions, and improvised selections as needed. After starting their sultry love ballad “Ticket 4 2,” Camp Lo cut the track short after joking there were not enough females present for the track to be appreciated.

Back to Uptown Saturday Night, the duo finished strong with more up-tempo tracks like “Black Connection,” “Rockin’ It” and “Swing.” The audience’s energy became more frenetic when “Coolie High” hit, obviously knowing that there was one final classic single that was needed to cap off the evening.

With various chants for “Luchini,” and even a scattered smart fan asking for the “Luchini Remix,” Geechi Suede made a simple request while the DJ held off on any music.

“We going to do something special right now,” he stated. “But at the same time we want everybody from the front, to the back, to the left, to the right; I want to see every hand in the air in the name of Hip-Hop. I don’t want this to drop until everybody is with us. I’m with everybody no matter how drunk I am.”

And with that, the familiar lush horns of “Luchini” boomed throughout the venue. The crowd didn’t struggle with this one, easily finishing the lines of each emcee as they spit back and forth. Camp Lo did the track justice, not fumbling once and making sure fans that had waited since 10:30PM had received their money’s worth.

Although the show did not officially end until close to 3AM, Camp Lo made the delays worthwhile. And even going into yet another decade, the Lo has ensured their fanbase will continue to thrive in Atlanta.

Lloyd: Time With The Inc. Has ‘Run Its Course’

After 5 years as a mainstay on Irv Gotti’s The Inc., R&B singer Lloyd has declared his time with the former powerhouse label has “run its course.”

 

Although he released his third LP in August 2008, the young crooner feels his career has become stagnant in the wake of The Inc’s separation from parent label Universal Records.

 

“I’m ready for a change,” Lloyd told AllHipHop.com. “There’s no bad blood. I just feel I need to take more control over my career and get a fresh start. Hopefully Irv can understand my position.”

 

Lloyd’s announcement comes just one month following the departure of Inc first lady Ashanti, who was granted a contract release after years of distancing herself from the beleaguered label’s legal and professional conflicts.

 

While his own situation plays out, Lloyd is moving forward with a new mixtape to build anticipation for his fourth studio album.

 

“We have plans to get in the studio with Jim Jonsin, The Runners, Cool & Dre, Rodney Jerkins, and others,” Lloyd detailed. “In the future, I still hope to work with Irv as a producer as well.”

 

Lloyd’s manager Henry “Noonie” Lee framed his client’s decision as an essential business necessity to prevent any further career monotony.

 

“We find ourselves in limbo for the second time in three years,” Lee told AllHipHop.com in a statement. It’s frustrating to know that opportunities to advance Lloyd’s career are out there but we can’t exploit them due to our current situation. Even though Lloyd is appreciative of the opportunity that has been afforded him by The Inc, he feels it’s time for him to move on and seek opportunities that will allow him to build and enhance his brand.”

 

At press time, Inc CEO Irv Gotti could not be reached for comment.

 Lloyd is best known for his hit single’s “You” and “Get It Shawty.”

 He released three albums on The Inc: Southside (2004) Street Love (2007) and his most recent, Lessons In Love (2008).

Royce da 5’9″ Unleashes New Music

Fans of Royce da 5’9” will get more than an earful of new music as the Detroit lyricist gears up to unleash a slew of material for eager listeners.

 

Royce’s first release will be the digital only EP The Revival.

 

The offering will include songs from the rapper’s upcoming album Street Hop as well as a new unreleased track from the group Slaughterhouse.

 

According to Royce, The Revival will be the first in a series of digital EPs released from the Slaughterhouse camp as Royce and fellow members Joell Ortiz, Crooked I and Joe Budden prepare for the July release of the super group’s self-titled debut album.

 

“The Revival will give people a chance to see what I’ve been up to and what to expect from the album,” Royce stated. “The month of July will belong to Slaughterhouse with the release of our full length group album and solo EP’s from me followed by Joell, Joey and Crooked. We will show fans why we are the ones to watch.”

 

In addition to The Revival, a new Slaughterhouse song not featured on the group’s album will be featured on each member’s solo digital EPs throughout July.

 

The arrival of the Slaughterhouse album and The Revival serve as preparation for Royce’s Street Hop.

 

The rapper’s fourth album, which will be executive produced by DJ Premier, concludes a lengthy process spanning almost two years.

 

To further anticipation for his new releases, Royce will spend the summer on the road with Slaughterhouse as part of the Rock the Bells tour.

 

A new single and video for The Revival is set to debut in the coming weeks.

 

Royce da 5’9”’s The Revival is slated to be released July 7 to all major digital outlets, while Street Hop hits stores on September 22.

 

The following is a list of Rock the Bells tour dates featuring Slaughterhouse:

 

June 27 – Chicago, IL – First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre June 28 – Detroit, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre July 5 – Toronto, ONT – Molson Amphitheatre July 12 – Baltimore. MD/DC – Meriweather Post Pavilion July 18 – Boston, MA – Comcast Center July 19 – New York, NY – Jones Beach Amphitheatre August 1 – Vancouver, BC – Deer Lake Park August 2 – Calgary, AB – Shaw Millennium Park August 6 – Denver, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre August 8 – Los Angeles, CA – Glen Helen Amphitheatre August 9 – San Francisco, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre

Max B Speaks on Conviction and Appeal

Harlem rapper and now convicted murderer Max B has released an official statement regarding his guilty verdict.

 

Yesterday (June 9) a jury found Max, real name Charly Wingate, guilty on 9 of 11 counts of felony murder and conspiracy charges in the death of David Taylor.

 

The 29-year old was killed execution style during botched robbery that cooperating witness Gina Conway said was orchestrated by Wingate.

 

With an official sentencing looming next month, Max expressed thankfulness for the support from friends and fans during the trial, and his desire to move forward with an immediate appeal.

 

“Thank you to all my fans for the continuous love and support during my trial,” Max explained to AllHipHop.com in a prepared statement. “With the advice of my attorney, family and friends I’ve decided to appeal my conviction, with full belief that I will be found innocent of all charges. This has been a long journey but, I have full faith that there will be a positive outcome and I will be cleared of all erroneous allegations.”

 

Despite his ex-girlfriend’s testimony, Gina Conway will still serve 18 years in prison for her role in the murder.

 

Max B and his step-brother co-defendant Kelvin Leerdam will stand before a judge on July 30, where both men face a maximum life sentence.

Mos Def: The Ecstatic (Review)

It has been two and a half years since the release of Mos Def’s True Magic, but the rapper, born Dante Smith, returns to Hip-Hop after his lengthy sabbatical.

 

The return comes in the form of The Ecstatic, his fourth solo album.

At this point, Mos is an acquired flavor of Hip-Hop that one hopes will pierce the trappings of traditional media and commercially tinged outlets.

 

The Ecstatic is highly representative of the balance so needed in Hip-Hop, but its redeeming value is so much more.

From the first song, “Supermagic,” the authority of Mos Def’s distinctive, nasal voice is evident over a feverish guitar riff. He’s got that BK bluster, but offers a unique conscious and educational perspective that seems natural, nearly formless. From this moment on, there is no doubt that Mos Def is back.

The rest of the album overwhelmingly demonstrates Mos Def’s natural ability to weave tales and project his ideals. One such song is “Wahid,” which is laced with Muslim musical sentiments.

 

Mos spits, “The old timers say we living in the final days/ Gunsmoke, young folk living any kinda way/ Gangster holiday, gritty states’ a hideaway/ Meanwhile soldiers take it straight through their armor plates.”

So, even for the fan, Mos will probably make you retrain your Hip-Hop ear, because he’s one of one. His inimitable style is demonstrated on other songs like the boom bap of “Twilite Speedball,” the minimalist “Quiet Dog Bite Hard,” and the thought provoking, “Priority.”

 

On the latter song, Mos says, “Peace before everything thing/ God before anything/ Love before anything/ Real before everything/ Home before any place/ Truth before anything/ Style and stay radiate/ Love, power slay the hate.” At only a 1:23 song, you want more.

The Ecstatic clocks in at 16 tracks strong and it gets bigger and better as it goes along. “Life In Marvelous Times” elevates. “Auditiorium” with Slick Rick is impressive enough to justify a new album from The Ruler. He knocks it out of the park with “History” with Blackstar partner Talib Kewli.

There are some instances where you want more from Mos – more energy, more engagement – as it’s the case with “Pretty Danger.” More than anything, absorbed listeners will appreciate risks like “Roses” with Georgia Anne Muldrow, which clearly indicate that Mos Def is operating on a plane reserved for passengers like Andre 3000, Lauryn Hill and others.

If you aren’t already a fan of Mos Def, it is unlikely that his gravitational pull on The Ecstatic will yank you into his universe, but if the casual listener does venture out, they will likely stay on this flight into the stars.

Track Listing

Supermagic

Twilite Speedball

Auditorium – Mos Def,

Wahid

Priority

Quiet Dog Bite Hard

Life in Marvelous Times

Embassy

No Hay Nada Mas

Pistola

Pretty Dancer

Workers Comp

Revelations

Roses

History

Casa BeyClick here for audio samples.