“All My Ladies” [Snippet]
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Nipsey Hussle Produced By Phonix
“The Hu$$le Way”
Tyga P### by Amadeus
“The Potential”
Alternative Heat: Rhea Ft. Jadakiss
“Choreographer Remix”
Juice Ft. Bun-B P###. By Drumma Boy
“Can’t Crush My Cool”
Flames
“You Lookin At Him”
DJ Khaled: Going Extra Hard
In life, its been said that hard work will guarantee success. Whether its winning consecutive golf championships like Tiger Woods or becoming the hottest rapper out today by consistently feeding fans with music via mixtapes, collaborations and studio albums (i.e. Lil Wayne), the positives far outweigh the negatives.
For DJ Khaled, hard work comes automatic when proclaiming We the Best. And with his hand in various endeavors, the WEDR radio personality is making sure he lives up to the title. Mixtape DJ and producer are but two descriptions for the man who has three hit albums under his belt, forged alliances with some of raps most popular and talented artists and transitioned from artist to music label executive.
DJ Khaled recently took a break from working in the studio to chat with AllHipHop.com about balancing his musical pursuits with being president of Def Jam South, plans for his next album and whether the DJ is an endangered species in todays hip-hop climate.
AllHipHop.com: First things first. Congratulations on being president of Def Jam South. With everything youre doing now (DJ, being on the radio, making and producing music.), how much of a challenge is It to juggle all of this and your duties as president of Def Jam South?
DJ Khaled: Its a great challenge. I wear many hats and to be number one you got to go hard and do what people are not doing. Its a vision Ive had when I started the game. Coming up from being a DJ to having the number one night show in Florida to being also a manager of two of the biggest producers in the game —The Runners and the Inkredibles — to being an executive of my own label, We the Best, thats on Def Jam. And also, to be head of Def Jam South, to see the vision Ive always had. And I always had a vision to be on Def Jam too. God is good. And it just something thats been destined, thats been written.
And the challenge is great. Thats what’s so great about this music business. Theres always a challenge. Its just great to accomplish the challenge and move on to the next challenge
AllHipHop.com: So if I’m reading you correctly, it’s kind of a welcome challenge in terms of being able to balance all this?
DJ Khaled: They all compliment each other and thats whats so great about what I do. I got the ear for the radio and I got the ear for the streets and I got the executive skills, the marketing skills. So yeah, its like a challenge. Its great for the challenge because I feel like Im one of the only ones thats doing this type of grind right now, you know what i’m sayin.
Im giving 100 percent to all of it. This is Khaled, man. Its in my music. I express it in my music that we make. “Goin’ hard,” “Out Here Grindin’.” “We Takin’ Over.” “Overtime.” Im putting in that overtime, you feel me?
AllHipHop.com: As president of Def Jam South, are you worried about the impact of the digital revolution as it pertains to moving units for artists under your label? Nowadays you find everybody downloading stuff and just using digital means of obtaining their music whereas back in the day it used to be going to the store.
DJ Khaled: I aint worried. Im the type of person goes with it. You got to change with the game and you got to move with the times. Everybody knows that sales aint what they used to be and the digital is takin’ over and stuff like that. So you got to just conquer what’s happening now. All that its doing right now is that you gotta put out great singles. And sometimes singles will sell more than albums. And sometimes you have singles that sell just as well as well as albums. Either way you get an opportunity to sell the music.
And its just a different way of selling it. And by time moving on, I think were going to find a way to make it better and better.
Even though the music biz is hurting sales wise, I just feel like its gonna be a time where its gonna get better because were gonna get better and find out how to make it better. So it just all abut going back to the challenge, to see where the game is at. The best is gonna find a way to conquer it, you feel me?
AllHipHop.com: So its nothing you that cant handle when you’re provided with the right tools?
DJ Khaled: Def Jam and We the Best is the number one record company in the world. Def Jam is the number one record company in the world period. So we gonna do what we do.
AllHipHop.com: Switching gears, with the beef between 50 Cent and Rick Ross showing no signs of slowing down, in your opinion do you see an actual end to this or will it continue to get more and more personal as time goes on?
DJ Khaled: Honestly, I dont be into all that beef stuff and negative stuff. And the thing is that I see that Ross is my brother. I see he has the number one album in the country and I see that he has a classic album and we make great music. Thats what I see. Everything else I dont see, you know.what Im sayin.
I see us always goin’ hard and Ross will continue making great music and moving forward. I dont be seeing that other stuff.
AllHipHop.com: Youve got three albums under your belt as well as a string of hit singles. Are there any plans to go back into the studio to do a follow up to We Global?
DJ Khaled: Yeah, Im actually in the studio now. Right now, Im putting out Ace Hoods new album called Ruthless. Coming out summertime, July, you know what i’m sayin. Ace Hoods new album about to drop. Its crazy. The first single featuring Akon and T-Pain called Overtime. And as soon as I drop that album, Im back in the studio. Im gonna work on my album.
My new album is gonna be called Victory. Its gonna be called Victory and its somethin’ special. I promise you.
AllHipHop.com: What direction musically will this project go into? Will it be in a different direction than the previous efforts or will it be more a continuation of what weve been getting?
DJ Khaled: Nah. Its gonna be something new, refreshing, different. But one thing that aint gonna change is me reppin’ the people. My albums is always reppin’ the people. So youre gonna hear that music, its always talking about the people. So that part aint gonna change, me reppin the people. Thats what I do.
But the thing that I plan to pull off with my album is on some Howd he do that? Quote yourself as saying Am I really hearing this? Saying to yourself Wow. I cant believe this is being done in an amazing way.
Like Im about to make the most incredible music thats ever been made. Im on some Right now I got this vibe going. Im in a zone, man. Im about a zone, man. This album is called Victory. I made yall Listennn on my first album. I let the world know We the Best on the second album. And We the Best got so big that we turned into being global. So I let you know We Global. And now the new album is called Victory. Its time to celebrate the wins. They say Im bringing the love back in the game so its time to celebrate the wins. And we gonna do it big.
AllHipHop.com: As far as people appearing on the album, are there any artists confirmed to appear at this point or are we a little bit too early with that right now?
DJ Khaled: You can put this in big letters, BE READY.
AllHipHop.com: Its no secret that youve worked with a virtual whos who of heavyweights in the rap world. Whether it be Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Fat Joe. Is there anyone you havent collaborated with that you would love to work with?
DJ Khaled: I would love to work with Rihanna, Beyonce, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige. There is a few people out there I havent worked with that I want to work with. And it goes back to that last question…be ready.
Victory is gonna be a big event, man. Its gonna be serious. Ive shown you on all my other albums. I make some real albums. I make some serious albums. I pull off a lot of things. I want yall to stay tuned for the We the Best/Roc-a-Fella/Def Jam collaboration with Beans and Jadakiss. Album coming soon.
AllHipHop.com: So you definitely plan on doing an album or at least few songs with those artists?
DJ Khaled: We gonna make history my brotha. We gonna work with everybody. We gonna make history.
AllHipHop.com: Any idea when well be able to hear the fruits of that collaboration with the Roc-a-Fella artists?
DJ Khaled: We in talks right now, man. We in the talks me and Lenny S, we in talks right now. Its gonna come together. We gonna executive produce it. Its gonna be big.
AllHipHop.com: Producers like Timbaland, who have opted to produce music for artists outside the world of rap. As someone who always seems to look ahead, have you considered expanding your musical boundaries to include work with artists outside the rap arena?
DJ Khaled: I mean I work with everybody, man, you know what i’m sayin. Everybody. I work with all genres of music. I work with everybody.
AllHipHop.com: I guess well have to stay tuned and see. I think it would be interesting to see you hook up with a few of these artists in these other musical genres to see what it would sound like. Well have to keep our eyes out open for that.
DJ Khaled: Absolutely, my brotha
AllHipHop.com: With the way things are today in rap, it seems like the DJ is not as prevalent as he once was. You have mixtapes starting to lose their impact as digital downloading begins to take over and they segue into mainstream circles. Rappers are even commanding more of the spotlight, overshadowing the right hand of the DJ on the 1s and 2s. With the exception of the occasional party and events and production behind the boards, in your opinion, has the DJ become somewhat of an endangered species in the current Hip-Hop landscape?
DJ Khaled: Never. Never. DJs is always relevant, always gonna be relevant and always be very important to Hip-Hop. Its just who plays the music, man. You can make music all day in the studio and make number one records but they gotta be played. And guess who plays them? The DJs. We the best.
AllHipHop.com: I definitely understand that. It just seems that back in the day, you knew the rapper and you also knew the DJ. Nowadays
DJ Khaled: Its all on the DJ too. Its all on the DJ and how you sell yourself. Theres all types of DJs. Theres DJs that just are not into the limelight. Theres DJs/artists like myself. Theres DJs that are producers, such as myself. Theres all different types of DJs man. Its all different types of people. Its what you make out of it, you know what i’m sayin. Its what you do with it.
AllHipHop.com: So its really just a matter of seizing the moment, seizing the opportunity and capitalizing on it?
DJ Khaled: In every situation. Absolutely. Its about going hard.
AllHipHop.com: Whats next for DJ Khaled? What can the fans and public expect from you in the days and months to come?
DJ Khaled: Expect good music, great music and expect more greatness, more wins, more cigars, more victories. We here man. We the best.
AllHipHop.com: Anything specific that the fans can look forward to? I know you mentioned the Victory album. Any idea when that may hit the stores?
DJ Khaled: I dont have a date on it. Im in the studio working now so Im in the creative process. But look out for it, Victory coming soon.
Hot Stylz Ft. Twista
“Thik and Fye”
Knockout Nation: Berto Wins, Mayweather-Mosley, Pacquiao-Cotto, Prince Hamed
Berto Scores Lopsided Decision Over Urango
WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto proved he was a few classes above powerful Juan Urango last Saturday (May 30), winning a pedestrian, wide unanimous decision in his third defense.
Although moving up from 140 pounds, the tank-built Urango had no qualms about being the aggressor, immediately stalking after Berto while looking to land hard shots to the body. Meanwhile, Berto made good on his AllHipHop.com interview promise to test the challengers chin by ripping flashy hook combinations to the head.
But Urango kept plodding forward. Berto, perhaps fearful of another wild slugfest like the Luis Collazo bout, constantly clinched whenever the Colombian got within striking range.
This shock em and lock em strategy was not fan-friendly and elicited constant verbal warnings from the referee. But with no points being deducted, the tactic ensured the limited Urango would not get on track.
As the fight moved into the later rounds, Urango carried the demeanor of a fighter frustrated and without answers on how to attack his foe. Because of the holding and being spun in different directions by Bertos movement, the 140 pound titleholder was content to flurry to the body in clinches.
Final scorecards for the bout read 117-111, and 118-110 twice for Berto, whose records improves to 25-0, 19 KOs. Juan Urango falls to 21-2-1, 16 KOs.
In the post-fight interview, the young champ critiqued his performance and made a declaration that hes ready for the elite of the division.
I thought I did all right. In a few spots I thought I got a little lazy, Berto explained to HBOs Max Kellerman. I got lazy in some spots because I kinda felt it was coming a little too easy. But you know he is a tough guy. A hard puncher. A little bulldog. We just used our boxing a little bit .I think I am ready. I think I showed a lot in my last few fights. I think I showed heart. I think I showed I can bang with the best. And at the same time I showed I can box and stick to the game plan. Im turning into a complete fighter now. Theres more to come. Always more to come. Im going to watch this tape, learn from it, and go back to the drawing board.
Last Saturdays result puts the young champ in an interesting spot. Undoubtedly, this was not Bertos breakout fight, and it wont entice any of the big names (Mosley, Mayweather, Pacquiao, Cotto) to bite with all the huge dollar signs swirling between them. With the possibility of getting in one more fight before the year is out, who can offer an intriguing, challenging matchup for Berto?
In our interview, I suggested Zab Judah, who is set to face Matthew Hatton in his next bout. Assuming hes successful, both guys could greatly benefit with a win over each other. For Berto, Zab would be the biggest, most recognizable name on his ledger. For Judah, hed pick up a belt at welterweight and be right back in the mix.
Additionally, if Clottey upsets Cotto in a few weeks, a Berto-Clottey showdown would partially unify the division. Well see where his management team takes him.
On the undercard, Kermit Cintron redeemed himself from his recent career missteps by outpointing previously undefeated prospect Alfredo Angulo.
Cintron dominated early with a snapping jab and counter hooks against an unusually listless Angulo, who was content to simply follow Cintron around and walk into counter traps.
However, Angulo had several chances late to turn the tide as Cintron began to fade under the constant pressure. But the former welterweight titleholder smartly held when his stamina failed, and eeked out the 12th to secure the decision.
Final scorecards read 116-112, all for Cintron, who raises his record to 31-2-1, 27 KOs. Alfredo Angulo suffers his first defeat and falls to 15-1, 12 KOs.
Mosley-Mayweather, Over 10 Years in the Making?
Welterweight champion Shane Mosley pulled no punches two weeks ago in calling out long-time rival Floyd Mayweather. Sugar Shane bluntly accused Mayweather of ducking him and challenged him to a megafight. See below:
Mayweather was obviously not amused, and responded in kind.
“Since Shane is running his mouth and trying to be disrespectful, he just moved down the hit list,” Mayweather retorted. “One thing I promise my fans, they’re all going to get it one by one.
The hit list is part of Mayweathers newly signed 5-fight deal with Golden Boy Promotions. According to Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer, 3 verified names on the list are Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, and Shane Mosley.
What many people may not know is that Mosley and Mayweather have been waging a war of words and callouts for over 10 years. In 1998, a young Floyd Mayweather tried to secure a fight with Mosley, who was then an undefeated champion and knockout artist at lightweight. Perhaps wanting the fight to build up, Mosley turned down the still relatively unknown Mayweather.
In 2000, Mayweather again tried calling out Shane. But Mosley had a bigger, multi-million dollar fish to fry in Oscar De La Hoya. In his signature fight, Mosley jumped 2 weight classes to welterweight and beat the Golden Boy in a classic performance.
On the other hand, Mayweather slowly built his name up from 2001-2005, most notably with wins over the late Diego Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo (2X). In January 05, Mayweather again called out Mosley, who was rumored to be returning to welterweight after decisive decision losses to Winky Wright.
Nothing ever materialized, as Mosley only had 2 fights in 2005 against lower-level competition, in part to readjust himself to welterweight after years away.
But in 2006, Mosley jumped back to 154 for two lucrative fights against Fernando Vargas. The entertaining scraps resulted in back to back knockouts for Mosley. At this time, both men had their best chance to date to face each other, as Mayweather had several possible PPV dates in 2006.
Unfortunately, Mosley cited a commitment to his family to take a vacation as a reason not to face Mayweather. Additionally, he likely had to the foresight to see his recent weight-jumping could be his undoing against Floyd. Shanes comments on this matter can be heard at the 8:50 mark, and he reiterated his stance later in the year after easily KOing Vargas in their July 2006 rematch.
So here we are in 2009, with both men well into their 30s. What could possibly prevent this fight from happening now?
Manny Pacquiao.
Its no secret that Mayweathers July bout with Juan Manuel Marquez is setup for a blockbuster, record-breaking showdown with Pacquiao. With that fight potentially on the table, Mosley will remain out in the cold.
But if Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum (Top Rank) plays hardball at the negotiation table, we could possibly see Mayweather-Mosley before the year is out.
Arum is currently trying to entice Pacquiao to face Miguel Cotto, who must first get by Joshua Clottey later this month. Since Cotto is also a Top Rank fighter, that fight would be far easier for Arum to make then dealing with Mayweather).
Floyd can equally turn to Mosley, also promoted by Golden Boy, to make an in-house megafight. The two winners could then face off by 2010.
Confused?
Such is life in the world of boxing. Preferably, Id like to see Mayweather-Pacquiao while both guys are red hot (assuming Mayweather handles business next month). In the meantime, Mosley has the option of a fan-friendly barn burner with young gun Andre Berto, or possibly the winner of Clottey-Cotto.
Whatever happens, as long as these talented fighters face off, boxing fans win.
Throwback Fight of the Week: Naseem Hamed vs. Steve Robinson (September 30, 1995)
Before his over the top debut in the States, a brash Naseem Hamed had to first prove to the UK that he was not a hype job.
The self-styled Prince made that point when he challenged veteran Steve Robinson for his WBO featherweight title.
Before Robinsons shocked hometown fans in Cardiff, Wales, Hamed toyed with Robinson, dominating him on the backfoot and moving forward with huge, single power punches.
Hamed showed no mercy on Robinson, demoralizing him with verbal and showmanship taunts before the referee stopped the bout in the 8th.
Hameds superb footwork and reflexes were on display, as he kept Robinson at the end of his lethal left hand, and was easily able to slip any offensive attempts.
Robinson never again challenged for a world title after this demoralizing loss, and went 11-7-1 before retiring in 2002 with a record of 32-17-2.
Hamed went on to become an international star, finally making a highly-anticipated U.S. debut in a 1997 4 round shootout with Kevin Kelly.
Unfortunately as Hameds star rose, his in-ring skills took a steep decline. Splitting with longtime trainer Brendan Ingle, Hameds reflexes, footwork, and punch accuracy dulled. By the late 90s he had become a reckless, chin in the air fighter who routinely began to suffer knockdowns due to his unorthodox style.
These infractions came to a head in 2001, when he was soundly beaten in the biggest fight of his career against Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera. After the clear points defeat, Hamed lost his will to compete at the elite level. He fought once more in 2002, winning a lackluster decision before abruptly retiring with a record of 36-1, 30 KOs.
Today, fans can only speculate what could have been if the Prince would have remained the focused, improving version that was on display that 95 September night against Steve Robinson.
Monday Fashion Feature: “Brand Profile: TROOP”
Another blast from the past has made its way to DrJays.com. TROOP, a popular 80’s clothing brand, has been revived by rapper Nelly. Created in the Bronx, New York in 1986, TROOP was one of the first brands to be adopted by the hip-hop community.
Consisting of both apparel and footwear, the brand was popularized in the mainstream by pioneering rap acts like LL Cool J. Nelly reintroduced TROOP to a new generation of music fans during last year’s BET Hip-Hop Awards. He now adds the brand to his already successful female clothing line, Apple Bottoms.
Check out an interview with Boss Lady and Nelly back in February 2008, where he discusses TROOP:
Are you feeling it? Brand new
TROOP gear available now on DrJays.com:
Bigger Deffer P/U Jacket by TROOP Pro Edition by TROOP
Eminem Flees MTV Awards After Comedian’s Prank
A well-received performance transformed into an embarrassing night at this years MTV Movie Awards for rapper Eminem.
The entertainer and his entourage left the annual show after an encounter with Borat star Sacha Baron Cohen on Sunday (May 31) night.
The actor, who was in character as the flamboyantly gay fashion reporter Bruno, flew into the Gibson Amphitheater on a wire in white wings to present the best male performance award to High School Musical star Zac Efron.
According to reports, Cohen was lowered into the audience after crashing into an overhead obstacle.
The comedians backside was exposed as he landed upside down onto Eminems lap, his bare behind in the rappers face.
“Are you serious? Are you f**kin’ serious? “Get the ***** off me!”” a visibly upset Eminem reportedly said as his entourage quickly came to get Cohen off the Detroit lyricist, who later stormed out of the building.
As he accepted his award, a confused Efron was taken aback by Cohens antics.
That was really weird, he said. That’s the coolest way I’ve ever been invited up to accept one of these.”
The incident with Cohen came after Eminem performed two singles, We Made You and Crack a Bottle, from his latest album Relapse.
In addition to Efron, other Movie Awards winners included the late Heath Ledger, who won the award for best villain for his turn as the Joker in The Dark Knight and Miley Cyrus, who took home best song from a movie with her Hannah Montana: The Movie tune The Climb.
The nights big winner was the film Twilight, which collected honors for best movie, best fight, best kiss, breakthrough male performance (for Robert Pattinson) and breakthrough female performance (for Kristen Stewart).video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsfree video player
Mike Tyson, Glory, and the Tyranny of an Oppressive Media
And yall aint give him nothing to begin
with/ Dilapidated buildings, the drug epidemics/
Historical
story/ Pain, love, and glory/ Of Mike Tyson/ Never see another like him/
Nas,
(Mike Tyson), The Ni**er Tape, 2008.
Now,
my first round is for the times that I sit in this cell/ The second round is
for the media and the lies they tell/ The third round is for the pain that I
felt inside/ Best recognize I hope not to die/
Tupac,
Road to Glory (Ring
entrance for Mike Tyson v. Frank Bruno Fight March 16th, 1996).
Love
is Respect.
Mike
Tyson
Michael Iron Mike Tyson
has lived a life most couldnt stand a day of; yet, the former heavyweight
champ keeps fighting on. What follows is a dedication to the greatest fighter
of the last two decades.
But
before that, this writer would like to extend his condolences to the Tyson
family, as they mourn the death of 4-year-old Exodus Tyson. May they find refuge
in these trying times.
Surrendered to the care of
a single-mother at age 2, Mikes road to glory would take nearly two decades
before its paths became clear. The move to Brooklyns infamous neighborhood, Brownsville,
at age 10 only further blurred the map Mike was to follow, in his journey to
make history by becoming the youngest fighter to win the World Boxing Council,
World Boxing Association, and International Boxing Federation heavyweight
titles. Mike did all this by age 20.
While most fighters bob
and weave their ways through matches, Mike knocked-out his opponents
fearlessly, rendering whoever he came across dead-on-arrival. With his
record-making debut at the Junior Olympic contest, knocking out his opponent in
8 seconds, it was clear Tyson wasnt the average kid around the block. He would
build on this new-found confidence throughout his legendary career, winning 50
out of 58 games, 44 of which were by knockouts.
But before the glory came,
he would have to confront the death of his mother at age 16, leaving the future
heavyweight champion emotionally distraught. Tyson later recalled how much this
loss partook in the knockouts he became famous for: The bodies of his opponents
symbolized a receptacle, into which he deposited his pain, sorrow, and anguish.
As one who grew up
entrenched in gang deathstyle, Mike was naturally mean with his hands. But boxing hardly consists of strength alone.
The discipline, alertness, and psychological skills he needed to survive in the
world of professional boxing would take years to develop, under the tutorship
of renowned boxing manager and trainer Constantine C## DAmato.
Mike credits C## with
equipping him with the technical skills that proved successful later on. C##
became the father he never knew. Nonetheless, the death of Mikes mom triggered
a fit of erratic impulses, which put at risk the lives of many around him. C##
was aware of this, but failed to act appropriately. No other is more willing to
acknowledge that C## was an honorable man, than Mike himself. On several TV
appearances, when asked, he never fails to mention the large emotional gap C##
filled in his life, more so with the untimely passing of his mother. Mike was
alone in this world. And the only friend he knew was C##. This friend, unfortunately,
had ulterior motives that, though meant well, played a part in the unremarkable
events that have since blemished Mikes reputation.
C## failed to address
adequately the wounds Tysons troubled childhood still left opened. Seeing the
potential for a future heavyweight champion in him, C## could hardly control
his expectations. Tyson was drilled, drilled, and drilled. This drilling
process, helpful as it was later on, only stimulated the pent-up rage embedded
in the young boxers soul.
C## permitted Tysons
character flaws. When he most needed discipline, drills were instead suggested.
But the professional is hardly personal. And none other knew this better than
C##, himself, who had mentored many young men into becoming well-groomed
adults. The problem: Tyson was different. As an old man, whose long and wavy
life was slowly coming to an end, Tyson was his last hope for successan ATM
machine into which he could deposit his last change of advice and athletic
investment, and reap an handsome payback.
C## was Tysons first
encounter with a world filled with opportunists, many of whom would sell their
birthright for a mess of pottage. His death in 1985 only further complicated
life for Tyson, leaving him helpless, alone, and vulnerable.
Its a strange existence
when 90% of those with whom you cross paths are endlessly seeking ways to
exploit your fame, fortune and future. Though Tysons world wasnt always filled
with Don King clones, the degree of selfishness with which his confidants
shamelessly stole to fill up their coffers, made sure he was bankrupt by 36.
But even with the
luxurious lusts of losers like Don King, and the emotional scars his traumatic
childhood afforded him, none of Mike Tysons opponents could deal bigger blows
than that the sports, news, and all around oppressive, media meticulously
landed on his iron-like, though fragile, body. The media, having failed with
Ali a couple decades before, had learned their lesson: The key was to start
early. That way, full control over the athletes psyche would be attained.
By age 20, Mike was
already being described, by commentators, as a beast, monster, and animal.
Those primatial nouns were cautiously used to define and determine the
parameters under which viewers and boxing fans were to judge the budding
fighter. Unenlightened observers might defend the commentators, explaining that
no harm was meant, and, in fact, it was a testament to the hitherto unforeseen
intensity Mike brought to the ring. But such arguments miss the mark. They also
excuse, and lend credence to, a media which sees wealthy Black male athletes, who
defy the odds (mainstream society), as objects worthy of scorn, hate, and
antagonism.
In Mikes case, the threat
level was amplified: He was a fighter knocking-out everything that got in his
way, dismantling the will and strength of his opposition, and clearing out the
bodies of opponents who failed to recognize his superiority in the ring. The
media was alert. It knew the threat Mike posed. The animal descriptor would
lay the foundation for a plot ready to yield fruition later on. As Mike
contended a few years ago, they build us [Black male athletes] up just to
break us down. It was all part of a scheme to paint him as the new evil Black
monster. Ali was struck with Parkinsons Syndromewasnt a threat anymore. There
was a new N***r in towna new specimen to operate on, and oppress, in the
laboratory of mass media.
When Mike Tyson walked
into the ring, the media went with him. When taking a bathroom break, the media
was nearby. When out for launch, the media stayed as close as possible. Far
from modern-day paparazzis who innocentlymost of them self-employedinfringe on
the privacy of celebrities, the medias hyper surveillance of Tyson was
deliberately nefarious.
The intent was to prove
they were right all along. They were right that he was a beast, a monster,
an animal. But this time, the beast was untamable. Far from the adorable
beast who knocked out adversaries, this beast went on rampages, raped women, and
devoured anyone looked at as threatening.
Mike fought back, but
lacked the sophistication to do it productively. His counter-attack,
unfortunately, began validating those assertions the media had madethe foundation it laid. Mike became an
actor, an entertainer, in the ring. He took up the persona of Ironimpenetrable. He became impetuous
and impregnable. Sadly, iron was melting and Mike couldnt show it. It would
take years before he concluded that Nobody is invincible. Nobody is the
greatest fighter in the world.
Tysons brutal honesty is
nowhere else more appreciated than in the Hip-Hop community. As such, it was a
no brainer to form an alliance with the late West Coast warrior, Tupac, who Tyson
described as brutally honest, and a loving guy. Tyson found the same
thread of lies previously woven about him being recast in the medias portrayal
of Tupac as time-bomb, racist, dysfunctional, single-parent. Their friendship
was, of course, cut short on Sept. 13, 1996, six days after Tupac was gunned
down in Las Vegas, following a Mike Tyson v. Bruce Seldon fight, but the bond the
two cultural icons shared was, in many ways, inevitable.
Beyond being indicted on rape
charges they vehemently denied, both emerged from troublesome backgrounds which
very few could overcome. They did. Both were also fatherless at young ages, but
found father surrogates whom they credit as lifesavers. It was after getting to
know Tupac better that Tyson found in him a rare jewel. Tyson saw that Tupac was
able to articulate the pain he felt, in ways not only productive but constructivelyrically
and musically. Hitherto, both had relied on physicality to prove their worth. But
Tupacs rhetorical prowess on the mic was having far-reaching impacts than
hand-dealt jabs did. Tupac would go on to record many songs specifically for
Tysons fights (Ambitionz Az A Fighta, Ready to Rumble, Road 2 Glory).
Many rappers also found
similarities between their struggles and Tysons. His name soon garnered
notoriety on Rap records, with artists ranging from DJ Jazzy Jeff & The
Fresh Prince and Too Short, Canibus and Ginuwine, LL Cool J and Biggie, paying
homage to his greatness.
Throughout his glorious
career, Iron Mike effortlessly fulfilled the six qualities Nas mentionedSpeed,
Strength, Skill, Power, Accuracy, Victoriousas requisite for a legendary
legacy. At a recent screening of his new documentary, Tyson, Nas
explained how much he meant, and means, to the Hip-Hop generation: Just
go back on what Mike has meant to us throughout all the years. Mike has been
the first baller of our generation, the first champion of our generation that
stood for the common man.
And even after living a
life most couldnt stand a day of, Iron Mike, our heavyweight champ, keeps
fighting on. Keep fighting champ! We love you!
Tolu Olorunda is a cultural critic and a Columnist for BlackCommentator.com. He can be reached at [email protected]..
Kimora Lee Simmons Gives Birth To Boy
Hip-Hop fashion mogul Kimora Lee Simmons is a new mother, after giving birth to a boy on Saturday morning (May 30).
Kimora Lee and partner Djimon Hounsou announced the birth of the on Simmons Twitter page. Its a boy, Simmons exclaimed. Thanks to everyone out there for all your well wishes! More to come. Thank God. And God Bless!
She also was quick to note that the hospital picture she took was a departure from her usual, high-profile photo shoots.
My hosp [hospital] pic was NO make-up guys. Be for real. I’ll send another soon, Kimora Lee Tweeted on Sunday.
Kimora Lee was married to Hip-Hop pioneer Russell Simmons, but the pair officially divorced in February of 2009.
Kimora Lee, who stars on The Style Networks reality show Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane, has two other daughters with Hip-Hop mogul Russell Simmons.
VIDEO BATTLE: Kanye vs Fabolous vs Killer Mike
VIDEO BATTLE OF THE WEEK This week’s video battle is a serious scrap indeed – a battle royale. Don’t sleep on any of these artists, because each has something special in the world of Hip-Hop. Here are the combatants:
Kanye West’s “Paranoid”
VS
Fabolous featuring The Dream’s “Throw It In The Bag”
VS
Killer Mike’s “My Chrome”
VS
Mully Man’s “I Go Harder”
Kanye West has yet another single for his 808s & Heartbreak, but with the video for “Paranoid,” there is a tremendous twist. Fabolous has been away for too long, but he’s fully ready to step up and reclaim his spot. While T.I. is away, there are several people that can hold down Grand Hustle, but your best bet is on Killer Mike. Lastly, there is Mully Man, one of the reasons the scene is Baltimore is so vibrant and alive.
“Ding-Ding” – Lets get ready to rumble!
Kanye West – “Paranoid”
Kanye West has been very vocal that this crystal clear version of “Paranoid” is not the official version. In fact, it was some how leaked to the internet. Nevertheless, the video presents a very artistic look aesthetically in stark contrast with your typical rap video. But, nothing about Kanye is typical and this is hardly a rap video. Still, it is Mr. West and Rihanna is the real star of “Paranoid.”
Fabolous featuring The Dream – “Throw It In The Bag”
“Throw It In The Bag” is a slick, well-produced video that highlights all of the things regular people cannot afford in or outside a recession. But, like most music videos, people indulge for the fantasy – not reality. So, watching Fab and The Dream stalk ladies as they shop. Somehow, the FBI enters the video, by way of the subplot. Perhaps this one isn’t as much fiction as previously thought.
Killer Mike featuring Big Boi – “My Chrome”
This 2005 lost gem is from Big Killa before his “fired his boss” Big Boi of Outkast. The song is interesting, because it offers a club-ish feel, yet also presents some of the coarseness many desperately want to see in danceable Hip-Hop. One the flip side, “My Chrome” definitely displays the cohesion that Big Boi and Killer Mike had to offer. This video is good reason to get back together, even for a song.
Mully Man – “I Go Harder”
Somebody better give Baltimore some shine or they are likely to steal it from their neighbors. Mully Man’s video exudes pure hunger and angst. The video is fast-paced and lyrically Mully Man is in his own lane, which is a good thing. What is interesting is both Grand Master Melle Mel and Bizzy Bee cameo in this video. Having a pair of pioneers co-sign him is a good look for the young Mully Man. Frenzied and fresh, peep “I Go Harder.”
Time to VOTE!
Nas Explains Canada No-Show
Never one to disappoint his loyal fans, Queensbridge legend Nas has broken his silence about his no-show at a highly anticipated concert in Torbay, Newfoundland, located near the provincial capital St. John’s.
This past Thursday (May 28), several fans were arrested after a mini-riot erupted due to Nas not making it to the venue after months of build-up.
According to Nas, the problems began as soon as he stepped off the plane.
“I had this show booked for sometime now and found it interesting to see St John’s, Canada since I never had been there, and heard great things,” Nas explained. “So we decided, let’s do it real quick and get warmed up for Rock The Bells! So, I didn’t expect no f**kery but was quickly reminded how things like this still happen to people in the game! [laughs] Bad business is bad business! Every now and again artists are asked to travel to another country to do their thing! But instead they arrive and are met by some strange people and instead of doing real business, these “JP’s” (janky promoters) are saying they have insufficient funds!”
Attempts to renegotiate proved futile, as the promoters not only had no money for the show, but could not even offer their headlining artist hotel accommodations, leaving Nas and his entourage stranded at the airport.
“After 3 hours at customs and once I finally get to them I’m told they have an insufficient amount of money. Now I don’t usually leave my crib unless all the business is handled first. But I love my fans in Canada so I said cool,” stated an incredulous Nasir Jones. “But of course it wasn’t cool. [They] had no paper and they cancelled our rooms and left us at the airport stranded. So what we had to do and did was get up out of there. But to all of Canada make sure you know I roll with ya hard!! It’s all love.”
With ambitious, self-styled promoters popping up everyday, Nas cautioned these potential entrepreneurs on the importance of handling business correctly, as they are reflection of the culture.
“My advice to wanna be promoters anywhere they are, take business serious,” he decreed. “Learn about being professional. Always. It’s very important to be real with people. Don’t continue to pull these 1950 style ways of doing business. Its wack! Anyway, thanks for your time people . Rock the Bells coming soon! Get ready, headlined by myself and Damian Marley. With our joint LP soon to follow!”
Nas and Damian Marley’s Distant Relatives is due to drop on June 23.
As of last month, the two were fielding possible contributions from Stevie Wonder, DJ Khalil, Large Professor, Young Jeezy, Alchemist, and J.R. Totem.
The 2009 Rock the Bells tour will begin June 27 in Chicago at the First Midwest bank Amphitheatre.
King Tees Daughter Funeralized Today
The daughter of West Coast Hip-Hop legend King Tee will be funeralized today after the teenager died suddenly earlier in the week.
Heaven McBride was killed in a car accident on Tuesday May 26. She was 16 years old.
A number of close affiliates of King Tee have already expressed their sympathy over the death.
DJ E-Swift, Xzibit and Darlene Ortiz, ex-wife of rapper Ice-T, all have paid their respects to King Tee and Heaven.
He really appreciates all of the support through this, E-Swift told AllHipHop.com of the outpouring of love.
King Tee, born Roger McBride, is a renown rap artist who has a career that dates top the late 80s. His first three albums are certified Gold and he was once signed to Dr. Dres Aftermath Entertainment. The rapper was also instrumental in introducing the world to The Akaholiks.
The family requests that any prayers and or words of encouragement be sent to [email protected].
Heaven McBride:
Hip-Hop Rumors: New Chris Brown & Rihanna Pix! RiRi & Drake In The UK? Kanye Is P#####!
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 SENSEREAD YESTERDAY’S RUMORS!
ILLSEED’S QUICKIES
REMY MA! Oh Snap! Shes still doing her thing! Check this song out called Im The Queen.
They are saying that Eminem might do a joint CD with 50 Cent.
It looks like “How High 2” is a bust. Universal Pictures owes all the rights and characters and allegedly won’t let the guys use it!
It looks like something is going to happen with Detox.
That wasn’t even the real Eve that spazzed out on Chris Brown yesterday. It seemed really weird when she bashed the media. Oh well, she’s EXPOSED! For a minute there, I thought somebody in the game has an opinion.
Ciara’s people sent this out: Ciara is currently focusing on her upcoming tour dates with Jay Z (select dates in the U.S.) and Britney Spears (Europe). Reports of a Ciara/KFC promotion are patently false.
Spike Lee recently smashed on Tyler Perry saying his movies and shows were taking us back to the “Amos N Andy” days.
The Dream and Christina Milian are reportedly engaged.
Scott Storch has filed for chapter 13 bankruptcy. Sad.
Phil Spector got 18 years to life.
ARE RIHANNA AND DRAKE STEALING AWAY?
First of all, I want to tell you that there was a picture posted yesterday. That was not Drake and one of his conquests. That was his assistant and she is a cool, professional person. They DID NOT have a rendezvous of any sort. Sorry!
I got this from a friend of a friend! I have been told that right now, both Drake and Rihanna are in the UK, in London. Now, my source wouldn’t tell me or didn’t know of they actually were seeing each other in the town, but they are definitely both over there. From what I understand, Jay-Z is still there too. Here is something that I got as well from my source that knows the real source. Jay-Z is working with Drake. Like they have reportedly been in the studio together.
I’m really a bit baffled at the hype surrounding Drake. Not to suggest that he’s not talented, but it seems like he’s taking over or something. I don’t know why. Anyway, its all good!
CHRIS BROWNS NEAR!
In this day and age, the stuff we do lingers forever. And if there is a stalker, hacker or jilted boyfriend, you may have a worse situation. Some bleeding heart hacker allegedly has taken responsibility for the leaked nude photos of Rihanna. Uhm I dont believe this story, but who am i? Here are the pics and they show a different spin on their relationship.
Homey is getting his lil wayne on here.
JAIMEE FOXWORTH HANDLES HER FAMILY MATTERS
Jaimee has done good for herself. You might remember she was on “Family Matter,” but got off the path and into p###. She’s way more stabilized now. We actually used to talk over email. She was very cool so I congratulate her!
Exactly ten days overdue Jaimee Foxworth and longtime boyfriend, Michael Shaw welcomed their first child together into the world. Michael Douglas Shaw Jr. was born today at 6:40am PST. After 21 hours in labor, Michael Jr. finally made his way, weighing in at 6lbs 11oz and 19 ¼ inches long.
This is the best day of my life Jaimee said to her Manager and Publicist, Elayne Rivers via text. I am so excited to be a mother and I also look forward to getting back to work. Foxworth had been conversing with Rivers throughout her labor via text as they are currently reviewing offers. First up will be Foxworths return to television in a positive manner on an episode of Life After.
PRETTY RICKY CARTOON
That dude Spectacular isn’t wasting any time. He’s already got an animated series that address his recent dancing outing.
PUPPY LOVE
Hahaha! Lil Twist is one of the dudes down with Lil Wayne. Remember, I heard he was dating Keke Palmer? Well, here is what he had to say about the rumor.
“WORLD! FROM THE RUMOUR THAT WAS SPREADED LAST NIGHT ON ALLHIPHOP ABOUT ME AND KEKE PALMER DATING IS FALSE! WE ARE REALLY GOOD FRIENDS 4 NOW!”
It would seem that he’s got some ambition, per the “4 now.” Hey,young world! I heard they are going to be shopping together in the LA area and they have already called the paps to be there.
THAT WAS NOT BERG’S CHAIN!
I swear. You people are going to stop messing with Yung Berg! This was Berg’s chain.
And THIS is what Whoo Kid said was Berg’s chain!
Shout out to Berg and my super readers that told me the real deal. Nice try, Mr. Whoo!
SHA MONEY AIRS IT OUT FOR 50 CENT!Somebody got Sha Money started!
Honestly, G-Unit is going through a new phase right now and Interscope right now is not the best home for them. Its a point in time where employees and everybody just not ethused enough to making things move forward and the staff honestly, everybody rode off the G-Unit wave. They didnt have to f**king work, we f**king created the wave and they rode it. So soon as its time to work and they gotta show and prove, aint nobody show and proved and f**king getting radio and nobody doing what they gotta do cause its a f**king c**k sucking industry, aight? So everybody rode the wave and now were sitting here wondering what the f**k is wrong with Interscope. They never had to f**king work in the beginning, Im sorry Jimmy [Iovine] but its the truth. Get better f**king employees 50 is the f**king genius man, honestly, hes unpredictable. As much as I knew him from 1996 to now, motherf**ker is unpredictable, hes crazy. You cant never understand what hes gonna do next. Hes a genius, so you know what? Theres more Vitamin Water deals coming.
KANYE IS UPSET!
Apparently, the video that we all thought was officially for “Paranoid” wasn’t even for fan consumption. It was a leak and Kanye isn’t pleased. Here are some screen grabs from the real video.
Looks like Sin City or something.
THE 90S OR NOW?
EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY
Obama being president changed a lot, but it has not changed everything. In fact, it has accentuated a lot…the RACISTS are still here! A small paper in PA failed editorially, they say. They ran an ad that said: “May Obama follow in the steps of Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley and Kennedy!” Well, all of those U.S. presidents were assassinated and the FBI is treating it like a threat on the president’s life. Anyway, the Warren Times Observer says they didn’t catch the “drift” of the ad. The paper published an apology.
TYRESE COULDA BEEN THE FAIL!
Yesterday Tyrese got booed for singing the National Anthem. I thought he forgot the words. NO. He changed the words. Instead of singing “our flag was still there,” he replaced the words with “our Lakers were still there.” The whole crowd, Lakers fans or otherwise, booed him for the rest of her performance. They dont appreciate NATHAN!
SHOUT OUT TO BISHOP BRIGANTE
This is a favor for my homey Bishop. You know, he’s a rapper and an actor so if you have any roles, get at him.
HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?
The new Jake One video is ill, baby! Hip-Hop music is really doing it! Now, if you look at the very beginning of the video for “Home,” you might find some of the sme people who were in the Mix-a-lot a bunch of years ago! Dj Supreme in the beginning of the video was because he was also in the “Posse on Broadway” video and was mean muggin Mix-a-lot in the original old school vid. Look at the video after this and and you’ll see the same fat gold chain.
Here is Sir-Mix-A-Lot’s “My Posse’s On Broadway” –
Jake said this about his video:
Finally I’m happy to present the video to my tribute to Seattle, “Home”. The song features MC’s Vitamin D, Note, Maneak B and Ish, who have all big influences in music. Mix a Lot brought out his orange Lambo and Nate Burleson repped the town and the Seahawks as well. Super Director Zia did a phemomenal job creating the perfect visual for the music and now its time for the world to see it.
Town Biz
Jake Uno
CAPTION THIS:
READER CARTOON!
What do you think?! The illseed cartoon is going to happen at least I hope so!
TEYANA TAYLOR
She looks pretty good here.
IM OUT!!!!!!!!!
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].
AHH Stray News: Dr. Dre, Beastie Boys, Def Jam Game, American Gangster Sold
Producer/rapper/mogul Dr. Dre has teamed with Dr. Pepper for a new ad campaign the soft drink giant recently launched. The spot, titled “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor,” features Dre in a DJ Booth commanding a party. Fans of the producer are excited, because the commercial also features an unnamed track from Dre’s highly anticipated album Detox. Other celebrities in the campaign include Gene Simmons, Julius Erving and Kelsey Grammer. Dr. Dre’s commercial is set to debut on Monday (June 1).
The Beastie Boys have revealed that they have finished a new album of brand new material. The veteran Hip-Hop collective have tentatively named the album Hot Sauce Committee and the release will contain overtly political content. “It’s a lot of vocals, a lot of words — very wordy. And it’s political, depending on what you call political,” group member Adam ‘Ad-Rock’ Horovitz said.
Def Jam is planning a new rap-related video game title with 4mm Studios. The new game, titled Def Jam Rapstar, is currently being developed as a Hip-Hop karaoke title. According to developers working on the game, Rapstar will cover over 30 years of music, including new music being timed and created for the release of the game, which is slated to hit stores this Winter.
American Gangster, the acclaimed series that debuted on BET, has been acquired by A&E Networks. A&E snagged the rights to seasons 1-3 of the series, which takes an in depth look at some of urban America’s most notorious criminals and gangs. The series, which is narrated by actor Ving Rhames, will air on A&E’s Crime & Investigation Network cable channel. American Gangster is one of BETs most critically acclaimed and thought-provoking series, and were extremely proud of the success the show has enjoyed on our network, said Michael D. Armstrong, Senior Vice President & General Manager, BET International. Were excited that it will be reaching a new worldwide audience through this landmark deal with A&E.
Tone Loc Collapses During Concert
Rapper Tone Loc collapsed and passed out and had a seizure during an outdoor concert in Florida.
According to reports, Tone Loc, born Anthony Smith, was performing at the Captn Fun Beach Club early Friday morning (May 29).
He apparently suffered the seizure due to overheating, although the temperature of the atmosphere was listed in the low 80s.
During his six-song set, he made several references to the heat, before he passed out on the stage.
The rapper was rushed to a nearby hospital in an ambulance, where he is currently being treated.
According to reports, this is not the first time Tone Loc has suffered from a seizure on stage.
He also had one during a performance in Charlotte, N.C. on January 2008.
Tone Loc is known around the world for his voice and hit singles Wild Thing and Funky Cold Medina, which helped introduce Hip-Hop to new audiences.
He has also done extensive voice work for commercials and cartoons.
Tone Loc has also appeared in a number of high profile movies, including 1994s blockbuster, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, which also starred Jim Carrey.