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New RNC Chairman Targeting Hip-Hop Fans To Boost GOP

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Republican National Committee (RNC) chairman Michael Steele is launching an effort to attract new members by utilizing Hip-Hop to make the Grand Old Party (GOP) an appealing option worth considering.

 

“We need messengers to really capture that region – young, Hispanic, black, a cross section,” Steele told The Washington Times. “We want to convey that the modern-day GOP looks like the conservative party that stands on principles. But we want to apply them to urban-suburban Hip-Hop settings.”

 

Among the vehicles being utilized by the politician are the Internet as well as advertisements on radio, print and television.

 

With his new campaign, Steele hopes to hopes to dispel talk of the Republican Party becoming “too regionalized” and move past defeats in states like Virginia and North Carolina and concerns that his party needs to “reach beyond our comfort zones.”

 

Steele’s plan comes as a new challenge for the former Maryland lieutenant governor, who be came the first African-American chairman of the 168-member RNC after defeating four opponents on January 30.

 

According to Steele, the solution to his current dilemma lies in the Republicans’ need to upgrade its image among attract young blacks and Hispanics.

 

To ensure the project has a fair chance of success, the former state Republican Party chairman is holding weekly meetings with House and Senate republicans to explore what the Times labeled as “strategy, message, policy and tactics.”

 

“It will be avant garde, technically,” he said. “It will come to table with things that will surprise everyone – off the hook.”

 

During the presidential election of 2008, a number of rappers and organizations hit the road to campaign on behalf of the future president, including The Hip-Hop Caucus, T.I., Young Jeezy, Nas, Common and Jay-Z, who gave a performance during Obama’s official inauguration event.

 

“We missed the mark in the past, which is why we are in the crapper now,” Steele said. “We had the White House, the Senate and the House and were not building a farm team over the last years…”

The Last Word: Chris Brown Challenged to a Boxing Match, Halle Berry Steals Jewels, and Tracy Morgan Starts a Fire!

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Alternatives

What’s the word, daydreamers? Here we are at the starting point of another weekend after five days filled with Obama making good to sign his newly approved economic stimulus package on President’s Day, a New York Post editorial cartoon generating outrage and protest from people who believe the image is racist, and Illinois Senator Roland Burris going on the defense as demands for his resignation surface amid reports he raised money for disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich while seeking a U.S. Senate appointment.

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Congratulations to Salma Hayek, who got married on Valentine’s Day. Shout out to the sounding boards for forgiving and forgetting……

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And now the next episode of…the Last Word for the week ending Feb. 20, 2009

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1. Chris Brown Tops Facebook Group’s Most Wanted

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Apologies may be the first step in seeking forgiveness, but it’s never a guarantee towards halting an ass whooping.

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According to Fox News, LA Boxing President Anthony Geisler is spearheading efforts to give Brown his just desserts with the creation of a new Facebook group, I Just Want to Fight Chris Brown. The martial arts expert cited a desire for the crooner to see “what it’s like to face a real opponent” as the basis behind the group.

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To date, there are at least 45 people who would like to see Geisler and Brown go one on one in the ring. In addition to advocating a match between the two celebrities, the I Want to Fight Chris Brown group encourages members to join if by any chance, they want to have a crack at Brown after Geisler finishes his turn.

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I can’t say it’s a big surprise to see folks lined up to give Chris a taste of his own medicine. Let’s hope his dancing feet can cash the check his ass wrote on Rihanna. With folks lined up to knuckle up, odds are Chris may get beat down from wall to wall.

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2. Halle Berry Steals Film Role as International Jewel Thief

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Boyfriend or not, Halle Berry has more than her fair share of admirers. So many in fact that she could put her ability to steal hearts to good use for her next film role.

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Variety reports that Berry will star in Who is Doris Payne, an upcoming movie based on Payne, a real life international jewel thief whose career spanned five decades.

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For those (like me) who don’t know, Doris Payne was known as a career criminal that dressed in fancy clothes and stole high priced jewelry during the day while stores were open. Her last encounter with authorities came after she stole a $36,000 diamond ring from Neiman Marcus in 2005. She was 75 at the time.

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Sounds like an interesting film. For the record, I don’t think Halle would have many problems taking things without permission.

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3. Jazmine Sullivan Revisits Acting Past for the Future

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As her latest single says, Jazmine Sullivan is not afraid of Lions, Tigers and Bears. Now the songstress can add acting to that list as she prepares for her close up with a role in Red Tails, film director Anthony Hemingway’s story on the legendary Tuskegee Airmen.

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According to Sullivan, the role isn’t too big of a stretch.

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“I play a singer who entertains soldiers,” the singer told Billboard. “I’m really just entertainment for them, but I kind of get a little relationship going with one of them. So that’s very exciting.”

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While Red Tails may be seen as Sullivan’s first foray into acting, the Grammy-nominated vocalist harbors previous experience that served as a launching pad.

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“I used to act when I was younger, in little plays,” said Sullivan, who attended Philadelphia’s Creative and Performing Arts high school and revealed that she has a TV project in the works. “It never was really a passion of mine. It’s just something I did and I could do. Anything where I can be creative, I like to do.”

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Sounds like a wide-open future. In addition to Sullivan, fans can also catch singer/songwriter Ne-Yo in Red Tails. As long as she directs her energy towards making hit records and memorable films and not busting my raggedy car’s windows or anything else, then I’m cool with whatever she does.

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4. Tracy Morgan Hosts Four-Alarm Fish Fry at Home

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Leave it to Tracy Morgan to create havoc within his own apartment.

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Media sources report that the New York Fire Department came to the former Saturday Night Live star’s aid after a four-alarm fire was started at his 16th floor Trump Place residence early Wednesday morning

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The culprit? A defective fish tank.

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TMZ reports that the blaze was caused after a light bulb in one of Morgan’s fish tanks busted. At this time, it is unclear whether the 30 Rock star was at home at the time of the fire. Around 8:30 a.m., 78 firefighters from 25 units arrived on the scene to take care of the fire. Damage was minimal at the apartment as it consisted of mainly smoke damage to the walls. Adjacent apartments and units below Morgan’s place (including one occupied by The View co-host Sherri Shepherd) sustained some water damage that probably came from the fire hoses rather than the actor’s aquarium.

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And in case you were wondering, nobody got hurt from the incident, not even the fish that were caught up in the whole situation.

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With his fish safe and sound, a grateful Tracy expressed his gratitude via the following statement:

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“A fire broke out in my Manhattan apartment this morning, apparently starting with a lamp attached to my fish tank. The sprinklers promptly activated and the NYFD came by to make sure it was contained,” the entertainer said. “Fortunately, the fire did not spread and no one in the building was injured – even the fish are OK. My thanks to the New York Fire Department for their quick action.”

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Once again, something to make you say, “Tracy Morgan, you’ve done it again.”

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5. Taraji P. Henson Maintains Oscar Nominated Motherly State of Mind

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For someone with an Oscar nomination, Taraji P. Henson is anything but a souped up diva. Although she admits to being “still kind of numb” about all the exposure she’s gotten from being recognize by the Academy.

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“I’m waiting for someone to say, ‘Wake up!’ I’m just really excited about it, and trying to enjoy each and every moment,” Henson told USA Today while alluding to sharing something in common with the character she portrays in the Brad Pitt film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

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“I am a mom in real life,” Henson told USA Today. “Once a mom, always a mom…It’s like riding a bike: You never forget how to be a mom.”

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Those motherly qualities proved to be an asset for Henson, who earned her critical praise for her Oscar nominated role as Queenie, the woman who raises a baby who ages in reverse after finding the newborn on her doorstep.

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Like her character, Henson has a son of her own. And while it would be easy to play the star role outside the movie studio, Taraji keeps it real when it comes to making sure her son Marcel has a full stomach everyday.

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“My son gets breakfast every morning. I don’t buy cereal,” said the single mom, who takes it upon herself to drive Marcel to his basketball games. “Sometimes he wants scrambled eggs. Sometimes he’ll have bacon. Or pancakes. He gets home-cooked meals every day. “Even if I have a 5 a.m. call, I’ll cook and leave his food in the microwave before I leave. You expect a child to succeed and do well in school, but how are they going to do that if they have no brain food?”

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That’s what I’m talking about. Be a star, but leave the celebrity status at the door when you check in to the house. Looks like Taraji has the right mind state as she prepares to get glammed up for the Oscars.

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“…at the end of the day, I’m still TJ. That’s what my family used to call me, and they still do,” she said. “Besides, I haven’t gotten any calls from Spielberg yet. Or George Lucas. Still waiting.”

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Hopefully, the wait won’t be too long. You can find out if Taraji takes home the Oscar when the 81st Academy Awards airs live at 8 p.m. on Sunday (Feb. 22).

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6. Terrance Howard’s Chris Brown Connection Comes to Light

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Days after retracting a statement he made supporting Chris Brown, Terrence Howard has found himself under the same microscope.

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The Smoking Gun has gotten its hands on police and court records that bring to light Howard’s 2001 arrest on suspicion of assaulting his wife, Lori McCommas.

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According to the site, the incident stemmed from a phone conversation the couple had that resulted in the entertainer breaking down the front door of McCommas’ house. Howard and McCommas had been estranged for two years before to the incident occurred.

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Dated Sept. 17, 2001, the Whitemarsh Police Department report goes on to note that Howard ended his argument with McCommas by saying “Don’t disrespect me by hanging up on me or I’ll come over and hurt you.”

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McCommas later called 911 and began talking to the dispatcher when Howard arrived and tried to get in. The report notes that the Iron Man star “broke the front door down and ran through the screen door in the kitchen. Howard then grabbed the victim’s left arm and punched her twice with a closed fist in the left side of the face,” the report states.

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Howard eventually confessed at the scene of the incident to breaking the door and hitting his wife, according to police, who also revealed that the entertainer was booked on suspicion of simple assault, making terroristic threats, harassment and stalking, and disorderly conduct.

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Howard pleaded guilty in 2002 to disorderly conduct after posting $20,000 bail. He is currently separated from McCommas.

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Funny how the past comes back to bite you. You never know when your show of support can open the door to your trick whooping past.

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In Other Words…

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* It took them a while, but the folks at Disney have added a Black princess to their character world. Dreamgirls star Anika Noni Rose was on hand Monday (Feb. 16) when the company debuted a new toy line inspired by its upcoming holiday film The Princess and the Frog.

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Rose, an admitted fan of Disney fairy tales, will provide the voice of the lead character, Princess Tiana, who is Disney’s first new princess since Mulan in 1998. Disney is thinking big with Tiana as the company hope’s the princess’ film debut will bring back musicals and 2-D animation to the Disney family.

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*After a string of family films, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is returning to the action genre with an appearance in the film adaptation of the 1960s animated series The Adventures of Johnny Quest. According to Moviehole, the former pro-wrestler will play Race Bannon, the series’ tough guy special agent who is hired to guard and train Johnny Quest, an 11-year-old who accompanies his doctor father on various adventures.

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* Ziggy Marley is getting a familiar helping hand as he prepares to release his first children’s album Family Time. The Tuff Gong release, which is slated to hit stores May 5, will include assistance from Marley’s mother Rita, sister Cedella and daughter Judah, as well as Paul Simon, Jack Johnson, Willie Nelson, T#### Hibberts, Elizabeth Mitchell, Laurie Berkner and Jamie Lee Curtis, who narrates two stories.

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* As moviegoers welcome Madea back to the big screen with Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail, the entertainment mogul is stepping up to help get teens in Atlanta of the street. Media sources reveal that Perry has donated $110,000 and a brand new 15-passenger van to Covenant House Georgia homeless shelter. The money will be put toward operating costs and the complete renovation of Covenant House Georgia’s Crisis Shelter for homeless adolescents in Atlanta.**To get the latest AllHipHop Alternatives Features, follow us on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/AHHalternatives**

Open Letter: John Legend Addresses NY Post’s “Racist” Cartoon

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Uncategorized

Open Letter to the New York Post

Dear Editor:

I’m trying to understand what possible motivation you may have had for publishing that vile cartoon depicting the shooting of the chimpanzee that went crazy. I guess you thought it would be funny to suggest that whomever was responsible for writing the Economic Recovery legislation must have the intelligence and judgment of a deranged, violent chimpanzee, and should be shot to protect the larger community. Really? Did it occur to you that this suggestion would imply a connection between President Barack Obama and the deranged chimpanzee? Did it occur to you that our President has been receiving death threats since early in his candidacy? Did it occur to you that blacks have historically been compared to various apes as a way of racist insult and mockery? Did you intend to invoke these painful themes when you printed the cartoon?

If that’s not what you intended, then it was stupid and willfully ignorant of you not to connect these easily connectible dots. If it is what you intended, then you obviously wanted to be grossly provocative, racist and offensive to the sensibilities of most reasonable Americans. Either way, you should not have printed this cartoon, and the fact that you did is truly reprehensible. I can’t imagine what possible justification you have for this. I’ve read your lame statement in response to the outrage you provoked. Shame on you for dodging the real issue and then using the letter as an opportunity to attack Rev. Sharpton. This is not about Rev. Sharpton. It’s about the cartoon being blatantly racist and offensive.

I believe in freedom of speech, and you have every right to print what you want. But freedom of speech still comes with responsibilities and consequences. You are responsible for printing this cartoon, and I hope you experience some real consequences for it. I’m personally boycotting your paper and won’t do any interviews with any of your reporters, and I encourage all of my colleagues in the entertainment business to do so as well. I implore your advertisers to seriously reconsider their business relationships with you as well.

You should print an apology in your paper acknowledging that this cartoon was ignorant, offensive and racist and should not have been printed.

I’m well aware of our country’s history of racism and violence, but I truly believe we are better than this filth. As we attempt to rise above our difficult past and look toward a better future, we don’t need the New York Post to resurrect the images of Jim Crow to deride the new administration and put black folks in our place. Please feel free to criticize and honestly evaluate our new President, but do so without the incendiary images and rhetoric.

Sincerely,

John Legend

Editor’s note: The New York Post has apologized with the following statement, but defended their position:

Wednesday’s Page Six cartoon — caricaturing Monday’s police shooting of a chimpanzee in Connecticut — has created considerable controversy. But it has been taken as something else — as a depiction of President Obama, as a thinly veiled expression of racism. This most certainly was not its intent; to those who were offended by the image, we apologize. However, there are some in the media and in public life who have had differences with The Post in the past — and they see the incident as an opportunity for payback. To them, no apology is due. Sometimes a cartoon is just a cartoon — even as the opportunists seek to make it something else.”

Reverend Al Sharpton offered a counter statement:

“The New York Post statement will be discussed by all of the leadership of the various groups that have mobilized and we will respond to it at the rally at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow outside of the New York Post. At this point there will be no cancellation of the rally and though we think it is the right thing for them to apologize to those they offended, they seem to want to want to blame the offense on those of whom raised the issue, rather than take responsibility for what they did. However, rather than engage as they are in name calling back and forth, we will make a collective decision on how to proceed. All of us can only wish the New York Post had taken a more mature position when the issue was first raised rather than belatedly come with a conditional statement after people began mobilizing and preparing to challenge the waiver of News Corp in the City where they own several television stations and newspapers.”

Uncle Luke On Going To Jail

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Uncategorized

MONEY IN QUESTION FOR MOTHER OF THE CHILD’S ATTORNEY FEES NOT CHILD SUPPORT

 

The story in yesterday’s Miami Herald gives a false impression about my arrest on Tuesday. The arrest had nothing to do with “allegedly owing” over ten thousand dollars in a child support case. I have acknowledged that I am the father of the child in question and I am fully up to date on his child support.

 

Rather, I was arrested because I had not paid the lawyer’s fees of this child’s mother. This is a matter of ongoing legal dispute. In December of 2009, the court sided with me in regard to my not paying the legal fees.

 

This past Tuesday I was at the courthouse on other business. When the sheriff learned of my presence on the premises, he had me arrested although the Florida constitution states that a person cannot be jailed for consumer debt. I was released from jail only after I paid the lawyer’s fees of the child’s mother.

 

This is not the end of this matter. Because this writ was originally vacated I intend to fight the legal decision requiring me to make that payment of attorney’s fees and the sheriff’s decision to arrest me. If the court has now decided to lock people up for not paying attorney’s fees then just about everybody is going to jail.

 

But there’s a larger problem here: It’s one in which African-American fathers are routinely demonized as “deadbeat dads” by the legal system. It’s more accurate to call me a “denied dad.” I wanted the right to visit my child. I wanted shared parental rights. The child’s mother opposed my wishes. The court ruled in her favor.

 

In fact, you don’t have to be a black man to face this kind of bias. In a book entitled A Promise to Ourselves: A Journey Through Divorce and Fatherhood, the actor Alec Baldwin describes the terrible custody battle he’s had with his ex-wife. Unfortunately, vindictive mothers all too often use their children as pawns in a war against fathers. In the black community, we often refer to these disputes as “baby mama drama.” It’s a cute name for a problem that is no laughing matter.

 

Moreover, I spend at least two (2) hours of every day that I am in Miami working with at risk kids in inner city neighborhoods. I not only work with them, but also, I work with their parents – mothers and fathers – who are having a hard time raising their children while dealing with the potholes in society today. Running from the responsibilities of taking care of my very own son is the last thing I would do.

 

Luther Campbell

Hip-Hop Rumors: Pic Of Rihanna After Being Beaten

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

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.All credit for this image is to TMZ.com. This is the image of Rihanna after she was allegedly beaten up by boyfriend Chris Brown. A lot of people have been circulating this photoshopped image of Rihanna. Well here you go and this isn’t Photoshop. This is the real deal. An image produced by TMZ.com that shows exactly what Rihanna looked like after being brutally attacked.  Certainly…nobody is passing judgement yet, but this images are certainly “talkative” in their own right. So. what’s the verdict? Only time will tell, but it would appear that C. Brown will have to face some sort of judge greater than the one of public opinion.

TODAY’S RUMORS!

SUGE KNIGHT MAKES APPEARANCE IN VEGAS!

It has been a few days since the hospitalization of Suge Knight. Well, I heard that Suge was at the Magic Fashion Trade yesterday in Vegas. Now, here is the catch. I was told by eyewitnesses that said Suge didn’t look that bad and didn’t show any real signs of being beat up. They did say he was wearing sunglasses, but he does that anyway. They also said that he didn’t have any security. Hmmmm…

Also, Suge dodged another major “bullet” recently. He pled guilty to beating up his girlfriend in Las Vegas (see how the rumors fit together nicely?). They say he punched and kicked his girlfriend in the head. Where are all the people defending Rihanna at? Nobody had anything to boycott when that lady was tore down, eh? Anyway, Suge pled guity to misdemeanor domestic battery. The “bullets dodged” were three felony charges — two felony drug possession charges and one felony coercion charge. All dismissed. His girlfriend is still missing. Suge was fined $340, will take some domestic violence clsses and will have to serve 48 hours of service to the community, according to tmz.com.

Here is the news story for Suge.

SOLANGE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL!

Solange Knowles is the trouble girl! She is the real Sasha Fierce! Why? First, she recently had a “wardrobe malfunction” where here tatas were revealed. She just seems like a wild child at heart. Anyway, she was admitted to a hospital after she collapsed from a mixture of flu pills and Nyquil. Medics treated her after taking the mess on a flight leaving New York. On Twitter she was talking all wild, I heard.

Here is a break down of some of her sentiments.

“I took a nyquil and i think maybe im getting high off it because im not sleeping. maybe i should close my eyes…”

“think im certified loosing it on nyquil. going to sleep before i start freestyling on the plane… omg (Oh my God) i didnt know nyquil could do this to you. i took the pills tho. cant stomach cough syrup. trying to be proactive on this flight.”

“Never taking nyquil again. I feel so weird.”

“Woaah…… How’d I end up in the hospital? Woke up to 8 random people over me, laid out on the floor in baggage claim!… Guess I passed out! Scary. Hooked up to IV now . Apparantly I’m super dehydrated.”

“I’ve never passed out before. S**t was like the movies. People standing over me saying ‘hello’… My mom is the best. LOL (laugh out loud). She’s like ‘Ain’t nothing wrong with this girl, she need some water and rest… Pull up the car!’ LOL”

“I’m like still in shock. I’ve never passed out before. Think it was the nyquil too. I felt weird when I woke up. This has been the day from hell. I’m done with the second IV. I just want to get in the bed and lay with Julez. That’s all I want.”

“I’m out! yay!… they let me go….. Rest. Water. Rest. Water.”

CASSIDY GOING TO GOD AND NO MORE BATTLE RHYMES?

Recently Cassidy made it back to Philadelphia, his hometown and stopped by, “Live with Kendra G” 100.3 The BEAT. While in the studio, Cass talked about how everything that he has been through over the years has made him closer to GOD but he doesn’t’ think it’s important that you go to church. He even talked about why his battle rap days are over! Check out the interview for yourself!

KANYE’S NEW BABY BOO!

Kanye bagged the new flavor of the month on the vixen box. Kudos, kiddo!

EXCLUSIVE NEW JUELZ!

DRAKE, THE BIG TYMER?

I have to say that I am a bit late on this Drake dude. All I knew him as was the dude that wrote some stuff for Wayne, but there is more to him. One of the great readers of the rumors page “saw something and said something.” Drake just had a release party for this new mixtape called ‘So Far Gone.” I heard the party itself was crazy fun. But I also heard it attracted the likes of Big Lebron James and the fineness known as Bria Myles. It was co-hosted by Chris Bosh and Daniel ‘boobie’ Gibson, I think. I don’t know who they are but apparently Canada knows. I always knew you had it in you, Toronto!

OJ DA JUICEMAN RUMOR FALSE?

A couple people in Atlanta are telling me that the rumor about OJ Da Juiceman is false. I heard DA JUICE called 103.3FM about an hour after the rumor came out and denied that he got robbed or beat up. In fact, he informed them that “he was in [a strip club] balling out of control throwing money and his $7500 ring flew off as he threw the money.” Hold that money, Bro.

KRISS KROSS FACTS!?

From what I understand the dude from Kriss Kross had a bout with cancer when he was young. If you remember, he always used to rock a baldie and they had nothing to do with Onyx. Onyx wasn’t even out, I don’t think. Anyway, I heard he’s just letting whatever hair he has run wild these days and that’s why those pics look that way. Somebody else told me he suffers from alopecia, a disease that causes hair loss and just refuses to cut it. Now, on the flip side, I heard he may STILL have cancer. Clearly, I’m not that ignorant to make light of that. If that is the case- I didn’t know either – I apologize profusely.

USHER’S WIFE OUT OF HOSPITAL

Usher’s wife is all safe and sound. Tameka finally made it out of hospital after a week in a Brazilian hospital. I deliberately didn’t write about this one. There was nothing interesting to me. I don’t know. Anyway, you probably already know this, but she had some complications with plastic surgery. Usher was down there the whole time tending to his wife, but was seen leaving on Tuesday solo. Dude’s wife had a straight up heart attack during liposuction. That’s scary, my friends.

IT GETS REAL FOR MICHAEL JACKSON

Micheal Jackson is auctioning off his stuff. Sad. An auction in April will see him sell more than 2,000 personal items, including awards, a velvet cape given to him by his children for Father’s Day, a basketball signed by Michael Jordan and more. Oh and the 50-year-old Black Peter Pan is selling his platinum and gold records, and a Rolls Royce limousine.

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

Rick Ross went and got Bang ‘Em Smurf! Click here for the song “What Goes Around.”

Rihanna reportedly still loves Chris Brown after he allegedly choke her, beat her and bit her.

I heard there was an earthquake in New Jersey? Whats the deal with that|?

Shout out to Rudy Johnson, the football player! I heard admitted to reading the rumors! Thanks man!

I am hearing Shyne will be home by April. What will Diddy have to deal with?

Joe Budden’s new album is set for Feb. 24, but he’s experienced some leaks recently.

Shout out to my homeboy Mr. Exclusive (from Chicago).

Rumor has it, Jagged Edge is doing a gospel CD. Why not!?

SUGE KNOCKOUT VIDEO!

Man. I remember when Suge was the most feared man on Earth. He still is, but definitely not the worst.

SHELZ HELPS ILLSEED!

Dwayne Wade Suing the Ex?

Yup. Remember when Mrs. D Wade said he gave her an STD? He’s suing her for defamation to the tune of $50,000. Oh and he’s suing her lawyers too. He says they humiliated and embarrassed him and may have cause detriment to his future earning potential.

“It has been difficult to see false allegations, rumors and gossip repeatedly discussed in public about my personal life,” Dwyane Wade said in a statement released to the AP. “I had no other choice but to file this action in order to clear my name.”

Is that you Pee Wee?

I could be wrong, but is that Pee Wee in the “Big Thangs Poppin’” video? Peep 1:40 minutes in.

A JOKE, MY PRESIDENT?

Is this real? NY1 is a real news corporation, but I am not convince this is 100% authentic. Replacing the N-Word with “my president”…I’m not sold.

EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY

EPIC WIN OF THE DAY

Strong Arm Steady! They have a new song called “Black History.” Check it out and respect it!

SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END

I don’t know if this is a true SIGN, but it sure is crazy. The Associated Press reports the following:

HARTFORD, Conn. – Geronimo’s descendants have sued Skull and Bones — the secret society at Yale University linked to presidents and other powerful figures — claiming that its members stole the remains of the legendary Apache leader decades ago and have kept them ever since.

The federal lawsuit filed in Washington on Tuesday — the 100th anniversary of Geronimo’s death — also names the university and the federal government.

Geronimo’s great-grandson Harlyn Geronimo said his family believes Skull and Bones members took some of the remains in 1918 from a burial plot in Fort Sill, Okla., to keep in its New Haven clubhouse, a crypt. The alleged graverobbing is a longstanding legend that gained some validity in recent years with the discovery of a letter from a club member that described the theft.

“I believe strongly from my heart that his spirit was never released,” Harlyn Geronimo said.

Good lord. The Skulls and Bones is a true secret society that boasts members like Bush 1 and 2, John Kerry and many others. Gerionimo’s family claims that G.W. Bush’s grandfather was one of the Skull and Bones that helped dug up the Native American leader! The family wants the bones and remains back for a proper burial in his “land.” The lawsuit even names President Barack Obama as a defendant! Give ‘em what they need Barack – a spiritual stimulus package!

CHRIS AND RIHANNA FIGHT AGAIN!

I get a lot of stupid Chris and Rihanna stuff, but this one was actually good.

CAPTION THIS!

Email me at [email protected] …tips, information and other stupid stuff.

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

SUGE, 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].

BREEDING GROUND: Troublesum

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Breeding Ground

Good TroubleAs of late Texas has proceeded to attempt its take over of rap music even though New York has had it in its palm for years. Artists like Mike Jones, UGK, Chamillionaire and others have exploded from the underground scene and unto mainstream music and defined new experiences in Hip-Hop. With this explosion came many Texans staking claim to the throne. This included people like Lil Flip to Chamillionaire and others. However, there has yet to be a female MC from Texas to claim the title of Queen. Until now.

Troublesum is a Houston femcee making her mark musically, with her ill freestyle with Trae The Truth Called “Shook,” hot songs with Breeding Ground Alumni Rain on a track called

“I Kno What U Want” solid mixtapes and plans on snagging the ‘Best Female Mixtape of the Year’ at the Southern Entertainment Awards. Troublesum doesn’t necessarily want or need to be Queen. She knows there is plenty of room and money for everyone in the game. She wants to imprint her honest and upfront style and lyricism in the game. Starting with Texas and moving on to the rap scene at large. Troublesum has a plan. Whether it be music or movies, she wants her name to have a resounding affect on audiences.

AllHipHop.com: How did you initially become involved with rap?

Troublesum: I grew up a PK (preachers kid) We moved to Houston and there use to be dudes on the block. I would have to go to the store to get a newspaper for my mom. There would be a whole bunch of hustlers around. They would be bumping screw. The more I went up there the more we started talking. I just started rapping with them. They liked it so much and they encouraged it to the point that I had to take it seriously. So basically I started rapping on the block with a group of hustlers.

AllHipHop.com: Have you found it difficult being taken seriously as a female MC?

Troublesum: Oh My god! You know what? No. If anything that’s what ni**as get. When they see me they are less receptive. But when they listen to my joint then they get me. They listen to my joint and they are like God d**n! They don’t expect that from me.

AllHipHop.com: You mentioned being a preachers kid, do you think that affects the persona you put out there? Do you consider what your family might think about some of your lyrics etc?

Troublesum: In the beginning but I’m a grown woman so at the end of the day no. I have to be my own person. I don’t do anything that’s belittling to myself or my family. Do I use profanity? Yes. I use it appropriately. I don’t just say it just because. If I need to say f**k that then that what I have to say to get the point across and stress that I am literally saying f**k that. My family is very supportive.

AllHipHop.com: You were featured on RapCity’s 2008 “Spit Yo Game.” Tell me about that experience.

Troublesum; That was an awesome experience. I got a call from a friend saying that RapCity was looking for female rappers. At the time they had a lot of dudes on the show. He sent them some music and they said they wanted me to come on. I was accepted. We took it to the roof and literally spit on top of the roof. I got such great feedback. It was definitely a positive forward moving experience in my career.

AllHipHop.com: You also have been acting. You were in the American Dream starring Mike Jones. Do you have more projects coming?

Troublesum: Yes I do. I’m working on a film with Trae The Truth. It is called Against Everything. This role is so opposite the character I played in American Dream. I’m really a boss bi**h. Real gangsta like. I’m busting ni**as in the head. I was Shelly in the American Dream and she was a college student working at Frenchy’s. She was working two jobs trying to get out. It is definitely an exciting role. I get to stretch myself and try something new.

AllHipHop.com Which role did you like the best?

Troublesum: To be honest, I like them all. It’s kind of like when you are dating and you have a thug ni**a, and then you have a pretty boy, well not pretty boy, I don’t like pretty boys. You have a dude that is maybe a little bit more low-key. You like him because he is charming. He brings you flowers, etc. But you like the thug because he is such a thug and its like argh! I cant explain it. Both of them are very appeasing so I can’t say I like one more than the other.

AllHipHop.com: Where did you get your name?

Troublesum: My parents divorced and me and my mom relocated. I use to get into trouble and acted out. They use to call me and one of my home girls double trouble. Not to say that I was confrontational, I just would get in trouble. When Tupac had the song “Trouble Some” on his mix tape my sister said that was me. You see me and you don’t expect me to be troublesome.

AllHipHop.com: How do you separate yourself from other female MC‘s?

Troublesum: I’m staying true to who I am. I’m not letting the industry side get to me. It is so easy to get caught up. I have been grinding for so long. A lot of times a lot of women compromise themselves and that is what I refuse to do. I’m working on music that is really me. If it’s not me at the moment then its based on a past experience that I shared with my family or a good friend. I refuse to compromise myself. We have so many women that will do anything to get on. They think it’s cute to be disrespectful. More than anything we need a voice that is forward, with class, that will stand up. I think that’s what separates me.

AllHipHop.com: Have you had much temptation to go in a direction you didn’t necessarily want to go into in order to further your career?

Troublesum: You get it so much. Any attractive women whether she is a model, rap, whatever you do, there is always going to be a couple of dudes trying to sway you. At the end of the day I am going to have to look myself in the mirror and know that I got here because of talent. Not because I spread my legs or did anything inappropriately but because of pure talent. Do you think about it? Yeah we are human. At the end of the day would I do it? F*ck no. It doesn’t make sense. If I have to compromise myself to get on then that means I don’t need to be on.

AllHipHop.com: Do you have any kids?

Troublesum: I have a son. He is nine.

AllHipHop.com: How do you balance being a mommy with your career?

Troublesum: It is not the easiest job because you travel so much and you work long hours. You have your child who has a set schedule. You have to prioritize and figure out what’s important to you. My son is everything and he is the reason why failure is not an option. I do it for us. He is my priority so my work schedule revolves around him. The only time I compromise that is when I have to travel. I bring him to the studio and show him what I do. That way when I say mommy is recording you have a picture in your mind of what I’m doing. He has been able to meet the great late Pimp C. So it gives him some bragging rights when he goes back to school. The balancing thing is just the way you prioritize things. Is it difficult? Of course. It is not the easiest thing but it is worth it in the end.

AllHipHop.com: Are you conscious of that when you are developing your lyrics and image? Do you think back to him? Or is it two separate identities?

Troublesum: I think it is. When I am with my son I am Tabitha. I’m mommy. At the same time I know that I wouldn’t represent myself in anyway that would be disrespectful. It is certainly different as far as how I speak on a record versus how I speak around my son. It goes back to the saying there is a time and a place. Certain times I don’t let my son listen to some of my songs. It is not that the song is bad it is just that you are not mature enough to understand what I’m saying.

AllHipHop.com: You have also worked with Murphy Lee on a show called “The Grind.” Tell me about that experience.

Troublesum: That was the highlight of my career. The whole point of the show was to take the artist out of their comfort zone and city and you have no team, no management, no street team you are basically naked. You have to hustle all over again. It makes you understand like you work hard but you are not there yet. I was in St. Louis nobody knew Troublesum there. There were a few people who knew me but I had to remind them of the song I did with Slim Thug. It was very humbling. Murphy Lee is a great guy.

AllHipHop.com: I heard that you like Jay-Z and Tupac. Why are those two your favorite rappers?

Troublesum: I’m a total Pac head. Is he the best lyricist? No. But, he evokes so much emotion in the song. When he was talking about pain you felt him. For about 4 or 5 years my father wasn’t there and he filled that void. If you listen he would give you game. He didn’t just spell it out for you , but if you read between the lines he was so real. He was compassionate but he was hard core. Jay-z is a crazy lyricist. The way he puts his lines together. People who know me know I can never listen to enough Jay and Pac no matter how old the albums are. Every time I listen to a joint, its like I didn’t hear that last time. I get something else. Everything that Jay-Z has done for Hip-Hop. Not discrediting anyone else. He has made it so profitable. The clothing line, to the platinum selling record label, to getting into movies, to getting a sneaker line. That’s big. It is not necessarily about being a rapper anymore its about being a businessman. He has longevity. He can drop an album and still go platinum.

AllHipHop.com: What is your opinion of how women are portrayed in Hip-Hop?

Troublesum: I think that we have been disrespected for so long, but I’m not upset at the dudes. I’ve always been told that a n**ga can’t do anymore to you than you let him. So, I can’t be mad at the dudes because if you put yourself out there to get played then it is what it is. Do I like it? No. What can I do about it? I can get in the game and change it. I can do my best and play my position. It’s not only raunchy rappers out there. Some that when dudes hear they are like Damn! I want to take it back to the Lauryn Hills and MC Lyte. If we look good then that is a perk. If we can dance and all that then that’s an advantage but lets get back to the lyrics. I can’t go along with some of the A and R’s that want you to go out and be a hoe. That doesn’t sit well on my conscious.

AllHipHop.com: What are you working on right now?

Troublesum: I just dropped Rise To Power: Reloaded. I am going on tour soon and hitting up Texas. I will also be on the Forgotten City Tour featuring Mike Jones, 2 Pistols and some other acts. That is going to be in certain cities. I have been nominated for Best Female mix tape on the Southern Entertainment Awards. So hopefully I will come home with that.

 Visit Troublesum’s Myspace Page at www.myspace.com/teflondiva

Sha Money XL Talks One Stop Shop Conference

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Sha Money XL, CEO of Money Management Group, is holding his Third Annual One Stop Shop Producer Conference in Phoenix, Arizona at the Hyatt Hotel from May 9th-10th.

 

The conference is a producer showcase that has provided informative panels involving notable Hip-Hop producers such as No ID, Just Blaze, Jim Jonsin, Drumma Boy, DJ Premier, Swizz Beats and more.

 

Sha aggregated suggestions from his website to make this years 2009 One Stop Shop Producer Conference more efficient and geared towards the needs of the attendees.

 

“The most feedback received from the people, is that they want more chances to play their music, they want one on one attention, and we plan to do that this year. It’s going to be more interactive, more surprise battles, and spotlights,” Sha Money XL explained.

 

This year the conference has been slated to involve a new addition to their list of panels within the conference, called the Power Play Panel featuring Chris Lighty, Bryan Leach, and Chaka Zulu of Disturbing Tha Peace.

 

Respected video directors Rik Cordero, Chris Robinson, Lil X and more are early confirmed guests scheduled to attend this year’s One Stop Shop Conference.

 

Within its two years of existence, the conference has managed to attract thousands of producers from all over the world, who seek to be educated on music publishing, production, audio engineering techniques, and receive hands on training.

 

To register for the 2009 One stop Shop Producer Conference, please visit www.moneymanagementxl.com

Hip-Hop Converges With Technology On Panel

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Hip-Hop’s socializing tendencies have undergone a facelift thanks to the acceptance and of the internet as a medium to for people to engage each other, connect and transmit messages.

The NUE Agency and Mobile Behavior held a panel recently at Santos Party House to discuss the junction of Hip-Hop lifestyle with social media and social networking.

Panelists consisted of notables within the Hip-Hop sector of social media and social networking sites who each have contributed to the hip-hop culture on the digital forefront: Amanda Diva (Diva Speak TV, TV host, artist), Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur (CEO and Co-founder of AllHipHop.com), Corey “CL” Lewellyn (CEO and Co-Founder of Digiwaxx), DJ VLad (Founder of VladTV.com, DJ), Miss Info (Missinfo.tv, radio personality, Hip-Hop journalist on Hot 97) and Alan Rambam (President of MobileBehavior).

Moderated by Jessie Kirshbam, CEO of NUE Agency, panelists discussed the effects of social media and social networking sites within the Hip-Hop culture, the importance of branding products and the use of blogs and videos to launch careers as well as funneling information to the evolving fashion and music world.

One concern discussed involved the information published by bloggers and aspiring journalists who fail to initiate steps to investigate if exclusives are accurate or not.

“When you see certain sites, I think that it’s all about your intention,” said Miss. “If your intention is about getting hits and you get a scoop, you’re not going to question it…You don’t have to be in the game for mad years just to have that second step.”

Amanda Diva, who’s set to release a mixtape titled “Spandex, Rhymes & Soul,” spoke on the decline of record sales due to the everlasting issue of music leakage:

“Honestly, I’ve given in. I’ve really come to understand that album sales are no longer realistic.” As many labels continue to fail in producing solutions to the problem, Amanda supports the unconventional approach: “The Radio Head model and the Saul Williams model of ‘Here’s music, pay what you want for it,’ I think that should become the norm and I think that’s the fairest thing ever.”

The panel discussed various social networks, mobile and emerging technologies that will continue to affect Hip-Hop.

Diddy Takes ‘Last Train To Paris’ On New LP

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has announced the released date and name of his sixth LP, which is titled Last Train To Paris.

 

Combs described Last Train To Paris as “Electro-Hip-Hop Soul Funk,” which will usher in a new movement called “train music.”

 

“Last Train To Paris is deeper than any of the other stuff I have ever made, it’s a profound love story,” Combs explained to AllHipHop.com in a statement. “It’s me with my shades off. It’s the truth.”

 

The album is the follow-up to Combs’ last solo album Press Play, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 upon its release in October of 2006.

 

Since last solo release, Combs has been involved in a number of projects, from launching new TV shows with MTV (Making the Band, Run’s House), movies (Notorious) to introducing new fragrances (I Am King) and clothing lines from his Sean John fashion empire.

 

“I’ve been a businessman for the past two years, it’s time for me to focus on being an artist again,” Combs said of his return to rap. “I am going to show the world a new refreshing side of me. Get on or get off!”

 

Last Train To Paris will feature production by Tricky, The Neptunes, The Dream, Rodney Jerkins, Mario Winans and hit maker T-Pain.

 

Last Train To Paris is due in stores September 22.

Tupac Estate Sued Over Film Rights

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

The estate of fallen icon Tupac Shakur is embroiled in litigation over a potential film adaption on the legend’s tumultuous life.

 

Morgan Creek, a film production company headed by Rick Nicita, has sued Afeni Shakur’s Amaru Entertainment over an alleged agreement to sell Tupac’s life rights.

 

According to court records filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, both companies began their negotiations last November.

 

As reported by Reuters, Morgan Creek is seeking damages on the grounds that Afeni Shakur and Amaru Entertainment are “refusing to honor and perform a contract of a production of the film based on the life of Tupac Shakur.”

 

Afeni Shakur’s lawyer Skip Miller completely denies the allegations, and claims that Morgan Creek has destroyed attempts for his client to negotiate her son’s life with other movie studios.

 

“There is no agreement with Morgan Creek, there never was, and there never will be,” Miller explained to Reuters. “They have scared away Paramount, Fox, and others, and we are going to sue them and recover millions [in damages].”

 

Insiders have speculated that negotiations between the two parties broke down after the release of the Notorious B.I.G. biopic Notorious.

 

Despite the film doing well with its limited theater showing, reports state the companies became hesitant since the unprecedented film was not a box office smash.

 

Tupac’s last film project, the Academy Award-nominated documentary Tupac: Resurrection, has grossed $8 million since its 2003 release.

 

Since then, various attempts to bring his life to the big screen has fell apart.

 

Tupac Shakur was murdered in 1996 in a still unsolved Las Vegas drive-by shooting.

 

Still, 13 years later he remains one of the most popular figures in music, and retains the most sales in Hip-Hop history with over 50 million records sold.

 

At press time, a court date has not been announced.

Flo Rida Partners With iTunes; Breaks Eminem Sales Record

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Poe Boy/Atlantic Records artist Flo Rida has struck a deal with Apple’s iTunes to help promote his upcoming album R.O.O.T.S (Route of Overcoming The Struggle).

In addition to his latest #1 single “Right Round,” more tracks and new videos from the upcoming album are being made available for sale exclusively through iTunes.

 

Fans who purchased the singles will be able to buy the rest of the release at a reduced price based on the music and videos they have already downloaded as part of iTunes’ Complete My Album program.

 

So far, the strategy is paying off for the Carol City, Florida, bred rapper, who has usurped Eminem, Dr. Dre and 50 Cent, breaking the trio’s record of most digital download in one week.

 

Flo Rida’s latest single “Right Round” took the title of most downloads sold in the first week since being released on February 10.

 

The previous record was set last week by Eminem’s “Crack A Bottle” featuring Dr. Dre and 50 Cent, which moved over 418,000 and debuted at #1.

 

Flo Rida’s single has sold over 636,000 download since its February 10 release date, shattering the record set by Eminem, Dre and 50 by almost 200,000 copies.

 

Flo Rida’s “Right Round” will also snag the #1 spot on this week’s Billboard Hot 100.

 

A video for the track is set to debut on February 24 across all of MTV Networks’ music channels.

 

Flo Rida also currently holds the record for the most downloaded song in history as his hit single “Low” has sold over 4.5 million copies.

 

His new album R.O.O.T.S (Route of Overcoming The Struggle) is set to arrive in stores and online March 31st.

Top 5 Dead Or Alive: Jigsaw, Co-founder of AllHipHop.com

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Reviews / Music

So, my name is Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur and I am one of the two co-founders of this website. I’ve been looking at this Top 5 Dead Or Alive AllHipHop series like, “I want to tell the people my list…but I don’t want my favorite rappers to get crucified, by the Ill Community!” Not that anybody would care what I think, but this age-old argument goes back to my school days. We would argue every lunch about what rapper was the best, which MC had the illest lyrics and nobody would concede – EVER! We would just go back and forth like a broken record…or…messed up MP3.

Anyway, the other side of compartmentalizing your favorite rappers to a mere FIVE is almost disrespectful. I literally have no less than 15 “Top 5 Dead Or Alive.” It presents a moral dilemma not to include Krs-One, Nas, Big Pun, Scarface, Ice Cube, Tupac and Notorious B.I.G. when they are actually some of my favorite rappers.

So, in order for me to make this list, I took the top rappers that have affected me in ways that extended beyond music. Obviously, the music is the cornerstone, but this list consists my personal Top 5 rappers that have affected my LIFE. Let it be known…

CHUCK D OF PUBLIC ENEMY

For some reason Chuck D of Public Enemy never makes these lists. I think its safe to say this is because Chuck D isn’t a typical battle rapper. He gets in battles, but its not other artists – its governments, politicians, and other nefarious forces like war mongers. Because he doesn’t disrespect other rappers doesn’t discount him for inclusion in the Top 5. Chuck D is absolutely one of the illest lyricists ever. You want hardcore, unrelenting rhymes? “Rebel Without A Pause” You want Class A story telling? “Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos.” You want influence? “Fight The Power” Listen. Chuck D captured all of my rebellious energy and helped give me a purpose beyond my immediate life. His voice is booming and powerful. His lyrics speak truth to the power and the powerless alike. In fact, if you look at what Chuck D, you can never understate the positive impact he and PE had on people of all races and backgrounds. Chuck did this though lyrics and The Bomb Squad did it with the beats. But, don’t sleep, Carlton Douglas Ridenhour is an emcee that deemed himself the “Rhyme Animal” and he was not to be played with even when he was inspiring people. On top of it all, Chuck D and the PE crew have a stage show that is second to none with a super DJ, the best hypeman in Flavor Flav, the militaristic S1W’s and a band.

“Fight The Power”

REDMAN

Back in the 90’s there wasn’t as much emphasis on release dates, but I’ll never forget when Redman’s CD debut dropped. I listened to that CD in the middle of class I was taking. So flagrant, so disrespectful, but I couldn’t wait. I had followed Reggie Noble from the second he rapped on an EPMD record and his lyrics shined like a light on the darkest night. A lot of acts get credit for reinventing themselves, but Redman was a master. Also, up until he dropped the unfortunate Malpractice, Redman was the king of consistency. He held it down with the Hit Squad, the Def Squad and he and Method man partner up to this day. Lyrically, he can stare just about anybody in the eyes and bundles that with a rambunctious style that is practically visual. Redman also gave me some gems to live by. Even though he is now the poster man for weed smoking, he once said, “No need to puff or sniff it, because I was born with it.” Loved that, since I’m a different sort of dude that doesn’t smoke at all. I love rappers that step out on a limb and make the daring, bold moves and back it up with lyrics of fury.

“The Head Banger” EPMD Feat. K-Solo & Redman (Red dumbed out on this)

JAY-Z

I have an admission. I was a latecomer to the Jay-Z parade. I mean, I was a fan in the 90’s, but I didn’t really start drinking the Hip-Hop Kool Aid until the Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life in 1998. The early 90’s were so competitive and you had a lot of emcees competing for the same space and attention. Also, the gods of rap (Rakim, Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane and others were still extremely prominent) But the time the late 90’s kicked in, Jay-Z was leading the pack and had a movement with him. Songs like “U Don’t Know” and “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” are songs to live by. Unlike some of my other favorites, Jay-Z can make people dance, nod, and spit bars that make the most critical fan make “the ugly face.” There’s really not an artist with more versatility. On top of it all, Jay-Z’s business acumen has him at the top of the revenue chain without releasing any music. Performing for President Obama? I’m done.

“Resevoir Dogs” – Jay-Z with Beanie Sigel and The Lox

DMC of RUN DMC

Some people might question this one. I would chalk it up to age, ignorance or just stupidity. Before I get into lyrics, I want to establish this: DMC is one of the most influential rappers ever as well as one of the finest. You can hear his technique in a lot of the rappers in the South (like my homey Bun B – respect due), you can hear his bars in Top 5 rappers like Biggie Smalls and Redman. He and Run also ghostwrote for the Beastie Boys on their first album, Licensed to Ill.

Now, lets get down to the gully part. It is difficult to separate the group, because Run and DMC were larger than life figures in rap – they were the Super Heroes of Hip-Hop. To make the distinction between Run and D is simple. I could see myself in DMC. He read comics. He could draw. He called himself “Quiet Storm.” He was the King of Rock. I could relate. Run was more out front aggressive and cocky, equally important in rap. Lyrically, I note that DMC absolutely SET IT OFF on some of Run DMC’s biggest songs. Think” “My Adidas” and “King of Rock.” Like Chuck D, his voice was like an explosion and he ushered in a New School of Rap through pure hard rhyming. Peep:

It’s highly appraised when the hell is raised

So demanding and commanding that you all stand dazed

The unbelieving receiving prophesy so true

I cut the head off the Devil and I throw it at you

My mighty mic control, already bought his soul

The rock king is so bold when he rocks and roll

A black hat is my crown, symbolizing the sound

Signifying, we won’t play around

Now, I am not a fool. I know that when these raps were written in ’86 before some of you were even born. It may be hard to conceptualize why DMC is over somebody like Big Daddy Kane or Nas. The point is this; DMC was a rapper that wasted just about everything that came before him. Lyrically, he was ridiculous and his impact can be seen to this day. There is a reason Run didn’t want to be a performer without D, even at Russell’s insistence. It’s DMC.

KOOL G RAP

One of my best friend’s favorite rapper is Big Daddy Kane. Mine is Kool G Rap. We once had an “argument” over who was better in the middle of a Big Daddy Kane concert. Classic. After that show, I walked over to Kane and said something like, “Kane, you are one of the best, but Kool G Rap is my favorite of all time.” And Kane coolly responded, “Mine too.”

Here it is with Kool G Rap. He ethers your favorite emcee hands down. With G, I can go bar for bar with any rapper on the face of the earth and prove this point. The stuff he did in the 80’s is more progressive than today’s rappers. What ever happened to evolution? Also, G Rap’s style heavily influenced the late, great Big Pun, Nas, Chino XL and other rappers like Notorious B.I.G. Far from an actor, G lived much of what he rapped about and that’s why he’s considered the “Donald Goines of Rap.” He was that second wave of “New School” writers that pushed the art forward in leaps and bounds (props to Rakim and BDK as well).

You want an epic adventure story? Check out “Thug Love Story Parts 1, 2 and 3” (from 1998’s Roots of Evil)

You want BARS? “Men at Work”

Collaboration? “The Realest” – Mobb Deep ft Kool G Rap

You want respect? Jay-Z, Jadakiss, The Game, Big Pun and many others through the years have name checked Kool G Rap as a barometer for their own greatness.

At my old job, in the 90’s, I successfully converted a Rakim fan and made him proclaim that G Rap was the best G.O.A.T. I didn’t do a lot of talking (well maybe I did). I really just played G’s rhymes and compared notes. He saw it my way. You might not, but Kool G Rap is still better than your favorite rapper.