AllHipHop

homepage

Novel: The Audiobiography

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

Storytelling is a part of the musical art form that allows us to get to know artists in many ways. Some are filled with pain and some joy; nevertheless it shapes the person into whom they would become. With the moniker Novel, Alonzo Stevenson is giving us a sign that he has much to say.The Los Angeles, California born artist is the son of former Motown VP, Mickey Stevenson and grandson of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Solomon Burke. Though it seems as if getting into the music industry should’ve been easy for him, it definitely has been a bumpy ride.Novel will release his highly anticipated debut album on June 30th, via Rowdy/ Capitol Record, after being shuffled around on various labels including Rawkus, MCA and Interscope. People may not be familiar with Novel, but he’s been behind the scenes in the music industry for many years.He is a multi-talented rapper, producer, singer, and songwriter, who is not limited to any one genre of music. If you asked him to pick one that he enjoys doing best, he says it would be difficult, though rapping is his first passion. During the course of his career, he has worked with artists such as Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill, Leona Lewis, Stacie Orrico, Smokey Robinson, Talib Kweli, and Joss Stone among many others.Besides music, Novel also enjoys collecting and reading graphic novels and comic books; he is currently working on writing on one!AllHipHop.com Alternatives spoke with the talented musician about the release of his debut LP The Audiobiography, his relationship with Capitol Records and creating music dealing with social issues.AllHipHop.com Alternatives: When you were young, when did you realize that music was what you wanted to do?Novel: I kind of been doing this since before I can remember; it has always been in my family. My mother used to do backup for Chaka Khan; she was always on the road, my dad helped build Motown and my grandfather Solomon Burke, he sang. So it’s always been in my family, we were born to do this and we were all brought up that way.AHHA: What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of having a connection in the music industry?Novel: No advantages, there was really no connection. The only connection is through my genes, my mother can sing, that’s probably way I can sing and then my dad was a writer so I might have gotten that from him.As far as the connection goes, my dad and my grandfather – they were pretty tough. I had to shop my dad a demo, it wasn’t like oh here’s a deal. I really didn’t even know my dad until I was much older, my mother and I spent time in shelters, I moved around from place to place and we were homeless at one point. So nothing was handed to us at all. As far as the connection goes, it was only what I inherited from them and the wisdom that I got from my dad.AHHA: How have the experiences in your life prepared you for your journey in the music industry?Novel: It prepared me a lot mentally; you can’t prepare for it unless you experience it. I mean there was one point when my first single came out a long time ago, I think I was on MCA and I wasn’t doing anything for a while because of the transition. So I was really depressed, because I haven’t really experienced it like that and loose a lot of things, that relationship, that money. I think the best thing you can gain is experience by being there and dealing with it, you know something’s you can’t prepare for. I learned a lot from my father, watching him and seeing how he deals with things.AHHA: With your name being Novel, is the storytelling of your life experiences therapeutic?Novel: Definitely, it sounds selfish but it definitely is therapeutic. It’s crazy because no two people are alike, but nothing is new under the sun. So I think that even though I’m telling the story and it’s about my life, what I’ve seen and what I’ve been through, a lot of people can still relate to the same thing.I have two kids, I was young when I had my first baby, my daughter is ten years old and I’m only 28. I went through some things with her mother, so I didn’t know my daughter for a while. We were young kids, she was doing her thing and I was in love and all that. So I experienced a lot as young male. I think that with me sharing my story, yeah it’s about me but I think there are a lot of people that could have experienced the same exact thing.AHHA: You’ve worked with many notable people in the music industry, who would you say was the most interesting?Novel: The best experience I had was with Alicia Keys – she’s an incredible artist. It’s weird meeting somebody that has the same work ethic that I have, a female, but she works exactly like how I work. She produced her own stuff, wrote her own stuff, at times others come in.She’s a beast in the studio, no sleep, work, work, work. The way she creates, it’s just incredible, so I’ve never seen anybody do it like that. Most of the artists that I produce for or have written for, they don’t write, don’t produce or it’s one or the other.She plays instruments; she produces her tracks, so that’s what I do. Seeing that was incredible, that’s why the only other artist that’s my favorite of all time is Lauryn Hill. To see people so creative, there are cats out there that are like that. I come from my dad’s era, the Motown days, when you had to do everything yourself.AHHA: So how do you prepare for each of the different elements [rapper, producer, singer, and songwriter] of Novel?Novel: If I’m doing it for me, I don’t really move unless I’m inspired to move. If I’m producing and writing for somebody else, I don’t really have that option because it’s on their time, but you have to feel their situation and put yourself in there shoes. So the only time I really change the hats is when I’m producing for another artist, or I’m writing for another artist, and it’s cool because I don’t have to be myself for a moment I can be them.AHHA: Talk to us about your up coming album The Audiobiography.Novel: The Audiobiography is coming out June 30th, it has Chrisette Michele, Leona Lewis, not too many guest stars, Joell Ortiz, Spree Wilson, a new artist. Most of the records are produced by me, but I did some production with No I.D., DJ Toomp, and Dallas Austin. I did some writing with Robin Thicke, but I don’t know if the song is going to make the album. So the writing is done by me and most of the production is done by me.AHHA: What is your favorite song on the album?Novel: My favorite song is the song right now called “F**k With My Mind” the person that, well I can’t really explain it [laughs]. It’s just about being in a relationship and being in love with this girl and she’s messing me up so I gotta let her go, I can’t let her f**k with my mind.Another record that’s my favorite is the last record on the album called “Here To Stay,” it’s more like an Alternative record. I would say it has a Cold Play vibe, but now its like cool to say that, but their one of my favorite bands. Some people say it because they think its cool and its supposed to sound eclectic. I’m a Coldplay fan; their very first album changed my life, it was a great record.AHHA: Since you’ve created so many hits, do you feel any pressure to make sure that your album is even better?Novel: No not really! You know it’s funny I made this statement in another interview and I think people took it out of context, I was saying that one of my favorite records is the Illmatic record. When it came out it was such a prolific album and Nas had gained so much respect from everybody else. It didn’t matter what he would do next, sales didn’t matter at that point, and it didn’t sell anything.I think it’s more important that people understand where you coming from as a lyricist in that point. As far as making money, I got kids so; I have to feed my kids. I truly mean I don’t care about the sales because I’ll go produce and that’s what’s been paying my bills anyway. Me as an artist never paid my bills really, because I’ve been on five labels and I’ve been in the game for like ten years. A lot of people think I’m new, but I’ve been behind the scenes in the music industry.So I really feel like an old head at the end of the day, I just never got a chance to put the album out. I’ve gained some respect from my peers, I would like to get it from listeners, and hopefully they’ll understand it too. That’s all I really care about, so I’m going to keep writing, producing for other people and I’ll make the records for me.AHHA: You’ve been through many label changes, how is Capital Records treating you?Novel: Capitol is the best, I have the same A&R as Katy Perry, Chris Anokute, so it’s kind of different for me because I think the Alternative side of Capitol gets me, but also the Urban side over there that works really great. I have my own people that I’ve been working with on my album since day one at Rawkus, which is this kid Mike Heron who manages Joell Ortiz, he’s been with me since day one, so he’s still a part of my project.I have the right people around me, Capitol has been the best because they move and they understand it like an independent would, so I like that. Out of everybody that I have signed to, they’ve been the most understanding and they support me the most, so I love Capitol.AHHA: You have the song “Mad World Rm” and the EP I Am…Future Black President. How important do you believe it is as an artist to touch on issues that are effecting our society?Novel: I think it’s very important, at the end of the day we’re like the voice of the youth, the voice of the generation. Most people are not listening to anybody anymore, we got a mic in our hands and we got a stage so I think it makes it really easier especially for young people. Music touches so many people, so I think it’s very important when you get on that pedestal or whatever talent you have to project out something and get a message across.I don’t care if you rap about this or that, I think if you have the power to do it send a message out there. Some of the artists out there when they write songs that touch people, like when Jay-Z wrote that song about Katrina [“Minority Report”], I thought that was great for an artist at his level to do something like that, because he has so many songs and so many listeners. Like Kanye West did with “Jesus Walks,” I think it’s really important.

TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: Nicki Minaj

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

The hip-hop industry has had quite a drought in estrogen as of late. Remy Martin is locked up, Foxy Brown has had her fair share of issues, Eve crossed over into acting and never came back, and Kim is busy dancin’ with the “stars.” But Southside Jamaica, Queens looks like it has a cloudy forecast, and just may be providing us with the rain to end the drought….in the form of Young Money Entertainment’s Nicki Minaj.

At 23, this female emcee already holds the coveted “first lady” position on the label of one of the music industry’s biggest stars, Lil Wayne. So what’s all the hype about? Minaj has been honing her skills for years. An alumnus of the famous performing arts high school of FAME notoriety, Nicki is actually not only a skilled rapper, but trained in writing, acting and singing as well. Lending vocals to local acts in her Queens neighborhood garnered the attention of popular DVD magazine The Come Up, providing Nicki with the now infamous segment that caught Lil Wayne’s attention. He quickly courted her to be the only female representer of his Young Money imprint in 2007, and two whirl-wind years later, nearly every record company now has a bid in to this femcee.

With a brand new mixtape, Beam Me Up Scotty, just released, a successful run on Wayne’s I AM Music tour under her belt, and two critically acclaimed mixtapes, Playtime is Over and Sucka Free in the bag…is it safe to say Nicki Minaj is hip-hop’s next big thing? You decide. And while you do, you can read the influences behind the raptress that has the industry buzzing.

Lil Wayne

“His creativity is I just think really unmatched. I think his ability to stand out in a crowd is unmatched. And I think that he’s one of the only people that still have fun. You know Wayne can say the hottest lines but he’s still having fun with those lines. He’ll make you laugh; he can make you angry wit his raps, he can make you cry. But he’s very versatile I feel. He does the singing and all that stuff and he’s the only one that’s not afraid to venture out and try new things. I think that’s dope.”

Jay-Z

“His swag. I don’t think anyone in the WORLD has more swag than Jay. He also is another one that I felt is really, really creative. But I think with Jay he kind of always played his role. Never tried to be someone else, never tried to do anything else but just be Jay-Z…and it works really well for him. His lyrics are incredible and you know I think he did a great job to put New York on the map.”

Jadakiss

“I think Jadakiss is the most consistent with punchlines. And me being an underground rapper, I feel it’s very important to kind of have everybody going ooh! You know every other line when you listen to a Jadakiss rap you’re going to be like ‘ooh did he just say that?!’ You know, he knows how smart he is with his raps and I think he’s a good indicator that rappers are very intelligent people. Just putting poetry to music and making it happen.”

Lauryn Hill

“I think Lauryn Hill is like a goddess. I love her. She was the first person that did the rap/singing thing and everything was so authentic. When you listen to her sing you don’t feel like this is a rapper trying to sing or when you listen to her rap you don’t feel like it’s a singer trying to rap. She just does her thing and she’s always so knowledgeable and eye opening with her lyrics that you got to give it to Lauryn.”

Remy Martin, Foxy Brown and Lil Kim

“Remy, Foxy and Kim are tied for the 5th slot. Remy’s just a beast, Foxy has impeccable timing and a delivery to die for, Kim is the pioneer for my generation. She’s the trend setter. She’s the Queen Bee.

THE SIDEBAR

Nicki explains why she should be considered for the Top 5 Dead or Alive:

“Then there’s a very special newcomer who I really think has been slept on but you know what? I really think this person is about to take the game by storm. This person has the swag, they have the punchlines, they have the fun aspect. They have the dope girl sound, the dope girl feel. Women love her, dudes love her….we got to give it up to Nicki Minaj!”

She talks about what sort of deal she is looking for and the bidding war around her:

“In regards to me being signed, let me just say thanks to all the record companies that have approached us with record deals. Just about everybody has placed their bids. But we have to do this special. I think it’s going to be a big statement, you know, for a black woman to get a catastrophic deal right now. I think we really need to put females back on the map. Females have been settling for horrible deals for so long and it’s a lose/lose situation because when they give you a horrible deal with no marketing budget and you have no way to promote yourself…you’re going to fail. So with the Nicki Minaj project, they have to step it up. They have to come big and we’re not doing anything if it’s less than big.”

Hip-Hop Rumors: R.Kelly’s Comeback? Ross Explains C.O. Job! Rihanna’s Fail!?

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.

TODAY’S RUMORS!Not a lot going on so far today…email me with what you’ve seen or heard!

R.KELLY’S RETURNS

Some dude from Denver named Atak 1 has apparently drug R.Kelly out of seclusion. This guy has a song with R Kelly and Ron Browz called “Turn The Club Into A Bedroom.” That sounds just like an R.Kelly-esque song, right?

RIHANNA’S TATTOO FAIL

Damn, Rihanna was doing it so well and then this! A damn fail! Rihanna’s new “forgiveness” tattoo may be spelled all types of wrong according to a expert. The singer has a Sanskrit passage inked above her right hip that reads “forgiveness, honesty, suppression and control,” but the pros are saying she misspelled something in there. The tattoo was extracted from Hindu holy text of Gita and was designed by BangBang. This is the same dude that did the gun for RiRi.

Chris is rumored to be dating some girl named Natalie Mejia. The girl has denied the charges. LOL.

YOUNG TRUMP MAKES PEACE WITH YUNG BERG

In a very positive twist, we have found that our rappers are maturing. Remember Young Trump, Master P’s kinfolk that allegedly beat up Yung Berg? Well, he’s turning over a new leaf, especially after I posted that terrible news about New Orleans. See why:

“What’s good illseed I just left New orleans and its crazy right now in the city one of my cousins sister got killed along with the 13 others! We gotta come together and stop the black on black crime! I just want berg to kno its no beef yah dig we young black men that do the right thing and show kids different I’m out 1 love!”

Cool. We may joke or whatever, but we definitely don’t want to see Yung Berg go out like a nut over a bunch of violent acts. Shout out to Berg and more on him later down this post.

SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END

“Its getting crazy in the world,” said the victim. Indeed, it is. Why? Very simple. This person worked at Popeye’s Chicken and was forced to RUN IT. The lady closed the store and proceeded to walk home. Somebody stepped to this lady and her man and said, “Give us the chicken.” They thought it was sweet and ignored them. Then the suspects rolled up, turned off the headlights of their car and pulled out a shot gun. One of the men said, “You know what time it is.” It was time to give up that chicken. They put them on the grown, took her pocket book and, of course, the chicken. They took her money. She couldn’t pay for her 5 year old’s birthday and she’s two months preggers. This all went down in Jacksonville, FL.

EPIC WIN OF THE DAY

According to the Associated Press, 2009 marks the first time in 20 years that the number of African Americans/ Black Americans in state prisons has DROPPED. You remember how “they” pumped all sorts of crack and coke in the hoods of the disenfranchised? Well, that’s coming to a gradual end, it would seem. Here are the stats according to the report. “The number of black inmates in state prisons for drug offenses had fallen from 145,000 in 1999 to 113,500 in 2005, a 21 percent decline. Over the same period, the number of white drug offenders rose steadily, from 50,000 to more than 72,000, a 42 percent increase. The number of Latino drug offenders was virtually unchanged at about 51,000.” There are many that claim they cannot see this change, but this a nationwide shift that may not be seen in every city. I hope so! Its time to MAKE IT HAPPEN!

EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY

If you are going to f**k with people’s food, how about you not be a big, hick a** cheese head and not tape it.

HARDCORE HIP-HOP MOMENT

Hip-Hop is an intelligent art form, but some people forgot that. Check out Ras Kass’ “Nature of a Threat” as an example.

FOR THE LADIES…

Here is a struggling artist who didn’t get any traction with getting on another site. I figured I’d do Carolina Candee a solid. Check her out.

NERD AND RIHANNA

My dude C. Dotson hit me with a impromptu review of the recent N.E.R.D. concert. Rihanna showed up! Here you go:

Whats good illseed?

I f**ks wit Allhiphop everyday,and wanted to tell you all to keep doing ya thang.

But over the weekend at University of Missouri-Kansas City, N.E.R.D and the Clipse put on a hot ass concert. Now the show was suppose to start at 7pm but you know how colored folks are, it started late but it was worth the wait. The Clipse came out and at first no one really showed them love, but as they continued on, the energy level was off the chain. They put on a good show but them n##### was looking fat and bummy as f### like no lie! Guts out, Braids hella nappy and wave caps is all I’m gone say. But anyway N.E.R.D came out and killed it. That n#### Pharell killed it. From girls shakin they a#### on stage to ppl surfin through the air it was wild. While he was performing his new song, he asked a certain young lady to come on stage and show us how its done..next thing you know we see RIHANNA looking as dope as she wanna be.She was still rocking the “My eye f##### up shades” but you can tell she was having a good time though. I was impressed she gave autographs and even took pics with the crowd she was real down to earth. As for Pharell he was no where to be found when the show was over, but we did see him take two groupies to his tour bus……..ENOUGH SAID.

ILLSEED’S NEW QUICKIES

Shout out to Mos Def…he’s apparently touring South Africa, even though I don’t have much info on it.

Rumor has it, Bobby Brown went out to have some dinner with the kids and later realized he had no way to play the bill. I feel sorry for the dude while others clown this fail.

Shout out to my homey MR.100STACKZ!

Man, Plies brother is out of jail! Nuff said!

So glad Phil Spector will finally go the hell to jail. SMH. I was sick of his damn hair.

LIL RUDY TURNS 30!

Sheeesh! Time flies!

DIDDY’S WHITE RAPPER AIRS DIDDY OUT

Kain used to rap with Diddy and now he’s rapping about Diddy.

SHOUT OUT TO RICK ROSS!

Here is the tracklisting to Mr. Ross’s new CD.

“Mafia Music”

“Maybach Music 2″(featuring Lil Wayne, Kanye West and T-Pain)

“Magnificent” (featuring John Legend)

“Yacht Club” (featuring Magazeen)

“Usual Suspects” (featuring Nas)

“All I Really Want” (featuring The-Dream)

“Rich Off Cocaine”

“Lay Back” (featuring Robin Thicke)

“Murda Mami” (featuring Foxy Brown)

“Gunplay” (featuring Gunplay)

“Bossy Lady” (featuring Ne-Yo)

“Face” (featuring Trina)

“Valley of Death”

“In Cold Blood”

On the CD, he admits to being a correctional officer on the track “Valley of Death” and he raps, “Only lived once and I got two kids/ And for me to feed them, I’ll get two gigs…he raps. “I’ll shovel s**t, I’ll C.O./ So we can bow our heads and pray over the meatloaf.”

SHOUT OUT TO AZ!

I love that Killer Mike listed AZ as one of his Top 5 rappers! Here is the tracklisting to legendary, the next for Sosa.

1. Da Truth

2. Before It’s All Said & Done

3. Livin’ the Life

4. Boy Meets Girl (Ft. Sheek Louch)

5. Bottom Line

6. Refuse 2 Die

7. Dreams Come True

8. Good for Nothing

9. Supply & Demand

10. Money Makes the World Go Round

11. What Up (Ft. Hell Rell)

12. Poll With the Villains

13. Get Money

14. I Told You

YUNG BERG IS GETTING THEM GIRLS!

What the hell is this!? Dudes – no need to look at this. Girls, might get a kick out of this as Bergie gives a girl the B-to-the-I-to-the-Z. He’s also got a mixtape called Twitter Muzik or something.

HIP-HOP TRADING CARDS!

What’s that illseed trading card worth? Nothing? See the other right here.

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].

T.I. Informant Bodyguard Sentenced to One Year

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

AllHipHop.com has confirmed that Corey Williams, former bodyguard to Hip-Hop star T.I., has been sentenced to one year and a day in federal prison for his role in last year’s machine gun/silencer scandal.

 

According to the Smoking Gun, Williams entered into a plea deal for his role in purchasing illegal firearms for T.I., real name Clifford Harris.

 

In court records, Williams revealed that he started working for T.I. in July 2007.

 

Soon after, Williams’ previously clean record allowed him to purchase weapons for T.I., who is barred from obtaining any due to his previous criminal convictions.

 

The arrangement was discovered by ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms) authorities when Williams attempted to purchase a machine gun without registering the weapon, which is required by federal law.

 

Upon his arrest, Williams agreed to wear a wire during face-to-face meetings with T.I., which led to the rapper’s arrest on felony weapons charges.

 

Although no charges were filed, Williams also implicated T.I. protégé Alfamega in the conspiracy.

 

T.I. faced up to 10 years in prison for the charges, but was able to secure a unique deal that allowed him to perform 1000 hours of community service to at-risk youth.

 

In the past year, T.I. successfully completed the requirement by speaking at over 70 schools and community centers, and filming the MTV reality series Road to Redemption.

 

T.I. received the same one year sentence as his former bodyguard under his plea deal, and will start serving his sentence sometime next month.

 

Pending good behavior, the Atlanta native can be eligible for release within 10 months.

 

Corey Williams has already started his jail term.

Sha Money XL Introduces Mobile Beat Battle

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

Music industry executive Sha Money Xl has announced the inclusion of a Mobile Beat Battle during its 3rd Annual One Stop Shop Producer Conference.

 

A number of Hip-Hop producers – including super-producer Timbaland – have been quietly setting trends by producing full tracks utilizing various applications on their mobile phones.

 

Extremely advanced production applications like Beatmaker, StudioApp and BeatSequencer have allowed techies to create robust tracks, while storing the files in a “cloud” for access later.

 

With just over a month to go, Sha Money is offering the winner of the Mobile Beat Battle a one-year worldwide distribution deal through 101Distribution.

 

Producers can get further information on how to enter the contest can text word Beats to SMS short code 46101.

 

“This is a great opportunity for the winner to secure themselves a global deal with one of our sponsors,” Sha Money explained.

 

“The One Stop Shop Producers conference has grown to become one of the most respected and globally recognized events of it’s kind,” added Damon Evans, Executive Director of 101 Distribution. “101 Distribution is excited to be this years presenting sponsor and to also have the opportunity to spend time planning with what is arguably the nation’s most talented producers’ collective.”

 

Based in Phoenix, Arizona, 101Distribution allows independent artists to manage all aspects our their catalog and product sales.

 

Sha Money XL’s 3rd Annual One Stop Shop Producers Conference is taking place from May 9th -10th in Phoenix, Arizona.

 

Confirmed producers include Q-Tip, Pete Rock, Hi-Tek, Just Blaze, 9th Wonder, Mr. Porter, Donn Cannon, Nottz and numerous others.

 

Artists and executives confirmed to speak on panels this year include Talib Kweli, Nipsy Hussle, Asher Roth, Consequence, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, Willie Northpole, Spider Locc, Cory Gunz, Riz, SkyZoo, Blue, Chaka Zulu, Jeff Dixon, Bryan Leach, Jermaine Hall, Manny Hailey, Martin Moore, John Monopoly, Steve Lobel, Jon Shapiro, Rich Nice, Jean Nelson, Dru Ha, Sway, Angela Yee, Kisha Scott, Grouchy Greg, Jigsaw, Shaheem Reid and more.

 

For more information visit: http://www.moneymanagementxl.com/

Babyface Launches New Label; Works With Newest Debarge, Kristinia

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

Famed music producer/singer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds is returning to overseeing the careers of singing sensations, with the launch of his new record label Sodapop Music.

 

News of Sodapop’s arrival comes years after Edmonds co-founded the iconic Hip-Hop/R&B label, LaFace Records, with fellow music mogul L. A. Reid.

 

During its heyday in the 1990’s LaFace introduced the public to revered Atlanta rap duo Outkast as well as fellow rappers Goodie Mob, Cee-Lo Green, Dolla and Youngbloodz and Petey Pablo.

 

The label’s golden touch extended into R&B with the arrival of TLC, Toni Braxton and Usher as well as Ciara, Pink, Donnell Jones and Tony Rich.

 

Edmonds and Reid parted ways with LaFace by the end of the ‘90s as Edmonds concentrated on his music career while producing fewer LaFace artists.

 

Reid followed suit in 2001 after he was appointed chairman/CEO of Arista Records, which had joined with BMG Records to acquire LaFace completely in 1999.

 

Reid currently serves as the chairman of Island Def Jam Music Group Edmonds hopes to repeat the success he had with LaFace at Sodapop Music, utilizing Island Def Jam’s newest artist, Kristinia Debarge.

 

The 19-year-old entertainer, who is the daughter of DeBarge keyboardist and founding member James DeBarge, is creating a buzz for her forthcoming debut album with the release of her new song, “Goodbye.”

 

Edmonds played an active role in the project’s creation by writing and producing many of the tracks featured on the album, including “Goodbye.”

 

In the coming weeks, Kristinia DeBarge will shoot a video for the single in Los Angeles.

 

The singer’s debut album is slated to hit stores in the summer.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Kim’s Boobage Pops Out! Bow Wow To Be Sued? Is Maino In Trouble With NYPD?

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.

TODAY’S RUMORS!

THE DAILY TWO SENSE

Here is the deal, people.

If you see something, say something! Shout out to my girl AJ! I don’t know what it is about these young men these days, but they act like they don’t like girls or something. LOL. Its like they are so crude and rude that they drive the young ladies away. Not how I roll, but whatever works…or doesn’t. Ladies, please join the Ill Community. We need balance!

Moving on, I wanted to say that yesterday, I took off. But for the rumors today, I had issues with my internet connection so I am going to be forced to roll out the rumors throughout the day. I would appreciate you sending me any links, intel or tips pertaining to rumors. [email protected]

LIL KIM’S B###### SHOW OFF THEIR DANCE MOVES

Ahhhhhhhhh…boobage is the best thing a woman has to offer other than her beautiful brain and intuition! Lil Kim knows this! Kim and Derek Hough performed on “Dancing with the Stars” last night and guess what? Kim’s breasts did a lil’ jig too. When the duo performed a dance, viewers got a surprise! The exposure got Kim and Derek a great score of 28/30. The funny thing is, her boobs popped out as she was getting comments from the judges. Lil Kim said, “I don’t know why but this happens a lot of the time…the girls were tryin’ to come out.” Keep it coming!!!

Here is a video from the night:

Kim looked kinda good…like..the old Kim!

Arrest me! The dude covered Kim up! Hater…LOL!

CHRIS BROWN DOES SOME LATE-BREAKING DAMAGE CONTROL

Will this ill pic help his plight? Shout out to Bossip.

MISTAH FAB ONLY LIKES WHITE GIRLS! UH OH!

Can’t a playa do him?

ILLSEED’S NEW QUICKIESI will be adding these quickies as I go along! Shout out to Mos Def…he’s apparently touring South Africa, even though I don’t have much info on it.  Rumor has it, Bobby Brown went out to have some dinner with the kids and later realized he had no way to play the bill.  I feel sorry for the dude while others clown this fail. The DJ’s are lashing out! They have launched a website against Lil Wayne – http://www.lilwaynegonnasueyou.com/ – oh boy!POOR BOW WOW…SUED AND GIRL BLUES

If you didn’t know, Bow Wow has retired from music. I sort of hate seeing the lil guy go, but…if you gotta go…you gotta go. Click here for that story. Moving along…

I heard a group of producers are looking to sue Columbia Records, Bow Wow and Omarion on their album which came out about a year ago. A group called Writers Camp is rumored to be behind the suit and charge the song “Bachelor Pad” utilized their services. I heard they wrote the hook and haven’t been paid as of yet.

Angela has also shut down any hopes fans may have of a reunion with Bow Weezy in a recent blog post:

“i jus want to shut down any and all rumors about my relationships because you know how that can get. i am currently in the happiest relationship i have eva been in and MY other half lives in texas. so thats all i will say about that. Any person i have talked to in the past i wish them the best of luck :). So anywayyyyyyyyyyyyy”

TAXES ARE A B-WORD

I have sources all over the place and boy do they tell me a LOT. They tell me so much that I don’t tell it all. There is a rumor that I heard that I feel bad for people. There are a lot of celebs that owe money to the government. Rumor has it Dionne Warwick owes over $2 million, but is already paying it down. The comic Sinbad is rumored to owe ’bout the same, but he’s yet to turn up, according to my sources. Actors Burt Reynolds and Tichina Arnold also owe over $100k, but I’d assume can work it out. Oddly, enough, OJ Simpson is now all paid up with his tax burden. Now I know what Dr. Dre meant when she said he only fears God and the IRS.

MAINO! WHAT THE HELL?

This is what Maino told his twitter fam – “Im so stressed….f##### a** NYPD has done the unthinkable.” He didn’t go into any more details and I don’t have any additional sources on this, but I am looking into it. Maino also suggested that this has been following him for some time now. Moments before the NYPD post, he said, “Just landed in Chicago…got a lotta s**t on my mind.” Well, sheeeeeesh….he can’t leave us hanging!

50 CENT’S HELPERS?

I told you Rick Ross was going to get some help from rappers that were going to help him diss 50 Cent. But, do you know what is next? There are also rappers in Miami that are going to help 50 Cent go for Rick Ross’ domepiece. Yes, I know this is dragging on longer than it should. I don’t know what rappers are going to do it, but I am hearing some non-rapper names lik E-Class, Ted Lucas of Slip-n-Slide. I don’t know how true this is, but Trick Daddy might step up to the plate. Rumor has it Young Jeezy, Young Buck, Cam’ron, Jadakiss all declined to be on the “Maybach Music 2” song, because they didn’t want it to seem like they were dissing 50. Not that they have issues with Ross or anything.

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

Adrienne Bailon, former Cheetah Girl and part-time semi-nude poser, is now signed to Def Jam records as a solo artist.

Plies brother is coming home in July, from what I have been told.

I heard a rumor that KING magazine may not be going out of business. I don’t know where this rumor is coming from and frankly think that it may be false.

EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY 1

LOL! This is the most funniest fail I have seen in a long, long time. So funny….tears came to my eyes.

“Treasure in youuuuu….” Shout out to Namata!!!

EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY 2

People are so stupid. The 32-year-old woman jumped into water with Polar bears and gets mauled.

SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END

I have to take a moment to address New Orleans. I got a very disturbing letter from a reader that sent what I consider to be a distress signal. He told me that N.O. is crazy right now and that its basically like a war zone. He said that about 13 people were shot in about 2 days. TWO DAYS. What’s worse is that a 2-year-old kid was shot in the head execution style when two men dressed in all black broke into a home. Not only that, but there also was a 6 year old in the house that was killed along with heir mother. I don’t know the motive, but is there any motive for that sort of killing? Its very sad to see America spiral in this direction. Oh, I forgot to mention, a stray bullet apparently hit an 11 year old in an ajoining home. The person that wrote the letter said he’s strapped up and ready. I hope we’re all ready.

SEE SOMETHING?

SAY SOMETHING!

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

AJ22, 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].

‘SquareButt’ Burger King Hip-Hop Ad Under Fire

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

Fast food giant Burger King and Seattle, Washington rapper Sir-Mix-A-lot have come under fire for a Hip-Hop commercial featuring Nickelodeon character SpongeBob.

 

The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood is taking Burger King and Nickelodeon Television President Cyma Zarghami to task over the “SpongeBob SquareButt” commercial.

 

The spot features Sir-Mix-A-Lot reinterpreting his hit 1990 song “Baby Got Back” with new lyrics that start “I like Square Butts and I cannot Lie.”

 

The lyrics spoof the original song and feature Mix-A-Lot flanked by two scantily clad women on each arm.

 

Additionally, Burger King’s mascot, The King, is seen dancing along with women gyrating, cut with images of SpongeBob dancing.

At the end of the :30 second spot, Sir-Mix-A-Lot himself quips “booty is booty!”

More than 2,600 CCFC members have written to Nickelodeon and Burger King in the past 48 hours, complaining about the commercial, which promotes Burger King’s Kids Meals.

 

“Parents deserve to know whether Nickelodeon—the most popular children’s television network—signed off on the use of SpongeBob in a commercial that celebrates lechery and objectifies women,” CCFC director Dr. Susan Linn told AllHipHop.com in an emailed statement.

 

The advertisement ran during Monday Night’s Men’s NCAA Championship and has aired on several other stations since.

 

Burger King has stated that the ad was aimed at adults when it originally debuted on the West Coast at 6:00 PM during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship.

 

In their letter, CCFC acknowledged that Burger King was after publicity, but questioned the decisions of Nickelodeon’s top brass.

 

“We wonder why a children’s television station like Nickelodeon would want to link one of its most popular and profitable characters to this sort of lechery and objectification of women,” the CCFC letter reads. “That’s why we are asking if you approved the use of SpongeBob in this commercial (and the longer Internet viral video, which is frankly even more disturbing).”

 

The full letter is below:

 

Ms. Cyma Zarghami, President Nickelodeon Television 1515 Broadway New York, NY 10036 SENT VIA FAX Dear Ms. Zarghami, We are writing to ask whether you or anyone at Nickelodeon approved the new “SpongeBob SquareButt” television commercial that is currently airing for Burger King Kids Meals. As you are probably aware, more than 2,600 members of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood have asked Nickelodeon and Burger King to pull the commercial. It’s bad enough when a character popular with children, like SpongeBob SquarePants, is used to promote junk food, but it’s absolutely egregious when that character simultaneously promotes objectified, sexualized images of women. Yesterday, Burger King responded via a marketing trade publication to complaints about the ad. While their response was disingenuous – they claimed the ad for Kids Meals featuring SpongeBob was aimed at adults – at least they responded. We suspect Burger King, which positions itself as an edgier alternative to other fast food chains, actually welcomes the publicity from this controversy. But we wonder why a children’s television station like Nickelodeon would want to link one of its most popular and profitable characters to this sort of lechery and objectification of women. That’s why we are asking if you approved the use of SpongeBob in this commercial (and the longer Internet viral video, which is frankly even more disturbing). If you did – and do – approve, is this part of a new trend at Nickelodeon? Is there a plan at Nickelodeon to make your most famous characters edgier in order to maintain their appeal to children as they grow up? We can’t help but notice the connection between this ad and the new tween Dora doll, which will distinguish itself from earlier incarnations of Dora by focusing on fashion and her appearance. We think parents of children who watch your programming would appreciate hearing answers to these questions. We are attaching an email from the mother of two young children who were watching the NCAA championship when the ad was aired. We look forward to your response, and would be happy to discuss our members concerns with you. Sincerely, Susan Linn Director, CCFC

Kanye Arraignment Delayed; ‘Amazing’ Video On The Way

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

Lawyers for Kanye West and his road manager Don C. were granted a delay in their misdemeanor assault case yesterday (April 13).

 

West and Don Crowley were scheduled to be arraigned yesterday, but lawyers for both men stated they were still waiting to review evidence that has yet-to-be turned over by prosecutors.

 

The Grammy Award winning rapper and Don C. are accused of going ballistic in Los Angeles International Airport, after paparazzi attempted to photograph the pair on September 11, 2008.

 

West is accused of accosting a TMZ photographer and breaking his camera flash, while Don C. is accused of smashing two of the cameras.

 

In March, West and Don C. were officially hit with vandalism, battery and grand theft charges.

 

In related news, West recently finished wrapping up the video for his track “Amazing” featuring Atlanta rapper Young Jeezy.

 

Hype Williams directed the video on location in Hawaii. “Amazing,” taken from West’s 808’s & Heartbreak, is scheduled to hit outlets nationwide in the coming weeks.

The X Fact(her): What the Hood Could Learn from the Somali Pirates

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

Once again American forces have saved the day, popping up in the Indian Ocean to body the four Somali pirates that held U.S. cargo ship captain Richard Phillips captive for five days. Now all the European countries that had been punked by the water thugs for the last couple years are rallying on the heels of America to punish the pirates.

 

No doubt, more blood will be shed and the already frail country of Somalia—a country that hasn’t had a solid government since 1991, no economy and watches helplessly as mafia ran shipping companies dump toxic waste on it’s shores—will be further devastated by those who want to punish it instead of help it.

 

The pirates villianized by the media are no more than fisherman, who made a living by selling fish and seafood caught off the shore of Somalia in an area dubbed the Horn of Africa.

 

Left to their own devices they banded together and created a network that manned the shores and waters. Frustrated by the dumping and the damage to their livelihoods they began to tax and hold for ransom boats that entered their territory.

 

Their mentality: “You not just gonna up in my hood and f**k my land up. You got to pay!”

 

Does this sound familiar?

 

If you live in any hood across America, you have witnessed something similar. Impoverished neighborhoods treated as dumping grounds and its people as pawns. Children attend schools with no windows and cracked roofs, no supermarkets or chain stores will build and the underdeveloped lands, mass transit is sketchy, business are forced to close, homeowners are beat over the head with inflated mortgages.

 

Yet, on this side of the pond, what is the hood doing to change the situation?

 

Where is the grassroots mobilization, the community within the community that says, “we understand you don’t respect us but we respect ourselves enough to keep what money we have in this community, to create jobs, teach ourselves, etc…”

 

The Black Panthers did it and were quite successful…for a brief period of time.

 

Ask young black or brown kids living in the hood what’s the problem and their response:

 

“We killing each other.”

 

“We hungry, tryna eat.”

 

 “It’s hard in these streets.”

 

Americans have no idea want hunger and  poverty is.

 

Life in Somalia: Personal stories

 

Eight residents of Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, tell us what the new government’s priorities should be and how they have survived 13 years of anarchy.

 

Mahamut:Scrap metal worker

“I smash the foundations of the US embassy wall to get steel rods to sell”

 

Halima:Refugee

“I am too busy looking for food to think about the peace process”

 

Abdi:Refugee

“I see a dark future for my children. There are no schools or health services”

 

 

 

Gangs here fight with each other over turf, small time drug trade and egos. Nothing is done to better the community. There is no structure or hierarchy or goal outside of selfish ones. This isn’t to say that the people of Somalia aren’t the victims of gangs who are taking advantage of the country’s weak state.

 

Let’s not even call them pirates anymore…the community activists of Somalia saw their people dying and their land being raped and did something about it.

 

They are really starving.

 

They are really trying to eat.

 

They are really fighting the man.

 

Can you say the same for the goons who claim to run your hood?

 

–         CHK’Naan on Somali Pirates -There is a reason why this started

 

Chloé A. Hilliard is a culture/entertainment journalist that has written for the Village Voice, Essence, Vibe, King and The Source. In addition to writing The X Fact(her), a weekly column for 99problems.org, she co-hosts I’m Sayin’ Radio, a weekly talk show. For more, visit chloehilliard.com.

 

Knockout Nation: Williams Dominates Winky, Arreola TKO’s McCline, Frazier-Ali Beef Continues

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

Williams Overwhelms Wright in Lopsided Decision

In my recent interview with former undisputed 154 pound champ Winky Wright, part of me wanted to believe his declarations of being able to pick up where he left off back in 2006 and 2007. At 37 years old and nearly 20 years as a boxer, the firmness of his convictions could almost make you feel he had a serious shot of beating the prime, towering, volume-punching nightmare that is Paul “The Punisher” Williams. But alas, reality struck Winky over 1000 times last Saturday (April 11), as Williams rained down 1096 punches in route to a dominating unanimous decision win.

Williams stormed out during each of the opening rounds, throwing a fusillade of hooks, straights, and uppercuts from all angles on Wright’s trademark high guard. While Winky was able to block most of the shots from landing cleanly, the sheer volume caused the blows to readily break Wright’s guard to the face and most notably the body. Unfortunately for the former undisputed champion, his eye-catching counter hooks were immediately returned back by six and seven punch combinations. Williams’ 82 inch reach proved Wright was not even safe in clinches, as the former welterweight titlist looped uppercuts over his other outstretched arm, and into Winky’s swelling face.

By the middle rounds, the usual high-stamina Wright was visibly laboring and holding from Williams’ relentless assault. Even more disheartening, Williams was grinning widely at Wright as he continued tirelessly working and alternating between slapping and hard combinations. Wright hopelessly tried to catch Williams with counters between the never-ending combinations, but Winky’s rustiness prevented him from timing the Punisher.

Into the championship rounds, Wright struggled to finish as his left eye swelled shut. In the 12th, Williams was unmerciful in throwing 106 punches. Despite the intense effort to close the show, Wright hung tough and finished the bout on his feet.

The final scorecard read 120-108 and 119-109 twice for Paul Williams, who improved to 37-1, 17 KOs. With the loss, Wright’s record lowers to 51-5-1, 25 KOs.

During the post-fight interview, Williams called out retired, undefeated champion Joe Calzaghe, and showed his willingness to face middleweight titleholders Kelly Pavlik and Arthur Abraham.

For his part, Wright declared this was not his last fight, and will enter the ring again soon.

This was a dominant win from the Punisher, and the biggest question is what weight he will campaign at next. At welterweight, there is the possibility of a title match with Shane Mosley. At junior middleweight, there’s Vernon Forrest and Daniel Santos. And of course at middleweight, there’s Pavlik, Abraham, and Felix Sturm. Wherever he lands, Williams represents a literal and figuratively tall challenge for any opponent.

On the undercard, a flabby Chris Arreola (27-0, 24 KOs) easily walked down aging contender Jameel McCline (39-10-3, 23 KOs) for a 3rd round TKO. The end came courtesy of a rattling left uppercut followed by a right cross. Although McCline could’ve beaten the count, he appeared to think better of it and allowed referee Tony Weeks to administer the 10 count.

Over 30 Years Later Ali-Frazier Shows No Signs of Ending

In a way, Joe’s right. I said a lot of things in the heat of the moment that I shouldn’t have said. Called him names I shouldn’t have called him. I apologize for that. I’m sorry. It was all meant to promote the fight.

-Muhammad Ali, April 2001

Hey man, just come on and give me a hug and let’s get on with our lives. I accept that. I’ll accept it, shake his hand and hug him when I see him. This has been going on too long…. Life’s too short.

-Joe Frazier, April 2001

8 years later, it appears the above words no longer have any meaning for “Smokin’” Joe Frazier.

 Last Saturday saw the debut of HBO’s Thrilla in Manila. Over the course of their short but explosive 4 year professional rivalry, Ali cruelly degraded Frazier on hypocritical racial terms. In addition, Ali deviously turned Frazier’s own people against him by branding the proud champion an Uncle Tom and tool of conservative white America.

The documentary is the first to detail this time through the eyes of Frazier. He recounts how he was previously friends with Ali, and worked to get the exiled champ’s license reinstated, and even loaned him money.

After Ali’s conversion to orthodox Islam in the late 1970’s and his subsequent decline from Parkinson ’s disease, Ali has made several attempts to publicly apologize to Frazier for his past antics. As pointed out by Ali biographer Thomas Hauser, Frazier put on a false face of peace and forgiveness at functions that involved economic compensation. However, the Philly sports legend would then turn around and ridicule the condition of his former foe (most notably the 1996 comment of wanting to push Ali into the Olympic flames).

In a way, one can sympathize with Frazier’s plight and bitterness. His entire career is overshadowed by the icon that is Muhammad Ali. Even though Frazier holds arguably the most important win of trilogy (when both fighters were closest to prime), the fight today is never shown on TV. And when it is mentioned in documentaries, it is always framed in a way to showcase how great Ali was in rising from the hellacious 15th round knockdown.  Also, the flaws the make up Ali’s character are very much glossed over in favor of mythology, which must burn Frazier to see The Greatest depicted as a marketable, jovial saint.

But now in 2009, Joe Frazier must again seriously look at forgiving Ali. The gesture has little to do with Ali, and mostly to do with Frazier taking his life back from the bitterness and anger that has defined him for over 30 years. He is in the position now to prove his claim that he was/is a “better” man than Ali. Instead, he’s fallen into the same behavior that caused his hate for Ali over 30 years ago.

In the twilight of both their lives, Ali and Frazier are men who have accepted responsibility for their decisions. Ali realized too late that he was not a god, and there was a physical price for having the most impressive heavyweight resume of all time in the likes of Sonny Liston (2X), Floyd Patterson (2X), Joe Frazier (3X), Ken Norton (3X), George Foreman, Larry Holmes, and countless Top 10 contenders. And through several business setbacks, Frazier currently lives a meager existence atop his Philadelphia gym despite making millions in the ring.

Before one of them passes, we can only hope this feud finally ends.

Throwback Fighter of the Week: “The Lone Star Cobra” Donald Curry

An immense talent with unfulfilled potential, Donald Curry was expected to be the next great welterweight after the retirement of Sugar Ray Leonard.

Curry began his career in 1980, and stormed the division with 15 wins in his first 2 years.  After defeating future champ Marlon Starling in 1982 by split decision, Curry captured the vacant WBA title the following year with a unanimous decision over then undefeated Jun-Suk Hwang.

By 1983, he added the IBF title to his crown and made 4 defenses. This streak included a rematch win over Marlon Starling.

In 1985 he easily vanquished then-undefeated champ Milton McCrory in two rounds to become the undisputed welterweight champion, holding the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles.

Curry was now recognized by many as the best pound for pound fighter in the world, and shared Fighter of the Year honors in 1985 with middleweight champ Marvin Hagler.

After an easy defense against Eduardo Rodriguez, Curry was set to face unknown Briton Lloyd Honeyghan. It what was supposed to be another showcase bout and possible setup for a superfight with Hagler or Tommy Hearns.

Calling himself the “Ragamuffin Man” after a prefight slight from Curry, Honeyghan dominated the contest with remarkable speed, pressure, and precision accuracy with his right hand.

After suffering a bad cut above his left eye, Curry quit before the 7th and gave Honeyghan a shocking TKO upset.

Claiming that he was weakened by draining down to make welterweight, Curry moved up to 154 and won 2 strange headbutt disqualification bouts before being KO’d in the 5th round by lethal body puncher Mike McCallum in 1987.

Curry’s final career highlight came in 1988, when he stopped Gianfranco Rosi to pick up the WBC light-middleweight title.

The following year, he lost the belt by unanimous decision to Rene Jacquot in the RING Magazine Upset of the Year.

Donald Curry would go 3-3 over the next 8 years, with all three losses coming by knockout to Michael Nunn, Terry Norris, and finally Emmett Linton in 1997.

Today, Curry trains up and coming fighters in his native Fort Worth, Texas.

His final record stands at 34-6, 25 KOs.

Curry vs. McCrory

Career Highlights