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Capone-N-Noreaga: “Channel 10” (Album Review)

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

 

 

Let’s face it, in terms of Hip-Hop Capone-N-Noreaga seem to fit the profile of your favorite knuckleheaded uncle. When they are around, they are one of your favorite people to hang out with. They put out some good advice, ride with you, and whenever you are around their crib, you feel like it’s a second home.

 

The problem with them is they always seem to be disappearing and reappearing due to trouble and have a tendency to disappoint. However, when they are there you always see potential. CNN latest, Channel 10 (Fontana) follows the same blueprint as their career, uneven, but when it’s on point, it’s tough to turn it off.

 

When you listen to DJ Premier’s production and turntable mechanics on “Grand Royal”, it just feels right. Both Capone and NORE come through to do the beat its justice. Its essence feels street and unafraid to bring it to your door.

 

“The Argument” puts the stamp down that these two are brothers for life. It isn’t a track that is tacked on like most duos; you could tell a friendship was forged before that song was recorded. It comes off as one of the better songs on the album because of its sincerity. The closing “Addicted” also translates into a genuine effort.

 

The few disappointments come from the guest appearances. CNN is routinely beaten back on their own cuts.  On the albums lead single, “Rotate” it feels like a back album cut primed for Ron Browz until Busta Rhymes comes through and destroys the track. The same happens on “My Hood” where The Clipse hold a flow clinic for everyone else on the record.

 

Unbalanced collaborations aside, there are also a few in-house missteps. Tracks such as the lackluster “Mirror” and forgettable “Channel 10” lack that punch compared to the aforementioned stronger cuts. Additionally “Beef” feels phoned in with a barrage of uninspired tough talk.

 

Channel 10 creeps on great when you hit the albums high notes. However, the miscues and the overall unevenness create an album that could have been that much better. Fans of CNN’s body of work will definitely appreciate what is given on this album, and even new fans could find something they enjoy. Even so, just like that uncle, you can’t rely on it for constant enjoyment, and you harbor just a bit of resentment for it.

 

Capone-N-Noreaga Featuring Ron Browz & Busta Rhymes

“Rotate”

Capone-N-Noreaga

“Grand Royal”

SHOW REVIEW: Estelle and Solange Take Over Atlanta

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

Date: March 12, 2009Location: Center Stage, Atlanta, GeorgiaOne of the main tests a young musician must face is the art of giving a great live show. While it’s possible for them to get ideas by observing past and current greats, there’s an instinctive aspect to crowd control and manipulation that cannot be taught. In a recent Atlanta tour stop of Solange and Estelle, the talented divas showcased that they’ve grasped this and other musical concepts well beyond their young years.Flanked by a band clad in hot pink ‘60s styled suits and backup singers in cocktail dresses, Solange visually and audibly set a party atmosphere with the funky “Dancing In the Dark.” Rocking platform high-heels, the Southern songstress deftly balanced a clear singing voice while engaging all sides of the crowd with cavorting dance steps. Solange kept her expressive physical energy strong on her second number, “Sandcastle Disco.” However, she was a little too excitable early on and occasionally lost her singing voice in the midst of her dance maneuvers.The setback proved minor, as Solange kept the crowd’s attention with an eclectic blend of covers in the form of the Cardigans (“LoveFool”), MGMT (“Electric Feel”), and Devin the Dude (“Doobie Ashtray”). The latter proved to be the most memorable, as Solange encapsulated the hopeless despair of Devin’s lyrics into a stirring, aching soul ballad.To conclude, Solange revealed her sophomore highlight “I Decided.” By now, the audience was dancing with the Houston native, which included avant-garde songstress Janelle Monae partying with fans in the pit. Unable to resist the euphoria, Solange hopped in and helmed an extended reprise before departing to thunderous applause.Headliner Estelle built on her colleague’s momentum, courtesy of her Will.i.Am produced dance favorite “Wait a Minute.” Displaying an adorable girl-next-door charm, the chocolate beauty humored fans with several side stories of being screwed over in love through naiveté and non-committal men.Estelle also emphasized audience participation by holding a whining contest to the Island-styled ballad “Come Over,” and call and response chants to a cover of the Temptations’ classic “Get Ready.” The UK sensation next showcased her capable emcee skills by easily rocking the rapid-fire, back and forth lyrics to “Shine.”Although she admitted that performing her biggest hit, “American Boy,” was wearing thin, Estelle still delivered an inspired performance that had the sold-out ATL crowd on their collective feet.Estelle and Solange are not radio darlings that dominate the airwaves. And with the current directions of their sounds, that’s likely not to change. But in witnessing the dedication and love they’ve invested in their craft, these two singers are guaranteed to enjoy long, successful careers.**To get the latest AllHipHop Alternatives Features, follow us on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/AHHalternatives**

Hip-Hop Rumors: Did Ne-Yo Get @ Jim? Mya’s Single! Michael Jackson’s Bad Idea!

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!

NE-YO’S HOOD TIES GET AT JIM JONES?

Let me be vague. But I heard that a really good friend of Ne-Yo lives in Detroit. As you recall, Jim Jones and Ne-Yo had some sort of altercation in the Louie V store in New York City. Remember that? Anyway, I heard that Ne-Yo friends, were not pleased to hear what had happened to their homey. I heard as soon as Jim Jones touched down in the D, it was destined to get cold. As you know, there was more than champagne poppin’ that night at Club Esko! Now, Jim Jones has released a statement to the public showing that he’s got all his jewels and all his STUFF. And also that he didn’t get beat down. Good for Jim. Did you know this is the same club that Yung Berg was robbed?

RICK ROSS’ FAM SPEAKS

Rick Ross’ crew Triple C got a chance to explain that KO of Gunplay. Here it is.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/qiwroh

Shout out to Crack Distributors Radio.

THANK GOD!!!!!! MYA AND GUCCI MANE ARE NOT DATING

You know, I don’t hate…much. I have to admit, I was hating on Gucci, because you all know I have a lil’ thingy thang for Mya! Here is the notice I got! Thank you Mya Management for saving my life.

THIS IS MYA’S MANAGEMENT –

THIS RUMOR IS FALSE. MYA RESPECTS GUCCI AS A PERSON AND AN ARTIST AND RECORDED A SONG WITH HIM. SHE SHOWED SUPPORT FOR HIS RELEASE AND ATTENDED A SHOW.

I WAS THERE SUPERVISING AND SHE WAS CAUGHT ON CAMERA TALKING TO HIM. SO WHAT. THAT’S ALL THAT HAPPENED.

SHE IS NOT DATING GUCCI, PERIOD.

-MYA MANAGEMENT

BEANIE SIGEL AND THE LOX!

Dame Grease was executive producing the new LOX album – I had no idea! But my homey RJ let me know. But that’s old. Here is some new stuff. Word is there is also a project in the works with Beanie Sigel and Styles P with Grease being the main producer behind the boards! Grease produced the Styles/Sigel joint “U Aint Ready” so we have a real possibility that this could come to life.

KERI HILSON: IS SHE LYING OR TELLING THE TRUTH

Keri Hilson made an appearance at radio station 100.3 The Beat’s Music Conference this past weekend. Even though Keri Hilson has an album coming out next Tuesday she still decided that she would not do any interviews with press. The reason given was because her voice wasn’t in the best shape but for some reason that seems like an excuse to avoid being asked the inevitable questions about her verse in her song “Turning Me on Remix” Nevertheless Kendra G did have a chance to catch up with Keri Hilson as she was literally walking out the door and she tried to explain again how she was NOT talking about Ciara nor Beyonce in that verse. What about the line in the verse when she says “To the Left??” Well Keri has an explanation for that! Check out the interview for yourself!

BOBBY VALENTINO GETS ALL THE GROUPIES

Bobby Valentin and Ne-Yo are the king of the groupies I heard. Well, the truth is…this is the truth in rumorland. I heard that Bobby V was recently down in North Carolina and dude was having his way with the group groups! The groupies were all over him and he was getting something done in the club. I don’t know exactly what it was, but what I was told is that it was explicit!

T.I. DENIES YOU RUMOR!

If you say that Chris Brown has been booted from a movie helmed by Chris Brown, you are mistaken!!

Here is what Tip had to say:

“I’m a producer on the movie and I ain’t put forth no sort of order or request man. And personally, it’s very, very premature to jump to such a conclusion given that none of these matters have been resolved. No one has been tried or convicted or nothing like that. I’m not going to jump to no conclusions. I’m not going to. I think that’s unfair ’cause that’s what people did with me, and I’m not going to do that.” T.I. is facing a year and a day behind bars following his 2007 arrest and is due in court for sentencing on 27 March (09). (contactmusic.com)

MARTIN LAWRENCE IS NOT DEAD!

What is wrong with people and these death rumors!? There was a rumor that the great comedic talent Martin Lawrence had died in his sleep. NOT. I know this isn’t true, because I would have heard it first. Instead I am getting a rumor just saying he is alive.

MICHAEL JACKSON’S BAD IDEA

This gotdamn s**t has got to stop!!!!!! There are rumors around and they are saying that Michael Jackson is looking to have MORE PLASTIC SURGERY! As you know, MiJac is about to embark on 50 shows in the UK. Rumor has it, he wants to look his best and that doesn’t mean he wants some fresh gear. No, that doesn’t mean, he needs to work out and get buffed up. According to rumor, that means he is going to get some more plastic surgery and tighten up that nose. Right now, he is reportedly consulting. I recommend that he just…do the damn shows. MiJac’s PR denies these claims, just so you know.

SAIGON AND JOE BUDDEN TALK ABOUT IT

SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END

They are saying that South Africa is the “rape capital of the world1” My god. Look, I am not falling victim to the mainstream media. Tell me something, South Africa! Look at this report:

EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY

Brooke Hogan tried to strip and turned into an epic fail.

LIL KIM DANCES HER WAY TO RENEWED FAME!

KANYE’S GIRL IS Off THE CHIZZLE!

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

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].

New Mos Def Album Set For Summer

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

Multi-talented emcee Mos Def will return from a 3 year hiatus with his 4th studio album, The Ecstatic.

 

Mos debuted two new tracks courtesy of his Myspace page (www.myspace.com/mosdef): the Mr. Flash produced “Life In Marvelous Times,” and “Quiet Dog Bite Hard,” produced by Preservation.”

 

Both songs are available for download via iTunes and RCRD LBL (http://rcrdlbl.com/).

 

The new LP will also mark the 10 year anniversary of the Brooklynite’s celebrated debut album, Black On Both Sides.

 

That project spawned the popular singles “Ms. Fat Booty” and “Umi Says.”

 

Mos’ last album, 2006’s True Magic, was released with no promotion or CD cover per the rapper’s request.

 

Currently, Mos Def is diligently formalizing an official U.S. tour, along with a finalized tracklisting for the new LP.

 

The Ecstatic is rumored to feature additional production from Madlib, Oh No, Chad Hugo, J Dilla, and Kanye West.

 

At recent shows, Mos Def has also performed tracks slated to feature Slick Rick (“Auditorium”) and Talib Kweli (“History”).

 

At press time, The Ecstatic is scheduled for release on June 30.

Brand Nubian’s Grand Puba Returns With Solo Album

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

Veteran rapper Grand Puba is returning to rap with a clean slate with his fourth solo album, Retroactive.

 

The forthcoming release is under a new deal with New York City based independent record label Babygrande Records.

 

Best known as a member of the rap collective Brand Nubian, Grand Puba has carved his own niche as a solo artist since his 1992 debut album Reel 2 Reel and follow-up 2000.

 

Brand Nubian’s music and lyrical content is noted for its political and religious vibe.

 

The group is also credited with paving the way for a variety of entertainers and groups, including Dead Prez, Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA and GZA, Black Star and Brother Ali.

 

Although he reunited with Brand Nubian in 1998 to release two albums for Babygrande, (Foundation and 2004’s Fire In The Hole), the new signing marks the first time Puba has dealt with the label as a solo act.

 

According to Babygrande CEO Chuck Wilson, the label’s newest addition comes as a natural extension of his label’s relationship with Brand Nubian.

 

“Grand Puba is the father to so many styles in Hip-Hop. Its good to have him back–the game needs him,” Wilson told AllHipHop.com in a statement. “We have a great relationship with Brand Nubian and we had so much success with Lord Jamar’s solo release in 2006 that it only makes sense to keep it in the family.”

 

Grand Puba’s Retroactive is slated to hit stores on June 23.

Sneak(er) Peek: St. Patrick’s Day Envy

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

It’s St. Patrick’s Day but there are always plenty of shoes

to make you green with envy any day of the year. Nevertheless, here are a

couple of St. Patty’s Day specials. Shout out to the Irish massive.

 

You can’t front, House of Pain had spots bumping with their

hit “Jump Around.” Don’t sleep on the Pete Rock remix, though. But this column

is about kicks and the peeps at Adidas connected with your favorite Irish

rappers to drop a limited edition (only 175 will be made) version of the adidas Originals Campus shoe. The

sneaker is green, duh, gold and white and the group’s crest/logo is featured

prominently on the tongue. On the side of the shoes, above the three stripes

where normally “Campus” is written, the words “Fine Malt Lyrics” are stamped in

gold foil. Suede! Can’t be mad at these.

The shoes will go on sale today at Concepts in Cambridge,

MA. Word is House of Pain will be on hand. Word to your mom

and your pops. 

 

Ahh, yes. Now in my totally biased opinion the Air Max ‘95s are

the perfect sneakers. The cool grey accented by that popping neon yellow, as

well as its otherworldly looks resulted in a shoe that didn’t resemble anything

before it. Going for about $125 or more when they first dropped, I remember

heads being hesitant to cop them because at a buck two five we’re talking Jordan

shoe prices and the kicks were such a radical design you were just taken aback.

Inevitably any tentativeness jumped out the window with Ron Browz when you saw someone walking down the

street, sporting a pair on their feet, or noticed a bunch of people staring at the feet of the

person walking down the street, sporting a pair.

Since ’95 Nike has reissued the original colorway

a couple of times (I keep a fresh pair on freeze [photo to the left]) and have also dropped a number of different variances

in colors and materials. Meh. The only ones I’ve

really felt are versions of the cool greys and basic

colors (oranges, red, blues, etc.).  For the spring Nike drops a bunch of

varieties [photo jacked from Nice Kicks]. With plenty of colors these gems are sure to be seen

everywhere this spring.

So David (Nate Robinson) slew Goliath (Dwight Howard) in

this years dunk contest. [ahem, Howard would have won

that ish if he had actually saved his best dunks for

last, no shots Nate]. But anyway, the wild, ectoplasm looking

Foamposite Lites. So

of course, the “KryptoNates” (peep the “K” logo on the side of the shoe above) are set to be launched. Word

is Nate will be on hand at the House of Hoops store on Harlem’s 125th

St. from 4pm – 5:30pm to debut the shoe. Good luck. BONUS: Although KG, Dwight Howard, Josh Smith and T-Mac skipped college basketball altogether, these promo spots courtesy of adidas showcase players repping their NCAA picks. Here are a couple of the vids; where’s my bracket…KG @ UCLAJosh Smith reppin’ Pitt

Mary J. Blige Cleared In Copyright Lawsuit

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

Hip-Hop soul pioneer Mary J. Blige was recently cleared of copyright infringement accusations stemming from her 2001 hit “Family Affair.”

 

The suit was filed in January by Leonard Jones and James White.

 

White, who previously managed a rapper named Benevolence, claims to have submitted the artist’s copyright-protected demo to Universal Records in May 2001.

 

Blige completed “Family Affair” in August 2001, and according to the lawsuit the single bore a striking lyrical resemblance to Benevolence’s demo track “Party Ain’t Crunk.”

 

The plaintiff’s argued that since producer Dr. Dre normally utilizes a team of musicians, the copyright infringement could be traced to Blige’s team of writers.

 

Dr. Dre was originally named in the lawsuit, but was dismissed after the courts ruled there was a “lack of personal jurisdiction.”

 

Blige and Universal Records challenged the plaintiffs to provide tangible proof of the records bearing any similar lyrical content, and reasonable cause that “Family Affair” was not created independently

 

The plaintiffs failed to respond with substantial evidence, resulting in the case being dismissed.

 

“Family Affair” was one of Mary J. Blige’s biggest hits, remaining atop Billboard’s Hot 100 for six weeks and selling over 4 million copies worldwide.

 

Blige’s last album was 2007’s platinum Growing Pains.

 

Dr. Dre is finalizing his third studio album Detox, tentatively planned for release this year.

Lawsuits Continue Over Tupac Bio Pic

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

Accusations of deception and sabotage are at the heart of a new lawsuit filed by the mother of deceased rap legend Tupac Shakur against Morgan Creek.

 

Afeni Shakur’s Amaru Entertainment has filed a $10 million cross complaint that claims Morgan Creek head James Robinson and other tried to strong-arm a deal for the movie rights for a biopic on Tupac Shakur.

 

The complaint later alleges that Morgan Creek sabotaged the venture when Amaru attempted to set up the movie elsewhere.

“The Morgan Creek lawsuit is heavy-handed interference with the Tupac movie,” a rep for Amaru stated. “It has no merit whatsoever.  Our cross-complaint is going to result in Morgan Creek having to pay millions in compensatory and punitive damages for harming our business.”

The cross complaint is the latest development to occur regarding the creation of the biopic.

 

Morgan Creek was the first to sound off on the issue by filing a lawsuit last month in Los Angeles Superior Count.

 

According to that lawsuit, the company claimed Amaru backed out of a done deal to sell life rights for a biopic about Tupac.

 

Amaru is noted for controlling the estate of the late entertainer.

 

Morgan Creek said it received a final term sheet in December that detailed everything required to reach an agreement.

 

Although the proposal was accepted by Morgan Creek executives in late January, Amaru’s complaint alleges that it was a proposal, not a deal.

 

Due to the success of Notorious, a film centering on Tupac Shakur’s musical rival the Notorious B.I.G., Morgan Creek executives allegedly arranged a conference call with an attorney from Amaru to “accept” the counteroffer.

 

Executives then allegedly began telling other studios and producers that Morgan Creek owned rights to the Tupac project in an attempt to keep other companies from possibly competing for the rights to the film.

 

The alleged actions by Morgan Creek were not well received by Amaru as the cross complaint labeled it as “a sleazy and illegal ploy to coerce (Amaru) into a deal.”

 

In addition to seeking a court declaration that there never was a deal, Amaru is demanding that at least $10 million dollars in damages be awarded by Morgan Creek for derailing Amaru’s efforts to talk with potential studios and producers.

50 Cent Hits The Road With Fallout Boy

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

50 Cent has announced plans to tour with rock group Fallout Boy on the group’s Believers Never Die Part Deux tour, which kicks off next month.

 

The Queens-bred rapper mwill join the tour starting on April 14, when the group plays in Dallas.

 

Other tour dates in which 50 is scheduled to take part in have not been announced, but will be revealed in the coming on the group’s website FriendsorEnemies.com.

 

In other news, 50 Cent revealed that he also plans to release two albums this year, since he had extra time to record new material, due to the delay of his release Before I Self Destruct.

 

The new untitled album willbe released after 50’s Before I Self Destruct, which is planned to be released in June.

 

The release of Before I Self Destruct will come just one month after Eminem releases his highly anticipated album The Relapse, on May 19.

 

Meanwhile 50 Cent recently filmed a video with Eminem for the single “Crack A Bottle” from The Relapse.

 

Full tour dates for Fallout Boy’s Believers Never Die Part Deux tour are listed below:

 

4.3.09 Mesa Phoenix, AZ 4.5.09 Pearl Las Vegas, NV 4.7.09 Event Center San Jose, CA 4.8.09 Memorial Auditorium Sacramento, CA 4.9.09 Expo Center Portland,OR 4.10.09 Wamu Seattle, WA 4.11.09 Thunderbird Vancouver 4.13.09 Salt Air Salt Lake City, UT 4.14.09 Fillmore Denver, CO 4.17.09 Nokia Dallas,. TX 4.18.09 Sam Houston Houston, TX 4.19.09 Lakefront Arena New Orleans, LA 4.21.09 Mizner Miami, FL 4.22.09 UCF Convocation Orlando, FL 4.23.09 Gwinnett Atlanta, GA 4.24.09 Bojangles Charlotte, NC 4.25.09 Merriweather Washington, DC 4.26.09 RPI Troy, NY 4.28.09 Tsongos Arena Boston, MA 4.29.09 Mohegan Sun Connecticut 5.1.09 Pier Philadelphia, PA 5.3.09 Beale St. Memphis, TN 5.5.09 Ricoh Toronto 5.6.09 CEPSUM Montreal 5.8.09 EM Convo Detroit, MI 5.9.09 Allstate Chicago, IL 5.12.09 Time Warner Cleveland, OH 5.13.09 Promowest Columbus, OH 5.15.09 The Lawn Indianapolis, IN 5.16.09 Eagles Ballroom Milwaukee, WI 5.17.09 Roy Wilkins Minneapolis, MN

Cam’ron: Season of Change Part 2

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

Drama and beef are main courses on a rapper’s dinner plate. Cam’ron is no exception. While he’s shunned the light, mostly due to his mother’s health, the Harlem Diplomat still maintains a plethora of issues surrounding his existence. He returns at a time when former arch nemesis 50 Cent is in rare form in a bout with Rick Ross. He maintains that Jim Jones, his former Dipset capo, entertained a fictitious beef between the two of them. There are books being written, songs being released and old friends to catch up with.

All these events are all party to the brisk return of Cameron Giles.

AllHipHop.com: What did you think of Jim when got down with 50 Cent for a little bit?

Cam’ron: With me, that’s kinda what definitely put everything on the back burner. When things are back behind the scenes, it wasn’t a problem fixing things because the public doesn’t know. Once you know me and 50 Cent got a problem and you’re being seen in the public with him, that kind of made me be like “Okay I understand this is gonna get public.” So I shied away from that and get back in Cameron lane. But that’s kind of what severed it for me, you know? Everybody has their side. They may have a different opinion. Cam didn’t do this, Cam didn’t do that. But once you [Jim Jones] knew me and 50 Cent was in the middle of a whatever [rap beef], I didn’t think for Dipset [to show allegiance to 50 Cent] was a good look. So that’s why I had to shy away.

AllHipHop.com: As far as 50 what are your thoughts now?

Cam’ron: I mean everybody knows I’m back, I’m back in the building, everybody knows that I’m back. Whatever was said when I wasn’t here, cool, but I’m back and you know I have no problem addressing any problem when a problem comes to me. It doesn’t matter who it is, but right now I see he got beef going on with Rick Ross right now. That’s going on, but I’m here. Right now it’s quiet. I’ll let them finish doing what they’re doing and when it comes around to me – if it gets to me – I’ll be ready.

AllHipHop.com: Do you got anything special in a new beef with 50 Cent? Anything like that?

Cam’ron: [Pondering] It doesn’t really take me long to think. I don’t hav

e to sit there and have s### loaded up for any rapper. If I got a problem, I’ll go to the studio tonight and shoot a video for it tonight and put it out tomorrow. I got my own cameras, my own lights, my own studio, and it will get done. It isn’t like I gotta prepare, like “Yo, if I’m beefin’ with Nas, let’s have 12 Nas songs. If I’m beefin’ with 50, I gotta…if I’m beefin’ with Jay.” No, I just go do it. I’m a quick thinker, I’m from Harlem, it happens that quick like.

AllHipHop.com: When you and 50 Cent were beefing, it seemed go to a different level. Like he would do a funeral for you with an obituary and you did the video where you jumped out the casket.

Cam’ron: Well you know it’s creativity at the same time too. I just used what he did to get my s**t poppin’ and I said Curtis, [then] he named his album Curtis. We both were battling off of what each other was saying. What you gotta realize is that when it comes to beefin’ 50 is smart too. I’m a smart guy too. I use very good strategy, but you know it’s like when Rick Ross called him Curly, so 50 Cent does the “Soul Glow” thing. I was like this guy uses stuff that people use to his benefit and I would do the same thing no matter who it was against.

Cam’ron – “I Used To Get It In Ohio”

AllHipHop.com: I read about Jim Jones allegedly wanting to do a fake beef with you or something like that?

Cam’ron: What happened was – that’s when me and Jim’s relationship kinda simmered down – one day we was plotting and scheming in the crib on stuff that we should do to make the movement bigger or plotting for marketing strategy. I don’t remember exactly what our little two man meeting was about in my house in Fort Lee, New Jersey, but he just basically bust out and said “maybe me and you should just act like we got a problem and just act like we beefin’ and make up and all this stuff.” I was like, “Nah, you buggin…That don’t really make sense. Why would you confuse the fans? You know that would be confusing the fans.” And he was like, “Yeah you right, we shouldn’t do that.”

It doesn’t make sense, but I kinda took that as “why would he even say that?” So I gave Jim his space and I was thinking like to myself, “Jim wants to do his own thing, I’m gonna back up and let him do his own thing anyway cause to me that didn’t really make sense.” I kinda took that as you wanna go off and do your own thing. There’s another way to do it [promote and market Dipset] without acting like we have beef, you can just go off and do your thing.

AllHipHop.com: You think this is a fake beef?

Cam’ron: What do you mean? I don’t do nothing fake at all.

AllHipHop.com: No, on their side of things, Like Jim might be waging a fake beef.

Cam’ron: I just spoke to Jim two days ago. I called Zeke phone and he picked the phone up so I don’t really know who’s beefin’ with who or who says it’s a beef or whatever the case may be. If it’s beef , I don’t know about it, you know what I’m saying? [Editor’s note: Jim Jones has refuted that he and Cam’ron had this conversation.]

AllHipHop.com: Have you ever consider starting a new Dipset movement with different artists?

Cam’ron: I got different artists. I don’t really want to say their names, because we’re in the process of doing paperwork and I’m not a person who counts their chickens before they hatch. But it’s about to be something that’s about to pop off real major, it’s gonna be hot.

AllHipHop.com: Okay, what about [former Dipset manager] Big Joe? He’s supposed to be doing a tell-all book.

Cam’ron: I heard about that and I don’t know nothing about it though but I heard about it.

AllHipHop.com: He’s talking about he’s gonna expose everybody.

Cam’ron: I’ll be looking forward to it, you know, I’ll check it out, I don’t know nothing.

AllHipHop.com: Is that considered snitching or is that just a book expose?

Cam’ron: I don’t know, because I don’t really know too much about it. I was just catching up on all this internet s**t today since I been in the office. There was something about Puff offering them some money not to put it out or something – but I don’t know. I wish him the best of luck.

AllHipHop.com: okay, okay, um, do you talk to Dame still?

Cam’ron: I spoke to Dame for the first time maybe about a month ago we spoke for about an hour, spoke a couple more times and we gonna get together before the month is up.

AllHipHop.com: You have a song that discusses the recession and the impact on jobs and things like that…have you felt the impact [of the recession]?

Cam’ron: No. What happened was, I have a female friend who’s just complaining about her job and she has to got to work and she isn’t getting paid what she wants to get paid. And she’s working 10 hours a day to make ends meet and I basically flipped the coin. It’s like you got people out there that’s looking for jobs and can’t find a job. These people are up two, three, four and five times a week looking for jobs and can’t find a job. The song really originated from me listening to my home girl complain about her situation and I kind of put the other side of the story to it.

Cam’ron: “I Hate My Job”

AllHipHop.com: Somebody wanted me to ask you what’s your favorite color.

Cam’ron: I know everybody act like I’m a Crayola [crayons] box like [they say] “What’s the color for next year?” It isn’t like I thought about a color for the year, but you know I don’t know it’s…I don’t have a color right now. I’m kinda like in the red phase.

AllHipHop.com: Last question, why rap? What motivates you to keep doing it?

Cam’ron: You know, it’s funny you asked that, somebody asked me that also. About two hours ago I was thinking I don’t really wanna do this anymore. I was like maybe I’ma just chill out. I’ll chill out [for a while] and I’ll be in my house eating or smoking a blunt and I’ll be watching TV and I‘ll just start f***ing thinking of raps in my head. It’s like I’ve been doing this so long it’s kind of instilled in my body so its like, even if I wanted to stop, I couldn’t stop. So that’s kind why I’m still doing it, because even if I wanted to stop I’ll still be doing it.

Cam’ron: “I Got It For Cheap”

Hip-Hop Rumors: Mya And Gucci Mane?? Young Buck’s New Home?? Max B: Paid In Full!

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!

MAX B SCORES BIG BUCKS!!

I heard a rumor that Max B was in Raleigh NC performing at Sin City night club and the party was crazy. Max sold out the event with the legendary Cutmaster C on the wheels of steel. Max and his crew did a 3-minute segment dissing Jim Jone. I heard the show was hot though. I’m sure you want to know where the “score” comes in. Before everyone goes into the club Cutmaster C and Max B play NBA 2k9 for 10k. With about five seconds left in the 4th quarter Max B hit a 3-pointer to win the game and the MOOLAH! It was crazy and I heard they have it on film.

THE GAME AND BUCK CHILLIN – BUCK TO RAP-A-LOT?

Buck was kicking it hard this weekend in Houston and Game came hung with him on Sunday. Word on street is that he might be signing or signed to Rap-a Lot. This is Buck with J Prince and his family.

 

50 CENT STRIKES AT RICK ROSS’ HOMEY GUNPLAY

I wasn’t going to use this yesterday, but I had to. Man, 50 Cent is going off.

I will say that I heard this footage is several years old.

THE CAKELADY, RICK ROSS AND ILLSEED!

The Cakelady made that nice cake for Rick Ross, remember her and what Ross did to the cake? Well, she made me an Ill Cake! PEEP IT!

 

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

Ginuwine has suggested in a recent interview that LisaRaye went after him, but he didn’t try to get in them drawers.

I am always leery of stats, but they are now saying the AIDS rate in D.C. is higher than that in West Africa.

Looking at what’s going on with Rick and 50…it reminds me how intelligent Lil Wayne was not to engage with 50 Cent.

Sammy Davis Jr’s widow, Altovise Davis, died over the weekend from a stroke in Los Angeles.

Don Imus has revealed that he has stage II prostate cancer.

Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson had a “violent fight” according to reports. The LAPD were called in at the couple’s home on Saturday morning. For more on this sort of crime, look at the video below.

Nivea called Ryan Cameron and explained why she was acting so kooky recently. Click here for the audio.

T.I.’s fiancee Tameka ‘Tiny’ Cottle has opened her new nail salon. That’s what up. Gotta hustle hard in these times!

LMAO! I heard from Gyant that Rihanna is gonna be remaking “The Bodyguard,” an old Whitney Houston song. I heard RiRi’s not doing any movies.

LOL. B.O.B. is reportedly changing his name to Bobby Ray. Is he just saying whatever to get some press?

50 Cent is taking the Eminem route and releasing two albums this year. Somehow, I don’t see that happening.

RANDOM QUOTES

Beyoncce told Vogue that she fears her own super power:

“The amount of influence I have on these young girls is scary sometimes. But I also understand how lucky I am to have that.”

Gwyneth Paltrow isn’t really sure what to make of Joaquin Phoenix’s rap career.

“I think that there might be some other explanation or something going on. I’m not quite sure what, but I can’t believe that he’s really going to quit forever to become a rapper. It seems odd.”

Be Be Winans responds quickly!

“To be accused of these allegations, which arose out of a child custody right dispute and my desire to spend time with our children as court ordered, is nothing less than heart wrenching. Since I choose to say nothing negative about my children’s mother, I will make no comment other than to say the allegations are inconsistent with my character and the foundation upon which I was raised and I am prayerful that the matter is straightened out very soon for the sake of our children.”

GUCCI MANE’S FIRST INTERVIEW OUT!

JUELZ SANTANA GOES AT S.A.S.

What can you say? More beef. Banned from Harlem? I wonder what S.A.S. will say.

AND IS GUCCI’S NEW BABE MYA?

All praise due to Gucci, but if he bags Mya, I’m putting my head in a plastic bag and breathing deeply.

At his coming home party, they were reportedly inseparable. For the rest of these spicey pics, click here!

EPIC WIN OF THE DAY

I know T.I. got a bit angry at me, but I am still a big fan of the guy. In Oct. of 2007, the day before a private meeting at Justin’s Restaurant with Minister Farrakhan, T.I.. gets busted with all those guns and stuff. Remember that? Well, TI was to be there along with like DJ Drama, DJ Toomp, Cee Lo, Killer Mike, Chuck D, David Banner, Bryan Michael Cox, Teddy Riley and others. He was able to send a message to the Nation of Islam for Saviours’ Day ’09. Check out this clip of what he had to say…

SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END

In Baghdad, police report that an Iraqi soccer player has been shot dead. The man was just playing soccer and attempting to kick the tying goal during the weekend of play in the south of Baghdad. A striker from one team was JUST trying to SCORE. Suddenly, a fan of the opposite deal rolls up and shoots the striker in the head in the final minute of the soccer game. The spectator was arrested and his team won. 1-0. The fan that killed the striker LOST.

JUST A PIC OR MORE?

Yesterday, I told you that my very infamous, illseed intel revealed that John Witherspoon and New York might have had something going on. Well, additional intel reveals the following image. It could be an innocent picture…or something far more sinister.

And for those of you that didn’t see the Roast? Click here!

USHER’S PARTY!

Paris went to Paris and the tale is told through the pictures.

Shout out to Hip-Hop Socialite.

NEW VIDEO ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Melange LaVonne created this video for “Domestic Violence.” Its an interesting video. Check it out.

And, yes, Melange is a lesbian. I wonder if she had a female abuser in real life. That’s a new twist to the drama. Word to Linsday.

EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY

Since we have a lil’ gay moment with Melange, I’ll devote this “Epic Fail of the Day” to this dude that decided it was cool to sing Lil Flip’s song “Sunshine.”

For more of this funny fail, click here!

MORE HEALTH CARE WOES

Melange is an illseed reader and she shared a deeply personal story with me. Lets help our citizens.

I can relate to the story about Adrian. In 2005 my HMO found a tumor in my neck, I had hodgkins disease prior in 1991 when I was 12 went thru chemo and radiation, so they decided to play it safe and remove the tumor along with my entire thyroid. In the process of removing my thyroid a week later they did a catscan and found a small tumor. It turned out to be S.E.T.T.L.E cancer. 22 cases worldwide reported since 1996. Because they knew nothing about it my HMO’s had to call overseas to get more info. The info they got back was basically a paragraph long and they told me when it spread to my lungs then they would be able to do something.

I sought a second opinion at city of hope. I asked my HMO to give me a referral otherwise it would cost me $1500 out of my own pocket. I had been with my HMO since I was born, 29 years and they couldnt give me a simple referral, so i filed greivance against them 3 times! They still denied me, I had to pay out of pocket to city of hope, and all city of hope told me is that there is nothing i can do basically.

after loosing my job and trying to hold onto my health insurance because i have to take pills for the rest of my life from not having a thyroid, the healthcare industry is cruel. I worked for the county for 7 years, i paid $400 a month alone on health care just for me, a single adult, that came out my check, and my HMO denied me $1500.

Here I am living with S.E.T.T.L.E. so yea its a b####. The f##### up part about this whole ordeal is one of my HMO doctors said the cancer I have now could have came from when they performed radiation on me in 1991, so they could have been the cause of it.

Melange

KELIS IS VERY PREGGERS!

Oh..you knew this, but check this.

THE NEW HULKAMANICS!

Check out, Brooke Hogan get down on a stripper pole! While most father’s strive to keep their kid OFF the pole…not Hulk Hogan! The Hulker was present and cheered his daughter on as she spread her cheeks. SMH.

LET THAT B***H BREATHE!!!!

I’M OUT!IF YOU SEE SOMETHING,SAY SOMETHING!

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

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].

Rapper Kid Cudi Says He’s Quitting Music

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

Rapper Kid Cudi is ready to exit the music game even before his debut album is released this summer, a direct result of the pressure, rigors and foolishness of the profession.

The rapper wrote a comprehensive blog post where he explained his looming exodus.

“After the release of my first LP this summer, I am not making any more solo albums,” he explained on kidcudi.com. “I am falling back on being an artist. The drama that comes with it is more overwhelming than the s**t I was dealing wit when I was p### poor broke. My friends get mad at me, say I’ve changed.”

The 25-year-old Cudi has been a hipster darling with his hit record “Day ‘N Nite.” He has also been the subject of controversy.

Last month, the Cleveland native was involved in an altercation that resulted in him being tasered by authorities at an event for Reebok during festivities surrounding the NBA’s All-Star weekend. He claimed he was treated unfairly at the event and by the media afterwards.

Yet, he maintained that leaving the music industry in these terms is not a failure for him.

“I don’t look at it as quitting for I have already accomplished my goal. I have a solid fan base who truly appreciates me and my messages through song,” he said. “I got multiple big records. I have received worldwide critical acclaim from the biggest tastemakers in the game. No regrets.”

The rapper is signed to Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music and is featured on West’s “Paranoid” and “Welcome to Heartbreak.” While West has been a paparazzi favorite for years, Cudi said he’s not interested grief normally associated with a life of fame.

“Muthaf***as talking s**t here and there, spreading rumors, making jokes, trying to judge me, and for what? Does my music poke fun at others? Do I talk s**t about people n my music?” he said, with obvious passion. “I already went to high school once, and got expelled, because it wasn’t for me. I’ma drop out this s**t before n****s try and crucify me.”

Kid Cudi’s debut is expected to drop this summer.

EXCLUSIVE: Duck Down Speaks on Disputed Tupac ‘One Nation’ Release

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

Yesterday (March 13), digital label A.E.G. announced that Tupac Shakur and Boot Camp Clik’s fabled One Nation album would finally see an official release on March 20.

 

While Hip-Hop fans were surprised, no one was more so than Duck Down CEO Dru Ha, who explained that his organization was never approached about releasing the album they helped create.

 

“Aside from Pac before he passed and continuing to stay in contact with the Outlawz and the family, nobody has even been in contact with us about our involvement, our interest in tracks, etc.” Dru Ha told AllHipHop.com in an exclusive statement. “I’ve never heard of this company but we’ll certainly be contacting them to find out what we’re not in the know of.”

 

One Nation was the brainchild of Tupac and Boot Camp Clik, and aimed at dispelling the growing tensions between East and West Coast artists and fans in the wake of the Bad Boy-Death Row feud.

 

According to a press release from A.E.G., the album includes appearances from The Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Big Daddy Kane, Greg Nice, and Tha Outlawz.

 

At press time, Afeni Shakur and representatives from the Shakur estate could not be reached for comment.

 

On February 24, Duck Down released Smoke N Mirrors, the debut album from Cypress Hill frontman B-Real.