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Hip-Hop Rumors: Trey Songz & Joe Fight? Tahiry & Trey Songz? Why Tiger Got His Head Bust!
DISCLAIMER:
All content within this section is pure rumor and generally have no factual info outside of what the streets have whispered in our ear. Read on.
THE DAILY TWO SENSEWhat’s up everybody!? I had a great weekend.
I hope the weekend was as good to you as it was to me. I don’t do
Thanksgiving, but I definitely took time to get my “thank” on. So, with
that I thank you for all the emails and stuff that were sent to me. I
got a few “hate” emails from people that wanted me to update every day
over the vacation. That’s all good, but I needed that break.
I have never seen as much hate as the hate directed towards 50 Cent
after the poor sales of Before I Self Destruct. Sheeeeesh! I know 50 is
the subject of scorn and all that, but the average person is acting
like they are Rick Ross. I can see Ross celebrating! LOL! Anyway, I’m
actually interested in seeing how 50 Cent responds to this. This is
really is first slump since he came out. I want to see what he does.
SEE SOMETHING?
SAY SOMETHING!
Email me rumors and sightings at Al*************@***il.com.
TREY SONGZ AND TAHIRY?
Aw man, what is going on? Joe Budden and Tahiry were the Hip-Hop King and Queen, you know, of the regular-types. But now, it looks like Tahiry is doing her own thing crazily. Right now, I have a rumor about here and Trey Songz in Montclair, NJ on Saturday. Here is how it went down, according to sources. First, they are saying Tahiry was escorted into the VIP of the club by security. Now, I heard she and Trey were chilling in the VIP most of the night. Now, when Trey was performing, it was a different story. Dude was wiling out! I heard he was pouring Champagne in girls mouths live on stage. One girl even plopped out her boobs for all to see! I heard he said something about, What girls are going home with Trigger (his alias name)? But I HEARD at that moment he looked over at Tahiry, saying, Im going to have some amazing sex tonight. For some reason, that disgusts me not the Tahiry part. But, according to onlookers, Tahiry didnt look comfortable after he said that part. ALAS, the night ended in a fight between Treys security and some patrons. I heard Treys team messed those dudes UP and the club was torn apart!
Now according to theybf.com, this whole fight started after singer Joe and his crew came in the place to be. All this tussling happened in the VIP. Here is another firsthand account of the fight part.
R&B singer Joe came through Lounge 501 last night, but wasnt a booked act. So naturally the club tried to accommodate him. Heres the underlying drama, Joe was seated in Trey Songz section. Now Trey arrives and although everything appeared to be cool, Trey wasnt that excited about Joe taking up his space. No one really wanted to let Joe know he had to move from that area (assuming because he had the gonnies with him). And Joes goons werent that excited about them being side eyed by Treys people! Joes goons got a lil roudy with Treys security and a small scuffle begin. And based on the looks of Joes camp they werent victorious. By this time, Joes people are being escorted out by Treys security looking a bit hurt, but the situation appears to be tamed. Thats when they turned back and attempted to finish what they started. Now Treys skinny ass gets involved and gets knocked down. And more so than Joes camp being involved, all the regular dudes were throwing punches and trying to get at him. They were trying to kick him and punch him. Eventually the situation was ceased and Joes camp left the building. In all the mayhem Trey and his camp left without a scratch. Joes camp on the other hand, not so much!
TAHIRY TALKS 50 CENT
In an interview with DJ Whoo Kid, Tahiry talked about working with 50 Cent. Nothing is going on, he would seem.
“Being involved with 50 – the video shoot. He’s awesome. No, no, no, [denying an affair] he’s awesome. He is a very smart person, he’s very care-taking. He took very good care of me. See, let me explain something to you, I’m not with the whole [revenge sex stuff], everything that’s happening, people have their issues. It is a [coincidence] on my part, I was called for a part in the video, his love interest and I said ‘Okay, 50, why not?’ I’m not thinking about Joey, I’m not thinking about anybody else, I don’t care what he’s doing, what he’s with who, anything that has to do with him, it’s no longer my business…Let’s move on, can I live? I’m going to continue to do me whether another record comes out about me, another blog. I don’t really care.”
Nuff said.
MY SISTERS A BONE THUGS GROUPIE
I felt bad about this reader, who was clearly being very honest. He told me that he was upset about his sister and that he didnt even know how she came to be a damn groupie for Bone Thugs! All he knows is that they came to town one time and he heard she was at the hotel that the Thugs were at. Well, his brother-in-law went down there to handle his biz like a man. Do you understand? This was one mans sister and another mans WIFE. Well, dude kicked in the door, but wasnt waving a .44. I heard he crashed into the wrong room and the Bone Thugs beat that a$$ like e broke in the wrong room! Dude ended up with multiple cuts to the face and a broken leg! Whats worse is he didnt even find his wife or the readers sister until the next day. I hope the thugs didnt splack that!
SNOOP WANTS TO REPLACE OPRAH?
Snoop is a wild dude.
“I’m trying to proposition the networks right now. If you’re wanting to hire a nice black exciting young male who wants to turn the TV world right up – get at me. I heard Oprah Winfrey is leaving and there ain’t nobody do what Oprah did but ahem – hello! hello! And I can bring my wife on so we can have the women and the men on there discussing things.”
RICK ROSS TRIED TO GET AT 50s BABY MOM?
This is getting a lil TOO serious. Well, it has been too serious. But, 50 Cent alleges that Rick Ross or somebody acting on his behalf tried to get at 50s sons mom. And 50 suggested they would get something they didnt want had it occurred.
“See, you know what’s interesting about them (Ross and Tia) that’s different from me is even when I’m upset, I’ll think things out, you see what I’m saying, and make the best possible move under those circumstances. Like, they actually indirectly tried to contact my son’s mom. Yeah, and then like, they would have only had them show up somewhere for me to have ’em shot at that point. You see what I’m saying, because she would have told me. You gotta understand, even when I’m completely p##### at her, she’ll go, ‘Yo, drop it off kid, they gonna be at the corner of such and such.'”
EMINEM’S MOTHER MARRIES HER BI-SEXUAL FORMER ENEMY!
Last year, Eminem’s mother is now married to a bi-sexual man that sued her last year, according to Radar Online. Peep this:
The mother of superstar rapper Eminem, Debbie Nelson, is reportedly engaged to her agent who sued her last year.
As reported earlier, Neal Alpert sued Nelson in 2008 over profits of her book My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem.
According to Radar Online, Alpert found love with Nelson and dropped the lawsuit against her over the summer.
Alpert confirmed the wedding plans to Radar and the couple are looking for a venue to make their matrimony official.
“Its going to be a nice-sized wedding, thats for sure, an insider told Radar.
Adding a twist to the story is the fact that Alpert is bisexual.
“When it comes to marriage its not about the sex, its about being
with your best friend,” the insider explained about Alpert’s sexuality.
“He has always been a gentleman and respectful and never sold her out
for a penny, even when he had the chance.
DUDE BLASTS RIHANNA!
This dude goes in on Rihanna and calls her a flat out liar. Its not like he was there, but this is interesting for some reason.
TIGER WOODS GOT HIS HEAD BUSTED?
Tiger Wood has something to hide. Well, he categorized it as a private matter, but there is something going on. He even sounds a bit like a rapper. Dude has repeatedly turned down police requests to speak to him about a car accident. The accident ended up with his wife using a golf club to break out his windows. Also the accident resulted in Tiger being unconscious for about 6 minutes! Just yesterday, Tiger said that the accident was his fault and his wife acted courageously. Courageously upside his head!!!!! LMAO! Here is the statement in full.
“Although I understand there is curiosity, the many false, unfounded and malicious rumors that are currently circulating about my family and me are irresponsible. The only person responsible for the accident is me. My wife, Elin, acted courageously when she saw I was hurt and in trouble. She was the first person to help me. Any other assertion is absolutely false.”
Now, the National Enquirer is on the case and they are making additional claims. The main on is that Rachel Uchitel is the mistress. Rachel reportedly has a history dating married men, regardless of their marital status. In other words they are saying she is a professional jumpoff. Rachel denies it all and if she knows whats good for her, she will continue to do so. FOURRRRRRRRRRRR!
ILLSEEDS QUICKIES
Wow. Im so stupid, I didnt know Rosa Acosta had implants.
Also, shout out to all the people I may have offended last week. Im not going to highlight it, but my bad!
Looks like the day of reckoning is coming down. Jennifer Lopezs sex tape is expected to leak any day now.
50 Cent has declared in a recent interview that he intends to put out Young Bucks album .ohhhhhhkaaaaayyyyyyyyy!
Did I mention, Mya got robbed? No? Well, she did!
The whole Rick Ross to Floyds crib was Floyd Mayweathers idea!
Rihanna is expected to sell like 200k in her first week.
Uhmmm Scottish singer Susan Boyle is looking like she is going to sell like 500k her first week.
I was watching football last night and Prince was watching. I think he was going for the Vikings for all that purple.
Jay-Z is supposedly going to celebrate his 40th in the Dominican Republic. I swore in my brain Jay turned 40 already.
The P#### Cat Dolls have disbanded.
Mariah Carey is looking to have that baby in 2010. Give Nick his lil present.
RANDOM QUOTES
Rihanna on her sex life status:
I dont miss sex because I still have fun by myself. You get what I mean?
Will.I.am on J-Los fall at the American Music Awards.
She didnt fall. Thats a move called The Pop Up.
EPIC WIN OF THE DAY
Somebody did an R&B remix of Forever. Cool remix, but the gems of this are the historical pictures in the video.
SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END
Four uniformed police officers were shot and killed on Sunday morning as somebody bent on revenge walked into a Seattle coffee shop and let off. The police were the victims of a targeted attack, according to police. Nobody know what really happened, but details are emerging. The cops were prepping for their shift on their laptop. And a man casually walked in and left off enough rounds to kill all four men, but nobody else in the shop were harmed. Also, the person got away without so much as some money. A police rep called the scene a “carnage and a scene out of a horror movie.” The person that did it is supposedly a Black man. They are saying this same person bombed a police car lot.
THIRSTON HOWL III TALKS THE GOOD OLD DAYS OF BK
Same Damn Lo Sweater from Gasface on Vimeo.
SPEAKING OF RIHANNA
She had some issues with her umbrella last night in London.
Also, while her sales may not be crazy, RiRi has been offered, 500k to perform in the Middle East. According to reports at Page Six, Rihanna slated to rock a huge New Years show at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi! She was supposed to do this back in May but that CB fiasco got in the way.
MORE LATER!
TIGER’S WIFE, 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 al*************@***il.com.
Tech N9ne: Success -vs- Sacrifice
Each time his voice molds the wax, Tech N9ne shares his soul with the world. He poetically transforms his mental sonnets into audible sixteens. Perhaps, it is his destiny, to lyrically manifest across every inch of the entire globe. In the relentless pursuit of achieving his dream, the already hitched MC, became a polygamist; he got married to his music. Unable to nourish the core requirements of these two demanding relationships, Tech’s marriage eventually withered. While in the midst of juggling these competing relationships, Tech was granted a glimpse into his future. It was cruel in its clarity. Possessed by his muse, his prophetic pen summoned the end of his marriage. This Ring flaunts a tormentingly complex yet simplistic premonition: What/Can a n**** do/When he makes ends/Add more to the time they spend/While he make ends/Everything else breaking/And the bond at the house/May end/And your wifey/ steady yelling/’bout quality time/And you think/With all the fame and fortune/S*** ought to be fine/But what happens/When the divorce papers/Just gotta be signed/And you lose half/And your children/Cause you gotta be N9NE…The ink has dried on the divorce decree; but, he is still making music. Among other things, Tech N9ne discusses with AllHipHop.com: his perception of success versus sacrifice; his sobriety; and his thoughts on the commercial success female MCs. AllHipHop.com: I want to delve into your perception of success verses sacrifice. In respect to your profession and your personal life, what will it take for Aaron Yates and Tech N9ne to be fulfilled? Tech N9ne: For the whole world to know my story. If I’m walking through the mall, if b###### ain’t falling to the floorMichael Jackson style then that means, I ain’t doing my job 100%. That means I got more people to infect…It’s supposed to be like that everywhere I go. I ain’t supposed to be able to walk into a mall and shop without being stopped. I get stopped a lot, baby; don’t get me wrong. I’m spreading; but, not as much as I need to be. It needs to be to where I can’t go nowhere, to where I’m the Beatles… AllHipHop.com: How much are you willing to sacrifice in the pursuit of success? Tech N9ne: I’ve sacrificed everything; my wife is gone because of this music. I don’t get to see my kids because of this music. I’m always on the road working for their future. That’s all I give a f*** aboutthat’s why I’m working. I love my kids, my family and my fans. That’s what keeps me going. I got Hip-Hop in my bones, in my blood, in my soulthat’s what I work for. So, I lost what I was working for; but, God still gives me a glance… I sacrificed everythingBut the things that I can do with themit’s not just all the s*** that I can do material-wiseI’m just saying that when we do kick it, we go all the way, it’s for them. It’s about them I do this for them; so, they can have whatever the f*** they want. Because daddy ain’t there to take them on the first day of school. Daddy ain’t there to go to their teacher conferences, mommy has to do it all. Daddy’s out here grinding for their future. AllHipHop.com: Do you think that the money is capable of replacing the time that you’re not being able to spend with them? Tech N9ne: F*** no, money can’t make up for none of that s***. Money, this is what money does, money buys you time. What I mean by that, money buys you time to plan for happiness. Because I got money, I already booked a Caribbean cruise for us January 3rd and they can’t wait. I’m taking them to St. Thomas, St. Martin, all that, Bahamas, all that on the Royal Caribbean. Money buys you time to plan for happiness. If you don’t have money you can’t plan for nothing, you can just plan to be on your ass. I know that because I been there. The only thing that money does, it will never make up for the time that I missed. I didn’t miss the first steps of every motherf***er; because, I wasn’t always successful, gaddamit. I was a bum having these m############ kids. I saw the first steps and I heard the first words. From the school age and when they started growing up a little bit; I missed a lot of s***. I missed some birthdays, I’ve done blew that. Money will never make up for that time. But, money buys me time to plan for happiness with my children. It buys you time; that’s all it does. It doesn’t buy you the time that you missed. But, it buys you time to plan for happiness in the future. AllHipHop.com: Are you at peace with the things that you’ve sacrificed thus far in order to reach your ultimate goal of success? Tech N9ne: No, I’m not; because, I’m still sacrificing. They need me; but, I’m still gone. Nah, I ain’t at peace, I ain’t at ease. I’m just on a constant grind. I know that if I stop that all they s*** stop. That beautiful school that I gotta pay for, the braces that they need for their teeth, you know what I’m sizzling, health care. All that s*** stops. I gotta keep going; this ain’t it. I ain’t living the life. I ain’t Jay-Z; but, I’m getting there. AllHipHop.com: Sometimes a life in the limelight will lead folks to indulge in excess. Do you recall what compelled you to start experimenting with drugs? Tech N9ne: Yeah, I was running from life. Life was f***ed up. Ecstasy made me feel like I was on my own planet. I was sexing b****es all around me. I’m a Scorpion male; so, I’m girl crazy. When I was on Ecstasy I had women around me. I had six chicks in my bed, sleeping, a lot of the time, trying to recover from the night before… I was running from a life of not succeeding, not having the money that I wanted to have or needed. I didn’t want to go home because the wifey kept b****ing about it. I took ecstasy to run and I almost got stuck in the sky. I took 15 pills in one night, I wouldn’t stop. I almost stopped my heart. AllHipHop.com: In what ways is sobriety affecting your creativity? Tech N9ne: I mean, when I listen to Anghellic, and my fans are going to hate me when I say this; because, they don’t understand. When I listen to Anghellic and when I listen to Absolute Power. To me a lot of that s*** is raggedy. AllHipHop.com: Raggedy? How dare you! Tech N9ne: Yeah, don’t get me wrong. The s*** is dope, it’s really dope, m############ God Complex dope! But it’s raggedy than a m###########, the drums and s*** be off beat. What I’ve noticed is that [now] I’m more precise with my s***, with my technique. Back then I was a little loose. My fans appreciate it, they don’t understand, I’m real technical, yaddamean…. When I listen to a lot of my older s***, a lot of that s*** is loose, baby. It ain’t totally cool; but, it’s monumental s***. You can’t talk bad about This Ring or God Complex. I just dissect it. The albums got better when I was the highest, going from Anghellic to Absolute Power. But a lot got to do with the angel inside of me also got better. But, how do I keep going? As I get more sober I get more sharp. I could never rap drunk or none of that s***. My s*** is hella technical. AllHipHop.com: One thing that I respect about you is your willingness to work with emerging talent. Why do you feature the upcoming MCs the way that you do? Tech N9ne: Because music is supposed to inspire, like Lauryn Hill say…So, these young motherf***ers are the future, baby. Luckily I’m still young in it. I turn 38 in November [Nov. 8th] and I’m still rapping like I’m f***ing 19, n***a; it’s wonderful. But, these youngsters they got from the set and I’m still scouting these young m############. When I hear a young m############ bustingon In The Air on Sickology 101 [starts singing] I’m iiiiiiiiiiiiin the air… When I first got that beat it had Jay-Z all over it. I was at the studio doing my verse, Craig Smith and Nesto, [who are] from Philly, originallyNesto is the owner and they came monstrous. So, I put them on it, instead of [reaching out to] Jay-Z. It’s hard to get into contact with Jay-Z. Them n****s was so dope, I was like uh uhn, y’all are going on here. Then this n**** named Craig Smith, he was in the studio just killing it. I was going to put Jay-Z on that song and Rich The Factor, you know what I’m saying’ but, these little homies were so dopeI didn’t end up calling Rich up or Jay-Z. You know what I’m saying, and I knowmy status on that, I know that Jay-Z probably would have considered doing it for a nice price. It was something that we could afford; but, I didn’t have to wait on that. Because these young n****s are so hungry and talented; they’re worthy. I got to fly out, kick it with them, yadda’mean. AllHipHop.com: Solé is a good friend of yours, why do you think that female MCs haven’t enjoyed the same type of commercial success as their male counterparts? Tech N9ne: Why do I think that women don’t get the same look that men do; because, it’s a man’s world. You heard James Brown [starts singing] It’s a man’s world! N****s act like they don’t respect women, you know what I’m saying? Then you got m############ like Eve and Lil Kim that go platinum. AllHipHop.com: That’s two. Tech: The reason why I think that they don’t get as much is because it’s a man’s world. Men are one-sided. We’re the king of double standards. Anything you can do, I can do better, you know what I’m saying. You can do this but you can’t do this. You know what I mean; but, women always prove that they can hang with all the men. And I respect it. I’m crazy about a woman… AllHipHop.com: Until the next time, what would you like to share with the folks out there? Tech N9ne: To you folks out there, get ready for ’09, we have a lot of stuff happening. We have a DVD [Strictly Strange Concert DVD]…. We got K.O.D., murdering the street. We have an international tour movie, we have a tour in the states, the K.O.D. tour with Slaughterhouse, Glasses Malone, Kutt Calhoun, Krizz Kaliko, Short Dawg, Tech N9ne!
Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Perform At Raggamuffin Festival
Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill will appear on the same stage for separate performances during the Raggamuffin Music Festival, which will take place in Rotorua, New Zealand.
Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill will be co-headliners of the festival, which takes place at Rotorua International Stadium and also features headliners Shaggy, Julian Marley, Sly & Robbie, Sean Kingston and others.
The pair’s performance together comes amidst new reports that Wyclef Jean was hoping for a Fugees reunion.
“Some how, The Fugees is the soundtrack to everyone’s house, Wyclef told DJBooth.net. “What I’m hoping is that this group really gets inspired by the new movement that I’m on right now.
I’m hoping they’ll get inspired and be like, ‘Yo, let’s find Clef and let’s get this thing cracking.’ And it would be an honor to go in and make it a super album, Clef said of reuniting with Hill and group member Pras Michele.
The announcement of Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill’s involvement in the Raggamuffin Festival is the singers first major outing since cancelling a string of high profile dates in June of 2009.
Hill had been scheduled to headline the Stockholm Jazz Festival and the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland.
Wyclef filled in for Hill on a number of the cancelled dates, which she canceled due to health reasons.
As members of The Fugees, Wyclef, Lauryn Hill and Pras Michele released two albums including 1996s The Score, which has sold over 20 million copies worldwide.
Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill will perform during the Raggamuffin Music Festival in Rotorua, New Zealand on January 23rd, 2010.
Jay-Z Headlines 2010 Isle of Wight Festival
Rapper Jay-Z is among the top name artist who will perform during next years Isle of Wight Festival in June of 2010.
Jay-Z joins an eclectic group of artist that will perform at the festival, including Blondie, The Strokes, Pink, Blondie, Orbital and Squeeze.
Over 55,000 people are expected to attend the concert, which takes place from June 11th to June 13th. Jay Z will headline the event on Friday, June 11th.
“Ever since I heard the first Strokes album, I’ve wanted them for the Isle of Wight. Jay-Z and Pink are two of the best live acts I have ever seen and the Blondie hits speak for themselves. I can’t wait,” Isle of With festival promoter John Giddings said.
Notable acts that have performed at the Isle of Wight Festival throughout the years include The Rolling Stones, Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, The Police, Coldplay and others.
Tickets for the Isle of Wight Festival go on sale this Friday (December 4), the same date that Jay-Z turns 40 years old.
Healing Hip-Hops Racial WoundsBetween Blacks and Browns, That Is
Hip-Hop Kulture
doesnt recognize haters.
Haters within a
culture of love are traitors.
KRS-One, The
Gospel of Hip-Hop. New York: powerHouse Books, 2009, p. 395.
A few weeks back AllHipHop.com ran a feature news report, Rap Group
Calle 13 Dominates Latin Grammys, celebrating its recent sweep of 5
awards, including album of the year and best urban album of the year, at
the 2009 Latin Grammy Awards ceremony. The courageous
duo, unlike certain rappers I know, decided to use this prestigious
platform not as a soapbox upon which to remind the world of their divinity, but
to pay homage to their roots; more pronouncedly, Mercedes Sosaa pioneer and
pillar in Latin American folk music heritage. If I knew no better, I would
assume this great win for Hip-Hop would be heralded by fans of diverse
shadesespecially Black onesas a moment worth pausing for and championing;
but, unfortunately, my deepest fears were soon confirmed.
The first commenter wasted no time
establishing his hatred for all things Latin: only thing they dominating is
d**k in foreign places. The second, non-spam comment read: Those f**king
hispanics steal everything and bring it back to their Country…..Cant knock
the hustle though. The next few would reaffirm similar sentiments: who gives
a f**k looks like paul wall and pitbull, WHO CARES…………I DON’T LISTEN
TO THAT SH**………..TO THOSE WHO DO………..THAT’S YOUR CHOICE……….I
WONT LISTEN TO IT, Latinos be on some bullsh** Don’t get me wrong, I have
love for some Latinos but some of them are conceited for whatever reason, and
two face.
Soon after, it developed into a
full-blown misogynist café, filled with intellectually-paralyzed rants against Latina
females: Latin chicks are only in it to get married so that she can get her
papers, s**tI HERE THEY HAVE A HIGH RATE OF THAT HIV IN BRAZIL BRA. SOME OF
THAT p***y WE SEE THAT LOOK GOOD MAY COME WITH CONSEQUENCES FEEL ME, Yeah you
right, about they be having them diseases, but them muthaf**kas, be looking
good. Especially them Afro Brazilian Chicks, HELL YEA THEM MUTHAF**KAS LOOK
LIKE LIL CARAMEL CANDIES. MAKE YOU WANNA EAT THEY *** UP. BUT THEN YOU FIND OUT
THE CANDY IS ROTTEN INSIDE, Word up Ive heard alot of stuff about brazil,
mostly because i hear the women there are very loose and you got ppl from all around
the world trying to smash.
Of course this embarrassing display
ticked off many of AllHipHops Latino/Latina readership, including one who
poignantly explained why Blacks who view Latin folk as outsiders arent only
being bigoted but also exposing a crippled sense of history and memory: Wats
with the comments about Hispanics? What was stolen music is music. Dam! We was
there in the beginning just like black ppl. Alot of the founding fathers was
latino also. Sometimes You realy can sound stupid as hell. Im Dominican and let me tell you something
the same slaves that was brought to the US was brought to DR, PR, Cuba and other
Latin American countries. We all in this together.
If only intelligence reigned
supreme in the dreaded age of cyberspace: an age when critical thinking is
outlawedan age when the aim is to talk first and think later. No one wants to
be the last involved, thus no one wants to take the time to absorb the consequences
of an issue before adding their voice to the chorus of a caustic choir.
I dont see those responses in any way
as an isolated incidentor the artwork of immature fans. For far too long, many
have tried to ignore or defend this unmasked, mild hatred brewing within the
Black community; but the time has come for blunt talk and straight speech.
Some argue, in very convincing terms,
that no such divide or tension, as I call it, exists, as Hip-Hop has
successfully united diverse groups who ordinarily would have nothing to do with
each other. No doubt: Afrika Bambaataa’s partnership with the White Punk Rock
community in the late 70s comes to mind. I do think, though, that the signs
have become too apparent to discard.
First, its critical to admit the tension
exists. It might not be explicit on the surface, but it exists nonetheless.
Its evident in the number of Blacks usually found at a Latin Hip-Hop concert (and vice versa); its also evident in the
reality that such a sub-genre as Latin Hip-Hop exists at all. It was evident
when Fat Joe was celebrated, much to the excitement of the Latin-American
community, as the first Latino rapper to achieve considerable mainstream
status; it was also evident when the late (much too great) Big Pun was crowned,
in equal order, the first Latino rapper to pass platinum. These events sent
shockwaves through the Black Hip-Hop bloc which failed to see why special
emphasis was being placed on the success of a not-so-small sector of the
Hip-Hop community. From then on, no matter how successful these artists became,
no matter how much they collaborated with prominent Black artists (Fat Joe with
KRS-One and LL Cool J; Big Pun with Black Thought, Nas, Raekwon, etc.), they
would forever be pigeonholed as Latin Rappersrather than rappers with Latin
origins or, better yet, simply Hip-Hop artists.
This tension exists for a number of
reasons, but two appear central: 1) For lack of history and memory 2) For fear
of depopulation and displacement, prompted by White Supremacy-infused inferiority
complex, but also triggered by a dilapidated understanding of reality:
How many hours
I waste, trying to figure this sh**/
Til I finally realized: we’re just Ni**ers and Sp**s/
Cause ain’t no brothers running sh** in the system/
You going straight to jail if you Colored and fit the description/
The field known to most as Latin
Hip-Hop is special in the hearts of Latinos/Latinas, as they tend to view it
as an extension of the legacies pioneered by Afro-Cuban, Salsa and Latin-Jazz
artists since the early 20s. When many Latinos/Latinas see Big Pun, Fat Joe, N.O.R.E.,
Tego Calderón, Pitbull, or Calle 13, they are reminded of the hard labor toiled
by Machito, Noro Morales, Rubén Blades, Willie Colon, Carlos Santana and,
perhaps most prominently, the inimitable Héctor Lavoe. When they see Angie
Martinez, Ivy Queen, or Nina Sky they find crystal clear the faces and voices
of Celia Cruz and Anacaonawomen who pushed past all barriers to assert their
humanity in the male-dominated, often dehumanizing, world of show business.
The journey of Latin music is far from
over. So it gives Latino brothers and Latina sisters great pride to see the
wheel kept rolling with great inventions like Reggaeton. This should be cause
for joy within the Black community, but the reactions have mostly been
reflective of the comments highlighted above. Ive heard a lot of Blacks claim
Reggaeton is inferior to Hip-Hop or not musical
enoughas though these fools dont recall the same was said about Hip-Hop
in such esteemed publications at Time and
Newsweek, shortly after its
inception, refusing to give it breathing space to blossom or, at the very
least, prove itself.
This dismissal of any musical creation
unrestricted to the Hip-Hop rhythm meter must be curtailed before it spills
overas its starting toand wreaks far more havoc than intended. Immigration
raids are sweeping the country, separating
husband from wife and brother from sister, and some Blacks couldnt be happier.
Them Latinos are taking away our jobs, anyway, Ive heard some say.
A
little Lou Dobbs goes a long way.
Its unclear whether the Black people
who have noor so littlesympathy for the callous ways undocumented Mexican
immigrants are being treated understand fully the historical ramifications of
their concerns, but, increasingly, Blacks are being used as milk carton headshots to
pass draconian legislations against, and criminalize, poor Latino/Latina
immigrants. The racists fronting these projects figure no other community can
lend greater credence to a movement endangering the lives of a booming
population of color than the people most discriminated againstsecond only to
Native American peopleson these shores. And not only is this foolish,
ahistorical anti-Immigration stance taking shape in black working communities
amongst adults facing unprecedented economic turmoil, younger Blacks are also
beginning to link arms with White counterparts to terrorize undocumented school
kids. Again, lack of history can be brutal.
This is double-dutch on the minds of
Black people. In Hip-Hop there seems to be no universal concern for the plights these populations are being
subject to. Our (Black) best and brightest, those to whom we look in times of
social unrest, have been all but mum about the immigration crisis. When was the
last time Talib Kweli or Mos Def raised their voice against this mess? When?
Thank God for courageous voices like West Coast legend Ice Cube who can see the forest from
the trees!
What many Black Hip-Hop fans dont
realize, or are too cowardly to admit, is that a division between Black and
Brown artists, Black and Brown fans and, inevitably, Black and Brown
communities would not only lead to disenfranchisement and self-destruction in
the long haul, but would also guarantee a complete overhaul of the Hip-Hop
demographic. If this tension goes unchecked, and is left to build up steam,
it would most likely be exploited by corporate forces who’ve had their eyes on
a dominant White Hip-Hop roster for over two decades.
Of course the Brown community isnt all
innocent. Many Blacks rightly feel a sense of condescension or superiority from
Latino/Latina peoples. Those of darker skin, especially, believe their lighter
kinfolk adopt the same sensibilities of racist Whites who contend dark skin is
a blemish signaling intellectual inferiority. And it doesnt help matters when
certain Brown folk subscribe to the same White supremacist dogmas that describe
Blacks in primitive and petulant terms. I can bear personal witness to such
encounters. But its critical that Blacks come to terms with what prompts such
presuppositionsmedia-misinformationand apply greater compassion when dealing
with their misguided family.
The Black and Brown wounds of Hip-Hop
would only be healed when we can look each other in the eye, fair and square,
and see the common ancestry, common purpose, common struggle inherent in our journey:
Cash pays, and
rulesthe root of all evil/
Shooting Amigos for looting perico,
polluting our people/
Moving kilos, like it’s all good, through every ghetto/
I ain’t judging but bugging how we floss so many levels/
The devil’s got us by the ba**sthat’s why the law allows/
The drugs to overflood, knowing we gonna buy it all/
It’s time to call a world order where every girl’s your daughter/
And priceless as ices and pearls fresh out the water/
For broader respective, I reached out to
a few colleagues and comrades whose responses were concise and cogentand worth
sharing.
Edward Sunez Rodriguez is a Hip-Hop
veteran writer and thinker whose work has appeared in The Source, XXL, and VIBE.
Tony Muhammad is an educator
and Hip-Hop activist of Cuban origins who writes a regular column titled, Trials
of a Hip Hop Educator. As member of the Nation of Islam, he also works to
spread the teachings to Brown communities through its National Latino Ministry.
A bond of the highest measure can only
be strengthened by honoring the truth of its roots. Throughout Hip-Hop’s years,
a profound truth promoted has been the similar oppression and common
oppressor(s) [of Black and Brown people]; we voice our reality and emotion and
despair against, and direct our talents and hopes and revelations towards, our
many barrio and ghetto residents. Yet, the deeper truth is that the
African-American and Latino are co-creators of Hip Hop culture in the most
natural sense.
With a common ancestry and blood line,
this culture reunites all of our journeys since separation into the countless
categories of ethnicity and race over past centuries: That the words of the MC
are as dominant in the Cuban soneros as the Last Poets’ words; that the break
beat has isolated the swiftest dancer and cleverest of musicians in the freest
jazz and salsa’s clave as clearly as reggae’s roots; that graffiti’s toughness
and beauty are deep like the ancient hieroglyphs of Kemet as they are present
in our Mexican brother Diego Rivera’s murals of protest. When we search out
this truth once again, express it and share it with anger, love and swagger,
the bond between our peoples will strengthen naturally.
No culture of a people lives if its
ultimate truth is diluted, disregarded and categorized for profit and gain. As
it is now, we continue to think we are all different, but that illusion was
once let go to create our Hip-Hop
culture.
Edward Sunez
What is needed to bring about a sense
of unity between Black and Brown people is the establishment of
programs aimed at bridging the gap culturally, morally, politically and
spirituallybeginning with the Youth who hold the most potential but also
the greatest disappointment. In the process, knowing our combined histories is
very important, especially knowing where they have intersected.
If we know where we have been and how
we have strongly impacted each other throughout time, we would be able to
understand our present, shared condition. It is through our unity after
receiving the knowledge that we can grow and mature and learn how to work with
each other as one family, and work together to get out of the
negative circumstances that govern our communities, bodies, hearts and
minds.
Hip Hop music and culture is a perfect
avenue through which to express this need, as it has made a tremendous impact
on young people for over three decades. In fact, Hip Hop from the
very beginning, in the Bronx (mid-1970s), addressed the needs of young
people. It manufactured the option of street violence into peace, unity and having fun. After
a while, the youth began to cultivate their own identity through this new
medium of expression, guided by the wisdom of organizations such as The Universal
Zulu Nation, The Nation of Gods and Earth, and The Nation of Islam.
Those most affected were Black and
Latinoliving in the same environment, experiencing the same things,
influencing each other: musically and culturally. To begin effecting
change, the original essence of the movement needs to be updated and applied in
the classrooms, community centers, and community concerts.
Tony Muhammad
Tolu
Olorunda is a cultural critic whose work regularly appears on TheDailyVoice.com
and other online journals. He can be reached at: To***********@***il.com.
Monday Fashion Feature: Rihanna Loves Her Work Boots – Do You?
Rihanna
Leave it up to the ultimate fashionista, Rihanna, to incorporate one of the hottest trends this season in men’s footwear into her wardrobe – the work boot.
We featured men’s work wear in this recent “Trend Alert“, but can a lady like Rihanna pull off the look?
She was spotted twice recently rocking a pair of rugged black boots loosely laced up, once with a knit dress and the other time with skinny pants and a sweater.
Ladies – for this worn in, touch chic look in all different heights, try these boots from DrJays.com and DJPremium.com:
Laura Cowboy Boot by Miss Sixty
Victorina Moto Boot by Pour La Victoire
Earth Keepers 6 Leather Boot by Timberland
Agna Leather Short Boots With Rib by Charlotte Ronson
Images: Bossip
Chris Brown On Jay-Z: “I Get My Money, He Gets His”
R&B singer Chris Brown has responded to reports that he called Jay-Z a cornball during the rappers acceptance speech during the American Music Awards.
Browns cornball tweet in question came as Jay-Z accepted the award for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist on November 23.
Last night Brown called into DJ Whoo Kids Shade 45 show, where he discussed a number of topics, including his upcoming album Graffiti, his relationship with Rihanna and the alleged Tweet about Jay-Z
My Twitter didnt get hacked, people blew it out of proportion, Brown told DJ Whoo Kid. I was also commenting on certain things going on the AMAs but I was still Tweeting randomly about what as going on. So like the homies was out the house and everybody was like oh hes making an excuse. I just said cornball. I was talking about homie at all.
Brown immediately removed the post when his followers began flooding his page with messages.
The Tweet was quickly circulated around the Internet, making headlines.
At that moment, I started seeing the comments, oh you talking about Jay? You talking about Jay? I was like hell nah, then I said let me delete this before this gets out proportion. I dont need no problems right now, I dont need no more people cussing me out.
People just being on some extra s**t.. I was just like man go ahead with all that, Brown stated. They blew it up and I was like man whatever.
Brown has also denied any strained relationship with Jay-Z, because the two have not spoken.
Jay-Z did reportedly have unflattering words for Brown in February, after Brown was charged with punching and biting Rihanna during a spat in Los Angeles.
US Weekly cited unnamed sources that claimed Jay-Z hit the roof when he found out about the assault and labeled Brown a walking dead man for assaulting Rihanna, whom Jay-Z discovered.
I never really talked to homie, Brown said. It aint no beefs, I just get my money and he gets his.
Shyne Spends Thanksgiving With Belize Inmates
Recently freed rapper Shyne spent Thanksgiving Day speaking to hundreds of incarcerated inmates at a prison in Belize.
Shyne spoke with over 400 inmates at Belize’s Hattiesville prison, on Thursday, November 26.
The rapper shared his experiences behind bars for a 1999 shooting, his career and his strategy for post prison, which he said every inmate should develop.
Shyne served almost 9 years in prison for his role in the shooting, which occurred inside of a New York nightclub in 1999, while he was partying with Bad Boy CEO Sean Diddy Combs and his then girlfriend, Jennifer J. Lo Lopez.
He was convicted of first degree assault and reckless endangerment for his role in the shootings.
Shyne was released from prison in early October but due to his conviction, the rapper was deported to his country of origin, Belize.
His bid to stay in the United States was rejected due to stricter post 9-11 immigration laws.
To date Shyne has yet to reveal his plans for the future as a recording artist.
Ross on 50s Sales: R.I.P. We Buried Him
Now that 50 Cents disappointing first week numbers are official, rival Rick Ross is now claiming victory in their 2009 feud.
In a recent concert for DJ Khaleds birthday, Ross proclaimed full credit for 50 Cents lowest debut week (161,000) of his previously multi-platinum career.
So we celebrating my n#### birthday, but were also celebrating the demise of a p####. R.I.P. to the donkey, we buried him, Ross stated on stage with Khaled. It feel good, n####. Dont look surprised, you knew we was gonna do it. Theres only one record that can describe the feeling.
Concluding his victory speech, Ross went into This Is the Life, the fourth single from his 2008 gold sophomore LP Trilla.
In January, Rick Ross began his feud with 50 Cent courtesy of Mafia Music, where he ridiculed the Queens emcee about his relationship with his childs mother, and the controversy surrounding the fire destruction of his Fort Dix, Long Island mansion.
50 Cent retaliated with songs (Ill Be the Shooter) and satirical cartoon clips (Officer Ricky Series). Also, the G Unit CEO enlisted Ross estranged sons mother Tia Kemp to disparage Ross in clips and an autobiographical book.
DJ Khaled was brought into the conflict as well when the Queens mogul had entourage members film Khaleds mother unknowingly at her job (A Psychic Told Me). 50 Cent would later express regret for the act, after receiving negative responses from media and fans for the viral clips allusions to violence.
Earlier this month, 50 and Floyd Mayweather further mocked Ross by taking pictures with his children after Kemp had brought them to the rappers mansion.
At press time, Rick Ross is working on his fourth album Teflon Don, set to be released in Spring 2010.
COA Introduces Money Clothing, MILKCRATE NYC And More
DrJays.com’s Kiki and EMitts at COA’s grand opening
Last week, Kiki hit up the COA (Coat Of Arms) store grand opening party in Manhattan’s Lower East Side.
The exclusive boutique was opened by three well known names in the NYC streetwear industry: Daymon Green, and Jason Jacobs, as well as Frank 151‘s Todd Nisbet.
The trio has relaunched the U.K. brand, Money Clothing, for spring 2010 in the U.S.
Jason Jacobs, Daymon Green and Todd Nisbet
Having worked with the brand previously, with both Jason and Daymon, it’s refreshing to see the clean yet colorful direction it has taken for spring 2010.
Located at 43 Clinton Street, COA is a full service fashion agency housing Money Clothing, MILKCRATE NYC, Frank 151, New Era, and Godspeed footwear.
The space also features a retail vintage/dead stock area filled with Polo, snap back hats, Starter jackets and footwear.
It also dubs as an event space and art gallery, with their first exhibit being “Don’t Become The Things You Hate” – a canvas to clothing project by Sea Sick Mama.
In todays recession, one of the industries struggling to survive is the print and magazine world.
To reach out, Sea Sick Mama has asked almost a dozen magazines, bloggers, and other local favorites to express how they survive during this difficult time – but in only six words. These poetic proclamations (some comical, some foul) are beautifully printed on large scale canvases, but also onto a limited edition series to t-shirts.
The exhibit is bringing the community together to celebrate fashion, art, music and the creativity that springs when people work together.
If you’re in the NYC area, make sure you pay my homies at COA a visit for a unique shopping experience!
Find Money Clothing on DrJays.com by clicking HERE, and check back for MILKCRATE NYC which will be hitting our site soon.
Lil Wayne Doc ‘The Carter’ Shoots To #1 on iTunes
A controversial new documentary about superstar rapper Lil Wayne has shot to the top of the iTunes movie charts.
QD3 Entertainments film The Carter is currently the No. 1 selling documentary on iTunes in the U.S.
In addition to landing the top slot on Apple’s iTunes U.S. music store, The Carter is also in the Top 10 on the Canadian iTunes music store alongside such blockbusters as Bruno and GI Joe.
Having our Lil Wayne The Carter documentary place in the Top 10 on both U.S. and Canadian iTunes store within the first 48 hours, competing neck and neck with multi-million dollar studio films such as Bruno and GI Joe during Christmas season is quite a feat for a self distributed indie doc and beyond our expectations, QD3 Entertainment CEO Quincy Jones III told AllHipHop.com. We are very excited about continuing to innovate within the digital space.
The Carter was released on November 17th and is an in depth look at the personal and professional life of rapper Lil Wayne.
Lil Wayne, born Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., is known for his rigorous touring schedule and frequent drug use, which is spotlighted in the documentary.
In April of 2009, a judge rejected a request by Lil Wayne’s lawyer to block the distribution of the DVD, due to several scenes in the movie which the rapper and his management objected to, reportedly because of his drug use.
The rapper’s management claimed they requested to have the questionable scenes removed, but those scenes were still in The Carter, when it premiered at the Sundance film festival in January.
Despite the lawsuit Jones told AllHipHop.com that the documentarys release is in line with a digital distribution strategy the company has been developing in 2001.
“It was my goal since the inception of QD3 Entertainment in 2001 to have a strong focus on digital distribution and multi platform innovation, Jones told AllHipHop.com. Since 2001 our primary means of marketing have been organic and viral on digital platforms. Using this approach we’ve been able to sell over 2 million DVD’s via the QD3 (DVD) collection at physical retail .this is the era we have preparing for all along by retaining all rights to our content and were about to launch a couple of digital content and social media platforms by early 2010 utilizing our over 3,500 hour library of high quality content that includes films such as Tupac Shakur – Thug Angel and the multi platinum Beef.
QD3 Entertainments The Carter was directed by Adam Bhala Lough and is currently available on iTunes for $14.99.
Interview With Caron Butler of the Washington Wizards
The Hip-Hop culture can be found in many places influencing many people. Racine, Wisconsin is one of those places and Washington Wizard All Star forward Caron Butler is one of those people. Growing up in Racine was anything but easy for Caron Butler but amid all the success, Butler has not forgotten where he came from. Butler is a pillar in his community; so much so that June 8th has been named Caron Butler day in his hometown. As the 2009-2010 season approaches, expectations are higher then ever for the Wizards. Butler discusses growing up in Racine, Hip Hop music and the upcoming season with Butler. This is how it went down:
AllHipHop.com: From the time you entered the league with Miami, then with the Lakers and now with the Wizards, your stats have improved each year. What did you do this off-season that was different from any other off season?Caron Butler: I think just mostly working on my strength and agility. You know this is the first season in which I come into with no injuries. I always come into the season with little knicks and knacks. For the most part I was completely healthy at the end of last season. I was just more prepared, so I went right into my summer training healthy.AllHipHop.com: So you started as soon as your season ended?Caron Butler: Yes, obviously our season ended really early last year, we were done the second week of April. I took three weeks off and got right back at it.AllHipHop.com: So when you were growing up, were there any players that you looked up to that did not make it to the NBA?Caron Butler: There were a lot of neighborhood guys, growing up, that I looked up to. They were older guys in the hood that ended up getting into other things but as basketball players, they were unbelievable. But there was nobody really of any significant notoriety.
AllHipHop.com: What was your first introduction to Hip-Hop?Caron Butler: My first introduction to Hip Hop was Run DMC and LL Cool J. I went to a concert in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the Bradley Center when I was younger and had a chance to see LL live. At the time he was beefing with Kool Moe Dee so it was crazy. Just seeing that, from that point on I was a Hip-Hop head all the way thru. Some of my favorite artists are Tupac, Biggie and Jay-Z; Im still young so you know Lil Wayne is also one of my favorites. There are a lot of dudes out there that I really like.AllHipHop.com: I casually listened to Hip-Hop myself early on, but once I heard Ready to Die, I was hooked.Caron Butler: Hip Hop you know is the voice of the community, it really is.AllHipHop.com: Who would say is your favorite rapper?Caron Butler: My favorite rapper, living, Jay-Z definitely.AllHipHop.com: Word is coach Flip Saunders gave the team iPods with something real interesting on it, what is that all about?Caron Butler: At the beginning of training camp, coach gave us iPods; the I-Purchase and the opportunity to download a lot of music. He gave us this other thing, that I have never seen done with all the plays. Coachs play book is rather heavy and very thick, we have over a 1000 plays. There is a lot of detail to it, he actually has people running thru the plays so you are not looking at a sketch. It is actual people running thru the plays, which is something I had never seen before.AllHipHop.com: So you are actually looking at players on the iPOD?Caron Butler: Yeah it is crazy.AllHipHop.com: Let’s say you are getting ready for Game 7 of the NBA Finals, which you guys may very well get to, what song would you warm up to?Caron Butler: Right now I would go old school with the man Mystical and then take it to We Run This Town with Jay, and go out and make it happen.AllHipHop.com: You mentioned the concert in Milwaukee Wisconsin when you were growing up, now what was the best Hip-Hop performance you have seen live?Caron Butler: Best performance I ever seen live was Jay-Z in the Staples Center. I think it was a beautiful thing because that was at the time when him and Kells (R. Kelly) fell out and everybody was wondering where the tour would go, what was happening and tickets were already purchased. Jay-Z turned the tour to Jay-Z and friends and he came down with Snoop Dogg, Pharrell, Mary J. Blige, Redman, Method Man, bought DMX back to the stage, Ja Rule, the whole Roc was there Beanie Seagal, Memphis Bleek and the energy kept building and building. Kid Capri was DJ-ing, it was just crazy.AllHipHop.com: Jay-Z does know how to bring the energy. You cant blame him for dropping Kells either.Caron Butler: Yeah definitely, but the concert was so good because there was never a drop off, it kept getting better and better and better.AllHipHop.com: If you were to compare your game to any rappers style who would it be?Caron Butler: I would say Kanye West.AllHipHop.com: Kanye West, why?Caron Butler: Yeah definitely. Im different, obviously Im consistent, and my numbers dont lie. I will put my numbers against anybody in the league over the last couple of years, Im doing something in the league only LeBron James and Kobe Bryant are doing. Dropping 20, 7 and 4, the numbers dont lie.AllHipHop.com: Going back to your work ethic, you get better every year, who do you credit the most for your work ethic?Caron Butler: Honestly man, I have truly been blessed to be in situations too play alongside Dwayne Wade, Kobe Bryant and Gilbert Arenas. When you play with tremendous athletes, great players and great minds, you take something from all of them and apply it to your own routine and your own workouts and that is what I have done. But I got the most from Kobe and seeing the way he prepares for games and stuff like that and applying it to my own routine and here I am, playing great basketball.AllHipHop.com: Kobe Bryant is a great player, he is my 2nd favorite right after Caron Butler.Caron Butler: (Laughing) Thanks man I appreciate it.AllHipHop.com: There are high expectations for the Wizards this season, if you guys remain healthy how far do you think you can go?Caron Butler: Championship!!!!!!! I mean it is realistic and safe to say with our core guys back, you know our closer Gilbert Arenas being healthy, Brandon Haywood back healthy, DeShawn Stevenson our defensive stopper on the perimeter healthy and the development of our young guys. Also the new additions of Mike Miller, Randy Foye and Fabrico Oberto, somebody who has been in the playoff battles and won a championship, I think we are ready for war.AllHipHop.com: This is definitely the best team you guys have had in a few years. Probably the best in the Wizards Organizations history.Caron Butler: This is the most talented team we had since I been here and I been here for 5 years now. Im anxious to get the season going.AllHipHop.com: I think Boston and Orlando present the biggest challenges, would you agree with that?Caron Butler: Definitely, with the additions of Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels along with a healthy KG and development of their younger guys, they are going to be tough to handle. But we think we can beat anybody on a giving night, we present a lot of match up problems.AllHipHop.com: The Cavs added Shaq but for some reason Im just not really seeing that working out.Caron Butler: Shaq is honestly one of the greatest players of all time and I feel like you just have to adapt to the situation and share that stage with LeBron and just make some beautiful music, but Im just pushing and pulling for the Wizards.
H. Speaking of the Cleveland Cavaliers, how do you feel about Mike Miller wearing Lebron’s shoes?Caron Butler: You know LeBron is my man off the court so you know it is all good. Of course we prefer him to wear something else but if he goes out there and shoots the way he has the last couple of years wearing those shoes then so be it.AllHipHop.com: What player talks the most trash during games?Caron Butler: I would have to say Kevin Garnett, but it is to himself. Kevin Garnett is one of those dudes you love to watch because he is always hyping himself up. He talks to himself more then anything.AllHipHop.com: Who would say is the most underrated player?Caron Butler: A lot of guys, you know myself, Shawn Marion, Joe Johnson you know guys that get it done on a night to night basis but get overlooked. Like I said though numbers dont lie, they get it done night after night.AllHipHop.com: If you could use one word to describe new head coach Flip Saunders what would it be?Caron Butler: Genius!AllHipHop.com: Genius?Caron Butler: Yeah, I think he is an offensive genius, because some of his philosophies, the plays and the way his mind works with the offensive schemes.AllHipHop.com: He definitely opens things up, I thought he got a raw deal in Detroit.Caron Butler: Yeah, that is the nature of the beast, people get tough breaks sometimes.AllHipHop.com: If you were not a professional basketball player what would Caron Butler be doing?Caron Butler: I would have to say working somewhere like a group home or recreational center. You know working with kids, helping kids and sharing my story. Just trying to be a pillar in the community.AllHipHop.com: So the community is really important to you?Caron Butler: Yes definitely, I have been thru a lot in my life, so I try and get out there and share my story as much as possible. I feel like with the youth today, seeing is really believing. You got a lot of people that will come in and give great speeches and conduct great lectures. But they have not been thru it, after going thru it, after being incarcerated and being out there in the streets and so much, I can identify with the youth.AllHipHop.com: Besides the travel schedule what would you say is the biggest challenge you face being a husband and father?Caron Butler: Besides travel, time. Outside of being on the road, this is a year round job, training, you dont get a lot of time to spend with your loved ones and kids. Your such a public figure that everything you do, you are in the spotlight. So it is different.AllHipHop.com: What makes Caron Butler stay so humble amid all the success?Caron Butler: I have a great circle. I was raised right and I know some things arent me. I know it is a bigger power, a higher being that made all this possible. So I always praise him. You know I was humbled with injuries early in my career, I remember those days and now I try to lead and be a role model and just be the best professional I can be on and off the court thru that experience.AllHipHop.com: Word is you are blogging, who introduced you to blogging?Caron Butler: First person I ever seen blog was Gilbert, and I thought his stuff was so entertaining but I thought I would do something a little different. His stuff is real funny. I just want people to see a whole other side of me. You know, you see me on the court always serious, I just want to show another side of Caron Butler.(Caron Butler’s blog can be found on www.hoopshype.com)AllHipHop.com: What are some of the things you blog about?Caron Butler: Im going to be blogging about my team, my life, what Im going thru, what we are going thru as a unit, what Im doing in my free time, whenever I get any. Everything you know, it is the real Tough-Juice, Uncut Juice.AllHipHop.com: Now when you were growing up if someone told you there would be an NBA player from Racine, Wisconsin would you have believed them?Caron Butler: Never in a million years would I have believed them.AllHipHop.com: I hear in Racine June 8th is Caron Butler day, do I have to go to work that day?Caron Butler: (Laughing) Yeah June 8th is the official Caron Butler day, it is a nice thing. It is a day of service where I try and influence members of the community to go out and be pillars of the community. We do a lot of wonderful things, it is just a day of service, helping out some how, some way.AllHipHop.com: Are there any particular events going on that day?Caron Butler: Yeah definitely, we do cookouts, a lot of social gatherings and I host a charity basketball game back in Racine. It is a big event, that the whole town supports, and I mean it is huge.AllHipHop.com: What’s up with Team Takeover?Caron Butler: Team Takeover is out of DC and is my 16 and under AAU squad, there have been taking over everywhere they go, they are holding it down. They are doing a great job and it has been great to be part of that. While I was looking around for teams that I could help and try to inspire and have a hands on commitment with. Coach Stevens said to me he has a great team, a great group of kids that need some help and it would be great if I could head up there and touch them. I thought it would be a great opportunity to do something special. I always wanted to get involved with AAU so what better time then now.AllHipHop.com: Do you ever get on the court and go up against the kids?Caron Butler: They never call me out, they know what is best for them (laughing). I will step out there.AllHipHop.com: What is your life going to be like for you after basketball?Caron Butler: I think it is going to be fun, I look forward to that, having a lot of free time and spending it with my loved ones. Diversifying my portfolio and doing a lot of other things. But for right now the main focus is winning a title and after that fall back where there are no mosquitoes.AllHipHop.com: If healthy you guys should definitely be in the title hunt the next four or five years with the roster the way it is now.Caron Butler: Definitely, that is the planAllHipHop.com: Are you on twitter or Facebook?Caron Butler: Nah.AllHipHop.com: I asked my twitter followers if they could ask their favorite NBA player a question what it would be.
The question is: During the most recent recession how many people have come to Caron Butler for a bailout?Caron Butler: Oh man hundreds.AllHipHop.com: All types of people, or just family and friends?Caron Butler: (laughing) Everything, family, friends, 3rd cousins 8th cousins everybody.AllHipHop.com: So did anyone get a bailout package?Caron Butler: Nah.AllHipHop.com: I dont blame you.AllHipHop.com: Last question; Being a professional athlete and recognizable face, what do you feel is your responsibility to the community overall?Caron Butler: I know my responsibility to the community is to be a role model, obviously to teach. And just to be professional on and off the court. Be a pillar in the community and do as much as I can in the community. Be visible and be seen in the right way, just try and get out there and inspire young folks as much as possible. And you know, I enjoy doing it, I dont have a problem going out there and talking, you know Im approachable, you can talk to me, you can touch me, it is not like Im standoffish. I like getting out there and having interaction with the kids.
AllHipHop.com: Thanks for your time Caron, it has been a pleasure.This interview was conducted by Harold from www.thehoopsforum.com. Follow Harold on Twitter www.twitter.com/H_thehoopsforum.com
The Last Word: Sade’s Still Sexy! Mariah Gets Acting Props! Ashanti Beats Recession!
Whats up everybody? Its been a short but good week as we digest Allen Iverson announcing his retirement from basketball on Wednesday (Nov. 25), Adam Lamberts S###### themed performance at the American Music Awards and the avalanche of Christmas shoppers who are invading stores right now on this Black Friday.
Shout out to Lady Gaga, who made sure her little monsters were taken care of by ordering $1,000 worth of Papa Johns pizza for those waiting for her autograph at a West Hollywood Best Buy on Monday (Nov. 23), Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie who utilized their Jolie-Pitt Foundation to give $6.8 million to charities in 2008 and the sounding boards for eating and shopping without missing a beat.
Although Thanksgiving was yesterday, I gotta give thanks to you, the sounding boards and everybody else for checking in regularly and give your comments on what I put in this column every week. I appreciate the feedback and support. Thank you for motivating me to keep the Word going.
And with that and a still-full stomach from too much turkey, I unveil to you the Last Word for the week ending Nov. 27, 2009.
1. Idris Elba Prepares to Mingle With Thor
Idris Elba will be rubbing elbows with the gods as he joins the cast of Marvel Studios upcoming action feature Thor. The Hollywood Reporter reveals the actor will play Heimdall, the guardian of Asgard stands on the BiFrost Bridge ready to defend the city from intruders.
Thor marks the second comic book movie that will feature Elba. The former star of the Wire will also appear in Dark Castle’s DC Comics adaptation The Losers. As for Thor, Elba joins Chris Hemsworth , who will play the Norse god of thunder; Tom Hiddleston, who is set to play Thors half-brother Loki; Natalie Portman, who comes aboard as Thors love interest Jane Foster; Kat Dennnings, who will play a co-worker of Portmans character and Anthony Hopkins, who will portray Thor and Lokis father, Odin.
Shooting for Thor is set to begin in mid-January in Manhattan Beach, Calif.
Elba isnt the only actor juggling time between the Marvel and DC Universe. Ryan Reynolds is also doing double duty with starring roles in DCs upcoming Green Lantern film and Marvels forthcoming feature on their popular Merc with a Mouth, Deadpool.
2. Kevin Rudolf Presents Britney Spears Spirit of Lip-Synching
Fame is truly a confusing monster. A couple of hit songs and one album and the world is seemingly yours. Complete with an army of adoring fans. Maybe thats why Kevin Rudolf gave a less than stellar performance at a recent homecoming dance at Valencia High School in California.
TMZ.com reports Rudolf was paid $7,000 to do what he does best at the dance. But according to the schools ASB director, the entertainer chose to put in a DVD and lip-synch his two hits, the Lil Wayne-assisted Let it Rock (without Wayne) and Welcome to the World, rather than use his voice to sing. Rudolfs half step didnt fare well with the director, who ultimately confronted the vocalist. It was at this point, the director says a guy from Rudolfs entourage comes to the singers rescue to say “Forget this place. Let’s get out of here.” And away they went.
And that, in a nutshell, is how an artists ends up on the ever-growing list of one- or two-hit wonders. Maybe Kevin shouldve just let the ego go and made his money the old-fashioned way, by rocking the crowd and earning it. Leave the lip-synching to Britney.
3. Corinne Bailey Rae Reemerges with New Songs and Album on the Way
Ever since her husband, saxophonist Jason Rae, died nearly two years ago of an accidental drug overdose, Corinne Bailey Rae has been M.I.A. from the public eye. Fortunately, the singer has remained under the radar and active as she put together the follow-up to her self-titled debut album.
Bailey Rae came out of seclusion on Monday (Nov. 23) to debut some of the new songs she wrote for the release , titled The Sea, in front of 500 people at the Tabernacle, West London. Billboard.com reports the new material ranged from emotional ballads (“I’d Like to Call It Beauty” and “I’d Do It All Again”) to upbeat tunes (“Paris Nights and New York Mornings) to songs with elements of jazz and soul augmented by a rockier sound (“Are You Here?” and “Paper Dolls”).
All that, coupled with three songs from her first album (“Like a Star” “Put Your Records On” and “Til It Happens to You”) marked Bailey Raes reintroduction into the musical spotlight via the hour-long concert. The singer will follow the show with a few dates in the U.S. next month, People revealed.
Corinne Bailey Raes The Sea is slated to hit stores on Feb. 2, 2010.
4. Mariah Carey Breaks Through With Acting Recognition
With a string of musical high points over the years, awards for Mariah Carey are nothing new. And while the songstress is adding another honor to her continuing list of accomplishments, this one has nothing to do with singing.
Media sources report that Carey will kick off 2010 on a good note when she receives the breakthrough performance award for her work in the film Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire. The entertainer will be honored with the award at an awards gala that will take place January 5 at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The gala is one of a series of events tied to the 21st annual Palm Springs International Film Festival, which is scheduled to run from January 5-18, 2010.
Careys ability to shed her diva persona for Precious was the deciding factor in recognizing her talents as an actress as the festivals chairman Harold Matzner noticed how Carey “completely transformed herself from a glamorous music icon to a forthright social worker for the role of Ms. Weiss in Precious.
5. Ashanti Moves in Reality TV Land
Months after parting ways with the folks at The Inc., Ashanti is forging a new solo path in the world of reality television. The songbird has signed a development deal to work with Reveille LLC on a new reality show. Details of the new deal have not been fully disclosed.
Ashantithisisme.com reports that under the partnership, Ashanti will service as executive producer and will appear and oversee a new music based competition TV show.”
“Im excited about the opportunity to be working with Reveille LLC, one of the tv industrys heavyweights, Ashanti said in a statement. “…I cant wait to begin production.”
Although reality TV has been a place for has beens, retired celebrities and stars who have seen better days, I think Ashanti still has more than enough in her to return to music. Hopefully, she wont fade into music history after the reality TV train slows down. Stay tuned
In Other Words
Kelis is bouncing back from her divorce from Nas with a new record deal and a new single for fans. (Listen and download here!)
“My song is called Acapella and I wrote it with love and life in mind, Kelis tweeted. I hope that it finds you well and that you love it, cause honestly I do! Muah!” Kelis tweeted as she set the stage for her upcoming Will.I.Am/Interscope Records debut. “My album is pretty much done. I signed a new deal and Im madly in love with life and ready to share something with you.”
As much as she likes being the primary attraction on her albums, Alicia Keys is clearing the way to bring in a few friends to add to what shes already put down on her forthcoming album, The Element of Freedom.
Keys guests include Beyoncé, who pops up on “Put It In A Love Song” and Drake, who lends background vocals for “Unthinkable (I’m Ready).” News of the collaborations come as Keys gears up to perform at a sold out show in New York City on Tuesday (Dec. 1).
For those who dont have a ticket, you can catch the performance when it streams live on YouTube at 8 p.m. EST. that day. Keys is expected to sing songs from The Element of Freedom at the show, which, according to show organizers, is being held in conjunction with World Aids Day. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Keys Keep A Child Alive foundation.
Many Words ago, I mentioned that Sade was back in the studio working on tunes for a new album. Well it looks like well soon be hearing what shes been up to in the very near future. Media sources state the group, which features vocalist Sade Adu, has completed work on its sixth studio album, Soldier of Love. Plans call for the album to hit stores Feb. 8, 2010, just in time to make Valentines Day a lot sexier for those looking for a soundtrack to set the mood with your significant other.
Tis the season to give. And Tyler Perry is doing just that with a $1 million donation to the NAACP. To hear, the entertainment mogul tell it, the civil rights organization laid the foundation for the success he achieved with his popular inspirational plays and movies.
“I feel so honored and blessed to be in a position where I can give,” Perry said. “Had it not been for the perseverance and vision of the thousands who came before me in the 100 years of this legendary organization, I would not be in the position I am in today.”
Those looking for new Christmas songs to embrace can check out Last Christmas, an upcoming EP from recently signed Disturbing Tha Peace (DTP) singer Rudy Currence. The five-song release will include three original Christmas songs (lead single “Last Christmas” “Carolina Christmas and “Christmas Card”) as well as covers of Christmas “The First Noel” and “Away in a Manger.”
“I wanted to create a classic holiday sampler. I wanted to make Christmas music that’s timeless, songs that people will remember for years to come,” Currence said in a statement. “For those who don’t know me, just think of this EP as an introduction to Rudy Currence, and to all my fans this EP is definitely meant to be a gift they can hold on to while anticipating my upcoming album with DTP.”
Last Christmas is available now at various online music retailers, including iTunes, Amazon and Napster.
Camp Brooklyn To Honor Famed Director Spike Lee
Famed Director Spike Lee will be honored at an auction to benefit Children’s charity Camp Brooklyn this December.
Camp Brooklyn was founded by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, who will present Lee with the 20th Anniversary Mickey Mantle Community Service Award.
The auction will raise funds for Camp Brooklyn, which gives children a chance to leave their urban environments, to learn about teamwork, loyalty, community service, responsibility, personal respect and other areas of development.
Lee is being honored for his ground breaking film work in addition to his on going community service in Brooklyn and the greater New York area.
Items being auctioned include a walk on role in Lees next movie, a Bruce Springsteen signed acoustic guitar, a 4-day Carnival cruise, sailing from New York and an Alex Rodriguez No. 13 autographed New York Yankee’s pin-striped jersey.
Also being honored during the event is Citi Bank executive, Denise Arbesu. The fund raiser takes place December 9th at Mickey Mantle’s restaurant in New York City.
Tickets to the fund raiser are $200 and admission is open to the general public.
All proceeds will benefit Camp Brooklyn efforts to raise funds to send over 400 children to camp in 2010.
NBA Star Allen Iverson Announces Retirement
NBA star/rapper Allen Iverson has announced his retirement from the NBA in a statement released on commentator Stephen A. Smiths website yesterday (November 25th).
Iverson, who played in the NBA for 13 years, was a 10 time All-Star, who played with the 76ers from 1996 until 2006.
From 2006 until 2008 Iverson played with the Denver Nuggets. In 2009, the Nuggets traded Iverson to the Detroit Pistons, where he sat out the majority of the season.
A back injury was officially sited as the reason for his deactivation.
Iverson signed a one-year contract with the Memphis Grizzlies in September, but left the team earlier this month for personal reasons.
Last week the Grizzlies terminated Iverson’s contract, after the former star player played in only three games.
In a statement on Smith’s website, Iverson stated that he was stepping away from the game to spend quality time with his wife and children.
“I would like to announce my plans from the National Basketball Association, Iverson said in a statement. I always thought that when I left the game, it would be because I couldn’t help my team the way that I was accustomed to. However, that is not the case. I still have tremendous love for the game, the desire to play and a whole lot left in my tank. I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level.”
Iverson thanked a number of influential people in his statement, including Magic Johnson, Isaiah Thomas, Charles Barkley, Larry Bird, his mother, John Thompson and Philadelphia 76ers former head coach Larry Brown, with whom Iverson had a tumultuous relationship.
Under his rap name Juelz, Iverson has recorded with a variety of rappers including Mase, Mysonne and Harlem World.
In 2000 his track 40 Bars leaked. The track contained numerous explicative lyrics as well as derogatory remarks against homosexuals.
The track was never released nor was the album.
“To the city of Philadelphia I have wonderful memories of my day in a Sixers uniform, Iverson stated. To Philly fans, thank you. Your voice will always be music to my ears.”
Download: Lupe Fiascos Enemy of the State: A Love Story
Lupe Fiasco has eluded the limelight for quite sometime since his last album, The Cool. Now, the Chicago rapper presents Hip-Hop fans another reason to be grateful on Thanksgiving Day.
Although, hes been out of the commercial realm, true fans know that the rapper has increased the output of music recently. The intensity has increased as well, a shift evident on Lupe Fiascos Enemy of the State: A Love Story.
The mixtape has Lupe spitting over songs Timbaland, Drake, Slaughterhouse, The Clipse and offers a much appreciated rock sensibility as well.
This is merely the beginning. Lupe has already revealed a Christmas day mixtape entitled Friend of the People, which will undoubtedly be an appreciated gift on a day of giving.
Download and comment your thoughts on Lupe Fiascos Enemy of the State: A Love Story.
Additional download link: HERE.
PS: Read “Rapper: Do It The Lupe Fiasco Way”
Hip-Hop Stars And Their Sports Twin
Me and the boy A.I. got more in common than just ballin and rhymin Jay-Z, Super Ugly
There will be ballin. There will be rivalries. There will be some swinging of the fists and there will be some showboating. This is not a rap concert this is the National Basketball Association.
The relationship between rap and basketball has always been one that causes double-takes because of how similar the cast of characters is on each side. The NBA has a Jay-Z, a Weezy, and a Yeezy. But you know them under their professional basketball names: Jordan, James and Kobe. In recognition of the 09-10 season, Hood Newz has compiled a list of basketball greats and found their bizzaro rap counterpart. Correct me if were wrong , but were not. Check it.
Kenyon Martin = The Game
Whether you like him or not, his erratic behavior is entertaining.
Richard Hamilton = Ludacris
People overlook this funny looking player, until he hits the shots that remind you hes not be f**ked with.
Starks & Oakley = Rae and Ghost
Representatives of a gritty NY at it finest.
Michael Jordan = Jay-Z
When he came back wearing the 4-5, he didnt to play games with you.
Mickael Pietrus = Hurricane Chris
People think he cant play, but hes a lot better than people think.
Ray Allen = Nas
This fan fave is one of the five best shooters in history and still hitting it when it counts.
Stockton/Malone = EPMD
One legend needed the other to keep that consistency going for so long.
Stephon Marbury = DMX
One of these dominating figures of the late 90s has gone completely bonkers at the expense of his career. Guess which one?
Robert Horry = Fat Joe
A veteran who, whether you like him or not, delivers a hit when it counts.
Chicago Bulls 90s = Roc-A-Fella
witness a dynasty like no other.
Tony Parker = Lupe Fiasco
A very good player who came in under a championship team and has kept it consistent ever since.
Allen Iverson = CamRon
If he could just adjust his style to go with his potential, he would be hands down one of the greatest.
Carmelo Anthony = T.I.
Hes one of the best players in the game today, but the other two best guys prohibit him from being hands down THE best.
Larry Bird = Eminem
Dominant white guy in a field dominated by bros..
Ron Artest = Beanie Segal
Great team asset with a short temper and questionable outside activities.
Lebron James = Lil Wayne
Overexposed, exceptional at what he does and the fans love it.
Chris Paul = Drake
Potential to be one of the future greats.
N.W.A = Detroit Bad Boys 1989
A talented bunch of *****z with attitude.
Charles Barkley = Ice Cube
A legend who never asked to be liked.
Tim Duncan = Fabolous
Extremely effective, but over looked due to lack of s####.
Sam Booey = Canibus
A bust of the highest magnitude.
Chauncey Billups = Young Jeezy
Consistent all around threat whos overlooked, yet is one of the 3 best in his position.
The Dream Team = Death Row Records
Hard to believe that at one point in time, some of the greatest ever were on one team during the prime of their career.
Rasheed Wallace = Mobb Deep
Rugged, consistent contributor to the game entering the twilight of a great career.
Stephen Jackson = Young buck
Nuff said!!
50 Cent = Shaq ONeil
Dominant player who changed the game and refuses to call it quits despite being criticized as past his prime.
Big L= Len Bias
Great potential gone before it could blossom into franchise player. By 1995 both Jay-Z (MJ) and Big L (Bias) made an appearance in New Yorks 89.9 and performed a classic freestyle that left audiences believing that not only that these two would go on towards greatness, but that Big L would be eventually flourish into a franchise player able to take his team (DITC) to the promise land.
Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley = Red & Meth
Well respected contributors to their respective units whod prefer to play with each other than with other players.
Kobe Bryant = Kanye West
Like Kobe, Kanye came off the bench of a dynasty and worked his way up.
Like Kobe, Kanye delivered 3 back to back rings in the form of 3 platinum plus classic albums.
Like Kobe, his 4th ring was a breeze in a climate where he was left unchallenged.
Like Kobe, Kanyes confidence in his abilities combined with his work ethic make him the one to beat in his field.
Like Kobe, he has managed to leave his peers in the dust with A-level performance in all categories.
Like Kobe, we hate to see him win, but he earns it.
Like Kobe, Jordan purists refuse to acknowledge that he may be the best in this era.
Extra tidbit: Since his arrival in 2004, Kanye West has scored 28 hits on billboards rythmatic airplay charts. Wests total matches Lil Wayne [Lebron] for the most hits in that span and ties 50 Cent [Shaq] and Jay-Z [Jordan] for third most appearances this decade.
Dr.Jay = Rakim
Considered the greatest, before others were.
Dikembe Mutombo = Busta Rhyme
Entertaining to watch, but waaay past his prime on the court.
Hakeem Olajuwon = KRS-ONE
People tend to forget how really good he was.
Kareem = LL Cool J
One of the greatest of all time with decent movie parts
Phil Jackson = Dr.Dre
Decent player, excellent coach helping keep LA relevant.
Bernard King = Big Daddy Kane
King was knocking down 55 points before MJ made it nothing.
Tracy McGrady = Juelz
The most talented underachiever in the game.
Shawn Kemp = Lloyd Banks
Signs of greatness, swept away overnight.
Jason Williams = Alchemist
Caucasian contributor with soul, not be f**ked with.
GAME REVIEW: GTA IV – The Ballad Of Gay Tony
Developer/Publisher: Rockstar Games
Platform: XBOX 360
Players: 1 – 16 (Online)
Rating: A++
The world of GTA IV has provided gamers an over the top, fast and furious ride through the underworld of the fictional Liberty City. Our first protagonist Niko Bellic gave us a tremendous introduction to this metropolis through the eyes of an immigrant transplant. On The Lost & Damned, bike gang member Johnny Klebitz showed a different side of this immense crime ridden saga.
Now Grand Theft Auto IV gets its closing chapter with the stellar The Ballad Of Gay Tony (Rockstar). Like the first episode, youll need a copy of GTA IV to play the downloadable version of Gay Tony. Those who dont have the original disc, you can buy Episodes From Liberty City and your two episode hunt is over.
TBOGT stars Luis Lopez. An all too familiar face to the series, Lopez is the partner of infamous nightclub impresario Gay Tony Prince. In this installment we get a different view of the city as the nightlife capital. Therefore you get to do missions for some of the most powerful which takes the action to insane heights. Now possible are missions on top moving trains, inside airplanes, throwing people off roofs, and wild shootouts in the sky.
On a broader scope, helicopters and armored trucks play a bigger role in this episode. In what stands to be the biggest bonus are the new weapons. In all previous incarnations of the GTA series, the only way to take out any airborne hostility was with the trusty rocket launcher. Now with a shotgun with explosive shells, you can pretty much take out anything on with much ease. Also the sticky bombs add more diabolical fun to free roam or multi-player.
While there are no new parts of the city to explore, TBOGT provides gamers with new features to freshen the scenery up. Drug Wars is a new set of side missions where Luis teams up with his pals Armando and Henrique to rob stashes from rival dealers. In an interesting twist, base jumping has been also added the extracurricular activities.
The goal is to jump off buildings and parachute safely to the targeted drop zone. Another much welcomed addition is the option to replay story missions. Missions are now scored depending on time, kills and more leading even more of an online competitive spirit.
All in all The Ballad Of Gay Tony is one of the most fun games you will play all year. This episode takes Grand Theft Auto IV to even crazier heights with gold plated submachine guns, drive-by shootings from Bentleys, and more. We cant imagine what Rockstar will come up with next.
GTA IV: The Ballad Of Gay Tony Meet Luis Lopez Trailer
Exclusive: Dolla’s Mom Speaks; Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty For Murder
The family of slain rapper Dolla will celebrate his 22nd birthday today (November 25th) with the release of a brand new mixtape titled The Miseducation of Dolla.
Dollar, born Roderick Anthony Burton II, was gunned down in front of the Beverly Center on May 18th 2009.
Just hours after the shooting, police arrested Aubrey Louis Berry, 23, as he attempted to flee California via a flight from Los Angeles Airport, back to his hometown of Atlanta.
Just a few hours before the incident, I spoke to my son and he was on his way home catching a flight out. I stay close to the airport, so he used to stop by,” Dollas mother Dawnee Robinson exclusively told AllHipHop.com. “He told me what he wanted for dinner. He wanted some yellow rice, cabbage and chicken wings. So I went to the store and made sure I had everything. So when I got the call, I was cooking his dinner.
While numerous reports have made references to Dollas alleged ties to the Crips street gang, Dollas mother denied those claims and said her son was simply into Hip-Hop music.
He’s always been inquisitive and ambitious and wanted to know everything about everything, Ms. Robinson told AllHipHop.com. “[He] read everything in sight. Asked a lot of questions and he’s always been, you know just a light. Im so blessed Allah chose me to be his mother.
While Dollas music may have reflected the street life, his mother claimed he was an aspiring rapper who was trying to fulfill his dreams through music and modeling, when he was murdered in cold blood.
My son was always working, always in the studio, Robinson revealed. He spent a lot of time at home with us when he wasnt on the road. So you know, whatever caused this person to murder my son, I’m still in total disbelief and can’t understand what would, provoke anyone to do something like, an upset Robinson stated.
Dolla started rapping at the age of 11 and after a short lived deal with Dreamworks, he was signed to Akon’s Konvict Muzic record label in 2007.
Akon made a cameo appearance on Dolla’s biggest single “Who the F**k is That,” which also featured Florida producer/rapper T-Pain.
The rapper was in Los Angeles recording material for his debut album for the label, when he was shot and killed near the V.I.P.valet parking area of the Beverly Center.
He was finishing his album and mixing his mixtape. It was also his girlfriend’s 23rd birthday that lived in Los Angeles, but she goes to school at Clark [Clark-Atlanta University]. So he was killing three birds with one stone. Mixing, finishing up his music and enjoying her birthday weekend. So that’s why he was there.”
Aubrey Louis Berry, 23, is charged with murder and assault. He claimed that he acted out of self defense after Dolla and his crew threatened him in the Beverly Center.
The former promoter from Atlanta is being held on $2 million dollars bail for his role in the murder and has pled not guilty to the charge.
Sources told AllHipHop.com that prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Berry for the murder of Dolla.
While Dollas mother expressed grief over the fact the two young men had lost their lives, she did state that she wanted to see justice pursued to the full extent of the law.
Hey, all I know is that is not OK to go around shooting and killing people, Robinson told AllHipHop.com. That’s not what I believe in. That’s not what my son believed in and I feel that anyone who is so bold to take another life, for no apparent reason, I feel that they should be prosecuted with full extent of the law and that’s how I feel.”
Dollas new mixtape The Miseducation of Dolla hit the internet today, along with two previously unreleased tracks, Ghetto Prayer featuring J. Valentine and Gonna Be Alright.
“His legacy is a great one, Robinson stated. I believe that you know in due time you know Bu [Akons brother/business partner], Akon and Damian Jackson, Dollas manager and mentor will make the step t put things out really soon. The mixtape came out today on his birthday as a free download. We just want him to heard.”