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Sources: DMX Pulls Out Of Boxing Match

DMX’s career as a boxer has ended before it even began, as the rapper has pulled out of an upcoming boxing match, sources have told AllHipHop.com.

 

DMX was scheduled to square off against New Mexico based fighter Eric Martinez on December 12 in Alabama, during an event sponsored by Thunder Promotions.

 

One source said DMX pulled out of the fight because his safety could not be guaranteed, while another claimed that the rapper backed out because Thunder Promotions refused his request to “fix” the fight.

 

Sources stated that Thunder Promotions may pursue legal action against DMX.

 

In the meantime, a variety of popular rappers have been contacted to stand up to Eric Martinez during the fight.

 

A replacement for DMX will be announced as early as next week.

 

In late October, DMX called into Washington’s 106.7 to talk about the bout.

 

He stated that he had no plans to train for the fight and appeared to take the challenge against Martinez lightly.

 

“I’m a just walk in as is. It wouldn’t be fair if I trained,” DMX said and later said: “I aint trying to have my face all messed up.”

Jay-Z Hits The Stage With U2; Remixes ‘Empire State of Mind’

Rap star Jay-Z performed with U2 today (November 5) in Berlin, Germany where the artists kicked off the MTV Europe Music Awards. Jay-Z and U2 gave the free concert in front of Bradenburg Gate for thousands of music fans to mark the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, which divided the country. Jay-Z hit the stage to perform U2’s 1987 track “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” taken from the group’s legendary album The Joshua Tree. In addition to Jay-Z’s performance, his wife Beyonce has been added to the list of performers for tonight’s show. Katy Perry will host the awards show, which will include performances by Shakira, Tokio Hotel, Green Day and others. The 2009 MTV Europe Music Awards air tonight at 7:00 pm EST. Check local listings for air times. In related news, Jay-Z And Alicia Keys have recorded a sequel to their hit single “Empire State Of Mind.” The track will feature a new verse from Jay-Z and will appear on Keys’ upcoming release Element of Freedom.

 

 

 

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P.Miller Speaks on New Network BBTV

After announcing in 2008 the creation of Better Black Television (BBTV), entrepreneur P.Miller has been hard at work getting the fledgling network off the ground. As chairman and CEO, Miller has promised to debut a network the covers the full spectrum of the African-American experience in news, politics, movies, teen/children’s educational programming, animation, and sports. When asked whether BBTV was a response to the complaints leveled at networks such as BET, Miller explained that his project is more so about creating a new, distinct message. “I don’t think it’s a response, but it fills a void,” Miller told AllHipHop.com. “You look at The Cosby Show and that was funny and entertaining but also educational and uplifting. It sent a message that probably sparked a lot of black doctors and lawyers now. That’s what I want to offer with BBTV. It’s going to show people where the future is going because a lot of us don’t want to die gangbangers in the hood. Some of us do want to get older and be around to raise their kids.” Creating a new network is a slow, meticulous process that Miller has spent the last 8 years refining. During that span, the New Orleans mogul studied the industry and made the necessary alliances to move his vision forward. Today, the advisory board for BBTV includes Oscar winner Denzel Washington, NAACP executive director Vicangelo Bullock, Hip-Hop founder Kool Herc, cable industry veteran Professor Sal Martino, and real estate mogul Curtis Oakes. Now, Miller details his biggest challenge is formulating programming devoid of stereotypes, particularly in the representation of Hip-Hop culture. “[The biggest challenge is] to be able to make a diverse product and knowing that you need something that the churches and other cultures can feel good about so you don’t just stereotype your product to where it’s just all African Americans,” Miller stated. “To me, Hip-Hop is all cultures now, but it’s also being able to service the corporations and make good shows that sponsors want to be involved in. At the same time, I want to make stuff that the Hip-Hop culture feels proud about and doesn’t feel like it’s selling out.” At press time, P.Miller has set BBTV to launch in 2010. For more information, viewers can visit http://betterblacktv.com.

 

 

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Rap Drug Kingpin Ace Capone Planning Book

Ace Capone, the CEO of a Philadelphia-based Hip-Hop label who was convicted under Pennsylvania’s “Kingpin” law is now planning a “novel,” sources revealed to AllHipHop.com.

 

Ace Capone, born Alton Coles, was sentenced to life in prison last April, for his role in running a $25 million dollar drug ring in Philadelphia, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland.

 

Capone used his label Take Down Records to collaborate with major Philadelphia artists like Gillie Da Kid, Freeway and Beanie Sigel.

 

The label was also a front for the drug ring, which moved over two tons of cocaine and a half-ton of crack between 1997 and 2005.

 

Sources told AllHipHop.com that Ace Capone, who is currently being held in a federal prison in Kentucky, is planning to release a book titled Cocaine Gang.

 

In his trial, prosecutors used a DVD Ace Capone and Take Down Records released titled New Jack City: The Next Generation to convict him.

 

Prosecutors argued that the DVD was an actual account of Capone’s attempt to muscle in on Philadelphia’s drug trade.

 

Coles was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, heading a continuing criminal enterprise that engaged in drug trafficking, conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering and weapons offenses.

 

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Russell Simmons Hosts ‘Celebration for Turkeys’ During Holiday Season

Hip-Hop mogul Russell Simmons has hosted A-list parties in his 30 plus years in the entertainment industry, but this Thanksgiving, the mogul will host a party for turkeys.

 

Simmons and Jonathan Safran Foer (“Everything is Illuminated” and “Eating Animals”) will join Farm Sanctuary’s “Celebration For the Turkeys” fundraising gala, to benefit the sanctuary’s rescued animals.

 

According to a press release, guests “will enjoy an intimate, family-style vegan Thanksgiving brunch in the enchanting “Crystal Room” at New York City’s landmark Tavern on the Green in Central Park, featuring a decadent cruelty-free menu designed by the critically-acclaimed chefs at renowned vegan restaurant Candle 79, in a first-ever all-vegan collaboration with the chefs at Tavern on the Green.”

 

Farm Sanctuary sponsors The Adopt-A-Turkey Project, which seeks to end the suffering of commercially-raised turkeys, by offering a compassionate alternative for Thanksgiving.

 

The organization has rescued over 1,000 turkeys since 1986 and “placed hundreds into loving homes” through the annual Turkey Express adoption event.

 

During the evening, Jonathan Safran Foer will read from his new book “Eating Animals,” while a silent auction will take place to benefit the Adopt-A-Turkey Project.

 

Simmons will host the event on November 22 from 12:00pm – 5:00 PM at Tavern on the Green, Central Park at West 67th Street. Cost is $150 per person.

 

Space is limited.

 

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Slick Pulla Almost Free, Planning New Albums

Incarcerated rapper Slick Pulla will be released from prison to a halfway house at the beginning of next year.

 

The rapper, who has been locked up since early 2007 on a probation violation, is part of Young Jeezy’s USDA (United Streets Dope Boyz Of America), which will drop a new album in early 2010.

 

“All this situation did was set me up to really get focused and come back to really give the people what they need,” Slick Pulla said last week during a conference call organized by RapStarPromo.com. “I need to be out there giving the streets what they need, good yams, instead of being in here. So it’s going to be a lovely situation. A minor set back for a major come back.”

 

USDA’s latest single “Bag Music” hit the Internet earlier this week, giving fans a glimpse of the upcoming project, which is a follow up to their 2007 album Cold Summer.

 

“This album is not about just laying down another compilation of different lyrical creativity, but more about letting the streets know that USDA is still united strong and fierce in that same branded Corporate Thuggin Way,” Young Jeezy said in a press release about the new USDA album.

 

In addition to Slick Young Jeezy, group members JW, Boo Rossini, Blood Raw and 211 make appearances on the untitled album.

 

Although he has been incarcerated for over two years, Slick Pulla said his USDA group members have been keeping him involved in their projects and playing new music for him, as he awaits his return to the rap game.

 

“You can be dumb and make the same mistakes or you can take the situation and make your mind stronger,” Slick Pulla said. “Cats in here are more focused on what they wanna do. When you’re on the streets you got so much going on, but in here you can focus on what you wanna do. Cat’s just wanna get down and execute.”

 

In early 2010, Slick Pulla will be released to a halfway house. If all goes well, he could be home as early as Summer of 2010.

 

“Once you get to the halfway house, you can work,” Slick Pulla said. “I am trying to get it to where I can go to the studio to work. And if I do good there, I get that weekend pass and then I’ll be able to work.”

 

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Cormega: Back From Domestic Hell

Cory McKay, aka Cormega, doesn’t smoke or eat meat anymore. Hell, he even buys organic foods when he can. He doesn’t overindulge in alcohol, and with a humble laugh he admits he’s been listening to relaxation music lately (“You know those

instrumentals with the water and s**t?”). You may even catch him with some Hannah Montana playing in his car these days.

 

Fatherhood has been at the forefront of Cormega’s life lately, as he is quick to mention the subject in his Q&As and makes it abundantly clear on the track “Love Your Family,” one of 14 from his long-awaited LP Born And

Raised. Always honest and articulate, Cormega also pulls no punches in discussing the bootlegging of said album, how a full-length collaborative project with AZ may come to fruition, and why fans need to invest in Hip-Hop if they expect it to grow.

 

AllHipHop.com: A lot has changed since the last time we spoke. There’s a Black president and a major recession, among other things. What’s been the biggest change in your life these past two years?

 

Cormega: I’ve been a way, way more active parent. Like I’m “Mr. Mom” right now. I’m the dude at the bus stop. I’m the dude that’s there in the morning time with a bunch of ladies, feeling funny. So you know that, and my album

is finally, really coming out! Back then I was unsure of when it was gonna drop.

 “So fans gotta understand, that’s why artists sell out! Why do you think dope

MCs sell out? And then they get mad when this rapper does a song with this

AutoTune dude or this R&B guy. It’s because these ringtone fans are spending

money!”-Cormega

AllHipHop.com: In 2007, we were talking about details of this album and people were waiting for you the official solo, and the Premier track [“Dirty Game”] had already leaked. But after listening to it in it’s entirety I think your fans will feel it was worth the wait.

 

Cormega: Oh yeah, no doubt! I know you already got that s**t, it was leaked like a motherf**ker wasn’t it?

 

AllHipHop.com: You know, I did check yesterday just to see if it was already out, and sure enough like every torrent site had it.

 

Cormega: Yeah, I just hope people will still go and buy it now.

 

AllHipHop.com: I know it’s hard to say which song on the album is your favorite, but could you say which one has the best story behind it?

 

Cormega: Oh man, the best story…I mean…that’s a tough one. The song “Girl,” you know that story is crazy. And “Love Your Family,” I like story because it’s positive. In this day and age when you look at the woman in rap, and the woman is s**tted on heavily. They don’t get the respect they deserve, whether it’s a rapper or just a beautiful woman, they use them as video vixens and whatever. It’s a respectful song showing respect to my daughter, a lady that was in my life, aunts, grandmothers, stepmoms, sisters, it’s a very positive song.

 

But, I don’t know. This album is weird for me because there’s so many different songs, it’s not like the same s**t so there’s different s**t to like. My favorites are “Girl” and “Love Your Family,” but “The Other Side” is incredible too, cause every time I hear it I gotta hear it again and again.

 

AllHipHop.com: Being this was the first time you’ve had your own Premier tracks, was there any special way you went to writing “Dirty Game” and “Make It Clear”?

 

Cormega – “Journey”

 

 

Cormega: Nope. When he first did “Dirty Game” for me I just wanted to write about some of the ills in jail and in the streets, and I just wanted to get deep on it. The next joint “Make It Clear,” I just wanted to zone out lyrically, and the beat made me zone out. So both of those songs serve they’re purpose. And they’re from two different realms and two different feels from Preemo so I was happy with the outcome.

 

AllHipHop.com: When I picked up a copy of Wu-Tang Chamber Music, it was cool to see you and AZ featured on there. That was actually a great project overall.

 

Cormega: Yeah, Wu-Tang Chambers was pretty good.

 

AllHipHop.com: Lil Fame was doing his production thing on there, and I’m loving all the beats he’s been making recently.

 

Cormega: Fame is an unsung hero on the producing. He’s nice! He gets it in. He produced “The Other Side.” But the funny thing is I did the co-production. When Fame did it, it didn’t have no saxophone. If you listen to that song, you can hear a series of different instruments. That’s what I wanted to do, I wanted to make it full. I’m experimenting right now, and that’s something I did on my own because Fame was on tour. Like M.O.P. stays

doing shows, they stay busy. So that’s the only reason I don’t have Billy on the album, because I wanted him on there too. So long story short, Fame did the beat, and I it was dope the way it was, but I just felt like something

was missing. So I got the saxophone guy, and I got Dave Atkinson, who was the guy that did “Affirmative Action,” and I got him to do keys. I added some elements and the rest is history.

“I mean, how many motherf**kers can you kill and how much crack can you

sell? And who the f**k wants to be mad? We was mad for eight years of

Bush, let’s get happy now.”-Cormega

AllHipHop.com: The album has a really uplifting feeling for the most part which is kind of refreshing.

 

Cormega: Exactly. I mean, how many motherf**kers can you kill and how much crack can you sell? And who the f**k wants to be mad? We was mad for eight years of Bush, let’s get happy now. Obama even got some of us mad, so let’s let music take us somewhere like it used to. Music used to take you somewhere, and that’s what I’m trying to do. Like “Mega Fresh X,” that’s got to be one of my proudest moments ever. Even if I wasn’t on that song, just to have that line-up on there made me feel good and like I did my part in saluting our legends and our veterans.

 

AllHipHop.com: Would you ever consider doing a collaborative project with another MC, like the way Buckshot and KRS did recently? If so who would Cormega work well with?

 

Cormega: Me and Beanie Sigel would body s**t! [Laughs] Me and Tragedy Khadafi, everybody says we sound like magic together. Me and Beanie, I know that would be crazy. Me and AZ sound good together. There’s a few people that I mesh well with. But I’m definitely interested in doing a collaborative effort with some artists that’s with it, if it’s going to be dope. Not to do it for the check, cause sometimes you do it for the check and you don’t put your heart into it.

 

AllHipHop.com: Speaking of which, Cormega vs. AZ. I’ve had that conversation several

times over the past few years, and my conclusion has always been that you’ve

put out less material and yet have been more succinct and consistent. Maybe

to end all the arguments you guys should just get together and do a full

project and let people decide then.

 

Cormega: Actually it’s funny you say that because I just got off the phone

with AZ last night, and I just came back from Europe with AZ. We was talking

about doing some s**t, and last year we was talking about doing the album.

But you know, it just never materialized because I was too busy doing what I

was doing. Both of us were grinding and didn’t put to much emphasis to it,

and to be 100 percent real with you, we wanted to make sure it was with the

right label. We ain’t trying to just put our s**t out with anybody. So that

is something that could happen. It could definitely happen.

 

AllHipHop.com: Getting back to the bootlegging issue. As a music consumer, I’ve always

tried to support all my favorite artists. But today I find it too convenient

not to download most of my music for free, especially when the stores don’t

even stock half the catalog they used to. Do you feel differently now

about fans who pay for and those that take it?

 

Cormega: You know what? My album was leaked on the “other” website, the one

down the dial from you guys. And they took it really hard when somebody from

my camp called over there and took the leak off. They was mad at me! I’ve

never heard of that. That’s like me robbing your house, and then getting mad

when you put a burglar alarm system on your house. You’re taking from me!

But I spoke with somebody on the net, and he was saying where he’s from it’s

so hard to get the music that he only learned about me from downloading. But

then after downloading he went and bought my music. So it’s a double edged

sword. The people that just take the music, I don’t got no love for them,

and it’s likewise obvious they don’t have love for us.

 

Let me tell you something about the fans. This generation of fans, they

don’t understand. This music is like a garden, and they are like the tenders

to this garden. And it’s like y’all aren’t taking care of the garden. Why do

you think so many rappers don’t put out albums? Cause they don’t rap no more? Or

because they’re tired of rapping? [It’s because] they’re not making money!

You gotta keep it real with us. You got a beautiful garden, but if y’all

aren’t taking care of it and landscaping, that s**t’s gonna turn to weeds.

It’s gonna be desolate after a while, because y’all keep taking and taking

and taking and nobody is supporting the artists.

“On this album, I spent a lot of bread. So a part of me was really

hurt when [the downloading] happened. My whole thing is I can’t knock the fans,

because they was getting jerked for a while, especially in the late ’90s.”-Cormega

Especially on this album, I spent a lot of bread. So a part of me was really

hurt when that s**t happened. My whole thing is I can’t knock the fans,

because they was getting jerked for a while, especially in the late ’90s

when motherf**kers was putting out trash albums and people were buying the

albums and getting mad. A lot of people that download music have the excuse

that it’s good to hear the music and then figure out if they want to buy it.

But it’s like they have listening stations in record stores. However people

overseas don’t have that, so I hear what they’re saying too. But if you’re

going to download the s**t, and you like it, then pay for it. I’ve never

downloaded nobody’s album, but I’ve had a couple of bootlegged movies. So I

guess I’m just as guilty in some ways. But if I like it, I go buy the s**t.

I didn’t buy American Gangster yet because my bootleg was so clean that I

said “f**k it.” And the average movie that I’ve seen on bootleg I went out

and bought.

 

So fans gotta understand, that’s why artists sell out! Why do you think dope

MCs sell out? And then they get mad when this rapper does a song with this

AutoTune dude or this R&B guy. It’s because these ringtone fans are spending

money! And it’s hard. Because there’s artists like me and a lot of

underground dudes that’s trying to keep it real, and then we get f**ked in

the end. So I don’t have anything against the downloaders, but I do have

something against them. So it’s an oxymoron in the end, because I do

sympathize with the ones that have to do that to test out the music, but

then I do despise the ones that make it a habit and a hobby of downloading

s**t. Especially artists like me! You can say whatever you want about

Cormega, but you’ve never seen a Cormega album that was wack. I’ve seen

people that try to look for flaws, and they’ll say Who Am I? was wack. Who

Am I? wasn’t even an album, it was a f**king soundtrack. I was only on like

eight songs. Does it say Cormega and have my logo on the front of it. No, it

said “Cormega Presents”…. But you never bought a solo Cormega album that

was trash. So if I’m keeping it consistent, can I eat? That’s all I’m

saying.

 

AllHipHop.com: Whenever I look at the comments left by people from your online

interviews or album reviews, most of the time people are saying things like

“Mega is Top 5” and “I’ve been listening to him since True Meaning and

there’s not much negativity. It’s almost strange given how much hate you

usually see on the net.

 

Cormega: I’m not gonna lie. I’ve been shocked at the love lately. I did

another interview and was looking at the comments and it was like all

positive, with one person saying something stupid. And then people even

started coming back and being like “Shut the f**k up.” Then with the songs

I’ve been leaking, people showed me the links and I would read the comments,

and it was overwhelming. All the songs I leaked got like 4.5 stars on all

the sites, so that was like “Wow.” I feel good about that and the way people

feel about the music. That’s why I feel a little confused, because these

people know the music is good. So I just hope they stand up for real,

because at the end of the day, I’m not gonna do another album like this. I’m

not saying I’m never gonna do another album, but I’m not doing one like this

where I got 11 producers, know what I’m saying? Because some of them you

gotta pay, some of them you can work things out with, but at the end of the

day it turns out expensive.

 

And usually I get a deal, and then I make the album. I did this album with

no deal. Honestly I just signed my contract within a month’s time. So while

we doing all our campaign with the marketing and mixing songs, I’m the one

that’s paying for the studio sessions and paying for this and that. So I

just hope the gardeners tend to the garden.

 

Dashaun “Jiwe” Morris: The Blood Author Writes For Change

I thought I had some understanding about gangs and gang members. Much of what I thought was wrong. So much of our education comes from news reports, rap, movies, documentaries and other external “reporting” entities. And far too often, they serve to satisfy a public’s need to judge, to stereotype or to act as a voyeur into a world far more dangerous than their own.

 

So, on a Friday evening in October, I found myself watching Dashaun “Jiwe” Morris speaking to a group of active Blood gang members. Jiwe, now inactive, preaches a different gospel than the one outlined in his authoring debut, “War of the Bloods in my Veins.” He encourages those younger than himself to end the violence in his Newark, New Jersey hood. Jiwe doesn’t stop there, he also helps them shed or reduce the behaviors that are a detriment to their own progress.

 

Jiwe, by his own admission, is a work in progress as well. His evolution has been chronicled in the acclaimed documentary, “Brick City,” a reality-based documentary that peels back the different layers of Newark, New Jersey. Jiwe is also working as a budding actor in a play (onehour2live.net) in which a gang banger faces his last day alive.

 

AllHipHop.com caught up with the man once known in the streets as Machete and realized that he’s the change that was so promoted a year ago by a presidential aspirant.

 

 

AllHipHop.com: What made you decide to write your book, “War of the Bloods In My Veins?”

 

Jiwe: A combination of things. The death of a good homie of mines in Lil City E.O., then the birth of my daughter Dashana. Mind you I was in jail fighting 1st degree attempted murder charges. I was locked down in the hole for 23 hours a day. So that is the place where I began digging deep within, searching for answers no one had but God. I became furious, angry, miserable, sad, lonely, disappointed, and lost all at the same time. So with the suggestion of a counselor, I began writing. Initially, for therapeutic reasons. So from there, the idea to send out a message to provoke thought and change was created. I’ve always had big thoughts, so I figured, I could actually motivate people all across the country. The idea of that was satisfying to me. I’ve always been a leader, and I’ve led many down a negative and violent path, I decided to challenge myself in leading down a path of change. 

 

AllHipHop.com: Can you speak on your involvement as a gang member, in particular since it is on the East Coast?

 

Jiwe: No different than most other gang members.  Gang rallies and wars, placing fear in people, terrorizing, no respect for law enforcement, and countless funerals. Now my specific role, I was the set leader along with one other individual. My duties were no different than that of a high-ranking army official. What I said, went. I organized, sanctioned, and lead my hood then with what I call a gangster’s mentality. That being my set came first. Everything was about my hood. And any violations towards my hood resulted in violence. I got in when I was 11 years old when I moved to Phoenix, Arizona, but moved back to Essex county (New Jersey) when I was 13. My involvement with the gang picked back up at age 15 while attending Orange High School. So between the ages of 15-25 I dealt in violence and illegal activity on the streets. That’s what consumed me, pushing my hood forward through death, jail, homelessness, fights, suicides, anger, and despair.

 

AllHipHop.com: How was life for you imprisoned, considering jail usually has a large gang population?

 

 

Jiwe: Prison was a lot of pain as well as profit. Walking into prison, I was given seniority immediately because of my status with the Bloods. I didn’t want for much on the inside, and had soldiers with bangers (shanks) around me at all times. This was a safety precaution because there were rolling 60’s and east coast crips from Los Angeles locked down with me along with a couple esa gangs (Latino), mainly Sureno X3’s, and the Aryan nation. And we fought with them all, so any chance they got to put some metal in me they would take it. I had 3 attempts on my life from those gangs. Once in the shower, another in the chow hall, and the last one during yard while I was on the pull up bar.

“Prison definitely wasn’t no cakewalk, so I had to keep me and mines lined up always because you never knew when it was going down.”

-Jiwe

So prison definitely wasn’t no cakewalk, so I had to keep me and mines lined up always because you never knew when it was going down. However, this made me a target for the officers. They gave me a pretty hard time, sending my visits away sometimes, or not giving or sending my mail. Then they turned it up on me and 4 or 5 of them ratpacked me in my cell with their goon squad. They got physical with me. No face shots, all body work. I was confined to my bed for the next 3 or 4 days due to the pain, I felt like my inside were bleeding, I coughed up blood, and even talking hurt. They then repeated this attack once again, but not as severe as the first time. But with all this said, when they finally sent me to the hole, that place gave me the much needed and necessary time to focus on my life. That is why I say, “Pain is Profit.” That pain I dealt with in that hole is where I found my strength and will to live. To fight for change. The profit I speak of is not currency, but wisdom and life experience.

 

AllHipHop.com: I have one of your t-shirts and on the back is says “PEACE.” How has your mentality changed?

 

 

Jiwe: Well its still in transition as every other person is when changing from one extreme to another. I have with out a doubt become more patient. I thank my three beautiful daughters for that, and Neina, who has been very supportive and patient with me. She has been a rock in my life that’s unbreakable.  I’ve been trying hard to peel away the exterior mask of a gangster, a thug, or banger. I have children now and they could care less about how much power on the street I had, they just want their daddy home. So as for my mentality, I’m unleashing a lot of my old habits, and learning new ways to deal with things.

 

 

Jiwe talks about what he is up to and where he is going.

 

 

 

AllHipHop.com: What things are you doing in the community these days?

 

Jiwe: I’m involved in many of the progressive groups pushing peace in the city of Newark. But I do my own thing. I choose not to come up under any particular organization because I don’t want to compromise my ways of dealing with the youth. My ways aren’t typical but effective to me and those that are influenced by me. But I do a lot of work with the Street Warriors ran by the Street Doctor.

 

AllHipHop.com: What is your present situation with the Bloods?

 

 

Jiwe: I’m non-active. I don’t promote violence anymore.  However, living in Newark that can only be held with a grain of salt. I live a more positive life, and I use the respect the streets have for me as a bargaining tool to enlighten as many as I can with knowledge and hope. But I am hands on with my younger homies. I take them out to different events I do, I just actually finished hosting an event with the young homies from my hood here at the AllHipHop office here in Newark. Also I want to give AllHipHop a big chunky welcome to Newark.

 

So I deal with them through positive exposure, teaching them the importance of networking, and how to be resourceful. I don’t want to be remembered for all the bad I’ve done, but for the good I’m doing now.

“I would like to see more positive rap though. Especially these rappers who don’t even live in poverty no more, been out of the slums for 5 years or so, but still rapping about guns,  drugs, and how many tops they gonna pop.”

-Jiwe

AllHipHop.com: In the news recently, the gang situation in Chicago has taken center stage with the brutal slaying of 16-year-old Derrion Albert. People want answers, solutions and they are even blaming rap. What do you think of that?

 

Jiwe: Rap is the outcome of many things gone wrong. Do I agree with all the messages the music artist put out? No, but I feel if “they” have such an argument about the music being put out, cut out the middle man (the artist) and hold these record labels accountable as they benefit from the very same music that’s considered negative. I would like to see more positive rap though. Especially these rappers who don’t even live in poverty no more, been out of the slums for 5 years or so, but still rapping about guns,  drugs, and how many tops they gonna pop. Acting hard like they still on the streets puttin’ in “twirk,” knowing full well they live in Hollywood or West Bubble F**k somewhere with a maid or two, eating foods that hood dudes can’t even pronounce. [To the rappers] Upgrade your music so they can stop blaming violence on music. Transition from where you came from into who you are, and don’t keep settling to keep putting out that poison because its profitable. Because no matter how you look at it, these kids look up to many of you and I feel you have a moral obligation to the youth.   

 

AllHipHop.com: Did music ever factor into your decisions?

 

 

Jiwe: Music was never a decision maker in my choices to do dirt, but music definitely helped bring out more anger and raw emotions in me. That’s why I don’t listen to certain rap anymore. I don’t like going there mentally anymore. Its really dark there.

 

AllHipHop.com: Can you explain how college was for you? You even were a prospect for the NFL?

 

 

Jiwe: College was a new experience to me. I achieved some high athletic honors. I was named 1st team Black college All-American, 1st Aeam Associated Press All America, and Sports Network 1st Team All American. I led the entire country in kick off returns for touchdowns in 2002.  I learned a few things, but at the same time I wasted a lot of time. It was very difficult for me to blend in with the civilians there. My mind was conditioned to interact with gang members and engage in gang activity. So often I found myself taking something pure, and putting the funk on it. I wrote on the walls to get that sense of comfort of being back in Newark. I was homesick most of the time. I put fear in people because that’s how I felt you gained respect. I didn’t smile much because the pain I was dealing with made it hard to.

 

I’m asked all the time how did I go to school and manage to turn it out. I had a great opportunity. I would always use the example that the same with trying to domesticate a stray pit bull. There has to be a transition period and nd I didn’t have that.

 

AllHipHop.com: Do you ever have any regrets or things you wanted to change?

 

Jiwe: I regret all the pain and worry I caused my mother. I feel responsible for the gray hair she has. I’ve put her through a lot and only wish to bring her peace and happiness now. 

 

AllHipHop.com: What do you want people to take with them after they finish the book?

 

Jiwe: To understand that many of us don’t ask to live the lives we do, and its more than just saying I want to do better, but a solid support system is key in any transition. 

 

AllHipHop.com: Any other things you wanted to add or finish with?

 

 

Jiwe: I ask that everybody go out and read “War of the Bloods in My Veins” its a story that will change your outlook on gang life, gang members, and the reasons we join, stay, and eventually decide to do better. If you have young siblings, a son, nephew, cousin, boyfriend, grand kids, etc, this book is a mandatory read for them.

 

 

And lastly, I will be starring in a stage play titled “One Hour 2 Live” November 12th at Essex County college. For tickets and info, check out the website onehour2live.net or contact me through my website at JiweEra.com. Thank you all for your continued support.

Forest Whitaker talks to Jiwe on the set of “Brick City.”

 

Hip-Hop Rumors: Jay-Z Has His Beanie Diss? DMX To Back Outta Boxing Match?

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 SENSE!

 

Oh oh! I’ve not soon seen such a backlash on a Top 5 Dead or Alive! Crooked I has shaken up the world! Click here to see what caused all the controversy!

 

DMX IS BAILING ON THE BOXING MATCH?

 

OH BOY! You heard it here first! DMX was all set to box in this celebrity boxing match that would pit him against some dude named Martinez out in Arizona. This was supposed to be on the undercard of the Tank Abbott and the Butterbean fight. That’s not a bad line up, but if you take DMX out of the mix, what do you have? I first felt like DMX was going to bail when he told an interviewer that he wasn’t going to train for the fight. That’s not possible for boxing or MMA. Now they are saying DMX is totally backing out. Wonder why? I was looking forward to the DOG knocking somebody out!

 

JAY-Z HAS A RECORDED DISS FOR BEANIE?

 

I am hearing some crazy stuff now! Now, here is what I thought. I thought and still think that Jay-Z’s plan for Beanie Sigel is to act like nothing every happened. Basically, I expect Jay to ignore Beans, but I am hearing the first stages of something ELSE. I am being told that some people have HEARD a Jay-Z diss against Beanie Sigel. I have to admit, I just won’t believe this until I see it.

 

50 CENT HANGS WITH BEANIE AT MOVIE PREMIER

 

I heard 50 Cent has a BISD event last night in Philly and he was out and about with all the Philly rappers. Could he be re-forming State Prop? 50 Cent screened his movie and kept it moving. I feel a bit bad, because I heard one rapper made it seem like he and Fif were going to do some biz, but when the G-Unit rapper left pronto, he was embarrassed.  I heard the movie is really good too!

 

 

NO DISTRO FOR G-UNIT RECORDS?

 

I got this folly off of the Twitter from Wendy Day:

 

@RapCoalition: Has anyone told Beanie that G-unit has no distribution? Interscope dropped them in the Spring. 1 bad situation to another?

 

I don’t know if this matters to anybody, but it seems like interesting point! Wendy Day may want to watch her back. 50 is on to you now!

 

CHRIS STOKES HAS A PROBLEMO!!

 

You remember Chris Stokes, right? I heard somebody in the old B2K camp is writing a tell-all book that will unearth all the allegedly improprieties that went on when them. Now, there has always been this weird back and forth with them, but it would seen that at least one member is going “in.”

 

KANYE IS PLOTTING!

 

Kanye West is reportedly plotting his return to the realm of rap. They are saying that he is working on an “old school” rap album. I am not certain what WENN meant when they decided to report that. But, Kanye has been chilling out since the issues he had with Taylor Swift and all that.  According to the report, Soulja Boy also “I’m working on Kanye’s next album right now. He makes beats and I make beats, and right now I’m remixing a couple of records for him.” Anyway, they are saying that Kanye is going crazy with creativity and will be back in full Hip-Hop form soon.

 

 

NO DIPSET AT JAY-Z’S CLUB!

 

I don’t know if you know-but Jay-Z’s gansta is no joke. I think dude might be the Darth Vader of rap at this point. Remember when Darth just cute dude’s air off when he got out of pocket? Anyway, he can’t do that with his rap enemies, but he can do other things. Forget about the Philly jock stuff for now. I heard that in the 40/40 you will never hear anything related to Dipset. If you do, it will get turned off by somebody that knows better. I have been informed that Dipset has been removed from any an every playlist in that club at the boss’ beaconing.

 

RANDOM QUOTES

 

Jay spoke to Gotham magazine and this is some of what he had to say:

 

 

“Making music is art,” he continues. “It doesn’t change who you are as a person. It doesn’t mean you’re entitled or you’re above the law. You still treat people as human beings. It doesn’t change the laws of the universe. Life has a balance and for every action there is a reaction. So if you put negative energy in, negative energy comes back to you. You have to live your life within the laws of the universe and I haven’t lost sight of that.

 

“You have to be close with your foundation and the people who know you best because they’ve known you for so long that they can see the changes in you,’ he continues. “Fame is such a deadly drug that you can’t see the changes because you are so consumed by it. You need a close-knit group of friends and family to make sure you stay grounded.”

 

GTFOH!

 

I know we covered this, but I have to give Chris Brown the ol’ NEGRO PLEASE FOR THIS! Artists just don’t know when to shut up sometimes. Now, if he was trying to be a superhero, I would have let him slide with this mess, but he’s actually trying to pawn it off as “fashion.”

 

 

 

ILLSEED’S QUICK UPDATE

 

There is a rumor that Young Jeezy may have gotten locked up. I don’t believe that one though. Jeezy seems too smart for that.

 

Robert Kardashian tried to take his hand at boxing and ended up getting KTFO’d!

 

The DC Sniper is looking like he’s going to be executed by next week.

 

Chris Brown isn’t selling too many tickets this time around. The beating of Rihanna may actually come back to haunt him.

 

JD and the dime known as Janet are easing their way to marriage, according to rumor.

 

Rumor has it Fat Joe will open for Miguel Cotto when he fights Manny Pac Man.

 

 

 

EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY

 

If you don’t want to go to work, all you have to do is call out.

 

Police say 29-year-old Aaron Siebers took the long way out of work. This dude decided to stab himself in the leg with a knife so he wouldn’t go to work at the local Blockbuster. He stabbed himself to get out of work. WOW. The police issued a crazy manhunt for the man’s “attackers.” Siebers told police he had been attacked by three men, but he made a fools mistake. The place he said he was stabbed has a camera there and it didn’t show any stabbing. Finally the fool admitted he made the mess up. He was then charged with false reporting and obstructing police, then taken to the county jail.

 

EPIC FAIL PART 2

 

This guy has killed his football career in one tackle. 

 

High School Football: Player Tackles his own Teammate @ Yahoo! Video

 

SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END

 

Uh OH!!!

 

A.J. Sokalner seemed to be a good guy by all admissions. But, something tragic happened to him on Monday when he tried to take some pics of Lady Gaga. He collapsed outside of a venue on Monday in New York City. He apparently had a heart attack, but the internet and conspiracy theorists are already talking. They are saying the Illuminati killed A.J. At the end f the day, this guy seemed to be a great person that lost his life too early. He was in his 50’s.

 

BREEZY, 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.

Shyne Talks To Students; Stresses Education

Upon settling back in his native Belize, rapper Shyne paid a visit to the school he once attended in the Central American nation.

 

Accompanied by his lead attorney, former Harvard Law professor Charles Ogletree, Jr and his Michael Finnegan stopped by Wesley College on Tuesday morning (November 3), where the former Bad Boy Records artist also spoke for the first time about the many changes he made while incarcerated.

 

“Nobody’s perfect,” said the artist who legally changed his name to Moses Michael Levyi. “A lot of us grew up in imperfect situations, as myself. And our lives continue to be imperfect. But there are no excuses. I hold myself accountable for the mistakes I’ve made in my life, but that’s not the end of me or anyone. The point is to transform those mistakes. So if I can inspire one of these kids not to be a criminal activist, but a community activist, that’s what I’m here to do.”

 

Before going on to address the students at Wesley, Shyne also fielded questions about his conversion to Judaism and name change.

 

“There was no conversion to Judaism,” he explained. “This is a hereditary thing in my ancestry. Many Africans through out Central Africa, East Africa [were brought] to Belize. So this was not a conversion. But nonetheless, in life, you are what you are. I don’t wanna be like Michael Jordan, I wanna be like Moses or King David or King Solomon, those are the guys that I aspire to be like. I didn’t want to be like the kingpin on my block, I wanna be like the guy that parted the seas. That’s why I took that name.”

 

Changes aside, however Shyne told the journalists gathered that he has no intention on sanitizing his music, and that he intended to continue to make music that reflects the harsh realities of life.

 

To the Wesley students, Shyne made it clear that he could not have attained success without having been taught the importance of education.

 

“I came up on the streets with guys that gangbang and take up criminal activity,” he told the assembly, “and those tools never work. With those tools, you either end up in prison or in a grave. But with the tools that you’re given here, education, that’s the ultimate tool. And with that tool, you can transcend any situation and transform any situation. ‘Cause I’m just like you.”

 

After serving nearly nine years in prison for his role in a violent 1999 nightclub shooting, Shyne was released from Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, New York on October 6.

 

The rapper, born Jamal Barrow, was immediately turned over to Immigration authorities who sought to determine his status as a legal resident alien.

 

Three weeks later, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials deported the rapper to Belize, where his father, Dean Barrow, serves as Prime Minister.

 

The two, who were estranged for years, have since reconciled.

EXCLUSIVE: Just Blaze, Denaun Porter Talk Em’s ‘Relapse 2’

With Eminem’s Relapse 2 being uncertain for a November release, two of its recruited heavyweight producers Denaun Porter (Mr. Porter) and Just Blaze have shed light on the album’s progress.

 

In an exclusive dual interview with AllHipHop.com, Porter detailed how his production relationship with Eminem has grown since their work on the superstar’s debut album, Infinite.

 

“Man, now? It’s so much more fun. It was easy for us to go back to that time,” Porter told AllHipHop.com. “This will be the first time I’m producing songs for Em under me without D12 [since Infinite]. That’s big for me. I can’t let the cat out the bag yet, but one of the songs is told as if we were back in the day.”

 

While many fans argue rapper’s earlier work are usually stronger because they are hungry for success, Porter feels Eminem’s quality has improved with his superstardom.

 

“It’s no fun when you’re broke,” he stated. “We were trying to do Infinite like we had more money when we didn’t have any. We were trying to get to a certain point, but now he’s got it. The reason he’s good is not because being white worked to his advantage. It did a little at first, but all day everyday the kid is writing. I don’t know if Jay-Z is writing all day. He owns multi-million dollar businesses. Em writes all day. Jay probably comes up with lines [and] that make him one of the greatest. I’m fighting, because Just Blaze came in and kicked ass.”

 

After leaking Jay Electronica’s “Exhibit C” and a Nas snippet last week, Just Blaze has renewed attention on what other tracks he has in the vaults, and what he’s developed for Relapse 2.

 

Due to their protective natures, Blaze revealed that his time with Eminem has been challenging despite their creative highs.

 

“It’s a challenge for both of us in the sense we’ve never worked with each other before. We’ve both been in the business 10 plus years,” Just Blaze explained to AllHipHop.com. “We’re both very self-contained. He has his own production compound, and I have my situation with Bassline Studios in New York. Sometimes I’m like I need this [song] back in New York and he’s like I need it back in Detroit. It’s interesting because we’re both protective of the work and not wanting it to leak out. I’m in the same boat, because we both would lose money. Creatively it’s a good process. When it goes beyond a business arrangement, it always works out. I’ve had cases where people just want a beat because you’re Just Blaze. But here we are 2 people that are fans of each other’s work.”

 

The original Relapse was released in May and to date has sold over 1.5 million copies.

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TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: Crooked I

Crooked I does not get the just respect he is due. Just admit that fact.

 

The Long Beach, California rapper is a beast on the mic and a street General of the West Coast. Lyrically, he is as sharp as anything on the rap playing field right now, despite his underdog status.

 

In recognizing his status, AllHipHop.com got Crooked I to give us his Top 5 Dead or Alive. But, when he gave his list, we had to get him to expound on it, because it almost seems like Crook tried to cut corners on us.AllHipHop.com: Let’s get your top 5 Dead or Alive. I don’t think anybody has publically heard your list before.

 

Crooked I: My Top 5 always changes. Unfortunately, some of my old school top 5 MC’s get knocked down because some of the guys out now are doing a crazy job with the lyrics. Me, I don’t go by record sales or by how many Phantoms or Bentleys that you’ve got.

 

I go by the structure of a song, how you put metaphors in line, and how you use your punch lines. If you use too many similes in one verse, I can’t f**k with you. I have my own report card that I’ll give to an MC. Right now, my Top 5 MC’s – and everybody is going to think that this is some egotistical sh*t but it’s not.

 

I am going to let Eminem and Jay-Z be tied for number one. Then in no particular order, every member of Slaughterhouse. Em and Jay are top and then Slaughterhouse (Royce Da 5′ 9″, Joe Budden, Crooked I and Joell Ortiz) is going to be 2, 3, 4 and 5. We’ll be in no particular order because everybody has their strengths. I don’t care – people can say that I’m just saying this because it’s my group but f**k that sh*t! I am a student of Hip-Hop. I listen to what dudes say, how they say it, their cadence, their patterns, rhyme scheme, and rhyme flow. I study poetry – I’m an Almanac on this sh*t. I don’t say that because it’s my group. I don’t think that anybody is f**king with the dudes in my group. Nobody except those two that I just named.

 

AllHipHop.com: Any particular reason why Eminem and Jay-Z are tied?

 

Crooked I: Those two dudes are the greatest breathing right now. I love Lil Wayne – I give that n***a credit beyond credit. To bump those two off though is going to be a task for anybody.

 

Eminem is a rhyming robot. He puts words together like he’s a computer. These dudes don’t even understand when it comes to him. He becomes a part of the beat when he raps. It’s like his voice is an instrument and he’s rhyming compound rhymes over and over – and he’s killing it. He can also tell a story and do the psycho crazy sh*t. He can do choruses on his own! Eminem doesn’t have to bring somebody in to the studio to do a hook for him – he can do a hit hook on his own.

 

The same thing with Jay – he can tell a story like no other. He understands rhyme flows, patters and schemes. If he has to do a “Jigga What” in double time, that’s what it is. If he has to tell a story on “I Never Change” about the streets, it’s going to be so on point that you can touch it. It’s so real that you can feel it. When those two did “Renegade” together, I had them dead even. Those two are the best breathing.

 

I don’t even put 2Pac on the list because he was something of a different nature. He’s too big for any list. People don’t understand that he was touched by a higher power.

 

Chamillionaire, QD3 Talk Tech At Stanford University

Houston rap star Chamillionaire and producer/mogul Quincy Jones III will appear at Stanford University today (November 4) to discuss technology’s impact on the music industry.

 

The pair will speak during the “Conversation: Innovation in the Changing Music Industry” panel, which will give students and the general public an insight into emerging trends in the digital space.

 

Chamillionaire is one of the best-selling artists in the digital space. The rapper has amassed over 5 million ringtone sales and was certified as the first multi-platinum Mastertone artist in history.

 

“I’m glad to be a part of this Stanford event because it is home base to a program encourages creativity and innovation across the world,” Chamillionaire told AllHipHop.com. “I believe a lot of the students that will be in attendance will be some of the future leaders of our nation and our economy. I’m looking forward to sharing some of my experiences with them.”

 

Chamillionaire has also been active at various technology conferences, where he has discussed everything from Twitter to being a judge of new start up tech companies at TechCrunch50.

 

QD3 and Genius Products continue to innovate in the space as well, by teaming with Numark to create the interactive video game “Scratch: The Ultimate DJ.”

 

The game comes with the original “Scratch Deck” turntable, which allows users to combine turntablism with rhythmic game play in urban environments as their favorite DJ’s.

 

Chamillionaire and QD3 will speak at Memorial Auditorium at Standford University in Stanford, California starting at 4:30 PM today.

 

The panel is free for Stanford students, faculty, and staff and $15-20 for general public.

 

In related news, Chamillionaire’s new album Venom has been pushed back until February 2, 2010.

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Fuse TV Goes Hip-Hop Each Wednesday

Fuse TV has increased their Hip-Hop offerings on the network and will air specials on a number of rappers tonight (November 4).

 

Every Wednesday, Fuse will air a variety of documentaries, music videos, interviews and concerts.

 

This evening, the network will air specials on Tupac (Before I Wake), Beef (featuring 50 Cent, The Game, Nelly) and Lil Wayne and others.

 

Fuse has been expanding its Hip-Hop offerings since September, when the network aired Jay-Z’s “Answer the Call” concert at Madison Square Garden.

 

Since then, the company has dedicated each Wednesday to music and Hip-Hop content.

 

In September, author/journalist former BET host/journalist Toure joined the network as host of the “Hip-Hop Shop” TV show.

 

For more information visit: http://fuse.tv/hiphopinvasion

 

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Wednesday Fashion Feature: Outerwear: What’s Good For Winter 09/10

Jack Frost is about to kick down the door on us, but at least you can look fly as you freeze your ass off.

 

Lupe Fiasco in one of the season’s most popular pieces – a fitted leather jacket

 

See below for a rundown on some of the freshest outerwear this time around:

 

THE VARSITY JACKET:

 

Jay College Letterman by 55DSL

 

Charm Knit Varsity Jacket by Akademiks

 

Varsity jackets are a hot commodity right now, but these are not your typical college styles. Cool color combos and edgy stitched designs provide a more modern look.

 

THE DOWN PUFFA:

 

Chest Striped Snorkel Jacket by Triple F.A.T. Goose

 

Aika Down Coat by Miss Sixty

 

Down puffa jackets are available in all shapes, sizes and fabric finishes. Get a glossy one, like the Aika Down Coat by Miss Sixty, or go for a classic look like the Chest Striped Snorkel Jacket by Triple F.A.T. Goose.

 

THE PARKA:

 

Denim Parka by True Religion

 

Metropolis Parka by The North Face

 

Grown up parkas are where it’s at this season. If you invest in a down piece, you can go for a sleek look and still stay very toasty.

 

MILITARY INSPIRED:

 

Amado Military Coat by Fornarina

 

Garrison II Coat by Zoo York

 

No need to O.D. on looking militant, subtle details like buttons or the shape of the jacket work for this look.

 

THE PLAID WOOL BIKER JACKET:

 

Local Plaid Jacket by Scotch & Soda

 

Plaid Motorcycle Jacket by William Rast

 

Plaid has been hot for a minute, as well as the rocker look. Get yourself a nice wool jacket like the ones above to keep you warm. The furry collar is a fresh added touch. Leather sleeves are becoming increasingly popular, namely denim and wool jackets such as the Plaid Motorcycle Jacket by William Rast (Justin Timberlake‘s hit clothing line).

 

THE LEATHER BOMBER:

 

Hooded Leather Bomber by MadeMe

 

Leather Bomber by Scotch & Soda

 

This season’s leather jacket is not the ridiculously over sized joint with rhinestones and embroidery all over it. Cop the more fitted bomber style for a clean updated look.

 

What kind of outerwear will be keeping you warm this winter?

AHH Stray News: Common, Eminem, Wyclef, New Boyz

Rapper Common will join famed author/poet Maya Angelou and radio personality Tom Joyner this Saturday (November 7) in a panel discussion about the state of the African-American community. The “Saving The Race: The Human Race” panel will deal with how African-American’s can begin the process of overcoming feelings of black inferiority, negative images and self destructive behavior. “Saving The Race” will take place at Riverside Church (between 120th & 122nd Street) in Morningside Heights. Tickets to the event are $50. For information visit www.theriversidechurchny.org or on-site at the Riverside Theatre box office.

 

Eminem has been added to the list of performers during the American Music Awards later this month. Eminem joins artists like Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Lopez, The Black Eyed Peas, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys and Lady Gaga as performers during the annual ceremony. According to Entertainment Weekly, more artists will be announced next week. The American Music Awards are scheduled to air from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday (November 22) at 8:00 PM on ABC.

 

Wyclef Jean appeared on AllHipHop Radio today (November 3) and revealed details about his new deal with The Timberland Co. The rapper revealed that he has signed a 5 season deal with Timberland, which will benefit his native country of Haiti through a deal with his non-profit, Yele Haiti. “When you pick up the boots and they say Yele Haiti, two dollars go back to Haiti for tree planting,” Wyclef revealed to AllHipHop Radio during The Eric B. & Friends Morning Show. Wyclef’s 16-boot collection of Timberlands will go on sale nationwide at the end of this month.

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Rap group The New Boyz will hit the road with Chris Brown in support of their new album Skinny Jeanz & A Mic. Group members Ben J and Legacy will hit the road with Brown on an 18-city tour of North America. The New Boyz are riding the success of their single “You’re A Jerk,” in addition to their latest song “Tie Me Down,” which features Ray J. “This is us,” group member Ben J. said of those who criticize their style. “We’re showing a different side of hip-hop and a different style from the West Coast. We’ve never been worried about the haters or critics.”

 

Tour dates are listed below:

 

SAT 11/14 Houston, TX House of Blues SUN 11/15 Dallas, TX Palladium WED 11/18 Los Angeles, CA Avalon THU 11/19 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore FRI 11/20 Miami, FL Charity Event SUN 11/22 Richmond, VA Landmark WED 11/25 Detroit, MI Royal Oak THU 11/26 Chicago, IL House of Blues SUN 11/29 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Revolution TUE 12/1 Orlando, FL House of Blues WED 12/2 Atlanta, GA CenterStage FRI 12/4 Washington, DC Warner Theater SAT 12/5 Providence, RI Lupo’s SUN 12/6 Boston, MA House of Blues WED 12/9 Sayreville, NJ Starland FRI 12/11 Baltimore, MD Gilliam-Morgan State U SAT 12/12 Walling Ford, CT Chevrolet Theatre SUN 12/13 Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory

 

Beanie Joins G-Unit: ‘I’m Putting My Foot On His Neck’

50 Cent’s efforts to support former Roc-a-Fella Records artist Beanie Sigel seem to have resulted in a deal to bring the Broad Street Bully to G-Unit Records.

 

Both artists confirmed the move during a private screening of 50’s directorial debut, Before I Self Destruct on Tuesday evening (November 3) in Philadelphia.

 

The presentation was hosted by Power 99 (WUSL-FM), which allowed fans the opportunity to win tickets to the screening .

 

Sigel joined 50 towards the end of an on-air interview with “The Hot Boyz” Mikey Dredd and Uncle O, leading to a candid ten minute conversation.

 

During the interview, 50 and Beans revealed that “Beans is coming to G-Unit,” with no additional details as to how soon the new partnership might yield an album or single.

 

The interview also presented a chance for Sigel to respond to Jay-Z’s reaction to “Average Cat.”

 

“People think that I’m just speaking out because I’m in the position that I am and I ain’t put no music out. Let’s go to Jay-Z’s rebuttal about the complaints of Beanie Sigel: the two Bentleys that I obtained, Jay-Z had nothing to do with that. That was a car from Damon Dash and from Kareem Burke.”

 

He goes on to explain that the car was given to him after a conversation between Dame and others revealed that Dash was in fact the owner and driver of the Bentley, at which point he no longer wanted to be seen driving the vehicle.

 

The other Bentley was given to him as a birthday present by Burkes, leaving him to pay the remaining balance on the car note.

 

“So, Beanie Sigel was driving around to Bentleys and had to pay $5100 a month. It’s not like you helped me attain all this wealth and gave me the two Bentleys. You didn’t give me a record label. It only cost a couple hundred dollars to search the name ‘State Property Records,’ nobody owned it; I think I paid another couple hundred dollars and I patented the LLC. So my record label only cost me $750, to say on a piece of paper that I own State Property Records, LLC. I did that on my own, you didn’t give me that. And what artists was on that label?”

 

Beans reveals that he was only a 20% partner in the State Property clothing line, with Jay-Z, Dame Dash and their Rocawear partners owning the rest.

 

Sigel had presented the idea to Dash as their relationship drew strength based on the rift between Jay and Dame, he says.

 

Even though he revealed that Damon Dash allegedly went behind his back and sabotaged State Property’s clothing product, Sigel admonished Jay-Z for what he refers to as continued unnecessary jabs at a man he’s clearly defeated.

 

“Take me out, Dame and Biggs were your mans from day one. If he [Dame] was messing up the money y’all should’ve been able to straighten that out. Whatever the gripe, you took everything from him already,” Sigel argued. “You took the clothing line, the record label, he has nothing. Now he’s going through financial difficulties. Then he loses his wife and gets a divorce. You feel that comfortable on a record to say ‘Lucky Lefty, kiss the wife goodnight for me.?’ You already killed the man, he’s dead already! Now you’re going to stand over top of him and urinate on him and stomp on him? You can do that? I got something to say about that.”

 

On whether to expect more diss records, Sigel made it clear he would continue to go at Jay lyrically until he gets a response, and predicted he has the skill set to emerge vuictorious.

 

“He’s a crumb. I’m putting my foot on his neck ‘til he responds. Please make a record, ‘cause a week been out dog,” he taunted.

 

“Not taking nothing from Jay as an artist. All I’m saying is I ain’t gotta jog to keep up with him. Watch what I do next,” Beans said as he did the signature G-Unit stuttering proclamation.

 

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Beanie Sigel Joins G Unit, Makes Radio Announcement with 50

The issues between Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel took another twisted turn last night as Beans and 50 Cent appeared on Power 99 to officially announce the Philly emcee’s signing to G Unit.

 

During the interview, 50 Cent mostly played the background as Beanie Sigel layed out his grievances with his former Roc-a-fella leader, speaking on his alleged money mismanagement over two Bentleys and his record label.

 

“Beanie Sigel was driving around in two Bentleys and only had to pay $5100 a month. So it’s not like I obtained all this wealth, like you [Jay-Z] helped me get all this wealth and you gave me two Bentleys. They just gave away monthly plans,” Sigel explained. “You shot yourself in the foot with that. You didn’t give me a record label. It only cost a couple hundred to search the name, State Property Records, nobody owned it. I patented the LLC, and it only cost me $750 to say on a piece of paper that I own State Property Records. I did that on my own, you didn’t give me that.”

 

Even though he revealed that Damon Dash allegedly went behind his back and sabotaged State Property’s clothing product, Sigel admonished Jay-Z for what he refers to as continued unnecessary jabs at a man he’s clearly defeated.

 

“Take me out, Dame and Biggs were your mans from day one. If he [Dame] was messing up the money y’all should’ve been able to straighten that out. Whatever the gripe, you took everything from him already,” Sigel argued. “You took the clothing line, the record label, he has nothing. Now he’s going through financial difficulties. Then he loses his wife and gets a divorce. You feel that comfortable on a  record to say ‘Lucky Lefty, kiss the wife goodnight for me?’ You already killed the man, he’s dead already! Now you’re going to stand over top of him and urinate on him and stomp on him? You can do that? I got something to say about that.

 

On whether to expect more diss records, Sigel made it clear he would continue to go at Jay lyrically until he gets a response, and predicted he has the skill set to emerge vuictorious.

 

“He’s a crumb, and I’m going to put my foot on his neck until he responds!” Sigel exclaimed as 50 laughed in the background. “Please make a record because a week has been out, dog. I’m not taking nothing from Jay-Z as an artist, he ain’t no walk in the park. All I’m saying is I don’t have a job to keep up to him. Watch what I do next.”

 

“And Beans is coming to G Unit,” 50 added as Beans did the signature G Unit stuttering proclamation.

 

At press time, Jay-Z could not be reached for comment.

AllHipHop ChartWatch: Triple C’s Sales Are In, Hip-Hop Drops Out Of The Big 10…

AllHipHop ChartWatch for November 4, 2009

 

The

Hip Hop has been sparse on the charts these last few weeks with only Jay-Z and

The Black Eyed Peas moving any numbers in the top ten.  Hopefully things should start to turn around

as the big fourth quarter albums begin to drop. 

Until then at least some rivalry will be able to hold the fans

attention.  I’ll be honest…a rap beef

between Rick Ross and 50 Cent never really interested me.  Even the beef between Fat Joe and 50 seemed

dated and unnecessary.  For awhile there

I thought the Joe Budden/Raekwon incident would produce some decent tracks from

two great lyricists but all we got was youtube videos.  Granted they were entertaining videos but I

would have appreciated a song or two.  I’m

even starting to wonder whether Jay-Z will respond to 50 Cent’s constant poking

in the media.  But Beanie Siegel….That’s

a different story.  I don’t think a true

Hip Hop fan can deny that Beans can hold his own with Jay-Z (lyrically) which

means we might actually get a decent rap battle between two greats.  We may get an actual mainstream battle

between two MC’s.  When’s the last time

that happened?

Well

like I said earlier the charts are lacking on the Hip-Hop side.  It’s like Michael Jackson came and knocked

Hip Hop out of the top 10.  The late

great King of Pop holds the number one spot with the movie soundtrack This Is It.  That leaves Jay-Z and The Black Eyed Peas

holding the eleventh and fifteenth spot on the countdown.  The Black Eyed Peas sell another 29,000

copies of their latest album The E.N.D

while The Blueprint 3 moves a strong 40,000.

Meanwhile,

congratulations need to go out to Tech N9ne. 

The Midwest MC managed to grab the number 14th spot (beating out B.E.P) by

selling 30,000 copies of his latest disc K.O.D.  He was in “Dropping” last week so it’s nice

to see him crack the top fifty and do some decent numbers 

Drake

falls from the 23rd to the 41st spot but still manages to

sell another 12,900 copies of his mixtape-turned-album So Far Gone. Rick Ross and Triple C’s sell about 11,523. Wonder if that will make 50 Cent weep?

Sadly,

there was no Hip-Hop in the top 10 and only what is up above in the top 50.  Maybe a little verbal sparring

between some Hip Hop heavyweights coupled with some late year releases will

boost the upcoming week’s sales.  Let’s

move onto “Dropping”.

           

Dropping

This Week

 

First

up in “Dropping this Week” is a producer out of Switzerland.  He has produced for the likes of the French

r&b duo Les Nubians, the Westcoast, underground MC Blu, and Canadian Hip

Hop group Swollen Members.  Underground producer

Chief finally releases his debut album. 

The Swiss beatmaker drops his debut album, Collabo Collection, which is a gathering of tracks created between

2005 and 2009.  The album features some

of the previously mentioned artists as well as Tha Connection, Abstract Rude,

and John Robinson.  This should have a

nice sound.  If you haven’t had a chance

to hear any music from Chief then this album offers you the opportunity to

catch up.

Kentucky

Hip Hop trio return with the second installment of their album released last

March.  Cunninlynguists drop Strange

Journey Volume II a new album featuring E-40Sean PriceBlue

Sky Black DeathBronze Nazareth, Poison Pen, Guilty Simpson and J-Zone.  There is also an extended version of the

album being released that contains twelve instrumentals so if Cunninlynguist is

your type of group you probably want to pick this one up.

Next up, Gift of Gab from the

critically acclaimed duo Blackalicious, releases another solo album.  Escape

2 Mars is the rapper’s second solo album and features Del The Funky

Homosapien and Brother Ali.  Gift of Gab

is known for his lyrical ability so those looking to hear a complex rhyme

structure that may be lacking on their local radio should pick this one up.

Keeping up with the “Hell” theme as

shown by his debut album For The Hell Of

It, and subsequent discs Hard As Hell,

and Hell Up In The Bronx comes the

latest album from Hell Rell, Live From

Hell.  The album is Hell Rell

live.  At this point it’s hard to keep up

with who is in/out/feuding with/dropping out of/just an affiliate of Dip

Set.  Fans of Hell Rell shouldn’t be

disappointed.  I don’t know about the

rest of us but the fans should like it.

Underground Houston Rapper K-Rino

releases his latest album Solitary

Confinement. K-Rino has been rapping since ’83 and has been involved in the

Houston underground scene for a number of years.  If you’re looking at hearing some wordplay

out of H-Town then this will be the album to pick up.

Next up is Atlanta duo The Yin Yang

Twins who are releasing Legendary Status:

Yin Yangs Twins Greatest Hits.  Actually

I don’t know who is releasing this one because it doesn’t have “Whistle While You Twurk”, “”Say I Yi Yi”, and “Wait

(The Whisper Song)” but it does have “Salt Shaker”.  I guess that’s a greatest hits.

 Next up are Hip

Hop pioneers Masta Ace and Ed O.G who team up to release the album Arts and Entertainment.  The album features Posdanus of De La Soul, Large Professor, DJ Spinna, KRS-One, Mr.

Lif, Akrobatik and Chester French. Production is handeld by Double O of Kidz in

the Hall, M Phases, DJ Supreme One and Frank Dukes. 

It’s not often that a female MC

releases an album these days.  Chicago MC

by way of Atlanta Rita J releases her

debut album, Artist Workshop, on the

underground label, All Natural, Inc.  The

Southern Illinois University at Carbondale graduate has worked with other artists like DJ Spinna, Digable Planets, J-Live, Jungle Brothers, Stacy

Epps, Stahhr the Femcee, and Black S####. 

Fans of Hip Hop should give her a chance and take a look at the debut

album.

That’s it for Dropping this Week so

go pick up an album or two.

Tech N9ne: King of Darkness

Beneath the trite, one-dimensional “Rap” landscape there is a lair of darkness. The darkness should not be confused nor associated with any macabre notions. This solemn refuge is a haven for creative and lyrical Hip-Hop. At the center of this subterranean empire sets a throne. Atop that throne sits Aaron Yates, affectionately known to his loyal subjects as, Tech N9ne. Even though Tech began his ascent as a B-Boy, he became baptized in rhyme back in ’85. Ever since he has been on a mission to satisfy his insatiable appetite to extend his dominion.

 

      An unapologetic audacity is exuded from Tech as he readies himself to conquer the mainstream.  The deafening chant of “F*** The Industry” is just one of his audible calling cards. Some people are unable to see past his painted face and sometimes-spiked crimson coif; however, others welcome his darkness. With his absolute diversity comes a greater perspective. There’s no manufactured pretense in this MC’s persona. If he’s in his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri or if he’s abroad, this autobiographical lyricist is always approachable.

 

      AllHipHop.com is granted special access to the undulating thoughts of Tech N9ne. The self-made wordsmith discusses everything from earning his platinum status, to becoming Hip-Hop President to signing Brotha Lynch Hung. Tech N9ne isn’t defying boundaries, he is opening eyes that have been blinded by the light. This afflicted angle demonstrates how one may go from the darkness to the light.

 

AllHipHop.com:  Your popularity has grown over the years, in September of ’08 you became the first ever indie artist to earn platinum status, to what do you contribute this feat?

 

Tech N9ne: I don’t know, mama. I think that we have a lot more work to do. Travis [O’Guinn, business partner] called me and said that we did that. I was cool. I was happy with it; but, it let me know that we have a lot more people to infect. We have to infect them because we are independent and we don’t have no videos or no radio. For that to happen it’s a wonderful thing.

 

The fact that we’re touring so much and we’re keeping it global. Day by day, tour by tour, year by year is why that happened… I’m spreading like a plague, baby. I’m just trying to get down these motherf***ers throat; because, they talk so much s*** about me— about me being a devil worshiper and all that. I’m an angel, you know what I mean— this album is the one that’s going to say f*** you, that you felt that I was a devil worshiper…  I don’t give a f*** what n****s think about me; and I said that … This is going to be the one. The fact that they we sold a million doesn’t matter; we have to sell a million more. This is the first time that we got international distribution, all over the world, n***a, on this album—it’s about to be murder!

 

AllHipHop.com:  K.O.D. [King of Darkness] is out. How do you challenge yourself to exercise your creativity with each new project?

 

Tech N9ne: Every album keeps getting better and better to me, lyrically.  I challenge myself daily. Sometimes I’ll write a word, like, before I start to rhyme it. If I say something like—“Man, I feel it, I can’t shake it/indicates my space is a basement/ I can’t erase my abrasive encasement…” The first thing I say is, “I can’t shake it…”; then I know that I can rhyme that, “…it indicates that my space is a basement…”; I know that I can work around, “my space is a basement…”; then out of nowhere, something will come up like, “I can’t earse my abrasive encasement”… you know what I’m saying?“I’m chasing matrix, appetite’s not complacent…”; where the f*** that come from? I just sit there. I’ll rhyme a word and then I’ll rhyme a rhyme. Then all of a sudden they’ll just all come out; like, beautiful f***ing rhymes. I challenge myself every time.

 

 AllHipHop.com: The music business is inundated with affiliations and politics; why should you be elected as Hip-Hop’s president?

 

Tech N9ne: Because, just think of it like this, I’m the number one independent artist in the world; just imagine if I was on TV and radio like the rest of these n****s, what else would I be number one at? I don’t give a f*** how weird I am, I don’t give a f*** that I paint my face, or nothing. I love Hip-Hop. So, just imagine if I wasn’t just grinding on the streets; because, that’s all we do. That’s how we became, number one, independent. We just do what we do, we don’t even dabble in radio or video…

 

That’s real. If we started doing Tech N9ne like they do Lil Wayne, like they do Jay-Z, like they do all these other n****s, like they do T.I., just think of what I would be number one at. I already know that I can run for Hip-Hop president and wreck it; because of my charisma, because of my skill, because of my brain, because of my heart, my soul. I give it all. I think that that deserves the highest point of appreciation from the fans. I give it all; and not being closed-up or boxed in with my lyrics.

“Show Me A God”

 

AllHipHop.com:  Would you thrive in this office? What rap laws would you abolish or repeal?

 

Tech N9ne:  I don’t really know, man. I think that all’s fair in love and war. A lot of n****s be hating, just because I don’t rap how they rap… I can be in the club and say, “Hop up out the bed, get my swag on/ take a look in the mirror/ say what’s up/ yeah, I get money/Oh!” Come on, man. I can say that and have a good time. You’re there to dance. A lot of these n****s hate ‘Nah, that ain’t real Hip-Hop, nah that ain’t real Hip-Hop. That n**** is mesing it up.’ Shut up, get your money! Leave that man alone; that’s young money. I wouldn’t abolish nothing. Maybe I would abolish n****s wearing these tight ass pants, that’s about it.

 

AllHipHop.com:  [laughs] So, lemme find out Tech doesn’t wear them d*** print jeans.

 

Tech N9ne: Hell nah! I would abolish these n****s wearing these tight ass pants. But, these are kids, most of all. So, if that’s the style with the kids then we’ll laugh from afar. You know that song, “Teach Me How To Jerk” [by the New Boyz]  is dope as a motherf***er… Them n****s are taking it to the floor and s***. I don’t know how they hit the floor with them tight ass jeans on…  But if I were to abolish anything, being Hip-Hop president, I would have them take them gaddam tight ass jeans off they ass and put them back on they woman.

 

 AllHipHop.com:  It’s been 10 years since you partnered with Travis O’Guinn to create your imprint, Strange Music. The roster is growing; how would you describe the feeling you got once you had the ability to offer, Brotha Lynch Hung, a deal?

 

Tech N9ne: They see what we’ve been doing since we’ve started. Brotha Lynch been a beast for years. When he came out with 24 Deep I was a fan. I got real cool with him when I was touring the Midwest area. They’ve seen me come from nothing to something. So, it’s like, why wouldn’t they? When I offered them a deal, we were like this is what we can do, this is what we got—this s*** is wonderful, roll with us, n****.  Why wouldn’t they, when everybody else is on the decline, and we’re on the incline.

 “They talk so much s*** about me— about me being a devil worshiper and all that. I’m an angel, you know what I mean— this album is the one that’s going to say f*** you, that you felt that I was a devil worshiper.”

-Tech N9ne

AllHipHop.com:  Is there a release date for Lynch’s Dinner and a Movie?

 

Tech N9ne: There was a release date, it was going to be the same date as K.O.D; but he’s been working—and whatever it takes to get that music out, I don’t give a f***. That second single, hardcore, baby. He’s so f***ing talented, lyrically, you know what I’m saying?  That n**** is dope! That motherf***er is murderous. This n**** is insane; but, in a beautiful way.

 

AllHipHop.com: When I first started hearing about you I assumed you were from The Bay. It seems like I always heard you on tracks with Northern Cali artists. Are you still a member of The Regime and are y’all still working on music?

 

Tech N9ne:  Forever, I will be a member of The Regime, all hail the Colonel, motherf***ing Yukmouth. Yeah, whenever Yukmouth hits me up and say, ‘Ay, I need like two of them.’ When ever he calls me it’s on and cracking. I don’t give a f*** what I’m doing; that’s my brother. Man, he put me on back then—and didn’t have to; because, he loved my talent. He a real n****!

 

AllHipHop.com:  Let’s go back to Anghellic, On “Cursed,” you mentioned Tupac. Did you have the opportunity to work with him before he passed?

 

Tech N9ne: Not before he passed; we were planning to work while he was here. QD3 did my music and he did Pac’s music. He did “To Live & Die in L.A.” QD3, Quincy Jones the third; yadada, we were planning to do a song together—then he passed. A couple of months after he passed, QD3 said, ‘Ay man, do you still want to do that song with Pac?’ I’m like, “What do you mean?” He was like, ‘” left a verse open for you on this one song.” I’m like, Sure. And he sent it to me and I did it. 

 

“Thugs Get Lonely Too,” [I’m on] the first one, on Makaveli 5, “thugs get lonely too/ thugs get lonely too/ it don’t matter what you do/ thugs get lonely too…” It was the very first one, not the one that Eminem remixed, with Nate Dogg and them, not that one. They took my verse off that one. Yeah, the s***’s off the hinges; I’m honored.