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eLZhi: The Preface

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

 

Arguably one of the most underrated lyricists around, eLZhi drops his first official solo album The Preface (Barak Records). Most known as a member of the influential Detroit faction Slum Village, the microphone was passed on to eLZhi as Jay Dee made his departure from the group. Now with his solo release on deck, eLZhi is prepared to become a household name.The album is not packed with the popular club or ring tone ready tracks, which makes it a nice break from today’s monotony. The lyrical force that was shown in eLZhi’s verse on the late J Dilla’s “Come Get It” from Welcome To Detroit, is also seen in tracks like “The Leak” featuring Ayah and “Guessing Game”. The latter keeps you on your toes as the go-go inspired track takes a double syllable word and splits it in two, giving it an entirely new meaning.

 

On “Brag Swag” he asserts himself as an MC and doesn’t hesitate to boast about his accomplishments. Additionally the organ heavy “Colors” offers a lesson on how different colors correlate to everyday happenings. “Fire” features appearances by Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, Fatt Father, Danny Brown and Fat Ray with each entity dousing fuel on the track lending itself to an old school Wu-Tang clan vibe.

 

“D.E.M.O.N.S.” earns a nomination as one of the standout tracks as it showcases eLZhi’s word play versatility. He gives several different meanings for the record’s acronym (Deceitful Elections Monitor Our Nations; Devils Effecting Music Out Now on your Stations; Dysfunctional Education Malfunctions Oppress Negroes, etc.) over seemingly muffled horns and stout drums.Sonically the album is produced almost entirely by Black Milk which makes this effort transparent. Many of the beats tend to flow into each other; at times it’s as you’re listening to one extended track. “The Science” is the only other track cooked up by a different producer: DJ Res. While street oriented Hip-Hop tends to get more notice, the separate but equal ideology still stands with in regards to The Preface. Aside from many of the beats on the album sounding similar to the next, eLZhi’s verses still shines through. Dilla would be proud.

 

eLZhi

“Brag Swag”

 

eLZhi

“D.E.M.O.N.S.”

 

Lil Wayne’s Reps Say Tax Bill Resolved

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

Rapper Lil’ Wayne has resolved two major obligations in a growing list of financial woes that have come to light in recent months.

 

Following report by the Miami Herald yesterday (Aug 13) that the IRS a $977,840.91 tax lien against Hip-Hop superstar, his manager assures AllHipHop.com that the debt has been taken care of.

 

The lien, which was filed in Miami-Dade County on May 6, stems from obligations accumulated by Wayne as a teenager, his manager Cortez Bryant explains.

 

“If they do their research, they’ll find out that this was a situation from when Wayne was young, before he had management and accountants to make sure his business was handled properly,” Bryant told AllHipHop.com. “Once we came into the picture, we tried to review all of the records from the label and make sure that everything had been taken care of. But some of the documents were lost.”

 

Unable to determine what tax debts had or had not in fact been paid, Wayne, under the advisement of his management, paid the full balance owed to the IRS.

 

At this time, however, a release of lien has not been recorded with Miami-Dade County, the Herald reported.

 

Still, both Bryant and Wayne’s attorney Ron Sweeney insist that the debt has been resolved. In related news, a Miami-Dade Circuit Judge recently ruled against Wayne, born Dwayne Carter, in a lawsuit filed by New Orleans jeweler Jack Sutton.

 

According to testimony offered in court, the 25-year-old rapper purchased a $138,000 diamond ring and a $32,000 gold-and-diamond necklace from Jack Sutton Fine Jewlery in October 2006.

 

Wayne was to have paid for the jewelry in monthly installments, but only sent one payment of $24,000 shortly after the purchase.

 

Sutton filed a suit in October last year, of which Wayne was notified in June.

 

Per Judge Scott Silverman, Weezy has been order to pay Sutton $146,000, with the total accruing interest at an 11% annual rate.

 

Sutton’s attorney Richard Wolfe tells the Herald that he expects a payment as early as this week, but that the matter may be resolved simply by Wayne returning the jewelry.

EXCLUSIVE: Diamond Inks Multilayer Deal With Warner Bros

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

Former Crime Mob member Diamond has inked a new deal with Warner Bros Records that will place the Atlanta rapper in a number of endorsement, TV and film opportunities, to set up her debut solo album in 2009.

 

In addition to her new deal, Diamond has secured new management in Bryan Leach of Polo Grounds Music, as well as Amy Johnson and Keke Smith of Cookies & Milk.

 

“I’m so excited about my new solo deal with Warner, it’s been a long time coming,” Diamond told AllHipHop.com in a statement. “It’s important for me to give my fans the Diamond they already know, but to also give them something new from me.”

 

According to Diamond, she hopes to work with artists like Timbaland, T-Pain and others on the new album.

 

“Diamond is an incredible talent,” said Kevin Black, Head of Urban Music at Warner Bros. “She has what it takes to succeed not just in the rap game, but all areas of the entertainment business.”

 

No release date was available for Diamond’s upcoming album.

Gym Class Heroes, The Roots Tour For Charity

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

The Gym Class Heroes are getting ready to embark on the first tour supporting their forthcoming album The Quilt, with some heavy duty Hip-Hop support.

 

The Gym Class Heroes, known for collaborating and touring with rock groups like Fall Out Boy, have teamed with The Roots to co-headline a North American Tour this fall.

 

The tour will kick off in Baltimore, Maryland on October 3 and will complete a cross-continental run, before returning to the East Coast for the last show in Albany, New York on November 1.

 

The two groups, both known for innovative live performances, will be joined by British R&B sensation Estelle.

 

The Roots, who have been touring continuously since the April release of their eighth studio album Rising Down, will be present for all but one of the tour’s 20 stops, missing the Houston, Texas show on October 10.

 

The new tour will also serve as a fundraising effort for youth organizations in The Roots’ and Gym Class Heroes’ respective hometowns.

 

One dollar from the sale of each ticket will be donated to The Boys and Girls Club of Geneva, New York and the Triple Threat Foundation, a Philadelphia based organization that provides resources for inner city kids through academic support, life coaching and mentor services and a structured basketball program.

 

Tickets go on sale to the general public starting tomorrow (August 15).

 

The decidedly urban vibe of the tour is reflective of the direction of The Quilt, which features production from Cool & Dre and The Dream, who contributed the album’s first single “Cookie Jar.”

 

The second single “Peace Sign/Index Down” features an appearance by Busta Rhymes.

Bill Passes In Response To Death Of Dr. Donda West

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

The death of rap superstar Kanye West’s mother has prompted the approval of a new bill requiring hospital patients to take a physical exam, before having elective cosmetic surgery.

 

The LA Times reports the California Senate passed the requirement on Wednesday (August 13) with a vote of 37 to 1.

 

According to Sen. Mark Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles), the measure, known as AB 2968, was in response to Donda West’s passing.

 

The former educator/author died last year from complications related to cosmetic surgery.

 

Earlier this year, Donda West’s niece, Yolanda Anderson, and California state Assemblywoman Wilmer Amina Carter (D-Rialto) introduced AB 2968 into the state’s legislature.

 

For Ridley-Thomas, the tragedy comes as a wake-up call for patients and their families to take steps to ensure a safe medical experience.

 

“Many of us are concerned about the quality of care extended to those who receive elective surgery,” the senator told the Times.

 

Donda West’s family believes that coronary artery disease would have been discovered with a physical exam.

 

A coroners report found that heart disease and clogged arteries also played a role in the scholar’s death.

 

Since West’s death, lawmakers and physicians around the country have lobbied for more restrictions for patients undergoing cosmetic surgery.

Asheru: Education, MCing & The Boondocks…

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

Gabriel Benn a.k.a. Asheru is perhaps best known for creating the theme song to The Boondocks, the irreverent comic strip turned animated series on Cartoon Network. But few are aware that this founding member of the underground Hip-Hop duo The Unspoken Heard has been working for over a decade, as a public school teacher and administrator in Washington D.C. During this time he developed the Hip-Hop Educational Literacy Program (H.E.L.P.), an innovative curriculum that uses Hip-Hop to engage young people in the classroom. AllHipHop.com caught up with Asheru, and he schooled us on the topic of Hip-Hop education.AllHipHop.com: How long have you been teaching?Asheru: I’ve been teaching since I came out with my first project, the Unspoken Heard joint. That was eleven years ago. But I haven’t taught in the classroom for a minute. I’ve been an administrator for the last two or three years, but I still go out to the juvies and the afterschool programs, and I still have groups of kids that I work with, mentor, and teach. A lot of these kids in there can’t read man. I go in there and try to show them that reading is a matter of life and death. You know what I mean? Many of them are eighteen and nineteen years old but they’re reading at a second grade level.  AllHipHop.com: Do you see any connections between your work as an MC and your work as an educator?Asheru: I look at education as the fifth element of Hip-Hop. I’m pushing for that. From my era Hip-Hop taught me everything. Literally. A Tribe Called Quest taught me how to be myself and not give a f**k what other people thought. So did De La. The whole Native Tongues really. Rakim taught me about Islam and the Five Percenters. Poor Righteous Teachers taught me about that. X-Clan taught me about Egyptian studies. All the s**t that I ended up reading in college was because when I was twelve and thirteen I was bumpin’ X-Clan. P.E. taught me about Black Nationalism and how to be a man. Big Daddy Kane taught me how to be a man. How to not be no sucka, basically.AllHipHop.com: Have your MC skills helped you to become a better teacher?Asheru: I’ve always said that teaching is just like rocking a show. The kids got they hands up. You got them engaged. You call out some s**t, they call some s**t back. Let me here you say hooo. It’s all connected. If you a good teacher your classroom is poppin. And I feel like the dopest MCs are natural born teachers. Revolution – AsheruAllHipHop.com: How can you implement a concept like education as the fifth element of Hip-Hop?Asheru: One way that I’m pushing for it is by dissecting it. Reading between the lines and using the art form as a jump-off point for critical analysis. I don’t want to stand there and just tell a kid that Soulja Boy is wack, because I’m 33 and you’re 13. We’re 20 years apart so of course we’re not going to agree. I understand that. But if I were to show you an alternative and then explain what my critique is, it doesn’t matter whether we agree or not. I was able to analyze my opinion of what this s**t is. I want to see our kids do more of that. I feel like are kids are just like ,“Oh that’s hot”. Or “That’s garbage” but never explain why. They never say “well I don’t like that because X, Y, and Z.”

“I look at education as the fifth element of Hip-Hop. I’m pushing for that. From my era Hip-Hop taught me everything. Literally.”

AllHipHop.com: So how did the Hip-Hop Educational Literacy Program come about? Asheru: I was teaching in the special education environment. Special ed is just like jail. It was about 98% black and about 90% male. These young brothers were just in there with no direction no guidance causing problems in school because of their insecurity around not being able to read. But I noticed that they knew all of these songs by heart and they up on everything that we up on, but just had a different way of gathering information. So I wanted to create some high interest material for low-level readers. I felt like Hip-Hop was the answer. We took songs that had some social relevance and good vocabulary usage. Songs that had a classic feel that won’t get old when the songs get old. And we just started creating the books. Right now we have about 10 titles available with everybody from Rakim to Ghostface, Kanye, Nas and the kids who are using it are really responding and the teachers are loving it. AllHipHop.com: I’m sure that when a lot of people think of Hip-Hop, classroom education is the last thing on their mind. What has been the response to H.E.L.P. from teachers and school administrators?Asheru: Yeah, initially there was a lot of resistance. But once they pick it up and actually look through it and realize that it meets national standards. They’re like “Ohh, ok, I understand.” Now we’re in D.C., we’re in Florida, Oakland, Georgia, Texas, we’re talking right now to Chicago public schools which I’m really excited about. I have a huge presentation coming up in Cleveland. I’m loving it man.

“AllHipHop.com: Has any rapper taken an extra step to support this project?Asheru: None. Nobody. And I’m amazed by that. It’s free marketing for their music. I’m putting them beside people like Langston Hughes, like Chaucer. Canonizing their words. But they don’t see the value in that.”

AllHipHop.com: What about the Hip-Hop community? How has the response been from the rappers?Asheru: I mean, everybody’s like “yo, that’s hot. It’s for the kids, word.” But it doesn’t turn into anything.  We chased down Nas to get his permission to reprint his lyrics in the book. But what we found out is that it’s not even up to Nas whether we reprint his lyrics or not. We have to call his publishing company, and ask his permission to reprint the lyrics. I hate to think that we could do it without the artists, but that’s the way Hip-Hop is right now. AllHipHop.com: Has any rapper taken an extra step to support this project?Asheru: None. Nobody. And I’m amazed by that. It’s free marketing for their music. I’m putting them beside people like Langston Hughes, like Chaucer. Canonizing their words. But they don’t see the value in that. To me it seems easy. All they gotta do is show up. If anything comes from this interview, I want it to be more attention from the artists. AllHipHop.com: Tell me about your Peabody award.Asheru: You know I wrote a lot of [stuff] for The Boondocks TV Show. I wrote about four or five songs for the series but I co-wrote the Martin Luther King episode. I wrote the speech that he gives at the end [Starts reciting the speech like a verse]. I wrote it as a song first, then Aaron [McGruder] took the lyrics and made it into King’s speech. AllHipHop.com: That’s a prestigious international award. You’re the first rapper ever to win that. Asheru: Yeah. Yeah. But I’m the tree that falls in the forest, that nobody hears [laughs]. It’s a big deal. Spike Lee won that same year for When The Levees Broke. Ed Bradley won that year. And Aaron was the first cartoonist ever to win. It was a big deal. AllHipHop.com: A lot of people got really upset over that episode. Asheru: Yeah, Al Sharpton was p#####. He said we desecrated the legacy of Martin Luther King. But yeah it was a great accomplishment and was happy to be a part of it.  AllHipHop.com: So what’s next for Asheru on the musical front?Asheru: Yeah about four months ago I put out the 3 Stars, 2 Bars EP. We got Phonte, J-Live, Oddissee on it. And I’m working on a project now with my band The ELs. All of the members of the band are dope producers in they own right. I’m rockin the mic. Then we got Zo! on the keys, my man Omar Retnuh on the bass/guitar, and Slimkat on the MPC. And it’s off the muthaf**kin chain.

MOVIE REVIEW: Tropic Thunder

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

The new kings of comedy

have made their impact felt and for the old dogs in the game, namely

Ben Stiller, his smart-alecky comedic attempt to reclaim the crown, Tropic Thunder, undeniably provokes a few laughs, but mainly one that comes after a nervous cough. The

star-studded farce makes every effort to be outrageous and

controversial (see the blackfaced Robert Downey, Jr. below), as it

pokes fun at Hollywood and its stereotype of self-indulged, spoiled

drug-abusing thespians. But in Tropic Thunder, Stiller and

Jack Black find themselves outshined by Iron Man in a pretty startling

and out-there role as Australian Academy Award winner Kirk Lazarus.The plot is simple as it is a parody of shining stars and their faults.

The gags are exaggerated to prove such a point. Black’s comedic timing

does little to save him as Jeff “Fats” Portnoy, a

funnyman-turned-druggie. Black’s usually spastic antics are co-signed

by the fact that he’s such a physical character. In Tropic Thunder, though, Black lacks that same punch that he’s known for in solo turns in films like School of Rock and Nacho Libre.Think of Tropic Thunder as a Rambo-ized version of Zoolander,

but without the gut-busting laughs and cathchphrases. Stiller’s

co-writers, Justin Theroux and Ethan Cohen, pen a nutty tone with each

character a stereotype of some sort. If Jack Black is the king of

flactulence, Robert Downey, Jr. is the Oscar darling, Brandon T.

Jackson plays the seriously-delusional-aspiring hip-hop guy du jour,

Alpa Chino. Stiller saves himself best for last as the action-adventure

superstar Tugg Speedman…To read the rest of the review, click here

Mike Jones Apologizes For Fight At Ozone Awards

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

Houston rapper Mike Jones has officially apologized for his role in a fist fight with Trae the Truth during the third annual Ozone Awards, although the chart topping rapper denied responsibility for the incident.

 

“First off before I point any fingers, I personally do want to apologize for the incident that happened at the Ozone Awards. I hope you all don’t get the wrong impression of me or my city,” Jones explained. “The incident that I was put in was totally unexpected and totally unprofessional. If I knew this was going to happen at a big event such as the Ozone Awards, first, I would not have brought my mother and second, I would have done everything in my power to prevent it”

 

At the pre-show, Jones was accosted backstage by Trae the Truth.

 

After unspecified words were exchanged, Trae suddenly punched Jones in the face and left him with a bloody nose before the altercation was broken up.

 

The incident is allegedly over Trae taking offense to Jones’ claim of being the “President” of Houston and showing disrespect to other rappers in the city.

 

Jones emphasized that he came to the event without malice and had no desire to embarrass Hip-Hop culture with another violence-marred award show.

 

“Knowing that this event was big, not only for me and other artists but for the city as a whole; I pray and hope that you the people can see and understand me and the unfortunate situation I was put in,” Jones clarified. “I am aware of how big this event was for the city of Houston and the entire Hip-Hop community.

 

Please know that I had no intention of tarnishing this great opportunity, nor the experiences of those who participated in it.”

 

Furthermore, Jones expounded on his intention to put the incident behind him by giving another apology, but stopped short of including rival Trae the Truth in his contrite words.

 

“I apologize once again for everything that happened but I cannot apologize for having to defend myself from someone bringing unexpected or un-called violence to me and my family at any time,” Jones reasoned. “I appreciate your support and understanding.”

 

Mike Jones’ breakthrough sophomore album Who Is Mike Jones? (2005) peaked at number 3 on Billboard’s Top 200 and is certified platinum.

 

He is currently working on his third LP The Voice of the Streets, which features appearances from Lil Wayne, T-Pain, Twista, and Hurricane Chris.

 

The second single “Cutty Buddy” is available now through iTunes download.

Chris Brown talks Rihanna, his career, and his spot in the gossip columns

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

Chris Brown has been the center of attention for everything but his music lately (with the exception of penning Rihanna’s latest single “Disturbia”). Be it his dancing, cuddling with RiRi at KFC, or out-swagging the next male artist, CB has remained a staple in the spotlight – for better or worse. However, we managed to catch up with Chris Brown while doing something not so gossip-worthy… THISDAY, Africa’s leading media source, raises awareness for African issues through its annual star-studded THISDAY Festival. This year’s Festival themed “Africa Rising” focused on finding “sustainable solutions” rather than the “problems” facing Africa. Now in its third year, THISDAY Festival has gone cross continental for the first time with events in Abuja, Lagos, Washington DC, and London.The global festival sets out to project positive images of Africa by showcasing the renaissance of Africa’s music, fashion and the arts alongside global artists. Chris Brown, who was one of the many artists on the THISDAY line up in Lagos, shares his not so vast knowledge of Nigeria, his career, identity, and working with none other than Michael Jackson.AllHipHop.com Alternatives: What made you want to get involved with the Africa Rising Festival; what do you know about Nigeria?Chris Brown: Well I was asked to do it last year, but was busy. They called again this year, and this time I could do it, so here I am. I’m not going to even lie. I don’t know anything about Nigeria. I just know what I do. AHHA: What have you heard about Lagos before you came?Chris Brown: I heard it was hood. I heard it was going to be full of guns and everything, but just like any other place, people have good stories and bad stories and exaggerated stories.

“I ain’t even trying no more. Like honestly, I’m not a groupie type of guy so I’ll wait for his call before I keep calling him. Anyway, he’s harder to get hold of than Jesus.” – on collaborating with MJ

AHHA: How do you define yourself as an African in terms of your descendents?Chris Brown: Well, it’s kind of hard because I’m made up of so many different cultures and races. I’m Native American – like my Grandfather is an Indian chief like you see in the films [makes Native American chief tribal calling gesture] – but my Dad is Black. I haven’t actually looked at my culture and into what tribe I’m actually from, and it’s something I would like to do, but right now at this point I’m busy with my music.AHHA: You wrote Rihanna’s new song “Disturbia.” Is that something you would like to do more of?Chris Brown: I’ve got a three guy writing crew called Graffiti Artists, and so most of the time when we write, we just have fun with it. So whatever type of concepts that we have, we just have fun and try to put it out in record. For obvious reasons it was fun writing “Disturbia.”AHHA: What does “Disturbia” actually mean?Chris Brown: A weird state of mind, that’s what “Disturbia” is. Just kind of-like weird.AHHA: At one point there was talk of you and Michael Jackson collaborating. Whatever happened to that? Is that still in the works?Chris Brown: Hopefully… You know he’s such a difficult person to get hold of, he’s busy and I’m busy. I reached out to him at one point and we spoke about it. So if he wants to do it, then I’m sure he’ll get in touch with my people.I ain’t even trying no more. Like honestly, I’m not a groupie type of guy so I’ll wait for his call before I keep calling him. Anyway, he’s harder to get hold of than Jesus. AHHA: So what about doing collaborations with someone more current like Ne-Yo or Usher?Chris Brown: Yeah that would be incredible. I think we would have fun. That’s definitely a possibility for the future. It would depend on the record and how they would want to do it.

“I think that now he’s given me that lee-way, now that he’s been gone for so long, I think it is time for me to come. At the same time I’ll still welcome him in and still want him to still do great and still do great records.” – on competition with Usher

AHHA: You, Ne-Yo and Rihanna all basically started up at the same time. It must be great that all have become successful…Chris Brown: It’s incredible, especially as we all started so young. For a while it seemed only artists over the age of twenty-three and up were breaking into the industry, and then we all came along. It’s a great thing, especially as even to this day we are all still doing a great job, and this is just the beginning. This is just a steppingstone for what we will achieve in the future.AHHA: R&B has recently taken a more Pop/dance driven route. Will we be seeing you go down that direction?Chris Brown: Most definitely… I am trying to be the next Michael Jackson, hopefully… You will definitely be hearing some more Pop-driven records from me. I want to be the Prince of Pop; I don’t want to say I’m the King. I hopefully can be the Prince.AHHA: Usher put out his album this year. What do you make of his comeback?Chris Brown: I think it’s cool. I think it’s dope. I think there’s still going to be room for me though. I think that now he’s given me that lee-way, now that he’s been gone for so long, I think it is time for me to come. At the same time I’ll still welcome him in and still want him to still do great and still do great records. So me and him are just going to be battling at the top of the charts for those records. AHHA: So who if any do you see as your competition?Chris Brown: Competition…Err, I think everybody is. At the end of the day, I think everybody is going to be competition. Friendly competition though, because everyone will be making a hot record. Everybody always comes with a hot record or dope record that becomes Number 1, so I’m just competing with everybody. But my Number 1 competition is myself.AHHA: Is it hard to deal with all the media interest into your personal life?Chris Brown: Not really. To be honest, I don’t really care. Like my personal life is my personal life. I don’t focus on negative things. I just focus on the positive.

“Like certain people in my fan club or whatever will be like, ‘Oh he’s Hollywood now,’ and this and that. I’m like, ‘No I’m not.’ It’s just that my records are doing well. I’m just a bigger artist.” – on some fans not accepting his success

AHHA: Ok but with the whole media spotlight, having a relationship can often be difficult to keep private. What’s your take on it? Like does it annoy you when people pry into your private life?Chris Brown: Always, always… Regardless if it’s an interview or anywhere… I think private life is called private life; it’s self-explanatory. So it’s supposed to be a private situation, but in this industry you can’t always think that you can have that because people are nosy. People want to get the juice on you; people want to know what’s going on. I find people won’t even ask me about my work or music anymore; it’s just about my private life.AHHA: So do you get bothered about the blogs/internet interest?Chris Brown: I don’t really read them. When I read them it’s just to laugh. I take it as a compliment; I must be important for them to even spend time talking about me. AHHA: Good Attitude. Normally the more famous a person gets, the less normal they feel. How do you stay grounded?Chris Brown: Well not me personally. I feel like the more famous, I get the more I want to show people that that’s not the case and that I’m still the same person. I think the people around you might change a little bit though because they think that you think that you’re bigger. AHHA: Is that what you’ve experienced?Chris Brown: Hmm. I would say to a certain extent, part of my fan base has. Like certain people in my fan club or whatever will be like, “Oh he’s Hollywood now,” and this and that. I’m like, “No I’m not.” It’s just that my records are doing well. I’m just a bigger artist. I’m not saying there’s nothing changed about me, and I’m still doing the same things but I haven’t changed as a person.AHHA: You were a part of the Jay-Z/Roc-A-Wear clothing “I Will Not Lose” campaign. How did that come about?Chris Brown: I was asked to be a part of the campaign before doing my US tour. They worked with us on our tour; sending over merchandise and other bits so we had a working relationship. I think it was a good campaign to be a part of – not just because of the various other celebrities involved, but just because of the message behind it.

“I think private life is called private life; it’s self-explanatory. So it’s supposed to be a private situation, but in this industry you can’t always think that you can have that because people are nosy.” – on his love life

AHHA: What is your relationship like with Jay-Z?Chris Brown: If I see him, I say what up. I have a cordial relationship with him. We haven’t got any real friendship or anything. Like we have never hung out or anything. AHHA: Do you have any other fashion endorsements?Chris Brown: Some of the deals I will be doing are being negotiated right now and because I’m a businessman, so I’m not going to say yet. [laughs]AHHA: Who are you’re favorite designers?Chris Brown: Certain people make different things. I like the fit of Levi’s jeans and I wear more skinny jeans like skateboarder jeans. Sneakers are always Nike, Adidas, Jordans. Designer-wise I like Dolce, Gucci, Luis Vuitton, everything. AHHA: Is it true you support Barack Obama?Chris Brown: I have met Obama, and I think he’s a great person, but I don’t get into politics.AHHA: Fair enough. So music wise are you working on a new album?Chris Brown: Yeah we started on the new album maybe like – s**t when was it – we started on the new album maybe November-ish. Like I been starting on writing some stuff, but we haven’t really started all the way. AHHA: So finally what does the future hold for Chris Brown?Chris Brown: In the future, a little bit of everything. More albums, more films, more video directing, touring, writing, fashion…everything. Expect a little bit of everything. As much as possible…and just having fun.

Rapper Jody Breeze Held On Parole Violation

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

Jody Breeze, one fourth of Atlanta-based Block Entertainment/Bad Boy Records group Boyz N Da Hood, is currently being held in a Georgia jail cell, awaiting a hearing on charges of probation violation, the rapper’s lawyer has confirmed to AllHipHop.com.

 

Attorney Shawn McAllister told AllHipHop.com that Breeze, born Jacoby White, was arrested last Friday (August 8) after being caught driving in an HOV Lane.

 

The stop also uncovered a pending violation of probation warrant for the 24-year-old rapper, who was immediately taken into custody.

 

In a court appearance on Monday (August 11), he pled guilty to the traffic violation and was sentenced to time served.

 

While McAllister would not provide details on his client’s whereabouts, a source within Block Entertainment reveals Breeze is being detained near Valdosta, Georgia, approximately three hours south of Atlanta.

Hip-Hop Rumors: The Game: “I Will Tear Jay-Z Limb By Limb By Bloody Limb.”

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

DISCLAIMER:

All content within this section is pure rumor and generally have no factual info outside of what the streets have whispered in our ear. Read on.

TODAY’S RUMORS!

THE GAME SAYS HE WILL TEAR JAY-Z “LIMB BY LIMB BY BLOODY LIMB”

I saw a lot of chit chat yesterday about how I was just starting stuff with the Jay-Z and Game (read that stuff here) . Wow. Jay once said, “Do you fools listen to music or do you just skim through it?” Well, I have collected the data and here are my findings.

“I think that Jay is iconic. The bottom line is I’m disrespectful. It will get ugly.”

Keep reading. The Game said that he wants to take his album back to the production plant and address the suicide comment.

To hear to the whole beef situation with Jay-Z, click here to listen to it. The Game says he will tear Jay-Z “limb by limb by bloody limb.”

WOWWWWWWWWWW!

Personally, I like both of these dudes! The only thing I would say is that The Game doesn’t need to talk about the West Coast and bringing the coast in. We gotta keep it Hip-Hop and he’s a student of the game. On the flip side, I don’t think Jay-Z needs to mess with this. It could be like Clubber Lang vs Apollo Creed or something! (Apollo wasn’t a “has been” either – he was a legend!)

The Game said, “I’m young and I’m stupid.” He’s got that right – the young and stupid part. I just want to be best friends with Jay and this dude is declaring war!

Just listen, but Game had a really huge “pause” at the end. Anyway…

Shout out to the big homey Chino from 104-7 KISS FM – Phoenix!

DIDDY’S GOT A NEW ALBUM

First Diddy is out in London looking for a new house, but not I am hearing the Bad Boy is now looking to do something else. I hear he is now out in Los Angeles and has commenced to record his sophomore album. People slept on his last CD, but I didn’t. That’s word to Keyshia Cole. You already know, Jay-Z is working on his new CD, but I will give you the 411 on it when I get more.

TRAE VS MIKE JONES PART 2

You know Trae’s not having it. Mike’s not having it. You saw the video where Mike Jones is talking about its going to be on the next time he sees Trae. Well, he just might get his wish from what I hear. On the 16th of August, there is going to be a benefit concert for a lil’ girl that died in a car crash earlier this year. Well, from what I understand, Trae and Mike Jones will be there to pay homage to the young girl – supposedly. Well, we all can hope and pray that these dudes do indeed chill if they both come to the event. Check out the 1st Annual Kingwood Summer Jam and in Kingwood’s Town Center. $25 at the door. I heard Paul Wall, Lil KeKe, Slim Thug,Trae, Mike Jones, Kiotti and others are going to be there. H-Town stand up in the name of PEACE!

SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END!

I am hearing some sad news. Hillary Clinton is rumored to be plotting Barack Obama’s downfall right NOW. That’s right. According to recent intel, she hasn’t been satisfied with the American electoral process nor can she accept defeat at the hands of a ______ (you fill in the blank). So, according to rumor, she is planning to upstage Barack at the DNC (Democratic National Convention) so that she can set the stage for her run in 2012. She has no chance now, but she feels that if Barack wins now, he’ll be in office for at least eight years. If McCain wins – one way or another – he’ll be gone by 2012. Then she’ll be in prime position to win. Damn, let me upstage ya? And they call Hip-Hop a dirty art…hope this is false, but I believe it to be true.

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

If you know anything, you will look at this dedication to Bernie Mac that Larry King put on. What a classy move by Larry King. Click here to see all 5 parts.

I heard Michael “5000” Watts and comic DeRay really helped with crowd control at the Ozone Awards when things appeared to get way out of hand. Props to them.

I know The Game ruled out being in Westside Connection, but Ice Cube isn’t exactly shooting it down – I heard. Comptons’s Most Wanted on BWS? Click here, fool!

I heard this rumor that a West Coast rapper that sounds like a certain deceased legend has had his home foreclosed on him. This damn economy is killing us!According to my homey BlogXilla, Kanye and NO ID (his mentor) will produce all of Jay-Z’s CD, Blueprint 3.

Oh yeah – to Naughty By Nature, I would like to say that I’m sorry about the rumors! I heard they are not so happy about the rumors about them. Hey, I corrected them all and announced what Lady Drama is about to announce last month! Take it away, L.D. Hip-Hop Hooooraaaaayyyyy, Hoooooooo, Heyyyyyyyy!

RANDOM QUOTES ABOUT ISAAC

DJ DRAMA talks to AllHipHop.com about Isaac Hayes:

“It was devastating enough to lose Bernie Mac the day before, Isaac Hayes being a legend that he is has effected all genres of music, he has done in so many albums and he’s been sampled so many times in Hip-Hop. To lose almost a founding father in Hip-Hop, I’m thankful for his music, he has such a massive amount of music that will last generations and his legacy will live on in his music.”

Here is a random quote about the deaths of Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes from Steve Harvey:

“I don’t know what God is trying to say with this one.”

LADY DRAMA – GET ‘EM GIRL!

Lady Drama complies the news, views and drama right here!

Vh1 announces its Hip-Hop honorees! Finally something I can get with!

On this years list for honorees Vh1 has decided to honor Naughty By Nature, Slick Rick , Too Short, De La Soul and Cypress Hill. All of whom I feel are much deserving! A press release states that this years host will be Tracy Morgan and will give viewers a chance to step back and reminisce on a time when hip hop music began to make its greatest impact on American pop culture. This years show will premiere on Tuesday, October 7 at 10PM. I’m looking forward to who will pay homage on the stage, cause I love me some Naughty By Nature… what can I say I’m a jersey girl 😉

Kanye gets FAT!

Looks like Diddy and Jay Z aren’t the only entertainers getting into the food game! Kanye West is scheduled to open 10 Fatburger Chains in his hometown of Chicago! The mega food chains will be under Kanyes new food company KW Foods, LLC. A company which Kanye plans to branch out into potential for future higher end restaurants as well and other branded “Kanye West” food products. Look out for the first Chi Town Fatburger in Orland Park around September and a following opening in the Beverly Area around January! Cant knock your hustle Kanye, I like the way you think! Although with K West being the trendsetter he is I was expecting him to come up with his own fast food joint!

Jay Z’s new cash cow!

Jay Z has tapped into a new cash venture, this time it has to do with his Vegas 40/40club read below via NY Post:

JAY-Z is about to get richer. Las Vegas spies said the hip-hop mogul’s in talks with the Las Vegas Sands Corp. – owners of the Venetian and the Palazzo – to sell them a 50 percent stake in his sports club, 40/40, for $44 million. An insider added, “That will make the 40/40 club in Vegas the largest sports booking operation. People can gamble both at the tables and on games. The Sands will also have the right to open 40/40 clubs in London and across Europe.”

This man should give someone else a chance to break change! Damn!

Lisa Raye steps her game up… Bout damn time!

Lisa has had a change of heart and some common sense! Her and her husband are calling it quits! Peep this via eurwueb:

On the heels of infidelity accusations leveled by actress LisaRaye against her husband, Turks & Caicos Premier Michael Misick, he announced late Tuesday that their marriage is over and done. “I am announcing that I am separated from LisaRaye McCoy-Misick,” Premier Misick said in a statement. “I am committed to dissolving the marriage amicably. I believe that this is a private matter and will have no further comments. I hope that our privacy will be respected.”

The separation follows recent rumors that Misick was cheating with BET on-air personality Rocsi, who was said to be holding court in the mansion while LisaRaye was in the U.S. last week. A publicist for the actress sent out a press release about the alleged infidelity. Misick has also been accused of raping a woman who was described as an American friend of LisaRaye.

I thought he was gay anyway! Bout time they faced the music! But where does this leave Rocsi?

F**k The Olympics, Diddy says he should win a gold medal for……..

Leave it to Diddy to big himself up for something pertaining to sex! Mr. D-I-D-D-Y says he should get a gold medal for sexing chicks! Read this folly below via US Weekly:

If Diddy were in the Olympics, what sport would he win a gold medal in? “Who could have sex the longest,” he tells New York magazine. “I think that’s an event I can do well in. And probably who could stay up the longest.” He adds, “Just so you know, that’s supposed to be funny. Even though I am serious.” Who would he compete against? He tells the magazine: “Whoever’s up for the challenge.”

hmmm…. Interesting… Does that include ANYONE? Emphasis on ANYONE!

Lady Dramas Food For Thought:

I wonder what costs more paying Lil Kim to do Playboy, or photoshopping the hell outta her photo to make it worth while?

With Lisa Raye up for grabs, whose next up to bat?

Tyra has a Tranny on her new season of Americas Next Top Model….. Is this the new trend now? First Diddy now Tyra… whos next?

Go hard or go home b****s!

SHELZ’S RUMORS (AND BOY ARE THEY SAD)

Expect Another Arrest…..Damn.

So DMX was scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday in Arizona for one of his many arrests (I really don’t know which one. I can’t keep up.) He didn’t show up and now we know why. X’s Public Defender told MTV that DMX has been hospitalized in Miami. He informed the court of the hospitalization, but the warrant was issued anyway because the court believes X’s no-show pattern requires they issue the bench warrant. X’s attorney, Charles Konzelka, would not confirm what X is in the hospital for and he wouldn’t say if the stay was rehab related. However, he did say that the folks who surround X are attempting to get him some help for his substance abuse issue and he would like the court to acknowledge that. But so far, no cigar. When Kozelka was asked why X needs a Public Defender, he simply stated X has some issues.

Crackhouse Disses Alicia Keys? Stop.

Winehouse is so unhappy about getting passed over for the James Bond gig, she’s flying the beehive at half mast. And not only is she in some sort of alcohol induced mourning, she is also taking shots at Alicia Keys for being assigned the coveted job. She told the good folks over at New Mag that the producers of the film should have waited on her. But they chose to take the route of clean cut and boring following her well publicized ish smoking episode. Anyway, she has decided to retaliate and release a James Bond-ish single of her own and she wants to drop it the same day Ms. Keys and Jack White drop theirs. Dastardly plan, huh? I’ll bet Amy is doing the evil villain mustache twist as we speak.

Other Arbitrary Stuff….

Britney Spears mom’s tell all book is about to be released. Are there any famous fams out there who can actually keep it in the fam these days?

B-Real from Cypress Hill got married. I don’t know when, but it was recently. And judging from the wedding pics (lovingly pilfered from Martyr Inc.) it was quite the event. Congrats B.

Wow.

You know that is about all I can say about what I’m about to tell you. Do you remember the story about DMX going to court on identity theft charges? And then after he pleaded not guilty to all charges, he rhymed a little for the news cameras? Well, one more thing happened during that visit that slipped everyone’s mind, including DMX’s. He was scheduled to return to court yesterday. Needless to say, he didn’t go. So there is now a warrant issued for his arrest. Oh and the auction of his Harlem townhouse is supposed to be today too. Wow.

Quest Love Has Disturbing Furry Thing That Needs Resolution?

The ‘fro wars? Hairy beef? Seriously?

OZONE AWARDS COMEDIC OUTTAKES

So, we are still talking about the Ozone Awards. Must be nice, eh? Charlamangne The God of Wendy Williams did three comedic skits that were supposed to get played at the Awards, but they didn’t make it to the screen. Check them out here.

OH YEA – for Charlamagne’s take on what he considers gay rappers, click here….lmao!

For his take on Barack Obama, see below.

STALKERS!

I have no idea how stars deal with a camera in their face everywhere they dwell. Here is B coming out of LAX. I wonder if she will ride on The Game for Jay? No Thuggo.

WHO WOULD WIN? TAKE THE POLL!

THE GAME AND JAY-Z, WE LOVE YOU!

They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!

-illseed

WHO: illseed.com

WHAT: Rumors

WHERE: AllHipHop.com, MySpace.com/TheIllseed

HOW: Send your rumors and ill pics to illseed at [email protected].

– allhiphop rumors

Trae Releases Statement On Mike Jones Fight

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

Houston rapper Trae The Truth has expressed regret for striking fellow neighborhood rapper Mike Jones earlier in the week, but the apology wasn’t directed to his adversary. “I have to take the time out to apologize to the kids, and to anyone who follows and supports my career for what happened at the Ozone Awards this past Monday night,” Trae said in a statement.The two rappers exchanged words prior to the beginning of the show, which took place in downtown Houston. During the melee, Mike Jones, a popular rapper, suffered a bloodied nose. Trae said he wasn’t looking for trouble, but it found him anyway. “I told myself that I was gonna do my best for the new era of the streets not to go through the experiences that I go through in life,” he said of the evening. “For a split second, I almost entertained the little-girl tactics of a person [Mike Jones] who is really irrelevant nowadays.”Trae said it was now time for him to move forward, although he has said sorry for his actions.“Things like this happen in life every day and I do not have the time to entertain this any more. I would like the world to tell Mr. Jones [Mike Jones] that he can thank me later for his split second of fame. Right now, I’ma keep it moving.”

Rapper Pepa, Author Karen Hunter Team For Autobiography

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

Building on the success of last year’s VH1 reality, Sandy “Pepa” Denton has announced Let’s Talk About Pep, her autobiography now set for release through VH1 Books.

 

“This is the real Pepa,” Denton disclosed in a statement to AllHipHop.com. “And this is the memoir of a true pioneer, fighter, survivor, and inspiration to women everywhere.”

 

The tell-all book will chronicle Pepa’s life; from her troubled early years as a victim of child abuse to her adult struggles in marriage (to fellow rap star Treach), divorce, and domestic violence.

 

Salt-n-Pepa’s twenty plus year career is also extensively covered, including previously undisclosed details regarding the trio’s acrimonious split in 2002 and recent reunion through reality television.

 

Salt-n-Pepa formed in 1985 and quickly made a name with a diss entitled “The Show Stopper,” an answer record to Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick’s “The Show.”

 

The following year, their debut album Hot, Cool, and Vicious reached platinum behind the momentum of the classic single “Push It.”

 

The group obtained their highest success with 1993’s Very Necessary, which went 5 times Platinum, powered by the Top 5 Billboard singles “Whatta Man,” and “Shoop.”

 

Let’s Talk About Pep was written in conjunction with New York Times bestselling author Karen Hunter, who has also assisted LL Cool J, Wendy Williams, and Queen Latifah with their biographies.

 

The book’s forward and epilogue will be handled by Missy Elliott and Queen Latifah respectively.

 

Let’s Talk About Pep is scheduled for release in September.