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The Mind of Macy: Chapter One – Slap a B####

Ladies and gentlemen.Boys and girls.Pimps and hos.My name is Macy Gray. I have decided to re-enter the real world and make my fifth album. It will be the biggest comeback you’ve ever seen. Bigger than the big lies the American government has been telling us for eight years. Not for the money and not for the fame, but friendship. Yes. I miss my fair-weather friends and the only chance I have of being in their company again is to write more hit songs and start getting my picture taken in trendy restaurants with other people who believe themselves to be stars.  My very first contribution to my up and coming super success is a biographical ditty called: “SLAP A B####,” written by Myself, Jared Gosselin and Phillip White – also known as Jared and Whitey. They are also the producers of this song. The great Dave Pensada, mixed and mastered. A quote from the song: “When I was 13, I slapped a b####.”For those of you who download songs for free, I’ve done you one better. I’ve made a video for free and it is one of the most entertaining works of art that you will ever see. A VMA winner for sure. If I don’t get an award for this video, I’m gonna sue. Someone should sue MTV anyway for the false and misleading network name.Anyway, Obama says…yes we can. I say…Boom shaka laka baby. Ladies and gentlemen,Men and women,Winners and losers,Directed by Daniel Park and Daniel Cho of Future Rockstars of America, listen and watch:

Lil Wayne Leads All Artists With Eight Grammy Nods

Lil Wayne has ended a spectacular 2008 with eight Grammy nominations, topping the list of all artists.

 

Rappers Jay-Z and Kanye West scored six nominations each, while Dangermouse, Atlanta rapper T.I. and Chicago’s Lupe Fiasco both landed four nods.

 

Lil Wayne’s Carter III – which is the top selling album of 2008 and moved over a million units its first week in stores – is up for the esteemed Album of The Year award.

 

The rapper will battle albums by Ne-Yo, Robert Plant, Coldplay, Radiohead, Robert Plant and Allison Krause for the title of 2008’s best album.

 

“The Grammy Awards process once again has yielded a comprehensive, diverse and eclectic group of excellent nominees across multiple genres,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “This year’s nominations are truly reflective of the talented community of artists and creators who represent some of the highest levels of musical excellence. Coupled with our first-ever primetime nominations special, featuring stellar performances by past Grammy winners and nominees, we’re off to an incredible start on the road to Music’s Biggest Night and the 51st Annual Grammy Awards in February.”

 

Other notable nominees include Estelle, Jazmine Sullivan, Rihanna, Kid Rock, Flo-Rida, T-Pain, Nas and others.

 

This year’s nominees were announced during a live broadcast on CBS from Nokia’s L.A. Live Theatre last night (December 3).

 

Two-Grammy winner LL Cool J hosted the telecast along with Taylor Swift.

 

Over 12,000 members of The Recording Academy vote on the nominations, which includes albums released from October 1 2007 – September 30, 2008.

 

The winners will be announced February 8 during the 51st Annual Grammy Awards, which airs live on CBS on February 8.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Fight At Chamillionaire Party? Jaz-O Calls Jay…Wow! Shyne Returns? illseed Disses Luda!

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!

MY DAILY TWO CENTS

I just want to say thanks to everybody that has hit me with their rumors, gossip and viewings. Also, thanks to the people that send commentary or feedback.

I don’t have a lot to for my “two cents,” but if you SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!

[email protected].

Thanks a lot! The rumors are crackin’…

WHAT? 50 CENT COMES ON, YOUNG BUCK EXITS?

This is crazy, but my homey Amsterdam hit me up on this one. I’m not even going to try to recount what I didn’t see. Check out what he had to say:

What’s up illseed? My name’s Amsterdam and I’m one third of an Oregon-based group called Top Shelf. Young Buck is touring with the Outlawz through Oregon right now and was in Bend, OR last night. My boy owns a store called Showcase Hats & Apparel, where Young Buck was scheduled to do an in-store meet and greet from 5-6 PM yesterday evening before the concert got started. He shows up with the Outlawz around 5:30 (who were not promoted on the flyer but gracious enough to show up and be friendly with everyone there). There were probably 50 kids or so waiting outside in line and a few of us inside chilling waiting for Buck. Very small gathering all things considered.

My boy had put on a random Buck mixtape (I never got a look at it, not sure what it is) and Buck was laughing cause he said he hadn’t heard the final versions of a couple of the songs that were playing. So Buck signs autographs for all the people in line and was real cool about everything. He was upstairs taking a few pics with fans when out of the blue, a new song on the mixtape starts and I hear 50 Cent’s voice. I laugh and glance around the room, where I see a couple members of Buck’s entourage whispering to each other. Not even 30 seconds later Buck walks down the stairs and announces, “Stay up folks, I’m out.” Bounced around 6:15 or so. He was clearly agitated that a 50 Cent song had come on while he was in the building and left in a rush.

I feel bad for rappers that have beef with other big name rappers, because their music is always on. I’d like to beef with somebody that fell off or is way underground. That way, we can just ignore them easily.

ARAB BEEF WITH BUSTA?

Waaaaay back in Jan. of 2007, AllHipHop did an interview on a rapper name Narcicyst (click here to read that interview by Chris Sweeny) Narcicyst is an Iraqi MC that is now in the Middle East after going to college in Canada. Now, I am getting word that this dude has taken total offense from Busta’s new song “Arab Money” to the point where he’s recorded a diss record. Now, I know rap beef isn’t what it was, but I wouldn’t want a beef with Busta, because he is known to spazz a bit. Still, as an Arab, he’s taken exception to the record, which is hugely popular. Hmmm…apparently, Narc has been in talks with other Arab rappers on this. Stay tuned.

You know, I want to bring this up since we are talking about Busta. Where do you rank him in Hip-Hop? In terms of spittin…there are VERY, VERY few people that can see Bussa Bus. I think he needs a lil more credit. Click here for his new song “Blown,” because even the autotune isn’t irritating on this song.

ILLSEED TO MANAGE KELLY ROWLAND?!

My pretend wife Kelly Rowland is rumored to have a major shocker to announce at the top of the new year. Apparently, she is looking to break away from manager Mr. Matthew Knowles. The rumor is, Mr. Knowles has put all of his energon cubes into Beyonce and really hasn’t focused on her much. Beyonce is a juggernaut! The thing is, I know a lot of people that feel Solange’s CD is better than B’s. I wouldn’t know, since I haven’t heard either. Still, Kelly is a huge star overseas and she seems to think that her success stateside should be bigger as well. Now, here is the kicker…Kelly MIGHT get Simon from “American Idol” to manage her career. Rumors! Rumors! Rumors! So, with that said, I think Kelly should let me manage her instead and I would promote her all she wants right here on the rumors page. I’m throwing my fitted in the mix!

HE LUH ME: LYFE GETS ENGAGED!

Remember that situation with Lyfe Jennings? A restraining order from his “wife.” A gun fired. An accident. All sorts of chaos! Well, I am hearing that a lot has changed with him and his fiancé, which I thought was already his wife. Apparently, she has withdrawn her restraining order despite the craziness and gone on and gotten engaged to Lyfe…for LIFE in marriage. Congrats to the couple. Love conquers all…even a gun.

NO 4-SOME FOR DEELISHUS…

Here is a letter from none other than Deelishus (real name London Charles) in response to the rumors surrounding her alleged wedding break up and a purported 4-some with Allen Iverson.

…nope, still Deelishis and Orlando. We won’t wither, but we shall weather the storm! A.I. and myself are friends and like any other celebrity male figure who I’ve met in the industry and have become an aquaintance of, of course we hang out and like friends do, laugh, kick it and keep it moving. It is a shame that two adults of the opposite sex cannot be friends without someone assuming bullsh*t. This is just one of many rumors that many celebs have heard or dealt with about themselves and I know I shouldn’t be moved by it, but he has a family and so do I, and they don’t appreciate having to hear bullsh*t every 5 seconds just because some blogger, onlooker or just a flatout HATER is being nosey, messy or having a bad day! Grow Up!!! One day all that BAD karma is gonna come back to bite you in the ass! God Bless You, and may you continue to live your life, and stop being overly involved in others.

To my real ones out there, I love you and please continue to pray for myself and Orlando,

Love London

Shout out to Necole Bitchie.

RECESSION IS REAL

Times are rough and there is nothing realer than that. This recession is making things tight here. Anyway, I got a rumor that T-Mo Goodie of the Goodie Mob now works at a gas station in or around ATL. I’m not even trying to clown. I know a lot of rappers that are dead broke trying to be “too big” to work and can’t afford rent. I heard that T-Mo has grinding on his music thing still and gives people his music as they come through. His new single is called “Bounce Wit Dis.” I went to his myspace to hear it and I really like it. So, click here to listen to it and the other songs too: http://www.myspace.com/tmo2thefullest

I miss Goodie Mob…”Cell Therapy” was one of the illest songs of the 90s.

This was the South too. What happened these sort of rappers from the Dirty?

JIM JONES WANTS TO GROW UP!?

Well, Jim Jones has been doing his thing for a minute. I heard a few things out of a couple recent outing from him. This first one started after his acclaimed play. I heard that Jim seeks to retool his image a bit and that was reflected in the play. I think he is married and definitely know that he’s got a baby now to take care off. His recent show was with a live band – a definite different look. Also, rumor has it, Jim has signed a very talented artist named Star, who is a bangin’ singer. Previously, I had a rumor about Jim needing Max B, but it would seem that came from a Max B fan more than anything.

FIGHT AT CHAMILLIONAIRE PARTY?

If you are in Houston and go to a spot called Flyrides, you are probably at a spot owned by Chamllioaire. Well, I am getting word that he had a party and CD signing for his latest mixtape called “Mixtape Messiah V.” I heard that several of H-Town’s finest came to support, including some cats from Rap-A-Lot. Well, what happened? Allegedly a fight breaks out between two girls and a spilled drink. Somehow, some way, the fight got to Mike Jones’ lil’ brother, who was allegedly picking people off. Anyway, I cant say who…but somebody’s chain and bracelet came undone. Then somebody else, picked it up to get it appraised. When they got it appraised, the jeweler reportedly said that the bracelet was completely fake and the chain/medallion was worth like $1,100. OUCH.

SOMEBODY IS GOING TO HELL….

William Balfour allegedly killed the Hudson family members over jealousy over Julia Hudson. She started dating another man and he allegedly told her he’d merk the whole family if she did. SMH at this alleged heartbroken coward gangsta. Peep this one as an EZ Pass to hell. Jennifer Hudson’s nephew, Julian King, 7, was also found shot to death (Oct. 27), as you know. But here is the BS. Investigators are leaking that the boy could have been straight up tortured before he was slain. They are saying that the the fingers on his right hand were broken or fractured and his other hand was mutilated to the point where the police thought it was cut off.

F**K YOU LUDA!

Why would illseed say, “f**k you. Luda?” you may ask.

Well, they didn’t invite me to be in the video, you will see below. Soooooooo…F**k you Luda!

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

I mentioned it earlier and I’m telling you again…DJ Khaled is the VP of Def Jam South.

If you want to peep a political remix of Lil Wayne’s “A-Milli,” click here.

You probably heard this too, but I am getting word that Bow Wow has quit rappin’ to act…why’d he do that song “Marco Polo” then?

Shout out to all the Grammy nominees, including the nominees are: Coldplay, Lil Wayne, Ne-Yo, and Radiohead. Overall, the year in music wasn’t so bad. Too bad Dre, Em and 50’s Three Headed Monster didn’t come in the 4th. Jay-Z too.

Hmmmm…I don’t know about this one, but I guess I will run it. A person told me that they were driving down 7th Ave & 49th in NYC and pulled up next to Diddy and Aubrey from Danity Kane inside his Maybach at a light at around 49th. Thoughts? I think Diddy values discretion a lil’ more than that…not sure.

Polow Da Don is now working out like a mad man and has reportedly obtained a personal trainer to keep him on point. I need to do that too. Shout out to Gyant.

Also…sigh…Shyne is supposedly going to drop a new album called Godfather Resurrected. How is this for a better album title “Godfather, gets out of jail, gets life together and then gets to record CD”…?

I covered this WAY back! But…Rihanna and Chris Brown are the plaintiffs in the lawsuit for $1 million by a photographer that got beat down – allegedly – by their security detail. This happened in May – allegedly.

You want to see Prince, the purple one, perform with Q-Tip and DJ Scratch? Wow…click here.

Have the Free Masons hijacked Hip-Hop to achieve their maniacal goals? Click here for this one at illseed.com.

RANDOM QUOTES

Jaz-O hearts Jay-Z (who Jaz calls “Big Lip Shawn) so much, he hates his freakin’ guts (mimyl.com):

“He’s a disgusting, greedy, cowardly, lying son of a b***h.” Tell em how ya really feel, Jaz!

Kanye…wow…dude is going full throttle with the “m#### f**ka please” comments:

“Nobody really wants to recognize that Beyonce is a f***ing living legend and that she is just as great, if not greater, than the artists that we had in the past…that she’s probably greater than Tina Turner.” Why throw Tina under a fake a** bus? Without Tina, ain’t no Beyonce! Period!

Shots fired? Brandy comments on RiRi and B:

“I love Rihanna’s style and Beyonce’s style but my style is very classy, very simple and fashion forward.” (Nah, Brandy’s not like Ray-J!)

I don’t know Bran Bran…this wasn’t the classiest move you made. Hot…but classy? NAH!

FREDRO IS OK!

Speaking of classy and Brandy. Here is an update on Fredro Starr. He replies directly to the illseed rumors. Thanks, Onyx rules. I can’t wait for the Black Rock album.

THE SOURCE TO GO BACK TO MAYS AND ZINO?

I don’t know how true it is but word on the street up in Boston is that Benzino and Dave Mays are working on getting back The Source. I am not certain how this is possible considering there are new owners. Now, perhaps they are looking to buy it back. I know they are doing some other ventures and the word is, those other ventures will supposedly back their efforts. You know, this is purely rumor and frankly, I don’t think business works like that. Good luck to all and to all good luck.

EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY

Amy Winehouse can prepare for divorce, I’d say. Amy Winehouse’s husband Blake is finished. The dude is back in prison, because he wasn’t smart enough to comply with the terms of his bail. Guess how he messed up? He broke the conditions of bail by failing a drug test in rehab. He was about to get out of rehab in December and would be free. But, no…he busted out and tried to go see Amy or some mess. Anyway, between the two places, he must have scored some “smack” or “crack” Now he’s staring at a jail term that will take him clear to 2010.

SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END

How can a president be unprepared for war? I know he pardoned John Forte, but this is unacceptable!

Signs 2: A teacher sells ads on tests to cover costs..damn…click here for this one!

COMMON GETS STUCK IN AN ELEVATOR

STEPHEN COLBERT DISSES KANYE AND KANYE STRIKES BACK

Before you get to the Colbert diss, I want to print what is allegedly Kanye’s response. Kanye West reportedly said, “I could end Steven Colbert’s career but I would never take food off another man’s plate.” (I don’t have the source on this one). Now, these two have something in common. They both dissed George Bush. Google that and you will KNOW, Ye can’t end Colbert’s career ever.

Now, here is what Cobert said to warrant such an absurd response from Yeezy.

LIL WAYNE’S DAUGHTER HAS TO BE THE COOLEST KID…

In her school. Sheesh. Her daddy is Lil Wayne for

goodness sake. She had a party at a bowling alley and even T.I. showed

up. KEWL!

I DID NOT WANT TO DO THIS…

But the pressure is coming from all angles for me to keep it real.

Now, I am going to keep it real. What’s the big deal…REALLY? Beyonce is human like every other human – last time I checked at least. In this blog nation, it’s hard out here to be a celeb. Now, do you get why illseed ducks the fame at all costs? I’m not letting y’all destroy me.

BONUS FAIL

Remember the man that was arrested in Dallas, TX for giving kids weed? The man was caught on tape after police investigated a burglary. Well…the man has been slapped up and will likely serve a term of up to seven years. Remember, the kids had both weed AND cocaine in their systems. You may not remember but AllHipHop’s own Jigsaw had to come to the rescue when they tried to suggest Hip-Hop was to blame. Check it out.

Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur on Fox News

THE OTHER SIDE

I am all about being fair so here is a letter from a reader that I respect tremendously. I am going to print a portion of a letter that he sent me, as it pertains to G.W. Bush getting dissed at that Global Summit thing. Remember when the word leaders didn’t shake his hand? Here is what Majico said:

Illseed,

On the the song by Jasari , please inform my fellow readers that president bush already shook those leaders hands TWICE and but only for a leader who came late they wouldn’t have redid the handshakes for the third time. CNN even issued another clip correcting themselves I really respect you and your website and i will keep on viewing it but sometimes i just would like to give the other side of the story. as a respectable American I’m sure you can respect that thank you

I AM A RESPECTABLE AMERICAN! – ILLSEED!

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

OBAMA, 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

What Do You Owe Your Homies After You Blow Up?

The opinions expressed in this editorial do not necessarily reflect those of AllHipHop.com, its affiliates or employees.There

are artists in Hip-Hop who have been able to negotiate the business side of the

genre more deftly than they could a track.  While plenty of people will

tell you that having business acumen is just as important as being a lyrical

beast, I’d have to disagree and say it’s even more important. Well, that is if

making money in this business is what you want to do.

 

For

most artists, folks screaming that you are “that dude” is great but

it probably falls on deaf ears if they aren’t putting their money where their

mouth is.  It’s for this reason that a lot of folks posse up.  Not

just in Hip-Hop, but in general.  I do this.  You do that.  All

together we bring way more knowledge and talent than just one of us would,

right?

But what happens when one member outgrows the posse code?  What happens

when one member feels he can pull his weight plus yours?  What happens

when that dude says he doesn’t need you anymore?  And what happens when

he’s right?

It tends to be the short end of money stick that always screams loyalty. 

Monday quarter backing your endowment to the awesomeness of someone else can be

a cringe-worthy and anger-inducing exercise; especially if you are viewed by

the masses as less than awesome.  Folks who make that mistake tend to kick

themselves as they run that film back; p##### off that they got the shaft after

they wore out their usefulness. 

 

I

think you almost have to look at it like charity.  Once you give, it’s

done.  Your good deed for the day probably won’t be recognized and that

warm and fuzzy feeling you get from donating your talent will simply have to

sustain your ass whether the situation started that way or not.

Do not kid yourself into believing that said contributions were made out of the

kindness of their heart or crew love either.  Millions of folks want to

eat off Hip-Hop in a major way and that desire to be the ultimate money maker

turns the rap game into a real bad version of Survivor. The only difference is that

these are folks with histories.  They know each other’s moms.  They

used to knock on each other’s doors.  They went to the prom in the same

limo and did all that other “you and me must never part” hand smack s**t.

That difference though, does bring us to the million dollar question. 

What does he owe?  What does the solo artist who grew beyond those who

surrounded him owe?  Is there some sort of equation?  My money

divided by your 16 bars from 10 years ago squared plus one? How much

depreciation on that total is assessed for each year that passed without those

who drew that short stick dropping anything the fans wanted to listen to? 

Or should those dudes from the early posse days have carte blanche?  When

they need, you give.  End of story.

Money is a funky ass thing when combined with feelings.  Experts from far

and wide will tell you that the two don’t mix and we have seen that over and

over again.  From a legal standpoint let’s say “that dude”

doesn’t owe them folks a damn thing. Any money that was made while the posse

was still tight was split amicably and anything “that dude” does

after that is his blood, sweat and tears; no one else’s.  Unless, of

course, he has created a new crew; which, for the toss offs, would completely

suck.

So how about we go way out on a limb and actually try to insert some ethics

into this scenario.  What would be the ethical thing to do?  Are you

responsible for these dudes for the rest of your life?  Is it up to you to

keep them signed and producing albums that will be sold exclusively at

Ray-Ray’s Rest Stop?  Or even worse yet, just letting them get a free ride

because they introduced you to some agent last century or produced the track of

some single you made that wasn’t even B-side material?

I think there should be some loyalty to your folks, just because they are your

folks.  However, that loyalty should not be turned into a live your life

for free card.  The sad truth is that there are plenty of people whose

dreams outweigh their talents. You gave it the good ole college try and it

didn’t work out for you.  Everybody who wants to be a mega-millionaire

rhyme slinger isn’t going to be.  Have love for your dude who made it and

find something else to do. I’m sure he would be much more enthusiastic to hand

over some dough for your new, well-thought-out business proposition than he

would for your declaration that he owes you something.

Tale Of The (Mix)Tape: Clipse Still Got It 4 Cheap, Bow Wow Should Be Curbed

This week sucks. No one likes heading back to work after the break. Think about it, you just spent the last weekend eating, drinking, and partying with friends only to end up right back to that office or classroom with a holiday hangover. 

 

All is not lost. You do have one thing you didn’t have last year, this very column. Tale Of The Tape is here to save your ears from the wack juice flooding the streets. You don’t have to thank me; all I ask is you save a plate for your boy next year.

 

Believe me, this week I earned that plate with a cup of your finest. You know I had to sit through tapes from Bow Wow and Max B? At least I got some sleep from a combination of turkey and Sheek Louch. Luckily, when I needed some Hip-Hop, The Clipse and Stat Quo gave my ears the panacea.

 

Bow Wow

Half Man Half Dog

Dead On Arrival

 

Really Shad? I thought the Rap game got rid of you when you were pulling antics like sleeping with industry bust downs and “acting” on HBO; it almost worked for Saigon. No, you couldn’t resist the microphone could you? You had to give the world Half Man Half Dog. When the best song couldn’t do much but confuse pill poppers (“Marco Polo”), maybe it’s time to go full time for those acting classes. In short, Half Man Half Dog: puppy chow.

 

Max B

Bloomberg Series

One & Done

 

Who cares about Max B? His biggest splash is dissing his former boss Jim Jones after being left in jail to rot. Since when did being a hook writer make you a full blown artist? There’s a reason dude hasn’t signed that big deal yet. The Bloomberg Series has some catchy songs (“I’m Kinda High” & “Cake”) but the rest of this tape belongs on the curb on Wednesday. Is this New York Hip-Hop coming back? I hope not, because this tape is about as wavy as The Sahara.

 

Sheek Louch

Extinction (Last Of A Dying Breed)

One & Done

 

Sheek Louch was always the weak link in The Lox crew. His flaws never stood in his rhymes exactly, it’s just he was more non-descript than a C student in the third row. I thought he had turned a corner when he released Silverback Gorilla, but Extinction (Last Of A Dying Breed) takes him back to where he was before. Some of it is good (“Gimme a Light”), but nothing sticks out. If this was extinction for his breed, I wouldn’t care. The breed of boring rap should go anyway.

 

Stat Quo

The Bailout

Heavy Rotation

 

Stand up Stat. There is a reason that this mixtape actually was premiered on this site. The Bailout really shows an extension of his skills, from social commentary (“The Bailout”), to his current situation (“My Life”), to the ladies (“G.R.I.T.S Remix”). The observations make note of Stat’s intelligence to talk more than your average murder death kill MC. He definitely makes the point that “the south has something to say”. One question remains; what the f*** was Dre waiting on?

 

The Clipse

Road To Til The Casket Drops

Heavy Rotation

 

Whenever the mixtape game is feeling uninspired, The Clipse drop some heat to revive the game again. Road To Til The Casket Drops differs in the fact that cuts the Re-Up Gang features, but it doesn’t slack on the quality. This tape gives you that pure VA dope boy flavor in their best element (“Feds Taking Pictures”). It also gives you tracks (“The Haters Wish”, “So Fly “) that take you back to Lord Willin’ and Hell Hath No Fury. Put on your Play Cloths and rock to this one, you will be for a while.

 

 

Tale Of The Tape

Tale Of The Tape 12.03.08

Trina Hosts Toy Drive For Miami Hospital

Slip N Slide artist Trina announced today (December 3) the participation of her Diamond Doll Foundation in the 1st annual “Jingle Bell Toy Drive,” a benefit drive for the children of Miami’s Jackson Hospital.

 

To kickoff the campaign, Trina will sign autographs and collect toys at the popular Miami barbershop The Chop Shop.

 

Attendees who bring a new, unwrapped toy will be treated to free haircuts, and surprise appearances from special guests.

 

The toys will be collected by Trina herself and individually given to the convalescing children of Jackson Hospital.

 

The toy drive coincides with Trina’s re-launching of her Diamond Doll Foundation, which focuses on educating young women on self-esteem, teen pregnancy, relationships, and community responsibility.

 

According to Trina, her renewed emphasis on community involvement is a direct result of her belief that entertainers have a moral responsibility to uplift the communities they influence.

 

“It’s important for entertainers to utilize our influence to get involved and build awareness for community programs such as the Jingle Bell Toy Drive,” Trina explained to AllHipHop.com. “I am putting a renewed focus and energy into the Diamond Doll foundation this coming year as we look to help the less fortunate and provide motivation for young people to improve their lives.”

 

Trina’s Jingle Bell Toy Drive is scheduled to commence at Jackson Hospital on December 14.

DJ Suspended Over Busta’s ‘Arab Money’; Busta Replies To Critics

Busta Rhymes continues to face adversity in the United Kingdom, as the airing of the rapper’s latest single “Arab Money” has resulted in a popular DJ’s suspension.

 

Global Radio owns and operates Galaxy Radio, which broadcasts Steve “Smooth” Sutherland’s show in Manchester, Yorkshire, Birmingham, York Shire, the South Coast, the North East and Scotland.

 

Sutherland – a veteran DJ who has earned two MOBO Awards for Best DJ – aired “Arab Money” on Saturday (November 29) during his “Steve Sutherland Show.”

 

A representative for Galaxy said the station received a number of complaints about the track, which resulted in Sutherland’s and a producer of the show’s suspension.

 

“Galaxy would like to apologize to all our listeners for the airing of this song. It was never Galaxy’s intent to offend its listeners and never will be,” the company said in a statement. “A full internal investigation has now commenced. Galaxy would like to apologize for any offense however unintentionally caused.”

 

Busta Rhymes addressed the song title with AllHipHop.com in an interview Monday (December 1), prior to Sutherland’s suspension.

 

“The most irrelevant thing can be justified as a reason to fire somebody nowadays,” Busta told AllHipHop.com. “Ain’t nobody safe. This recession has f***ed the whole game up and everybody is on they eggshells when they walk around. So I just feel like, that’s really more so what it’s about than anything else and until I start to get some direct awareness of the Arab culture having an issue, ya know, we’re going to continue to move forward with our campaign.”

 

The song has also drawn criticism from some Muslim Hip-Hop fans, who wrote to AllHipHop.com and explained the reason that the song may be offensive to some listeners.

 

“In ‘Arab Money Remix Part 1,’ in the chorus you used (‘Bismillah Ulrahman Ulrahim Alhamdullillah rab Ulalamen) which is a Quranic verse from the first Surah (chapter) in the Holy Quran,” a Muslim reader named Khalid wrote to AllHipHop.com.

 

“As an Arab and a Muslim it’s prohibited to sing or cite a Quranic verse in combination with music and most Muslims will find this disrespectful,” Khalid explained. “I’m afraid this misunderstanding will be interpreted as an offensive and disrespectful way by some people and I trust that you wouldn’t upset and disrespect your Muslim and Arab fans.”

 

Busta, who frequently uses terminology familiar with those who follow the Five Percent Nation, which is an offshoot of The Nation of Islam, agreed he was not out to offend anyone with his latest single.

 

“I really only respect the Arab culture,” Busta Rhymes stated. “I ain’t really trying to pay no attention to, ya know, these little people in political positions and executive positions that ain’t Arab culture oriented people because a lot of the times, what are you really showing all of this concern for? Is it really concern for the people or concern for your job?”

 

Despite Rhymes’ sampled transgression, Khalid was sure that the rapper’s Muslim fans would forgive him.

 

“If someone did a sin without knowing it is a sin, he/she will be forgiven by Allah,” Khalid said. “Mr. Busta, if you are looking for a hot Arabic verse you want to use in the ‘Arab Money Remix Part 2,’ please contact me.”

 

Rhymes recently recorded a remix for the controversial song that features high profile artists Akon, Sean “Diddy” Combs, T-Pain, Ron Browz, Swizz Beatz and Lil Wayne.

TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: Corey Gunz

Yeah we’re back once again with your favorite rapper’s favorite column TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE. We know some of you were outraged last week with your boy Max B’s picks, but everybody sees the game different. Regardless we still make the world go around.

 

Up this week we got Corey Gunz. Admit it; he murdered Lil Wayne on his own ish. If you’re still in denial go back to that “A Millie” one more time to see the light. Since then the kid has gained notoriety for ripping down other people’s beats like he bought them. Always spitting something crazy, Corey’s choices shouldn’t come as a surprise.

 

Jay-Z

Corey Gunz: On the real it’s tough for me to narrow it down to five people because so many dudes have influenced me so I don’t want to offend anyone. Let me get that out. But I have to go with Jay-Z first and foremost. Being the lyricist he is, the trends he sets in Hip-Hop and how he approached the game. He made a movement. He’s dope. He’s monumental, he’s a lyricist too.

 

He’s one of the legends. I was raised in a real musical household and I grew up listening to a lot of different stuff. When I first heard Jay it was around Reasonable Doubt, I was around eight [years old] I think? I was attracted at the beats at that age. I was memorizing his sh*t at that age. For him to carry those criminal flows based on sh*t that has more than one meaning; that was unheard of.

 

Nas

Corey Gunz: I would have to say Esco because he paints pictures with his words. When he spit it you could really feel it. At the same time he is so witty and humble, it goes over your head. Jay is more disrespectful with his approach where Nas is like “I’m your brother but stay in your lane.” Like yo he gave us “I Gave You Power”, and “New York State Of Mind”; I could go on [laughs].

 

[In response to Nas having one foot in the grave when “Takeover” dropped.]

 

I mean who didn’t think that? I knew Nas was going to come back because I knew his capabilities. But I don’t think anybody in their wildest dreams knew what kind of impact he was going to have when he made “Ether”. For him to come back the way he did after “Take Over” and then he came with a classic right after [Stillmatic].

 

Eminem

Corey Gunz: I’m a Hip-Hop fan at heart. I’m into lyrics. I don’t care if your name is MC Garbage Pail, if you spitting something crazy, I’m f***ing with you. At the end of the day, Eminem was spitting some bugged out sh*t but it was fire. I also relate to him as an artist, he’s come from a lot. He came up from the grind. I grew up in this game battling but with him it was so much differences with him.

 

First of all he’s white, him having to go to different hoods and get respect shows he came up from nothing. And bottom line his lyrical abilities, his concepts, his wittiness is crazy. Yo to be honest I know this is going to sound on some real Stan sh*t, which is really not the case. I can’t name one joint that is my favorite from Em’, he has so many joints where he went off.

 

Big Pun

Corey Gunz: How could I not mention Pun? Like I’m going to keep one hundred with everyone; if you can’t hear Big Pun in my flow then you’re a retard because I’ve grown up listening to that dude. In ’98 I was one of the only dudes on my block pumping his music period. I would be repeating the bars from “Twinz”. I would be repeating number seven off Capital Punishment [“The Dream Shatterer”]:

 

“Reverse that / I curse at / The first wack n**** with the worst rap / Cuz he ain’t worth jack / Hit ’em with a thousand pounds of pressure per slap / Make his whole body jerk back / Watch the earth crack / Hand his purse back / I’m the first Latin rapper to baffle your skull…”

 

[In regards to Pun’s passing]

 

It struck heart and home when Pun passed. My pops and Tariq took it real hard, so did The Bronx as a whole took it hard. He just came off making history, Pun was history walking. That sh*t hit people hard. Him and my dad did a lot of shows, so me going to their shows chilling and meeting him it hit me hard when he died.

 

 &

Lord Tariq / Jada Kiss

Corey Gunz: I’m not going to lie; my last choice is a tie. It got to be Lord Tariq and Jadakiss. Honestly Tariq has been a big influence to me period. Lyrically he’s ridiculous. He’s so underrated and one of the greatest to touch the microphone. People just haven’t listened to him and paid attention. The streets will say it; the legends will say it too. Tariq recorded with Biggie; dudes overlook that. They did a song together called “Think Big”. Even from when I was in elementary school, Tariq was always putting work in. So dudes don’t pay him respect.

 

But at the same time my cousin Jay put me onto to The Lox at a very young age. This is before Puff snatched them. Jada is one of the most spit in your face kind of disrespect there is. Honestly he is one of the most consistent sixteen bar spitters; that’s why he’s in my top five. You got to think about it, Jada has always been on point. I’ve never heard him spit something trash. Think about that. I keep my ear to the streets and he’s never spit anything wack.

 

The Sidebar:

 

Corey wants to clear up things up about a record recently blasted out that was supposed to be him featuring T-Pain. Mr. Autotune was no where to be found; as it was a reference for another artist that got leaked. So don’t think the son of Peter fakes the funk. In closing Corey felt in a terrible way when Shaq went on stage him asking Kobe how his ass tastes. Pause.

 

R&B Rewind: Jamie Foxx – “Infatuation”

Artist: Jamie FoxxSong: “Infatuation”?Year: 1994?Album: Peep This?Hey everybody! It’s Wednesday and it’s time for another R&B Rewind! Every week I am fortunate to get suggestions from many of you about which songs to cover next. I appreciate all of your ideas, so please keep them coming! But anyway, let’s get to this week’s pick. He got his start back in the ‘90s. Some of his accolades include a stint on In Living Color where he played the character Wanda, the television show The Jamie Foxx Show, and just three years ago he won an Oscar for his portrayal of Ray Charles. Well before the Oscar and the television show, and before landing on the hit song “Slow Jamz” with Kanye West and Twista, and releasing Unpredictable in 2005, Jamie Foxx dropped his first actual first CD Peep This back in 1994. I actually have this disc in my archives collecting dust with all my other CDs from the ‘90s, and I must admit every time I see it I smile because I wonder how many other people actually have the CD too. If you’ve followed Jamie Foxx’s singing career you probably remember the single “Infatuation” even though the album Peep This was more of an underground release. Man, this song takes me back! I remember I didn’t even know that Jamie Foxx could sing until I caught his stand up Straight from The Foxx Hole back in 1993. All I knew at the time was that Jamie Foxx was the guy from In Living Color who was funny as hell. But when I saw him sing during his stand up, I was taken by surprise. He wasn’t someone that harmonized well and could hold a note, but a singer that touched you within when he sang. He had that take you to First Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church sound, something a lot of us love and appreciate. Jamie Foxx has excelled to levels unimaginable today and I’m sure some of you probably didn’t know his singing career stretched this far back. And coming up this Sunday I am going to touch on a new single from him off his new album so make sure you check out “Sunday Selection” this week. I have a few things to say about Mr. Foxx and the current direction of his singing career and new album. Well y’all thanks for taking time out to read what I had to say.  Until next week y’all enjoy this week’s R&B Rewind – Jamie Foxx’s “Infatuation”Infatuation – Jamie Foxx