“Summer Time Shootouts”
homepage
Kobi Onyame Ft. Sway
“He Said She Said”
BREAKING NEWS: Baatin of Slum Village Dies
AllHipHop.com has confirmed that Baatin (Titus Baatin Glover) of Slum Village has passed away.
While no details are available regarding cause of death, the veteran rapper’s body was found early this morning in the 1400 block of Detroit’s Anglin Street.
The body was then transferred to the Wayne County medical examiner’s office, where Baatin’s next of kin made a positive identification.
Friends of the rapper have been sending out condolences via Twitter throughout the day.
R.I.P. baatin of slum village forever, wrote singer Dwele on his page.
In a summer filled with celebrity deaths, producer 9th Wonder advised fans to remember artists while they are still living.
RIP Baatin of Slum Village; lets celebrate our people while they are here, 9th reflected. We are losing folk.
Baatin was the founding member of the group Slum Village, along with J Dilla and T3.
Together, the trio released two influential albums in Fan-Tas-Tic (Vol. 1) (1997) and Fantastic, Vol. 2 (2000).
In 2002, Dilla left the group to pursue a solo career, and lyricist Elzhi was added. Baatin himself left the group before the release of their 2004 LP Detroit Deli after being diagnosed with schizophrenia.
The group experienced further hardship when musical backbone J Dilla passed away in 2006 following a long battle with Lupus.
Earlier this week, T3 had confirmed with AllHipHop.com that Baatin had rejoined the group.
The whole thing is I felt like the fans wanted Baatin to come back. And I felt like I really didnt want to do another album without Baatin. I wanted his energy, T3 explained. I found him and he was ready. He seemed like he had his stuff together. So thats how the whole wheel started spinning for this new Slum Village album because basically, for the last couple of years, we dropped an album but we were going through a lot of depression. Dilla passed and then Proof passed. I really didnt feel like doing no music. I wasnt inspired. I was really just going through my thing.
Brooklyn emcee Talib Kweli was also at a loss regarding the recent passing, revealing that partner Hi-Tek was set to DJ for the group tonight.
Im at a loss right now, Kweli stated on Twitter. Hi-Tek was set to dj for Slum Village tonight. RIP Baatin. More influential than you can imagine. Slum Village forever.
Baatin was 35 years old at the time of his death.
At press time, there has been a public remembrance gathering set for Sunday (August 2) at the Elements Gallery, located in Detroit on 2125 Michigan Ave.
AllHipHop.com will continue to develop this story as more details emerge.
Kanye Denies Calling Himself King of Pop
Kanye West has dispelled rumors that hes publicly dubbed himself the King of Pop following the tragic death of Michael Jackson.
The rumor began to gain legs courtesy of media personality Wendy Williams, who lent credence to the supposed statement on her radio show.
According to various news sources, Kanye is reputed to have stated you know everyone loves and respects Michael but times change. Its so sad to see Michael gone but it makes a path for a new King of Pop and Im willing to take that on.
Additionally, the Chicago star was alleged to have detailed his sales as validation that he deserved the title.
First there was Elvis, then there was Michael, now in the 21st century its Kanyes time to rule, read the alleged comments. I have nothing but respect for Michael but someone needs to pick up where he left off and theres nobody better than me to do that. I am the new King of Pop.
While known for his outspoken quotes, West vehemently denied the reports on his website kanyeuniversity.com.
I was just listening to Wendy Williams and heard some quote about me saying Im the new King of Pop. Not only did I not say that, I havent said anything, Kanye explained. It makes me feel bad that obviously I made people feel that I would be corny enough to say something wack after the passing of an idol, a legend and more than that, a human being with feelings and family.
West further argued that actions like this have made him step back from the spotlight, and it would be the final time he addresses false accusations made against him. Additionally, he alluded to media lies as one of main contributing factors to Michael Jacksons passing.
It scares me to think what people will believe, without even a source. Any random person can type something on the internet and then the world believes it, Kanye stated. I dont talk to press or do TV or do promotions of any sort. Ive stopped chasing and buying into fame. Fame is like cigarettes with no surgeon general warning. It destroys most people as it did to the truly and only King of Pop. We exploit ourselves and eat our own egos until there is nothing left. I have a feeling this wont be the last false statement with my name on it, but this will be the last time I defend myself. Im done.
A longtime Jackson fan, Kanye West famously sampled the late King of Pops P.Y.T. on Good Life, the popular single from his multi-platinum LP Graduation.
Rick Ross Denied Entry Into Bermuda; Show Canceled
A concert featuring Rick Ross tonight (August 1) in Bermuda has been canceled after the government denied the rapper a work permit to perform.
Earlier this week, Immigration Minister David Burch refused to issue a permit for Rick Ross to perform at the Cup Match Extravaganza, which was supposed to take place at Snorkel Park.
According to Bermudas Royal Gazette, the rappers work permit was denied because he did not possess good character and conduct.
The shows promoter, Kendricks Zuill said he thought Immigration officials were confusing Rick Ross, born William Roberts, with Freeway Ricky Ross, a recently released, former crack/cocaine kingpin.
“I’ve been trying to convince them that he is a man of good conduct, the shows promoter Kendricks Zuill said. I was providing them with information, but all they told me was that the Minister was not satisfied. It’s something personal.
While Rick Ross was arrested in January of 2008 on a gun charge, those charges were eventually dropped.
Refunds are being issued to over 500 people who had started purchasing tickets to the show.
Rick Ross has been approved entry into the United Kingdom for a tour that will start next month.
VIDEO BATTLE: Busta vs Kid Cudi vs Big Sean
Todays video battle pits two newcomers against the undisputed king of Hip-Hop videos. Not that Busta Rhymes has released the most videos in the game. But his clips are consistently visually groundbreaking and captivating. So lets see how his latest joint holds up against freshmen Big Sean and Kid Cudi.
BUSTA RHYMES “MAKE THE WORLD GO ROUND” feat. ESTELLE
For the video to his fourth single off of Back On My B.S., Bussa Buss tapped filmmaker Jason Goldwatch, whose past video credits includes work with a variety of artists from 88-Keys to Young Jeezy. For Make The World Go Round the two created an interesting landscape of foreign magazine pages that provides as futuristic a look for the clip as the Jelly Roll-produced track it represents. You find Busta and Estelle dancing and having a genuinely good time across several layouts, as the songs lyrics pop up in English and Japanese, Russian, and Portuguese alternatively. The cool aspect works so long as you dont know what the foreign writing says. However, if you do happen to speak either of these languages, youll find yourself looking for errors in spelling, grammar and translation instead and most likely find them.
BIG SEAN “GETCHA SOME”
Def Jam artist/Kanye protégé Big Sean brought Hype Williams fish lens out of retirement to bring this older mixtape cut back to life. The clip offers a pretty dope combination of hand-drawn animation sorta like what Kanye brought us with the Good Life video and some of the visual techniques that made Hype THE go-to Hip-Hop video guy in the late 90s. The result fits the song perfectly, especially once you get past Seans this is my first video eyes. You can almost tell the parts of the clip when the artist was most comfortable: the shopping scenes, which is very fitting, considering the song is an ode to Big Seans fashion addiction. Add in the Kanye West cameo and the bright 80s-inspired color scheme, balances by some more subdued tones in the animation, and you have almost exactly what you would have pictured this song to look like, if youre one of those seeing sounds types.
KID CUDI “MAKE HER SAY” feat KANYE WEST & COMMON
We brought in a slightly older contender to challenge this battle for eclectic visual supremacy. Kid Cudis approach to the Make Her Say video is a little different then our first two contenders in that it is one of those videos that does its best not to distract the viewer from the song itself. Its an exercise in minimalism: subdued stark lighting, dull colors, and no plot to speak of really. Cudis clip also stands out in that he took it out of the studio. Shot in New York and LA, the video cleverly hides the fact that he and his fellow G.O.O.D. Musicians each filmed their scenes separately. Director Nez Khammal managed to find locations in NY that would aesthetically match the L.A. poolside look he captured with Kanye to create a video that isnt lost to the landscape of either city. With the split screen, upside down shots, and random artsy positioning of the one video chick, Make Her Say almost looks like a clever short-film inspired by the song.
VOTE ON THE WINNER!
Nick Cannon: ‘This Aint Checkers This Is Chess’
Nick Cannon has addressed a scathing, recently-released song featuring Eminem attacking pop singer Mariah Carey.
Eminem released the track Warning this week which blasts Mariah Carey for denying their alleged romantic relationship and for mocking the Detroit rapper in her new video Obsession.
In addition to calling Cannon a fa**ot, Eminem refers to Mariah Carey as a s###, b**ch c**t and in the 3:17 minute diss song.
Although he didnt mention Eminem, or the feud, Cannon exploded during a series of cryptic religious Tweets sent to his Twitter page yesterday evening (July 31).
This aint checkers. This is Chess, Cannon wrote. Never take your own revenge, but rather give place unto the wrath. For it is written vengeance is mine, I will repay… PREACH!
He then quoted the Bible when he typed I will bless those that bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse. Genesis 12:3.
Cannon hinted that he would have patience in regards to the issue, although one Tweet seemed to reveal the successful actor/producers anger.
But let’s not get it twisted. If you feeling froggish, leap, Cannon said, before giving out his personal email. Y’all know where to find me.
Trying to save a hater is like trying to teach astrophysics to a wino, Cannon Tweeted, before he returned to finish editing an unnamed film project.
Mariah Carey has not responded to Eminems diss track.
DJ Drama Replies To Jeezy; Blames Gucci Mane Feud
DJ Drama has issued a detailed response to an upcoming article in XXL magazine in which Atlanta rapper Young Jeezy refers to the DJ as a b**ch who changed up after achieving success.
After reading Jeezy’s unprovoked insults in that XXL article, it seems like the guy’s pretty emotional if you ask me, DJ Drama told AllHipHop.com.
Maybe he’s dealing wit some things in his career, I don’t know. He did an interview a few months back with Elliot Wilson on RapRadar.com and said the total opposite! He was talkin bout, Drams the homie and we may work together again,etc. Now I’ve never spoken on our issues because I believe grown man business is just that, and running to the media to whine is not my thing.
Young Jeezys CTE and members of DJ Dramas Aphilliates crew have engaged in an ongoing feud, after years of a successful partnership that helped launch the careers of both artists.
Jeezy accused DJ Drama of charging him $20,000 to create a mixtape for a new CTE artist, after he contributed his verse on 5000 Ones from DJ Dramas 2007 major label debut Gangsta Grillz, at no cost.
He’s a cornball, Young Jeezy told XXL magazine. You made millions off my mixtapes, to the point where the f*ckin’ feds scooped you up for bootlegging. I never even made the money he made off of Trap or Die or Tha Streets Iz Watchin, because they were selling and distributing them and making money…I’m not hating. But we will never do a mixtape together.
Drama adamantly denied charging Young Jeezy $20,000 to produce a Gangsta Grillz mixtape.
“His statement about me trying to charge him $20k for a mixtape is a bold face lie,” DJ Drama told AllHipHop.com. “I never charged Jeezy for nothing. I did two Slick Pulla tapes (4th Ward Day, Election Day) for free and a Bloodraw tape (The Indictment Papers) for free. Anything Jeezy ever needed from me, I did without hesitation. He doesn’t want to deal with the real reason why he’s mad.”
Young Jeezy and DJ Dramas respective crews have clashed at events over the past two years, including an altercation at the 2008 Dirty Awards and another incident at a screening for the Notorious B.I.G. bio-pic Notorious.
While Jeezy claims the feud started when Drama didn’t want to help nobody, other sources stated the beef stemmed from a Gangsta Grillz mixtape DJ Drama produced with Jeezys nemesis, Gucci Mane.
Drama confirmed that the root of his feud with Young Jeezy is a result of the Gucci Mane feud, which at its height, saw Gucci Mane charged with and acquitted of murder in 2006.
The tension between us actually started when I deejayed his USDA release party (for free) and I played a Gucci Mane record. He stormed out of his own party and didn’t speak to me for about 2-3 months, DJ Drama revealed. Me being a DJ, I was just rockin’ the crowd and giving the people what they had been requesting. I don’t get involved in that other stuff.
DJ Drama stated that he would continue to ignore Young Jeezys comments to the media about their issues.
And while Young Jeezy accused DJ Drama of not being as loyal friend in the upcoming XXL interview, the popular DJ questioned Young Jeezys standing as a true friend.
Why all the tough talk to the DJ who doesn’t say nothin to him but he doesn’t say nothin tough to the rappers that diss him like Pimp C? DJ Drama stated. I was shocked by his cowardly attempt to try to slander my name in the upcoming XXL article. And what’s the most shocking is to see him side with the Feds in my arrest! Wow, since when did that become gangster?!? I’m chillin, never said nothin’ negative about dude. Check his character…or better yet, ask those around him that he’s done dirty. Ask the folks who ain’t with him anymore, like Coach K, Twin, his former security Big Sam, or my homie Roccett.
AHH Stray News: Funkmaster Flex, 50 Cent, B.E.P., DMX
Popular New York DJ/personality Funkmaster Flex is up for The National Broadcaster Associations prestigious Marconi Award. Flex is one of only two other New York personalities up for an award at this years ceremony, which takes place in Philadelphia on September 24. Flex is up for the Major Market Personality of the Year for his show “Funkmaster Flex Show”, which airs on Hot 97 Monday-Thursday from 7PM to 12AM and on Fridays from 10PM-2AM. In related news, Steve Harvey will battle Rush Limbaugh for Network Syndicated Personality of the Year.
The Black Eyed Peas set the record for the longest successive time spent at #1 by a duo or a group Billboard reports. The group broke Boyz II Mens run of 16 weeks at #1 with two different songs yesterday (July 30) when their single I Gotta Feeling notched its fifth week at #1. I Gotta Feeling replaced the charts previous No.1 single, The Peas Boom Boom Pow which spent 12 weeks at the top of the chart. The Black Eyed Peas are currently planning a world tour in support of the album The E.N.D. In related news, The Black Eyed Peas Peapod Foundation will unveil two state-of-the-art music and multi-media academies in Oakland and Redwood City, California. The group will be present during a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Peapod Adobe Youth Voices Academy on August 1.
DMX will headline the first annual Summer Showdown 09 Concert and Car Show at Cohen Stadium in El Paso, Texas, this Saturday (August 1). In addition to DMX headlining the concert, the day will include a DJ battle, local rap artists and a car show featuring some of the best cars in El Paso and the surrounding areas. The car show starts at noon, while DMX gets on stage at 9:00 PM. In related news, producer Swizz Beatz revealed that DMX was half of his double CD, Walk With Me Now and Youll Fly With Me Later. Youll Fly With Me Later, the gospel half of the album has been scrapped. On DMX’s gospel album: “I’mma let him do his thing later,” Swizz said told MTV. “Now we gotta stay focused on what we gotta do we gonna do the gospel later. But if we do the gospel album, it’s gotta be with the official gospel people: Mary Mary, this one, that one. I want it to be something that even in the gospel realm is respected.
The Last Word: Michael Jackson’s Diamond Hair, The-Dream Has Twitter Rage, and Jagged Edge Finally Split from JD
Hows it goin folks? A week away and Im glad to be back.
From the looks of things, the week had a lot going on. If it wasnt the hype
surrounding Obamas beer summit with Henry Louis Gates Jr. and the officer who
arrested him at his home, it was the NFL giving Michael Vick the go ahead to
come back if he can find a team to put up with him. Add to that Michael Phelps
regaining his Olympic rhythm after a rare loss and the 25th anniversary of
Princes Purple Rain it was another week
in paradise.
Thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends of
best-selling author E. Lynn Harris, who died of natural causes last week and my
friend Chris, who lost his sister on Monday. Happy Birthday goes out to Lee,
who officially celebrates the day he was born on Monday (Aug. 3) with a
well-deserved extended weekend with the family.
Congratulations to baseball great Ricky Henderson, who was
recently inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame and the sounding boards for always making sure I stay awake, no
matter how much the pillow and bed be callin me.
Lets get it started with The Last Word for the week ending
July 31, 2009.
1. Michael Jacksons Hair Becomes Jewelry for Ice Addicts
Michael Jackson fans who are literally looking to have a
piece of the singer to keep his memory alive can rest easy as efforts are being
made to create a limited collection of jewelry from Jacksons own hair.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the Chicago-based jeweler LifeGem announced late
last week that it was bringing the jewelry to a store near you. An executive
producer named Ralph Cohen during Jacksons 1984 Pepsi commercial first
obtained the hair for the collection. As we know, that was the gig that
resulted in the King of Pops hair catching fire and being rushed to a
hospital. After helping extinguish Jacksons hair with his Armani jacket, Cohen
got the hair and put it into the jacket’s pocket. The singers locks stayed in
the pocket until he died 25 years later.
It was this point that Cohen gave the hair to John
Reznikoff, a collector who contacted LifeGem about turning the hair into
diamonds. The jeweler is known for specializing in creating high-quality
diamonds from individual hair samples.
For LifeGem founder, Dean VandenBiesen, the jewelry
collection offers a chance for people to own a diamond made from Michael
Jackson’s DNA.
The provenance and authenticity of this lock of hair is
impeccable, including the highly publicized video showing the original owner of
the hair using his Armani jacket to extinguish Jackson’ hair, he said in a
statement. We are currently evaluating the sample to determine how many
diamonds can be created. This will be a limited collection and we anticipate
great interest.
Although buying jewelry made from hair may be a little out
there, it may not be much of a surprise if this collection becomes a popular
item for MJs fans. Im all for making money, but really, cant we all just let
Michael rest in peace without people trying to make a buck or three from his
death. It really makes you wonder.
2. The-Dream Makes Last Stand with Love King Album
If you appreciate The-Dream as an artist, you better enjoy
him while you can. It seems like threes the magic number as hes trading his
swan song will come via his forthcoming album Love King.
The-Dream made it official last Friday as he tweeted that I
am engaged and Love King IS going to be my LAST album!
It is going to be [his] last bcuz, everybody is trying to KILL THE DREAM! he said.
[The Dream is] the ONLY one that can end [his] career.”
Despite his vow to hang it up as a vocalist, The-Dream
didnt completely quit the music scene as he revealed that he will still be
producing, writing, and featuring on other artist albums though.
I guess if you gotta go out, you might as well have
Christina Milian on your arm to call it a day with. As for the conspiracy
theory, I dont see that happening soon in light of most artists looking for
him to give them a hit to take to the bank. So heres to The-Dream. A 10 and
job security. Gotta love it.
3. Tracy Morgan Enjoys Life in the Sober Lane
After years of being under the influence, Tracy Morgan has
opted for a better life as he moves past the demon in a bottle.
People.com reports the actor/comedian is enjoying his sober
mind state along with the success of his latest film, G-Force. So much so, that
he has his kids to thank for it all.
I’ve been sober for a year-and-a-half now, and I feel it
all. Im not inebriated anymore. I want to feel the good, the bad and the ugly.
I want to remember it all. I couldn’t do that when I wasn’t sober, Morgan
said. What I have learned over the years is to try to stay in the moment. I
want to feel it all because I’ve realized nothing lasts. I’m not perfect but I
strive for it. I take it one day at a time, but if you can get it to one hour
at a time, I’m good.
Sounds like a far cry from the old Tracy, who got acquainted
with an ankle bracelet that monitored his alcohol level after being arrested in
2005 and 2006 for drunk driving. So what turned the funnyman around? Quite
simply, his three sons, whom Morgan admits to having a stronger relationship
than ever, now that hes clean and sober.
I deal with my sons like young men. If they have a problem
with something, they come to me, the entertainer said about 23-year-old Gitrid,
21-year-old Malcolm and 17-year-old Tracy, Jr. I am the type of dad that will
drop everything I am doing for them, and always tell them to talk to me about
it. I’m not [as] crazy as you’d think. They have grown to be respectable young
men that are funnier that I could ever be.
4. Nelly Furtado Has All Spanish Creative Outlet for New
Album
Nelly Furtado has found a new way to express her musical
self with her upcoming all-Spanish album Mi Plan. According to the songbird, the project was welcome creative release
that generated a much needed energy boost.
I was physically tired and I wasn’t feeling inspired. It
was almost as if I lost my pop inspiration to write in English, Furtado told
the Associated Press. I just needed a
new outlet, and I found it by writing in Spanish.
Featuring the singles Manos Al Aire and Mas, Mi Plan will feature mostly up-tempo, melodic tunes that
intimately explore the passion that fuels relationships. Guests include Mexican
singers Alejandro Fernandez and Julieta Venegas, Spanish singer Concha Buika,
Latin hip-hop singer La Mala Rodriguez, Dominican singer Juan Luis Guerra and
classical singer Josh Groban.
I think this album has some of my first true love songs
ever. They’re not complicated. They’re not over-intellectualized, and I found
it liberating to be able to sing in the Latin language and to express myself
from my Latin soul, Furtado said about her 11-song opus.
Mi Plan is slated to
hit stores Sept. 15.
5. Oz’s Adebisi Puts Bid in To Play Black Panther
Despite making his mark as the inmate you didnt want to
cross in HBOs#### show Oz, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje is campaigning for a
different type of character this time around. MTVs Splash Page reports that
the actor, who found new life as Mr.
Eko on Lost, has been in talks with Marvel Comics about a movie debut
for another one of its superheroes. Specifically, the African warrior-king
known as The Black Panther.
In the eyes of Akinnuoye-Agbaje, the timing couldnt be more
perfect for TChalla to get his close-up.
We’re talking to Marvel about Black Panther, said the
actor, who will be seen next weekend as Heavy Duty in the action flick G.I.
Joe: The Rise of Cobra. This is the first
round, so you know, hopefully they’ll look at ‘G.I. Joe’ and see the potential.
But it’s about time we have a Black superhero, isn’t it?”
He’s from a fictional village in Africa and the timing is
so right for that kind of character to come through, Akinnuoye-Agbaje shared
with MTV News. And while I’m in my prime, this is the time. We’ve got [U.S.
President Barack] Obama, now we need something on screen to represent, so…
‘Panther,’ man.
Stay tuned to see if The Black Panther movie gets made. Any thoughts on who would make a
great hero if Akinnuoye-Agbaje doesnt get the part? Ask me years ago and I
wouldve said Wesley Snipes without question. But since hes got his own
problems to deal with, the jury is out. What say you?
In Other Words
* Jennifer Aniston is making moves behind the camera as she
takes on the role of producer for Holler (aka Mutt), a film that explores
racial tension in the Deep South.
According to reports the feature was inspired by the HBO
documentary Prom Night in Mississippi.
The film chronicles efforts by actor Morgan Freeman to end his hometown high
school’s segregated proms.
Holler centers on a biracial high school student who returns
with his white mother to her hometown in Mississippi, where he falls for a
white girl. When prom season arrives at the high school, he is shocked to
discover that she cannot be his date at the segregated prom. He soon finds
himself the catalyst for change for not only the prom but for the school and
entire town.
* Former In Living Color
cast member David Alan Grier is headed to Broadway as the newest addition to
the cast of David Mamet’s play Race.
The comedic entertainer will previously announced entertainers Kerry
Washington, James Spader and Richard Thomas for the production, which opens
Dec. 6 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. Preview performances will begin Nov.
16.
* The return of Whitney Houston will be sooner than
expected. Plans now call for the songstress album, I Look to You, to hit
stores and digital retail on August 31, rather than September 1. The projects
title track is currently available for free download at Yahoo music and
Houstons official website.
* You can put a fork in Jagged Edges musical relationship
with Jermaine Dupri. It is done. News of the parting was confirmed to
Singersroom.com by Jagged Edges Brandon Casey.
No. I usually like to leave the door open for questions
like that, but I’m going to go ahead and close that door. No, we’re not working
with Jermaine, he said in a recent interview about the man who produced many
of their hit songs. I’m not really looking to ever work with Jermaine again.
It’s not beef. It’s no love lost. I just think we’re on two different pages and
that’s fine. He can be where he’s at and we can be where we’re heading.
News of Jagged Edge/Dupri split comes as the group works on
its Slip N Slide Records debut, tentatively titled The Remedy.
* This years American Latino Media Arts (ALMA)Awards will
get two hosts with Eva Longoria Parker and George Lopez. The pair will team up
for the show, which honors Latinos who work in film, TV and radio. In addition
to being an ALMA co-host, Longoria Parker serves as an executive producer for
the show, which will air for the first time during National Hispanic Heritage
Month. The ALMA Awards is scheduled to air Sept. 18 on ABC.
BREAKING HEAT: LLoyd Banks
“Light Camera Packin”
Drake Ft. Saukrates
“The Search”
Rain P###. By J. Cole [Heater Of The Day]
“Come Home To Me”
The Clipse Ft. Pharrell and Keri Hilson
“Eyes On Me”
Triple Cs Ft. Young Jeezy and Rick Ross
“Erryday”
U-Krime Ft. Joell Ortiz
“Problems”
Raekwon Ft. Inspectah Deck, Ghostface Killah and Method Man
“House Of Flying Daggers” [Radio Rip]
Prodigy Produced By Havoc
“I Love Paper”
ACLU Considers Case Of Man Jailed For Rap Lyrics
The ACLU is considering the case of a Lakeland, Florida man, who has been sentenced to two years in prison over lyrics in a rap song.
In February, a song by rapper Antavio T.O. Johnson was posted to a MySpace page run by local label Hood Certified Entertainment.
Johnson was already in jail for violating his probation from a 2007 cocaine possession charge when the track Kill Me a Cop, was posted to Hood Certifieds page.
A Polk County gang detective unit found the song on the page and immediately began an investigation, which resulted in state prosecutors charging Johnson with two counts of corruption by threat of a public servant.
Lakeland Police spokeswoman Carrie Eleazer said that officers took the lyrics serious because Johnson named checked two officers, including a deputy who killed in 2006.
Johnson pleaded no contest on July 24 and was sentenced to two years in state prison for the offenses.
Howard Simon, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, told The Ledger his office is considering the case, because it was unclear if the lyrics were credible acts of violence.
The owner of Hood Certified Entertainment took responsibility for posting the controversial song while Johnson was jailed.
Daniel Barajas, 27, said that he didnt realize Johnson mentioned the officers and that he posted the track because he liked the beat.
The Beat Melee: Champ Meets Challenger
What up beat bangers? Last
week’s competition scorched up like a tar roof in Texas. The homies
Denada and Underground Lab Productionz went head up for the vacant title.
In the final tally, Denada took the belt under some public scrutiny.
Denada earns the title of “Casio Banger” for his first victory.
This week Denada returns to defend
the crown with some new tracks against a formidable opponent.
All comments and critiques are welcome. With those constructive
ideas, all producers and beatmakers can grow and perfect the craft.
Remember the criteria producers. Variety of tracks, arrangement,
and originality are key. Add some drops and changes to your beats.
A nice hook, a beat break, extra snare kick, or a change in melody can
mean the ultimate difference in selection.
Without further ado, let the battle
rage on.
Challenger
Name: JRB the Producer
Where you are from: Gresham/Britton’s Neck, South Carolina
Who is your favorite producer: Timbaland & Just Blaze
A description of your style of music:
I just want to add that most of my beats switch up almost the whole
way through so if you listen to “Never Rain on Me” & “Different
S**t” please if you can listen for a while. But I would simply
classify my music as “future Hip-Hop, Pop, Techno, Rock, Polka,
Trance, R &B, and Soul music”
The best way for someone to contact
you:
www.pmpworldwide.com/jrb-the-producer
www.myspace.com/jrbtheproducer
www.twitter.com/jrbtheproducer
“murder everything moving”
“never rain on me”
“on some different s**t”
Reigning Champion
Name: Denada
Where you are from: Los Angeles/ Currently in Birmingham Alabama
Who is your favorite producer: DJ Premier, Rza, Madlib, Pete Rock, Large Professor, Dilla, Flying Lotus, The Beatnuts, Beatminerz….etc
A description of your style of music: Some head nod s**t
The best way for someone to contact you: email — su******@***oo.com
“Deadly Medley”
“So Slick”
“Herb Garden”
Use the custom poll to cast your
votes, but feel free to drop a comment or appropriate feedback.