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Alfamega’s Open Letter To T.I.
In AllHipHops exclusive pair of interviews with Alfamega (click her for Part 1, Part 2), the rapper commented heavily on his relationship with T.I. As a member of Grand Hustle, Alfamega was instrumental in keeping the crew powerful on a street level. Now, on his own, Alfamega has decided to write a letter to his former friend and boss. See it below and offer your comments.
Click on the images to read the letter.
Juzcoz
“Diamonds”
Abyss Da Dark Ft Quintescence
“Pure”
Gorrilla Zoe
“I Like Girls”
The Beat Melee: The Battle Begins!
Ok Beat-Making family. Thanks for all of your submissions. We received enough emails in the box to bang out about 10 classic albums. Let’s all be great sports and appreciate the participants in today’s Beat Melee. If you didn’t get your heat up, maybe next week you’ll torch up the reigning champion.
But in the spirit of competition, somebody has to be chosen, somebody has to win. Narrowing the overall field to only two producers was very difficult. There were many that fit the criteria set forth to be in the top two.
This weeks winner will move on to face another challenger next week. Good luck!
Contestant #1
Name:
Underground Lab Productionz
Where you are from:
Gainesville, GA
Who is your favorite producer:
RZA, Mannie, Curtis Mayfield, and Larry Smith(to name a few)
A description of your style of music:
Hip Hop, R&B, Pop, Rock
The best way for someone to contact you:
Underground Lab Productionz
DJ Cube/CEO
ul******@***il.com
http://www.myspace.com/undergroundlabproductionz
King Philip/President
ki************@***il.com
http://www.myspace.com/kingphilipulp
“ULB Track 1”:
“ULB Track 2”:
“ULB Track 3”:
Contestant #2
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 ……….
“SUNDAY MORNING” :
“ALONG THE NILE”:
“UNTITLED”:
Use the poll to vote for your favorite producer of the week, but also don’t forget to drop a comment to explain the thought process behind your vote.
Log onto BeatDynasty.com for the latest in production news, interviews, and tech articles.
VOTE!
Kelis Releases Statement on Knights Birth, Confirms Nas Absence
With Nas confirming and celebrating his first sons birth during a performance in Queensbridge earlier this week, Kelis has disclosed her own official statement on the childs delivery.
Representatives for the singer confirmed that Knight arrived healthy with no complications, despite a long labor period.
“Kelis gave birth to Knight Jones last night on July 22nd around 9PM, stated publicist Tracy Nguyen. Weighing a healthy 7.8lbs, the beautiful baby boy and his mother are doing wonderful. This was a natural birth and Kelis has been in labor since early Monday morning around 2AM.
A normally joyous occasion had been marred by reports that Kelis barred Nas from seeing the birth of his son.
While the supposed ban was not confirmed nor denied, Kelis representatives did verify the Queensbridge legend was not present.
Knight was delivered in a NYC hospital with her mother and sister in the room, Nguyen stated. This is the mother’s first child.
Kelis and Nas were scheduled to attend a court hearing regarding their divorce, which was filed by Kelis back in April 2009.
Recently, lawyers for both parties have been disputing matters of spousal and child support, along with Nas current income wages.
Lawyers for Kelis claim Nas has made over $11 million courtesy of his lucrative 2006 Def Jam contract, and request the rapper pay upwards to $20,000 a month in child and spousal support.
Attorneys for Nas argue that those income figures are grossly inflated, and request the singer only receive a child support stipend of $5000 monthly, and involve the rapper fully in the childs raising.
At press time, a rescheduled court date hearing is pending.
PREVIEW: Only Built For Cuban Linx 2.
A Toast To The Best To Ever Do It –Lyric on final track of Only Built For Cuban Linx 2.
Our friends over at the Hip-Hop Chronicle had the pleasure of being the only blogger/journalist/anyone who has had a chance to listen to the much anticipated Only Built For Cuban Linx 2.
Every since speaking with Raekwon the last time he was in town, Ive been very excited to hear this project and honestly, it doesnt disappoint.
Below are just some of my thoughts. At this stage, I dont have titles for the tracks but do have most of the features and production credits. Hope you enjoy it…
The album starts with a skit. The beat is soulful, very smooth.
A voice that begins to speak. Its Papa Wu and hes speaking to the rapper.
Yo Rae, that you baby, heard all these things about you we went through so many trials and tribulation, watch the people that cheat you. Not only is Papa Wu dropping knowledge, but he reminds the listener just how far the rapper from Staten has come.
Already from the sound of the track and the opening skit, it sets up a mature album without the raw, gritty sound we are familiar with on Only Built For Cuban Linx.
Rae has gone through so much and hes taken it in his stride.
Track 1 starts off with the classic Shaolin fighting sounds. I think to myself, this is a RZA beat. As the upbeat track is in full flow, Im still thinking this is a RZA beat. Im completely wrong, its actually a J-Dilla beat.
Already bopping my head, Rae fires some dope rhymes and some swagger Ive always been an ill dude. Ghostface then rolls through and adds some style. Method Man is also featured on this joint. This is the album version, but the single version which will drop next week will have GZA on the hook. Its called Flying Daggers
Pete Rock produced Track 2, a street and grimey track. Its a street tale and its vintage Raekwon.
Hes looking to make that paper. One line he raps I havent got my money yet
Track 3 on the album features Erick Sermon. It has good chemistry. This is followed by what Im guessing will be called Its Cold Outside” or Track 4. It has the hook from the classic “Rainy Days'” Its cold outside but essentially the track is about Raekwon and everything hes faced from his street life, his music right through to the present. It also features Ghostface.
Track 6 on the album is produced by the legendary RZA with a rich sounding record. That black Mozart s**t right here, thats a lyric that sums up the track.
This is followed by a skit (7)with Raekwon flossing. yo where them Levis at. He picks out some Gucci.
Then the album goes into some vintage Raekwon and Ghostface. The chemistry is still there, they compliment each other very well. It has an old school feel to it. This is followed by “Criminology 2.”
Then the album takes a mature turn. Something we didnt hear on the first album, soulful beats. This is the first of many tracks that show the Chef reflecting. In order to be a general, you still need to be a solider.
A skit follow this and it seems Raekwon is getting cut out of the street life. A person says to Rae The bosses don’t want to war with you delete the friendship.
Then comes one of my favorite joints on the album. Its another Dilla beat. It had my face all screwed up! It features Ghostface. The joint has that Wu feeling. I was expecting the great late Dilla to come with a Wu-sounding record but he comes hard!
Then comes another mature sounding track. Its a RZA-produced one. Its a chilled out record, something you can zone out to. It features a German singer on the hook who is very very talented.
Track 15 is one of few Dr. Dre tracks on the album. Raekwon raps I grew up on the bad side and later talking that cocaine rap, thats what we live for.”
I knew right away that the track was produced by Dre. The use of the piano said it all.
As that song fades out, Im still on the sofa wondering whats going to come next!
I hear the Shaolin fighting sounds, I’m expecting Method Man or Inspectah Deck, instead I hear the raspy voice of Yonkers own, Jadakiss. This is definitely a street joint. Styles also blesses the track.
The legend that is Slick Rick does the hook on the next joint. He sings we will, we will rock you. Slick doesnt rhyme on the record, he just does the hook. Raekwon comes through with his vintage flow. Whats amazing is that the joint was produced by GZAs teenage son Kareem who Im told is about 15-16 but Im not sure.
As the album comes to a close, Im still wondering what more can I expect. In my mind, Im thinking if Im going to hear the Nas record, was it done? Did Esco come through??
But then my attention is taken away by Beanie Sigel who features on a joint and he KILLS it!!! Good energy and its compliments the Chef. The track is about life in jail and being trapped. Sigel came through on that joint for real!
Moving forward…we are on Track 19 now, its another chilled joint with a soulful sample. Its not as grimy and funnily enough, it will appeal to the female Wu Tang fans. I say funnily enough because even the males gonna like this track (I think Ill say no h### at this point lol). But seriously, a nice joint but the only difference between this and the other tracks is the content. Rae is talking more about boats, Gucci, Louis Vuitton. Its a feel-good joint and Rae asks the listener to Walk with me.
Alchemist record also makes the cut. You already know its a street record with the Wu-Tang member going in hard. This is followed by a fantastic Dr. Dre beat. Its a horn filled track. This beat is banging. I was trying to pick out lines but the beat was so nice, i found myself just enjoying Rae flowing effortlessly with Dr. Dre behind the boards. Real nice Hip Hop joint.
The album is coming to a close now. While reeling over some of the joints Ive heard so far, I didnt manage to catch the next one. I think the following line from the hook summed up the track. Who can you trust, look up ahead, you know we got sharpshooters.
The final track on the album, which RZA co-produced I hear. This will be the biggest surprise to everyone but a VERY nice one at that.
The track opens with a skit. New Wu plays in the background, theres loads of chatter and it seem like Raekwon is walking through a crowd with them praising him. Theres fireworks followed by a pop of a champagne bottle its a celebration.
Toast to the best who ever done it.
This beat is actually my favorite of the album. Firstly whats crazy about it is it samples Elton Johns Yellow brick Road. Its a classic Elton joint. Now Im bugging out. Im thinking DAAAMN, Raekwon got Elton John to give the go-ahead. Elton has only given his work to Tupac, Kanye West and a UK artist by the name of Ironik.
The story goes .
RZA and Elton are good friends, RZA reached out to Elton and told him about the project. They sent the beat to Elton and he immediately signed off on the record and actually really likes it.
A great end to a solid album.
Ok, so theres no Nas on the album. I know everyone is disappointed and Im sure both Nas & Rae are too but it doesnt take away from the fact that Only Built For Cuban Linx 2 is a solid effort.
The production on it is tight. There isnt one joint where Im going yeah, Ill skip that. The album has a variety. Theres joints on there to get you hyped, a joint to listen with your lady, a joint to zone out on and a classic Wu-Tang posse cut.
I know people will ask Is it better than the first OBFCL? My response would be, dont compare Raekwon to Raekwon, compare the album to what’s out now. The first album was in a different time, the artist was in a different place so it would be impossible to compare.
The features are pretty good. I didnt get to hear Erick Sermons verse but in terms of guest verses that I heard, Beanie Sigel kills it with his rhymes. But Masta Killa, Inspectah Deck, Method Man, Jadakiss, Styles P, and of course Ghostface all appear on the record
Has the Chef lost any game? Hell no! Is his flow still flawless? Hell yes!
I definitely want to hear the album again just to listen to the lyrics.
September 8th is the release date. I suggest Hip Hop fans pick this one up.
Raekwon aint nothing to f**k with, Wu-Tang Clan aint nothing to f**k with!!!
Hip-Hop Rumors: Lil Wayne Disses MJ?! Kanye’s Hiding Place! The Game’s Jay Names Drops…
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.
WAS NAS TOO DRUNK TO SEE HIS SON?
Oh no! Nas, say it isnt so! Now, we all know the story that Nas was not allowed to see his son, but there is a different side to this. There are media reports that say Nas was actually too inebriated to be admitted in the room with Kelis during or right after the birth. They also say that he came to the hospital way later after saying he was on the way. So, it was so late about 1 pm that they refused him entry. Rumor has it, the hospital bill has not been paid yet. More money, more problems.
LIL WAYNE DISSES MICHAEL JACKSON
To be fair, this video was recorded before MJ died, in May of this year (as far as I know). But Wayne said the following, in a case of horrible timing.
I pledge allegiance to the flag, Michael Jackson is a f*g [inaudible] 7-Up/ Pepsi Cola burnt him up.
I wonder what people are going to say about this one. I know Lil Wayne is the hottest thing out, but could this be a game changer? Well see if people are offended or not. What I find quite ironic is that Wayne is a kisser of another man so, I cant call it.
Here is the video:
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ALLHIPHOP RADIO – TIME TO BLASTOFF!
I don’t have show yet, but we’re working on the details. In the meantime, click the launch button to get down with AllHiphop Radio! Whooo Whooo!
MORE ON MJS LOVE CHILD
MJ may have fathered a Norwegian rapper known as Obee, who was born supposedly from a one-night stand with a fan. Obee now wants a DNA test. … Michael Jackson secret son love child Omer Bhatti Obee …
I thought this was trash, but peep this:
I been moon walking in my read Nikes oh boy! Check out his rap song.
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WHERE CAN KANYE GO TO BE UNKNOWN?
Kanye is known all over the globe and I know thats got to get on his nerves, even though I know he loves the attention. So, where does Kanye go to escape the ruckus? My ever-roving international illseed intel tells me that Kanye dipped into South Korea for a break. One of my sources lives in Busan, the second biggest S. Korean city, and told me that Kanye was there for a few days. Apparently, Kanye had just played over in Japan and passed through to relax. Sadly, he didnt play a show in S. Korea, do my peoples dismay. Maybe next time!
In North Korea, they are cloning dogs. Just some info for you.
JAY-Z DIDNT GET TO SIGN DRAKE
Well, here are some rumors about Drizzy that I have heard. He tore his ACL, which we all know, and it prevented him from performing at all. I heard he is back though. And, you know how Drake was supposed to be on the first Jay-Z song? RUMOR (I know Jay hates the rumors), but rumors has it Drake was considering going to Roc Nation. When he didnt, Jay opted not to give him that look. Jay moved Kanye and Rihanna in there instead thats family. Those are the rumors about that.
ILLSEEDS QUICKIES
I want to shout out Thabiti Olokuntogun Ojedele. He didnt believe its really me on facebook. Look for Ill Seed. First name Ill and last name Seed. They wouldnt let me do it as one word.
Reports say Madonna has refused to co-operate with police investigating the collapse of her stage which killed two men. Madge aint no snitch!
You have heard of Girls Gone Wild and Guys Gone Wild and this is Police Gone Wild. Check it!
Shoot me rumors to al*************@***il.com.
I dont know if Alfamega is walking again, but I heard that he had both legs in casts from the cops pushing him off a parking garage.
Wendy Williams is leaving radio for a career in TV. I mean, she left as of yesterday.
EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY
I know Lebron was just trying to protect his image, but this isnt 1984. There are cameras everywhere and telling the Nike reps to get peoples cameras isnt a realistic move considering 2009 is just like 1984. SMH. So, even though Bron got dunked on and the rim rattled, he gets the fail for trying to suppress it. Hes HUMAN and it was a mere pick up game. So, shout out to Big Bron. It wasnt a big deal!
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SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END
This one got past me. Luckily Eric hooked me up. Now read this madness from the Shanghai Times (OK, its really Shanghai Daily, but Times sounds better):
A 14-YEAR-OLD boy drank gasoline for five years to obtain “energy” – just as his idols “Bumble Bee” or “Optimus Prime” do in “Transformers,” the Sichuan-based West China Metropolis Daily reported yesterday.
After the boy, in Yibin City, southwest Sichuan Province, had watched the animated TV series, he began to drink gasoline to become a “valiant fighter” like “Optimus Prime,” his father told the newspaper.
“He began to drink gasoline five years ago, when we found he liked smelling lighter fuel,” he said.
The boy started out drinking lighter fluid and then moved up to gas from the familys motorcycle. He is effectively mentally handicapped and cannot add or subtract anymore. The gas destroyed his brain cells. Where were his parents? Im just sayin —sheeeesh!
PRINCE DOES BILLIE JEAN
You know, the past is just that. And prince has put it all to the side and recently did a dedication in the form of Billie Jean.
THE GAME KEEPS DISSING JAY-Z!
This is a funny video though, because there were a few Roc/Jay-Z fans that dared to get on stage with The Game. Peep it:
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THE EXPOSURE!
Did you read the editorial on What Jay-Z Needs To Do About The Game? If you didnt, read it. The Game is vulnerable! Somebody sent me this listing of all the times he has mentioned Jay-Z and the list is long! I am not sure if Jay is playing chess or checkers with Game, but I think the plot is going to soon thicken. I didnt write this, but check it out.
1. “No beef with Jay” “one blood”
2. “Got a hook from Faith, no verse from Jay
I guess on Westside Story he thought I spit in his face” “Westside Story”
3. “Dre told me he ain’t doin “Detox,” this his only run
Ma$e comin back, and Hovi done” “No more fun and games”
4 “It’s “Me & My Girlfriend” like 2Pac and them
Jay-Z and Beyonce, or Bobby and Whitney “Special”
5. “Rap critics politickin, wanna know the outcome
“Ready to Die” “Reasonable Doubt” and “Doggystyle” in one “Dreams”
6. “Make the club R.O.C. without Timberland boots “Higher”
7.”I was gassed up, Murder Inc., Roc-A-Fella passed up”
8. “It took me a little while but I am now understandin
Jay ****ed up in the first round when he picked olowankandi” “Memp Bleek Iz”
9. “Oh, that boy colder than Hova unless he sober” “300 Bars”
10. “And ain’t nobody tryin to take Beyonce from Jay
But I know a ***** named Superhead he ****ed back in the day” Wouldnt Get Far”
11.”Took you to award shows, there go Jay right there”
“One Night”
12.”Bangin “The Black Album,” track #1
she like that Jay ****, that’s her favorite” “Around The World”
13. “Behind the back to Nas he alley oop to Jigga” “Why U hate The Game”
14. “Niqqas show me love in the hood like i was HOV down Flushing” “State Yo Name”
15. “The day Jay retire I’ma park next to the throne, in a Maybach on gold wires, yeah “Hands On The Pump”
16. “Cuz he know Jay-Z departed
And these other rap labels know don’t feed they artists
Talkin blueprint **** you got three garages
Gettin money off Roc like little E and carter”
17. “And 2Pac was in jail the day you called to hit him up
I wouldn’t be outside 40/40 bumpin ‘Jigga What'”
18.”I’m the king, and you better respect it
All I need is Beyonce, and a Roc-a-fella necklace”
19. “I’m the golden boy, and I’m making Hova noise
Got the whole world clapping, just like the Nolia Boys”
20. “I told ’em bomp, slow down baby
Got to get this **** firm like Foxy, NaS and AZ
She said ‘**** you,pay me
So I left her in AZ
That’s what I get for letting her listen to my Jay-Z”
21. “*****, I’m number one, motherfukka bar none
Who else kick knowlegde outside of Hova and the God Son”
22. “U gon make me/ make Jay lose his cool” “Feel It In The Air”
23. “Too much West coast dikc lickn, remember Jay-Z? “1-800-Homicide”
24. “No Em, no Dre, I’m the hottest since Jay” “Get Up”
25. “Cause I’m the man behind the Roc like Kanye West”
26.”A pimp like 50, the niqqa to leave you broke ma
6 in the mornin, you stretchin on the sofa
singin ain’t no niqqa like Foxy Brown and Hova” “Compton to Fillmoe”
27. “I’m runnin the ROC, not Jay, Dame Dash of Hoffa” “Jackin 4 Beats”
28. “Who the f## holdin me? i was just waitin ’til HOVA leave
wit my eyes on the thrown that belong to me” “Round Here Freestyle”
29. “yeah its me and young cass til hov come back” “Aim Ya Gunz”
30. “Throw Jay-z in the pot, mix em with ren
or O.J on the rocks, mix em with gin
whatchu got? the westcoast riding again” “82 Days”
31. “i found out it was a hard knock life without asking Jay” “Duck Down”
32. “Fake king of new york, U aint Jay z” “soundscan”
33. “Me, Em and 50 racin’ this rap siht is basic I followed that Jay siht” “We Aint”
34. “The kings comin’, no I’m not Jay-Z” “One Blood Remix”
35. “Not the rap martyr, or the second rap Carter” “for My gangstaz”
36. “niqqa I’m about a dollar, what the f## is 50 Cent?
When Jay said it, I didn’t know what it meant” “100 Bars”
37. “used to push that rock like Jay Hov” “Red Bandana”
38. “then this marcy-project niqqa came and stole the crown” “Im a soldier”
39. “But Kanye and Hova killed it without a doubt” “Just a lil Bit freestyle”
40. “Who had the hottest chick in the game, wearin they chain
Mr. H to the Izzo, Nas and Hurricane” “too Much”
41. ” cuz ain’t nobody movin units but Jay, pimp Juice and Us” – Down 4 my *****s freestyle
43. “I used to have visions of retiring like Jigga” “Du Rags
44. “He in a vest with a hoodrat from Marcy with a tattoo of Jay-Z name on her chest” “Its So Hard”
45. “Im classic like Detox & Blueprint 2” “Get Yo Money”
46.”Yall thought it was over when Hova retired” “Get Yo Money”
47. “Make the world feel like the niqqas before 2pac Shakur Christopher Wallace & Shawn Corey” “Dont Push Me…”
48. “… He aint teach Jigga how to rhyme” “Juice freestyle”
49. “Im going to same place Jay-z went Fredrico & Pico” “100 Bars”
50. “Hov retired but Compton still pushin Roc” “On & On”
51. “I came to see chicks shake they ass like Beyonce so let me be Hov 4 a min.”
52. “All I gotta do is hit her wit a Jay-Z line like u deserve to be my sunshine”
53. “Biggie Smalls is the illest so is pac Jay retired i wonder if nas gon drop” “Unbeliveable freestyle”
54. “i kno they sayin y u gotta mention Jay” “State Yo Name”
55. “First Jay & Beyonce then Nas & Kelis” “A Week Ago Part 2”
56.”u 36 And U Still Rappin Uhh, Im 26 And Homie So Iz Da Dubz” “one Blood”
57.”So I reconciled my differences like he did with Jigga” Game on ‘Hustlers’
58. “Im ready to die Without a reasonable doubt” “The Documentary”
59. “In ’99 i studied +The Chronic+ inside out,
a Doggystyle for breakfast, lunch was Reasonable Doubt ” “im A Soldier freestyle”
60. “Shouldnt been influenced by Calvin Broadus, Nasir Jones & Shawn Corey” “Pain In My Life Remix”
61. Yo Jay what it do niqqa, i done rocked enough fellas,to be u niqqa,i got the 40/40,they my 2 jigga’s”
62. The word n!gger, is nothing like *****
Don’t sound **** alike, like Game like Jigga
63.”I was more hood then suge, had more rocs then Jay
more scars on my face then the original scarface, or the homeboy scarface.”
64. “i need more than 60 seconds i aint Hov”
– Hot 2Nite (Remix)
65.”Moved out the hood, changed her name to Jay”
66. “He ain’t Nas, ain’t B.I.G., ain’t Jigga” 300 bars
67. “”Pushing the rock, nah this ain’t no subliminal Jay
The summer too hot, and I want the winter to stay” Dear Summer
68.””I’m fly like a Hummingbird on a tree top
The new Hov, the new B.I.G., the new ‘Pac, I need three spots”
69. “”Ask a Jay-Z fan about Big Daddy Kane, don’t know em, Game gon show em” – Games Pain
70. “”She call me Jay I call her B we getting married to the streets” – Camera Phone
71. “”The kings coming, no i’m not Jay-z/ too many *****s hate me, but they scared to face me” 1 blood remix
72. “So I reconciled my differences like he did with Jigga” Make The World Go Round
73. “”I hear the crowd callin my name Game, Game
but i’m not one so don’t try to play me
and this goes from Gucci Mane to Jay-Z” – Laugh
74.”hip hop is soft since the Roc-A-Fella break up/and i don’t do subliminals I just pick Jay up” – Walk in the streets
75.”I’m that six figga *****/who got the word from KRS-One and stole the Blueprint from Jigga” – Feels Good
76.”They say at Summer Jam i turned it out/but Kanye and Hova killed it without a doubt” – Just a lil bit (G-Unit Diss)
77.””We on that same elevator goin down, Dodger fitted got that Hova lean so they don’t notice me” – Down & Out (mixtape version)”
I salute whoever did this list!
DUDE THAT WROTE ALL THE JIGGA NAME DROPS, WE LOVE YOU!!!
They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!-illseedWHO: illseed.comWHAT: RumorsWHERE: AllHipHop.com, MySpace.com/TheIllseedHOW: Send your rumors and ill pics to illseed at al*************@***il.com.
The X Fact(her): An Amero And A Dream
Last week Prez Obama stood before a packed audience and
essentially preached to the choir. He spoke about the great accomplishments of
the NAACP and how the organization ironically celebrated its 100th
anniversary the same year he became the country’s first (official) African
American president.
Then he did something that was quite surprising. He
addressed Black America, by name:
“We have to say
to our children, ‘Yes, if you’re African-American, the odds of growing up amid
crime and gangs are higher ’Yes, if you live in a poor neighborhood, you will
face challenges that someone in a wealthy suburb does not.’ But that’s not a
reason to get bad grades, that’s not a reason to cut class, that’s not a reason
to give up on your education and drop out of school. No one has written your
destiny for you. Your destiny is in your hands and don’t you forget that.
In the speech (his boldest statement on race in America
to date) Obama admitted that African Americans had it tougher than their white
peers.
Young
black children are 5x more likely to be arrested than whites.
African
Americans have higher unemployment rates than whites.
Blacks
are more likely to not have health coverage.
Of course what made for the biggest quotable moment was Prez
Obama’s urging that young black kids have more role models:
I want them aspiring
to be scientists and engineers, doctors and teachers, not just ballers and
rappers. I want them aspiring to be a Supreme Court justice. I want them
aspiring to be president of the United States.”
How do you tell a kid not to follow the money?
Kids aspire to be whatever will yield them the most money,
recognition and respect. A couple decades ago every young boy wanted to be a
cop or doctor while little girls wanted to be teachers or housewives.
Today, little brown and black boys want to be rappers and
ball players because even during this recession the see that Kobe is still
worth an estimated $200 million and Jay-Z is about to release his 14th album,
which is sure to go platinum even with bootlegging and downloading. (Sidenote:
what do little brown and black girls want to be?)
In order for you to live a comfortable life in this country
you have to be rich. The US dollar aint worth much these days. European
tourists arrive with loads of cash and pillage our stores and real estate
market. Chinese investors even plan U.S. home buying trips where
the goal is to snatch up a residence in a great location.
Meanwhile, the average American can’t get a line of credit to save their lives.
Renters are being evicted for not being able to pay rent, while home owners are
getting crazy bail outs.
Perhaps its time the federal reserve team up with Mexico
and Canada and
get this elusive Amero
plan off the ground. Like the Euro, which is whooping the US dollars behind,
the Amero will be a unified currency accepted all along North
America. One little hiccup in the plan is Mexico.
Not sure if you know but right now it is like Miami
circa 1984 in Mexico.
Nicky Barnes, Frank Lucas, Griselda
Blanco have nothing on the drug lords that are terrorizing Mexico and basically strong-arming the countrys
government.
If little poor kids
in America aspire to be rappers and athletes, one can only imagine how hard Mexico has it discouraging its kids from becoming
drug lords. The peso cant hold a candle to the US dollar yet drug lords in Mexico are making it onto the Forbes
Magazine list of the worlds richest people.
Here rappers sing
about their exaggerated tales of being on the block. In Mexico drug dealers pay singers to pen songs about
their recent real life drug trafficking adventures. They call the genre Narco
Corridos or drug ballads.
Now, that is whole nother
level of gangster-dom.
Again, How do
you tell a kid not to follow the money?
My parents always stressed going to school and getting a
college degree so that I can have more earning power. Years after graduating from
a good school my degree is still in the envelope the university mailed it in,
on the bottom of my book shelf collecting dust. I, along with most of my
friends, have fallen victim to lay offs and we half-heartedly joke about taking
a trip downtown to apply for Food Stamps.
Its real out here.
If I was a ten year old kid, Id look at my options hard. Id
aspire to be a rapper, ball player, teacher and president. Id throw as many
darts at the wall and see what sticks.
At the end of the day (the most overused term ever!), dont
we all want to be able to walk into a store and drop a stack of Ameros on
whatever we want?
The X Fact(her) is a weekly column that appears on 99problems.org.
Started on Inauguration Day 2009 by the League of Young Voter’s
Education Fund, 99problems.org is a non-profit initiative that aims to
keep young people engaged in the political process through activism and
community involvement. Please visit 99problems.org to find out how you
can get involved right now! For more on Chloé A. Hilliard
BREAKING NEWS: Gunshots Interrupt Trae Day; Five Injured On TSU Campus
A day meant to pay homage to local rapper Trae the Truth ended in violence earlier today, when a shooting broke out on Texas Southern Universitys campus, injuring several people.
Last year, the city of Houston named July 22 Trae Day due to the rappers work within the community.
Today, the large family event at TSU Stadium parking lot, was interrupted by gunfire around 8:50 PM. At least a dozen shots were fired on the campus, a witness told AllHipHop.com.
Up to five people, including a senior citizen may have been injured by the gunfire, although the exact number of victims could not be assessed as of press time.
Rick Ross, Bun B. and other various rappers were listed as performers during the event.
Yung Berg Denies Assaulting Woman; Planning Reality Show
Immediately upon reading reports of the recent accusations brought against his client, Yung Bergs manager and attorney contacted AllHipHop.com vehemently denying the allegations reported Tuesday afternoon (July 21).
Chelsea Berry, who claims she filed a police report in an LA suburb last Thursday evening (July 16), accused Berg of assaulting her while she visited the rapper at his Woodland Hills, California home last week.
Berry stated that following a brief altercation during which Berg allegedly struck her twice, then pushed her, he drove her to the top of a hill and left her stranded.
Because no arrest had been made, the LAPDs media relations department was unable to confirm or deny the allegations when contacted. While Jeremy M. Rosen admitted that Berg did, in fact, know Chelsea Berry, he maintains that the incident she described in an exclusive interview with AllHipHop.com never happened.
The allegations are entirely false and without merit, Rosen told AllHipHop.com. Yung Berg would never conduct himself in such a manner. This is clearly a pathetic attempt for publicity. Lets focus on reality, namely, Yung Berg as the multi-platinum, ASCAP Award-winning artist, songwriter and producer.
Berg has had a less than stellar relationship with the media of late, between allegations of an assault in Detroit, an arrest on drug possession charges in Miami, and various rap beefs.
However, lately the Chicago native has been staying out of the headlines as he focuses on his career.
Earlier this year, Berg picked up two ASCAP Awards as one of the writers of the single Sexy Can I, which appeared on singer Ray Js 2008 album All I Feel.
The song was recognized as an award-winning song at both the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards and the ASCAP Pop Awards. Yung Berg is currently working on his sophomore album, The Love Project, with production by Rob Holladay, who was responsible for Bergs 2007 hit single Sexy Lady.
He has also begun filming a reality series titled Back To Business, which may possibly be picked up by BET, Rosen tells us. The show offers fans an inside look at the team of professionals that continues to help develop Bergs career.
The show is expected to debut just in time to coincide with the Fall 2009 release of The Love Project. The albums first single is expected to hit radio airwaves in September.
Hip-Hop Rumors: Lebron Dunked-On Vid! Amber Fakes It?
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.TWITTER BEEF: SOULJA BOY VS JO JO SIMMONS!
Twitter Beef on the Rise: Soulja Boy Makes Threats
By: Dawn Danz
Twitter has now become the official space for artists to not only promote their new projects, but to also spark new beefs. The latest rounds come from Soulja Boy, who reportedly threatened JoJo Simmons, Reverend Run’s oldest son, and former Byrd Gang-affiliate imprisoned rapper Max B.
Soulja Boy didn’t like that fact that JoJo commented on his lyrical delivery. Simmons tweeted, “Lyrically Soulja Boy ain’t to dope but musically he’s a genius this joing right here kinda catchy http://tinyurl.com/kppxg3.”
Soulja Boy responded with, “SouljaBoyTellEm: @YoungSimmons Lyrically I ain’t dope?…”Kinda” catchy? Watch your mouth bruh.”
Shortly after Soulja Boy sent his reaction, he deleted the tweet from his account. However, the tweet can be found by using Twitter Search or Tweleted.
ILLSEED’S AFTERNOON QUICKIES
There are rumors that there is a Michael Jackson “love child” out there and the kid attended the funeral. Even in death, they won’t “leave him alone.”
Nas is all about the LOVE. I heard that in a recent interview, he was asked about Kelis and he said that it was all love and not to believe every thing you read.
I am wondering what The Game has in store. He’s heard Jay’s “groupie” comment, I am sure. Well!?
AMBER ROSE FAKES IT!?
This doesn’t shock me one bit. We all fake it in some way or another. But, Amber Rose leans toward keep
Will these words come back to sting The Game?
THE GAME Thats what I live for, thats what I do it for, and no other reason, if it aint for my kids, its for BIG, Pac Eazy and the legends, the Nass the Jays, people that was really about hip-hop
NAS NAMES SON KNIGHT!
LEBRON GETS DUNKED ON FOOTAGE EMERGES!
This WAS a rumor and no it is real. Bron Bron is probably HEATED and somebody got paid real nice.
THE DAILY TWO SENSE!
Ahhhhh .there is nothing like a slow day. Ya look and look and look and listen and listen and listen and listen and get nothing. Well, there is something here. Check the rumors on Dr. Dre and The Game and R. Kelly. Check it!
For some reason, I havent been able to find any real Signs The World Is Coming To An End. Shoot me some to al*************@***il.com.
DR. DRE AND THE CREW ARE FINISHING DETOX
We have waited and waited and waiting. The wait will not be eternal, yall. After 10 years, its looking like Detox is going to see the light of day this year. The crew are all in Hawaii recording and enjoying the final stages of the album. I know that Dr. Dre, Eminem, Stat Quo, The D.O.C. and others are out there chillin and working at the same time. According to sources, they are all over the place. North Korea, chill out! I need this album to come out this year.
R.KELLY IS COMING BACK, FANS!
Here is a great rumor for all you fans of The R. No, not Rakim. R. Kelly! The man known as Kellz had a BBQ at his crib over the weekend. I heard that he played his entire new album that’s dropping in September. From what I understand, its blazing. I heard that one of the members of his first group, Public Announcement, were in the mix and are producing some cuts on the album. Good luck.
WHAT? BEEF WITH THE GAME AND MAX B?
I didnt know that you could twitter from jail, but it seems that Max B has privileges others dont. He recently sent a shot to The Game from jail. Here is what he said:
Jayceon terell taylor you are a f###### drag queen male stripper. I cant wait to get out and ride on u. It will be an ugly sight.
He also requested that his fans look out for him at his looming sentencing.
everyone needs to be at my sentencing on july 31st!!!
JAY-Z INTERVIEW CALLS GAME A GROUPIE
Now, lets see what Jay-Z is going to do with this new single featuring Kanye and Rihanna. Now, he didnt really get into it, but he does talk about Chris Brown and The Game. He shoots down rumors too! Check it out.
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Tell groupie to get over it. What do you think of Jay-Z commenting on the rumors? Hes got a point.
SUPERHEAD GETS SUPER HOOD!
LOL! Superhead is not fooling ME! She can talk all haughty if she wants, but I see whats the deal! Look at this interview she did where she gets all upset at some news casters for not knowing a lot about her book and referencing her past.
video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsfree video player
Also she claims she has been married 10 years? To WHO? Eddie Winslow? Help me understand! Embed this and pass it along!
SOME GOOD HIP-HOP NEWS
Check out this letter I got from a reader that gave me some advice on who is poppin right now.
Hey illseed!!
What’s up!!! Just wanted to let you know that I went to the Kid Cudi/Asher Roth concert in Kansas City, MO last night!! It was off the chain!! All of the artists (PacDiv and Bobby Ray opened the show up) put on excellent shows. Asher had the place jumping!!! Kid Cudi had the club jumping too and he killed it with an extended version of “Day & Nite.” Definitely worth the money we paid for tickets. Glad to see you’re back and was able to get straight. Peace!
PS
ILLSEEDS QUICKIES
Shyne might be getting out of jail really soon. I am hearing that he had some sort of hearing yesterday.
The song is Brooklyn and the artist is Geda-K. Check it out. http://www.zshare.net/audio/62747757e0351b5b/
I heard they MJ and Prince had a beef that is rooted in Prince blaming Michael for a falling out with James Brown, both of their idols. I also got from a reader that that beef if it existed was long gone by the year 2000.
If you saw that NSFW Sprite commercial from Germany, its a fake. Sprite never did that and I heard they are looking for the creator to sue them.
Joe Budden is going to meet with Lyor Cohen. I wonder what this could lead to.
The charges against Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates (Skip) have been dropped.
The reason everybody was so mad at Foxy was that she only performed about five minutes, people in Connecticut said.
Jermaine Jackson wants Neverland to be the final resting place of his brother.
WACK ISH OF THE DAY
I have no doubt in my mind that this young man is talented in some way or another. With that said and all respect due to my brother, this is terrible. He did a tribute album over Michael Jackson beats. Now, I AM NOT PERFECT, so I am giving YOU to listen and love it or hate it.
Dont take this personal, bud.MIJAC TATS ON FANS! (EPIC WIN OR EPIC FAIL?)
After MJ died, fans went crazy. Remember I showed you the dude that got tatted within hours if the King’s death? Here are some others. Even one got MJ on their “cheek.”
MJ, WE LOVE YOU!!!
They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!
-illseed
WHO: illseed.com
WHAT: Rumors
WHERE: AllHipHop.com, MySpace.com/TheIllseed
HOW: Send your rumors and ill pics to illseed at al*************@***il.com.
Amerie Ft. Nas, Jadakiss, Caine and Rick Ross
“Why R U Remix”
RZA Preps New Philosophy Book, The Tao of Wu
Wu-Tangs RZA is set to deliver his second book, this time focusing on the elements on spirituality and philosophy.
Entitled The Tao of Wu, the book details RZA’s own personal journey to enlightenment.
By utilizing Hip-Hop lyrics, autobiographical anecdotes, and parables, the RZA explains how he was simultaneously inspired by Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Bruce Lee, and Islam.
The Abbott frames his philosophy under seven Pillars of Wisdom, which represent seven key turning points in his life that he hopes to impart on his readers.
The number 7 is symbolic in itself, representing consciousness in numerology, and considered a divine number in several faiths such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
According to the texts publisher Riverhead Books, The Tao of Wu is a deeper reflection on the brief philosophical glimpses read in 2004s The Wu-Tang Manual.
As the leader of the Wu-Tang Clan, the RZA has been responsible for the groups creative direction since their classic 1993 debut, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).
Over the past decade, he has expanded his talents to acting (American Gangster) and film score composing (Kill Bill Volume 1 & 2).
His last studio album was 2008s Digi Snacks. The Tao of Wu will be available on October 15, with a retail price of $25.95.
Twista Hits #1, Comments On Independence
Twistas foray into independence has proven to be successful, as his sixth studio album Category F5 has landed at #1 on Billboards Top Rap Albums chart and #8 on the Top 200 Albums Chart.
Category F5 was the first release in a new partnership between Twistas Get Money Gang Entertainment (GMG) and EMI Label Services and Caroline Distribution. ‘
EMI provides the promotion, press, online marketing, tour services and other duties for Twistas GMG imprint, which is run and co-owned by Twistas manager Rawle Stewart and Henley Halem.
“It really says something when you sell more independently than you do on a major label, Twista told AllHipHop.com in a statement. I really have the fans, EMI and radio to thank for this great accomplishment in my career. Times are changing and I’m glad I chose to partner with EMI to help form a new business model that benefits all parties involved especially the artist.”
Twistas album continues EMIs hot streak with the Hip-Hop genre, as its the labels fourth #1 debut Hip-Hop/R&B album in a row this year.
EMI Label Services notched #1 albums with Trinas Still Da Baddest, Ice Cubes Raw Footage, Bobby V.s The Rebirth and now Twistas Category F5.
Fabolous Ft. Drake
“Throw It In The Bag Remix”
Drake Ft. JD Era
“Black Magic”
Gucci Mane Ft. Woo Da Kid
“Pressure”