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Tray Chaney: Jack of all Trays

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Features
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What qualifies you as a triple

threat? It is certainly more than the ability to do three things at once. It is

the ability to do those same three things and actually excel at each. Self

proclaimed triple threat Tray Chaney originally caught the eye of audiences

around the world with his performance on the HBO’s#### series The Wire. He is

now expanding his resume with rapping, and writing books. Wire fans may

remember his role of Poot. The self doubting character who was much more of a

follower than a leader. Unlike the lackey character Poot, Chaney is a leader

who is taking his destiny into his own hands by not stifling himself to one

craft. We can expect to see him promoting his new book The Truth You Can’t

BeTray and creating his new album Jack Of All Trays. If that isn’t

enough for you, then you can always get the seasons of The Wire.

AllHipHop.com: Music and acting now seems to go hand in hand. How did

you get involved in acting? How did you get involved in music? How long have

you been rapping? I heard you began your career at four.

Tray Chaney: Well as far as music and acting, a lot of my fans that

watch me on the HBO series The Wire as well as individuals in the community and

around the world don’t realize that I started in this business as an R&B and

Hip Hop dancer at the age of 4 years old. By the time I was 8 years old, I was

winning at the Apollo Theater in New York city and I have footage of it on my blogsite www.traychaneyblog.tumblr.com.

At that young age and in the late 80’s early 90’s i was getting groomed as an

artist, music/rapping was a major influence. Big Daddy Kane inspired me to rap

believe it or not.  I use to always rap when I was dancing and winning

local talent shows in the Washington, D.C. area, where I’m originally from. This went on for about 10

years, then I caught the acting bug in high school, by taking a couple of drama

classes. I knew I wanted to be an actor. I wanted to be a triple threat. I

auditioned for The Wire fresh out of high school. That was my 1st audition ever

as an actor and I booked the role of Poot through the grace of God. Those were

five of the best historical years of my life. I feel good to be a part of

history, so I guess u can say that’s where my journey began as far as music as

well as acting.

AllHipHop.com: You have a song with Jazz from Dru Hill called

“Dilemma.”  How did you two

link up for the track?

Tray Chaney: Well Jazz is actually a good friend of mine. We met at a

premiere of the 3rd season of The Wire. We expressed how much we were fans of

each other and I jumped out there and said I would like to record a song and

feature him on it. (laughs) He was a little stand offish at first, because he

didn’t know I could rhyme. So he said he would let me know the next time he was

going to the studio and I could swing past and show him what I had. I had the

idea for the record about being caught up between 2 woman because at that time

that’s what I was going through. Jazz introduced me to his brother Marcus

“G-Mann” Anthony and his cousin Marqueet Jackson. G-Mann produced the

track and we all collabed on  writing it and the rest is history. The

Hip-Hop community is a little shocked that I can rhyme. I take whatever I do

very serious, especially this entertainment business. We shot the video for it

just to give a visual for You-Tube and we got another smash international pop

song called “Baby Let’s Go” featuring G-Mann. My good buddy DJ

Chrisstyles from Hot 99.5 in Washington, D.C. is starting to spin it. These executives will soon catch

on. I am a Triple Threat, so keep your ears open for Jack Of All

Trays the album coming soon and I can’t wait to shock the world.

AllHipHop.com: What is it like to have to do the difficult scenes on The

Wire? The ones where you are murdering someone or doing something that is

completely not of your character?

Tray Chaney: Well that’s just the beauty of being an actor. You have to

become someone your not most of the time and that’s how it’s been for me in

most cases. I think the world experienced a heart felt moment when Bodie and I

had to kill Wallace in season one on the show. I know they did because I had a

tough time as well doing that scene because one of my best friends was killed a

couple of months before and it made me wonder and think what he was doing as

far as pleading for his life. It just really touched me. That scene was a very

true test for me to pass as far as acting goes. My fans let me know each and

everyday that it was pulled off.

AllHipHop.com: How do you prepare for a scene of that nature?

Tray Chaney: I prepare for scenes like that by just going back in my

mind and really isolating myself away from everyone and really becoming that

character and I learn from Don Cheadle, Denzel Washington and other great

actors that had to do scenes similar in a movies. I study my craft very hard

and I don’t have a problem taking  advise.

AllHipHop.com: How different is the character Poot from you? What are some

similarities?

Tray Chaney: Tray Chaney and Poot are totally different. Tray Chaney is

a leader and Poot was more like a follower. Poot was forever catching a disease

for not strapping up. Tray Chaney advises individuals to strap up and practice

safe sex. The similarities are at times I can have a soft heart. On The Wire

Poot was kind of soft-hearted.

AllHipHop.com: When it comes to music, what do you listen to?  What

inspires you?

Tray Chaney: Kanye West Graduation album, 50 Cent Get Rich or

Die Tryin, Jay Z American Gangsta, Freeway, Free At Last. I

am loving that new Black Eye Peas single. The reason why I name those albums is

because every last one is a story and that’s how my Jack of All Trays

album is going to be. I listen to those albums everyday, and find something new

each time. That Black Eye Peas new single “BOOM, BOOM, POW” is

incredible. My record “Baby Let’s Go” is starting to get mixed in

with their song here in D.C. I just love Hip Hop music period, not leaving no one

out. I listen to everything.

AllHipHop.com: You have a movie with Freeway. What is your character

name? What is his personality like?

Tray Chaney: The movie that I have with Freeway is called “What We

Do” and it will be released on April 21, 2009. You got Omillio Sparks, The Young Gunz, E-Ness and Cuzin

E just to name a few who are also in the movie. I play the character by the

name of Shorty, and he’s one of Freeway’s little homies that really follows his

lead. I had a great time working with all of those guys and they show me love

whenever I go to Philly. You know they gone collab with me on my album as well.

Freeway is a dope.

AllHipHop.com: Can you tell me a little about the actual movie?

Tray Chaney: What We Do is directed by Tron Anderson and he also

wrote State Property. The movie is based on Freeway’s life. It’s hard to

say that it does not remind me of State Property because all my homies

are in this film. The streets are going to feel this joint. Tron Anderson did a

great job. The movie can be purchased at FYI, Walmart, Target and Amazon.com.

AllHipHop.com: What other projects are you working on now? Other films?

Tray Chaney:  I have a movie with my homie Anwan “Big G”

Glover (Slim Charles on The Wire) called Hood Related, starring

myself and Snoop from The Wire. Anwan and I represent D.C. to the fullest, he’s

like a big brother to me. I am filming a movie as we speak in D.C./NY called The

Conversation, directed by Frank Jackson from DC. I also have projects going

on in LA with Video/Movie Director Dr. Teeth that I have to keep quiet about. I

have a self published book that’s available on Amazon.com

entitled The Truth You Can’t BeTray. It’s my inspirational

autobiography. Me and my manager YZ  from Blackworld Ent. are getting with

a few writers/producers to develop the book into a screenplay. Everyone that

goes and purchase a copy from Amazon.com will have a chance to at least

audition. It’s no profanity in the book. It’s starting to get a lot of

attention. I have been so busy with getting this message/book out. It’s like so

precious to me. Purchase the book and get familiar with  my life, the

before and after the 1st and  2nd  seasons of The Wire.  Go to traychaneyblog.tumblr.com

to read a synopsis. Before I forget I am producing a show with my alter ego

Microphone Funk and he is a guy from the planet called Funkland and he’s stuck

in the 70’s. He actually interviews me about my book. It’s on my blog. He has

been trying to get  at Pimpin Curly (50 Cent) for the longest to get an

interview, so Pimpin Curly if you out there holla at a brother.

AllHipHop.com: What was it like working with Chris Rock and Bernie Mac?

Any interesting experiences on the set?

Tray Chaney: Chris Rock Gave me a small cameo in his movie Head of

State. It was such a wonderful experience meeting Chris Rock and the late

Bernie Mac. I truly miss Bernie Mac though. He use to have me laughing so hard

on the set and those two guys together where hilarious. A portion of my

proceeds from my book goes to the Sarcoidosis foundation because not only did

Bernie Mac have the disease, but my father is living with it now, so I truly

support the cause to fight the disease.

AllHipHop.com: How has your life changed since you began acting and

doing music? Do you consider yourself a celebrity now?

Tray Chaney:  My life has really changed. My fans keep me going.

Without them I would be nothing. That’s why I have so much that I have to do

from music, acting and writing. I have a lot going on that keeps me focused.

Now you ask do I consider myself a celebrity. I will let you and my Wire fans

answer that

Follow the Tray Chaney movement www.traychaney.blog.tumblr.com,

www.twitter.com/traychaney,

www.facebook.com/traychaney

and don’t forget www.myspace.com/traychaney.

Anthony Anderson Lands TV Show On Golf Channel

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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Comedian/Actor Anthony Anderson has been tapped by the Golf Channel to host a new magazine-style program focusing on the lives of golf players across the country.

 

The new show, Golf in America, will debut on June 23 and has been picked up by the network for 10 episodes, reports entertainment business magazine Variety.

 

Anderson starred in the hit movie Hustle & Flow and he has also appeared on screen alongside Ice Cube, DMX, and LL Cool J.

 

In his new role, the Anderson will introduce newsworthy, human interest pieces about the amateur side of the golf world.

 

Golf in America, which will likely remind viewers of programs like HBO’s Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel, will also feature celebrity golf enthusiasts like Justin Timberlake and Donald Trump.

 

With Anderson serving as anchor, the Golf Channel will turn to its existing roster of on-camera talent to serve as correspondents.

 

Among the reporters selected is Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman, who came under fire in January of last year after making controversial comments about Tiger Woods.

 

During the Channel’s coverage of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Championship, Tilghman joked that young players who wanted to challenge Woods should “lynch him in a back alley.”

 

On January 10, 2008 the Associated Press reported that Tighlman had been suspended for two weeks.

 

Anthony Anderson is currently starring on NBC’s long-lived crime series Law & Order, playing the role of Detective Kevin Bernard for the second consecutive season.

 

Later this year, he will make his return to movies as part of the ensemble cast of Steppin: The Movie, which also includes Sticky Fingaz, Big Tigger, Mo’Nique and Clifton Powell.

 

Anderson will also star in the film adaptation of Iceberg Slim’s Mama Black Widow alongside Mos Def and Macy Gray.

 

Actresses Angela Bassett, Kerry Washington, and even Pop princess Rihanna have also been linked to the film, though Rihanna later denied the rumors.

Hip-Hop Is Dead? Blame Common Sense!

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Uncategorized
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The views expressed inside this editorial aren’t necessarily the views of AllHipHop.com or its employees.

I am looking for Common Sense, who is now known to the masses as Common.

Why am I looking for him? I am looking for him, because the Chicago native penned a classic record called “I Used To Love H.E.R.”

For those that are completely out of step with rap music’s history, “I Used to Love H.E.R.” is a song where Common metaphorically crafted Hip-Hop as an innocent girl that went on to be a promiscuous harlot. But, on a deeper level, “she” represents Hip-Hop’s shift away from the conscious and pure to gangsta rap.

The song hit in 1994 album on the seminal album, Resurrection.

“I Used To Love H.E.R” song is timeless, clever and has been copied more times that I can recall. But I cannot help but think this dude is was going insane at the time. How did he want to resurrect Hip-Hop in the year 1994? For those that question the mental state of Common Sense as I do, take a look at the albums that dropped in ’94.1992

Notorious B.I.G. – Ready to Die

Nas – Illmatic

Redman – Dare Iz a Darkside

Organized Konfusion – Stress: The Extinction Agenda

OutKast – Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik

The Roots – Do You Want More?!!!??!

Gang Starr – Hard to Earn

Scarface – The Diary

Jeru the Damaja – The Sun Rises in the East

Scarface – The Diary

Beastie Boys – Ill Communication

Gravediggaz – 6 Feet Deep

Just for the hell of it, say Common Sense was looking at 1992 and 1993 as the basis of his dissertation on “H.E.R.”

1992

Dr. Dre – The Chronic

UGK – Too Hard to Swallow

Showbiz and AG – Runaway Slave

Pete Rock & CL Smooth – Mecca & the Soul Brother

Diamond D – Stunts, Blunts, & Hip-Hop

Redman – Whut? Thee Album

Pharcyde – Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde

Brand Nubian – In God We Trust

Gang Starr – Daily Operation

1993

Masta Ace – Slaughtahouse

KRS-One – Return of the Boom Bap

De La Soul – Buhloone Mindstate

Souls of Mischief – 93 ’til Infinity

Black Moon – Enta Da Stage

Snoop Dogg – Doggystyle

A Tribe Called Quest – Midnight Marauders

Wu-Tang Clan – 36 Chambers

I apologize if I threw you off with the slew of albums, but I have to frame this out properly. Hip-Hop had a good year in 1995 as well (Raekwon, The Pharcyde, Mobb Deep, GZA, 2Pac and Bone Thugs all dropped classics).

I am going on record and blame Common Sense for planting the seed for this “Hip-Hop is Dead” movement. At that time, it wasn’t DEAD – it was as alive as it had ever been! Some even regard that period as a part of the Golden Era of Hip-Hop, an honor normally bestowed to the late 80’s. Now, if you lived during the 90’s you know, the market was definitely flooded with Gangsta Rap (quite a bit of trash too), but there was such a wealth of creative material sprouting up. Common was in his own world.

Fast forward to the present day. Both Killer Mike and Nas proclaimed Hip-Hop dead and Common was resurrecting the same thing a decade before.

Or did it start dying when Common Sense spoke it?

The point leads me to the music in 2009…these Hip-Hop is seeing its most vibrant resurgence in a few years. The mainstream is all covered with Nas, Eminem, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent coming out. We’re seeing people like Joe Budden, Crooked I, Chino XL, Redman and others represent for the lover of lyrics. And the underground is looking sweet too. If you are into cats that do “the stinky leg” or “ringtone rap,” there is plenty of that out there. These hipsters like Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco and their offspring have the weirdo market on lock!

Meanwhile Common’s last CD was a dud. I don’t mean Common is a dud though. He’s one of the most enduring Hip-Hop artists of his time and I can argue that he’s a Top 10 dead or alive rap artist.

I just want to ask him, “What were you thinking when you stopped loving Hip-Hop in 1994?”

I guess, one day it will all make sense.

Until then, enjoy “I Used To Love H.E.R.”

“Resurrection”

DJ Vlad Appointed Executive VP of SRC Records/Loud.com

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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SRC Records CEO Steve Rifkind has confirmed the placement of DJ Vlad as the company’s new Executive Vice President.

 

With the new position, Vlad will oversee the development and execution of media strategies for improving Loud.com.

 

Already experienced in website development through his own popular site VladTV.com, Vlad has plans to transform Loud.com into the premier talent spot for aspiring Hip-Hop artists.

 

“I am tremendously grateful to [SRC President] Gaby Acevedo, Joe Safina, and Steve Rifkind for giving me this incredible opportunity,” DJ Vlad told AllHipHop.com. “Loud.com is an amazing website with the potential to become the ‘American Idol of the Internet.’”

 

Along with his website duties, Vlad has also found success with his directorial work on BET’s American Gangster series and the film Ghostride the Whip.

 

In addition, the DJ holds two Justo Mixtape Awards to his name courtesy of the critically acclaimed “Rap Phenomenon” series.

 

According to Vlad, Loud.com will relaunch in the next few weeks with all-new contests to allow fledgling artists the ability to upload their music for established producers, emcees, and DJs.

 

As press time, the site already boasts an artist/fan community of over 100,000.

Rick Ross To Top Billboard Chart With ‘Deeper Than Rap’

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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Carol City, Florida rapper Rick Ross’ third album Deeper Than Rap, will top the Billboard Top 200 Album chart next week.

 

Despite leaks, bootleggers and a major feud with 50 Cent, Deeper Than Rap is on pace to move over 150,000 copies during its first week in stores.

 

According to Billboard, Asher Roth’s Asleep in the Bread Aisle will land at #2, with over 70,000 copies sold.

 

Ross’ fan base remained solid throughout his beef with 50 Cent.

 

Ross’ Deeper Tham Rap first week sales will rival his past two releases, Port of Miami (187,000) and Trilla (198,000).

 

In a previous interview with AllHipHop.com, Ross declared victory over his rival, 50 Cent.

 

“When this feud started, if he was as weak as I thought he was, he would rely mainly on all other resources except [for] his talent and his ability,” Ross told AllHipHop.com, “because he knows he can’t compete with me in that area. And that’s how I finished him.”

 

The pair have taken the concept of beef in Hip-Hop to unprecedented levels, using cartoons, video clips, diss records and pornographic material to insult each other.

 

Earlier this month, Ross hit another milestone, when announced that the label he owns, Maybach Music, inked a distribution deal with Def Jam.

 

The first project to be released will be from Ross’ clique, Triple C’s, which features rappers Gunplay, Torch and the newest member, Young’n Breed.

 

“It represents the territory [and] the crew [that] originated from Carol City in Miami,” group member Torch told AllHipHop.com in an interview last week. “But it has 20 different meanings: Close Casket Capital, Cashing Checks Constant, Custom Cars & Cycles, and Constantly Cookin’ Classics just to name a few. I’m from the Bronx, NY so this ain’t just a Southern movement. It’s a worldwide situation.”

Hip-Hop Rumors: Dr. Dre, Em and 50 Vs Ross? Dipset Reunion This Summer? Lupe’s New Song!

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

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

THE DAILY TWO SENSE

Chingy may have a real problem on his hand. That transsexual person is rapper that has recorded a diss. Click here to hear it.

Also, somebody started a rumor about myself and a friend of mine from the IC…cut that out. I’m not involved with her, but she’s the homey so I shouted her out. PEACE.

Yesterday, I had something about T.I. and Rihanna. You know I meant Rihanna and Chris. I am in a daze half the time. Sorry T.I. and RiRi.

Why don’t rich people deal with adversity well? The head CFO of Fannie Mac killed himself. Rumor has it the cops were about to knock on his door so he offed himself

DRE, EMINEM AND 50 CENT VS RICK ROSS?

We all heard of the Three-Headed Monster. Is it possible that Rick Ross has awakened the beast? According to my sources (which I admit are not official), 50 Cent, Eminem and Dr. Dre might be prepared to mount an all out lyrical assault on Rick Ross. Obviously some of this will entail that 50 has in store…but…Em, Dre and 50…I don’t know. Sounds scary. I wonder of the BAWSE is prepared for this one! BAWSE!

HIP-HOP ARTIST THAT BEATS HIS GIRL BAD?

Due to variety of reasons, I cannot reveal the name of this alleged woman beater. I will have to refrain from telling that information. Anyway, now that that is out of the way, I am going to get on with it. A person claims that a certain Hip-Hop artist beats the mess out of his girlfriends. Apparently, this time, the artist felt like his girl was flirting with a certain Hip-Hop mogul and beat her down “for the 50th time.” This source said that the woman gets beat down for “no reason.” Now, the woman is apparently a stripper and the artist knew that. She reportedly did a nude photo shoot and that turned into bad business. The girl has apparently contracted STD’s on numerous occasions from him. And she is “forced” to have sex with is other girlfriends. The source of this wants the artist exposed but the girl won’t step up on her own. No bueno.

Here is what a source told me about the situation.

“He has her afraid. Honestly the only thing she has is [the artist] he’s her family and her financial stability but it’s more so she afraid he has threaten to kill her and I don’t believe him but she does. HE has so much fear in her She rarely let’s her associate with her friends. he tell her were jealous of her. Which is not true I would rather be broke and alone than to be with a man like him. Black eyes bruise ribs and a bruise heart aint what i call love. Std’s after std’s he sleeps with random girls on the road and brings her back diseases. he burnt her in twice last year and again in march and to be real she has lost her soul she doesn’t even care anymore. I tried to file a police report for her but they couldnt do anything becaue she wouldnt comply so i’m like f**k it i don’t want to embarrase her but this s### gotta stop.”

LIL BOOSIE ARRESTED?!

Lil Boosie arrested? There is a strong rumor going around that Lil Boosie was arrested for 2nd degree battery, because somebody tried to rob him. The local rumors are saying that someone went into his house and stole or tried to steal his jewelry. I don’t know where this alleged assault happened, but it probably wasn’t his house or he’d have every right to cappa figga. More on this as we proceed.

DIPSET REUNION? A DIPSET REUNION!?!?!?!

OK. This is the rumor we’ve all been waiting for! I know Cam’ron treated us all like Trekkies that thought Capn Kirk was real, but I still believe. They rumor is this. A certain higher up in Dipset was doing a photo shoot in Manhattan and they did an interview. In the interview this particular person suggested strongly that a Dipset reunion is in the works and could actually go down at Hot 97’s Summer Jam this summer. There were no specifics other than that. We’ll see. NYC needs The Dips!

OBAMA RUMORS!

One the of the promises President Barack Obama made was to quit smoking. One of the friends of one of my friends told me he heard President Obama is having a tough time kicking the habit. I heard that they have reached out to a company based in California to give the president some help with the cigs. Seems like there is some prodcuct called a e-cigarette that is helpful for somebody trying to kick the habit. I am not sure how true this is, since Obama is perfect. LOL.

ASHER ROTH TALKS ABOUT THE FIGHT!

You know that I got this scoop yesterday about Asher Roth in a fight. Here is what Ashy said about it.

“I wasn’t even really involved,” the rapper told AllHipHop.com exclusively. “I was watching Chester French side stage, and this kid just came up and threw ice at one of my buddies. He slapped me real gently and ran. A friend of mine went after him and the kid got thrown out.”

The rapper added that text messages found in the assailant’s discarded phone, indicated that he might have attended the show with intentions “on creating a scene.”

“I feel bad for the kid and the fact that he thought this was the way to make news,” Asher commented. “But I’m just frustrated that people would put on for that. Please, let’s not continue to make this a big deal.”

Weird. People just started some stuff to get a bit of a buzz?

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

Rumor has it. Red Cafe is heading over to Bad Boy records with a complete album.

Akon is supposedly going to take his Konvict music over to Def Jam.

They are saying that Rick Ross is on pace to push about 160k the first week. I didn’t verify this, but apparently his numbers were higher in the past (187k, 2nd album 198k for Trilla)

Lil Scrappy joined Ludacris on 106 & Park last night. We had that story up a minute ago though.

Paul Wall, Mike Jones and Bun B had a free concert last night in Atlanta, no drama and the show was real good. Thanks Michele!

Mazaradi Fox has challenged Rick Ross to a boxing match for $100k or even $2000. I heard Mazi is the real deal in the streets.

I have to take a moment to give out this fail really fast. Two guys from Pennsylvania -, 29-year-old Nick Andes and 30-year-old Doug Klinger – have amassed a $26,000 on a phone bill trying to set a text-messaging record. F**KIN FAIL!!!!!!!!

RICK ROSS TALKS ABOUT THE ALBUM AND THE BEEF

Rick Ross is everywhere. Sheeeeeesh! Below, you will see the Miami in-store where the Bawse signs CDs and all that godo stuff.

RICK ROSS GOES AFTER EMINEM FULL SPEED!

OH BOY! I DIDN’T THINK WE WOULD GET TO THIS POINT! Rick Ross has gone full steam against Eminem. Click here for the full story.

“I think he’s a bigger and better artist than what Curly is. So if I was looking to fulfill that excitement or that rush, that’s who I have to address.”

Click here to read the story.

FUNKMASTER FLEX/HOT 97 VS INTERSCOPE RECORDS?

Funkmaster Flex of Hot 97 claims he will no longer play records from Eminem and Dr. Dre due to a conflict with an individual at Interscope Records. Just so you know, I understand this situation has been resolved already.

Listen to the audio here:

LUPE PERFORMS NEW SONG OFF LAZERS!

Lupe is coming back soon and he gave everybody a treat at the University of Florida. I think this is going to be a good look. I have a good feeling about this year! I heard this song is called “Look Up At The Sky.”

The following is a break down of the album from Lupe’s performance at the University of Florida. Shout out to Gunot_17!

After a short break Lupe came out. There was a lil confusion at first because rumors were going around that Asher Roth would come out before Lupe, but I knew different cuz of AHH. Lupe did a few tracks off The Cool along with Bishop G, and the crowd was really wit it. After awhile he said “For all those who don’t know who I am, I call this ‘The Re-Introduction'” and went into his hit guest tracks… Touch The Sky and others like dat.

After about 40 min onstage, he said “for the rest of the show I’ma go into the hits” and went to “Kick Push”. Everybody in the whole damn building was rappin along with him.

After a few other hits, he started shouting out other artists. Said “Thank you for getting Lupe’s “Food & Liquor”. Thank you for gettin Lupe’s “The Cool”. Go cop Asher Roth’s “Asleep in the Bread Aisle”. My man Currency got a new album out. Charles Hamilton got a new joint.” (among others he listed. I noticed he made no mention of Ross.) “And who else got somethin out… Oh… Jadakiss!”

Then he said “And I’m workin on my new shoe… it’s called ‘Better than yo shoe’. Naw really, I’m in the studio workin on the album, it’s called “Lazers”, and at the end of this I’ll play a track for you.”

EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY

Oh my goodness gracias. I feel bad for this chap. He is so dead serious. “Say You Will” by Kanye West will never been seen the same again. I know what is like to get something out…you just don’t have to youtube it dude!

SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END

I just want to know what sort of ill body a 52 year old stripper must have to have haters like THAT.

Ohio police say a 52-year-old woman was attacked on her first day as an exotic dancer by a jealous co-worker wielding a stiletto heel.

Akron police Lt. Rick Edwards says the woman was assailed Friday night by a co-worker who didn’t think the club needed more dancers. Police say one of the dancers took her stiletto and repeatedly struck the woman in the face as she walked into the basement dressing room.

The woman was treated at a hospital and received seven staples. She has declined to press charges against her assailant.

Police say the woman took the job because she needed the extra money. She has refused to talk to police about what happened.

She didn’t want to talk to the cops!

Source: ohio.com:

FOX BOOGIE CARTOON….EPISODE 4

Just check it out.

LMAO…MY GOD…MARTIN LUTHER KING AUTOTUNED?

This is just insanity. Martin Luther King on autotune?

SNOOP TALKS TO HIS WAX FIGURE

Snoop has an album coming out! HEY!

THROW BACK!

Mystikal…remember this one? “Here I Go!”

BEYONCE ON LETTERMAN

B just looks good. She’s married to Jay. Sigh.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3 – the performance.

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

DILLA, WE LOVE YOU!!!

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

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TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: Illa J

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Reviews / Music
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It’s cold in the D.  Lebron and the ‘bronettes are taking the not-so-bad boys to the woodshed. GM and Chrysler are facing evolution or extinction, and the job situation is not the best. On the Hip-Hop side of things, Detroit has a no fly zone, courtesy of Trick Trick  which has foreign rappers tucking their jewels. In addition Eminem, the former sure shot 8 mile megastar, has been shooting blanks as of late.In the midst of the coldest winter ever, momma Yancy’s younger son stands to stake his claim in the Hip-Hop game. Known more for spitting than spinning. Illa J prepares to put the world on notice that Detroit is more than just a slum village. We interrupted his regularly scheduled travels to ask him his top 5 dead or alive emcees. Straight with no chaser.

Biggie-One

of the great things about different songwriters and writers is rhythm. Rhythm

plays a big part in bringing emotion to a song and really getting people in to

a song. He definitely had a really good understanding of rhythm because of how

he places his lyrics in different pockets of the beat  and how he would use words and lay his words

to bring that extra feeling to it and you really felt what he was saying and he

really painted a picture

 

Common-because

a lot of people even people that’s on Common now, they know Common out now but people

don’t know Common been in the game for a minute and don’t get it twisted, Common

will rip you on the mic. Common got mad skills. He’s super funky with it and definitely

one of the top mcs.

 

Busta–

Because he can switch it up in so many different ways. He can rap on a slow

track; He can rap on a really fast track. He’s really good with switching up

his styles. Just the energy. As soon as the track comes on, he has automatic

presence. Like in music, some people can sing and some people can’t sing. But

at the end of the day sometimes even that person that can sing, they may not be

able to sing as good as the next person but they have that “it” factor. Not to

bring singing into the emcee factor but Busta he got that presence as soon as

he raps on a track.

 

J-Dilla

–

I know a few people will probably have problems with this but one of my

favorite emcees was actually my brother, J DIlla. A lot of people always look

at him first as a producer, but to me he was a really ill emcee. One of my

favorite things about his emceeing was that he was so for real. He just said

whatever was on his mind and he didn’t really care if people liked it or not.  Like, “this is how I do it, and that’s it.”

You just gonna like it or not. That’s where I got the rawness o f my writing a

little bit and how my brother would tell me you could say whatever you want to

say, it’s all how you deliver it.

 

Eminem-Last part of my list I want to give that up to Eminem.

It’s hard to explain, he’s just on a whole ‘nother planet with that emcee thing. He’s definitely one of my favorite emcees of all-time. Rhythmically, lyrically ,

voice-wise, presence on a record, he’s definitely on his own level in the

emceeing department fa’ sho’.

Side Bar:When he’s not top fiving it or working on albums, Illa J pursues other interests. “Right now I’m working on a secret project that I can’t really get into yet but I can tell you that involves me singing.”

 Illa J also studies music theory and teaches himself how to play instruments (piano, bass guitar, etc)

Outside of music – “I’m really into action movies. After watching them,

I get inspired and head into the studio to do a track.  Bruce Lee

movies are my favorite.”

Lil Boosie Arrested For Assault

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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Rapper Lil Boosie is in trouble with the law again, this time over an alleged assault that took place at his house last week.

 

According to local TV station WAFB, Baton Rouge, Louisiana Sheriff officers arrested Lil Boosie on Wednesday (April 22) and charged him with 2nd degree battery.

 

Police say an unidentified man was assaulted during the April 12 confrontation, after Lil Boosie, born Torrance Hatch, accused him of stealing a necklace.

 

The man was treated for the non-life threatening injuries he sustained. Police say the man may have been struck with a vase during the brawl.

 

This is Lil Boosie’s second encounter with police in the past six months.

 

In October of 2008, the 25-year-old was arrested when East Baton Rouge police arrested him for marijuana possession and possession of a firearm and resisting arrest.

 

Lil Boosie and his partner Webbie are also the subjects of several multi-million dollar lawsuits, which allege the entertainers took tens of thousands of dollars for performances, but never showed up.

Rick Ross Challenges Eminem, Says He Defeated 50 Cent

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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Rick Ross has lyrically challenged Eminem to a rap battle, a brazen move for the Miami-based artist.

Ross feels that he has defeated 50 Cent, a close Eminem affiliate, and now says he’s ready for the Shady Records founder.

“I think he’s a bigger and better artist than what Curly is,” Ross told MTV News. “So if I was looking to fulfill that excitement or that rush, that’s who I have to address.”

Rick Ross even left his options open when Eminem, stating if they didn’t battled, he’d like to be involved with the Detroit rapper’s new album, Relapse.

“I’m trying to be a part of that (Relapse),” Ross said. “It’s either way. We gonna see each other one way or another.”

Last week, Ross declared himself the winner in his battled with rapper 50 Cent, who has hurled a multitude of personal insults at him.

“When this feud started, if he was as weak as I thought he was, he would rely mainly on all other resources except [for] his talent and his ability,” Ross told AllHiphop.com, “because he knows he can’t compete with me in that area. And that’s how I finished him.”

Ross’ victorious assertion may be premature to some, because 50 Cent has stated publicly that he has another round of personal attacks looming.

Ultimately, Ross said he’s pleased with his music on Deeper Than Rap, his new album.

“I just like to build and expand on the music. I’m relentless with the hustle,” Ross said. “I feel like the music is better than ever.”

Neither Eminem nor 50 Cent have responded to Ross’ recent claims or challenges.