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Hip-Hop Rumors: Lupe In Fight With Girl? Mya Dropped? Lil Wayne Bigger Than ‘Pac?
LUPE ATTACKS GIRL?
Bowery Hotel hosted the T Mobile Launch Party last night in New York City. You know I love that Sidekick! Anyway, it was a private event so I wasnt invited, but Lupe Fiasco was. Man, I heard that Lupe got into an altercation with a female at the event! This is what I heard happened. I heard this babe walks into the place to be or was just perusing around. Eyewitnesses say Lupe goes over to her and whispers something in her ear. The woman then tosses her whole drink in Lupes face! I heard that Lupe then put hands on the babe for what she did. Im not going to embellish and say I know to the degree he did something. It was enough for security to toss him from the venue. I heard that Lupio told security that he had no idea why the female threw her drink in his face, but he reacted to the act. Hmmmmmmmm
Here is a comment from a person that saw the whole ordeal.
Last night I went to the T-mobile event at the Bowery Hotel. Celebrities like John Legend, DJ Clue, Just Blaze and Lupe Fiasco came through. Bowery Hotel is brand new and nice. Lupe was talking to a young lady and the girl threw her drink in his face. Lupe then proceeds to choke her out. The bouncers threw Lupe out of the party. Lupe said it was not his fault. I dont know what he said to the girl but she obviously didnt like it.
Lupster is a real conscious rapper. He let the girl remain conscious, from what I heard.
MADONNA AND PAC ALMOST HAD A BABY?
What if?
You know AllHipHop has a What If series going on. Maybe they should do a What if on what if Madonna and Tupac had a baby. The New York Daily News reports, Lucy O’Brien’s new book on Madonna says that they almost had a baby!
In the book, a mid-30s Madonna “desperately wanted children and had various relationships with unlikely men.”
“She was going out with [Tupac] … but homegirls were saying to him, ‘I can’t believe you’re going out with a white girl.
Pac couldnt take the pressure from the sistahz and dumped Madonna. I dont know why? Shes like a virgin. HAW HAW!
NOT MYA NOOOOOOOOOOOO!
My friend at the label dropped a lil jewel on me about Mya. Appearently, Interscope is growing weary of playing these album push back games. Im hearing that Ms. Mya is the next act to get dropped. First, Kelis now this? I dont really feel bad about J-Lo possibly getting dumped by Sony. The thing about Mya and Kelis is they are really true talents and it seems that people dont know what to do with them. Ill imagine Amerie is going to get some bad news even though she is a potential superstar. Jeez her legs are stars too Um anyway, thats what I heard.
JOURNALISTS LEAK THE JAY ALBUM?
I hear the legal team at the Def Jam building are on the prowl. Remember last year, when they had a leak and they said the FBI might come in to investigate? LOL. The FBI aint even looking into JMJ, Pac or Biggie anymore. Anyway. There is this new leak and idolator.com says that about 15 journalists got the Jay-Z album for review purposes. Now, they are suggesting that one of those writers eventually leaked the album to the world. Normally writers dont do that. So, what I hear is that Def Jam has about 13-15 journalists that are possible bootleggers of American Gangster. Here comes the CIA and Homeland Security.
MORE ON THE JEEZY SITUATION
Well, I heard this from my boy thats a student at A&T in North Carolina. I heard Jeezy showed up to the after party at JABS UltraBar, as previously reported. Now, this is RUMOR, but what I heard. I heard that the weekend was chocked full of rappers like Eve, Boosie, Gorilla Zoe, Soulja Boy, Lil Wayne, and the Trapstar Young Jeezy. Young Jeezy was not performing but showed up at Jabs UltraBar. Local radio station 102Jamzs DJ Polo was reportedly the one on the wheels of steel. He decided to play Gucci Mane and Jeezy did not appreciate that. I heard Jeezy let it be known to on-air personality B-daht. He allegedly wanted the song off. One thing led to another and a fight ensued wth the entourages and even the Greensboro and Winston-Salem possees. How did two whole cities get into it? Anyway, because of the dust up, I hear 102 Jamz has banned the airplay of Young Jeezy and songs that feature him. I think they can make and exception for Corporate Thuggin, because thats my jammie jam.
Somebody else said that Jeezy said no shout outs unless you were there with him and CTE. If you weren’t and you got a shout out, you were banished. I dont know about any of this so just check out the video for “Corporate Thuggin’,” as Jeezy kills the track.
EARTHQUAKE RIHANNA: AN EYEWITNESS!
My boy R. Pizano was at the concert and was gracious enough to give me the run down on the concert that had Rihanna so shook. Come to realize there was much more to the story.
R: The concert Rihanna was performing at was Wild 949’s Boo Bomb concert – in San Jose (Bay Area). It consisted of a lot of acts Ne-Yo, Fabolous, T-Pain, Rihanna, Souljah Boy, and others. The earthquake was a 5.6 – it was decent size. Anywhoo – Rihanna finished the night but the earthquake occurred right as Ne-Yo came on. I believe people thought that since everyone was on their feet, screaming and cheering when Neyo hit the stage – they were causing the place to shake. But they didnt know it was an earthquake until the concert ended and received messages on their phone asking if they were alright.
R didnt know, but I heard Ri Ri was pretty “shook” up after that 5.6 banger.
JENNIFER HUDSON DUMPS FIANCEE?
AW, J-Hud did it? Now, as Jennifer Hudson was blowing up, we saw she was with a young regular dude that was then her fiancée. He was a “maintenance engineer” and her long term sweet heart. Well, she was supposed to get married last spring. Poor James Peyton. He had the hottest chick in the game for a min and now she is seen out and about with NFL ball player Kerry Rhodes. Damn homey.
RANDOM QUOTES
Remember when Dr. Dre got sucker punched at the Vibe Awards? He commented to GQ:
He said, “The punch was nothing – I went onstage right after; it didn’t affect me. The only thing that was on my mind was, ‘Kill him.’ That’s it. Fortunately, that didn’t happen. My security guys [prevented that]. They got him out of there. It was just f**king stupidity, that’s all. But he paid for it dearly. I mean, he got a cracked skull and a punctured lung. So, hey.”
Baby tells the Miami New Times about how he knew Lil Wayne
“Wayne never stopped. He take it like a professional; he never stop working and that’s why he where he is. And besides that, the li’l n***a super gifted, extra-smart, talented like a mothaf**ka. You know it’s possible that they can have another Wayne come out, but what he ’bout to do is a miracle for us to see. We was fortunate to grow up on Tupac, but he died young. This s### Wayne got bigger that. Bigger than Tupac, bigger than Biggie and Jay-Z. It’s crazy.” (Thanks, Raina.)
Here is a quote in the form of a video. Tony Yayo and Lloyd Banks talk about T.I.:
ILLSEEDS QUICKIES
Check out Joe Clair at Caroline’s Nov 1st-4th late nite with Will Sylvince and Del for the best Best Damn Comedy Show 1629 Broadway btwn 49th and 50th! That’s the big homey!
Shout out to Dana Stith! This young lady from Howard University School of Law 07 just PASSED the Georgia Bar exam. She did something JFK Jr. couldnt. And shout out to her girl Chi Chi. You can rep some of the rappers lol!
There is a rumor going around that the murderer of Jam Master Jay might be somebody thats already in jail for another murder. Yo, step up!
Rumor has it, this Foxy Brown stuff regarding the stolen song is about to get super ugly.
If Nelly was coming out in 2007, I heard his wig has been officially and unofficially pushed back to 2008.
Is it me or is 50 Cents A Baltimore Love Thing eerily close conceptually to Jay-Zs I Know? They are both about a female addicted to heroin. I remember 50 Cent was extremely proud of his. And now, Jay is proud of his.
Jacob the Jeweler pleaded guilty to falsifying records and giving false statements in a case that involved BMF. He faces up to 46 months in jail and $2 million in penalties.
The Game is one funny guy. Tmz plays Game On with The Game. Click here to see.
Bounty the Dog Hunter isnt too fond of African Americans. He prefers the N-Word.
From what I understand, Coldplay is coming back out in early 08. Coldplay pushes wigs back.
Samuel Stephens a quiet soldier behind Seattles hip-hop scene has died at 48. RIP, bro. Click here for the story.
SIGNS THE WORLD IS NOT COMING TO AN END
This little girl has got to be the cutest thing since Raven Simone was a kid. Do me a favor and look at this and tell me can the world me ending?
AMY – GET BETTER!
Like I said, Amy Winehouse is my girl. I know people joke on her, but this ain’t funny.
AMY WINEHOUSE, WE LOVE YOU!
They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!-illseedWHO: illseedWHAT: RumorsWHERE: AllHipHop.com, MySpace.com/TheIllseedHOW: Send your rumors and ill pics to illseed at [email protected].– allhiphop rumors
Special Teamz: Stereotypez
Special Teamz rep their city as hard as any rap crew that comes to mind. The difference though is that Edo G, Jaysaun, and Slaine big up Boston, an underrepresented city on Planet Rock. Thats not to say that Boston never birthed dope but rather that no one has ever really called proper attention to the citys finest. With civic pride intact, Special Teamz chant anthemic hooks and spit hard in between, inviting everyone from anywhere to nod along. Stereotypez (Duck Down) is a pure vision, for those who like real rap boasts along with a page or two of everyday life. Before we go any further, threesome elder Edo G must get some due. This is the same Ed O.G. remembered for Be a Father to Your Child and Love Comes and Goes, thoughtful singles that received Yo! MTV Raps shine in the early 90s. Edo is still standing and as a third of Special Teamz, he uses his raspy voice to jump through rhymes with a newcomers speed, while at the same time keeping the group together with his veteran presence. Unlike many rappers from his era, he doesnt condescend or preach, and better still, he strays from attempting to clone trendy styles or personas. Basically, he stays a true rapper, still trying to knock the s### out of any emcee out there. On Fallen Angels, Edos awareness meets his menace when he starts the verse with I wish my pops didnt pass when I was seven years old/If theres life after death/Is heaven this cold and deftly works his way into Haters get molotoved, hauled off, blown, and tossed /Like Hamas/All I see is red sauce/Another hustler whos a dead boss. His focus is appreciated and it works. Special Teamz flow is athletic and agile and on many a track, each emcee rips internal rhythms and rhyme schemes across entire verses. Jaysaun packs his lyrics throughout and is especially guilty across DJ Premiers Main Event, where he manages to drop in, Jaysauns deep in your blind spot/But everyone can see whats comin/When your brain is on the sidewalk. With the aforementioned Primo as well as Pete Rock and Marco Polo among those on the boards, the emcees are challenged to meet production thats filled with a classicists in-your-face snares and kicks. The pleasant result is that most verses conclusions hit like an Air Max to the face while the emcees still stay as smooth as the Chocolate Boy Wonders bass sample on Boston to Bucktown, an album highlight with Sean Price and Buckshot.Slaine easily throws rhymes around too, and is at times reminiscent of a younger Eminem. This is not because theyre both white, just that their voices actually sound similar at points, both in the service of not giving a f*ck. As Em presumably gets as much Boston love as the New York Yankees, and a likely similar dearth from Slaines other collaborators, La Coka Nostra, it needs to be emphasized that the comparison is a compliment and also that Slaine truly has his own identity. When it comes to breaking down the pain hes experienced and the trouble hes seen, he drops Stereotypez most compelling lines. On Story of My Life, he shares, My arms was too short to reach for silence and peace/Hands were cut from broken dreams I used to find in the streets, as he brings a drug addicts cold world to vivid life. Slaine can be outrageous but also deadly real. Being on Duck Down isnt a stretch. Special Teamz are reminiscent of the Brooklyn super crews of the 90s, in that theyre raw and lyrical, and dont stray far from a minimal Hip-Hop ethos. The way those crews lyrics had a intrinsic Brooklyn flavor, the Special Teamz are those rap guys with green monster in their blood, producing mostly dope, Whatd he say? rap, delivered next to some insightful but hard observations about their lives. They havent cluttered up the medium with stabs at radio, pretentious leanings, or trends, and instead offer up a knockin distillation for the home or headphones, and most likely a classic for the city they love. SOUNDCHECK:Special Teamz Main EventSpecial Teamz f/ Buckshot & Sean Price Boston to Bucktown
Hangar 18: Sweep The Leg
It has been three years since Hangar 18’s The Multi-Platinum Debut, and they’ve been busy. So busy they may quickly become the best mainstream candidate on Definitive Jux. While other label mates are strongly rooted in lyricism and confounding beat complexities, Hangars’ increasing range and maturing accessibility, as showcased on their newest project, Sweep The Leg (Definitive Jux) could have them exploding into areas previously uncharted by other Jukies.The attitude Hangar connects with itself is almost an ironic distance with success. It’s as if naming you’re first release “Multi-Platinum” doesn’t scream all sorts of swagger, and with Sweep The Leg its confidence isn’t plastered on the cover, but buried in almost every other facet. “Highly Anticipated”, the first track, kicks through like Run-DMC though a plaster wall, and asks “Where were you when you first heard The Multi-Platinum Debut?” For many who will have the opportunity to hear this album, their first interaction was probably at a Gym Class Heroes show… Moving on, Atari-esk plucks of “Watchyoself” are Innocent while the hollowed drums shake beneath, directing the track like a joystick with a vendetta. “Jump Muthafuh,” and “Bakin Soda” are similar in their techno-logic structure, but standout production wise from other Def Jux beats. Some listeners will be put off by the wailing sirens, syphoned sonics and the sporadic howls that have come to be associated with the label and creates a barrier betwixt artist and Top 100 status. Producer paWL sticks to a similar blueprint, but seems to strain out some of the intensity, giving emcees Alaska and Wind N’ Breeze space to vibe. Def Jux has become synonymous with lyricism. El-P, Aesop Rock, and Cage are all at the forefront, but Hangar is lurking, honing their skills. On both their previous album, and the mixtape The Donkey Show Vol. 1, the syntax is amazing, while the diction sometimes comes off garbled and a bit dodgy. “Sad,” with its eerie and smokey execution illustrates Hangars tempo adjustment. They’ve been practicing their beat riding. “Room To Breathe”, which may be one of the best tracks on the album, shows off the veering speed ability, as they boys hurdle over the droning bass, and subtle one note backdrop. With these tracks, and a handful of other equally amazing songs, Hangar 18 do something they may not be too familiar with; capturing a fan base previously uninterested in “indie-hop”.Hangar 18 have Pac-Manned fans through their dedicated touring schedule. The payoff comes now, upon the release of Sweep The Leg, which will most certainly draw more attention. With a strongly accessible foundation, tight rhymes, and an aversion to cocky, balls-in-hand mentalities, you may not remember their first album, but you may just remember where you where when you head their second.SOUNDCHECK:
Shawn Wayans: Seriously Though
The Wayans family started their movement in the 80s with work on memorable films like Im Gonna Get You Sucka and Hollywood Shuffle, and in 1990 they premiered the classic comedy sketch show In Living Color. Even though the content was humorous, the Wayans were able to keep a conscious edge to much of their work.
While Keenen Ivory Wayans may have set the pace for maintaining creative control of their projects, it wasnt long before younger brothers Shawn and Marlon took their own path. The duo flexed their directing and producing skills with their own series The Wayans Bros. from 1995 to 1999, and moved into the new millennium with bigger goals. As actors, writers, directors, producers and consultants, their collective legacy grew with the highly successful Scary Movie series and other feature films like White Chicks and Little Man.
Although its been nearly two decades since Hollywood Shuffle debuted, there are still a lot of issues with African-American actors getting good roles in Hollywood. We took a brief time out with the forever-busy Shawn Wayans to find out what is coming up for the family, and discussed why it is so important for them to maintain creative control with every project they touch.
AllHipHop.com Alternatives: You have a new movie coming out at Christmas that youre promoting right now. Tell us about that film and what inspired you to get involved with it.
Shawn Wayans: Yes, its actually a childrens animated special called A Boo Crew Christmas, which is the second follow up to our Sneaker Madness special that we did for going back to school. The Boo Crew Christmas is a throwback to the old school Charlie Brown Christmas specials in a sense. The Boo Crew is a group of kids growing up in the hood of Boo York City who go through the trials and tribulations of everyday life, universal themes like never giving up on your dreams and blood is thicker than water, your everyday standard universal stuff.
Its a multi-ethnic group of kids hanging out and getting along. When you look at the landscape of television theres a lot of crazy, funny shows out there, but theres nothing that connects with kids everyday experiences. So we wanted to do something to make kids laugh and have a good time, but we also wanted to educate them in a fun way. Also, for A Boo Crew Christmas there is a soundtrack on iTunes to go along with it. Its a cute little kids Hip-Hop Christmas album. No cursing, just nice feel good music.
AllHipHop.com: Do you plan on moving into the more dramatic things, or are you more comfortable in the comedy realm?
Shawn Wayans: Im completely comfortable in the comedy realm, and I dont really have plans of doing the dramatic thing. We definitely have plans of expanding our brand and branching off into other areas such as animation and things like that, but my thing is keeping it comedic. Im not saying Ill never do [drama], it just doesnt excite me.
AllHipHop.com: Do you feel theres still a challenge in Hollywood for Black actors to get the bigger and more serious roles?
Shawn Wayans: I definitely think its challenging for African-Americans to get roles of substance in Hollywood still. That is one of the reasons why we choose to write the stuff that we do, because if we didnt write then we wouldnt have any roles either. So I think that one of the things that African-Americans getting into this business actually have to start thinking about is getting into the behind-the-scenes as well as just being actors.
AllHipHop.com: What kind of stuff do you feel people have to do to get into the behind-the-scenes world? Aside from going to school, what are some important steps that people can take?
Shawn Wayans: Well, a part of it is going to school and educating themselves in that area. The same way they would go to acting class, they would take writers and producers course and kind of see the business in a complete form. So that its not just trying to act, but knowing how to direct, write and produce so that you can do all of that. Its a lot of work – dont get me wrong its hard as hell. But its also hard as hell and frustrating trying to get a role that actually allows you to get off.
AllHipHop.com: When you guys write your movies and sketches, who do you bounce the material off of to see if its really funny or it really clicks?
Shawn Wayans: Each other. Over the years weve all developed a really good sense of humor and our skill set to the point where we know whats gonna get a laugh and what isnt. Were out there in the comedy clubs every night getting out laughs. I know whats gonna be funny and whats not for the most part. Theres always a few that hit and a few that miss, but for the most part you kinda know whats gonna get a laugh.
AllHipHop.com: Do you guys feel youre your own harshest critics?
Shawn Wayans: Yes we are. If we can get each other to laugh, then for the most part the audience is laughing.
AllHipHop.com: How do you guys go about picking projects to produce?
Shawn Wayans: People who we trust come to us with stuff and well go yay or nay. If we go yeah, then we help them shape and develop it so that they are able to go off and execute that.
AllHipHop.com: Do you still DJ?
Shawn Wayans: I never DJd, [laughs] I was an actor on a sketch show [SW-1 on In Living Color]. I do standup comedy though.
AllHipHop.com: Right now as far as the landscape of television is concerned, is there anything youd like to see more of?
Shawn Wayans: On TV? I dont even watch TV anymore, theres nothing for me on there. Its like all reality shows now. I wanna see more original content and stuff thats written.
AllHipHop.com: What upcoming projects do you have for next year?
Shawn Wayans: Right now me and my brothers are writing a couple of movies, one to [act] in and two to produce. One I cant really speak on, the other one were taking the TV show The Munsters and making that into a feature film, but were not in it, were just writing and producing it. For TV we have a show that we sold to VH1, kind of in the vein of Entourage but set in the world of Hip-Hop.
NBA 2007/2008 PREVIEW: Northwest Division
We continue on with our NBA Preview by breaking down a young, but promising Northwest Division.
Projected Starting Lineup:
SF Andrei KirilenkoSG Ronnie BrewerPG Deron Williams
Coach: Jerry Sloan
The good: Another season of Deron Williams, Mehmet Okur and Carlos B##### should man this team up after a great showing in the playoffs.
The Utah Jazz were a team that showed that rebuilding works with patience and some money to spend. After the signing of Carlos B##### was initially panned, things paid off last season when B##### put up 20 and 10. Mehmet Okur made the All-Star team and Deron Williams gave the Atlanta Hawks another reason to regret passing up a point guard in the 2005 NBA Draft. Jerry Sloan in his 19th season as Jazz head coach is as good as he has ever been, instilling the famed pick and roll offense that made legends out of Karl Malone and John Stockton.
This is about as solid of a team as one can have with a very good balance of scoring, rebounding and shooting. The best thing for them is that they play in a talented, but overall weak Northwest Division. At this rate, they have a good three years to dominate the division until the rebuilding teams come around. The scary part is, this is a very young team in its own right (Deron Williams is entering his third year).
The bad: Due to circumstances beyond their control, they lost some veteran leadership in Derek Fisher. Looking to Andrei Kirilenko might not be the best place to fill the void.
As great as the Jazz played this past season, they looked overmatched against the eventual champion San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. Due to Derek Fishers childs rare cancer and his desire to be near her, the Jazz graciously allowed Fisher to exit the remaining three years of his contract to go sign with the Los Angeles Lakers. While the circumstances were understandable, it left the Jazz with a void at shooting guard which they hope can be filled by second year player Ronnie Brewer and Gordan Giricek. While they have options, Fishers shoes will be hard to fill.
The biggest distraction will most likely be the happiness (or lack thereof) of star forward Andrei Kirilenko who had his worst season as a pro. During the postseason, he suffered a mental breakdown and was shown visibly crying and this summer, he demanded to be traded after conflicts with Coach Jerry Sloan. If AK-47 cannot keep his emotions in check, look for him to potentially be moved (rumors have floated about deals for Phoenixs Shawn Marion and the L.A. Lakers Lamar Odom).
The outlook: 4th in the West, 1st in the Northwest, a loss in the semi-finals.
Projected Starting Lineup:
Coach: George Karl
The good: A full season of Melo and A.I. can give opponents headaches.
The Denver Nuggets will have All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony and guard Allen Iverson play alongside each other for a full season. That spells doom for most teams as they will probably be able to score 55 PPG between the two of them alone. Marcus Camby is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and will look to hopefully play every game this season. The Nuggets have the firepower to compete with any team in the NBA. Allen Iverson has grown back into his role as a facilitator, deferring to Carmelo Anthony after initial speculation that he would not. With Anthony as the teams leader, if he can keep his head on straight, they will be a stable team on the court.
A player to watch out for is Kenyon Martin, who is looking to be the first person in sports history to successfully recover from microfracture surgery on both knees. If he is anywhere near the playing condition he was with the New Jersey Nets, then the starting lineup for the Nuggets might be the most potent in the West.
The bad: A questionable Kenyon Martin, a questionable bench, questionable health, and questionable defense from Melo leads to more questions.
The Nuggets were a rollercoaster on the court. On some nights they looked unstoppable and on others, they looked like they could not stop anyone. Carmelo Anthony is the captain of this team. Hitting someone and running a la Camron like he did in December against the New York Knicks doesnt exactly scream leadership. A big issue is their bench, or lack thereof. If theyre relying on Yakhouba Diawara and Chucky Atkins to help out A.I. and Melo, then theyre better off not even using them this season.
A reason why they are thin at the bench is because they are well over the luxury tax with Camby, Martin, Nene, Melo, and A.I. all earning over $10 mil per season. Ive spoken about Carmelo possibly being a loose cannon, but J.R. Smith has already been suspended for the first 3 games of the season for conduct detrimental to the team. He has a lot of growing up to do. George Karl needs to keep the locker room intact if he still wants to be the Nuggets coach in the future. Add to the fact that Carmelo Anthony is perhaps the worst defender in the NBA, and you have a team that can be as potentially bad as they could be great.
The outlook: 6th in the West, 2nd in the Northwest, at least another sucker punch from a Nugget, and yes, another first round exit.
Projected Starting Lineup:
SG Brandon RoyPG Jarrett Jack
Coach: Nate McMillan
The good: Greg who? Oh, LaMarcus Aldridge. Even without Oden, the Trail Blazers are moving up in this league.
For most of this summer, everything was going the Trail Blazers way. They won the #1 pick with 5% odds and selected star center Greg Oden out of Ohio State. It didnt stop there. They had a field day during draft night, trading talented but cancerous forward Zach Randolph to the Knicks for a buyout of Steve Francis and Channing Frye. If it wasnt for Odens microfracture surgery and the fact that they still have Darius Miles on their payroll, this team would be in perfect condition.
Although they are rebuilding, they are doing it the right way: via drafts and trades. Brandon Roy is poised to break out this season and join the glut of guards infiltrating the Western Conference. Sergio Rodriguez aka White Chocolate can become a 6th Man of the Year candidate. Coach Nate McMillan will give this young team every opportunity to succeed. The pressure Oden was going to face will now fall on 2nd year forward LaMarcus Aldridge. Aldridge possesses a nice inside /out game that will
The bad: Theyll miss what Greg Oden could have brought them. Now is the time for some young guys to make or break their careers.
I believe guys like Aldridge and Roy will flourish, but it is time for guys like former first round pick Martell Webster to show and prove. The high school product is entering his third year and is still slow in progressing. With former forward Ime Udoka now in San Antonio, Webster needs to show he can hold down the position. If not, Travis Outlaw can continue his improvement and be on his way towards clinching the SF job. Another person who is in deep competition is guard Jarrett Jack. He hasnt been great, but he has been solid. But, he needs to elevate his game considering they now have Rodriguez, Taurean Green and Petteri Koponen ready to one day get a shot at the PG position. They will miss Greg Oden just as much as they will miss Zach Randolphs consistent 20 points and 10 rebounds per contest. LaMarcus Aldridge can make up a bit for it, but I doubt Joel Przybilla can pick up the pieces.
The outlook: 11th in the West, 3rd in the Northwest, out of the playoffs, but (gasp) another shot at a top pick? Well see.
Projected Starting Lineup:
PF Chris Wilcoz
SG Kevin Durant
PG Luke Ridnour
Coach: P.J. Carlesimo
The good: Kevin Durant is going to be a phenom for seasons to come.
The Seattle Supersonics must have had the easiest decision for any team to make this season when they had the #2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. They were in a no-lose situation, something the Sonics have not been used to in a while. After selecting Kevin Durant out of Texas, the Sonics then parted with franchise player Ray Allen to the Celtics for Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West, and the 5th overall pick which turned out to be Georgetown forward Jeff Green. Durant will be a force as soon as he grows into his body. A jack-of-all-trades kind of player, Durant will be what Kevin Garnett was to the Twolves for his entire career.
If the Sonics want any chance of staying in Seattle, Kevin Durants play will lure people to pack the arena. With all of the centers the Sonics have, one of them has to pan out right? Well yeah. Look for Center Robert Swift to make immediate dividends. The former first round pick out Bakersfield, CA struggled with an ACL tear last season but he is back with a new attitude and a plethora of new tattoos. The Sonics may not have a set plan yet, but at least they know Durant will be involved.
The bad: With any rebuilding team, growing pains will be an issue. But the bigger issue is that this may be the final season for the Sonics in Seattle. Weird.
New ownership is really pushing for a new arena, one the Sonics are unable to provide. Currently, the ownership is looking to move the Sonics to Oklahoma City, which did a great job housing the New Orleans Hornets. Its going to be hard to expect fan support when you know you might be playing and pledging allegiance of another city in possibly a year. All politics aside, the Sonics have three point guards, which is like the NFL equivalent of having 2 QBs. In that case, you really dont have much.
Luke Ridnour needs to lock down that PG spot before Delonte West and Earl Watson cut into his minutes and overall club development. Jeff Green is a talented forward, but he will struggle this season, even though youd think hed be very good flying under the radar. This season, they will have to see whether this lets overstock at center experiment will work. Robert Swift, Mohammed Saer Sene, Johan Petro, and Nick Collison have all showed some promise, but its about time they see who will be legit and who will be trade bait. While they decide all these things, a lot of losing will be going on in the series finale of the Seattle Supersonics.
The outlook: 13th in the West, 4th in the Northwest, a packed house for the final home game in Seattle Sonics history.
Projected Starting Lineup:
PF Al Jefferson
SF Ryan GomesSG Rashad McCantsPG Randy Foye
Coach: Randy Wittman
The good: OJ Mayo and Derrick Rose are both healthy and ready to go at USC and dominate in all seriousness, be happy Al Jefferson can flat out play and actually wants to stay in Minnesota.
Where do I begin with this team? Well, I guess you can say they did get some talent back in the deal that sent the franchise Kevin Garnett to Boston. Al Jefferson blossomed albeit on a bad Celtics team. This team is not short on potential with most of their stars being under the age of 25. All-Rookie first teamer Randy Foye will now get to start at the PG spot after deals that sent Mike James and Troy Hudson packing. Theo Ratliff is healthy for the first time in a long time and can help the Twolves in their new low post offense philosophy. They have a lot of guards and forwards which leads to more players able to showcase their talents.
First round pick Corey Brewer out of Florida has a reputation for being a winner and a stat filler, which is much needed for this young team. Craig Smith is a beast. The former Boston College product may not be tall, but he can overpower players down low. He was a pleasant surprise as a second round pick as well as Ryan Gomes becoming a glue guy for the Celtics last season. With a recent trade that sent Ricky Davis and Mark Blount to Miami in exchange for Antoine Walker, the Wolves have done a solid job eliminating all of the malcontents. The youth will be a nice surprise for the Wolves, but mostly for the future.
The bad: Everything else.
First and foremost, the Wolves have the worst front office management in basketball. Theres no reason to be optimistic if Kevin McHale and owner Glen Taylor can mess up the rebuilding process for this team. One cant help but feel sorry for the team. Secondly, Al Jefferson for as a good as he can be, will never fill KGs shoes and will face unfair criticism by everyone as he was the main piece in the trade. Gerald Green is a very talented player, but he doesnt get it. His basketball IQ will be his biggest detriment as he will be struggling to find minutes on a team that could very well lose 65 games or more this season. For some of these guys, this is their last hope, like Sebastian Telfair. If he cannot show that he can be a competent backup on a bad team, then I hope he speaks Croatian, because hell be in Europe for the rest of his career.
Winning is the last thing on their minds as they will be so bad, you cant accuse them of tanking. Its going to take a very long time for this team to ever become relevant again unless they win the lottery. God forbid Al Jefferson leaves the team as a restricted free agent (he has not been signed to an extension as of press time) because that could be the death blow to the Twolves.
The outlook: Last in the West, Last in the Northwest, no playoffs, hopefully a top lottery pick. This is going to be the worst team in the league this season, so expect 100% effort, but empty seats. The over /under in Vegas is 20.5 wins. If you take the under, I deserve 5% of it because you will be a rich person.
Watch the G-Unit Video for “Feels Good” Now!
G-UNIT VIDEO FOR FEELS GOODYou know, I heard that there was a huge issue with the AllHipHop debut of this G-Unit video for Feels Good! From what I heard, Interscope got a lil tight over it and a lil of this and a lil of that happened to smooth things over. I cant say much more than that. I will say that this video isnt even going to be included in the actual G-Unit album, if my intel is correct. I heard this song is just going to be included in a mixtape thats coming up. G-UNIT!
“The project itself will be something they will be looking forward to,” 50 Cent told AllHipHop.com. “There hasn’t been a project so far that has captured that good street or aggressive content.”
“We’re going back to the basic concept of the mixtape and creating a new vibe,” 50 Cent continued. “[We are creating] a new sound for them to rock in the street. We plan for [“Feel Good”] to do for G-Unit what You Should Be Here [from 50 Cent is The Future] did for me. Implant us in the future.”
I wasnt really feeling the video, but its cool. Since I have your ear, I think you should read this article on the young lady in West Virginia that was tortured, raped and kidnapped. PEEP IT HERE. Check out the video right here.
THANK YOU AND GOOD NIGHT!
Kanye Tapped To Headline Australian Festival
Grammy Award winning emcee Kanye West has been tapped as headliner for the Australia Good Vibrations Festival.The Good Vibrations Festival, which is approaching its fifth year in Feb. 2008, has become a landmark on the Australian summer calendar.”Australia get ready for the best show of your life,” Kanye West stated in the Daily Telegraph after being announced as the main headliner of the show.Since its debut, The Good Vibrations Festival has been known for having botanic gardens and natural amphitheatres as the backdrop for proceedings to create a relaxed and inviting environment.Previous performing artists have included James Brown, Moloko, Scissor Sisters, Lyrics Born, Gangstarr, Ben Watt, Talib Kweli, Soul II Soul, DJ Format, Mylo, Arrested Development, Blackalicious, Bahamadia, Estelle and others.The Good Vibrations Festival is schedule to be held on February 16, 2008 in Sydney, Australia and will also feature acts Cypress Hill, The Rapture and Katalyst.In addition to performing, Kanye West will thank fans with the release of his literary debut titled “Thank You and You’re Welcome” which is co-written by Sakiya Sandifer.The book contains a variety of “Kanye-isms” and philosophies found in the rapper’s lyrics.”Thank You and You’re Welcome” is scheduled to drop in 2008 and will be available for $10, but fans can preview the book on Kanye’s website before it is released according to the Chicago bred emcee.For more information on “Thank You and You’re Welcome,” log onto www.kanyeunivercity.com.
Hip-Hop Rumors: Amy & Jeezy Banned? Nelly’s Near Fight! Rihanna’s EarthQuake Scare!
NELLY VS TOURE NOT QUITE A FIGHT!
We finally caught up with Toure, who was the host of BETs American Vs Hip-Hop special. Well, we had heard something to the affect that Nelly said he would have swiped the credit card down the girls booty two times if presented with the opportunity. It should be noted that the credit card swipe was an idea by the chick that had her butt swiped. Anyway, we cannot verify that, but we can confirm that it happened there was a near scrap! When our reporter commented on it, Toure and his friend were shocked. After the shock subsided Toure, an accomplished writer, spoke.
Toure told AllHipHop.com, It was very passionate on stage and it carried through off stage. There were a lot of arguments and positive arguments. There were arguments going on in the green room, going on in the hallway, going on in the parking lot.
I have a lot more respect for Nelly and for T.I. [for] the way they expressed themselves as grown men not just rappers, Toure told AllHipHop.com.
I think this is where Nelly and Toure agreed to disagree.
Its not fair to say she let me do it. I mean, who knows where her he is at. History is filled with women self-hating bringing down women. Its global, Toure told AllHipHop.com.
Im glad Nelly didnt get a chance to buss Toures tail. Pause. Congrats to Toure, the man is having a kid in the very near future. Congrats, homey.
Shout to Danella my new sweetie.
THEY TRYING TO BAN THE SNOW MAN?
I have heard that they were trying to ban the Snow Man during North Carolina A & Ts Homecoming. I heard Young Jeezy was involved in a dust up with 102Jamz DJs Polo and B Daht. I dont know exactly what a dust up entails, but I heard the result wasnt good. From what I understand, this has led to him being banned from 102 Jamz for the foreseeable future. Now, from sources at the radio station, this might be his music and his presence. From what I understand, Young Jeezy performed at the JABS Ultra Bar on the 26th of October. I heard this was all over the radio in North Carolina. Dont worry, AHH will play Jeezy as long as you dont do anything to the illseed.
AMY WINEHOUSE BANNED.
You can’t ban the snow man…but Amy… not so lucky.
Damn. I have to go to the UK now to see my girl Amy Winehouse. I heard my girl was banned from ever entering the US because the singer admitted to doing or possessing illegal drugs. We all know Amy doesnt do such things. Well, it seems that the US officials played a mind game on her and she confessed, calling for her banishment from the US.
I gotta keep it real. I feel pretty bad for Amy. She dumb talented, but seems to be the tortured soul thats going to end in tragedy.
JAM MASTER JAY THE DOCUMENTARY!
Five years and one day ago, youre boy was shedding tears over Jam Master Jay. I aint the type to involve myself in the streets like that, but I wish they would find whoever killed Jay. Check out this documentary that basically tells his story and outlines his influence.
Read the AHH Stories on the life and times of Jam Master Jay the links are all there. LL said it best, God, I wish he was still alive.
RIHANNA NEEDS A ROCKPROOF UMBRELLA!
I did a lil homework on this one. My friend, Ms. Stranger hit me up and told me that there was an earthquake in California tonight. Lo and behold, the Rain Girl Rihana was there in Cali performing at a radio station concert. Well, I heard when that Earth got to quaking, Ri Ri got to shaking. I heard she was flippin out and really scared. I think shes OK. I dont know the exact place of this concert, but I know she had a date right in the Los Angeles area yesterday.
FOXY UPDATES
So, there are some new rumors going around. So, I heard that Foxys new CD is coming out. Thats my chick still. Ok here are the wild and zany rumors I heard. I heard that Foxy is going to charge that she was actually pregnant at some point from Spragga. She and he are supposedly still an item and hes supportive. Even though she is in jail, Foxy is supposedly going to be featured on a number magazines and even covers due to her super management team. On top of that, I heard that Foxy might even get clearance on some phone interviews to promote her CD. Thats is for now. FREE FOXY! FREE THE DC SNIPER! FREE DAHMER AND MANSON! FREE EVERYBODY! FREE YOUR MIND! FREE ME!
JIM JONES VS JAY-Z : TAKE TWO!
I think Jim Jones being the Harlem representer he is took exception to Jay-Z a BK dude doing the American Gangster theme album. Hes releasing his own mixtape of the same title on the same day Jays drops. Jims adding Harlem in the front though. That Jim…he’s a problem.
WHITE BALLET KIDS GO CRAZY FOR THE SOULJA BOY!
I never thought I would see White people dance better than me, but lo and behold they Crank Dat when I stank at that.
SUPERMAN THAT MOM!
I love it.
ILLSEEDS QUICKIES!
Kanye West has revealed that the next single is Flashing Lights. I love that song. I hope KRS-One will forgive me. I still like I Wonder better, but thats OK.
Im feeling like the 90s are coming back!!!! OMG. PLEASE! Listen to this freestyle session with Styles P, Freeway, Uncle Murder, Beanie Sigel! Shout out to Green Lantern.
Here is Joe Budden Towards the end of the audio, he dumbs out on the mic. Click here he was mad at somebody for some reason.
Rumor has it, J-Lo is about to get dropped like a hot potato.
Im a lil lost, but I supposed Wayne is about to drop The Carter III: The Leak on the 18th, but his actual album is dropping February 12th. I dont know.
I’m proud of Crime Mob. Knuckin and Buckin at Harvard! Read this crazy story!
I hear both Omarion and Wow Bow are going to diss their former babes. O is gonna take aim at Rihanna and Wow Bow Ciara. O is allegedly mad that Ri Ri is seeing a lot of men? Hmmmmm
BEANIE SIGELS MINI SERIES TRAILER
How do they say it, Log off, fam? LOL. Shout out to Beans!
HURRICANE CHRIS AND CIPHA SOUNDS!
This was pretty funny to me. Hurricane Chris isnt wack. I tried to tell you all. LOL.
SQUARES PICKING ON JA RULE?
You know, I have no ill will to Ja Rule, but this is crazy!
SIGNS THAT HALLOWEEN HAS GONE TOO DAMN FAR!
AN out-of-control playground swing has spooked families and police in Argentina.
The swing rocks back and forwards without being touched – and anxious parents have decided the playground must be haunted.
In an attempt to explain the swing’s mysterious movement, police called in physics professors. But even they have been unable to explain the why the swing keeps moving.
Residents claim the middle swing in a playground in the north-eastern town of Firmat can keep moving continuously for ten days before suddenly coming to a halt.
Teacher Maria de Silva Agustina said one child had nicknamed the area the “Blair Witch Playground”.
“We believe it is haunted,” she said.
Illseed said, Thats a hell of a strong wind. I dont know about the haunted stuff. It its haunted, I think the ghosts are having a lot of fun. WEEEEE!
Look at the vid:
HALLOWEEN, WE LOVE YOU!
They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!
-illseed
WHO: illseed
WHAT: Rumors
WHERE: AllHipHop.com, MySpace.com/TheIllseed
HOW: Send your rumors and ill pics to illseed at [email protected].
– allhiphop rumors
Movie Review: Mr. Untouchable
Mr. Untouchable (Magnolia Pictures) is a film about Leroy “Nicky” Barnes, a former junkie at age fourteen, who in 1965 was sent to prison for low level drug dealing. He later overcame his addiction when released from prison and became one of the biggest heroin kingpins in Harlem during the 1970’s. Director Marc Levine uses black and white footage, personal photos, news clippings, interviews of Nicky’s associates (known as The Council) and federal officials to tell this urban legend’s story. Musical accompaniment from the likes of James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, War, and Barry White, just to name a few, set the vibe for the audience to indulge in a retro-perspective birds eye view of the dope game that infiltrated Harlem World.
Leroy “Nicky” Barnes narrates the film; systematically sharing his philosophy of premises, rules, fallacies, and arguments to engage the audience with the use of deductive and inductive reasoning to explain the empire he created.Levin unveils Barnes (who is now in the FBI witness protection program) identity with dark silhouette head shots, seated behind a boardroom desk, and exposing tight camera shots of his hands (a gold Rolex watch on wrist, pinky ring on finger, fancy cuff links) caressing money stacks and a bullet while reciting his street philosophy and referencing from books by Niccolo Machiavilli and Herman Melville. Levin restrains from glorifying Barnes’ world, yet the film embodies the life of an American gangster. The crux of the story unfolds when Barnes decides to pose for a 1977 New York Times Magazine cover story that dubbed him as “Mr. Untouchable.” Barnes was eventually prosecuted and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. After his conviction, Barnes questions the foundation of his empire, which consisted of a seven man crew known as “The Council.” They lived by a code or rules, one being the oath of brotherhood. “Treat My Brother As I Treat Myself.” Marc Levin stylistically neutralizes himself and gives the audience an opportunity to judge Barnes actions to turn states evidence against 70 – 80 of his closest associates. Was it an act of revenge? As defined in the dictionary, Revenge is primarily of retaliation against a person or group in response to a perceived wrongdoing which is a concept of justice. Was it street justice carried out by Barnes? Justice can be divided into two broad fields. Distributive justice is concerned with the proper allocation of good things – wealth, power, reward, respect – between different people. Retributive justice is concerned with the proper response to wrongdoing.After carefully reviewing the film the audience may ask, why would Barnes posture himself with the likes of Machiavilli, or use examples from Moby Dick to justify his means of revenge? As a legal debate, Levin questions how justice was served. Greek philosophers, conceive justice as a virtuea property of the people, and only derivatively of their actions and the institutions they create.No matter which side you stand on the overblown snitching debate, Mr. Untouchable is a must-see film.
Movie Review: American Gangster
American Gangster (Universal Pictures) is one of the most eagerly anticipated films of the year. Even prior to its release the film has already created such a buzz that it’s hastily cemented its place alongside other iconic films which celebrate the life and times of the gangster such as Tony Montana in Scarface, Don Corleone in The Godfather and of course Al Capone from The Untouchables. Jay-Z, inspired by the film, has already written an album, which steals the film’s title. So why the fuss?
Well the ensemble cast, which comprises heavyweights from the world of film and music -including Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Idris Elba, T.I., Common and RZA from the Wu-Tang Clan- certainly helps. But most importantly, the story of Frank Lucasthe Harlem drug-dealer who imported pure cocaine at discount prices from Vietnam, smuggling it into the US via the coffins of dead soldiers, is most definitely a fascinating one.Roughly two and a half hours in length, British Director Ridley Scott earns major brownie points by not succumbing to the obvious shoot ’em up rollercoaster ride of say a Martin Scorsese type gangster thriller. Indeed there are a few gory moments, but Lucas’s menace is more psychological than anything. Needless to say, Denzel Washington puts in a mesmerizing performance as the complex, intelligent and psychopathic Frank Lucas, who like most gangsters baffled anyone who entered his lair.Much has been written about the true-life gangster who is still alive and initially sparked the interest of film bosses after an article appeared in New York Magazine (“Return of Superfly”, 2001) in which he boasts of blowing out the brains of a rival dealer to gain street credibility. Not surprisingly the film has already faced a spew of criticism from those who say that American Gangster is yet another film, which glorifies real life villains- think Billy The Kid and Bonnie, and surely the naysayers raise a valid point.
Gangster adulation is already so entrenched in American youth culture, particular Black culture, that you do struggle to justify its existence. Supporters of Lucas claim that the criticism is unjustified,because the drug kingpin is the embodiment of Black empowerment who stood for political autonomy through financial gain. But continually portraying a one-dimensional view of Black affluence (i.e. Black people can only gain access to wealth through crime and entertainment) surely sends out a damaging message to those who are impressionable.Despite this, American Gangster is extremely compelling. Shot beautifully, Ridley Scott conjures a realistic portrait of the spirited atmosphere of 1970’s Harlem interweaving the exuberance of the haves (entertainers, sport stars, drug dealers) with the dirty stairwells and rotting buildings of Lucas’ enslaved dope fiend followers. Russell Crowe puts in a very powerful performance as the troubled detective who fights to bring down Lucas’ empire. Stalwart actress Ruby Dee is also moving as Lucas’ feisty but dignified mother.Though on the negative side when the build up is this crazy for a movie, the chances are it’s not going to live up to your expectations. Although the story is interestingthe actors all do an amazing job and the movie is shot beautifullyyou should be warned that the film does drag on and certain parts may seem boring due to the length and at times slow pace of the film.So for anyone expecting a similar cinematic experience as say Scarface, New Jack City or The Godfather, you may be left feeling a little disappointed. Nevertheless, American Gangster is thought provoking cinema.
Kerry “Krucial” Brothers: A Successful Blend…From Alicia Keys to Nas
What
happens when you have a producer with Hip-Hop origins and a young girl
with a phenomenal voice and piano skills? You have the music of Alicia Keys and her creative partner Kerry Krucial
Brothers. Together they are KrucialKeys, a music and media company as
well as the driving force behind the Keys success.
Aside
from being an invaluable entity to the music of Alicia Keys, Krucial,
as he is often called, has also worked with a number of other artists such as Keyshia Cole, Shareefa and the newly-controversial Nas. Hearing Nas mentioned with Krucial, who is known mostly for his R&B
efforts may have some Hip-Hop heads a bit skeptical right now.
However,
according to Brothers, he is 100 percent Hip-Hop. Born in Brooklyn and spending
a lot of years in Harlem and starting as an emcee, Brothers is trail-blazing in ways unheard
of. He affirms that doing Hip-Hop got him everywhere he is today.
That even includes his crossing paths with Alicia Keys and the production
of her timeless masterpieces.
Krucial,
busy and on the cusp of Alicia Keys latest LP release As I Am
(November 13th) found the time to sit down with AllHipHop.com.
During our diatribe, he made it clear that Hip-Hip is the core in which
everything else just naturally followed. Not to mention how he feels
about those infamous rumors that himself and Alicia are an item.
AllHipHop.com: How did
you know that you were meant to produce and make music?
Krucial : I never really realized it
[early on] when I got into music. I was an aspiring MC as a kid and
I got into Hip-Hop when I heard it out in the streets. I used to work
with different producers and always give my input like it should
sound like this or like that. Eventually I couldnt find any material
[to flow to] so I just started making my own [beats]. People would hear
my beats and want them. It kinda gradually happened. Working with Alicia
[Keys] and having her feeling it and making songs that are now history
let me know that, Hey I really am a producer.
AllHipHop.com: Throughout
your successes, how have you kept your feet to the pavement and continue
to make exceptionally good material?
Krucial :The love of it. The love of
creating songs and arranging them a certain way. Im one of those
people who really love music. I try not to get caught up with what rewards
come with it. The music is a reward in itself.
AllHipHop.com: What are
some of your influences?
Krucial : Old Soul definitely. I grew
up listening to a lot of Soul, R&B and Funk. My parents kept albums
in rows on the living room floor. As a kid Im on the floor with my
chin in my elbows watching TV but seeing nothing but albums [around
me]. So I got curious started listening to them. But [growing up] I
listened to [Bob] Marley, Bomb Squad and Dr Dre. People that do something
different inspire me to do my thing.
AllHipHop.com: Since
you consider yourself to be Hip-Hop. Do you think that your R&B
work waters down and/or brings out the Hip-Hop side in you?
Krucial : Hip-Hop influences me so much.
If you think about where Hip-Hop started we sampled from Soul and R&B.
We [sampled] the rawest and funkiest part of the track. [A lot of times
I am] creating something that could have been made in the 60s or 70s,
however Hip-Hop gives it that [modern day] big beat. It doesnt water
it down, [Hip-Hop] lets me expand more.
AllHipHop.com: In saying
all that, what type of producer do you consider yourself to be?
Krucial : Everyone looks at me as an
R&B producer. I dont see myself that way, its
just music. Im definitely Hip-Hop all the way. To me Hip-Hop is a
blend of all different music genres that arent supposed
to be brought together and thats the kind of music that I like to
create.
AllHipHop.com: Do you
ever incorporate the flow from your hip-hop side along with R&B?
Krucial : Its embedded. Some people get
on 50 or Ja Rule about singing on [Hip-Hop]. People have been singing
forever.
AllHipHop.com: What personal
characteristic of yourself do you feel has allowed you be so successful?
Krucial : Im very humble, have God
in my life and feel blessed. I do have talent but God gave me this talent.
I think that consistency and mastering my craft has also made me. I
can do this [producing] thing but I can do more. I have so many other
things to accomplish. That came from something that my parents have
always instilled in me. [Which is] you cant be the best at anything
unless you put time into it everyday.
AllHipHop.com: In what
stage of Alicia Keys career did you meet her?
Krucial : In the very beginning, way
before there was an Alicia Keys. I met her in the early 90s in
a cypher in the Downtown Village in Washington Square Park. Back then
you could find musicians in that area, there was always open mics and
cyphers going on. I kept in touch with people that I vibed with. I had
a little bit of equipment at my house so I would invite people over.
I invited her and from there we just got it poppin! I was on the
SP12 and MPC 300 she would be on the keyboard. [Alicia and I] would
just vibe and make music. Eventually people started hearing it and thinking
that it was pretty hot. We got to the point where she asked me to work
on her album. [At first] I was a little intimidated because my background
was Hip-Hop. [However] I was really feeling her and where she was going
[musically] so I gave it a chance.
AllHipHop.com: What star
qualities did you see in Alicia Keys in the very beginning?
Krucial : I knew she was going to be
a star. She is such a good and radiant person. Alicia, she was just
one of those people you wanted to be around. Then it was her voice,
she reminded me of Anita Baker. I loved her voice and the fact that
I could put [my] beats under it. I really wasn’t thinking about
where it could go, we were just making music.
AllHipHop.com: Her albums
are always seem to come from left-field, how do you attest to that?
Krucial : [Alicia Keys] is rebellious,
thats the real essence of Hip-Hop. When I listen to her album I do
not hear R&B, I hear Hip-Hop. People want her to do this, so she
does something else. Conforming is boring, [you should] do what you
feel from the heart. When its real people will recognize it.
AllHipHop.com: Is that
why you think that Songs In A Minor
was so successful?
Krucial : We were just being real. [Songs
In A Minor] was a good statement at where we both were at
the time. Youre listening to the production of me as a baby in R&B
and [Alicia Keys] learning that what she was doing was hot and that
she didnt need such and such to make a song. With the
next album (Diary of Alicia Keys) we learned more and mastered
more. This [new] album is even more bananas! Nobody expected No
One to be something from her!
AllHipHop.com: Exactly!
Her singles are known for being so different? Is that always the
plan?
Krucial : No, its something we just do.
We dont sit here and think about it, it just happens.That’s the thing
about me and the people around me, we do music from the heart. When
you try to plan it, [the music] sounds contrived. That is not realistic
and people can tell, theyll be like it sounds like he tried.No One was almost written by itself.
AllHipHop.com: Can you
give an example of how one of our favorite Alicia Keys songs was created,
how about You Dont Know My Name.
Oh never mind, Kanye West produced that track, correct?
Krucial : No, Alicia Keys produced the
track with Kanye West. People have to understand that she is a real
producer. He came by with the track and [they built on it]. John Legend
was also on the background vocals, a lot of people do not know that
either
AllHipHop.com: I will
give you another one, how about “Diary!”
Krucial : “Diary” was one of those joints
where Alicia just started with the piano cords. She just kept playing
the keys for a while and needed that last line. Then I was like, just
think of me as the pages in your diary. She liked it said how [Diary]
reminded her of a Tony! Toni! Tone! track so we reached out to them
to add their flavor. Dwayne Wiggins came through and the song was done
in two takes.
AllHipHop.com: Do you
need anything special when youre in the studio to get you going?
Krucial : [Just] my MPC 4000. I have
every MPC there is. Some people get crazy about guitars I love MPCs.
I just need that and my laptop.
AllHipHop.com: From an
outsider observing a writing session, what do you think they would take
from it?
Krucial : Im an easily distracted
person. If youre not relevant to what is going on I would ask you
to leave. I cant do spectators. We like to zone out in the studio.
AllHipHop.com: Forget
about outsiders, how about a new songwriter?
Krucial : They would be apart of the
session not just observing. They would be like damn they are so down
to earth. Marsha (from Floetry) loved our vibe. Howard Lily [came
through] and said the same thing, were just really easy to work with.
AllHipHop.com: How was
it working with Marsha?
Krucial : It was wonderful. She actually
collaborated on a joint with Alicia and myself on the new album.
I cant wait til she does her solo joint.
AllHipHop.com: Since
you work so closely with Alicia Keys, how do you prevent her material
from sounding like other artists you work with?
Krucial : My job as a producer is to
take [an artists] energy and make the best [music]. When Im with
Alicia her energy is her energy. When Im working with another artist
I am basing my production [around] them. I work [only] with who
Im working with at the moment.
AllHipHop.com: Do you
ever write for rappers?
Krucial : I definitely do beats [for
rappers] and would do a hook. To me [writing for rappers] is whats
wrong now. Cats dont be in the studio together, people are just like
send me the tracks son. Working with Nas [help me realize
that], hes a true poet.
AllHipHop.com: How was
it working with such a legend like Nas?
Krucial : He was great, he comes through
[the studio], feels the track and writes right there on the spot. Nas
is a true artist in the real form. Forget the fact that he is a rapper.
You can compare his [lyrics] to the best. You have to understand where
he is coming from as far as the talent. You have to respect people who
have the true talent.
AllHipHop.com: When youre
creating a song, do you write the lyrics or make the beat first?
Krucial : All of the above. Sometimes
its just a melody in my head. Sometimes a beat will inspire me. Im
more like a melody and free styling [type of producer] from flows because
of my Hip-Hop roots.
AllHipHop.com: What is
more important, the beat, the melody or the lyrics?
Krucial : Lyrics and melodies. Production
changes, sounds change, each decade [music] changes. There are songs
from the 50’s that still relate today because of the great song with
great lyrics and melody.
AllHipHop.com: How do
you feel about the New Jack Swing era?
Krucial : I liked New Jack Swing and
Guy. I respect Teddy Riley as a producer for bringing in a new style
of R&B and getting a name for it. I need to start my own genre.
AllHipHop.com: How about
calling it Krucial Times?
Krucial : (Laughs) We will see
AllHipHop.com: You know
I have to ask, how do you and Alicia balance your business with your
romantic relationship?
Krucial : (Laughs) We just peoples. We
both have a love for music.
AllHipHop.com: So youre
saying that the rumors arent true?
Krucial : I am saying that the rumors
are the rumors. Its all good, I take it as a grain a salt. I look at
this a job and I love it. All the extra stuff is irrelevant. The only
difference between myself and a person that works an 8 to 5′ is that
you see my work. Then there are all these shows that are focused on
celebrities lives. I want to use the media to promote what Im
trying to promote and thats it. If I am going to put myself out there
it will be in a book so that myself and my children can benefit from
it, not the media.
AllHipHop.com: Sounds
fair enough. To wrap this thing up, whats up with the new Alicia
Keys album? Any special appearances we should look forward to?
Krucial : The album drops November 13th
its called As I Am. Her albums have always been about her
pretty much. She doesnt make that industry album with every producer
artist thats hot at the time. What she does is modern day singer/songwriter
stuff.
Britney Spears: Blackout
The moment that blog readers around the world have waited for has arrived: Britney Spearss new album, Blackout [Jive/Zomba]. Since much of the marketing for the album relied heavily on news coverage of Britneys personal troubles, many are curious as to what resulted. Watching Spears is like watching an aircraft go down you know the inevitable, but still hope for the best. Blackout is a million mattresses breaking this planes fall. But, who cares about that? Curiosity goes to whomever put the mattresses there.Blackouts majority of writing and production credit is an urban affair that boasts the likes of Danja, Keri Hilson, The Neptunes, T-Pain, and Sean Garrett. Holding the top spot with five out of the twelve album tracks is Danja. During the time when Brit’s music to be released was anyones guess, Danja worked a magic unthought-of by giving Britney a No. 1 single, Gimme More. Other tracks like Break The Ice, Get Naked (I Got A Plan), and Hot As Ice are covered in Danjas signature sound similar to Nelly Furtados Loose, but with a much darker and edgier delivery. Timbos own artist Keri Hilson whose background vocals are splashed all over the tracks (including the hit single) is another glimpse into how Spears might have simply gone through the motions. Blackout is at best a mixture of Cassie, Nicole Scherzinger and even Madonna in its effort to recruit urban heavyhitters to manufacture a hit pop record. If they can do it, then why cant Britney?The paparazzi princess also linked with Bloodshy & Avant, who previously penned and produced her signature hit Toxic. This time the production team cooks up a straight-up 80s inspired pop track, which teeters on techno music. The production team further demonstrates their knack for working with someone so inconsistent by penning (probably to inspire Spears) Piece Of Me. The track gives Spears the chance to express her frustrations with her public ordeals, with the paparazzi whos flipping me off hoping Ill resort to some havoc. Blackout stands as a good dance Hip-Pop album, as disconnected as Britney may sound. A dance record is still a dance record so it works. When Britney does decide to come through and connect with something besides paparazzi, shes got a unique sound to come back to a gift this spectacular production team has given to a still fallen star, who became their showcase artist.
50 Cent Teams With Pontiac For Custom Car
Rapper 50 Cent has teamed with Pontiac to produce his own customized G8 sedan it was revealed last night (October 30) at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.The rapper unveiled a prototype of the customized Pontiac G8, which was designed with Will Castro from Unique Autosports.The sedan features custom paint, 22 inch rims, a customized exhaust system, leather interior, an 800 watt system, low-profile Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires and other features.According to a press release, over 30,000 G8 sedans will be shipped to the United States the first year.”Partnering with Pontiac has given me the opportunity to create something truly unique, a customized performance vehicle I am really proud of,” 50 Cent said. “The G8 is like none other and it pushes the boundaries of what people think a car has to be.”The G8 is being manufactured by Holden in Australia and will go on sale in the United States in 2008.
HALLOWEEN’S HIP-HOP VIDEO RUNDOWN!
HALLOWEEN’S HIP-HOP
Man, I work so hard at the rumors, I forgot that it was Halloween! Well, at the last minute (right now), I realized that Hip-Hop loves Halloween. Well that notion is up for grabs considering the real roots of the pagan celebration.
I for one have no qualms with the holiday. Its sort of how people feel about the N-Word. It has changed over the decades into a thing of love and affection, even amid a marred history. Lets no turn this into a political debate.
Below, you will see some of the most beloved and hated videos of the rite of passage called Halloween!
THE GETO BOYS MY MINDS PLAYING TRICKS ON ME
Halloween definitely didnt fall on the weekend this year. But this video is classic. We get to see a skinny Scarface, Bushwick leap five feet in the air for a beatdown and Willie Dee p-noid at three blind crippled and crazy senior citizens!
JUDGMENT NIGHT!
This was proof that Sticky Fingaz was one of the scariest rappers on the mic!
RUN DMC AINT AFRAID OF NO GHOST!
I would say that I am the biggest Run DMC fan and I NEVER heard this joint until TODAY, this morning of Halloween 2007. Enjoy the video with extra cheese! (RIP JMJ!)
GHOSTBUSTERS!
Shout out to Ray Parker, Jr. Its not Hip-Hop, but its classic.
FREAKS COME OUT AT NIGHT!
Before any Hip-Hop Honors, the wop was a regular. Its not scary, but its Halloween on this day. Shout out to Run, D, Jay, Malcolm Jamal Warner, Jermaine Dupri and UTFO! They all make appearances in this 20-plus year old video. Whodini Rocks.
NIGHTMARE ON MY STREET!
There was no formal video for this Fresh Prince & Jazzy Jeff song, but people loved the corny lil diddy so much, they did their own. Check it out.
THE FLATLINERZ!
I was never big on these guys, but in Halloween 2007, they sound DOPE! Rapping from the GRAVE? No rapper is messing with that nowadays!
RIVAS OF RED!
This might be a bit too much Flatlinerz, but Rivas of Red, it is. Check it out!
SPECIAL DEDICATION TO THE GRAVEDIGGAZ (R.I.P. to Poetic!)
Do you remember The Gravediggaz? This group included RZA aka The Rzarector, Frukwan aka Gatekeeper, Poetic aka Grym Reaper, and the incomparable Prince Paul! They were the unofficial founders of the Horrorcore style of Hip-Hop. I loved them, because their morbid cover was just a disguise for consciousness! Wake up the dead all over again!
THE GRAVEDIGGAZ – DIARY OF A MAD MAN! (This set it all off!)
THE GRAVEDIGGAZ -NO WHERE TO RUN, NOWHERE TO HIDE!
THE GRAVEDIGGAZ – 1-800-SUICIDE
THRILLER
You didnt think you were going to leave this or any other Halloween without looking at Michael Jacksons Thriller, did yo? No way, ghosty. I used to love this chick in this vid! Anyway, check it out the greatest video of all time!
HAVE FUN AND DON’T EAT THE APPLES!
BONUS VIDEO – ROCKWELL! “SOMEBODY’S WATCHING ME”
rockwell – somebody’s watching meUploaded by chilavert
TOMORROW, WE LOVE YOU!
They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!
-illseed
WHO: illseed
WHAT: Rumors
WHERE: AllHipHop.com, MySpace.com/TheIllseed
HOW: Send your rumors and ill pics to illseed at [email protected].
– allhiphop rumors
Cassidy Ft. Swizz Beatz, Kanye West and Ne-Yo
My Drink and My 2 Step (RMX)
Styles P, Beanie Sigel, Freeway and Uncle Murda
Green Lantern Freestyle
Guru Ft. Common
State Of Clarity (Remix)