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QD3 Producing ‘Who Shot Ya’ DVD On Hip-Hop Violence

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Quincy Jones III’s QD3 Entertainment is preparing a new DVD titled Who Shot Ya, a documentary that examines violence in Hip-Hop.

 

Who Shot Ya will also feature a number of well known rappers discussing their personal experiences of being shot and the impact gun violence has on minority communities.

 

The release is the first in a multiyear DVD distribution deal QD3 Entertainment recently struck with Genius Products.

 

Genius, which is 70% owned by the Weinstein Co., handles the distribution, marketing and sales for popular brands like Dimension Films, ESPNR, Animal Planet and others.

 

Under the terms of the deal, Genius will distribute two QD3 titles per year.

 

The pact is part of Quincy Jones III’s goal of expanding his QD3 combines his brands into a multitiered, interactive experience and and platform.

 

“We have a broadband channel, and a channel on Comcast,” Jones told AllHipHop.com. “But we are trying to tie it all together- the DVDs and the music. It’s kind of a hybrid, because the CD is a novelty now. I mean, kids spend their time on the Internet, so we are trying to accommodate that lifestyle. So it’s in the works. People can visit my site, www.qd3.com for now, to keep up with what I’m working on.”

 

In addition to Genius distributing two QD3 Entertainment titles per year, QD3 will also acquire finished titles for sole distribution by Genius, under the QD3 name.

 

Quincy Jones III’s QD3 Entertainment has produced a number of successful direct-to-DVD releases, including the popular Beef I, II, III and IV, Tupac Shakur: Thug Angel and others.

 

Jones III is the son of Quincy Jones Sr., a living legend who has worked with on numerous historic recordings with artists as varied as Sarah Vaughn and Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson and Big Daddy Kane.

 

On the business side, Jones Sr. was one of the few high ranking black executives at a major record label [Mercury] in the 1960’s where he churned out pop hits like “It’s My Party,” “Judy’s Turn to Cry” and the classic “You Don’t Own Me” by Leslie Gore.

 

In addition to blockbuster albums like Off The Wall and Thriller by Michael Jackson, Jones has been a supporter of Hip-Hop music since its recorded history featuring rap on the title track to 1979’s#### album The Dude.

 

Jones Sr., the seasoned veteran, offered some AllHipHop.com some encouraging words to the Hip-Hop community.

 

“In a lot of ways, Hip-Hop invented the expansion model, because you didn’t see people in Rock & Roll doing perfume lines and clothing lines,” Quincy Jones Sr. told AllHipHop.com. “I think this generation is much more entrepreneurial than my generation was. We didn’t know enough about the business, but this generation is on top of things, business wise. I think if we could merge the heart and soul with the entrepreneurial side of this generation, it’d be over.”

 

QDIII Entertainment’s Who Shot Ya is due in stores in 2008.

Nas: Between Innovation and Controversy

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Features

Nas announced he was naming his 8th album the N Bomb. Once again, the N done started something.History has a funny way, in a Paul Mooney kind of sense, of repeating itself. Just when we think that the power of innovation has no bounds, the proverbial artistic rug is pulled from under our feet, leaving us suspended in mid-air hoping for a more familiar place to land. But for trailblazers likes Mr. Nasir Jones, pulling a carpet from up under his stance is similar to a magician yanking a table cloth cleanly from under dishes—Nas remains unaffected.Nas has been an innovator in his field since his explosion on the scene in ’94. His peers were either one of two things; influenced by him or were “too much of a man” to say they respected him. It wasn’t about hit singles to Queensbridge’s Five Star General; he strived to push the music that he holds so dearly to his heart, forward. But when he hit, he hit hard and strong, achieving milestones and etching his name in the stone along the way.To recognize innovation is to understand that, in the public eye, your efforts to push a medium forward can easily be framed as controversial. On December 11th, Nas will walk the line between innovation and controversy with his ninth studio album titled, NI**ER. From the initial break of this news, lines have been drawn between the supporters and those that opposed Nas’ decision. Internet message boards, talk shows, barbershops and salons across this country have been set ablaze with opinions, which either brought everyone together, or systematically tore them apart.More seasoned debaters were cunning enough to bring up the fact that Nas isn’t the first to title his project the N-bomb. Maybe in Hip-Hop, but not across the board [Ed. Note: If you want to get technical, let’s not forget N.W.A]. Few brought up the fact that author Dick Gregory along with contributor Robert Lipsyte wrote, NI**ER – An Autobiography published in1964. The book sold seven million copies. And most recently, NI**ER – The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word, written by Randall Kennedy was published back in 2002. So why all of the media attention for Nas in 2007? Nothing more valuable to a heartfelt debate than the here and now. Nas is here, and Nas is now. And similar to the daring men before him, Nas has solid support where he needs it most, with Def Jam Chairman Antonio “L.A.” Reid telling MTV News he had the label’s support. But on the other side of the coin, Nas has his opposers. Among them Reverend Al Sharpton who also told MTV News he was, “opposed to anybody using the term.” It doesn’t take Jadakiss of the Lox to ask the question that everybody in the know would like to ask Nas–and that question is, “Why?” AllHipHop.com spoke with a few people about their thoughts on the controversial album title. Here’s what they had to say:Chuck D: First of all, you can’t get rid of the word. When I spoke against the word, I was placing it in its proper context; and the proper context is bad. When people started saying that the word ‘ni**a’ is a word of love and started using it to embrace each other, I thought that it was stupid. But there is such a word and it describes the attitude and behavior more than anything. Once a person decide to get in the frame of a ‘ni**er’ state of mind, it becomes counter productive. The difference with Nas taking this word and using it as the title of his album, let’s give him the artistic right to go into it, just like we gave Dick Gregory the artistic right to go into his book. Dick Gregory published his book called “NI**ER (The Autobiography),” was actually saying how he was looked upon by America. I give Nas at least the opportunity to address this word from a context that will actually be educational. And not educational in a way that we all should call ourselves ni**ers, thinking that it’s all good. My question is, which rocket scientist came up with this theory? My thing is, everybody can have an opinion, but we need to evaluate who’s giving their opinion. We should also look at their resume of who’s saying what. Everybody can’t just say everything without a proper background. If you don’t have street education or book education, you’re just making up sh*t in your head. Nas has a background and a resume of conscious thoughts. And it has been a growth pattern in what he says. Nas goes into a wider realm of accepting that he is a man and can never turn back to being a boy again. That’s unlike a lot of cats who are in their thirties or into their mid-thirties all of a sudden feel that they can conveniently step into their adolescence to sell records; which I believe is some bullsh*t.Alicia Keys:

DJ Irie: Knowing Nas to be the prolific artist that he is, there’s a strong social statement and message behind such a name. I’m sure Nas has a positive twist on it that will be communicated in the music. Nas isn’t your average MC. His body of work not only consists of some of the greatest music in the history of Hip-Hop, but delivers some of our culture’s greatest lessons. After all, can the man that gave us Illmatic really do any wrong?If it were any other artist to choose such an album title, I would quickly dismiss [it] as a marketing ploy. Not the case for Nas. Yes, the title alone will draw all kinds of attention and criticism, but let’s not rush to judgement. Nas is no fool… there’s a method to the madness. Just watch and see.Cormega: To the media and to any Black person making a big deal out of this: “Ni**a please.”David Banner: I think that it’s genius! I’d tell Nas that he can name his album however he want it. Tell him that he should call his album, “NI**ER to the Tenth Power.” I understand that Nas wants to save the world, because I am one of those type of rappers as well, but just get back to making jamming a** records dude. It’s cool to be creative and it’s cool to be thought provoking, but Nas, you gotta get back to “New York State of Mind,” get back to “Live at the Barbecue.” He needs some straight to the point beats to rock to. He needs to just give me his album, sit back and rap. Get back to the old Nas where all these producers would give him tracks and he was just sitting there writing. I want the first Nas; not the second Nas or the fourth Nas. I want the Nas fresh off of the “Live at the Barbecue” joint.Everybody has an opinion. When I did that stuff with Al Sharpton, people wanted to know whether it was a media ploy. No it wasn’t, and who really gives a f*ck? All of this title, all of this hype sh*t, everybody talking their records up and then the s### be wack. I don’t really give a f*ck; he can name his album “Africa”, he can name his album “Ni**a”, I don’t give a sh*t as long as when we turn that record on, it is jamming.DJ Drama: I respect Nas to the fullest! I’m ridin’ wit him! That’s my ni**a!!I believe anything that creates dialogue in Hip-Hop is healthy for the culture.Raheem DeVaughn:

Mick Boogie: It’s not my place to say whether it’s good or bad. I think it could be good, because an intelligent artist like Nas always has something brewing to back up his statements. But as a white man, I can’t really walk into Best Buy and say, “Hi, can you show me where the ‘Ni**a’ [album] is?  That’s not happening. It’s Nas. He always has something to say, even on radio singles. But like he said, if Cornel West did it, it would be revolutionary.  So I’m curious to see what happens after it drops.Polow Da Don: I love the title… Nas is very smart. Bruce Waynne (Midi Mafia): It’s overall bold, and we need that in entertainment right now. We need to get people excited, as well as thinking.Rich Boy: “I feel like Nas naming his album NI**ER is Nas being Nas. Political and thought provoking and at the same time going against the grain. Hip Hop Is Dead sure made major headlines and was great for marketing. It’s going to make people think what’s the positive message from such a negative word. Its going to make people want to hear the lyrics and message that an album with the title NI**ER and what does the title stand for.Grandmaster Melle Mel:

Hip-Hop Rumors: Dame’s Baby, Foxy’s Jail Report, Budden’s Beef & more!

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

CONGRATS TO DAME AND RACHEL!

 

I heard that the Dame and his damsel have a lil’ surprise to tell the world. They are three months pregnant. Yeah, there is going to be another lil’ Dame dashing around the town in another six or so months. Holla if you hear me! Congrats.

 

For those that don’t know, Dame also recently screened his new movie, “Mr. Untouchable,” the inside circle of industry people. I wasn’t invited. LOL. Nevertheless, I heard that Nicky Barnes hooked Dame up something crazy. How? Well, what happened is, Nicky Barnes saw and early version of “American Gangster” and he HATED how he was portrayed by Cuba Gooding. Basically, he’s played like a flunky to Frank Lucas, who is seen as the Heroin King of Harlem. Meanwhile Dame and his team are working on their own movie, “Mr. Untouchable,” but they are doing it without the main person –Nicky Barnes! Nicky B. was so outraged at “American Gangster” that he agreed to be in Dame’s flick to counter the movie. I wasn’t in Harlem in that era, but a lotta people are countering the accuracy.

 

BG IS ALIVVVVVEEEEEEEE!

 

I don’t know what’s the deal with all the death rumors, but I’m happy to let you know that BG is A-OK. The rumors started about a day or so ago and all of BG’s friends and family have been besieged with phone calls and email. His Aunt Carol and others at Chopper City have verified that he’s indeed alive like the Frankenstein monster.

 

YUCK, EVIDENCE!!!!

 

I’ve been a fan of Evidence and the whole Dilated Peoples movement for some time now, but this is where I draw the line. Rumor has it, there was a concert in Northampton, MA with Little Brother. Well, Dilated and Evidence were the openers of the show, I heard. I heard Evidence was in the middle of spitting a hot rap when all of a sudden…he threw up ON STAGE! He  paused and told the crowd something about how he has a staph infection and the pills made him sick. Did he leave? No. I heard he told the DJ to re-start the track and he just continued like nothing ever happened! He left the “evidence” right on stage. That’s some EMCEE s**t for the ages!

 

DIDDY – TALKS RESPONSIBILTY, NAS, AMERICAN GANGSTER!

 

 

 

FOXY INSIDER INFO

 

I don’t know if this is true or not, but the word on the block is that Foxy actually wants to be away from the general population. I heard that’s how she ended up in solitary- by getting in various situations. The last “situation” was Fox refusing three times in a row to wear the garb designated for her to go to court.

 

I heard that Foxy got into a fight with a “big b***h” – that’s not my description. That’s the description given to me. I heard that Foxy, who is still having hearing problems, bumped into the Big Chick. Well, Big Gal actually said, “Excuse Me” to Foxy…but her politeness wasn’t heard. Foxy snapped on chica and chica rocked Fox – from what I heard. There were no officers present to even break things up. Lets just say that all the parties were not willing participants in the fight.

 

From what I heard, the prison is doing their part to keep Foxy out of trouble. From what I heard, any newspaper that had a story on Fox, had those pages REMOVED. So the day that Foxy was in the news in the whole world? She wasn’t in her prison so that the other inmates were basically in the dark.

 

HERE IS THE GOOD NEWS. I HEARD that Foxy could be home as soon as DECEMBER with an ankle bracelet if she stays on good behavior. I heard that is the good part about staying in solitary – no trouble. I heard that she’s being treated OK by the staff, but her mere presence attracts attention. I heard she has the best cell in solitary confinement for what its worth. FREE FOXY BROWN!

 

JOE BUDDEN VS RANSOM?

 

I mean, I really intended to ignore this “beef,” for the simple fact, it seemed silly. It still does, but I have to pay attention. Now, the first thing I thought was: “Is this marketing for MM3?” I can’t pass judgment on that, but Ransom is on Mood Musik 3 from what I heard. I don’t know if he STILL is in light of this “beef,” but it just seems like a perfectly timed conflict.

 

Budden has replied to Ransom’s “Kid Brother” with “Heart of the City.” But on his website, joebudden.org, Joey did admit that its not really beef. Here is what he said:

 

“There Is No Beef !!!!!!!!!! Well, not to me anyway… s**t like this is pointless, two unsigned jersey n****z goin back and forth for no reason at all ????? where’s the logic ?????. I really think this whole s**t is corny, and regardless of what people are feedin him, i got love 4 dude…. i’m over this 1 tho, waste of energy and studio time.”

 

 

 

Either way, I am just writing this to let you know that I know about this beef. Thanks S-Class.

                                 

SHAWNNA…MAD?

 

So, Shawnna isn’t officially signed with Gucci Mane, from what I hear. But, for her to get over to The Roc might be difficult as well. After two flopped albums and loads of promise, I heard she’s not feeling the House that Russell and Rick built. So there you have it. We’ll see how it goes. Shawnna is definitely dope though, I’m a fan.

 

SHOUT OUT TO KRISPY KIA SHINE

 

I just wanted to send a holla holla to Kia Shine.  He just wrapped a two day shoot last Sunday and Monday in Memphis for his second single, “WOW.”  So you fan people can look out for that soon.  I heard he is still signed to Universal / Motown, but he paid for this video 100% out of pocket. I think somebody is trying to lump the brother in with the ringtone rappers, when the homey is very smart and talented.

 

 

BEENIE MAN…THEY TRYING TO RED FOXXX YOU!

 

 

I heard Beenie Man is in TROUBLE. I heard he owes like $30 mill to the Jamaican government for back taxes. Well, they tossed him in jail on top of it all. You know why he allegedly missed the court date? I heard he was doing a video for some bombshell chick named Bar-Bee. First, she was in his video and he goes to the clink for returning the favor! Apparently, Bar-Bee wasn’t in the good graces of the Jamaican people because they thought she and Beenie were doing the nasty. On top of it all, Beenz and Bar-Bee were spotted buying a Range Rover in New York after he and his wife called it Splitsville. Well, I hope he can pay those taxes! That jail time is doing the real nasty! Check out their video.

 

 

 

DEAD PREZ IN AFRICA!

 

I’m impressed. I really like M-1 and the dead prez movement. This starts a new segment for the rumors section called “A Moment of Positivity.” They got it super crunk at an event called Wapikenya at British Council, Nairobi.

 

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES!

 

Shout out to DJ Kid Capri! I heard the Kid has a new hard rock band called Uninvited Guests that has recorded with Styles P called “Hot Shotgun.” I heard they are good. More on that as I verify.

 

Snoop and Gary Payton having a Halloween Party? I can see the headlines, “Hip-Hop Halloween” party for hellions. OK, that was corny. I’m sorry.

 

Arnow & *S.M.D* – shout out to my Bronx people! And B-Millz, the homey from up North.

 

Shout out to Drag On, who is now on Swizz Beatz’s label, Full Surface. Where is DMX?

 

I heard Bushwick Bill just finished a new movie. Don’t ask me what about. I don’t know.

 

RANDOM ACTS OF ILLSEED

 

I did something really random. I decided to type in the “N-Word” in youtube and see what came up. At the top of the list was a movie called “Boss N-Word” that features Fred Williamson. Fred was a popular actor in the Blaxploitation era of movies. Anyway, peep the trailer. They toss White people in jail that use the N-Word and Fred becomes the sheriff by force in this Western.

 

TOMORROW, 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

Hell Rell: For The Hell Of It

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Reviews / Music

The latest release from the Dipset camp, Hell Rell’s For The Hell of It (Diplomat/Koch) does much to uphold the street aesthetic that the Diplomats are known for, yet does little to continue with the commercial flirtation that some members (ie. Cam’ron, Jim Jones) have enjoyed in recent time. Don’t expect “We Fly High Pt. 2” on this record, just brace yourself for Dipset’s standard bombastic production coupled with grimy, hard-hitting rhymes courtesy of Hell Rell, who sounds like he has a bone to pick with the rap game on his long-awaited solo disc.Based on the cover art alone for this album (Rell looks like he sees his dentist Dr.  FullClip twice a year for regular checkups), you know you are in for some typical Dipset street anthems with an added dose of malice. On album opener “Intro”, Hell Rell boasts over a panicky instrumental, “I don’t get high no more/I smoke for the smell of it/Money just a hobby/N**** get it for the hell of it!”  “Streets Gonna Love Me” is reminiscent of Cam’ron’s 2002 hit “Oh Boy”, as Rell paints a picture, over a high pitched soul sample, of the bittersweet relationship he has with the streets that don’t reciprocate the love he has for them, “It’s funny that/I love the streets/But they don’t love me back.”  Rell invites a few guests to help add some menace to this already gritty album, including Styles P and Young Dro as well as Dipset alums Cam’ron, JR Writer and Juelz Santana.  Absent from the album is Dipset “capo” Jim Jones, which seems to reinforce rumours about a widening divide between Jimmy and the rest of the Diplomats fam.“I’m The S***” featuring Killa Cam, is one of the album’s standouts with Rell and Cam spitting over this car rattler that sounds like a jam session between a ghostly choir and the devil playing the drum kit.Rell wraps things up smoothly near the end, with “Where You From” featuring Juelz, where over a laidback, soul-drenched beat, Rell gives thanks and praises to his Harlem crew that gave him time to shine in one of rap’s most interesting collectives,  “Before I run off in the sunset/I f*** with a few things/But I’m only loyal to one set!”After numerous mixtapes and guest appearances, it is nice to hear Rell stretched out over a long-player with no gimmicks, annoying DJ catchphrases and skits; just tight production and strong rhymes. This offering makes a strong case for Rell to receive a quick promotion within the Dipset ranks from a street soldier to at least a lieutenant. SOUNDCHECK:Hell Rell “Streets Gonna Love Me”Hell Rell f/ Cam’Ron “I’m The Sh*t”

Diddy Announces 50/50 Joint Venture With Ciroc Vodka

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Sean “Diddy” Combs has entered into an alliance with the Diageo liquor company and will take over brand management of the liquor brand Ciroc it was announced today (October 24).

 

Combs and Sean Combs Enterprises will play the leading role in the brand management of Diageo’s premium vodka Ciroc, as part of a multi-year U.S. collaboration.

 

The mogul will be responsible for the marketing, advertising, public relations, product placement and events promoting the Ciroc brand.

 

All profits will be split 50/50 in the deal, which could be worth over $100 million for Sean Combs Enterprises.

 

Combs revealed to AllHipHop.com that his focus will be on growing the established Ciroc brand first and then he may consider developing his own signature brand.

 

“The first part is to focus on Ciroc and create a fine spirits empire,” Combs told AllHipHop.com. “Once that happens, we will see [about his own line]. What really makes this historical is that I am an African-American and I have teamed up with the world’s largest spirits company, Diageo, to reshape how a luxury brand is marketed.”

 

The Hip-Hop impresario noted that the vodka trade is worth $3 billion dollars and that the “ultra premium” category featuring spirits like Ciroc is growing faster than any other in the spirits industry.

 

“Sean Combs has a proven track record of developing high-end brands and we expect his alliance with Ciroc to follow suit,” noted Debra Kelly-Ennis, Chief Marketing Officer, Diageo North America. “We are confident that Sean and his team are the right partners to further enhance the luxury profile of Ciroc.”

 

Combs praised the distinct manufacturing process of Ciroc, which is made from French grapes as opposed to the normal process of using potatoes.

 

“Now I don’t know about you, but if I had the choice to drink potato grains or French grapes, I would go with the grapes,” Combs quipped.

 

Helming the Ciroc brand’s entire marketing strategy around the “art of celebration,” Combs is planning a promotional coup to advertise Ciroc as the official drink of the 2007-2008 New Year’s celebrations.

 

Combs also aims to serve as a spokesperson for responsible drinking.

Drag-On Reunites With Swizz Beatz; Signs To Full Surface

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Rapper Mel “Drag-On” Smalls is set on making major moves in the rap scene with his new alliance with Full Surface Records.

 

Under the newly-signed deal, Drag-On will officially reunite with famed producer Swizz Beatz, who serves as the head of Full Surface.

 

Drag-On was featured on Swizz Beatz’ latest release One Man Band and has been prominently featured on a number of Ruff Ryders related projects, the label to which his was once signed.

 

Drag-On has appeared on multiplatinum albums by DMX, Eve, The Lox and others.

 

He left Ruff Ryders after dropping the albums Opposite of H20 (2000) and Hell and Back (2004).

 

The signing comes amid the recent release of the Drag-On’s independent album, Hood Environment, as well as the launch of his Hood Environment record label.

 

The Bronx-bred rapper has been working in the studio with Swizz Beatz as well as Philadelphia rapper Cassidy and his Larceny family of rappers.

 

With his Hood Environment label off the ground, Drag-On is determined to use the new company to introduce new artists to the public.

 

“This will give me a chance to bring in new talent and give others a chance to shine as well,” Drag-On said in a statement. “My label is gonna be 100 percent with hard music for the streets. This time I’m the CEO and I know what the people want…We do this from the heart.”

Ed Lover Denies Striking Woman; Sentenced To Community Service

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Hip-Hop pioneer Ed Lover plead guilty to a violation relating to charges that he punched a New Jersey woman in the face at a Manhattan nightclub in December of 2005.

 

Ed Lover was originally charged with assault and second-degree harassment, stemming from a December 12 incident at Club Duvet in Manhattan.

 

Prosecutors claimed that Ed Lover struck Leticia Belford during a fight between a female guest of Ed Lover’s and Belford.

 

Ed Lover allegedly intervened and struck Belford in the face, which gave her a mild concussion and caused a cut that required 20 stitches to close.

 

Yesterday (October 23) Ed Lover, former host of Yo! MTV Raps and current Power 105.1 DJ, pleaded guilty to a violation of disorderly conduct, but did not admit to punching Leticia Belford.

 

Ed Lover, born James Roberts, was sentenced to seven days of community service, but will not have a criminal record.

Styles P & Big Mike: The Phantom Menace [Mixtape]

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Reviews / Music

If Styles P killed as many people as he rhymed about on The Phantom Menace, he’d be Ted Bundy.  David Styles’ latest mixtape is solid but a mediocre offering when you compare this to his past work.  Previous mixtapes like “Ghost Who Sat By The Door” show more of a willingness on his part to go outside of his normal realm when writing songs.   The Phantom Menace keeps pace with the other mixtapes because of the superior beats that were chosen for Styles P to rhyme under.  It’s impossible for anyone to sound bad on the “I Get Money” beat so expect superior wordplay from Styles P and Jadakiss.  With Jadakiss saying, “I’m swimming in the money n***a/Still spendin’ “Benjamin” money” it keeps Lox fans anxious to hear Live, Suffer, Celebrate in the future.  The Swizz Beatz-assisted “Blow My Mind” is tailor made for the clubs with its catchy chorus courtesy of the “One Man Band.”  Styles P would be making a huge mistake not placing this single on his next solo album, Super Gangster, Extraordinary Gentleman. But Styles P’s mixtapes fails when he decides to stick to lyrical content that the public has already heard one hundred times from him.  Styles P is too savvy to go into the studio every time and only have a murder, death, kill mentality.  As Styles P gets older one would expect that his rhymes would evolve and not stay stagnant.  When the Ghost rhymes, “Please don’t come around at the wrong time/Get your body lined up by the chalk line” this only perpetuates the stereotype that only violent lyrics get noticed.   This mixtape succeeds in keeping core fans eagerly awaiting Styles P’s next solo project but struggles to bring in new ones.  The Phantom Menace makes David Styles seem like a one trick pony but people who’ve heard him over the years know that he can produce better work.  If Styles P fails to do so in the future he’ll be the equivalent of the dumb pretty girl in class.  You’ll like her at first but after awhile she’ll get boring forcing you to look somewhere else. SOUNDCHECK:Styles P f/ Swizz Beatz “Blow My Mind”Styles P f/ Sheek & Jadakiss “You Don’t Want It” 

Jackie Long: New Jack Swing

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Uncategorized

Jackie Long may play an egotistical hard ass in his latest big screen venture The Comebacks, but in reality, he’s just a regular guy who enjoys good friends, good food and some good ol’ sexy music. While many may recognize his face and humorous shenanigans from supporting roles in film hits such as ATL and Idlewild, Long is determined to show his supporters that he is far more than the class clown. While he attempts to portray a tough guy in Trey Songz’ video for his latest single, “Can’t Help But Wait,” he can’t seen to shake that inescapable boyish charm.We caught up with the nebula to have some casual conversation, in which he expresses his love and support for T.I., addresses the rumors surrounding him and Serena Williams, and sends a fair warning out to Sean “Diddy” Combs.  AllHipHop.com: Hey you. What have you been up to?Jackie Long: Working, working, working.  My new movie, The Comebacks, just came out-which is hilarious! AllHipHop.com:  Are you excited about being on the big screen again?Jackie Long: I’m excited. I still get a little nervous though.  I don’t like to watch myself on the screen sometimes, because I know there are a lot of people out there critiquing me. But it’s definitely exciting. I actually just finished wrapping a movie, Doorman, starring me and Gary Dourdan.  I don’t know when it’ll be released, but yeah… I play a beat boxer. AllHipHop.com: In many of your films, you tend to have a comedic role.  Is that something you’d like to stick to?Jackie Long: Nah, I definitely don’t want to stick to it because I have too much talent to just be sticking to one thing.  I’m able to do everything.  For instance, if you happened to see the Trey Songz video [“Can’t Help But Wait”]; you can definitely see the other side of me.AllHipHop.com:  It’s weird because I wanted to laugh when I saw you in that video too. Maybe it’s just me.Jackie Long: See, people that know me know what type of dude I am. People that don’t know me are thinking “Oh my God!  Who is this dude?” So I don’t want people that know me to think that I can’t play a certain role because of how I am. Like, I don’t think I was a funny guy in ATL. Some of the things I said might have been funny, but it wasn’t funny like Jason Weaver’s role.  Now in Idlewild I played the funny, over the top type. AllHipHop.com:  Well it’s cool that you still have that light hearted quality, since becoming Hollywood, you know?Jackie Long: Yeah. My personality is always great.  You’ll never know when I’m down. AllHipHop.com:  That’s a great thing. Now we spoke briefly about your role in ATL, which starred T.I., and as I’m sure you know, he’s facing some serious charges.  Do you guys have a personal relationship?Jackie Long:  Yeah, we definitely do. AllHipHop.com:  What are your personal thoughts on the entire situation?Jackie Long: I think not being a celebrity, it’s important to pick who you hang around.  And sometimes you can be hanging around a bad person, that may not be doing anything bad, but you can still learn something good out of that.  So you just have to be at the right place at the right time.  And it’s hard, especially when a lot of people look up to you. I’m not saying T.I. was hanging with the right people or wrong people, but sometimes when you’re a celebrity and people aren’t at your status, they hate on you because they aren’t doing well and you are.  And it all comes down to money or fame, just like Scarface-money, power, respect.  And when someone don’t got that, and they want it so bad, they’ll do anything to hurt you. So with T.I., I wish him the best. I love that dude. I just hope he learns from his mistakes. I know T.I. is a smart dude.  I know that if he did whatever he did and it was wrong, he knows it’s wrong.  And if it was right, he knows it’s right. All I can say is that you have to watch what you do, say and who you hang around, because you can’t trust nobody.  It’s a hard world when you’re in the limelight. You work for AllHipHop.com; there’s someone hatin’ on you right now. AllHipHop.com: You have a personal relationship with Diddy. How did that come about? Jackie Long: I don’t know.  You know how we were just talking about being around the right people, and choosing your friends?  I was always the guy that kind of stayed to myself. I would see Diddy all the time, and we’d speak.  And I would walk away feeling like a little a** kid, like, “That’s Puffy.” [Laughs] But then it was like, we’re all the same people. Like, the first time he called me, I don’t even know how he got the number, but he called me up and was like, “Yo! N***a, this Diddy!  I thought I was the hardest person to get a hold of.”  He invited me some place, and it’s been a few years now and we’ve been real close every since. Like his home is my home. He’s a good dude to be around and learn from. He’s a very smart dude and I look up to him a lot.AllHipHop.com: Okay, so about this You Tube clip y’all have on the net…Jackie Long: [laughs] Man, he called me up as I was leaving the set of The Comebacks and said he was at the Jimmy Kimmel and for me to come through. So I went through. We were chillin’, and then I took my hat off. He was like, “N***a, what in the hell is up with your head?”  He didn’t even say hi or nothing, [he] just went straight for my hairline. But see, me and him are always talking about each other, doing what boys do.  That was a good day. He got me that day with the forehead. It’s cool! You got me on that one Diddy.  I got you on the next one.[Story continues below…]AllHipHop.com:  Now what’s this I hear about you and Ms. Serena Williams?Jackie Long: I don’t even want to talk about it. Not true. Let’s move to the next question. What, you’re talkin’ about the rumors about her being pregnant and all that stuff?AllHipHop.com:  Uh, no. I wasn’t even going there.  You are giving me new information. [Laughs]Jackie Long: We just got finished talkin’ about bad people. Are you bad people?AllHipHop.com: Nah, not at all. You’re the one talking about pregnancies and stuff. Jackie Long: Well that’s because everyone’s hitting me up talking about “Congratulations!”  I’m like, “Congratulations for what?  I got a new movie role or something?” [Laughs]AllHipHop.com: Speaking of movie roles, is there a role that you’ve been dying to play?Jackie Long:  Man, I want to be in a movie where I play a scientist. I want to play a lawyer. I want to play a cop.  I want to do so much. I can go all day.  I want to play the job you have. I want to be a writer in a movie.  There is nothing that I don’t want to do.AllHipHop.com:  Okay, so what are you listening to these days?  Are you into music?Jackie Long:  Yeah, man. I’ve been listening to my boy Trey Songz. I’m listening to some T.I., Jay-Z, Lil’ Wayne. I’m definitely listening to some Diddy. Keyshia Cole…gotta have that Keyshia Cole. That’s just what I have in the deck, but I’m a real ol’ school dude.  I like the R. Kellys and the SWVs. I love sexy music.  I’m an R&B dude all the way.  I love that Ne-Yo CD and that new Alicia Keys song.  Music is my life. It gets me through my day.As a matter of a fact, let me see what’s in my iPod right now, in the house. I bet it’s Anthony Hamilton. I am a big Anthony Hamilton fan. [Fumbles with iPod] Yep! Look at that, all Anthony Hamilton.  Hold on real quick, let me play something. Check it out. [Sings along with audio]AllHipHop.com:  So are you going to put out a record anytime soon?Jackie Long: Nah. I don’t want to be like everyone else.  This is my job.  I don’t want to do everyone else’s job, switching hobbies.  I need to focus on one hobby, go learn the other, then get into it.  I don’t want to be rappin’ and actin’, and actin’ and rappin’. I’m gonna do me.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Jay-Z Rumors, Eff G-Unit Clothing?, Luda’s New Gal?

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

THE LOST TRIBE OF AHH

I found my crew: The Lost Tribe of AHH. If you have been experiencing some difficulty posting, we have all congregated over here in the message boards. CLICK HERE. Shout out to Five18p, the founder of The Lost Tribe of AHH. So, with that…We are working on some things, but I will fwd you to the Lost Tribe threads in the boards as needed. Thanks a lot! ON TO THE RUMORS!

F**K G-UNIT CLOTHING?

Just when you thought you’ve seen it all, something crazy happens. I’m not co-signing this madness but I was doing a lil’ searching online and I stumbled on this G-Unit stuff. A company is creating “F G-Unit” gear! They even put a girl with no butt in their panties – you know that won’t sell. LOL. I won’t mention the company’s name so they don’t like join up with Ja Rule or The Game and make millions. LMAO. Anyway, this mess won’t sell, but something else affiliated with G-Unit will..their new album. I heard some things are seriously percolating with that album. Check out the pics.

This is not the booty Mos Def or Bubba Sparxxx rapped about.

Put the bottle down.

Also, 50 Cent just dropped a new book that tells his life through pictures and writings straight from 50 Cent. His last autobiographyc wasa cool, but I felt like I was reading more of the co-writer than 50. The book also offers a CD with an exclusive song sooooo – BUY 50 X 50: 50 Cent in His Own Words RIGHT HERE!

OH GOD…and if you aren’t sick of G-Unit yet, click below to take a tour of their office. This is actually pretty funny.

THE ROC WOULD LIKE TO TALK TO YOU SHAWNNA…

I am hearing rumors that Roc-A-Fella wants to talk to Shawnna about coming over to the team. The Roc is actually looking very strong right now. Anyway, with Shawnna on the team, the Roc could benefit. She can spit. They have no female MCs. I don’t know if it’s true, because I was convinced that she was signed to Gucci Mane. We’ll see what the hell is going on really soon.

LUDA’S NEW GAL!

Shawnna is moving on? Luda might be moving on too…

OK, far be it for me to discuss who Luda is dating or whatever. But the streets…I mean, the blogs are talking. Now, I ignored the pictures I saw of him and this chick in Africa, because I thought it was silly. But, then…I heard the name Somaya Reece! Now, I don’t know her from a hole in the wall, but she is one of my myspace friends! So I had to hook her up! Anyway, she is a pretty good singer so it is my thought that she might be getting signed to DTP, not some jumpoff. The blogs say they dating…I speculate is business.

JAY-Z CHANNELS BIGGIE

First, click here for a preview of “American Gangster!” I can’t lie. I am really hype over this album. I’m really anxious to hear the whole thing. November 6 is coming very, very soon.

Here is something About American Gangster that was relayed to me by Jigsaw, who heard the whole thing. There are some specific changes between the preview and his. I ain’t heard it, but its called “When The Money Goes” and Jermaine Dupri produced it. Jig says its crazy! He also said Jay took the advice of a group of journalists and change the lyrics to a Marvin Gaye sampled song called “This S**t Right Here.” The lyrics and the beat weren’t quite matching up so that turned into “American Dreamin’.” Same sample, different lyrics.

Oh..the Biggie Rumor. Did you all know that Jay-Z had a Biggie pendant with him during the time he recorded American Gangster? Yeah. I think we covered this before, but somebody on the AHH Staff told me I should reiterate it because it was running around as a rumor. Anyway, last time we checked Jigga send that charm to Jacob to get a chain on it.

TOLD YA BLEEK WAS COMING BACK!

FOXY BROWN IN SOLITARY

Poor thing. It’s a shame that nobody intervened with Foxy. She was my favorite rapper chick at one point and now she is sitting in a jail cell. Here is the latest and click here for the entire news story.

Imprisoned rapper Foxy Brown has been sentenced to 76 days in solitary confinement on Rikers Island over several infractions, including an altercation with another inmate.

Foxy Brown was removed from the general population of the prison and placed in a segregated cell, after she committed three violations this month in the jail.

On October 3, Foxy Brown and another female prisoner became involved in a shoving as they headed to a dining hall.

The following day, Brown, born Inga Marchand, was allegedly verbally abusive towards correction officers and she refused to submit to a random drug test.

OUCH…BAD BOY LOSES CASE

By the time, you get this, you might have heard about this already. But, a judge has slammed his gavel down in favor of Bridgeport and Westbound, who sued Bad Boy Entertainment, Justin Combs Publishing, Universal Records and Sean “Diddy” Combs. The company won a $4 million judgement that stated that Diddy and company illegally sampled “Singing In The Morning” by The Ohio Players on Biggie’s “Ready to Die.”

Young producers, read the 10 Track Commandments Part One AND Part two to avoid these things.

BARON DAVIS’ BACK NEEDS TO BE WATCHED!

You know how these NBA people can be. They are probably going to suspend the homey or something. Nevertheless, check out Baron bust a freestyle rap with Mr. Drastick. Shout out to Water Ur Seeds.

ILLSEED’S QUICKIESY’all heard the song where Freeway is dissing Kanye? LOL. I wonder if Free told him as they were on stage together in Philly?

Last night Alicia Keys had an event in New York! I heard all the stars came out like Melle Mel, a fully clothed Fantasia and even newbie Emily King.

Here is a crazy rumor I heard! The Rock Steady Crew is going to be featured on “Dancing With The Stars?” That’s crazy, yo!

I’m hearing that Dres from the Black Sheep has another CD coming out in January 2008. He might wanna start the set up.

It is time to get the ball rolling. I just wanted to tell you that Kevin Powell is running as a Democrat in the 10th Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York. KEVIN POWELL for CONGRESS! Please visit www.kevinpowellforcongress.com for more information.

I heard a strange rumor. I heard that they are doing a Juice Crew Movie. I’m not sure if this is a documentary or something else. Who gonna play Kool G Rap and Kane? Interesting.

They are saying poor Lala Brown was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Isnt that always the case?

Uh Oh…Al Roker doesn’t mind White comedians using the N-Word, according to mediatakeout. They say the comics used it repeatedly and Roker got his laugh on harder and harder the more it was used. I need the vid of this.

I heard Shar Jackson has already locked in to do a rap album. Whats interesting is she can sing better than she can spit.

I love how the various media outlets and Jena 6 opposition are now trying to divide the community by putting out images and video of the boys with money and such. Don’t fall for that s**t.

I don’t know what I said about Pretty Ricky the other day, but the other dude’s name is supposedly “Mowet.” What’s up with all these names? How is a DUDE…more wet?

I heard Black Wall Street (The Game) and Shadyville (Whoo Kid’s crew) were in the process or doing a mixtape. Maybe they can get 50 & Game in the mix.

I think I told you this about a year ago, but Jadakiss IS on Def Jam right now.

THE NEW COMMON VID!

I was reading some of the comments on this video. People are saying Common sold out. I find such notions laughable at best. The man has been rapping for like 15 years commercially. He’s a grown a** man now! Anyway, check it out. The vid for “I Want You.”

SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO…A NEW BEGINNING?

Ever since DJ Screw died this sizzerp has been on my mind as something I would never start doing. Now, in the 2007 the kids are FINALLY getting it, in the aftermath of Big Moe’s death. Thank GOD.

Here is an excerpt of a really good story on a change going down in Texas.

The teenage patients at Riverside General Hospital learned of local rapper Big Moe’s death at a drug therapy session on Monday, when the news began to spread about the rapper’s fatal heart attack.

“Damn,” said Guillermo Gallegos, 15, who started using codeine-laced cough syrup, among other drugs, at age 13. “Who’s going to be next?”

He and several other boys undergoing treatment for their addictions to marijuana and prescription-strength cough syrup started a collection for the fallen rapper, whose funeral is scheduled for today at East Bethel Baptist Church.

In the streets of southeast Houston, where Big Moe helped give birth to the music that helped put this city on the hip-hop map, his fans and friends alike are now wondering whether cough syrup abuse may have been a factor that led to his death on Sunday. The 33-year-old rapper immortalized Purple Drank, Lean, Sizzurp — monikers for the cough suppressant containing promethazine and codeine — in songs and drank the stuff for years.

Here is the whole story – RIGHT HERE!

FAT WHITE RAPPER REMIXES BIGGIE

I’m not gonna comment. I’m gonna let you comment.

THIS “TWIN” LOOKS REALLY LIKE BIGGIE

He might need some practice on the mic, but I’m not mad at him. Guerilla Black, watch ya back– he wants that acting job!

BIG LOU – “CRACK HEAD”

“Every family got a crack head.” I beg to differ with Big Lou on this one, but I certainly can see and feel his pain on this song. The message is serious. Check it out and if you have a crack head in your family, give them a hug and a kiss.

KERI HILSON & THE HOMEBOYS!

Oh, my bad. Timbaland and D.O.E. were there too at Fashion Rocks to do this banger “The Way I Are.” Keri is the chick of the year on the “on the verge” tip. Shout out to D.O.E. You went from Ashy to Classy!

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

Man Arrested In GA For Tying Noose Around Tupac Statue

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Police in De Kalb County, Georgia have arrested one individual and are investigating a series of racial attacks at the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts, after vandals tied a noose around the neck of a bronze statue of slain rapper, Tupac Shakur.

 

According to police, the first incident occurred early Saturday morning (October 20), when vandals defaced the building and tied a noose around the neck of the statue of Shakur, which is located in the center’s Peace Garden.

 

A second attack also occurred on the statue of Shakur, when vandals drew crosses and wrote rants about Hurricane Katrina and various record labels.

 

The attacks are being investigated as hate crimes by the De Kalb County Sheriff’s Office and police are seeking additional suspects.

 

“We thank everyone for their prayers and support,” Tupac’s mother Afeni Shakur said. “Although our hearts are temporarily in pain, our spirits have already forgiven the perpetrators. Hate comes in all colors and genders therefore we will use this act of hate and ignorance to bring our community together and to pray for the healing of those who harbor such feelings.”

 

Due to the attacks, the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation (TASF) recently began fundraising efforts to construct a fence around the parameters of the Center to secure the property.

 

“With God’s guidance, the work of the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts and Peace Garden will continue to positively impact and transform our community,” Shakur added.

 

On Saturday, November 10/4, TASF will host its 2nd Bi-Annual Film Screening with a rededication service of the Peace Garden.

The event is free to the public.

 

Donations to help e#### the fence to protect the TASF can be sent to: TASF, 5616 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083 or at http://www.tasf.org/ and http://www.2paclegacy.com/

Tego Calderón: Keepin’ it Real

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Alternatives

When Hip-Hop meets Reggaeton, Tego Calderón is chillin’ at the intersection. The non-Spanish speaking audience may not understand his lyrics completely on remixes of Fat Joe’s “Lean Back” and 50 Cent’s “P.I.M.P.” but they are sure drawn to the voice. Making his worldwide debut with El Abayarde (his alias meaning a Puerto Rican insect similar to a fire ant) in 2002, Tego returns with El Abayarde Contra-Ataca (El Abayarde Counter Attacks). While his music covers the struggles of poverty and racism coupled by strong political beliefs, his life is dedicated to keepin’ it 100% real. Currently being backed by Warner Music Latina, Tego explains why he has turned down some very tempting business ventures and opportunities. Completely open and honest, Tego keeps one thing a mystery – how he keeps his afro lookin’ so fresh! Maybe we’ll have better luck next time, but for now we’ll take what we can get!  AllHipHop.com Alternatives: How do you keep your afro lookin’ so nice?Tego Calderón: [laughs] I got my tricks. It’s all my life doing it, so I got a lot of tips.AHHA: Many label you as a street artist. Why do you feel you appeal to the mainstream audience?Tego: The mainstream always relies on the streets to see what’s hot. I always keep it simple. I started doing Hip-Hop in Spanish, I always kept it real. When I came out with my first video, everybody was renting cars and renting jewelry. I came out, my first video I was changing tires. Instead of having cars, I was on a bicycle, people were like, “Yo this n****’s crazy or something,” but it became a trend. Everybody was like, “This is kinda hot.” You don’t gotta be rich to be hot. I think that’s a big part of me being honest – being proud of who you are.AHHA: Do you feel that skin color plays a role with the mainstream success of Daddy Yankee and Sean Paul as opposed to other artists?Tego: [laughs] Putting it like that, I think yes, definitely. You take Elvis, for instance – all Elvis’ music was stolen from Black artists back then; it’s history. People rather see a white dude doin’ it than a Black dude ‘cause when they see a Black dude doin’ somethin’ funky, it’s normal. But when it’s somebody who is white – like when Eminem came out, it was different. Eminem sold a lot of records, and it’s definitely ‘cause the white audience appeals to him because of his skin color. I don’t think it takes nothing from them, I think they talented. But it does help them out. AHHA: How did you feel when you were headlining a sold out show at Madison Square Garden in New York?Tego: To me it doesn’t matter. it’s not a highlight in my career at all. I don’t even like going to [MSG]; I don’t like big shows like that. I like to do simple stuff – small audiences; that’s what I enjoy the most. AHHA: Why do you feel the non-Spanish speaking fans are drawn to your music?Tego: People tell me it’s because of the flow. The voice it sounds different. I don’t know about the crossover thing. It was something that was put into my head at some point. I didn’t want that, and I realized that right away. It was like for a minute I was drifting on it, but all of a sudden I was like, “That’s not me. F**k that.” I don’t want all these Americans on my albums, for what? The people who got me here were Latino and this is me. Even though I did this mixtape with Whoo Kid, all of a sudden the Game jumped on one of the songs singin’ in Spanish. I felt like, “Oh s**t, that’s Game rappin’ in Spanish to my song.” I felt like we need to be who we are. Even though other artists wanna do that crossover, it ain’t gonna happen. We gotta be proud of who we are and that’s it. I think people are gettin’ it these days. People who are tying to do that are failing. AHHA: How did the “Lean Back” remix with Fat Joe come about? Were you feeling the song and wanted to get on it?Tego: No, not at all; it’s crazy. At some point he got mad at me, ‘cause he wanted me on that Terror Squad. I said no. He wanted me to make it official. 50 wanted me on G-Unit too and all that. But Fat Joe, I said no to do the song with him ‘cause I was doing my album and stuff. Then, all of a sudden I go to the studio with Tony Touch and he’s like this song is hot. The song was already out, I said, “Let me do something.” So I did it like in an hour and it became a hit. And he said, “Oh s**t.” The same thing happened with “P.I.M.P.” I did some lyrics and all of a sudden 50 was lovin’ it. He invited me to the show in Puerto Rico with him. Everything that I’ve done has been off the street, it blows up like that. AHHA: Rumor has it that you have turned down roles in the movies El Cantante and Feel the Noise. Tego: Oh yeah, the roles I didn’t like ‘em. When John Singleton called me [and said], “I have this role ready for you,” and I read the script – [John’s] a gangster but good-hearted – I liked it. I know I could do well with that one. Plus I’m a big fan of John, what he represents for the African American community. He’s an independent guy. He’s my friend, I just follow my heart. AHHA: As leading star Choco in Singleton’s film Illegal Tender did you feelany strong similarities between yourself and your character?Tego: Yeah, a lot. I been on the street when I was younger and I was like Choco, man. Like that guy – even though I’m doing what I do I still got a good heart – I like justice, I like to be fair. That’s how it was when I was on the street. The character was like that…very cool guy. AHHA: Do you have any interest in playing any other roles?Tego: Yeah, yeah. John told me that he’s thinkin’ about doing this movie, it’s gonna be like The Bad News Bears but Latino, in which I’m a third base coach for a little league World Series. Luis Guzman will be in this movie. He came up with this idea, because I don’t wanna portray gangsters always. I don’t wanna fall into that even though people love those characters. Everybody do that so I wanna do different things. I rather do comedy and s**t. AHHA: Before you were doing your music, did you want to become an actor or it came afterwards?Tego: Yeah, when I started watchin’ movies with Hip-Hop artists, the first one was Boyz ‘n the Hood ‘cause I’m a big fan of Cube, NWA I’m a big fan. I became interested and started watchin’ all those movies and I was like, “Yo, I would like to do this.” The funny thing is that whenever I wanna do something, it happens to me. I met Premier the other day – you know people who I respect a lot they come my way. Cats who I grew up listening to with friends, a lot of things happen to me like that.AHHA: That’s dope. You have covered real life struggles in you music such as poverty and racism. Have you felt its effects within the Latin community? Tego: Of course, you can see it. Now that I’m Tego it’s different. I live in Puerto Rico, but sometimes I get people who don’t know me and they act funny. In reality, the people who feel miserable gotta step on somebody to feel better. Puerto Ricans do it to Dominicans in P.R.; Dominicans do it to Haitians in the Dominican Republic. The human being is like that. Men try to step on the woman, it’s like that. You know you never see handicapped people on T.V. It’s not only about race, it’s about people who different, who don’t fit that certain image. AHHA: A few years back you turned down offers to be in various ads for Sean John clothing and a Times Square billboard ad. Is that because you don’t want to be connected with the current pop culture?Tego: There’s people who I admire, and there’s people who I don’t. Sometimes I like people, sometimes I don’t. If I don’t like you, I don’t like you and that’s it. It don’t have nothing to do with the culture. I don’t want to appear to have pop quality either. When [Diddy] approached me I didn’t like the offer business-wise,because I didn’t feel that I fit that image of Puffy. We not in the same state of mind, I didn’t wanna do it.AHHA: Who is one person that you respect and admire?Tego: I respect my father a lot; [I also] respect Bob Marley a lot. I love him, I think he’s a prophet. There’s not many people that I respect like that. The others I can’t say or I might get in trouble.AHHA: What incident in your life had the greatest effect on you?Tego: I think jail; the jail thing for me was great. That’s a great experience. It was supposed to be a punishment, but it wasn’t. It was a wake up call and it was fun for me.AHHA: I’ve never heard anyone say jail was fun.Tego: It was for me. I felt right at home. I was like, “Yo, this is a piece of cake.”AHHA: How was life for you growing up?Tego: I was the one to always look to poverty, to be a part of it. I was impressed with how these people survived. When I wanted to be a part of it, that’s when I got in trouble. I think there’s a lot of people like that, you see these kids tryin’ to be Black or tryin’ to be ghetto and they’re not. They fascinated by it ‘cause they can’t survive even a day under those conditions. So that’s what it is. It happened to me too.AHHA: What’s the first thing on your mind when you wake up?Tego: I always love to see my kids. I always think about my kids. I got a daughter that doesn’t live with me. [I think about] how she’s doing ‘cause it’s two of ’em that live with me. The ones that live with me I want them to be cool, but I always got on my mind how’s Ebony doing, how’s she feeling, how’s her day going. It always f***s me up a  little bit not having her with me.AHHA: Anything you would change about yourself?Tego: Nothing, ‘cause the way I feel, everything happens for a purpose. A mistake is a mistake when you do it twice. That’s how I see things, and wherever I was, whatever I did I feel proud everything has been a part of who I am. I wouldn’t be who I am if I wasn’t a heavy metal drummer, if I wasn’t in jail at some point. I love heavy metal. I like it, I enjoy it. It’s aggressive and I like that.AHHA: You still listen to heavy metal?Tego: Yeah, not as much as before. I don’t listen to much music these days. I listen to things that people don’t expect me to listen to. But I like [heavy metal]. I listen to a lot of Cuban music. I love percussion. I love the sound of Rumba, I listen to a lot of Salsa, Amy Winehouse. I love all that stuff, but I don’t listen to Hip-Hop that much no more. It really don’t appeal to me no more, about bling, about clubbing, maybe I’m getting old. I came from that ’88 era. Now, when I listen to these kids I’m like, “Yo, this s**t is wack!”

Domestic Violence: Hitting Home

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Uncategorized

 

Did you know that every 15 seconds a woman is beaten by her spouse or lover, and that at least one in every three women has been abused during her lifetime? These statistics blew my mind, but why was I surprised?  I was that one in the every three women. I never thought in a million years that I would wear the title of a battered woman. I didn’t ask for it, but somehow I felt like I deserved it.

 

As a child, I watched my father abuse my mom while I sat in front of the TV eating Captain Crunch cereal one Saturday morning. At the time I didn’t think it was a big deal. He used to beat her every Saturday morning right before Tom and Jerry Cartoons came on. My brother and I used to take turns, turning up the volume on the TV to drown out my mother’s weeping.

 

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month all across the country. With the rise of domestic violence in our communities, I felt it was imperative that I share these facts. In a national survey of more than 6,000 American families, 50% of the men who frequently assaulted their wives also frequently abused their children. I guess that explains why my father started roughing me up too.

 

I was only four at the time, just a baby, so I really don’t remember the actual event. The funniest thing is, years later I can’t seem to forget.  My older brothers and sisters used constantly tease me about what had happened. They said that my father came home drunk one night and I was crying, so my father got fed up with the noise. My father then walked into my room picked me up out of my baby bed and slammed my helpless body to the floor.

 

I grew up and became an insecure teenage girl who felt unworthy of being treated with value and respect. Some might call it low self esteem, but either way the damage was done. Like most teenage girls, I eventually started dating. It wasn’t long before I received my first black eye at the tender age of 14. One of the boys in my neighborhood got really angry at me because I wouldn’t have sex with him, so he punched me in the eye.  I told my mom I ran into a door at school, but she didn’t believe me.  I guess because she had already used that same door as an excuse for the black eyes she received from my father.

 

In a domestic violence youth survey, it states that one in five female high school students reports being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner. 8% of high school age girls said “yes” when asked if “a boyfriend or date has ever forced sex against your will.”  40% of girls age 14 to 17 reports knowing someone their age who has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend. 

 

Now that I am a parent myself, researching and learning these statistics was very disturbing for me. I think that when I was a victim, a battered woman, I thought it was just happening to me. Now I know it could very well happen to my daughter – or yours for that matter. Having learned all this information, I was determined to somehow find a way to arm as many people as I could with this valuable information. As a battered woman I feel that it is my responsibility to do my part to combat domestic violence in our society.

 

For so many years I accepted being abused, and I made allowances for why my father abused my mother. I mean nobody got seriously hurt, so it was no big deal. Then, Domestic Violence now had a new face and it wasn’t mine – Karen, my hero and a really good friend of mine. A former police officer and a mother woke up one beautiful morning got dressed and made breakfast for her four-year-old son Austin. She played with him and kissed him before dropping him off at his daycare. This was Karen’s everyday routine before going to work.

 

It was a typical day at first, she worked, she laughed and she thought about all the laundry that awaited her at home. Never did she think twice that this day would be one she would never forget. On her way to pick up her son, she received a call from her ex-boyfriend, Austin’s father. She was surprised because she had not seen or talked to him in months. The two had decided several months earlier to go their separate ways. Karen’s ex-boyfriend had apparently changed his mind, and demanded she give him a second chance.  

 

Karen had moved on with her life, and was planning to move to Atlanta to make a fresh start. She told him that she just wanted to be friends, and assured him that he could see his son any time he wanted. When Karen arrived at the school Austin’s dad was there waiting. They talked in front of the daycare entrance for a few moments and the conversation turned into an argument. Karen refused to take him back. What happened next was the worst thing that could ever happen to anyone. Her former ex-boyfriend, an on-duty police officer, pulled out his gun and fired one shot at Karen.

 

As she fell to the ground her motherly instincts kicked in and she yelled, “Run Austin, run!”  Can you imagine a four year old boy not knowing what to do but follow his mother’s command? He ran, and as he ran his father whom he loved and trusted fired one shot into little Austin’s back. Karen lay several feet away in a puddle of blood, and minutes later her ex put a gun to his head and killed himself. Karen was rushed to the hospital, where later she was informed that her son Austin and his father were both dead.

 

Karen survived her abusive relationship, but she paid a heavy price – she lost her only child.  I spoke with Karen a few weeks ago, and she said it has been almost three years since her son was killed by his father. It’s been a long difficult road for her, and she takes it one day at a time. “Nothing can describe the pain you feel,” she said. “You wake up everyday with this emptiness that nothing can fill.” Domestic Violence is a serious problem in our community in the world for that matter. Pass this information on to someone you know. Having this information may very well save their lives.

 

For more information or to get help go to

www.ndvh.org National Domestic Violence Help

www.ncadv.org National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Help Line 24 hours 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Translators Available

 

 

Pam Pinnock is an Actress, Author and Publicist who has worked with many artists including Jay-Z, John Legend, Ludacris and Jagged Edge. She recently released The Father Fracture, her personal memoir. For more info, go to www.pampinnock.com