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Scarface: Farewell

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Features
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Scarface, the rapper, is retiring. We don’t believe him. Sure, Brad “Scarface” Jordan is dropping his 9th proper album, Emeritus, which means retiring but maintaining your title. After 20 plus years in the game and an adherent dedication to putting together words that fit, we’ll go out on the limb and say it’s highly unlikely a man this lyrically gifted, with a devoted following to boot, is going to truly call it quits. There has got to be a King of the South loophole somewhere. However, what is clear is the cause of Face’s ire with the rap industry. Waiting on those checks can be like waiting on babies, to paraphrase Ghostface, while music can be swiftly bootlegged…ahem, downloaded. Also, the glut of wannabe rappers crowding shelf space and flooding inboxes with weak music, according to Face, is ruining the craft. Valid points, and here Face explains why.  Oh yeah, Emeritus drops December 2. You can believe it’s good. AllHipHop.com: You coach Little League football so how would you compare football to the rap game?Scarface: Ain’t no f**king comparison. I hate this s**t and love that s**t. I hate rap but love little league football. AllHipHop.com: Why do you hate it so much?Scarface: F**k rap, you can have it back.

AllHipHop.com: Did you always feel like this?Scarface: Nah, just really here in the past 10, 12 years I just really started hating this s**t. And it ain’t have a motherf**king thing to do with the music part of it, it’s just the bulls**t that come wit’ it. And if s**t don’t go no different then I’m out this motherf**ker, gone.

“It’s so many people making records man I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s f**kin’ 20 millions rappers and a million consumers. It’s like dope now. You got more motherf**kers selling than you got using.”

AllHipHop.com: When you say the bulls**t what are you referring to? Promo tours, going on the road, people talking out the side of their mouths?Scarface: The s**t that I hate man…if the motherf**king money would be there when the money supposed to be there, I could f**kin’ rap forever. As long as that s**t is like it is now, f**k this. Yeah, I ain’t f**king with it, not in that manner. I’ll put some groups out. Like I was telling KRS-One last night man… I remember when it was a f**king privilege man. You felt privileged to get dope f**king records. When Criminal Minded came we felt privileged to get that s**t. When Paid In Full came out, G#######!!! It was the beat. That was the beat of the streets man. Remember that s**t. “Top Billin.” “6 In the Morning.” Motherf**kers was proud to have s**t like that. Now it’s so many people making records man I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s f**kin’ 20 millions rappers and a million consumers. It’s like dope now. You got more motherf**kers selling than you got using. Scarface “High Powered” VideoHigh Powered

AllHipHop.com: It’s almost like it’s too easy to get in the game?Scarface: Nah, the Internet made it like that. And the blank recordable CD people made it like this. Looking at how big of a plot… that can’t be nothing but a plot to destroy the n****s that come up out of the neighborhood, ya know, using rap or using entertainment, I say rap though. I say music period. You got a few n****s that really slide through the cracks to get out the ghetto and end up making something out of theyself and setting an example for other people in the neighborhood to follow. Now it’s hard for him to make his living. We fittin’ to look for something else to do, cause there ain’t nothing in it. AllHipHop.com: Could it be that people aren’t really following the example? They just go after the end product without considering the grind it took to get there?Scarface: Man, to be able to… coming from where I come from and be on the Hip Honors stage, VH1 says a lot. It tells me that any f**king thing can happen. Like a business they look at it like a hustle. It’s not a quality thing no more it’s a quantity thing. Corporate has f**ked this game up. Cause nobody is taking time in making they music no more dude. It’s like we gotta put as many f**king albums out tomorrow as we can. And then the next day we’ll find some more s**t to put out.  It ruined the craft man.

When you look and think of New York City in Hip-Hop you think of where it all began and the quality of music that came out this motherf**ker. And the example that it set for Hip-Hop. For the s**t to turn around like this and turn into something that’s so mainstream like, I can’t even describe it man. It’s heavy. It ain’t no respect in it no more, it’s too easy to get. Like I remember weed, it was a privilege to get some good weed. Now you got good weed everywhere, and everybody got it. It used to be a privilege to get good music, now you can’t find no good music. AllHipHop.com: There’s still good music out there you just have to try harder to find it.Scarface: I’m talking about way back, I’m talking about the Commodores and the Isley Brothers and Maze and Zapp and s**t like that. Find that. I was thrilled to death to see The Roots did all the s**t that they did.  I like that and I take that s**t very seriously man. The craft man. We losing the craft of music. We losing that craft man. How many bands you know of? You remember when everybody had guitars and drum sets and singers, we don’t got that s**t no more. You can’t find that nowhere. There used to be a band every week. Brass Construction, Con Funk Shun. Everybody knew how to play something. Everybody had the gift of music. AllHipHop.com: That said, then why make this your last album?Scarface: I’m through. For those very reasons.

“You get f**ked twice making music these days. The record company f**k you the first time, and then the people that listen to your s### f**k you the second time dude.  There’s no way for the artist to get paid unless you can afford to sell eight million records.”

AllHipHop.com: Is the door completely closed or is it cracked?Scarface: Oh s**t, money talk and bulls**t walk now. But if it ain’t no motherf**king money involved, Bye, I’m done. I ain’t talking about no motherf**king promise either. I’m talking about the real hard copy. AllHipHop.com: Is that how Emeritus came about, the money was laid out? It seems like you’d still make music no matter even if you weren’t getting paid. Scarface: We’ll see. In order to m########### out and deal with this bulls**t, ya know, it’s going to cost. It ain’t no avenue to get paid f**king with this s**t because you can get it for free, ya see? Why do you do it, for free? You get f**ked twice making music these days. The record company f**k you the first time, and then the people that listen to your s### f**k you the second time dude.  There’s no way for the artist to get paid unless you can afford to sell eight million records [chuckle].AllHipHop.com: What about shows; show money?Scarface: I mean, f**k show money. F**k the show money. You need fa sho money. You need mechanicals, you need to make as much money as these g####### corporate offices is making. It’s your talent. You wrote that s**t. F**k them g####### concerts n***a, give me my motherf**king money. All them g####### records, you sold them g####### records, you need to, “Here.”You making songs now and they just popping up on the Internet. N****s is downloading your s**t for nothing and the light bill is due. F**k. That’s why I say I’m gone. I gotta find something else to do. It’s not feasible to stick around. It ain’t no money in it. It’s like selling rocks and motherf**kers ain’t smoking no more. Everybody selling. All the dope fiends got clean and they selling rocks to nobody.

Forgot About Me feat. Lil Wayne and Bun B – ScarfaceAllHipHop.com: So what are you going to do now?Scarface: I’m not fitting to tell nobody what I’m fitting to do. I ain’t going to say that. I’m not going to let nobody go and f**k this one up. By the time they put this s**t I’m getting ready to do on the Internet, I’ll be well taken care of. AllHipHop.com: So you got a definite exit plan?Scarface: The exit plan? What the f**k is the exit plan, the movie?AllHipHop.com: Nah, as far as getting out the rap game. Scarface: I’m fitting to put this in my phone cause this is something I’m fitting to use. [puts it into his iPhone] G####### that’s f**king dope n***a. The exit plan. I’m typing that in there. If you hear it somewhere, shout me out, I’ll thank you for it.

AllHipHop.com: Barack has your vote. Think he can pull it off? It’s looking good right now but…Scarface: I don’t know. I know how white people feel about n****s for real, so I don’t know. I know the powers that be hate n****s. It ain’t no doubt about it. It’s documented. And the bad…the cool part about [it] is the motherf**ker ain’t ashamed of what they did. It’s documented, they not ashamed of it. They like, Yeah I did that to you n***a now what you gon’ do?To see Barack get to a point; you could say they just doing that s**t so a n***a can feel like he have action next time. Give a motherf**ker just enough leeway to make a n***a feel comfortable and knock the edge off of him. Or he could really do it.  He got a lot of people that’s with him and he got a lot of people that’s against him. I’ll say that white people over 50 is voting for McCain. I figure you have a problem with older white people. Younger black people don’t give a f**k. They ain’t thinking about the skin color, they thinking about the issues. You’re going to love this, if I had to vote for the issues, I’d vote Republican. AllHipHop.com: Why so?Scarface: S**t man, when a motherf**ker do finally hit a motherf**king lick you don’t want to give it away. I’m a strong believer if you made it, you should be able to hold on to your money. It shouldn’t be my responsibility to take care of these motherf**kers over [here] because they wasn’t smart enough to go and do what they could have did. AllHipHop.com: So you’re a conservative basically?Scarface: Nah, I just don’t think it’s my responsibility to pay for other people’s medical expenses and s**t and getting taxed over the norm for being successful. You shouldn’t have to pay to be successful. You shouldn’t have to pay extra. You gonna love this…but for color, I’ma vote for Obama. I’m bulls**ttin’ man. [chuckles] Just to see a Black president I’m thinking about my 80 year old grandmother now. Never in her lifetime would she ever expect to see some s**t like this, okay. So that’s one of the reasons why I want to f**k with Obama. Just for that history, just to be a part of that history that voted for that first Black president that maybe could have went all the way. I’m down for doing s**t for my people but I ain’t down to just give my s**t away and not know where it’s going. I’d rather a motherf**ker say okay, you got this amount of taxes to pay, we’re going to do something in [your] community, cool. But not warring against a faceless enemy. I don’t want to pay for that. I don’t want to pay for a bail out. That was you that bankrupted the country b***h, don’t put me in it. AllHipHop.com: What’s your greatest accomplishment?Scarface: I was at a class reunion last night, that was my accomplishment. To see motherf**kers from 20 years ago still f**king loving Hip-Hop. I seen a lot of my old friends dude. That was some good s**t.  I feel like that’s my biggest accomplishment. To be where I’m from and to be among the elite motherf**kers from everywhere else. I feel that. That’s an accomplishment right there. All the rest of that s**t, f**ck that s**t. You can have all that other s**t, just give me last night. I come from a little blue house in a little bitty neighborhood in Houston, TX man. I’m in New York City rapping on Isaac Hayes s**t, and then rapping on Too Short s**t. What else in life can top that? Except maybe f**king [REDACTED]. [laughs] I don’t think nothing else can compare to what happened last night unless [REDACTED] give a n***a some Rock & Roll head. AllHipHop.com: Emeritus, the last joint for real?Scarface: Retire with honor, still holding the position. That’s it. To retire with honor and still hold the position. That’s me. I walked.AllHipHop.com: No loophole? Maybe come back as just Brad Jordan?Scarface: Hey man, I’m telling you money talk, the rest of that s**t got four feet. If there any two ways I can make money in music I’ma go. But other than that I’m sticking to this plan. And by the time the Internet get a hold of this plan it’s going to already be finished and I’m going to already be caked up out of it, okay? Trust me.You right though, Scarface was just there. He was just like lithium. He was smooth right there, he never had a chance to go here. He always stayed right there. And it’s so much more to me in music. It’s way deeper than the n***a spittin’. To me spittin’ is like 4th’dary, not secondary. I want to make that s**t. I can make that s**t. I don’t have to rap to that s**t, I can make it. I don’t have to sample that s**t, I know how to go in there and make that s**t. I can play that s**t. I can create that s**t. So you never know, I can be in a rock band soon. You never know. Funk bands. I love it that much.I don’t love it enough to let that motherf**ka pimp me, though. Music makes more than Face, Face leaves music.

Skater Tony Hawk Taps J. Period For ‘Motion’ Soundtrack

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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DJ J. Period has become the first Hip-Hop producer commissioned to create the entire video game soundtrack for gaming giant, Activision Publishing Inc.

 

J. Period produced the entire sample-free soundtrack for Tony Hawk’s Motion, the latest release in skateboarding legend Tony Hawk’s video game franchise.

 

The 10-song soundtrack to Tony Hawk’s Motion features a variety of genres, including Hip-Hop, rock, drum-n-bass and other styles of music.

 

“J. Period has meticulously crafted an incredible collection of exclusive and original tracks that capture the essence of the Tony Hawk experience,” said Tim Riley, Vice President, Music Affairs at Activision, Inc. “This franchise has a long-standing tradition of offering high-energy soundtracks, but J. has taken it to a new level and delivers an adrenaline-pumping masterpiece for Tony Hawk’s Motion.”

 

J. Period, who is working on his first full length debut album, was thrilled to work with Hawk, who is perhaps the best known skateboarder in the world.

 

To craft the soundtrack, J. Period collaborated with rock guitarist Yohimbe Sampson, who worked with the DJ on his Searching for Rick Rubin Mixtape.

 

Also featured on the Tony Hawk Motion soundtrack is Jesse Blum, who plays keys, bass and horns on half of the tracks.

 

“I was truly honored to be given the responsibility of crafting the entire soundtrack for game play—exclusive tracks, no samples, all original material,” J Period added. “This is no underground mixtape. All the music was composed and recorded exclusively for Activision for this project. I don’t know any other mixtape DJ who is taking it to that level.”

 Tony Hawk’s Motion hits stores tomorrow (November 18) for Nintendo DS.

Big Daddy Kane Celebrates 20th Anniversary (Concert Review)

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Reviews / Music
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MC’s can claim to be the greatest rapper alive, but few even come close to Big Daddy Kane. The man who birthed the often imitated Brooklyn swagger celebrated his twentieth anniversary in Hip-Hop at B.B. King’s in New York City before a jam-packed audience both young and old.

 

The night began with a video following the King Asiatic around Brooklyn speaking about his legacy. Those interviewed including the Retro Kids who were in attendance, paying their respect for the man born Antonio Hardy and his twenty year veteran status.

 

Opening up the show were The Beatnuts performing “Watch Out Now” and “Off The Books” and Positive K with his hits “Step Up” and “I Got A Man”. Soon after, the crowd erupted in unison when The Diabolical Biz Markie alongside DJ Cool V took over the turntables to man his own classics “Biz Is Goin’ Off”, “The Vapors” and “Just A Friend”.

Other surprises included Roxanne Shanté rocking “Def Fresh Crew” and M.O.P. with “Ante UP”.

 

When Mister Cee came on stage to set up on the turntables, the crowd knew it was time to witness a royal affair. The Smooth Operator came out; still fly twenty years later in his red button down, black vest, black pants and black fedora with red trim.

 

Backed by live band Connie Price and The Keystones, Kane opened his set with “Set It Off” followed by “Warm It Up Kane”, and “I Get The Job Done”. He even interjected with Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” midway into the laid back hit “Smooth Operator”.

 

Playing to the crowd’s energy, Kane proceeded on with “On The Bugged Tip”, “Young Gifted And Black” and “Ain’t No Half Steppin’”. He took time to recognize president-elect Barack Obama and told the audience there is now no excuse for half steppin’.

 

 

If all the aforementioned surprise guests weren’t enough, the legendary Juice Crew hit the stage. With the exception of Kool G. Rap, each MC annihilated their verses on “Symphony” before heading off stage so Kane could masterfully wrap up his set with “Raw”; breaking out some classic footwork alongside Scoob and Scrap Lover.

 

 

Rap has come long way from the days of the golden era; still many new Rappers continue to follow that blueprint. Kane himself said the key ingredient needed for success and longevity is originality; otherwise you lose yourself trying to follow others. Twenty years later he’s proven again that Nobody’s Equal.

UK Cops Learn Gangsta Rap To Combat Crime

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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UK police have been studying gangsta rap slang in hopes to quell a growing narcotics problem, specifically in the kingdom’s prisons.

 

The decree was issued by concerned officials in the Ministry of Justice, as reports indicate that more than half of England and Wales’ prisoners are jailed on narcotic charges.

 

Previously, officers were not versed in Hip-Hop slang, and dealers were able to conduct transactions freely in front of the police simply by using the coded language.

 

Unfortunately with many officials now first being exposed to Hip-Hop as strictly a criminal element, visiting Hip-Hop stars are now experiencing high scrutiny and suspicion.

 

Earlier this year Snoop Dogg successfully overturned a visa ban that prevented him from entering the country.

 

The UK instituted the ban on the Long Beach, CA native on suspicion of his involvement in a brawl at London’s Heathrow Airport.

 

In September, Busta Rhymes was denied entry into the UK for a scheduled charity concert to honor community volunteers.

 

Officials detained Busta for 11 hours on the grounds that his previous criminal convictions in the United States made him a security threat.

 

The issue was eventually taken before a high court judge who ruled the detention was unlawful and had the rapper immediately released.

 

Just last week, R&B singer TQ was also denied entry into the UK.

 

Even with these high profile problems, the Ministry of Justice plans to continue their experiment and will look to local authorities to use the information and modify it as they see fit.

 

Reprinted below are the top gangsta rap “phrases” officers have been supplied with by the Ministry of Justice: Strap – gun Five 0 – police Creps – sneakers Bate – acting suspiciously Shotter – drugs dealer Garms – designer clothes Burned – to receive bad quality drugs Blanks – drugs of bad, or poor quality Travel agent – street drug dealer Champ – a drug user who will not reveal his source

Hip-Hop Rumors: T.I. & Shawty Lo Heats Up! Lil Kim’s New Man? KKK Fails!

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

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

TODAY’S RUMORS!

THE DAILY TWO CENTS

Good luck Cali. This is really crazy to see those fires poppin’ up all over the place. I can’t fathom it. Over in The New York/ New Jersey area, they had a tornado watch. Crazy! These are times that test the heart, nerve and soul. Be strong.

If you see something, say something al*************@***il.com!

T.I. AND SHAWTY LO HEATS UP AGAIN

TIP and Akon had a concert over the weekend in Wichita, KS (Nov. 15) and he had some choice words for Shawty Lo. Before he performed “What’s Up, What’s Happenin’” he said something along the lines of him having haters all over the world. Then before “Live Your Life” he said you can’t be considered successful, until you have some haters in your life. After that, Tip reportedly said, “Y’all can have some of my haters since I have so many. Shawty Lo and his crew stay hatin! F**k them n****s!” Then he sang “Live Your Life.” Well, it was bound to happen. Hopefully, it just stays a war of words – or no words at all.

LIL KIM’S NEW MAN?

This was emailed to me and I am adding it to the rumor page word for word, typo for typo:

Hey… I got a letter fwd’d from a lawyer just that fast. Thanks. Will update later.

Honestly, I’m not sure I believe this has any merit so don’t blame me if there is a statement issued immediately denying it.

THE STEP SHOW GOES ON WITH BOBBY VALENTINO

Last night, on the 15th, the University of Florida hosted their annual “Battle of the Greeks” step show, which was phenomenal. Anyways, I heard Bobby Valentino was there as a special guest. The only this is, he said he wasn’t going to perform long because he didn’t want to hold up the stepshow. The odd thing is, when he said this, the step show was over. I heard he grooved to about five songs that he cameoed on, but weren’t actually his. Then, he did get into some joints that were his – you know oldies, but goodies. He refused to continue the show, because the security wouldn’t let the females to the stage. I heard he also cursed out his own security guard. Everybody needs security these days, huh? Times are tough.

THE LONDON URBAN AWARDS END HORRIBLY

London, please chill out. My boy Chris hit me up from London and tells me that there were about three stabbings at the Urban Music Awards over the weekend. This went down at the O2 Indigo arena. Police locked the place down! Man, why do a few fools always have to mess something up for the rest of us. I heard the lovely Estelle was there, along with Dizzee Rascal and others. Now, some people say they heard gunshots and then it was absolute mayhem. That is actually when the stabbings happened, amidst the chaos. Why did this happen? I heard some producers gave a rapper a beat and then turned around and sold the same beat to “an American.” Well, the dollar isn’t worth a lick so I hope that’s not the case. Anyway, that’s possibly where it all started.

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

I have been talking about Katt Williams quite a bit in the rumors. Click here to read abut the latest of him…and his seeming meltdown. Read: “Katt Williams Hospitalized for Psychiatric Treatment.”

To download or listen to Lil Wayne and DJ Drama’s “The Dedication 3,” click here.

Tyrese sent me an email and said “I just finished Transformers 2!!!” I can’t wait for that. I only hope they leave the comedy alone and bring the big guns.

Did Mos Def’s recent arrest prevent him from making it to the UK’s Rock The Bells? People in the UK are asking me since they wanted to see him there.

Rumor has is G.W. Bush is going to pardon MAD people before he leaves office. Furthermore, I heard Bush’s plans to block all investigations of his crimes and even to pardon everyone involved – including Cheney and himself. Chris Matthews is even counting down the days.

I’m sure you heard this already, but Yung Berg is reportedly working on a new chain of his whole body with a detachable Louie backpack. Stay away from Trick Trick and them!

R.I.P. TRL…I never watched anyway, but some of the young bucks are all broken up over it.

EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY

A jury gave justice to Jordan Gruver, a 16-year-old teenager that was attacked by a facet of the Ku Klux Klan. The teen was awarded $2.5 million in damages by a jury on Friday. The Imperial Klans of America FAILED. There is so much fail here, I nearly cannot process it. First, they attacked a person (Jordan) thinking he was Hispanic/Latino and an illegal immigrant. WRONG. Jordan is Panamanian and Native-American. Second, they cannot afford to pay the $2.5 million they are losing. So that means Jordan gets all of their assets. What are there assets? According to CNN, they own a 15-acre compound in Dawson Springs, Kentucky. Take that, boyeeeeee…. I don’t know if Jordan would want to live there though, since the land is probably filthy with hate and mental sickness. The jury was all White and they blessed Jordan even though he was looking to get $6 million. I would have giving him a cool $10 million for the hell of it. They beat him up and left him with a broken jaw, broken left forearm, two cracked ribs and cuts and bruises. He also has nightmares and rarely sleeps over two hours straight.

SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END

A man weighing 430-Pounds is getting out of jail early. That’s right. Check out this AP report.

TORONTO — An obese inmate who goes by the nickname “Big Mike” has been granted early parole because a Canadian prison could not accommodate his 430-pound frame.

Michel Lapointe, 37, was released from prison earlier this week after serving 25 months in Montreal’s Bordeaux Jail for conspiracy, drug trafficking and gangsterism.

The Quebec Parole Board said this week that it based its decision for an early release on Lapointe’s health, along with factors such as good behavior and the support of his wife and mother.

The two-officer board stressed that Lapointe was not violent and did not pose a risk to society.

Lapointe will have to follow a series of conditions, such as finding a job and staying away from bars. He will also have to meet with a parole officer on a regular basis over the next three months.

A former chef, Lapointe was arrested on drug-related charges in 2006. In February 2008, he pleaded guilty to all of his charges. At the time of his arrest, Lapointe weighed 375 pounds.

Defense lawyer Clemente Monterosso said the prison’s poor diet caused his client to gain more than 50 pounds.

THE GAME IN AFRICA

It doesn’t look like Bishop Lamont is gonna get that beef he wants, because Game is in the Motherland!

WANDA SYKES COMES OUT

I always suspected that she was gay, but now it is official. I wonder if Trick Trick will include her in the beef.

She said: “You know, I don’t really talk about my sexual orientation. I didn’t feel like I had to. I was just living my life, not necessarily in the closet, but I was living my life. Everybody that knows me personally they know I’m gay. But that’s the way people should be able to live their lives.”

SPEAKING OF GAY…ANOTHER GAY RAPPER DISSES TRICK TRICK

LOL…the Pink Mafia is on Trick Trick’s ass (pun intended)! Check out the article on it. I know Trick Trick isn’t going out like that! Read the story on all the other rapper HERE.

After listening, some of the h###-Hip-Hoppers need to leave the mic alone like every other sucker MC. LMAO!

MOBB DEEP, CAPONE & NOREAGA, TRAGEDY – “LA, LA”

Remember this song? Nore, I know you out there…peep this!

Nore was super skinny back then.

LADY DRAMA’S RUMORS!

Lady Drama sent these to me on Friday, but we missed each other. Here are the highlights.

I know most of you kiddies thought you’re prayers were finally answered and I was done with rumors but…. Pray a little harder 😉 And for the last time NO I do not exchange any Goods with Illseed in order to contribute to rumors LOL

Pure Folly…Rihanna Cancels a Show but gets $800 worth of Undies…Must Be Nice!

Rihanna cancelled a show in Indonesia that was sold out to 6,000 fans. Apparently Rih Rih decided to can the show after her performance in Australia. On the upside her beau Chris breezy dropped $800 on her while they were out shopping in Paddington. Now $800 may not seem outrageous for a purchase but when its for some under garments now that LOVE! Read the details below:

Chris and his love, the world’s hottest pop singer, Rihanna, spent half an hour inside Ariane Lingerie in Paddington. And he dipped into his pocket to buy The Shut Up and Drive singer $800 on sexy undies, a surefire pick-me-up after her stage troubles at the weekend. The With You singer might also have been checking an even closer look at the merchandise than normal, having recently signed a deal to sell his own line of underwear.

hmmm… must of been some real nice Lingerie 😉

Knocked up Swag… Pregnant Man Edition

Yup folks you read the title right, pregnant man Thomas Beatie is knocked up again and is expected to deliver in June! Read below via the Sun Times:

Thomas Beatie — the “pregnant man” who made headlines and gave his first exclusive interview to Oprah Winfrey and People magazine — is pregnant again. Barbara Walters — who’s profiling Beatie and his wife in a one-hour special tomorrow night on ABC called “Journey of a Pregnant Man” — revealed today on The View that during their interview, the couple said they’ll give birth again in June. “I said I’m speechless,” Walters said during the morning gab fest. Beatie — legally a man — gave birth to his first child, a baby girl, back in June. His story made world headlines and sparked a rush of comments on this blog months ago.

Something tells me ole dude is about to start some type of fad! But hell Im just glad someone else besides Ushers wife is knocked up! While I’m on the subject of Usher….

Chilli Clears the Air for Publicity… Again!

So Chilli is featured in an Essence mag interview and she once again is asked about Tameeka and Usher relationship… and instead of keeping it real and saying Tameeka looks like Sasquatch.. She decided to take another approach! Check it out:

On whether Tameka broke up her relationship with Usher

When people ask whether or not I think she is the reason we broke up, I have no clue what Usher was doing outside of our relationship. When we broke up, it was because it wasn’t working out. I later found out there was some infidelity, but he never said who that woman or who those women were, because I’m sure it was more than one. Again, I heard things, but Tameka never crossed my mind. The first time I strolled across that [infamous] beach photo I thought somebody photoshopped that. I didn’t believe it. I did wonder if she was one of the girls, but again, I never asked. My memory of her was that she was the stylist.

Doesn’t she realize if she wants to really get some pub she should just say how she really feels… It would be a hell of a lot more entertaining! DAMN.

SHELZ BRINGS IT HOME WITH HER QUIRKY THOUGHTS!

God Don’t Like Ugly

Do you remember Bishop Weeks? He was married to National Evangelist Juanita Bynum and then beat her up and then got divorced and then started the holy online dating show to find his next wife? Well, his church was evicted from its building. Weeks lost half (yes, only half) of his congregation after his wife said he laid his mean man hands on her. So I guess the half he lost was the half that tithed because the landLORD said he hadn’t paid his rent since July. They are holding service at Holiday Inn till they figure out what to do.

Common Is Single and Cheap?

I said single because he’s still trying to convince people that he’s not dating Serena Williams. Now he is going on telling media that Hip-Hop is his girlfriend, not the Grand Slam champ. IF that’s the case…LISTEN TO THIS:

Check out Keith Murray explain what happened in South Africa with that laptop:

THE BREEDING GROUND SHOWCASE

 Tickets for this event are a cool $10 if you order now. More at the door. And you already know that its going to be special guests poppin’ up like always.

 

Come out and enjoy the HOTTEST emerging artist in Hip-Hop at AllHipHop.com’s BREEDING GROUND SHOWCASE on November 18th at SOB’s. Doors open at 8 PM show starts at 9 PM, hosted by CRAIG G and music provided by SYNCITY!

Get your tickets HERE!

 

 

Headline artists include:

JOELL ORTIZ

GRAFH

CHARLES HAMILTON

RED CAFE

 

 

Breeding Ground Artist include:

TORAE, JON HOPE, MR. MECCA, BLITZ THE AMBASSADOR, ESSO, ST. LAZ, RAIN, THE LEAGUE, AND MR. CRISIS.

 

DIDDY ON BILL MAHER

I like how Diddy got serious.

REMEMBER THIS LIL GUY?

REMEMBER HER?

I featured this lady the other week, but here is a youtube on it. Poor thing.

OBAMA, WE LOVE YOU!!!

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

-illseed

WHO: illseed.com

WHAT: Rumors

WHERE: AllHipHop.com, MySpace.com/TheIllseed

HOW: Send your rumors and ill pics to illseed at al*************@***il.com.

– allhiphop rumors

Triple Stabbing Mars UK Urban Music Awards

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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One person was left critically injured while another was arrested, following a triple stabbing at this year’s Urban Music Awards in London.

 

According to reports, a huge brawl involving up to 30 people broke out at about 10 p.m. Saturday (November 15).

 

Eyewitnesses recall seeing “blood all over the floor” after the melee, which sent champagne bottles and chairs flying.

 

As a result, Urban Music Awards organizers were forced to abandon the event about 90 minutes into the show.

 

Three hundred people were kept inside the O2 Arena, as police sealed off the venue and allowed one person out at a time after they were questioned.

 

Three people were treated at the scene and transported to London hospitals. Reports state that none of the injuries were believed to be life threatening.

 

One man who was stabbed is in critical condition.

 

Although authorities are still investigating the cause of the brawl, a police spokesman revealed to the Daily Mail that “a 21-year old man is in custody.”

 

Prior to the brawl, a host of celebrities and guests were on hand for Urban Music Awards.

 

Nominees featured at the sixth annual event included Dizzee Rascal, Leona Lewis, Estelle, Adele and Duffy.

 

It is not yet known whether any of the nominees were at the awards ceremony at the time of the brawl.

 

News of incident triggered immediate reaction as an O2 spokesman told the Daily Mail that “nothing of this nature has ever taken place in the venue before and all the usual stringent security measures were in place.”

 

Despite the spokesman’s claim, event guests noted the absence of tight security.

 

The O2 spokesman also offered well wishes to those affected by the stabbings while explaining that the venue is working with the police to “understand how this happened.”

 

“Our thoughts are with the victims of the attack,” he said.

SICK SUNDAYS: Luda Stakes His Claim, Guru Returns, Greatest Female Songs Ever & More

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Uncategorized
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Good morning and welcome to another edition of Sick Sundays.  It’s been a long week my dudes but once again it’s on.  A bunch of mixtapes dropped most notably Dedication 3. 

 

Word on the street is it’s dripping with wack juice, except for the Young Money cats, but I’ll let you be the judge of that a bit later.  We’re going for a little double OT today as I fulfill a promise to Miss Dallas and hit you with some of the greatest songs of all time featuring Female MC’s.  Let’s get it in.

 

 

Jay-Z- History

I can say I’m one of the biggest Jigga fans but I’m not moved at all by this.  It’s disjointed, the execution is weak and there is no aggression on it at all.  Certainly closer in feel to Kingdom Come than American Gangster. I know the stans will say he’s above our heads and all that nonsense but this song is weak and if this and the mediocre “Dope Boy Fresh” are what BP3 is going to be about, I may pass on that. So far Kanye on the beats is a let down. Is it too late to call Timbo?

 

 

JD Era Feat.  Donny Goines-9-5

I gotta say XXL probably should have looked a little further north with their freshman issue.  Maybe we go back and do it the right way.  Both MC’s go in hard on this.  The subject ain’t exactly original but the passion and the delivery is there and this is definitely bumpable and the execution is definitely above par.  I would say we could use more of this.

 

 

Sedrew Price-Price Is Right

I remember when cats were rapping over Super Mario brothers and the NFL theme song and it was cute for a while then it was like post Das Efx with everyone saturating the game with the same s**t. Well they stopped that but now we have Sedrew rapping over the theme song to the game show The Price Is Right.  The beat is actually executed fairly well. 

 

You can’t escape the novelty of it but it’s not a wtf moment when you hear it. I’m still on the fence about this kid.  He has presence, he has an above average delivery, but you’ve heard this song and many of his songs before.  It’s not new.  I think if he got a bit more creative he can go somewhere in this. Cute track, but I can’t see myself bumping it constantly.

 

 

Cashis-On Decc

Another guy with potential that you just can’t ride with all the way because his material is pedestrian. I think if these guys spent maybe a month not listening to rap music and listening to other forms of music and other sources of inspiration it would really do so much for their music.  This is a Seinfeldian song about nothing but it’s enough to hold your attention. It’s at least worth a couple listens.  Nothing more nothing less.

 

 

Paul Wall Feat. Webbie –Bizzy Body

This song is made for the poles…or so I’ve heard.  Sheree can invite her girlfriends over and get upside down on this.  Seriously though the song bumps.  It’s catchy on the hook, heavy on the bass, and fast enough to get that ass boppin.  I think it’s gonna get some traction.  Once you accept the song for what it is (yeah I’m talking to you boom bap Jedi’s) then you can enjoy it.  G-strings in strip clubs across America was going to get stuffed to this.

 

 

Guru Feat.  Lord Tariq –Knowledge

Guru and Lord Tariq ditch their more famous partnerships to come together on this gem.  A throwback short and sweet joint that I f**s with.  Hard to lose over the “Know The Ledge” beat but and they get ferocious with it.  Throwback factor, dope rhyme factor, plus we haven’t really heard from either one of these guys in a minute so it’s all gravy.

 

 

 

Chamillionaire-Swagger Like Us Freestyle

Incorporating a few bits from each of the original emcees rapping on this beat, Chamilitary goes for broke over the freestyle beat of the moment.  It’s dope.  He gets busy on this and looks like he’s on the comeback from his underwhelming last album.  Homie goes in on rappers rhyming about dough but nothing else, rappers who get over on swag but no lyrical might, and the game in general.  It’s a worthy joint. Get ready for that Mixtape Messiah part 5.

 

 

Ludacris, Nas, & Jay-z –I Do It For Hip-Hop

This in one of the better collaborative tracks to come out in recent weeks.  This has Ludacris going seriously staking his place among the true heavyweights of MC’ing.  He has the sales he has the talent.  This is how powerful he can be when he takes himself seriously. I really would like to see more of this from him. 

Nas drops a Nas –x verse, which is to say it’s dope but no new ground here.  This level of rhyming is expected from Nas and he delivers. Jay –Z goes in a totally different direction with the old MC Shan from “The Bridge” cadence. Goes over a bit of Hip-Hop history and still flosses.  Kind of similar to what he tried on “Blue Magic” but I don’t think this is the song to try that on because it’s a stylistic departure from the other two verses.  It makes him sound out of place.  Overall though, I’d be inclined to listen to this for many spins.

 

That’s all for now, onto the OT

******************************************************

Bump It or Blow It: The Dedication 3

It’s out and it’s#### the streets, but the word is not coming back too positive.  Shout to Drake we got that interview coming soon and the rest of those Young Money cats who it seems have performed admirably. I won’t color your opinions on this one. Vote in the poll and find out what the Ill Community thinks.

 

DJ Drama & Lil Wayne – Dedication 3

 

Poll Answers

**************************************************

DOUBLE OT-LADIES TAKEOVER

 

I promised Miss Dallas a couple weeks ago and I’m a dude of my word so here are some of the greatest tracks featuring female emcees.

 

 

She may have gotten deaded for being a liar and all that but her album in myopinion was one of the top 5 female albums of all time bar none.

 

 

MC Lyte over  a smoothed out track. All the swagger, All that Brooklyn Flavor.  At that point no one could touch her.

 

 

If not for a Kurupt explosion, we would be talking about how Rage owned this track.  As it is, it’s one of the most brutal performances on a track by a female emcee ever. No need for affirmative action on this. Lady of Rage was a killer

 

 

I don’t really care how cats feel about Kim, she’s basically had the best career by a female emcee and on this record she bodied Prodigy, who at the time was still one of the lyrical heavyweights. You can’t say enough about her performance on this.

 

Aw man, the rugged ragga flow, the knowledge she dropped, the feeling that this song was aimed at someone specific (which added some drama) the lack of candy and the ill sung chorus.  This was just the perfect song.  Assertive delivery, clear diction, ill references.  This song was just the total package. AND it was a hit.  Hold that.

 

 

Bahamadia is one of the truly great tragedies of Hip-Hop.  If she were a man, or if she were a hot chick, people would be all over her.  Instead she gets to have the dreaded critically acclaimed, underrated moral victories.  Dope flow with the sultry raspy voice.  Lyrical execution. On this joint there’s no fluff. Hold your heads.

 

 

You can’t really mention a list of female songs without metioning this.  I know it’s a lazy pick but it is what it is. Monie comes with the rapid fire flow and of course the Queen gets it in.

 

Foxy delivers her own version of “Where I’m From.” I could have picked some of her other songs but I didnt feel like it.  This is nice and gully without her rapping about sucking d**ks or any of that crap.

 

Jean Grae to me is the most consistently ill female lyricist of all time. Sorry Lauryn fans one album just can’t cut it.  I hope she’s really not retiring. Jean has a ton of material but here she goes toe to toe with one of the best MC of the now school. I f**ks with this hard. Prolly not all time I suppose but so what.

 

Of course with a limited list there are tons of songs I missed or left out or you feel should have been included.  You already know what to do.  Peace out Brussel Sprouts.

T Pain ‘Can’t Believe It’; Justin Timberlake Hops On Remix

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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Rapper turned singer T-Pain’s “Can’t Believe It” may have proven to be an effective single with Lil Wayne, but the entertainer is hoping to gain more life out of the song with a Justin Timberlake-assisted remix.

 

The former ‘NSYNC member’s contribution to the reworked version of “Can’t Believe It” came as a pleasant surprise for T-Pain, whose recent meeting with Timberlake resulted in mutual admiration and a productive session among the popular artists.

 

“Justin and I met about six months ago. I was working on the album in a Miami studio and he was in the room next door,” T-Pain shared. “He came by, I played him a few tracks and afterward he said that, out of all my song, ‘Can’t Believe It’ was his favorite. I was shocked. Fast-forward to this week and I got a call saying Justin had hopped on ‘Can’t Believe It.'”

 

“Can’t” Believe It” is the lead single from T-Pain’s latest album THR33 RINGZ.

 

Since its debut, the original version of the song has sold more than a half-million digital copies in nine weeks and hit No. 1 at Urban radio.

 

The album’s follow-up single, the Ludacris-assisted “Chopped & Screwed,” is set to continue T-Pain’s hitmaking streak as it garners its own success.

 

Featuring guest appearances from Chris Brown, TI, Mary J. Blige, Kanye West, Ciara and Akon, THR33 RINGZ is the follow up to the vocalist’s 2007 album Epiphany.

 

The release, which sold about 171,126 copies in its first week to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, spawned the hit singles, “Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin’)” featuring Yung Joc and “Bartender” featuring Akon.

 

As listeners enjoy the “Can’t Believe It” remix, T-Pain remained humble about working with Timberlake.

 

“This is an artist who rarely does remixes, and out of every hot record out there, [he] chose to hop on mine,” the Florida-based singer songwriter stated. “That’s some real amazing s**t. I immediately called and thanked him.”

 

Look for T-Pain’s upcoming performance of “Chopped & Screwed” when he appears on Saturday Night Live on Nov. 22.

Kanye West Explains Latest Arrest; Says Paps Above The Law

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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Rap star Kanye West addressed his most recent encounter with photographers via his blog yesterday (November 15).

 

In a lengthy entry, West, who was momentarily detained in London Friday morning (November 14), explained his side of the confrontation outside a nightclub in Newcastle in the United Kingdom.

 

“I am protecting my personal space since there are no laws to protect that for me,” West wrote. “I’m a normal person that’s just famous. I refuse to sneak in and out of back doors and kitchens of hotels, etc.”

 

According to the multi-platinum rapper/producer, the incident occurred when an aggressive photographer attempted to capture his exit from the nightclub on film without the Hip-Hop superstar’s permission.

 

As his security guard yelled “get the camera off him,” a statement which was originally attributed to West in the photographer’s complaint, the rapper himself raised his hand to block the lens’ view.

 

West explained that it was never his intent to assault the photographer.

 

Three hours after the original incident, five members of the Northumbria Police Department appeared at the rapper’s hotel room, explaining that since a complaint had been filed, he had to be taken into custody.

 

Kanye West was later released without charge.

 

In his statement, West raised a strong case for regulation against the current practices of celebrity photographers.

 

“Paparazzi give real photographers a bad name,” West said. “A picture is worth a thousand words, theirs are worth a thousand dollars. Right now the paps are above the law and the people they shoot are below it. What should be illegal is pictures taken with the intent to sell, like drugs with the intent to sell or crossing customs with enough merchandise to have the intent to sell. The exploitation of my image is the problem. It produces a ‘by any means necessary’ behavior that cause the paps to drive recklessly on freeways, jump over fences and invade privacy all in an effort to get that money shot. You shouldn’t be able to sell a picture of me without my permission…let us not forget the paps killed Princess Diana.”

 

West was involved in a similar altercation in late September in which he responded much more violently to the papparazo involved.

 

The rapper initially faced felony charges for destroying the photographer, was later cleared of those charges as well.

The-Dream: Searching For Booty

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Alternatives
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The views expressed in this column are not the views shared by AllHipHop.com.“Oh my God, Becky! Look at her butt! It is so big. She looks like one of those rap guys’ girlfriends.” -Sir Mix-A-Lot, “Baby Got Back” circa 1992Hey everybody! Hope all is well. I know some of you may be wondering why I started off with that quote, well let me elaborate. While sitting on a Saturday afternoon sipping a little cognac and coffee, I hadn’t decided what song I wanted to talk about this week. Ironically my IM went off and I got a link from one of my fellow AHH editors. It was a track from The Dream ft/ Lil’ Jon titled “Let Me See That Booty”.  “Let Me See That Booty”? “Oh gosh, what is this going to sound like?” I thought. So I downloaded it…took a listen and hung my head low. Another song about the boo-tay…Great!As I sighed, I wondered…Will it ever stop? And then I thought back to when I believed the boo-tay became a big focus in Hip-Hop, because the focus on “the ass” has been going on for some time now. 2 Live Crew and Luther Campbell were one of the first groups to put “the ass” up front and on the chopping block in their videos. And while other artists can take credit for highlighting the boo-tay, overall I think the focus became mainstream when Sir Mix-A-Lot did “Baby Got Back”. You all might have another opinion or a better recollection of when it all hit the fan, but that’s when “I” took notice that the boo-tay became a notable topic of interest every where. Yes, most Black men have always loved a big ass and today women with them are plastered all over various men’s magazines, the internet, and Hip-Hop inspired periodicals like King, The Source and XXL, but at this point I don’t know what to make of it all anymore. In The-Dream’s song there’s one instance where he says, “Put it on my d*ck then drop it to my shoes and in the end I smell like your perfume.” As if the start of the song and the hook wasn’t enough, The-Dream goes in on this track. This isn’t much different from other lyrics I’ve heard, but The-Dream has written some classic hits, and this one stoops to another level.  Am I surprised? Not hardly, but sometimes it never ceases to amaze me. I just don’t know what else to say. But I have to ask, “Are songs like this merely an artistic expression for the love of the gluteus maximus or just flat out disrespect of women?” This is on the lines of a “Tip Drill” Part 2 and I can only imagine what would happen if this song went to radio and then had a video to follow. This is one of those after Midnight joints and joins the ranks of a long list of strip club anthems that can be attributed to Hip-Hop. Overall, I am just interested to know what you all think. Are you tired of these types of songs or do you enjoy the artistic expression? Women having large assets isn’t going away anytime soon and neither is the obsession with them, so it is what it is.Well thanks for taking time out to read what I had to say this week.Until next time y’all enjoy this week’s Sunday Selection – “Let Me See that Booty”The-Dream: “Let Me See That Booty”

BONUS PICK: Sir Mix-A-Lot: “Baby Got Back”

Out of Bounds: Sunday’s Picks, Game of the Week, So long…Farewell…Auf Wiedersehen …Goodbye

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Uncategorized
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Week 11 started with Brett Favre being Brett Favre. The Jets showed a lot of heart in their overtime win against the Patriots and Favre reminded us why he’s always in the argument for top five, dead or alive, when it comes to the “Greatest  QB” moniker.

 What’s in store for this weekend, who knows? What I do know is that things are beginning to tight for the playoff push, and some changes are in store not just for OUT OF BOUNDS, but your boy Hot Rod as well.  So without further ado, let’s get into the games.

ALLHipHop’s NFL Game of the Week for Week 12

Poll Answers

ALLHipHop’s NFL Game of the Week

Sunday Night Football, 8pm

Dallas Cowboys (5-4) at Washington Redskins (6-3)

FedEx Field, Landover, MD

My Pick: Cowboys

 

As well as the Redskins played against the Cowboys back in Week 4, the Cowboys are back and healthy. This game is gonna be a blood bath. The clock is ticking on the season and the Cowboys know that time is not on their side if they’re trying to make a push for the playoffs.

 

With Tony Romo scheduled to comeback for this weekend’s game, the Cowboys have some mobility in the pocket. Romo will make plays for the Cowboys with his feet when the offense breaks down. In addition, if the Cowboys can get some defensive pressure on the QB, they can definitely walk away with the win. That means the entire defensive line, not just LB DeMarcus Ware.

 

Although the Redskins have been running the ball well, they will go as far as QB Jason Campbell and head coach, Jim Zorn will take them. With RB Clinton Portis most likely out for this match-up, the offense rides on Campbell’s shoulders. I don’t think he’s ready for such a task in such a big game.

 

With Romo and CB Terrance Newman returning to the line-up, the Cowboys will return to their winning form and get the victory.

 

Here’s a look at the rest of Week 11 in the NFL:

 

Sunday, 11/16/08, 1pm games

Denver Broncos (5-4) at Atlanta Falcons (6-3)

Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA

My Pick: Atlanta

 

Both teams are in the top ten offensively and both teams are in the bottom ten defensively. So why did I pick the Falcons? The Falcons can run the ball and the Broncos have no rush defense. The Falcons have a better mix of run and pass on offense and the Broncos’ defense has been underachieving.

 

With the Falcons’ offense, clicking like it has been for the past, look for them to keep the rhythm and get the win against the Broncos.    

 

Philadelphia Eagles (5-4) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-8)

Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH

My Pick: Eagles

 

Sure, the Eagles gave away a win last week against the Giants, but all is lost not.  See, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel and it’s wearing the colors of the Bengals.

 

The Eagles are the better team in this match-up, and as always, the theme for the Bungles in this column is “the Bungles stink”. Chalk this one up as a victory for the Eagles

 

Chicago Bears (5-4) at Green Bay Packers (4-5)

Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI

My Pick: Chicago                 

 

The Bears have the better offense and defense in this game. They also have the better rushing offense with young Matt Forte leading the charge. The Packers are going through a bit of a slide winning two of their last five games.

 

Whether or not Kyle Orton will play is still up in the air, but with the better defense and the solid rushing attack, the Bears are the team to roll with in this game.

 

Houston Texans (3-6) at Indianapolis Colts (5-4)

Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN

My Pick: Colts                      

 

Do you remember what I said about the Colts two weeks ago when they played the Patriots in the Sunday Night Game?

 

Well desperation is still in the air for the Colts.  They have a good chance of getting a Wild Card spot in the playoffs. Thankfully, for the Colts, they have the Texans this weekend.

 

The Colts have the better offense in this game. Although the Texans have a hard-hitting defense, the Colts’ offense is clicking and their veteran knowledge will help the Colts get the season sweep on the young Texans.

 

New Orleans Saints (4-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (1-8)

Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO

My Pick: Saints

 

With the return of RB Larry Johnson to the Chiefs’ offense this Sunday, don’t look for anything spectacular to happen for the Chiefs’ offense. It’s still the same stale offense, and on the other side of the ball, the same stale defense.

 

The Saints’ offense is explosive. They can have your head on a swivel with the weapons they have on the offensive side of the ball. With the league’s fourth best passer in Drew Brees and the leagues’ best passing offense, the Saints have this game. 

 

Oakland Raiders (2-7) at Miami Dolphins (5-4)

Dolphin Stadium, Miami, FL

My Pick: Dolphins

 

The Dolphins offense is clicking right now and fortunately, for them, they square off against a terrible Raiders’ squad. I have to roll with the Dolphins in this game with their wildcat offense and better defense.

 

Baltimore Ravens (6-3) at New York Giants (8-1)

Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

My Pick: Giants       

 

As good as the Ravens have been playing lately, the Giants are better. The Giants are carrying the same swagger that got them to the Super Bowl last season and they are finding ways to win this season, even when they’re down.

 

The Ravens’ defense is good, but their offense can’t go toe-to-toe with this Giants’ defense. Vengeance for Super Bowl XXXV will belong to the G-Men this Sunday.

 

Minnesota Vikings (5-4) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3)

Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL

My Pick: Buccaneers

 

Although the Vikes look to be the better team on paper because of their rushing attack, the veteran experience of the Bucs will keep Tampa in this game. It also helps the Vikes are one dimensional with only a solid rushing game on offense. 

 

With the Vikes one-sided offense going head-to-head with the Bucs veteran defense, I’m going to take my chances with the Bucs.

 

Detroit Lions (0-9) at Carolina Panthers (7-2)

Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC

My Pick: Panthers

 

I’m not even going to go any further with this game. Like the Automotive Industry, the Lions’ season needs a bailout as well.  Too bad it won’t be against the Panthers.

 

In the “National Geographic Battle”, the Panther is stronger than the Lion in this match-up.

 

Tennessee Titans (9-0) at Jacksonville Jaguars (4-5)

Jacksonville Stadium, Jacksonville, FL

My Pick: Titans

 

While the Jags have lost three of their last four games, the Titans are still undefeated.  You do the math. Like the Giants, the Titans find ways to win games. They do just enough to stay in the game and the Titans defense will get you on the first mistake you make.

 

The Jags have been underachieving all season long.  One week they look like the Jags of last season, another week, they look like an expansion team. Inconsistencies are what’s killing the Jags, and the Titans love inconsistencies. For the safe bet, Tennessee is the way to go.  

 

4pm Games

St. Louis Rams (2-7) at San Francisco 49ers (2-7)

Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA

My Pick: 49ers

 

Although the 49ers had a major brain fart last Monday, they played some solid football for three and ¾ of a game. Now, it’s time to correct that mental mistake. Fortunately, for the 49ers, RB Steven Jackson is out for the Rams.

 

QB Shaun Hill is a breath of fresh air for the 49ers offense and the defense actually showed up to play.  This is the 49ers’ game to lose.

 

With the better defense, and an offense that can finally move the ball, I’m going with my 49ers in this one.

 

Arizona Cardinals (6-3) at Seattle Seahawks (2-7)

Qwest Field, Seattle, WA

My Pick: Cardinals

 

While the Cards played solid defense during my 49ers brain fart in last Monday’s game, they still showed how explosive their offense could be. This week, the Cards defense gets a crack at the returning Matt Hasselbeck for the Seahawks. Truthfully, it doesn’t matter; the Cards are still the better team.

 

The Seahawks defense isn’t what it once was and with the Cards having the better offense, look for the Cards to extend their lead in the NFC West with a win this Sunday in Seattle.

 

San Diego Chargers (4-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3)

Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA

My Pick: Steelers

 

Like the Jags, the Chargers also suffer from inconsistencies. Their offense and defense can be on point one week, and the next week they look like they forgot how to play football.

 

The good thing for the Chargers is that the AFC West is weak and they have an opportunity to gain some ground in their division depending if the cards for in their favor. Let’s not forget, the Chargers were struggling around this time last year. They still won the division and missed the Super Bowl by one game, so anything is possible.

 

The Steelers are still suffering from injury, but they have the better defense against this inconsistent Chargers offense. There’s still hope for the Chargers, just not in this game.

 

Monday Night Football, 11/17/08, 8:30pm

Cleveland Browns (3-6) at Buffalo Bills (5-4)

Ralph Wilson Stadium, Buffalo, NY

My Pick: Bills

 

The last time the Bills had a Monday Night Game, they gave the Cowboys a run for their money and gave the fans one of the best games of the season last year. The last time the Browns had a Monday Night Game, the Browns gave it to Giants in one of the biggest trap games of the season.

 

This is the Bills games to lose.  They have the better offense and their starting QB has more experience on the field than the Browns current starting QB. Both teams can run the ball, but the Bills youth at running back trumps the Browns veteran experience at the same position. In addition, the Browns offense has made too many mental mistakes and that’s the perfect opening, for the Bills defense.

 

With the mental mistakes and inexperience on the offensive side of the ball for the Browns, the Bills have the edge in this match-up. 

 

On a personal note:

This is my probably my last write-up for ALLHipHop.com for the remainder of the season.

 

With a number of things happening in my life on a professional and personal level, I won’t be able to put forth the kind of product that you all have been accustomed too. So instead of me half-assing it, I would much rather stop doing it all together for the site with the hopes that someone else comes along and finish what we started here.

 

Now, just because I won’t be in the sports section, doesn’t mean I won’t be around. The Out of Bounds blog will still be up and running and I’ll still have the chat rooms open.  In addition, you’ll see me in the Cheap Seats in the Ill Community from time to time.  So I won’t be writing as much, but I’ll still be around.

 

I have a friend who told me three things:

 

Prioritize your life

Marriage >Football (The jury is still out on that one, but I’ll use it to prove my point any way)

Writing stops being fun, once it becomes work.

 

It’s time for me to get a handle on things. Therefore, it’s fitting that I walk away on a Sunday in the middle of the season, the same way I started this on a Sunday in the middle of the season.

 

I do want to thank Odeisel and the rest of the ALLHipHop staff that I’ve met within the last year. You all have been mad cool and taught me many things that I didn’t know about professional writing, thank you once again.

 

I’m out like Bush in 2009. So until we meet again, Good luck and Godspeed. 

 

Don’t forget about the live chat room during the game:

http://community.allhiphop.com/go/thread/view/12471/5086007/NFL_and_CFB_Live_Chat

 

You can check out new and past posts on the Out of Bounds blog at:

Outofbounds-therowdyone.blogspot.com

Katt Williams Hospitalized for Psychiatric Treatment

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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Comedian Katt Williams was committed to a mental hospital on Friday November 14, after family members in Sumter, South Carolina became alarmed by the star’s continued erratic behavior.

 

Williams arrived in Sumter less than a week after being arrested on weapons charges in New York, and being a no-show for a scheduled November 4 appearance on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.”

 

Soon after his arrival at the Mount Vernon Inn, motel employees became alarmed after seeing Williams wandering the property early in the morning, clad in just a bathrobe and a towel wrapped around his head.

 

When police arrived Williams allegedly asked for directions to the nearest hospital, and was allowed to leave since no crime had taken place.

 

Instead of the hospital, local attorney Garryl Deas reported that a paranoid Williams appeared at his law firm at 9:00 AM seeking assistance.

 

The Ohio native claimed the police had “violated his rights” and other unknown parties were conspiring against him.

 

“His demeanor was a little troubled, disoriented,” Deas told The Item newspaper. “He just said that he doesn’t trust anyone anymore. [That] everyone has turned against him. He wasn’t really coherent.”

 

Two family members then arrived, pleading with Williams to come with them to seek medical attention.

 

Williams allegedly rebuffed them. The family members subsequently returned at 12:00 PM, with deputies under orders to escort the comedian/actor to the nearest mental health facility.

 

Although vocally adamant about not going, Williams reportedly did not physically resist the intervention.

 

According to South Carolina law, an individual can only be committed if he or she is viewed as a risk to commit murder or suicide.

 

Additionally, the process takes at least 72 hours, during which time the patient appears before a judge, who determines whether the person needs to be hospitalized.

 

In deference to Williams’ privacy, local hospital officials would not release the comedian’s location or current status.

 

At press time Katt Williams is still scheduled to appear for a November 20 show at Ceasar’s Palace in Las Vegas.

 

He plans to officially retire from standup after a New Year’s Eve performance in Detroit on December 31, citing mental and physical strain from road life and the desire to strengthen his family.

Suge Knight Faces Drug Charges from August Assault

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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AllHipHop.com

has verified that Suge Knight will face felony drug charges stemming

from his August 27 arrest for the alleged assault of girlfriend Melissa

Isaac.

   Police

reports reveal that officers arrived and witnessed Knight wielding a

knife and punching a naked Isaac in a parking lot off the Las Vegas

Strip.

According

district attorney David Roger, Knight was arrested that night for

felony assault, misdemeanor domestic violence, and for the illegal

drugs Ecstasy and hydrocodone (a codeine-based pain reliever). With the

lab reports now completed, the path has been cleared to file a criminal

complaint.

“It

took a while for the lab to analyze the substances, which cause a delay

in filing the charges,” Roger explained. “Considering Mr. Knight’s

notoriety, these are serious charges.”

The

felony complaint will charge Knight on Monday November 17 with battery

and two counts of possession of a controlled substance.

The

assault charge on Knight remains in jeopardy, as the alleged victim

Melissa Isaac has gone missing since the incident. At the time of her

disappearance, Isaac was scheduled to testify against the former Death

Row CEO in court.

Even

without Isaac, Roger’s prosecution team has vowed to move forward with

the case, as two arresting officers were witness to the assault.

At press time, Suge Knight could not be reached for comment.

Phife’s New Artist Jax Dies On Stage

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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Phife Dawg recently suffered a personal and musical loss last Monday (November 4), when his friend and independent Atlanta artist Jax died while performing on stage.

 

According to reports, the cause of death was cardiac arrest. Jax, real name Chris Thurston, was well respected in Atlanta’s burgeoning underground scene with his group Binkis Records.

 

His work drew the attention of founding Tribe Called Quest member Phife, who along with DJ Rasta Root began working with Jax to jumpstart their independent label Smokin’ Needles Records.

 

Although an industry veteran of nearly 20 years, Phife explained that Jax’s talent compelled him for the first time to consider moving behind the scenes as a mogul to help upcoming emcees.

 

“I just don’t cater to anyone like that,” Phife explained this past Thursday (November 13) on Rasta Root’s Sirius XM radio show. “I used to kid him and call him Ghostface Jr., with his whole swagger and the way he attacked the tracks. His energy was also similar to Busta’s.”

 

DJ Drama was also devastated by the news.

 

The originator of the popular Gangsta Grillz series and radio show served as Jax’s first DJ when both were initially making their names throughout Atlanta.

 

“It’s crazy because so many memories are coming to me,” Drama told AllHipHop.com. “Jax was one of the first people I met when I came to Atlanta. This was my original family. I remember one of the first songs we ever did together called ‘Shorties Be Coming Through’ that I did the scratches on and it just brings back great memories. We did it for the love. We performed at the Rocksteady celebration years ago and even after I was no longer with the group, Binkis Recs, he always let me know he was proud of me. It was just good times man.”

 

As a DJ that is coveted by many new artists looking to make a name, Drama elaborated that many emcees can learn from Jax, who shunned major labels and released six independent albums through iTunes.

 

“I wouldn’t be in the position that I’m in if it wasn’t for some of the influence that he had on my life,” Drama explained to AllHipHop.com. “The most important thing to know is that at the end of the day it comes down to your heart and your passion. No matter what amount of success you get, no matter what type of money or no money, at any degree, it’s about the music.”

 

Funeral services for Chris “Jax” Thurston will commence today November 15 in his native Queens, NY.

 

He is survived by his mother, a brother, and his newlywed wife Lisa Thurston, whom he married a month prior to his death.

How Dangerous Is The Hip-Hop Lie?

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Uncategorized
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The views expressed with in this editorial don’t necessarily reflect the views of AllHipHop.com or its staff. The debate over negative lyrics and their impact on our communities has raged for years.  Are they glorifying the negative or simply speaking to their everyday existence?  I swear I’ve witnessed plenty of debates that swirled around this topic and I’ve never seen anyone retreat from their position.  However,

these conversations were always conducted under the pretense that

everyone was telling the truth. If the emcee said he grew up in a less

than stellar home with barely present parents and was raised by the

streets; we took him at his word.  We understood and empathized even if his life wasn’t ours.  We shook our heads at his realism and brainstormed on ways to make it better; but never did we once consider he was lying.

How bad is that lie in the spirit of the artistic venture or the journey to mega-sales?  Is that emcee actually better because he doesn’t participate in those tales of street soldiering he spins or portions thereof?  Or

does that make him worse because he’s peddling a fake, doomed life to

his fan base without concern for the affect his words might have?  Before

you jump, understand that I do know Hip Hop and the narratives

incorporated within do not exist in a vacuum. I know the

disenfranchised have more pressing issues than song lyrics and I

realize in many instances those lyrics are born of those problems.  However, the issue at hand is taking the story most try to run from and running to it.

The issue is the lie.

If

that life is not what we want; if that life is the underbelly of the

community; if that life is the reason some write their first bar, then

why do people wrap themselves in it like a hood flag to create this

criminal persona? Why do they think we will respond in larger numbers

and with grander enthusiasm if they report having been through the

belly of the beast?  Are they right?

I

mean, we all know that in a lot of situations our folks are handed s**it

to carve into a community, but do we need to mold a baton out of it and

run so some young guy living in Iowa can live that life vicariously as

he skips through the corn rows?

I remember when that kind of falsehood was unacceptable.  Even now there are folks who rail against the fibbers, but for the most part it’s accepted.  There are those who will even tell you what they are spitting isn’t real.  It’s some nightmarish hood fairy tale.  I

guess they and the powers that be in their musical careers think if

they graduated from high school or possibly college and raised a couple

of babies with their wife, we wouldn’t be interested in that life story. 

I can’t sit here incredulously wagging my finger and turning my nose up at anyone.  I’m guilty as most of us are of being drawn into some of the darker lyrics and not questioning myself.  Is

it human nature; like being fixated by a car wreck? Or have we been

socialized in a way that prompts us to respond positively to negativity?  I don’t know.  What

I do know is it’s so much of what we listen to and that dark tide is

damn near formulated in a studio petrie dish at this point.

I’ll be honest with you.  I

don’t care for liars, but I’m not sure how dangerous this particular

lie is or what it says about how the Hip-Hop audience is viewed.  I

suppose personal responsibility is the lynch-pin and in some ways the

antithesis of our veracious appetite for street credibility, whatever

that is. The adopted back story should be held in its proper

perspective, which in my opinion should be akin to a grain of salt.

However, if everyone felt that way, the story wouldn’t be needed in the

first place.

So,

I’ve done nothing to relieve my confusion. I think I’ve created more.

The music can be very powerful and people are obviously more

impressionable than they will admit.  I also know that we are bombarded with these negative impressions on a daily basis and not just through Hip Hop.  So

much so that those who pilfer and then sell our culture back to us have

decided that we thrive on the negativity enough that they will present

it to us without consideration of authenticity; which I think is right

around the spot where I started.

The Roots Named House Band For ‘Late Night’; Temporarily Retire From Touring

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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If you are a fan of The Roots, the last time to see them perform live may be during their upcoming tour of Europe, which kicks off November 11 in Switzerland.

 

Sources have told AllHipHop.com that the revered Philadelphia Hip-Hop band will temporarily retire from touring in March of 2009.

 

While the news may be a disappointment for some, the reason for the decision is sure to delight fans of late night television.

 

The Roots will serve as the new house band for former Saturday Night Live actor Jimmy Fallon, when he replaces Conan O’Brien as host of Late Night on NBC in March of 2009.

 

O’Brien will be moved to The Tonight Show, where he will replace Jay Leno.

 

Last week, Fallon and The Roots traveled to the Delaware Valley, where they shoot a video at the Kung Fu Necktie in Philadelphia’s Fishtown section, to promote Late Nate.

 

At press time, The Roots could not be reached for comment.

 

The Roots’ European Tour dates are listed below:

 

11/17/2008-Winterthur, Switzerland-@ Eulachhalle 11/18/2008-Geneva, Switzerland-@ Salles des Fetes de Thoney 11/19/2008-Cologne, Germany-@ E-Werk 11/21/2008-Lille, France-@Roots perform @ Aeronef 11/23/2008-Copenhagen, Denmark-@ Vega 11/24/2008-Stockholm, Sweden-@ Berns 11/26/2008-Hamburg, Germany-@ Docks 11/27/2008-Berlin< Germany-@ Columbiahalle 11/28/2008-Warsaw, Poland-@ Arena Ursynon 12/1/2008-Nottingham, UK-@ Rock City 12/2/2008-Manchester, UK-@ Academy 12/3/2008-Bristol, UK-@ Academy 12/5/2008-London, UK-@ The Forum 12/6/2008-London, UK-@ The Forum 12/7/2008-Brussels, Belgium-@ Ancienne Belgique 12/9/2008-Amsterdam-@ Paradiso 12/10/2008-Amsterdam-@ Paradiso

P. Miller Replaces Guns With Cameras Via New Foundation

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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Rap mogul P. Miller is providing youth an alternative to a violent life on the streets, with the creation of his Who’s Behind the Shooting and Save Our Kids Foundation.

 

Miller told AllHipHop.com that the program will focus on saving lives by taking guns out of the hands of inner city youth and replace the weapons with video cameras.

 

Participants will use the cameras to offer another way of spending their time and energy by educating and motivating other kids to chronicle their activities with their own camera.

 

With the Who’s Behind the Shooting and Save Our Kids foundation, Miller hopes to provide the same guidance for youth that he received, which allowed him to change his focus in life with a positive mind state.

 

“I was able to change my life by having someone believe in me,” Miller told AllHipHop.com, revealing that he aligned with Veda Burton of Rage Entertainment and Karla Huff of Dream Talent Management to create the program.

 

“We are three hardworking parents that just want to see all kids have a future,” Miller said. “For us, this is not about making money, it’s about doing our part and helping these kids fulfill their dreams.”

 

In addition to learning how to use the video cameras, the Who’s Behind the Shooting program exposes youth to possible entrepreneurial opportunities through diverse aspects of the performing arts.

 

Participants will also be able to get in front of the camera for acting, singing and dancing as well as go behind the scenes to learn about filming, editing and producing.

 

The launch of the foundation comes as youth deal with various issues that include violence, drugs, teenage pregnancy, and crime.

 

Despite the obstacles, Miller is confident his program can help kids turn their negative situations into a positive.

 

“We have a diverse group of kids that are doing the all the right things,” the Better Black TV CEO stated. “They could easily be gangbanging, committing crimes, taking or selling drugs. These young people have a purpose. The sole requirement for the program is that you need to be a good student and understand the importance of education.”

Kanye West Arrested for UK Assault

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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Kanye West was arrested this morning (November 14) after another run-in with a paparazzi photographer outside of a Newcastle nightclub.

 

The Chicago superstar was in town as part of the Glow in the Dark world tour, and performed last night at the Metro Radio Area.

 

The Northumbria police department verified a man was arrested today for the incident, but declined to identify West by name per normal British policy.

 

“We can confirm that a 31-year old man was arrested on suspicion of assault following an incident at a Newcastle city center club in the early hours of this morning,” a Northumbria police spokeswoman released in statement. “He was released without charge and no further action is being taken.”

 

Kanye’s latest alleged confrontation with a photographer comes just two months after he was arrested at L.A.X. airport for manhandling a paparazzi photographer on film and angrily smashing his camera.

 

As with the UK arrest, West was released after the alleged victims declined to press charges.

 

Kanye West’s highly anticipated fourth album 808s and Heartbreak leaked on the internet this week, prompting the release date to be moved up to Monday November 24.

 

The Glow in the Dark UK tour will move on to Birmingham NEC on November 15, Glasgow SECC November 16, and finally the Manchester Evening News Area on Monday November 17.

 

At press time, Kanye West could not be reached for comment.

50 Cent Speaks On Before I Self-Destruct Delay

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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50 Cent has decided to delay the release of his fourth LP and film Before I Self-Destruct, pushing both projects back until early 2009.

 

The G-Unit mogul had initially planned a December media blitz that would have included his sophomore video game Blood in the Sand, the album, and his 90-minute film directorial debut, added as a bonus DVD.

 

However the strain of attempting to complete three high-profile releases simultaneously proved too much.

 

Due to the danger of missing key advertising and retail placement dates, 50 Cent revealed the wise decision was to delay the album/dvd to ensure the work retained the quality his fans expect.

 

“Times are hard. Everyone is trying to make the most of what they have,” 50 explained in a statement. “I want to give my fans something extra for their hard earned dollars. They’ll get a free bonus when the pick up the album.”

 

The album will be 50 Cent’s first venture since G-Unit’s sophomore album Terminate On Sight, which quickly fell off the charts after a mixed reception from fans and critics.

 

Before I Self-Destruct’s first single “Get Up” was released on October 7, and to date has peaked at #44 on Billboard’s Hot 100, and #10 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart.

 

The bonus feature-length DVD will mark 50’s debut as a screenwriter and director.

 

The G-Unit leader will also star in the film, which chronicles the struggles of a inner-city youth drawn to a life of crime after the murder of his mother.

 

At press time, 50 cent has not confirmed a definitive 2009 release date for the album.