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DMX Misses Court Date Due to Stroke Scare

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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Troubled rap star DMX missed an important court date yesterday (September 23) after being hastened to a South Florida hospital due to suffering “stroke-like” symptoms.While DMX’s current condition is unknown, hospital officials did disclose he will not be released for at least the next few days.Charles Kozelka, DMX’s lawyer, claimed earlier today to not know any specific details about his client’s health.“I don’t know the cause, but I know that he’s still hospitalized and that they’ve admitted him and won’t be releasing him for a couple more days,” Kozelka stated.DMX, real name Earl Simmons, was scheduled to be in court today to face charges stemming from a missed court date in Arizona. In that case, Simmons is charged with attempting to buy cocaine and marijuana from an undercover officer.Because of his illness, Kozelka successfully arranged DMX’s day in court to be pushed back to September 29, in hopes that Simmons will have recovered and be in condition to attend.The abrupt medical trip marks the second time in two months that the conflicted MC has been hospitalized.In August DMX missed a previous court date, admitting himself to a rehabilitation clinic in hopes of combating his well documented substance abuse problems.However, the judge issued a bench warrant as the missed date marked Simmons’ second consecutive no-show.Before his current hospitalization, X was free on $25,000 bond.At press time, DMX’s management has declined further comment.

T.I.: Paper Trail (Album Review)

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Reviews / Music
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When T.I.P. ran his initial campaign in 2003 to be anointed “King of the South,” he made a compelling case with his dismantling of then commercially viable Lil Flip, and his breakout third LP Urban Legend. Met with little resistance, T.I. went on to further build his legacy and become a mainstream star with KING, T.I. vs. T.I.P., and the 2006 film ATL.

 

With the success came challengers, as rivals began questioning T.I.’s credibility as an artist and his claim of being the South’s premier MC. Now learning that defending the crown is harder than chasing it, T.I. seeks to continue his reign and quiet critics with his sixth studio album Paper Trail (Grand Hustle/Atlantic).

 

The album begins appropriately with the lyrical dexterity of “56 Bars (Intro).” With regal authority, TIP dissects then dismisses his less talented naysayers without ever having to call out a name. Reunited with the producer that’s crafted his biggest hits, DJ Toomp’s pulsing bass lines fit perfectly with the Bankhead star’s cocksure demeanor; setting a good start for the disc.

 

That focus continues on their second album collaboration “I’m Illy.” Again in battle mode, T.I. juxtaposes his achievements with a thinly veiled, local Atlanta rapper who aspires to the king’s throne in mind.

 

For the first time, TIP addresses in detail the events that lead to his gun prosecution on “Ready For Whatever.” Over Drumma Boy’s urgent but sprawling synths, T.I. makes a compelling argument for his need for weapons, explaining the murder of his best friend before his eyes despite the six figures he already pays for security. What makes the track work so well is that TIP is brave enough to leave his Rap persona at the door and reveal the fear that fueled his rash decisions.

 

The middle half of the album is dominated by a long string of commercial and pop tracks which contribute a mixed bag to the LP. “On Top of the World” features T.I.’s first partnership with former heated rival Ludacris and rising ATL newcomer B.O.B. Instead of a confrontational song, the Atlanta headliners produced a joyous track detailing their many accomplishments. While it works, the collaboration will likely do little to deter the talk of those still wishing for both men to pick up where “Stomp” left off.

 

The back to back syrupy singles “Live Your Life” and “Whatever You Like” follow next. Smart fans will recognize that these songs are necessary to appeal to the king’s pop constituency, but that doesn’t cancel out that they are commercial fluff that does nothing for the LP.

 

Danja’s bluesy, organ-tinged musicianship on “No Matter What” gets things back in order with T.I.’s assertions of triumph over his many personal struggles. “Swing Ya Rag” has him in lyrically weaving Swizz Beatz’s signature rhythms into another guaranteed infectious hit in the vein of “Bring ‘Em Out.”

 

On the all-star collaboration “Swagger Like Us,” Kanye West, Jay-Z and Lil Wayne all make convincing cases why their swagger supersedes all others. While some will undoubtedly find the continued auto-tune effects from Kanye and Wayne clichéd, both men deliver good set up verses for T.I., who in the coveted last spot slightly edges out a clever Jay-Z verse by dismantling the M.I.A. sampling track with a rapid closing succession of consonance-heavy lyrics.

 

Even with distractions ranging from legal woes to petty and childish territorial “beef,” T.I. has managed to craft an album that gives listeners the standout moments they expect from the Bankhead star. Paper Trail’s achievements are enough to remind fans why they fell in love with T.I. back in 2003, and keep his tenuous title as “King of the South” in place for the immediate future.

 

T.I.

“56 Bars (Intro)”

 

T.I. Featuring Kanye West, Jay-Z, & Lil Wayne

“Swagger Like Us”

T.I.’s Grand Hustle Managing Rapper Big Boi

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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Grand Hustle Entertainment President and CEO Jason Geter has entered into a new agreement to manage the solo career of Atlanta rapper Big Boi, AllHipHop.com has learned exclusively.

 

The new situation, which was made official last week, will see Geter and the Grand Hustle Management staff overseeing the branding of Big Boi, as he continues to pursue opportunities beyond his success with Outkast.

 

“Our first plan of action is to identify Big Boi’s next hit record and get him on the road,” Geter told AllHipHop.com. “He’s so big. But we feel what’s going to get him where he’s trying to be is to get back to the grassroots level and let him interact with those fans that grew up on Outkast and are eagerly waiting to see what Big Boi has to offer on his own.”

 

The announcement comes as Geter and the Grand Hustle family prepare for the release of two highly anticipated albums: T.I.’s sixth studio album Paper Trail and Big Kuntry’s long awaited debut My Time To Eat.

 

In celebration of the two releases, the Atlanta-based label will present the first annual Grand Hustle Takeover weekend, offering fans a variety of events during which they can share in the celebration with the label’s entire roster, which includes Young Dro, Alfamega, Eightball & MJG, Mac Boney, B.O.B., Xtaci, and comedian Lil’ Duval.

 

Included in the weekend’s festivities will be a Comedy Show on September 26; a Teen Skate Jam at Cascade Family Skate on Saturday (Sep 27); and an Untouchables-themed private birthday celebration for T.I., with music provided by DJ Khaled, DJ Drama and DJ MLK later that evening.

 

On Sunday (Sep 28), T.I. and Jason Geter will be joined by Warner Music Group Executive Vice-President Kevin Liles hosting a brunch to bring awareness to the It’s Cool To Be Smart mentoring program, of which T.I. has been a great supporter.

 

The Grand Hustle Takeover weekend will conclude with an Official Pre-Release Party on Sunday night at the Velvet Room.

 

T.I. and Geter are also gearing up for the launch of their new clothing line, A.K.O.O., which is set to hit retail stores nationwide in November.

 

The new line, an acronym for A King Of Oneself, represents T.I.’s multi-faceted styled clothes, that can go from casual to business to formal effortlessly, Geter said.

 

“Hip-Hop is a lifestyle,” Geter told AllHipHop.com. “This is our culture. Music is just one aspect of what we do, but clothing is something that’s important to us. And since we have an entrepreneurial spirit, launching our own line was only a natural progression.

 

“We didn’t just wake up and decide to do it though,” he adds. “We’ve spent the last year traveling to places like Milan and Paris, visiting factories and educating ourselves.”

 

The first promotional campaign for A.K.O.O. was recently shot in Atlanta.

 

The ads feature T.I. alongside producers Jim Jonsin and Drumma Boi, singer/songwriters Sean Garrett and Tha Dream, and Grand Hustle’s latest client, Big Boi.

 

The ads will start to appear in print magazines in October.

 

Geter hopes to expand the next round of advertising for A.K.O.O. to include celebrities outside of the world of music.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Rocsi & Floyd Mayweather? Shaq Breakdances!?

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!

Check the earlier rumors from today too. There’s some good stuff in there!

ROCSI AND FLOYD?

Now, this isn’t from my sources, but YFB are my peoples! Well…I’m exaggerating, but I like them and trust them. So, when that said, they are reporting that Floyd Mayweather and Rocsi (don’t know her last name) were seen real touchy feely recently.

Here is some of what they said:

This weekend at Vegas’ TAO nightclub, YBF snitches caught Rocsi in the VIP section of the club sitting all over Floyd’s lap. All the other groupies took their place standing around the roped off section, but Rocsi apparently thought she was special and was all over this man kissing and hugging, clearly not caring who saw. And before the end of the night, she was seen leaving the club with him and they weren’t just going to the bar. I wonder what Chilli has to say about all this. Floyd isn’t known to be the most faithful cat, and we all know Rocsi is down to get her jump-off status on with just about anyone. So this all shouldn’t be that hard to believe. Sad. I even know some self proclaimed hoes who wouldn’t this publicly get with 2 taken men so soon after another. Wrecksi is clearly on some other ish….

SHAQ AND SON BREAK DANCING

As the children of the 80’s grow up, they are passing on their Hip-Hop wisdom to their kids. Shaq is not exception! Check him, break, pop and lock with his son.

ILL VIDS – THE BREEDING GROUND EDITION

 

OK. So the Breeding Ground goes down at SOB’s tonight. You know what it is. I am doing a dedication to the event with these ill vids.

Starting off with the vets.

EPMD “The Head Banger”

State Property! “Criminal Background/Temporary Relief”

Ya Boy “100 Bars of Death”

Skyzoo “The Necessary Evils” Directed by Tee Smif

Nina B “I Get Money” Remix

For the rest of the B.G. artists like Stimuli and others, you have to come out to SOBs! From what I hear, this is going to be an epic evening of events. Oh…Lady Drama will be there too! DJ Envy is hosting and DJ Syn City is ont he wheels of steel! J But, other special guests have confirmed attendance. And, there’s always Nicki Minaj, my favorite!

TONIGHT, WE LOVE YOU, BECAUSE THE BREEDING GROUND WILL BE NUTS!

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 ah*******@***il.com.

– allhiphop rumors

Sadat X Reflects on New Release; Confirms New Brand Nubian Album

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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With close to 20 years on the rap music scene, Sadat X has made his presence known in solo and group endeavors.

 

As a result, the New York rhyme veteran, who is best known as a member of revered rap trio Brand Nubian, is gearing up for the release his forthcoming solo album, Generation X.

 

“I base my stuff on real life stories. A lot of dudes can paint pictures of different things. I paint pictures of a reality, life that I see,” Sadat X told AllHipHop.com. “Everyday is not good for me. Some days are bad. I put all that in my music. And then when you see me, I do it live. When I go do shows, the recent shows, I’ve been going to Europe. I’ve been going by myself and I do like 15 joints, 16 songs by myself. I don’t got no back up. I’m not using no words over the tracks. I do the lyrics straight live. I go to the gym everyday so, you know, I’m physically fit for it. I’m gonna give the people what they want.”

 

Generation X is the follow up to Sadat X’s 2006 offering Black October.

 

Among the guests featured on the project are Twanie Ranks and Thirstin Howl III, while the bulk of the album’s production is handled by Will Tell.

 

Although some rappers utilize various producers for an album, Sadat X was adamant about going with one producer for a good portion of his project, to maintain continuity.

 

“Basically I’ve been in this game a long time so I’m not gonna be chasing grown men down,” he said. “Sometimes producers feel like once they do a couple of joints, you got to start chasing them down and this and that. I never was that way and I’m never gonna be that way. He [Will Tell] kept coming with it continuously. He kept hittin me with beats. Every time I finish one, he would have another one for me and then another one.”

 

Although he has Will Tell on board for Generation X, Sadat X was quick to point out that he hasn’t forgotten about longtime associates Diamond D, Buckwild and Ayatollah, who will be lending their talents to future releases.

 

“This is only one of four albums. I go to the studio every day. So I got like four or five albums already in the can. This is just one album that’s coming out on Affluent Records,” stated Sadat X, who revealed that the follow up to Generation X would be out in February.

 

While solo success has been achieved, Sadat X remains true to his beginnings as a member of Brand Nubian.

 

The group, which is noted for its socially conscious and politically charged music, emerged as a fixture in rap music history with its classic debut album One For All in 1990.

 

The album spawned hit singles such as “Slow Down,” All for One,” Wake Up,” and “Concerto in X Minor.”

 

When asked whether Brand Nubian would reunite for another album, Sadat X confirmed that he is working with fellow members Grand Puba and Lord Jamar on a new project.

 

“That’s in the works right now. We’re just trying to get it all together, work out all the logistics of it. But that’s definitely coming. No doubt, you can expect that,” said the rapper, who revealed the album would come out in the summer of 2009.

 

Sadat X’s Generation X is slated to be released digitally on Sept. 30.

 

The album is scheduled to hit stores in the coming weeks on Nov. 4.

Hip-Hop Caucus Set To Register 50K Voters In One Day

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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With the most important presidential election in decades looming, the bi-partisan Hip-Hop Caucus is teaming with Radio One for the “Respect My Vote” Campaign, aimed at registering over 50,000 voters on September 30.

 

The ambitious one day voter registration drive will be held in 15 big market cities throughout the country, including Atlanta, Indianapolis, Baltimore, Detroit, St. Louis, Charlotte, Philadelphia, and Washington DC.

 

Radio One will utilize 52 stations across the nation to broadcast live from a central location in each city, allowing registrars to set up eligible voters.

 

Radio One Corporate Director of Marketing Barry Macon explained his company is obligated to spearhead this movement due to their years of community activism.

 

“Radio One has been committed for more than 25 years to the community and nothing is more important than being able to exercise your right to vote,” Macon said. “Voting is the most fundamental of all of our rights as American citizens.”

 

Partnered in the event is Hip-Hop Caucus CEO Reverend Lennox Yearwood, co-creator of the memorable 2004 “Vote or Die Campaign” with Sean “Diddy” Combs.

 

While this year’s initiative would like to draw voters from all backgrounds, Yearwood disclosed that their focus is on non-college educated African-Americans ages 18-29, who historically have not played a significant part in past elections.

 

“We are committed to building awareness to the ‘Respect My Vote’ Campaign,” Yearwood stated. “Our partnership with Radio One will help push the importance of registering to vote in this year’s presidential election to the more than 8 million unregistered African-American eligible to vote nationwide.”

 

The voter registration drives will commence on September 30 in selected cities from 6 AM to 9 PM.

 

For more information visit www.radio-one.com or www.hiphopcaucus.com.

Hot Stylz: Jokes On You

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Features
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Hot Stylz got jokes. During this interview the one liners came non-stop. It shouldn’t  be a surprise, since it fits into the scheme of their hit “Looking Boy,” essentially a snap fest (as in joning & the dozens, not that dance rap stuff) in song form that features Yung Joc. Signed to Jive via Joc’s Swagg Team imprint, the trio of Raydio G, Meatball and Krazee are taking the criticism (“We’re just trying to continue to kill Hip-Hop,” says Raydio G, tongue firmly in cheek) they’ve received in stride. Their goal is to prove their “these cats will only have one hit, ever” naysayers wrong.Citing acts like The Pharcyde, Eminem and A Tribe Called Quest as influences, part of their plot is to bring back more humor to the rap game. But the south side of Chicago products do get serious when necessary (i.e. Soulja Boy vs everyone, what Hip-Hop lacks, Raydio G’s pimping).With their album, Yo Mama Got a Mustache, due later this year, Hot Stylz is looking to get the last laugh. AllHipHop.com: How long have y’all known each other?Meatball: We’ve known each other since grade school coming up in class throwing rocks at the teachers and stuff, cutting class, stuff like that. I’ll say about 10 years since about 1997.Hot Stylz “Looking Boy” VideoAllHipHop.com: So tell us about your grind. What have you been doing from 1997 until now?Krazee: Our grind, first of all we don’t grind on anything. But no… Raydio G: For real man what we have been doing is YouYube a lot. We have been trying to utilize the online thing AllHipHop.com, we’ve been all over your blogs and message boards, so here we are.Krazee: In the flesh.  AllHipHop.com: How did you all first connect with Yung Joc?Krazee: We had a Delta connecting flight to Atlanta, that’s how we connected to him. Basically Joc hit us up via MySpace, him and his assistant, we talked about some stuff and went down to the A, talked about some stuff, did a few things, made a record, became a hit and that’s how it happened. AllHipHop.com: How did you know that it was really him?Krazee: Actually we didn’t, it was a dude that called and said, “Yo, this is Joc.” We’re like, “This aint no Joc get off my line” click. Then they called back like “For real 100 with you this is Joc.” And we’re like, Okay.AllHipHop.com: I guess the actual tickets to Atlanta verified it?Meatball: Yeah, pretty much, that sealed the deal right there.AllHipHop.com: Were you all actively looking for a deal at that time? Meatball: To be honest, we weren’t, we was just having fun with music. That’s what we’ve been doing, putting out mixtapes locally in the Chi, just having fun entertaining people. Everybody enjoyed it. We weren’t trying to get a deal but it happened, we’re happy and the rest is history. AllHipHop.com: What about the Chi-Town upbringing? How does that come out in your music? Raydio G: You got a big Chi-Town upbringing, you’ve got Do or Die, Crucial Conflict, the big homie Kanye West also contributed to the Chi-Town sound. The city’s got nothing but flavor, so all that flavor just mixed up together and you got Hot Stylz. AllHipHop.com: What are you planning to bring to Chi-Town where Hip-Hop music is concerned? Krazee: We plan on being in the bedroom with your girlfriend, most weekends. No, but as far as music goes we…the type of music we are bringing is new fresh music, ignorant music, something new for the people everything might not be as comical as “Looking Boy” but it’s all original. It’s not going to be like I’ve heard that before or somebody’s got a song just like that, that beat sounds familiar, it’s not like that. Everything is 100 percent original. AllHipHop.com: what about the album?Krazee: Oh we are almost done with the album, The title of the album is Yo Mama Got a Mustache.AllHipHop.com: That said what can we expect from the album?Meatball: You can expect an all around album, it’s going to be fun, very entertaining like my man said it’s not going to be more of the hee hee haw haw the whole album. We got a couple of funny cuts so it’s all around sides to Hot Stylz too. We are all three individuals everybody has three different styles we come together and make one style and it’s hot, that’s how we became the name Hot Stylz. We want to show everybody that we’re versatile we can go R&B, comedy, pop whatever it may be. So every body just expect the unexpected from Hot Stylz, ignorant music is here to stay. Krazee: And the features are crazy, we got like ugly features, like this one track it’s like featuring Radio, Meatball and me. Then we got this other track featuring us and then we got a couple more tracks featuring the three of us.

“We are not doing typical features but right now we’re just trying to continue to kill Hip-Hop and whatever else they say we’re doing.” –Raydio G

AllHipHop.com: That said, are there any other uninvited guests?Raydio G: Uninvited guests…you know what, we kind of want people to tune into the album. Because a lot of the features are like shockers. We are not doing typical features but right now we’re just trying to continue to kill Hip-Hop and whatever else they say we’re doing.  AllHipHop.com: Do you’ll seriously think you’re killing Hip-Hop?Meatball: No we don’t say that, that’s [what] the critics say.AllHipHop.com: What do you say to that?Meatball: We say if they think we’re killing Hip-Hop, we’re going to kill it. We’re going to murder it, we’re the weapon that will Ahhh to Hip-Hop. But at the same time people say we’re killing Hip-Hop, there are people who really don’t think we’re killing Hip-Hop, but at the same time Hip-Hop is supposed to be fun. We are expressing ourselves through music. That’s Hip-Hop your way of life, your creativity, and you expressing through music. If they say we’re killing Hip-Hop by just being ourselves then, yo I guess we’re killing it . Just because we might not be rapping about gangster stuff, shoot ‘em up bang bang, doesn’t mean were not Hip-Hop.

“I don’t think “Looking Boy” [is] Hip-Hop, for us to say “Looking Boy” is Hip-Hop is kind of disrespectful to Hip-Hop. But at the same time you can’t deny that it’s rap music, so get off that.” –Raydio G

AllHipHop.com: As in the different category between Hip-Hop and Rap…Krazee: Hip-Hop is something that used to be fun back in the day. If you actually track everything back, rap was always more Gangsta rap, as in hardcore coming straight at you, “straight out of Locash.”AllHipHop.com: Looking back who are some of the artists in Hip-Hop history that who guys feel had a fun aspect?Raydio G: We’re fans of the Pharcyde, in addition to them Tribe did a lot of fun stuff too.  Talking about Hip-Hop personally, I don’t think “Lookin’ Boy” [is] Hip-Hop, for us to say “Lookin Boy” is Hip-Hop is kind of disrespectful to Hip-Hop. But at the same time you can’t deny that it’s rap music, so get off that. Meatball: We also have Eminem on that too, that’s my guy, that’s my dog. Raydio G: Just kind of going off that, ”Lookin Boy” is not Hip-Hop but we do Hip-Hop music as  well. So for all you’ll who are out there blogging talking about “you killing Hip-Hop” and all this other stuff… Krazee: Stop wearing Iverson jerseys. Raydio: No, we’re just playing, we love you Ice T, church all day. But in the mean time if you’ll see these young brothers like ourselves making money, getting money, congratulate us because actually we are saving what you started. There are a lot of snakes here, that are trying to ruin what you started. They’re trying to infiltrate our music, and trying to destroy it. They’re trying to destroy it, trying to blend other genres into it and destroy it. So before you talk about Hot Stylz, before you talk about Soulja Boy, V.I.C, Lil’ Will or whoever else, you’ll need to think about it. See who is really saving Hip-Hop, homie. AllHipHop.com: Lately there it’s been a lot of young artists versus older artists. What can be done to squash it?Krazee: You can attempt to do everything but as far as music is concerned just to keep up publicity, people are going to always try to create some kind of controversy. So as far as old stuff versus new stuff, it should just stay in its own separate lane. The old is what it is, that’s why they call them classics. The new is fresh. When we get to be like ’85 and ’91, we’re here, our music is going to be our classic. So it is what it is.Raydio G: I don’t think it should be “beef,” we should work together. It’s just like before I was rapping believe it or not I as “pimping” that’s what they call it, and the one thing I learned about that was the game is about elevation. Just like anything evolution is going to bring about so strong of a change, people won’t understand it off top. Everything must evolve, the pimping game evolved from a trap to the Internet and all that other stuff, the same thing with rap music, from the street to the Internet. You see Hot Stylz on AllHipHop.com. Krazee: Dot Com. Raydio G: Man we’re out here in the streets we’re not MC Hammer, we’re not parachute pants in a ‘89 whip selling CD’s. We took it to YouTube, H.S., we’re in the building. We’re all on your computer right now, look at you’ll. You probably got megabytes. How many GB’s you got? What type of hard drive you got? Meatball: We’ll send you a virus. Raydio G: You saying that Hot Stylz ain’t Hip-Hop, why are you’ll wasting you’re time doing it. Make some good music or something. I mean we love KRS-One, we love Ice T, see we listen to that. But at the same time when y’all see Soulja Boy, you’ll see that boy gets money. I’ll tell you what it is, I’m going to stop covering it up, can I do it real quick for a minute?Meatball: Preach.Raydio G: Okay, I’ll tell you why y’all talking about Soulja Boy, y’all are scared, y’all made that boy is making that money. Now if Soulja Boy came out with that “Crank Dat” and it didn’t do anything, you’ll would have never said anything. Y’all seen that boy sell all those ring tones, y’all seen him sit up there and have all those little girls go crazy and y’all trying to come out with these songs like “Uhh yo” and people are not feeling you, you can’t make a dollar any more. That is why you’re hating on Soulja Boy, step your game up. Church.

Karina Pasian: War Stories

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Alternatives
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At 17, Karina Pasian is a trained pianist with a soulful voice to match. Crediting jazz as her favorite genre of music, she frequently listens to Billie Holiday, Natalie Cole, and Sarah Vaughn. She is not your average teenager. After all, how many kids do you know have been invited to the White House to perform before even releasing a single on a major record label? At only 13, Karina was the subject of a bidding war between Interscope, Def Jam, and Bad Boy Records before deciding on Def Jam in 2006.With a long list of accomplishments under her belt, including being dubbed Quincy Jones’ godchild of music, Pasian isn’t jaded in the least. Soft spoken and seemingly well mannered, she apologized for being a couple minutes late for the scheduled interview and giggles nervously when congratulated on the release of her debut album First Love. Karina Pasian speaks modestly about her success, comparisons to Alicia Keys and opens up about her true first love: music. AllHipHop.com Alternatives: You’ve been singing and performing since you were an infant. You have a hot single on the Billboard Charts and your album dropped last month. How are you feeling?Karina Pasian: I just feel really excited that everything I’ve been working for my entire life is finally coming out. I’ve been recording for three years and recorded over 70 songs, so finally having my album out and being able to perform feels really, really good. Even though I’m only 17, it feels amazing.AHHA: So the title of the album is First Love, which is also the title of a song on the album. I’m assuming that your first love is music or are we talking about a special someone?Karina Pasian: Well the song “First Love” starts off sounding like I’m talking about a boy, but in the middle of the song you realize that I’m talking about music. So, yeah my First Love is music. It’s my favorite song on the album.AHHA: How did you get involved in music? Karina Pasian: Well I was seven years old and I really liked the movie Titanic and the theme song would come on. One day I sat down by myself at the piano and just played it and sang at the same time. My dad noticed and was like, “Wow we should really get serious about this.” So he got karaoke machines and I began to do a lot of performances. I met my lawyer when I was like nine. After that, I met Quincy Jones and he named me his godchild of music. After that we were just really interested in getting a deal.AHHA: And that wasn’t too hard right? I heard there was a bidding war for you between Def Jam, Interscope and Bad Boy.Karina Pasian: Yeah when I was thirteen there was a bidding war for me between the three labels. I chose Def Jam because of the way they treated me. Well, all the labels were cool, but Def Jam was in New York and I would be close to my family.AHHA: That’s a lot going on for a thirteen year old. How did you handle that?Karina Pasian: I just remember having to go and play for all these different people at different labels. It was right before my thirteenth birthday, so I was young. I just let my dad handle all of that. I was like, “I just wanna play the piano and sing and do what I do.” That’s it.AHHA: Who has influenced you musically?Karina Pasian: First of all my parents have been a great influence in my musical life, because they guided me in the right direction. They played for me a variety of music at a very early age. My mother can also sing, and my father has been smart enough to handle my career. But also, Stevie Wonder, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Natalie Cole, Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, and Quincy Jones are some of the artists that have influenced me musically.AHHA: You’ve been compared to Alicia Keys. Have you ever met her?Karina Pasian: Yes when I was like eleven, my family and I went to her concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Somehow through my lawyer we were able to go backstage and I got the chance to sing to her. She was really nice.AHHA: Do you ever feel that you are being marketed to fit that comparison?Karina Pasian: Because we both sing and play the piano, it’s natural to get those comparisons. I remember seeing [Alicia Keys] for the first time and thinking, “Wow, she’s like me! She plays the piano and sings and even looks like me.” So to be compared to her is so amazing because she’s seen so much success. But the label allows me to be me and understands that we are different. I think everyone sees that I’m my own artist.AHHA: So you were invited to perform for President Bush during Black Music Month. How did that come about?Karina Pasian: Well, I did that last year in June. I was only seventeen and didn’t have a single or anything out so that was a major accomplishment to me. So for me to be invited was like wow! But a family friend recommended me to someone during Black Music Month and then I was invited. AHHA: And you are the first person of Dominican descent to ever perform.Karina Pasian: Yeah and that’s really an honor. AHHA: Do you think your Latino culture has influenced you music?Karina Pasian: Of course. I’m Dominican. Both of my parents are from D.R. and I grew up in a Dominican neighborhood in New York. So that definitely influences me as a person and musically.AHHA: Besides speaking and singing in Spanish and English, you also sing in many other languages. Karina Pasian: Well my first language is Russian. I have an open ear for other languages and am just able to adapt to them.AHHA: What are some of the other languages?Karina Pasian: Armenian, Italian, French, and Arabic.AHHA: That’s impressive.Karina Pasian: Thank you.AHHA: So now back to the album. The first single, “16 @ War” is a song about young independence. What was the inspiration for the song?Karina Pasian: Well the song has a message and a story behind it. I wanted to acknowledge a lot of the things I’ve seen and what young people go through in urban areas. It’s basically me speaking out for all of my young people. Instead of coming out with a fun song to dance to first, I wanted to come out with this song because it has such a positive impact and shows who I am. AHHA: Did you write this song or any songs on the album?Karina Pasian: No, I didn’t. I didn’t completely write any songs on the album, but I had a lot of input and creative control. So I am singing about my views and opinions.AHHA: That’s really good that you have some creative control. A lot of artists who have been out for a while complain of not being able to have a lot of creative control over their projects. Do you find it hard to be taken as serious because of your age in such a demanding industry?Karina Pasian: Well I have my father who handles all of my business, and he’s really good at it. But people do seem to be a little more protective of me because I am so young. So yeah I think I’m treated a little different because of my age, but that’s just what comes with it.AHHA: Do you feel that your album is more for teenagers or something everyone can relate to?Karina Pasian: It’s definitely an album where everyone can relate. I really just wanted to make a classic album, where five years from now people will remember my songs and my music.AHHA: Are you still in school?Karina Pasian: Yeah, I am in a Performing Arts High School, so it works with my schedule. They are really lenient, like when I travel I have a tutor. So it works. AHHA: Do you still have time to do things that the average 17 year-old does?Karina Pasian: Well yeah, I make time. I sometimes have friends over and we hang out. Also, my dancers who travel with me are really cool, so we have a lot of fun when I’m on the road. Plus my family travels with me, so it’s cool. I don’t feel like I’m being deprived of my childhood or anything.AHHA: But I’m sure there are many sacrifices that you’ve had to make to get to where you are, including not spending as much time hanging out.Karina Pasian: Well yeah, I’ve had to miss school a lot, travel a lot. There have been times when I wanted to go out and hang out but I would have to be home practicing. But I can’t imagine doing anything else. I feel like this is what I’m meant to do.AHHA: What would you like to see happening in your career five years from now?Karina Pasian: Wow! In five years I’ll be like 21 or 22. I don’t wanna get old. [laughs] But I would like to just be doing well in my music. I want to be doing a lot of touring overseas and going to award shows. I’m a performer, so I would like to do some acting and singing as well. AHHA: With all of your success, what keeps you grounded and focused?Karina Pasian: Just praying and having faith in God. Plus my family really keeps me going. They are just really supportiveAHHA: Is there anything you would like to say to your fans?Karina Pasian:  I would just say to always stay positive and keep reaching for your dreams. And if you have a goal make sure you have supportive people around you.16 @ War – Karina Pasian

Kanye West Films Pilot For Comedy Central

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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Superstar rapper/producer Kanye West and fellow rapper Rhymefest have teamed with J####### Productions and Comedy Central, to create a half-hour television show titled Alligator Boots.

 

According to The Hollywood Reporter, West stars in the pilot for the “Muppet” like puppet based show, but future episodes will be hosted by a different celebrity.

 

West will also produce and perform the music in Alligator Boots, which could be on the air as early as 2009.

 

J####### Productions, which is owned by Jimmy Kimmel, Adam Carolla and Daniel Kellison, has a number of hit television shows on the air.

 

In addition to producing Comedy Central’s#### series Crank Yankers, which featured puppets voiced by celebrities making prank phone calls, J####### Productions also produces Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Man Show and The Andy Milonakis Show.

Hip-Hop Rumors: The Game & Budden’s Song, G-Unit P###? Kanye’s Messy School Daze!

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 GAME AND JOE BUDDEN – ON A SONG?

So, I got the word to hold up on the rumors for a rumor. So, this rumor comes from some body that was talking on Green Lantern’s Sirius radio show with Joe Budden and Charles Hamilton. Anyway, from what I understand, a caller called in and asked Budden about a rumor that I never heard. They asked if the rumor was true that he was going to be doing his first single from The Padded Room with The Game. Now, I wasn’t there, but the response was something like, “I can neither confirm nor deny that.” Those weren’t his words, but he definitely didn’t scream, “HELL NO!” Who knows. Time will tell, eh? I heard Joe made it very clear that there was no beef with Royce Da 5’9” and Green Lantern even tried to get the guys on the phone, but Royce wasn’t available. Shout out to Green for peace. I heard Budden and Charles Hamilton were kickin’ some ill lyrics so look for that audio online.

CIARA’S NEW MOVIE

Ciara might be struggling a bit on the music side…never fear. The thing with entertainment is that there are so many different ways to take your career. I heard that Ciara is now looking for a temporary residence in Austin, TX. Why? Rumor has it, CiCi’s personal assistants are working on the singer’s behalf to get her a loft in the Austin-Round Rock Area. She is working on a new movie and wants to be closer to the set as it films in Austin. Don’t quote me, but I heard Omar Epps & Taraji P. Henson are in the movie too! Big things for the hot girl!

KANYE WEST – A SCHOOL DAZE SEQUEL?

That Tyler Perry went and took all the money! I am hearing, as you might have, Spike Lee had ambitions of turning Kanye West into a Hollywood superstar. See, Kanye has done the whole college thing so far that Spike wanted to include ‘Ye into a remake of “School Daze,” the classic movie. Problem – nobody is willing to fund the movie. If I had the money, I would do it in a heartbeat. Where is Oprah? Somebody call Bob Johnson! The film was to take place at the very same college with a bunch of different issues. Anyway, Alicia Keys was all set to co-star, but no dice.

THE NEW FLAVOR OF NEW YORK CHANCE REALITY SHOW!

You know, I am about to scream conspiracy with these reality shows and how they portray us! We all know that Chance and Real from “I Love Money” are getting a new reality show called “Real Chance At Love,” right? Wrong. I didn’t know that until Kid Kameleon told me. Anyway, the show will be premiering on VH1 in November or something. Skip that. The Stallionaires’ myspace page has some nice pics up that I hope are indicative of the show. These are two of the most popular reality stars out there!

Willie Dee said it, “Late at night…something ain’t right…” Only thing is, I don’t think our mind is playing tricks on us.GET IT POPPIN AT THE BREEDING GROUND – TONIGHT, HIP-HOPPERS!

 

(Click the pic for more info!)IN ANOTHER FIGHT?

Now, I preface this with – I cannot say his name either or I am going to get myself in some serious trouble. I will just tell you he’s been in recent trouble and may be seeing some more. Last week, this rapper was scheduled to appear at down, down south at a certain club. Now, here is the rumor. I heard that the rapper might have slapped or decked somebody over something related to a girl. I also heard that it might have actually been a girl that was slapped! Anyway, I heard some other well known rappers were in the place to be but haven’t talked about the situation. I heard a couple people went to jail. Maybe I will get to tell you this at a later date.

G-UNIT P#### IN THE MAKING?

I heard that G-Unit might be trying some new and interesting things in the field of entertainment. Recently, a female associate through a friend of mine was invited to a Tony Yayo video shoot. Now, mind you, she thought she was just going to do a lil’ video and be out, but it became much more. She went there and found out that weren’t shoot a music video – it was a p#### shoot! Now, from what I understand Tony isn’t actually shooting or doing in anytyng in the video, but he was playing the host – they say. Oddly, I heard Max B was there. Even though Banks has done some flick-related stuff and 50 Cent has had some rare videos, they were nowhere to be found during this one! Shout out to the ladies!

THE NOTORIOUS MOVIE PREVIEW

Looks good, b.

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

Lloyd Banks’ new mixtape is called “Return Of The PLK” – out this Friday

Boss Up, since you want to comment about somebody looking like Larry Holmes, I will no longer give you advice on how to talk to girls. (Larry Holmes is in the boxing Hall of Fame, I might add.)

I was under the impression that Naomi Campbell was played out, but she recently signed on as the face of Dolce & Gabbana for like $1.85 million.

Janet Jackson going to Live Nation?

Rapper Snoop Dogg must love getting banned, because he basically dared Holland to boot him when he got his smoke on even though its banned.

Mariah Carey will hone her acting chops in a new X-Mas movie this Christmas.

For some reason Alicia Keys really wanted Amy Winehouse on the new James Bond theme – ummm… NO.

Travis Barker’s assistant was tragically killed in that awful plane crash. Well, his wife gave birth on Saturday. Remember, she was pregnant. DAMN, what’s God saying?

Reggie Bush is reportedly closing in on marriage to Kim Kardashian!

THE BREEDING GROUND – TONIGHT AT SOB’S!

You know what it is! BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE! The Breeding Ground returns to SOBs in NYC – TONIGHT! REAL HIP-HOP – from coast to coast, south to north! Beanie Sigel and State Property will rock! EPMD will bang heads! Hosted by Hot 97’s Envy! OH YEA…please don’t sleep on the star power that these guys generate – anything can happen and you never know what special guests will pop up!

The Breeding Ground line up is as follows:

Stimuli

Nicki Minaj

Nina B

Skyzoo

Tabi Bonney

Sic Osyrus

Dirty Den

Boaz

I have to admit, I am looking forward to the ladies performing. Shout out to RawLT, from Texas. That damn Hurricane prevented her from getting to the Breeding Ground.

WHERE

SOB’s

Corner Of Houston & Varick Streets

Ticket Prices: $15 @ door.

WHEN

TONIGHT! Tuesday, Sept. 23rd, Doors Open 6PM; Show Begins @ 7PM

Tickets available at Ticketmaster & SOB’s Box Office.

SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END

Sometimes give money to the beggars at the bus stop and sometimes I don’t. It depends on a number of factors like: 1) do I believe you really need this? 2) do I have it to give? 3) do I care today? Anyway….according to reports a Sacramento man was shot down after he refused to give a woman some money. That’s right. A man was SHOT for not giving a 47-year-old bum some cash that she begged for. One thing that they say did happen is the man that got shot might have said something like “get a job.” For that, he caught a hot on in the stomach and was rushed to the hospital for surgery. The lady shooter bum tried to blow dude’s head off but the gun jammed. He is lucky! She wasn’t so lucky. She tried to escape and was caught with the gun on her.

LADY DRAMA IS COMING TO THE BREEDING GROUND! (She’s cute yall!)

Janet Buys a Clue!

Looks like Janet’s newest album wasn’t enough to keep her with Def Jam and has been released from the label. Upon Janets request Def Jam has ‘dissolved’ of her contract as they put it and has given Janet full freedom over her career! Peep their blunt statement below:

“At her request, the record label has agreed to dissolve their working relationship with the popular artist. Janet will have autonomy over her career, without the restrictions of a label system.”

Producers such as Rodney Jerkins say this is a good look for Janet’s career and I hear she’s thinking of linking up with her dynamic duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis! Janet’s on tour right about now and as long as she continues to put random men in chains with leather Pe*is protectors I’m sure she will sell out the house every time!

Tiny Says I’m Too Classy! Fall Back

Tiny was recently accused of going hard at some TI myspace groupies stating “you can s–k his d–k but I have his heart” Apparently Tiny never said such a thing and wants to clear the air so….

‘I just want to clear this up. That was not me. That didn’t come from me. I would never say anything like that to anybody. That sh*t is crazy. I don’t have to prove anything to anyone and I’m not going to disrespect my family to do that.’

Not for nothing but didn’t she realize she was interesting for a split second with this under her belt and she actually made someone’s ‘it’ page without TI being the center of controversy! I tell you some people don’t recognize a good thing when it’s looking them dead in the face!

Another Day Another Tell All… Lil Wayne’s Baby Mama Edition

Well,well,well what do we have here! Seems like Weezy’s baby’s mama Antonia Carter has finally realized that all her ‘encounters’ with Lil Wayne could bring her some good fortune, and has decided to write a tell all book. According to her myspace page she will be writing the book and addressing all questions comments and concerns about the matter as well! All one has to do is email her at ac*************@***il.com. Don’t know how good of a read this will be but I hope a hell of a good one because low book sells and an angry father don’t equal extra shopping money to me! Good luck ma ma!

Speaking of Tell Alls… I took a long weekend to be a book worm and I haven’t been able to take my eyes out of Faith’s tell all or Kim Osorio’s both ladies have great stories to tell that not only the average woman can relate to, but also uplifting moments that can inspire you as well! Just wanted to put in that side note!

Lady Drama’s Food For Thought…

Is anyone else tired of these dry rumor spells, it ain’t our fault we can’t produce new dumb sh*t that people do! Where do you guys think we pull this stuff from out our a###? [illseed note: I don’t think they get it, Drama! We don’t make stuff up like other sites/blogs. I get the entertainment part of just gossiping to be gossiping, but that’s not what we do.]

Speaking of a####, shouldn’t we all feel like one because I hear Mariah and Nick Carey are expecting their first child! Should we take them seriously now?

Diddy was spotted sipping water out a straw on the Emmy red carpet… Now if that ain’t a swagger of your own I don’t know what is!

In closing I may stop through the breeding ground tonight, but that all depends on the way AHH treats me, you guys aren’t the only ones who show me no love 😉 LOL just kidding I love AHH!

Love me or leave me alone but, if you have nothing nice to say about someone then come sit by ME!

MICHELLE OBAMA SPEAKS!

We are about to get it on with this debate! Lets go! I’m having a “debate watch party!”

I need a good woman like this! www.My.barackobama.com/debate

CHECK THIS OUT!

While at the Democratic National Convention, AllHipHop managed to witness some stuff. Here the DNC storm troopers rolled up on some dudes as they were sitting on a cooler. See how it all went down and how the DNC storm troops rolled on these dudes…

And here is the interview AllHipHop conducted with the boys after facing the Storm Troopers.

SUPER POSITIVE NEWS!

This is a long read, but I want to counter all the bad stuff in the last few days.

NASHVILLE (AP) — Forty-seven years ago, 14 black students from Tennessee State University were beaten and arrested during the Freedom Rides that helped integrate the South.

For their courage, they were expelled from school, and informed of that decision by letter while still jailed in Mississippi.

On Thursday, the historically black university made amends by presenting the former students with honorary degrees, three of them posthumously.

“It’s been such an honor. Higher than any expectation I had,” said Sandra Mitchell, 60, who accepted the Doctor of Human Letters degree on behalf of her late husband, William B. Mitchell Jr.

She recalled breaking down in tears when a university representative called to tell her about the award.

The Freedom Rides were bus trips designed to challenge segregation in areas of the deep South that were unwilling to accept a Supreme Court ruling that found the segregation of interstate travel facilities — such as bus station waiting areas, restrooms and restaurants — to be illegal.

According to the university, the Freedom Riders from TSU, then Tenessee Agricultural and Industrial State University, were members of the Nashville Student Group, which had successfully integrated the city’s lunch counters and movie theaters.

“The Freedom Riders serve to remind this generation of a time when people were willing to risk their reputations, their careers and their lives (for the greater good),” TSU president Melvin Johnson told the gathering of about 5,000.

Allen Cason Jr., 66, was one of those receiving the honorary degree. He said he spent his 19th birthday in jail because of the Freedom Rides. After Thursday’s ceremony he recalled an angry reception for the riders in Montgomery.

“When the bus pulled into the terminal we heard them announce over the speaker ‘The Freedom Riders have just arrived,’ and a mob came out,” said Cason, who never graduated.

A group of his fellow students sued TSU and had their expulsions overturned. Four eventually graduated from the school, TSU said.

Keynote speaker C. T. Vivian, also a veteran of the civil rights movement, said Nashville and the nation are better off because of the sacrifices of the former TSU students.

“We made the nation understand that law must be based on morality,” he said.

The idea of granting the honorary degrees began in 2005 when a group of TSU students began researching the Freedom Riders. It gained momentum during “Freedom Ride 2007,” when buses of area college students traveled to Alabama towns involved in the civil rights movement.

But the Tennessee Board of Regents voted in March of this year against awarding the degrees. Board members who opposed the idea said honorary degrees were meant to recognize a lifetime of achievement, not a one-time action.

That vote was widely criticized and the board unanimously voted to reverse the decision the following month.

EPMD AND STATE PROP, 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 ah*******@***il.com.

– allhiphop rumors