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Hip-Hop Rumors: Erykah Badu Lets Critics HAVE IT!

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!

ERYKAH BADU GIVE EVERYBODY A PIECE OF HER MIND!

We have all read about Badu and her new baby, baby’s father and all that stuff. What I didn’t know is that there were a lot of people that were highly critical and, I guess, disrespectful off her. At first, I thought this was towards me, but I am nothing and definitely didn’t bad at Badu or her man, rapper/producer Jay Electronica. Anyway, here is what she said on OkayPlayer.com to all of her detractors (No editing, but one cuss word!):

HOW DARE YOU DISRESPECT THE QUEENDOM

…AND MY CHILDREN AND MY INTELLIGENCE.

ive never been so disgusted in all of my life .

there is no other place i used to enjoy more .

i post no where else .

you guys have taken an all time low , tho.

I’LL STATE MY PEACE

i am a great mother and care giver to my 2 children and to this world .

my children are 2 of the kindest and happiest people i have met.

I home schooled them and taught them the ways of good to the best of my ability.

i am their doctor and their nurse .

and even sometimes their mother and their father.

i am an excellent mother and resent all of the negative comments and insults on my character.

I PUT MUCH TIME AND THOUGHT INTO HAVING AND RAISING MY CHILDREN.

IVE HAD THE HONORS OF HAVING 2 HOME BIRTHS AND 2 WONDERFUL PARTNERS BY MY SIDE.

every relationship i have been in was because i loved the person DEARLY and was dedicated to us “exclusively” FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS.

the fathers of my children are my brothers and friends .

we have a great deal of respect for one another and always will.

WE LOVE OUR CHILDREN TO NO END.

we took our own “vows” and CONTINUE TO UPHOLD THEM.

AND THAT IS WHAT THAT IS .

question?

WHAT IS MARRIAGE ?

WHO IS THE JUDGE?

WE ONLY UNDERSTAND THE EXAMPLES WE ARE GIVEN ( well sort of)

WOULD IT “LOOK BETTER ” TO MARRY AND DIVIORCE AND MARRY AGAIN ?

WOULD THAT BE MORALLY CORRECT ?

WHATS THE DIFFERENCE ? the government’s involvement i guess.

IDEALLY , IT WOULD BE EXCELLENT TO FIND THE MAN OR WOMAN WHO FULFILLS YOUR SPIRIT AND STAY FOR EVER AND EVER ( thru sickness and health till death do us part ) AND HAVE HEALTHY STRONG CHILDREN AS A RESULT OF A HEALTHY AND STRONG UNION.

(this CAN happen … we need much training , however.)

OR

IS IT REALLY “GOOD” TO STAY IN A RELATIONSHIP WHERE BOTH PARTIES ARE UNFULFILLED , LONGING FOR RELIEF , BRINGING one another down as a result of improper training , creating BAD ENERGY AND EXPERIENCES FOR THE CHILD TO REPEAT ?

(not to mention breeding deceit and anger and resentment )

SEEMS TO CREATE FEARFUL CHILDREN WHO TURN INTO FEARFUL ADULTS .

HOW MANY OF YOU GREW UP IN 2 PARENT HOMES THAT WERE MISERABLE AS F**K?

OR 2 PARENT HOMES THAT WERE NOT PERFECT BUT WORKED?

HOW MANY GREW UP IN ONE PARENT HOMES WHERE THE MOTHER WORKED HARD TO MAKE SURE YOU WERE CARED FOR BUT SHE WASNT QUITE HAPPY?

HOW ABOUT A HOME WHERE THE FATHER WAS THE MAIN CARE GIVER AND DID THE BEST HE COULD -LACKING NURTURE?

HOW MANY OF YOU HAVE A SIBLING THAT HAS A DIFFERENT FATHER OR MOTHER?

DOES HE OR SHE MEAN LESS TO YOU?

HOW MANY OF YOU HAVE MORE THAN 1 MOTHER OR FATHER OF YOUR OWN CHILDren ?

HOW MANY OF YOU HAD /OR / ARE PARENTS RESPONSIBLE ENOUGH TO MAKE GOOD DECISIONS FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR CHILDREN ,THAT DONT QUITE FIT ANY OF THESE DESCRIPTIONS?

HOW MANY OF YOU STAY IN UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS FOR FEAR OF GOING TO HELL?

HOW MANY HOS OUT THERE … THAT HAVE KIDS TO GET A PAYDAY?

HOW MANY PEOPLE GETTING THEY ASS KICKED AND ARE FORCED TO SUBMIT CAUSE YO MAMA GOT HER ASS KICKED?

THEN WHAT is CORRECT?

how about this:

I PRAY WITH MY CHILDREN

I FEED THEM GOOD FOOD

THEY RESPECT PEOPLES DIFFERENCES

THEY TRAVEL THE WORLD WITH ME

THE KNOW WHO THEY ARE

THEY ADORE THEIR FATHERS AND ARE LOVED BY 2 PARENTS OR MORE –

OR TWO OR MORE SETS OF LOVING GRANDPARENTS

THEY CRY

THEY GET HURT

THEY GET SICK

THEY HEAL

THEY ARE real

THEY ARE NOT AN IDEA or a TOPIC

AND NEITHER AM I .

I AM ALIVE .

I AM BEAUTIFUL WOMAN.

I AM A GOOD WOMAM.

I AM GROWING

I AM COMPLETE WITH OR WITHOUT A PARTNER AND WILL ALWAYS BE

AND I HAVE DREAMS OF A FAMILY STRUCTURE

ALL OF MY DREAMS DO NOT COME TRUE

AND DESPITE ALL OF THE PAIN IN MY LIFE …

IN MY MOTHERS LIFE …

IN MY GRANDMOTHERS LIFE

WE HAVE ALWAYS ENDURED

AND THERE IS SO MUCH JOY TO BE EXPERIENCED.

I NEVER HAD A FATHER AND I DONT KNOW WHAT THAT FEELS LIKE –

BUT MY CHILDREN DO , AND THEY LOVE THEIR ‘PARENTS’ .

WE ARE THEIR CHAMPIONS .

live how you want . follow which ever pattern YOU like .

MY CHILDREN WILL BE LEADERS

and they will not ever be slaves to this society’s failing idea of morality.

THEY OWN THEIR MINDS AND THEIR DREAMS.

BIRTH CONTROL lol … could have 10 babies instead of 2 .

I LOVE CHILDREN AND I WILL HAVE AS MANY AS GOD WILL GIVE ME .

I AM VERY HEALTHY AND RESPONSIBLE AND SO ARE ALL OF MY PARTNERS

I CHOSE THEM WISELY AND SOBERLY .

ALL GOOD BROTHERS .

your opinions lack experience and are not only careless but also very uninformed and immature.

nothing is sacred here . and i see why.

if i loose you as a fan because i want to continue to have children then

F*CK OFF… WHO NEEDS YOU ….CERTAINLY NOT ME … KICK ROCKS … CALL TYRONE … PACK LIGHT …. BITE ME

i have defended myself here ON THIS SITE and hurled a few insults .. but only in response to your insults of

my music , my clothes , my lyrics , my hair , my being a woman , my spirit, my choices of partners….

these have all been on trial here . and i continued to support the energy of this place .

this is to all the okay players / REAL HUMAN BEINGS hiding behind screen names in order to insult one another and who ever else you will.

geeeez…

i had to say something

i am so sad for parents who try , today guys

enough is enuf.

dont judge to quickly , OKAY PLAYER?

i know you are having fun , but what if it were you and your children?

my son is 10 .

my daughter, 4 .

peace

ANALOGUE GIRL

and if this post is not clear

kiss my placenta.

BADU, WE LOVE YOU!

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

-illseed

WHO: illseed

WHAT: Rumors

WHERE: AllHipHop.com, MySpace.com/TheIllseed

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

– allhiphop rumors

Queen Pen, Kevin Powell Discuss Violence In Town Hall Meeting

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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Grammy Award winning rapper Queen Pen will speak publicly about her domestic abuse issues, as well as the plight of others during the “Stop the Violence in Black America” town hall meeting addressing issues in the African-American community.

 

The town hall meeting, which takes place this Monday (July 14) at the Brown Memorial Baptist Church in Brooklyn, will address black male on black male violence as well.

 

Queen Pen recently filed a restraining order against her former boyfriend – who remains at large – after he viciously attacked her in Brooklyn apartment in May.

 

She will be joined by writer and activist Kevin Powell, A.T. Mitchell (founder of Hip-Hop Stand Up and Vote), prison/gang consultant Lorenzo Steele and discussion moderator George Mitchell (Black and Male in America).

 

The issue of black on black violence has been a topic Powell has actively addressed since at least 2007.

“I was one of those typical American males: hyper-masculine, overly competitive, and drenched in the belief system that I could talk to women any way I felt, treat women any way I felt, with no repercussions whatsoever,” Powell wrote in an article published on The Huffington Post in October of 2007. “As I sought therapy during and especially after that period, I came to realize that I and other males in this country treated women and girls in this dehumanizing way because somewhere along our journey we were told we could.”

 

Queen Pen, who will reveal details of her battle against domestic abuse for the first time, will be on hand to encourage others to speak out against the escalating violence.

 

According to the Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community, which is funded by The University of Minnesota, every 12 seconds, a female in the United States is battered in a domestic abuse incident.

 

Even more disturbing is the fact that every 6 hours, a female dies at the hands of her abuser. “It is important for individuals to learn more about domestic violence and how broadly abuse can be defined,” said Oliver J. Williams, Ph. D of University of Minnesota, St. Paul. “For men who have a history of domestic abuse and want to change, seek out batterers’ intervention programs in your area.”

 

Doors to the event, which is free to the public, open at 6:30, while the discussion begins at 7:00 PM.

 

Sponsors include Kevin Powell, Black and Male in America (BAMIA), Hot 97.1 FM, AllHipHop.com, AKILA WORKSONGS, Inc., CONNECT, and the Black and Latino Filmmakers Coalition.

 

For more information visit www.blackandmaleinamerica.org.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Jay-Z, Rihanna, Usher In Africa! Maino vs Jim Jones? 106 & Beef?

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!

JOE BUDDEN NOT DISSING JIGGA

OK, let me clear something up. Yo, Joe Budden called AllHipHop.com and told us, “There no diss song what so ever [towards] Jay-Z or anyone else for that matter. I Love the world!” A-HA! Well, that’s cool. On the flip side, Budden is working on some new music and The Padded Room is slated to drop in September. Great!

JAY-Z, RIHANNA AND FOLKS IN NIGERIA

Speaking of Jigga – For those that don’t know, since about 2006, Nigeria has hosted a summer concert series called the “ThisDay Concert festival.” The purpose is to celebrate Nigeria’s economic and political progress. Right now, Jay-Z, Rihanna and Usher are over there in Abuja and I have some inside scoop for you. I heard Jay-Z was around a swanky hotel chilling at the hotel bar for like two hours with his sunglasses on. Jay-Z, Usher and Naomi Campbell and Rihanna are all staying in the same hotel or area. I don’t want to disclose exactly where they are staying.

First, I heard Jay was really concerned with the level of security and threatened not to perform if they didn’t step it up! Also the dome, where the festival is supposed to be, had a the power cut off for some reason and people were waiting around to see what happened! This was 9pm yesterday and people were supposed to be at the venue way earlier than that. Rihanna was supposed to perform before 10pm so it appeared that she wouldn’t make it out there. I heard she was chillin’ at the same hotel as Jay, but she was at the drinking bar.

So, as the story is told, both Jay and Rihanna got to peform. There was a fashion show part that was cut from the show. Guess who was supposed to be in that? Naomi Campbell! I wonder if Naomi was p#####? You may remember just last week there were rumors that Jay refused to let her sit with him in London. Hmmmm… Nevertheless, I heard she did was on the stage during Jay’s whole performance. He and Rihanna did “Umbrella,” from what I was told. Also, Jay did his entire set with Memphis Bleek, but his band had to leave due to the time constraints.

On the flip side, in Nigeria, I heard Naomi Campbell and Tyson Beckford were looking really cozy. They were wearing all white and matching like the old school dress alike. Anyway, Naomi, Tyson and Rihanna all had a drink together later.

USHER…ROCKS NIGERIA!

Well, I heard that in Nigeria, they absolutely LOVE Usher. I’m not sure what it is about him that they love, but I heard the crowd was bonkers. Truthfully, I heard the media was less enthused after talking with him. Why? Well, I guess a couple people asked him about his personal life and he answered, “I don’t answer ‘blog’ questions.” Now, I found that so funny…what is a blog questions? LMAO!

Nevertheless, the love in Nigeria had Usher headlining over Jay-Z. I heard the screams for Usher were deafening and people just could HEAR anything else…just fans!

106 & BEEF?

I didn’t personally see this, but my girl Miss LaLa did (Not the female that’s down with Carmelo). She told me the following and you can tell me if you saw it the same way. (I didn’t edit the letter.)

Hey Illseed,

Okay I was just watching 106 and Park, and for most of the show today Terrence was clowning Rocsi. He was checking her about how she was stuttering over her words and asked if she knew how to read told her that her breath stunk and she needed a mint, and asked her why she didn’t look as good as Ciara. He continued to roast her, until she finally left off the stage during the 2nd video on the countdown and refused to close out the show. As they were cutting to the number 1 video, he was seen talking to someone off camera and asking why she was acting so overly sensitive. Is there a beef going on behind the scene?

The answer LaLa is: I don’t know! I’m real touchy about these rumors. I heard a rumor that Rocsi hates me and I don’t even dislike her. Oh well!

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

I heard there is a beef brewing between Maino and Jim Jones!

I got a fake report that Lil’ Wayne got into a fight in New Orleans. Not true.

New York from Flavor of Love has been dissed by Tailor Made. Dude couldn’t take the drama of being with this chick, he said. Um, I smell another reality show and it stinks.

Rumor has it, Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas is possibly pregnant. Isn’t almost every child-bearing woman “possibly pregnant?”

RANDOM QUOTES

If you didn’t see this on illseed.com, here are the quotes of Nas dissing Jesse Jackson:

“I think Jesse Jackson, he’s the biggest player hater. His time is up. All you old n****s, time is up. We heard your voice, we saw your marching, we heard your sermons. We don’t wanna hear that s**t no more. It’s a new day. It’s a new voice. I’m here now. We don’t need Jesse; I’m here. I got this. We got Barack, we got David Banners and Young Jeezys We’re the voice now. It’s no more Jesse. Sorry. Goodbye. You ain’t helping nobody in the ‘hood. That’s the bottom line. Goodbye, Jesse. Bye!”

IF you didn’t get it before, Young Buck didn’t kill himself and his personal manager (G.I.) is heated:

“DONT BELIEVE THE HYPE! “LOOK AT ALL THESE RUMORS” WHAT UP TO ALL THE FANS AND HATERS AS WELL.. WE LOVE YOU KEEP UP THE SUPPORT.

THIS IS G.I. PERSONAL MGR. FOR YOUNG BUCK. SOME OF YOU HAVE BEEN WORRIED ABOUT THE FALSE RUMOR THAT IS OUT THERE ABOUT YOUNG BUCK ATTEMPTING TO OVERDOSE OR SOME S### LIKE THAT. WRONG WRONG AND WRONG AGAIN DESPITE THE HATERS WHO WOULD HAVE LIKED TO SEE THAT IM HAPPY TO SAY THAT YOUNG BUCK IS AT THE CRIB CHILLEN ABOUT TO GO IN THE STUDIO TO START WORK ON THE NEW ALBUM.. SO STAY TUNED FOR MORE FROM YOUNG BUCK AND CASHVILLE RECORDS.”

DIDDY’S VACCINE

Sean John has a vaccine for b####.ass.ness? Check for the video at illseed.com.

Now I know many of yall think if this concoction does indeed exist, PDidz needs to give himself the maiden shot. But Mr. Combs is back to a-vlogging and he reports in a feigned state of panic that yall broke, non-weed having, ashy lipped b#### a#### need to keep his name out yo mouth. LOL. Diddy is soooooo gangsta. I’m not really sure where this came from. The only thing I’ve seen about Didz lately (outside of his freshly waxed snausage) is his split with his pop t###, but she confirmed that rumor so who is he mad at? Maybe he’s mad because no one talks about him anymore and this is some sort of reverse psychological move to create a buzz worthy of talk. If so, I totally fell for it.

LIL BOW WOW VS TEDDY RILEY’S SON?

MY GOD…I am not even going to address this. I am just putting this up to let you all know that I know about it. Teddy Riley’s son wants to box Bow Wow and upload the video on the net for all to see. Nobody wants to see you fight…actually, we do, but that’s beside the point! First, Teddy – GET YOUR SON. Bow Wow – GROW UP! I was listening to some LL Cool J and I’m thinking that LL was younger than these dudes when he was killin’ it. He never acted so childish (at least nobody saw it).

My homey Big Jye hit me with these interesting rumors. Check it out.

BET’s IRON RING – rusty business?

Now that BET’s#### show the Iron Ring is over team Dipset’s coach is letting heads know what really went down behind the scenes. In a recent no holds barred interview, Novell talks Dipset, Iron Ring and disses the s**t outta Nick Thompson…lol. “It was a lot of b####### in the game basically behind the scenes with the Iron Ring. A lot of the cats they didn’t really train them…”

[Illseed note: Now, Jye didn’t go all the way in but, Novell and Nick had a lil’ beef a ways back and were about to get it on in the iron ring themselves. I guess they got in a chat room and were talking junk to each other. Ultimatedly Nick got the last word in:

Nick Thompson:

Where is his post? I’ll put up my own money, he has to match and the winner takes the sum. UFC or PRIDE rules. 20-40k. And I am dead serious.

Nick Thompson:

no rules is fine. See if you can set it up. He puts the money in a bond. I’ll do thes same. We can find a neutral gym and I’ll pay his airfare so long as his money is in a bond first. And if he won’t do it with me for whatever reason, I have plenty of guys with a lesser known name that would jump at the opportunity.]

Fat Sells!

Forest Whitaker is making moves these days, starring in hit movies “The Last King Of Scottland” “The Great Debaters” and will come on board as Executive Producer for HBO’s new drama “Fat Sells” The show is basically about the billion dollar herbal diet business. We’ll be seeing Forest in a few flicks like “Powder Blue” where he plays a suicidal ex-priest and “Hurricane Season” where he plays a high school basketball coach who leads his team to the state championship post Hurricane Katrina. By the way fans of Bow wow & Lil Wayne will be interested to know that they also star in the movie.

Damn Viacom!

Nas said he considers Fox Big Brother, but maybe his parent company has a sibling…

A court has ordered youtube to hand over the private member information of it’s viewers and posters to Viacom. This means not only your membership info; name, email, etc but also IP addresses of everyone! Now this can be a sticky situation because what this means is by going over member logs they can find out who has been posting copyrighted material then get user their IP address to find out their ISP (internet service provider) to subpoena them from that individuals personal info leading the authorities right to that person’s front door. That is potentially what could happen. Oh-Wee! This gives new meaning to Big Brother is watching!

IS LIFE TOO SHORT OR TOO LONG?

Shelz: Oakland’s native son, Too Short, may have his studio snatched from under him to repay a very old debt. It was reported by the Oakland Tribune that back in 1991 Too Short was involved in a head on collision that resulted in the death of a young man in the other car. The deceased’s parents sued and eventually accepted a million dollar settlement. Fast forward to 2008. The family claims they have received less than 1/3 of what is owed. Too Shorts reps have said straight up, he doesn’t have it. In an attempt to collect whatever they can, the plaintiffs are going after his assets, including his studio equipment. The Sherriff’s Department has been trying to hunt him down for the past week, but no cigar. His attorney says he wants to come to an agreement that will serve everyone, but it appears to me that happened already.

[Illseed note: there has to be a statue of limitations on this!]

ILL PICS!

I know Yung Berg has apologized and all that. This, I know. A lot of people are still heated. My girl Miss Lala shot me her picture and we discussed the larger issue of how Black people discriminate against each other for the color of their skin. People have to shake that. And its not just something rooted in slavery either. It’s worldwide. Here is a picture of a beautiful young lady doing her thing.

THE GETO BOYS UNITE!

Check for the rest of the flicks in a few. Shout out to R.B. out in H-Town!

Anyway, have a good weekend!

YESTERDAY, WE LOVE YOU!

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

-illseed

WHO: illseed

WHAT: Rumors

WHERE: AllHipHop.com, MySpace.com/TheIllseed

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

– allhiphop rumors

Get To Know: Jayms Madison

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Alternatives
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Artist: Jayms Madison Location: New York, NY Influences: Prince, Tina Turner, Nikka Costa, Imogen Heap, Dakota Staten Why You Should Know Jayms Madison: Within in her 20 years of existence, Jayms Madison is experiencing first-hand what many singer/songwriters strive to accomplish with an award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame at age 19, studio time with rap mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs and a sexy debut single “Room Service” attracting fans in anticipation for her forthcoming album. And while some credit a who’s who of artists for starting them on the road to music stardom, Madison cites iconic characters like Snow White and Sleeping Beauty for providing the motivation to develop her singing talent. “I just had these Disney cassettes that my grandmother would send me, and I would just sing a long and learn the lyrics,” said the vocalist, who spent a portion of her childhood in Jamaica and admitted to preferring Disney tunes over the hard beats and sounds of dancehall reggae. “Like I knew. This is beautiful to me. Forget all the dancehall. I don’t dig it. I’m not some dancehall queen. I don’t want to do that. I want to do this. Whatever this is on these Disney tapes is what I want to do.” Fast forward a few years and “the girl with the pretty voice that sings the Disney songs about birds and princes” discovers Lauryn Hill, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and 702 as she came stateside to live after residing in Venezuela. Although she was unable to hit notes on the level of Houston and Carey, Madison found solace among softer voiced singers like Brandy, Destiny’s Child and Tracie Spencer. “I basically learned through all the music that I bought. So if I bought a 702 CD, I’d learn how to sing just like the lead singer of 702. I’d learned how to sing like Beyonce. I’d learn how to sing like Lauryn Hill. I just practiced everything. That’s just pretty much how I trained myself, to sing and act. That’s how I got into other genres of music,” the former Choir Academy of Harlem student said. “The powerhouse singers were hard for me, but they taught me breath control. [laughs] I may not be able to pull it off as well as they do, but I learned something from each artist that I studied.” Madison’s hard work paid off as she was featured on two Diddy-produced songs off Jay-Z’s American Gangster album “Pray” and “No Hook.” The experience proved to be a memorable one, as the songbird described the atmosphere as “a party.” “It felt so comfortable and everyone was kicking it. There was all sorts of snacks available and it was so cool…it was just a really good feeling in the room. I didn’t meet everyone, but everyone’s face just looked friendly,” said Madison, who labeled Diddy as “just the nicest person.” “It was a really great night. That went down in Jayms’ history in my book, and it’s one of the best nights of my life.” Despite Diddy’s presence and guidance, Madison’s session came without an encounter with Jay-Z. The two share a common thread, as the songbird is known for her ability to freestyle song lyrics in a way similar to the Roc-a-Fella rhymesayer’s process of creating hits. Many of the songs featured on Madison’s album and MySpace page resulted from freestyle sessions in the studio. “That would have been amazing. That’s my dream. I would love that to happen, to kick it and do a freestyle with him,” Madison said about the possibility of working with Jay-Z. “I think it would be brilliant. I mean the experience alone would be brilliant. There have been comparisons, and I’m hoping one day we do get to work together because he’s amazing and I’d love that.” Freestyle ability aside, Madison has utilized her other gift, as she penned songs for other artists over the last six years. The Abe Olman award winner, who as written songs for R&B crooner Case, is currently working with up and comers Brandon Hines and Making the Band solo artist Donnie as well as established veterans like Stacie Orrico and Brandy. Madison’s song, “She Don’t Love You,” is featured on ‘80s singer Taylor Dayne’s latest album Satisfied. As for her debut album, Madison didn’t reveal a specific date, but urged fans to keep an eye out for its imminent release. “I have a few more producers and writers I want to collaborate and do some off the wall things [with]. I’m still working,” the singer said. “I can definitely put something out now, but I’d much rather give everyone that optimum best that I got.” For this reason, Madison is adamant about staying true to herself while composing material that will allow her “admirers” to enjoy the melody of the music as well as discover the meaning behind the lyrics. “I don’t write in a predictable way,” the vocalist revealed.” I’ve often been told that “I don’t think people are gonna get that lyric” or “Maybe we should change it up and make it a little more common.” I’m just like, “No. If people get it, they get it. If not, then they don’t. I don’t like dumbing down my music. And the fact that a lot people think that you have to make singing common and just plain for people…They [the fans] like thinking about stuff. They like clever lines.” While fans always show love to their artists of choice for whom they know, accomplishments and catchy tunes only give so much away. Which is why Madison stands as the best candidate to break down who exactly the woman is behind the voice. “Jayms Madison is the available shoulder to cry on where there is none, the one person that can relate to any and everything your going through, the home-girl, the subtle seductress, the little wild child in all of us that’s just dying to break free, that’s me,” said the singer who is humbled by the buzz and support she has generated. “I don’t want anyone ever thinking that I don’t appreciate their support because it means the world to me.” Madison continued. “This all a dream to me. It’s amazing. I can’t even believe what’s happening in my life. And I just want everyone to know that I love you for it. I love everyone who supports what I’m doing. It’s crazy.” To learn more about Jayms Madison, visit http://www.myspace.com/jaymsmadison.

Kardinal Offishall: Limited Time Only (Mixtape Review)

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Reviews / Music
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You’ve been hearing his latest track “Dangerous” featuring Akon, all over the radio and seen the video all over MTV lately; so it’s fair to say that Kardinal Offishall is finally about to enjoy the fruits of many years of labor and get the props he deserves as one of the most underrated artists in the game.

 

To wet appetites for his debut album on Konvict Music Not 4 Sale, Kardinal teams up with Clinton Spark’s again to drop the mixtape, Limited Time Only. The disc features a mish-mash of unreleased, upcoming and collaboration tracks that showcase the T-Dot rapper’s rudebwoy skills.

 

On “Set It Off,” Kardi teams with the coke Rap kingpins the Clipse who help add even more bombast to this high-energy club banger littered with dancehall sirens and gunshots. Kardi takes center stage on this number when he spits verses speaking on his financial situation, “I gave my wallet a Botox injection / A buncha rudebwoys inna ya section / I’m trying to give my tax bracket an e####### / You’re small time / I net what you make gross!”

 

Everybody and their uncle has dropped some verses over Weezy’s “A Milli” beat

lately, but Kardi’s version “Eye Miller” (a stab at Toronto’s hated on mayor David Miller) ranks near the top as he drops humorous, politically-leaning verses over Rap’s hottest beat of the moment.

 

Those familiar with Kardinal’s Jamaican heritage and affinity for Reggae toasting will love the summertime vibe that emanates from “Burnt” featuring Lindo P and the Dancehall flavored “Bad Like We Bad.”

 

If there is anything weak about the mixtape, it’s the typical shouting and background nonsense that gets in the way of the tracks. Also, the various soundbites of Akon and Kardi talking about the upcoming project in interview segments warrant a fast forward so you can get to the next brick of dope.

 

Kardinal Offishall’s upcoming album may be titled Not 4 Sale, however if this tape is any indication of what we’re in store for on the T-Dot lyricist’s long overdue new project, then let’s hope Akon paid a handsome sum for the services of Toronto’s and dare we say Canada’s nicest emcee.

Rapper David Banner Talks Jesse Jackson

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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Days after the Rev. Jesse Jackson apologized for making negative comments about Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama, rapper David Banner is weighing in on the controversy.

 

Banner, who drew headlines during the Imus scandal for his scathing comments about Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, also rapped about Jackson on the track “So Special.”

 

Rev. Jesse Jackson came under fire since making what he called “crude and hurtful” remarks about Obama on Sunday (July 6) after an interview with a Fox News correspondent.

 

The former Democratic presidential contender, who was not aware that his microphone was still on while talking to UnitedHealth Group executive Dr. Reed V. Tuckson, whispered “See, Barack’s been talking down to black people…I want to cut his nuts off” to Tuckson who was also being interviewed on Fox News.

 

News of the incident dominated morning talk shows and other media outlets since it became public.

 

“He didn’t literally mean that he wanted to cut Barack’s balls off. So we just need to quit it and move on,” David Banner told AllHipHop.com. “This is one of the most important elections in history and we should focus on what’s right and what’s wrong. We’re gonna mess around and let the same thing happen with the last two elections and then we as American people are gonna be sitting up looking stupid with high ass gas prices again and our troops still at war.”

 

On Wednesday (July 9), Jackson apologized for his remarks as well as any hurt or harm the comments caused the Obama campaign.

 

Although a spokesman for the campaign relayed that the Illinois senator accepted Jackson’s apology, Jackson’s son, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., of Illinois was less forgiving as he publicly voiced his outrage and disappointment over his father’s remarks about Obama by calling them “reckless statements.”

 

While the elder Jackson’s comments may have come as a shock, Banner was quick to point out the importance of looking at the bigger picture.

 

“I think the thing that we should focus on more is the disconnect between young black people and old black people. And the truth, when it comes down to it, is about what’s right and what’s wrong,” said Banner.

 

While criticism is regularly thrown at leaders such as Jackson and the Rev. Al Sharpton, Banner points out that representation must exist for the current generation of voters.

 

“We need to agree on who our leaders are gonna be. When we go through a generation without representation, who’s representing our generation that comes from our generation? Who is speaking out and pushing for policies for our generation?” Banner asked. “We complain about Jesse Jackson and people like that, but who are we gonna put in those positions? Who’s gonna step up to the forefront and take responsibility?”

 

Banner’s encouragement for fans to become active on issues affecting them is voiced on “So Long,” a song off his forthcoming album The Greatest Story Ever Told, which hits stores Tuesday (July 15).

Yung Berg, Polow da Don Clarify Statements About Black Women

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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Yung Berg and Polow da Don have found themselves embroiled in controversy due to recently made statements criticizing black women.

 

In a radio podcast, Berg bluntly declared he was “kinda racist” and didn’t prefer “dark butts.”

 

In less than 10 hours, a huge backlash began as fans took the rapper to task for remarks that were deemed insensitive, ignorant, and full of self-hatred.

 

Others also took Berg to task for the irony of his disrespect to a significant section of his audience when much of his music is aimed towards women.

 

Seeking to quell the growing discontent, Berg quickly released an exclusive video apology to AllHipHop.com (https://allhiphop.com/stories/multimedia__video/archive/2008/07/11/20281172.aspx) regarding his remarks.

 

“I want to apologize to every woman across the world,” Yung Berg told AllHipHop.com. remorsefully. “I would never want to offend any women of any race because I love women so much. You can tell by the music that I make that women mean the world to me. My mother is a lovely dark skin lady…I’m totally sorry and hope I didn’t offend any of my fans that have love for YB.”

 

For Polow, the problems began after he was dubbed “The King/Prince of White Girls,” and stated in an interview with AllHipHop.com that “black women need to get their s**t together, period, point black. And if you’re in denial of that, you are part of the problem.”

 

Many interpreted these comments to mean the popular producer did not date black women, a rumor he recently cleared up.

 

“I never said I don’t date black women,” Polow explained to AllHipHop.com. “If you can ever find that anywhere I got $100, 000 for you.”

 

Yung Berg is prepping the release of his debut album Look What You Made Me on August 12, featuring the singles “Do That There” and “The Business.”

 

Polow da Don’s latest work can be heard on Nas’s new single “Hero.”

Mobb Deep Sues Former Manager Over Mixtapes

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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Decorated Queensbridge duo Mobb Deep is suing their former personal manager and several record labels for alleged violations of their copyrighted songs.

 

The lawsuit, filed July 9, details several unapproved Mobb albums and songs that were released by Purfek Storm Inc, Streetcore and Big Brother Music: Mobb Deep The Infamous Archives (2007), Mobb Deep The Mix Tape Before 9/11 (2004), and the Purfek Storm Mixtape series.

 

The group’s former manager and Purfek Storm, Inc CEO Norman Bell was named as a primary defendant in the lawsuit.

 

Bell managed Mobb Deep from May 2004 through November 2007.

 

As their former manger Mobb Deep alleges Bell has breached the fiduciary duty and loyalty of his contract.

 

The Mobb also claims that Bell and other parties plotted to release the copyrighted material by “forging the signatures of the plaintiffs (Mobb Deep) on a written agreement with the distributor for the record, in order to induce the distributor to commercially release, distribute, promote and advertise records of the offending recording(s), all without the knowledge of or consent of plaintiffs, and without any authority granted by plaintiffs to do so.”

 

Mobb Deep names ten claims against the offending parties which include: copyright infringement, trademark counterfeiting, false designation/advertising, and trademark dilution.

 

Some of the tracks in question include: “Backwards,” “In the Long Run,” “QB Meets Southside,” and “Getting Moved On.”

 

Mobb Deep has released eight albums since 1993. They have one platinum and four gold albums.

 

Their last album, Blood Money, was released on G-Unit Records in 2006.

Too Short May Lose Studio Over $1 Million Judgment

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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An Oakland recording studio owned by rapper Too Short may be forced to close, due to a judgment against the rapper for over $1 million dollars, stemming from a 1991 car accident.

 

The rapper owes over $700,000 dollars to the family, after his GMC truck was involved in a 1991 head on collision with a Mercury Cougar.

 

If he doesn’t come up with the money, The Alameda County Sheriff’s office will seize the equipment in the rapper’s Oakland-based UpAllNite studio, which opened in May.

 

According to the Oakland Tribune, police claim Too Short was fleeing the scene of a previous accident where he clipped a park car, when a Mercury crossed over the center line and the two vehicles crashed, head on.

 

Although he was not responsible for the accident, Too Short was uninsured and legally drunk at the time of the deadly crash.

 

He was later sued by one of the families for $17 million dollars, but agreed to an out of court settlement of $1 million dollars.

 

Court documents show that Too Short, born Todd Shaw, has paid over $282,000 dollars over the last decade, but has failed to pay the remainder.

 

Sources told AllHipHop.com that Shaw has already relocated the equipment to an undisclosed location in the event that the studio is raided.

 

The rapper has also been ordered to appear in Oakland Superior Court on August 13.

 

Fonzworth Lands Debut Reality Show ‘From Gs to Gents’

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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Fonzworth Bentley is preparing for the debut of his own MTV Reality Show, From Gs to Gents.

 

The hour-long show, which premieres Tuesday, brings together 14 tough guys, giving them a chance to change their lives while competing for a $100,000 prize.

 

But host Fonzworth Bentley tells AllHipHop.com that the new series will be as much of a learning experience for the viewers, as it was for the contestants.

 

“As far as reality, I didn’t really wanna do anything unless it was going to help somebody else,” Bentley told AllHipHop.com. “One of the things that I said was that I wanted this show to be real. And a lot of that I conducted myself. People had real transformations. That’s what’s gonna make this a really good show. It ain’t just about the quick joke.”

 

The show’s title was rumored to be a spin-off of Flavor of Love’s Charm School, where past male contestants from I Love New York would undergo similar transformations to the ones attempted by the ladies on Charm School.

 

“It wasn’t just about getting [contestants] who were the most street,” explained Bentley. “We wanted people that not only were that, but people that fundamentally wanted to make a change, but didn’t have anybody to actually come to the hood and give them those tools and give them that opportunity so that they could learn these things.”

 

Each week during the show’s ten-week run, the fourteen gentleman-hopefuls will be put through a series of lessons and challenges aiming to teach them how to lose the front, focus their passion and market themselves.

 

In addition to Bentley, whose book Advance Your Swagger: How to Use Manners, Confidence and Style to Get Ahead inspired many of the lessons, a series of guest hosts will also be on hand to share their expertise with the contestants. ‘

 

They include Hip-Hop moguls Master P and Irv Gotti, fashion designer Ozwald Boateng; food and wine expert Ted Allen; as well as Sean Yazbeck and Michael Malin: two former reality show contestants who parlayed similar opportunities into super-successful businesses.

 

In a sense, Bentley’s appearance on From Gs to Gents is the continuation of a mission he began since penning  Advance Your Swagger.

 

“Since my book came out, my goal has been to talk to 80 different schools in two years,” said Bentley, who has visited 65 schools so far. “I targeted a lot of single-gender schools,” Bentley revealed. “I’ve been everywhere from Harvard to the Wharton Business School at [University of] Pennsylvania, to Morehouse, Spelman and Clark.

 

“I’ve gone to speak to students because a lot of these students are coming out of school, but they’re not getting the information that they need for the real world,” Bentley said.

 

From Gs to Gents premieres July 15 at 10 pm on MTV.

The Last Word: Beyonce’s Breasts Lost, Teairra Mari Talks Def Jam, and Mariah Carey Gets Kidnapped?

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Alternatives
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Hello, planet Earth. Here we are for another round after the Rev. Jesse Jackson apologizes for what he called “crude and hurtful” remarks geared toward Barack Obama, new DNA tests clear all members of Jon Benet Ramsey’s family of the young beauty contestant’s 1996 murder, and rumors of Brett Favre coming out of retirement to play some more football.Get well wishes go out to gospel singer Timothy Wright, who was critically injured after a car accident. Shout out to the soundings boards for handing out reality checks that never bounce. And so it arrives…the Last Word for the week ending July 11, 2008.1. Mariah Carey Gets Kidnapped On the Way to Happiness In life, everyone has fantasies. No matter who you are, you can’t escape dreaming about a much better place to be relaxing in or someone you have more than a casual “hello” for. And if you’re Mariah Carey, you fantasize about being kidnapped out of an unhappy marriage to a powerful music executive.That is normal, right Mimi? “When I was in an unhappy place in my life, I always wanted to be kidnapped. I just wanted a way out, but didn’t have one,” the diva told Elle magazine about her rocky marriage to Tommy Mottola. And just when it looked like she would serve a life sentence in the ivory tower, along comes Nick Cannon to play the hero. “He sort of kidnapped me and took me on a helicopter ride,” said Carey, who revealed that the Mr. C popped the question for the second time after whisking her away. Apparently, the first time Nick did it was on Mariah’s roof in Manhattan a few nights before the helicopter ride, as he pulled out a 17-carat diamond ring inside a candy ring pop.And the rest, as they say is history. Or may be history if the rumors are true about Mimi’s new union being on the rocks. Note to everyone wanting a better life: Get someone to forcibly put you in the trunk of their car (you know none of us who are on a budget can afford a helicopter) and take you away from that miserable boyfriend or girlfriend. And if you really know what you’re doing, make sure there are a couple of witnesses (your best friends or close family members) around to make it look real. Make ‘em scream and cry if you have to. You even can have the kidnapper demand major money for your safe return.Gotta keep it honest, because you’re going to need some funds to start things off right with your new spouse. So why not get your folks to invest in the marriage without spending a fortune on a ridiculous wedding? It can truly be a step in the right direction as you realize that, yes, fantasy can be reality if you make like Mariah and “just believe.”2. Jessica Alba Utilizes the Timberlake Delivery Technique Justin Timberlake may be a lot of things, but birth facilitator doesn’t immediately come to mind. But Jessica Alba has a different view on that as she credits her Love Guru co-star with getting things started towards bringing her newborn daughter into the world. According to WENN, the actress was watching a private Hollywood screening of the new Mike Myers film just two days before she was admitted to the hospital to give birth to her daughter Honor Marie. Watching JT ham it up onscreen was enough induce delivery for Alba, who remembers feeling “something go.” “I had been very careful of my movements and seating, but it was impossible to sit still when he (Timberlake) was on screen,” she said. “I wouldn’t go as far as saying my water broke, but it did feel as if I was actually splitting my sides. I felt completely drained afterwards.”It’s good to know that Justin has potential for another career when the albums stop selling and the fame dies out. With all these celebrities having babies, he may be able to make a few dollars. 3. Teairra Mari Remembers Negative Def Jam Graduation Present, Readies New Album Graduation is supposed to be a time worth remembering, but Teairra Mari got something extra before walking the stage to get her high school diploma. Media sources report that the former princess of Jay-Z’s Roc-a-Fella Records became a commoner when she received her pink slip from the label after starting work on her second album. “I got a call before my high-school graduation,” Mari told Billboard, adding that she kept the news to herself for about six months before exiling herself from the music scene. “I didn’t even tell my mom. Then news about it started coming out on the radio. I stopped doing music for a year.”Despite being booted out of the Carter administration, Mari is gearing up for a return as she works on her as-yet-untitled Interscope Records debut. And if that wasn’t enough, the singer/songwriter is also making strides beyond the mic as the spokesmodel for Love’s jeans line Jean Addicts. All that in addition to an appearance in the upcoming film Doorman and it’s safe to say that things are looking up for Mari, who says she’s “at a good point now, with more creative control to be Teairra Mari.” As it stands now, Teairra Mari’s new album is scheduled for a late 2008/early 2009 release.4. Adam Levine Comes Clean About R&B-infused Yoga Obsession Becoming a man to watch in music is what Maroon 5’s Adam Levine has developed into after playing sideman to Kanye West, finding success with his band and sharing mic time with Rihanna. So with madness being a star brings, how does the singer unwind? “Yoga is by far the most convenient way to exercise while I’m on the road, You don’t need anything but a few feet of space and a mat,” Levine told Women’s Health magazine, adding that he was skeptical of the practice in the beginning but warmed up to it as it became more “satisfying physically” than lifting weights. Among the tunes the singer gets his yoga on to are “A Long Walk” by Jill Scott, “What’s Goin On” by Marvin Gaye, “Kick Push” by Lupe Fiasco, “Brown Sugar” by D’Angelo, “You Know That I’m No Good” by Amy Winehouse, “Turn Me On” by Norah Jones and “Whenever, Wherever, Whatever” by Maxwell.And while the practice helps him physically, Adam kept it real as he joked that the only reason he practices yoga was “because the classes are always packed with beautiful women.” There it is, fellas. In case the bars and the club and the workplace get old in meeting women, you can always hit the local yoga class and pattern your game like a celebrity. After all, positions, like possibilities, are endless. 5.  Beyonce Loses Best Breast Title to Jessica Simpson Beyonce’s booty may catch the attention of guys around the world, but it’s the singer’s breasts that don’t measure up, according to an In Touch magazine poll of the best breasts in Hollywood. B ranked number 10 on the list while pop diva turned country singer Jessica Simpson secured the top spot. The rest of the top five consisted of Tyra Banks (2), Scarlett Johansson (3), Carmen Electra (4) and WTF?! Lindsay Lohan (5).Damn B. Can we get a recount? There must be some kind of f**kery going on with Lohan getting upper hand in this one. I can’t call it. Maybe somebody can put together a list that really reflects who is who with the best assets in Hollyweird. Any takers? In Other Words… * Raphael Saadiq has recruited Stevie Wonder and Joss Stone for his forthcoming sample-free album, The Way I See It. Wonder plays harmonica on the first single, “Never Give You Up,” while Stone appears on the track “Big Easy” and “Just One Kiss.” The new album hits stores on Sept. 16.* Being kicked out of New Edition was a good thing for Bobby Brown, who considered the action as a turning point at that state in his career as he told Jet magazine that his ouster made him realize that “Yo, if I don’t succeed, I ain’t going to be [nothing] back home. But these Brothers did the best thing for me that could ever possibly be done. Teach me a lesson.”  Lesson One: If you want to keep your career going beyond the ‘80s and early ‘90s, lay off the drugs and hire that vocal coach back to get the voice back in top form. You don’t want to be [nothing] back home, do you?* Sisqo can thank somebody in Baltimore for letting the public know about his arrest for DUI. The only thing is the arrest happened in December. Eight months ago. How could this have gotten past the media and the bloggers for so long? Oh yea, we haven’t heard anything out of Sisqo (aside from the recent Dru Hill sightings and CMT reality show with Bobby Brown) since that thong song he put centuries ago. But if you’re interested, Dru Hill is making a return with InDRUpendence Day, their first album since 2002’s Dru World Order. Look for that to hit stores sometime this year.

David Banner: Unappreciated Genius

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Features
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David Banner knows about struggle. Since his last album, 2005’s Certified, the rapper/activist had to deal with the traumatic effects of Hurricane Katrina on his native Mississippi, attacks on Hip-Hop from the federal government, and his father’s death from cancer in 2007. Despite these hardships and thoughts of retirement, Banner has persevered. He was one of the few artists to testify before Congress last year defending Hip-Hop lyrics, and did so again recently on BET’s Hip-Hop vs. America.Now with a new album, The Greatest Story Ever Told, scheduled for release on July 15, David Banner explains the apathy and hypocrisy of our culture, and why his will remains unbroken. AllHipHop.com: How have you approached this record differently, if you have, from your last albums?David Banner: It’s strange because initially my approach was just (making) hit records. Being that I produce myself I was trying to put as many back to back hits as I could. I know that nobody that’s on the level that I am is as close to the streets as I was when stuff got bad for me.  So I was able to come back to the street and listen to what kids wanted and give it back to them.Katrina had hit and the support still wasn’t there for music with political content. I thought this was what the world wanted from us? But then I realized they were a bunch of hypocrites so I just said f**k it I’m gonna focus on just hit records.But then here comes George Bush and all of his antics and then this high ass gas. People on the streets I know never cared about politics start coming up to me saying ‘yo Banner we now understand what you talking about. We know you gonna bring it on this album. We can’t wait!’ And I ain’t have no politics on the album (laughs). It was straight stuntin’. AllHipHop.com: So you felt you had to go back and modify it?Banner: I trashed that whole album and made a new one called 13, which is like Outkast on crack. But then I realized the best David Banner is a synthesis of everything: the political, street, and experimentation. The album is 22 tracks. And Universal is mad because I don’t have standard, mechanical tracks. But I was like f**k that we’re gonna give the people a quality album. If anybody says The Greatest Story Ever Told isn’t the greatest, there’s something they can do. They can close their eyes, pucker up, and allow me to push their face into rhinoceros balls…sweaty rhinoceros balls. AllHipHop.com: Do you feel quality albums are missing in today’s market?Banner: One of the reasons why music is so f**ked up is that people have been putting out so much trash lately. If people don’t buy into The Greatest Story Ever Told I don’t wanna hear these rules and regulations about how Hip-Hop is supposed to be and you want it to better. Naw, you just wanna continue to d**kride. This is the album people have been waiting for. If they don’t get it, I’ll go do a movie.

“The conversations me and RZA had were amazing, and I don’t think we

could’ve had them say four years ago. I told him, ‘Dude let me produce

you. I know you’re a great producer but I got ideas that can work.’ The

problem with Hip-Hop is that everyone is Pro Tools or let me send you

the track. That wasn’t the case with RZA, we were in the studio

together and I think it will be a beneficial relationship for years to

come.”

AllHipHop.com: You recently produced the RZA for his Digi Snacks (“Straight Up The Block”) album. Being that you’re a formidable producer in your own right, what did you guys pick up from each other?Banner: It was a learning experience. With the lack of record sales everyone is coming back to their senses. It’s humbling for all of us. The conversations me and RZA had were amazing, and I don’t think we could’ve had them say four years ago. I told him, “Dude let me produce you. I know you’re a great producer but I got ideas that can work.” The problem with Hip-Hop is that everyone is Pro Tools or let me send you the track. That wasn’t the case with RZA, we were in the studio together and I think it will be a beneficial relationship for years to come.AllHipHop.com: Katrina’s lingering devastation on Mississippi, New Orleans, and Alabama is out the public consciousness. Do you feel it’s due more to general apathy or the media just pushing it away.Banner: I told everyone this would happen. We’re only concerned with what the media spoonfeeds us. We’re concerned about Sean Bell as long as it’s on CNN. We don’t seek anything on our own. The truth is we’re only emotional or speaking out if it’s on TV. So if they (the media) want it to stop they just turn it off. And then us (Hip-Hop media), we follow the big media outlets to keep our numbers up. And that’s some bulls**t.AllHipHop.com: On the BET Hip-Hop vs. America men’s panel, you stated that there was a lot of ego-stroking being done, and when the cameras stopped everyone would just go about their business. Did that happen or were there steps taken to initiate action after the show.Banner: Everyone exchanges numbers but there’s no follow up, but I knew that was what was gonna happen. That’s why I said it. “Y’all ain’t gonna do s**t but talk.”AllHipHop.com: Do you feel there have been any ramifications from you speaking before Congress last year about lyrics in Hip-Hop music, or that it was mostly posturing on Congress’ part?Banner: If we wouldn’t have stepped up some s**t would’ve happened. We showed that there are intelligent Black people in rap that will protect our form of music. But what I don’t understand is the people who do that type of music, the public won’t support them.We don’t do s**t but talk and support the people who treat us like s**t. You repay us by purchasing our music. But we see that all the time. Look at the families of Malcolm X and Tupac. They should be financially rich beyond belief for all that they’ve done for us but they’re not and everyone continues to eat off their legacies.

“Every artist that’s a real artist is crazier than a motherf**ker, all

of them. Something ain’t right with me, Wayne, TIP, T-Pain, and 50.

Andre 3000? Loony as a bat. But that’s the blessing.”

AllHipHop.com: How did the mixtape (The Greatest Mixtape Ever Sold) with Whoo Kid come about?Banner: Whoo Kid is a funny motherf**ker. We’ve been cool for a minute since I had went on tour with 50 about three years ago. I don’t know if you heard the mixtape, but he put his foot in that s**t. Like your grandma from Mississippi does when she’s making gumbo. I got Chris Brown on there. People are gonna be surprised at the partnerships I’ve had that I’m finally showcasing.AllHipHop.com: As an artist closely tied to the people, how much does that weigh on you when you’re making music since your constantly keeping their struggles in mind?Banner: Every artist that’s a real artist is crazier than a motherf**ker, all of them. Something ain’t right with me, Wayne, TIP, T-Pain, and 50. Andre 3000? Loony as a bat. But that’s the blessing. It’s Ying and Yang. God blesses us to think on a different frequency and to act on it. And it’s not just in music, it registers in all facets of your life.I wish I could make records like Eminem and Andre 3000, but if you don’t have Jimmy Iovine or LA Reid behind your project that s**t is gonna fail unless you push that s**t on n****s.People fronted (on the first single) “Get Like Me (Stuntin Is a Habit)” until people like Big Von (KMEL), Stan Branson (JMI), Leo and Ms. Kitty (XM Radio) got on it. People say they want something different but they don’t support nothing different until it becomes mainstream.AllHipHop.com: Do you feel that the tension that existed between the East and Southern Hip-Hop fans has finally cooled off?

“A southern rapper has never really gotten true credit for being a lyricist unless a New York rapper said it. People started accepting Wayne when Jay-Z said he was dope. Same thing with T.I. It happened to me with Nas. Nah, don’t filter me through another n***a. Accept me for doing dope for me.”

Banner: A lot of times it take a New York n***a to say some s**t is hot before we say, “Oh it’s hot.” N****s heard me on that Nas record (“Middle Finger U”) and all of sudden it’s, “Oh David Banner’s rapping and political now.” N***a I been political! That verse I spit on “9MM,” if Biggie would’ve said it it’d be a Hip-Hop quotable. But it takes me to get on a record with somebody from New York before y’all will hear or listen to it.Think about it. A southern rapper has never really gotten true credit for being a lyricist unless a New York rapper said it. People started accepting Wayne when Jay-Z said he was dope. Same thing with T.I. It happened to me with Nas. Nah, don’t filter me through another n***a. Accept me for doing dope for me.Why haven’t Andre 3000, Bun B, and Twista gotten their proper credit? Why are Scarface, 8Ball, and MJG not in the top 10? AllHipHop.com: Now that the album is finished, have you been able to relax? Or does the fact that you say Hip-Hop fans don’t support different styles of music cause anxiety and resentment?Banner: Man, I don’t give a f**k anymore. With (my last album) Certified, that s**t almost ran me crazy. I went through a really bad depression. I just knew that that album was the one. But that also showed that God was telling me, “I tell you what’s the one, not you.”I did the best that I can and for the first time I’m proud of myself. If they accept it, great. But I know what the world is about. I know the world is a bunch of f**king hypocrites. Look at Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, and Andre 3000. White folks will jump on us and give us our praise first. I want my people to love me, but who have we shown that kinda love to before they died?