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Unreleased Photos Of Tupac Shakur Unveiled In New Book

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

Despite his tragic

and untimely death nine years ago, the legacy of the late rapper Tupac Amaru Shakur

continues to live on through his inspirational music, spoken word projects and

movies.

Thanks to his close friend Gobi (also director of his last three

music videos), a book entitled "Thru My Eyes: Thoughts on Tupac Amaru Shakur

in Pictures and Words" will hit stores next week.

Gobi has compiled a compelling assortment of 50 color and black

and white photographic images complemented by personal commentary.

These pictures, never before published, reflect the final year

of Tupac’s life in 1996.

During this time Gobi played an instrumental role in producing

and directing music and videos for Tupac’s feature film company.

The result was not merely a business partnership, but also a

close friendship.

"Thru My Eyes" seeks to capture the true essence of

Tupac by revealing the many facets of his personality.

Gobi offers an array of candid pictures that convey the multitude

of personalities and moods that are Tupac.

Gobi’s main objective is to reveal Tupac as an individual,

not simply another manufactured “pop-idol.”

“Photos taken on video and film sets underscore Pac’s

true work ethic,” Gobi said. “Tupac could work twenty-two hours

a day, raising the bar for everyone working alongside him. A true revolutionist,

Tupac understood tomorrow was promised to no one.”

The book begins with a forward by Tupac’s mother, Afeni

Shakur Davis, who says that "Thru My Eyes" "offers a personal

view that warrants exposure."

The book closes with Gobi’s personal and poignant account

of how it felt to sit idle during Tupac’s seven days of hospitalization.

A portion of the book’s proceeds will be donated to the

Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation (http://www.tasf.com).

In addition to the book, Gobi plans to direct the only script

written by Tupac, "Live 2 Tell," in March 2006.

Afeni Shakur sums up Thru Our Eyes best in her forward: “This book is

Gobi’s way of honoring my son and sharing his experience. . .I thank you,

Gobi, for being my son’s friend.”

"Thru My Eyes:

Thoughts on Tupac Amaru Shakur" in Pictures and Words hits stores Nov.

1.

BMF Members Busted In Massive Multi-State Drug Raids

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

The Drug Enforcement

Administration (DEA) in the United States has arrested 30 members of the self-named

Black Mafia Family (BMF) and has seized over $3 million in money, assets, 2 ½

kilograms of cocaine and weapons. The DEA labeled

BMF a large-scale cocaine and money laundering operation operating in Detroit,

Michigan, Columbus and Atlanta, Georgia, Los Angeles, California, Miami, Fort

Lauderdale and Orlando Florida, St. Louis, Missouri, Greenville South Carolina

and Louisville, Kentucky.

The DEA said prior

to today’s arrests, they had already arrested 17 members and seized over

632 kilograms of cocaine, $5.3 million in money and $5.7 million in assets.

The DEA claims

brothers Terry and Demetrius Flenory founded BMF, when they started selling

crack during their high school years in the 1980’s.

The group expanded

to other cities in the 1990’s and turned their organization into a multi-million

dollar criminal enterprise, which operated in numerous cities.

“The BMF

was a sophisticated drug smuggling and money laundering organization, led by

brothers that operated in 11 U.S. states and had direct links to Mexico-based

drug trafficking organizations,” said DEA Administrator Karen P. Tandy.

The DEA said BMF

allegedly distributed thousands of kilos of cocaine and dealt at least 2,500

kilos out of Atlanta, BMF’s home base.

“For too

many years, these drug dealers have poisoned our streets and cast shadows of

fear across our communities. Today’s arrests dismantle this drug mob and should

significantly impact drug-related crime in the communities where the BMF operated,"

Tandy added.

DEA agents said

BMF used hidden compartments in stretched limousines to transport drugs and

money and some of their vehicles were equipped with special devices to produce

air that would throw off drug-sniffing dogs.

The investigation

started in October of 2003 and culminated with today’s arrests.

“The proceeds

from the sale of illegal narcotics are funneled through the underground, untaxed

economy. This impacts every law abiding, taxpaying citizen,” stated Nancy

J. Jardini, IRS Chief of Criminal Investigation. “In this investigation,

the IRS Criminal Investigators analyzed the monetary transactions to track the

illegal proceeds of this drug trafficking organization, and the money trail

lead to the individuals indicted today. When law enforcement agencies combine

resources and expertise, we create a formidable force-the result of which you

see today with the announcement of these indictments."

BMF Entertainment

was working with Bleu DaVinci, a new and coming rapper, who released an album

titled World Is BMF, which was nominated for a Source Award in 2004.

50 Cent Says Dre’s Not Working With Game, Paramount Pulls Ads

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

50 Cent reiterated

earlier this week that super producer Dr. Dre will not be collaborating with The

Game on The Doctor’s Advocate, the Compton neophyte’s second

album.

In an interview with Miss Jones and the Hot 97 morning show,

50 Cent drastically countered claims by The Game, who has already started on

his sophomore effort.

“He [Dr. Dre] knows what the kid [The Game] just did and

that’s it. I’m not working on [The Game’s new album] and he’s

not working on it,” said 50 Cent. “He’s just got to go in

and make good records. Of course, he’ll probably name [his album The

Doctor’s Advocate] to make people think [Dre] is involved.”

The Game has already contradicted 50’s claims when discussing

The Doctor’s Advocate.

"It’s the same format at The Documentary. If it

aint broke don’t fix it," Game told AllHipHop.com. "I am still with

Dre and I’m working with some of the best producers.”

Despite his rival’s contention, 50 Cent said that his personal conversations

Dr. Dre, his history with The Game and his contributions to The Documentary

project were reason enough not to work with the Compton rapper.

“I’ve had communications with Dre since [he appeared

on the BBC radio]. My reason for saying it is…nobody can take anything

away from Dre. We don’t have any issues,” 50 said. “See, Dre

knows exactly how much I did for Game’s project. I wrote six songs on

his album. Three of them are his first three singles and I was on the records

to make people listen to them.”

Game vehemently denied that 50 Cent wrote six songs, but maintained

that they did collaborate creatively.

“We got an understanding. Everything is good,” 50

said.

In related news, Paramount has removed posters advertising 50

Cent’s new movie “Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” that featured

the rapper brandishing two handguns.

The posters drew

the wrath of various community groups in Los Angeles, California, who said the

posters were insensitive due to the rise in gun violence in urban communities.

Lil’ Wayne And Trina ‘In Love’

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

In New York to promote

his latest album Tha Carter 2, Cash Money President Lil’ Wayne

dropped more than a few bombs before the big release.

The New Orleans rapper announced that he was in love with none other than the

Diamond Princess, Trina.

"Yep, I’m in love, in love, in love", he told AllHipHop.com

while holding Trina’s hand. Trina, who was sitting beside

her man throughout the entire interview, also exclaimed she was “officially

happy and in love.”

When asked to comment further on the relationship the pair of

love birds refused .

Lil’ Wayne and Trina have been stirring up the mill in recent months with

rumors of their unconfirmed romance.

Trina recently appeared on the Wendy Williams show saying that

she and Wayne were engaged and expecting a child, but later went on to deny

it saying she was ‘only playing up to the rumors’.

Lil’ Wayne also spoke about his new album saying that

long-time collaborator Mannie Fresh would not be contributing to the album.

“He’s too busy,” Wayne said. “And he ain’t

with Cash Money no more anyway.”

He also stated that he was excited to record the next Boyz N

Da Hood album (due early next year) and said he is still waiting for his long-desired

collaboration with Eminem.

Lil’ Wayne’s album Tha Carter 2 drops Nov. 22 while

Trina’s album The Glamorous Life is in stores now.

Look out for a

full interview in Floss magazine next month.

Nas: One Love

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

The year is 1994 and New Year’s is creeping up upon us. An MC from Queensbridge named Nas is currently keeping the streets on fire from coast to coast. Many brothers on the block, as well as Rap critics acknowledge Nas’ debut LP Illmatic to be one of the greatest solo debuts of all time.

In celebration of Nas’ appearance with Jay-Z this weekend, take a look at Nasir Jones before the legendary battles from way back and peace treaties of today. Here, Nas talks about his youth, how family structure affects the outcome of the life expectancy of Black men, and the politics of ‘The Bridge.’ Even in his youth, Nas dropped science and math…

AllHipHop.com: What were your earliest memories of Hip-Hop? Not much being a part of it- but just the music itself and the culture?

Nas: I remember it just bein’ the fly s**t, the new s**t. Just n***as, Black people, young Black people, loud music, big speakers, turntables, females, weed, Private Stock, and seeing’ records. Like, if somebody was a big name, you saw he made a record. I mean, it was mad rappers. But when you look at a n***as record – you seen that was some s**t! As being a young Black man, you would have never thought to see yourself on some wax. And that tight there, you was the man. You was chillin’. Even if a n***a never knew you, if they see you on record you was the man.

AllHipHop.com: So what was the first Hip-Hop album you bought?

Nas: I think it was Run-DMC “King of Rock.” If it wasn’t that, it was L.L. Cool J’s “Radio.” Those were the first ones I bought. The other ones, I stole out my man’s crate.

AllHipHop.com: What were the first ones you stole?

Nas: The first one I stole was I think, Mary Jane Girls. I consider that Hip-Hop.

AllHipHop.com: I understand you used to break back in the day?

Nas: Yo, that was a long time ago. I’d rather not talk about it. We all did it.

AllHipHop.com: I used to do that for a minute. So tell me about your youth. What was your relationship like with your father?

Nas: He was just a cool muthaf**ka. He was different from what I would visualize: a father being when you would look down and watch a [show] like Cosby Show. He was different than that type of s**t. But he’s just a cool n***a – a straight up and down person.

AllHipHop.com: And your mother?

Nas: My moms is real strong, real sensitive, real caring and real intelligent.

AllHipHop.com: Do you have any business plans?

Nas: Ill Will music, dedicated to my man Ill Will. Bless the dead. He would probably be spinnin’ for me right now on the turntables or chillin’ with me ‘cause he was my right hand man. But now he’s still here with me, spiritually.

AllHipHop.com: We all know a lot of Black men that have lost their lives needlessly. What do you think are the reasons for the havoc coast to coast?

Nas: It’s just that we’re naturally born Black and aggressive towards getting what we deserves. We’re born knowing that something is missing. We’re born feeling like we’re born in an alien nation. From day one, your moms and what she goes through. I mean just, just, generations. It’s what your parents have already been through. Really, it depends on how your family structure is. If your moms is on dope, and your pops ain’t there, you gonna grow up real strong in certain ways and real f**ked up in certain ways. But if your moms is there and your pops is there but they are just weak people who didn’t know how to guide you…If you’re the kind of person who takes things upon yourself, then you’re gonna be a different way. You know it’s all kinds of ways we come out. It’s so many of us that are around each other. So much s**t on our minds. We’re thinkin’ we’re tyrants trying to get to the right solution. We’re thinkin’ about all the different ways of getting it and it’s mad obstacles in our way. It’s mad s**t that we don’t see in our way that makes us fall. It’s so easy for us to f**k up, especially when you are coming from a poor family.

AllHipHop.com: On Main Source’s “Live at the BBQ” you had a line that said “When I was 12 I went to hell for snuffin’ Jesus.” I’m not a Christian, but the fact that a man would make a casual remark like that about the murder of an acknowledged Prophet to some and saviour by others- what brings lines like that out?

Nas: When I’m feelin’ up to a point where I’m on some s**t where I just don’t give a s**t about nobody. ’Cause ain’t nothin’ in my pocket. I’m going through some s**t, I’ll diss anybody I want to. I’ll tell you why. I could break the s**t down for you. Because when a person is that angry, that’s how he feels about everything. That’s how I felt lyrically at the time.

AllHipHop.com: Reminds me of Malcolm X, in the movie when he yells to the priest “You tell Jesus to kiss my ass! What has he done for me. He ain’t done nothin’ for me!”

Nas: I kinda felt like how Malcolm X felt. And this was before the movie, I just thought of Malcolm when I said that. You know what I mean? I knew he would be behind me.

AllHipHop.com: Are you coming to the West Coast any time soon?

Nas: True indeed. I plan on comin’ out there with the Queens s**t, the inner side of Queens material. It’s a lot of punk muthaf**kas that never say Queens and s**t.

AllHipHop.com: Why do you think that is?

Nas: I don’t know, to tell you the truth. I don’t know. It just became like a religion for some rappers not to mention Queens. But I’m from Queensbridge, and I’m just representing’. It’s all about the bridge with me.

Adisa Banjoko is author of the upcoming book “Lyrical Swords Vol. 2: Westside Rebellion”. For more info visit www.lyricalswords.com today!

Hip-Hop Harmony: Jay-Z And Nas Officially Dead Beef

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

Jay-Z warned everybody that he was “getting the itch” for a good show in New York, and the rapper came out swinging with the first of a pair of concerts initially to air his grievances with rival rappers.

The highly publicized event, which was sponsored by New York’s Power 105.1, eventually became somewhat of a peacefest. The biggest shock of the night at Jay-Z’s “I Declare War” Concert was when the megastar announced, “It’s bigger than ‘I declare war.’ It’s like the muthaf**kin’ president presenting the United Nations. Let’s go, Esco!”

The stunned crowd of thousands inside the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, NJ, screamed in approval as Jay and his former nemesis Nas appeared onstage together, signifying that two of rap’s biggest names had finally deaded their once-bitter beef.

“A lot of ni***s is makin’ money and still f***in’ mad at the world!” Nas said. “We [are] savin’ the East Coast with your help.”

Nas performed the hook to Jay’s “Dead Presidents,” followed by his own classic, “The World Is Yours.” Jay-Z exited briefly and gave his counterpart time to rock his classic songs like “It Ain’t Hard to Tell” and “New York State of Mind.”

Jay-Z rejoined Nas onstage and said, “Damn, this is some s**t right here!” Nas spun into “Made You Look'” with Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs, who also performed “Hate Me Now” with the Queens superstar.

“We all in this s**t together,” Jay-Z said after the songs. “Y’all witnessed history. Everybody in this building is a part of history. All that beef s**t is wack.” He then concluded the show, leaving some beef-seeking fans to grumble.

But, the show was far from a disappointment. The hip-hop icon’s concert kicked off with a bang as throngs of eager concertgoers poured into Powerhouse, the annual mega concert by Power 105.1.

At the show’s opening, Jay-Z emerged onstage seated in a presidential setting reminiscent of the Oval Office, with a voiceover of Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech blaring in the background.

From the very beginning, the crowd threw their Roc signs in the air while chanting “Hova, Hova, Hova” signaling that the rap megastar has lost none of his shine during his semi-hiatus from the mic.

“I don’t think y’all muthaf***as [are] ready tonight!” Jay-Z proclaimed above the screams of the crowd, as two staunch security guards manned the rear of his Oval Office. “‘This is my house in this muthaf***a…y’all don’t understand…I own the Nets!” (whose regular season home games are played in the Continental Arena). When the “god MC” performed songs like “You Don’t Know,” the audience held on to his every word. Eventually, Jay plucked a young boy out of the crowd, who played impromptu hype man. “Don’t stage dive. Don’t try to upstage me with none of that cute kid stuff…you like summer?” Jay-Z asked the boy. The rapper then spun into “Dear Summer,” one of the biggest songs of 2004.

Aside from Jay-Z and Nas, solidarity was a common thread through the evening.

During the show’s other surprises, Freeway burst from backstage to perform his verse from “What We Do.” Looking at Freeway, “Jay-Z said, “We missing some sh*t (on this stage) to make this whole thing complete!” A hooded Beanie Sigel, who once played mentor to Freeway, came out to perform, throwing up the Roc diamond sign to the crowd’s delight. “Roc for life, n***a. You already knew,” Beanie said.

The Lox and Jay-Z’s old friend Sauce Money also graced the stage to perform Jay’s classic posse cut, “Reservoir Dogs” to everyone’s surprise. They were followed by a quick impromptu appearance by Diddy, who was once the subject of The Lox’s scorn, and a stirring rendition of “The Benjamins.”

Jay-Z also paid homage to those that have passed.

“We also got to pay respect to the pioneers of the game, and that’s Jam Master Jay and Run DMC,” Jay-Z said as he rolled into a set paying tribute to JMJ, Big Pun, Big L, Aaliyah, Biggie, Tupac, and even Civil Right icon Rosa Parks.

Shortly after, Kanye West emerged from below the stage floor to perform for “President Hova,” and was joined by Houston rapper Paul Wall on the track “Drive Slow.”

Over the course of the night, he brought out special guests Teiarra Mari, Ne-Yo, Peedi Peedi, and Memphis Bleek, along with a four-song set by T.I. T.I. was joined by Young Jeezy, who was a fan favorite with the hook-heavy songs from his debut album Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101. Jay, with a fresh set of clothing, returned on the tail end of Young Jeezy’s set to perform “Go Crazy.”

Initially, fans and gossip mongers thought that Jay-Z was going to “go crazy” and wage a personal beef with a number of artists in the rap community.

At an earlier appearance at Power 105, the Def Jam president revealed that he would address some of whom he called “hard-headed” critics of his “Carter Administration” during the show, but never revealed those people he intended to disrespect. Many fans and gossip mongers speculated he would go after The Game, 50 Cent, Jim Jones, Cam’ron or others.

“I gotta put ’em in the choke hold, the Boston crab,” the rapper told Ed Lover of Power 105.1. “I gotta smash a couple of people. Everybody better make up and be my friend.”

A second show, set for October 28, is slated for Philadelphia’s Wachovia Center in conjunction with Power 99, another Clear Channel radio station.

The last time Jay-Z declared war he jumpstarted a long-running feud with Nas and Prodigy of Mobb Deep, unleashing such hits as the mixtape-gone-mainstream “Takeover.”

“As it was coming together, I seen Puff perform with The Lox, T.I. perform with Jeezy, the return of Beanie Sigel.so I said f**k it,” Jay-Z said. “So you know what I did for y’all, what I did for Hip-Hop?”

And, one era ended as another began.

Nas Protégé Arrested In VA On Assault Charges

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

Nas protégé

and Ill Will/Columbia artist Quan was arrested Tuesday (Oct. 25) in Hampton

Virginia and hit with various charges, including felony assault and battery

on a police officer.

According to published reports,

authorities were responding to a call to a local motel in regards to complaints

of a heavy odor of marijuana coming from one of the rooms.

When the two patrolmen responded,

they were allegedly found Quan, who’s real name is Clifford Ferquan Peacock.

The rapper allegedly agreed to let them enter the room.

Upon entry, authorities

report that they found a loaded handgun in the refrigerator. Once the weapon

was spotted authorities state that Peacock the fled the scene and was chased

by one officer on foot.

The pursuit was reportedly

ended in a hallway of the motel, where Peacock allegedly attacked the officer.

Once the second officer

came to the defense, it is reported that three suspects fled the scene.

Once Quan was placed in

custody, police report that they recovered $19,000 dollars in cash, 3 handguns,

cell phones and a small amount of marijuana.

Quan was arrested on charges

of marijuana possession, being a felon in possession of a handgun, resisting

arrest and assault on a police officer.

No comment from either side

was available at press time.

Bun B Speaks On Jay-Z’s “War”

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

“What is Jay-Z going

to do tonight?”

The question appears to be the primary query on the minds of Hip-Hop fans as

the Def Jam President and his “Carter Administration” will perform

at the Continental Airlines Arena tonight (Oct. 27).

Last month, the rapper/mogul told Power 105’s Ed Lover, “I gotta

put [my adversaries] in the choke hold, the Boston crab. I gotta smash a couple

of people. … Everybody better make up and be my friend."

Still, the self-proclaimed “god MC” didn’t state whom he

intended to annihilate under the show theme, “I Declare War.”

Bun B. appeared on Jay-Z’s “Big Pimpin’” and his own

“Get Throwed,” from the Houston veteran’s album Trill.

Bun said he’ll be at the venue with the stars, but won’t be fully

involved, because of the nature of the show.

“I was planning on rocking with [Jay-Z], but I understand that there

may be some circumstances of what he may do on stage. He may not want me to

be included in what he’s got going on,” Bun told AllHipHop.com.

“He’s about to go to war and I have a pretty good sense of the people

he is going to call out. [They] are pretty good friends of mine.”

With a grin, Bun refused to divulge what may occur or who may be targeted at

the 105.1 Powerhouse concert, but suggested that the rumors have some basis.

“I ain’t heard nothing,” he said chuckling. “I ain’t

heard nothing more than what illseed is saying,” Bun said of AllHipHop.com’s

rumor columnist. “That’s where I get all my info.”

Insiders have speculated that Jay-Z will “declare war” on 50 Cent

and G-Unit and convene a whole group of artists that support the notion.

Hood hearsay has also suggested that this group will consist of rappers like

Nas, Fat Joe, The Lox and others including Sauce Money.

Representatives at Def Jam

wouldn’t reveal any information on the matter, however the matter will

all unfurl 8 p.m. (est). AllHipHop.com will give continued coverage on the “I

Declare War” PowerHouse with Jay-Z and Friends.

Lil’ Jon’s BME, 50 Cent’s G-Unit Strike Deal

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

Ending months of speculation,

Atlanta producer/rapper/mogul Lil’ Jon announced that his BME Recordings

has reached a deal with 50 Cent’s G-Unit to cross-promote BME and G-Unit

artists.

“Me and 50 struck a deal to work together on selected

BME and G-Unit artists,” Lil’ Jon confirmed with AllHipHop.com.

While the terms of the deal are still being worked out, Lil’

Scrappy will be the first artist to be released under the newly formed union.

The new partnership puts an end to rumors about whether Scrappy

was leaving BME to join G-Unit.

For months, industry insiders speculated on the status of Scrappy’s

future with BME.

The rumors came to a head when 50 Cent announced that Scrappy

was “Coming to G-Unit” in an October 15th interview with Tim Westwood

on BBC’s Radio 1 Rap Show in London.

Lil’ Scrappy, Bohagan and other BME artists also recently

completed Anger Management North American tour with their label head, Lil’

Jon.

The 42-date was comprised of G-Unit, BME and Shady/Aftermath

artists.

Founded by Lil’ Jon, the BME imprint is set to release

new music from Lil’ Scrappy, Trillville, E-40 and Bohagan in the new year

In related news, Lil’ Jon is still unhappy with his label,

TVT Records,

In a recent interview with Ozone Magazine, Lil’ Jon trashed

TVT and confirmed that he would never record for TVT again.

"I’ll never record another album for TVT again. I don’t

f**k with [TVT Records owner] Steve Gottlieb," Jon revealed to Ozone. "He

don’t know how to pay people and take care of the people that helped take his

label to another level. I’ve had record sales totaling probably like 10 million

and I ain’t seen no money from the label. None at all. Zip, zero. Show money

and production is how I’m getting paid."

In related news,

Lil’ Jon is penning a script for and will star in a feature film titled

“What?” which he said would be in the vein of Ice Cube’s hugely

popular “Friday” film series.

AHH Stray News: The Source, Missy Elliott, Eminem, B.I.G.

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

The Editor-in-Chief

of The Source magazine turned himself in yesterday (Oct. 26) to face vandalism

charges, after he admitted to spray painting in a Jehovah’s Witness assembly

hall in Harlem, New York. Dasun Allah, who is scheduled for arraignment today

(Oct. 27) in Manhattan Criminal Court, said he spray painted various markings

with religious connotations on the wall to expose the religions “hypocrisy.”

According to Allah, he was asked to leave the Jehovah’s Witnesses more than

13-years-ago and is now a member of the Nation of Gods and Earths (aka The 5%

Nation), an offshoot of the Nation of Islam, which was founded in Harlem in the

late 1960’s.

Missy Elliott is a free agent according to sources at Violator,

the management company that handles the superstar rapper’s career. Sources

told AllHipHop.com that Atlantic Records was in negotiations with Elliott to

return to the label, but so far a deal has yet to be struck. Elliott’s

last album The Cookbook is approaching platinum status. Elliott is

currently recovering from surgery, after she tore her left Achilles tendon while

rehearsing in Los Angeles for a TV Guide Emmy party.

Eminem’s Shade 45 channel on Sirius Satellite Radio is

celebrating its first anniversary. Over the next several days, the chart-topping

rapper will appear on the channel to discuss the anniversary, his upcoming greatest

hits album Curtain Call and new projects in the works. “This

channel gives me a direct outlet to the streets and our audience,” Eminem

said. “We have the opportunity to go straight to our fans with whatever

we want, where we find it. No middleman, no playlists, no bulls**t and most

of all, no censorship.”

Sean “Diddy”

Combs’ Bad Boy label is preparing to release The Notorious B.I.G.

Duets: The Final Chapter. The album pairs B.I.G.’s vocals with new

vocals from an all-star cast of Hip-Hop talent and producers. "The love

for B.I.G. was and is real,” Combs said. “This movement has been

both an emotional and therapeutic experience, one that finds us at the end of

the road in terms of original releases for a great man and at the threshold

of a sound and a quality which may have fallen by the wayside after losing him."

Guests on the album include Diddy, Eminem, Bob Marley, Obie Trice, Twista, Bone

Thugs N Harmony, Jay-Z and others. Many of the Hip-Hop industry’s top

producers have contributed as well, with the album featuring tracks by Swizz

Beatz, Timbaland, Jazze Pha, Just Blaze, Havoc, Stevie J, D. Dot, Scott Storch,

DJ Green Lantern, Clinton Sparks and more. The Notorious B.I.G. Duets: The

Final Chapter hits stores Dec. 20.

Jay-Z Opens 40/40 In Atlantic City, More Openings Planned

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

Sean “Jay-Z”

Carter opened his 40/40 Club in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Tuesday (Oct. 25),

adding another piece to his business empire.

Construction started on the new $4 million dollar, 15,000 square

foot sports bar and lounge in July of 2005. The new club is a part of the retail,

dining and entertainment district developing in Atlantic City called The Walk.

Carter was also given the key to the city by Atlantic City Mayor

Lorenzo Langford during the opening celebration.

The superstar rapper/mogul attended the opening with Beyonce

and ex-Destiny’s Child members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams.

Sean “Diddy” Combs, Terrell Owens, Timbaland, Magic

Johnson and other celebrities were on hand to celebrate the opening of Carter’s

latest sports club.

The rapper is also planning to open 40/40 Clubs in Los Angeles,

Las Vegas and Singapore.

Carter opened the first 40/40 Club with partners Desiree Gonzalez

and Juan Perez on June 18, 2003.

“Atlantic City is the second stop on our 40/40 Club world

tour,” said Owner Juan Perez. “We are very excited to be a part

of this growing community and The Walk expansion project.”

The Atlantic City, New Jersey 40/40 Club features more than

30 Plasma screen TV’s and exclusive VIP rooms similar to those at the flagship

location in New York City.

The Los Angeles

40/40 Club is slated to open in 2006, the Las Vegas 40/40 Club will launch in

2007, while the Singapore 40/40 Club plans to open its doors in 2008.

Turk Sentenced To 10 Years, $200,000 Fine

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

Former Hot Boy group

member Tab “Turk” Virgil has been sentenced to 10 years in prison,

after being convicted of three weapons charges stemming from a Jan. 2004 shootout

with Memphis, Tennessee SWAT Team members.

In August, the 24-year-old was convicted of being a felon, a

drug addict and a fugitive in possession of a handgun in relation to the shootout,

which left a SWAT Team member seriously wounded.

The 10-year sentence is the maximum the judge could issue and

Virgil must also pay a $200,000 fine.

The sentencing stems from a Jan. 2004 raid on an apartment in

Memphis. When SWAT Team members entered the apartment seeking drugs and weapons,

they were greeted with gunfire.

Virgil has maintained his innocence and denied being in a closet

or firing a 9mm handgun that was found in the closet.

The rapper apologized to the officer that was shot, asking for

forgiveness.

The apology brought more scrutiny from prosecutors, who believed

the apology was an admission of guilty.

“What are you sorry about?” Prosecutor Terry Harris

asked Virgil. “Who shot him?"

Virgil maintained his innocence stating: "I don’t know.

I didn’t shoot Officer Harris, and I wasn’t in the closet."

Officers testified Virgil was not in the bathroom and others

testified they saw the rapper crawling out of the closet.

The rapper was also chastised for allegedly recording rap music

over Shelby County Jail telephones, with lyrics that include "shoot first,

before they shoot you."

Virgil said he could not recall recording the rap, but officials

are now going through jail phone records to see if the rapper took advantage

of phone privileges to record an album.

Virgil is still

facing an attempted murder charge in Tennessee state court, but his attorney,

Jay Bailey said the rapper is negotiating a guilty plea to avoid going to trial.

Ludacris: Escalator Style

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

Despite a very loud single, Ludacris has had a rather quiet 2005. But don’t for a minute think it wasn’t planned that way. Luda worked his executive game by branding Bobby Valentino and signing Field Mob. He also impressed people outside the realm of Hip-Hop with two major acting roles. But if you thought Rap was peaceful without Luda and DTP, he’s preparing to lead-off 2006 with a smash for him and his team.

AllHipHop.com and Ludacris discussed the year, looking at movie tickets and record sales, and you may be surprised at Ludacris’ take on either. Conversely, you’ll get a good sense what this ATLien thinks about the rise of H-Town. Get ready, ‘cause we gave Ludacris the red flair pen, and he’s grading Hip-Hop with no curve…

AllHipHop.com: You’re getting like real serious props for being a real actor. Is this something that you’re taking serious in terms of propelling your career?

Ludacris: I take everything I do seriously, but it’s hard. The acting thing I definitely do take it seriously. Crash and Hustle & Flow which where two of the most critically acclaimed movies projects of this year. I see where future projects that I’ll do I’m going to have to really be specific and choosy about what I’m going to do. A lot of actors have come to me and they have accepted me and it definitely feel good, and I think “Crash” helped that a lot.

AllHipHop.com: What do you think about people like Terrence Howard or Sam Jackson who’ve had comments about rappers that act?

Ludacris: I agree and disagree with him. A lot of rappers and a lot of entertainers get the opportunity to act just because of who they are. So I would say for those people who get the opportunity to act and don’t take it seriously, I agree with that comment. ‘Cause it’s just like any other actor could have taken their place and been really serious about the role. But the roles people take it to heart…but the roles people get and are serious

about it, like myself, or people like Will Smith and Ice Cube and Queen Latifah, then I disagree with what their saying. ‘Cause the are trying to stereotype all rappers and I don’t agree with that.

AllHipHop.com: Will Smith received media heat ‘cause he refused to kiss a man on camera. Or 50 Cent or Terrence Howard being nude. Do things like that make you uncomfortable in acting?

Ludacris: Yeah, I could honestly say that would make me a little uncomfortable too. I wouldn’t say that there are things that I would or would not do. But specifically I would feel uncomfortable doing something like that. Kissing another man for sure, I don’t think I would do that.

AllHipHop.com: A lot of people either hated or loved Hustle & Flow. What was your take on it? Did you think it was stereotypical, or an accurate depiction of life in Memphis?

Ludacris: Whenever people try to say it was stereotypical you just have to realize – I loved the movie actually, because I feel that there are so many different walks of life, and we just exposed one of them. And the one that we did expose was extremely realistic from me living my life and what I’ve witnessed. And with that being said, it wasn’t what people walked away with. But the people that criticized it, it wasn’t just about pimps and hoes, it was about struggle and a man that everyone can relate to ‘cause he’s trying to get out there and hustle and live out his dream. Those people that said it was stereotypical they didn’t really get it. It’s almost like how people criticize Hip-Hop and they don’t really listen to what the f**k we are saying.

AllHipHop.com: Some of the albums that Disturbing Tha Peace has released haven’t exactly blown the charts away. Why do you feel that’s happened? Like I-20 or Shawna…

Ludacris: It’s about certain peoples timing. I just feel like both of their albums where solid albums. But with so many different elements from the way record companies my try to spin off…it’s just about timing. Me and you know both about certain artists, that are extremely successful now, but their first albums…they didn’t do anything. And that being said, sometimes I feel like about artist and records it’s all about timing. I feel that a second album is like a second chance. And as long as they had a solid album and those hundred or two hundred thousand people that went to go get it, and as long as they where satisfied and not disappointed, that’s what most important.

AllHipHop.com: Is that why you brought in guests to do this compilation album coming out?

Ludacris: I never necessarily felt that I needed to bring [anybody], but it’s one of situation where we had records lingering and we wanted to put them out. Whether it was stuff that didn’t make one of my albums. I felt that is adds to the whole element of surprise. Whenever you think of an record as an event it’s just kind of crazy-ish. With just by me saying that there’s a song with me, Trick Daddy, and Luke, and will make some people be like, “Damn, what’s that about?” It’s just like the element of surprise.

AllHipHop.com: Atlanta has always been hot. But recently is seems like Houston is catching up to you a little bit. Do you feel any pressure as far as that’s concerned? You know a shift might be going towards another city.

Ludacris: No, I don’t really feel like that. I see myself as an artist that is from the ‘Dirty South,’ but I’ve been a fan of Houston music ever sense I first got started. You can listen to my albums and see exactly what I’m talking about. Like with “Screwed Up,” with Lil’ Flip, and this is on Chicken and Beer so this is like two years ago. And I’m one of those individuals that I don’t necessarily look at is as competition I look at it as the South as a whole. So it’s just great. I’m so happy right now that Screwed music is getting its due and the world is catching on. ‘Cause I’ve been on it for six or seven years. I look at it as the South as one.

AllHipHop.com: Why do you think that the South is so popular right now? Paul Wall, Young Jeezy, these dudes are huge figures in the Northern market…

Ludacris: Yeah, I attribute that 100% to how Southern artist, more then any other region in the world have come out with so many independent albums before they get signed into a major contract. A lot of people don’t take this into consideration. Even myself, and Lil’ Jon, and Ying Yang all started on a local level, so to speak, selling albums. So with that being said, I think that’s an easy way for a lot of record companies to monitor what the independent’s got going on and then they start signing everybody. ‘Cause if we are already selling music on our own, they are just giving us the opportunity to sell music beyond where we are already selling it. So that’s why I feel the South has been so dominant for so long.

AllHipHop.com: That said, what do you perceive as the biggest criticism of the South right now?

Ludacris: I don’t really think I have one. Like the first thing that will come to mind is that, if anyone was to say that people from the South don’t get along, or don’t get together, we’re the reason that folks are together. It’s that Southern hospitality. You see how many n***as are getting on records together as opposed to 50 and all these other people in New York [who] don’t support each other, it’s kind of hard. And with that being said I can’t think of no criticism for the South, I love the South. If I think of one, I’ll let you know.

AllHipHop.com: What made you sign Field Mob? They’ve made great records, but never really gotten the numbers. What, as a businessman, attracted you?

Ludacris: I feel that Field Mob is one of those groups, if people don’t want to listen and they don’t necessarily want to listen now, then they are going to listen soon, because they put out good music. I feel like they are Southern MC’s and lyricists, and I respect what they do. And I’m a big fan of what they do. And automatically, if I’m sitting here

thinking that if they haven’t sold as many as they should, I feel like I can do something to help them out with that. And even if it doesn’t work out the first time, I feel that it will eventually work out. Because what I’m trying to do is to make a change for what I feel music needs. Sometimes people talk about selling out to a certain degree but I’m one of those people that wants to change music.

AllHipHop.com: Along the lines of changing music, who do you like right now. Who are you feeling right now that we may need to check for?

Ludacris: Field Mob. I’m not even trying to promote my artist. [I’m] looking for Jay to come out with another album especially with the way that he keeps teasing people. And I’m really respecting Lil’ Wayne. I’m really f**kin’ with Lil’ Wayne right now, and I even told him that. That n***a is on his s**t right now, he’s in the zone. And Bun B, like a mothaf**ka. That n***a’s album is ridiculous.

AllHipHop.com: It’s not a focal point, but do you have anything to say to Chingy?

Ludacris: I have nothing to say to that guy. That’s how you get back at somebody is to ignore they ass. So I don’t even say s**t, I don’t even have to get back at him. He’s getting back at himself.

AllHipHop.com: What’s the biggest misconception about you? What would people …what about you would people not know?

Ludacris: The biggest misconception about me …I would say that…I don’t know man. People sometimes act as if I wasn’t on for a long ass time, people know. ‘Cause, whereas me being funny when I’m rhyming, some people might not take me all the way serious. Someone told me that I’m such a visual artist that I never really until recently get the props that I deserve as far as being a lyricist is concerned. ‘Cause I’d put myself in the top right now. And eventually, I’m trying to get to that #1 spot. I don’t feel like I’m at the #1 spot, that’s why I made that song. Cause you know with my time and competing against other people I just feel like my time is coming.

AllHipHop.com: That song, with the Austin Powers accents took risks. It actually reminded me of Redman, in a way. Why aren’t you scared to take those risks?

Ludacris: Redman’s one of my favorites. I’ve always been a Redman fan that why I did [“Future Thugs”] with him. I feel like Hip-Hop needs something different. And all I’m doing is being myself. And I’m not trying to be anything that I’m not. And so with that being said, you can’t be afraid to take risks. That’s why I do try to go left while everyone is trying to go right.

AllHipHop.com: You said Hip-Hop needs something different. Hypothetically, give Hip-Hop a grade right now…

Ludacris: See when you ask a question like that, I wouldn’t necessarily give Hip-Hop a bad grade, ‘cause it’s a new generation. Like they are a little kid and what’s going on is Hip-Hop right now is what’s it’s suppose to be because this is what they know. They my not have known about the Run-DMC’s and the LL Cool J’s and things of that nature so it’s all an opinion of what people think Hip-Hop is. So with that being said…

AllHipHop.com: I wasn’t trying to give you a loaded question like “yo it’s not good no more.”

Ludacris: Well if I had to give it a grade, I would give it about a… s**t…I’ve give Hip-Hop about a C. And I say that only because I feel that some n***as ain’t trying hard enough. They are not really putting their heart into it like they should.

Atmosphere: Get Fly

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

Deep within the mass of beats and rhymes found on the Minneapolis
based label, Rhymesayers, Atmosphere’s ,
You Can’t Imagine How Much Fun We’re Having, is already grabbing
critics attention. In Slug’s lyrical content that travels the path from 
mind to mouth, you’ll find analogies of himself, alcohol and his
 favorite topic: women, to coincide with the background beatsmith,
 Ant’s, musical creations. Atmosphere usually resides in the 
underground layers of the Hip-Hop world, but it seems they are
 unknowingly on their way up, out of Minneapolis and past the airwaves
 of college radio. 

Most would think, what the hell does Minneapolis know about Hip-Hop?
But the truth is, they know lots.

The Atmosphere ideology grew from
 their love of Hip-Hop music and created something new, something of
 their own. Eventually, they evolved into the creators of the 
Rhymesayers Collective which now hosts recognized artists such as 
Brother Ali, Blueprint, and MF Doom. Recently, AllHipHop.com caught up
 with the mid-west duo to find out about lyrical meanings, touring and 
of course, women.

 So what does Minneapolis know
 about Hip-Hop? Sit back and find out.


AllHipHop.com: So far, the critics’ response to You Can’t Imagine How Much Fun We’re Having has been good.

Ant: That’s good, I hope it helps.



AllHipHop.com: Recently at a show in Iowa City, you actually performed. I
was very excited about that because you usually don’t tour. Are you
taking a new turn in your career? Should we look for Ant at more shows 
from here on out?



Ant: I can’t say that for sure, maybe if I’m invited back [laughs]. I
just started getting comfortable, it took a while. It’s not my
expertise. It’s definitely not a reality for me. It’s very odd.



AllHipHop.com: Well on the new album, I’m really impressed with the last song,
 “Little Man.” Slug, it’s interesting how you took your father-figure
 and then your son, and almost admitted being questionable at both.
What is the most valuable lesson learned from your youth that you
 apply in raising your son Jacob?



Slug: The most valuable lesson I want him to learn is not to fall for
 “it.” When I say “it,” I mean not to have to pick sides. Our culture 
is all about that. I just want him to be able to apply common sense to 
all of his decisions. The lyrics in this song bring me back to my
issues of co-dependency and the issues of me with relationships, where 
I have to be validated by someone else. This song is about how I never
 learned how to have an equal-standing relationship. My mom kicked my
 dad out when I was eleven and I accept what’s handed to me, because I come
 from a broken home. My mom did her best to put a rational equality 
outlook on life. But I learned through the eyes of a woman who was 
p##### off and from that I carry male guilt. People have been 
brainwashed and when they say I always rap about women, and they think 
I’m a chauvinist but I’m not. I look at it as self-bashing. Does that make sense? I ramble.

AllHipHop.com: Most definitely.



Slug: I’m surprised that I get to talk to a girl journalist in the
 Hip-Hop world. I like to see more women in the Hip- Hop world, I think
 it is hard for them. It surprises me how many girls are publicists, 
you know. But I like to see more on this side of it. Even within the 
music aspect, there aren’t many female MC’s. I mean you have Missy
 Elliot, but she still has to wear layers of make up to be accepted.



AllHipHop.com: I wish there were more women in the game too.



Slug: If you look at an Atmosphere show, there is a 40-50 ratio of
women in the audience. They are allowed to like Atmosphere, but not 
Gangsta- Rap, unless you’re a d###. We don’t allow them to like it, we
 think they can’t relate to it, but they do. They can have a bad day
 and want to shoot their boss. They can get in their car and turn it up
and feel p*ssed and relate to it.



AllHipHop.com: Yeah, I know what you mean. Sometimes it is hard for people to 
take you seriously when you’re a girl in this business. And Gangsta-
Rap does fit the mood sometimes. Ant, I know you love West Coast 
Gangsta-Rap. If you could work with any 80’s Gangsta-Rap legend, who
 would it be?



Ant: MC Eiht, just because I could work well with him. Even though Ice
 Cube is the best, MC Eiht and I would get along really well, I think. I can’t explain it. 




AllHipHop.com: Let’s talk about your last album Se7en’s Travels. It was said you hated this album, and while it was your biggest, it also
 stirred up some disappointment in the core Atmosphere circles. What 
did you learn from the record and how did you apply it? Because,
already, this one is being toted as your best.



Slug: Se7en’s Travels I hate because I didn’t pay attention to 
supplying something that people could understand. I made a record of 
how confusing my life was, when I found out my fans didn’t get it, it 
confused me too. It was a reflection of where I was in my life. After 
making records for like ten years, you evolve, just like your fans do.
 Is it not okay for me to grow lyrically? I know it was relevant than any
other record, I just didn’t make it obvious enough. This one is more
refined. Moods are direct. People can get their own versions out of 
it.



AllHipHop.com: Ant, we saw how versatile your producing abilities are, 
especially with Brother Ali’s Shadows on the Sun. You used more
 horns and a fuller soulful sound for him. Why did you feel that worked
better for Ali than say Slug or other MC’s you have worked with?



Ant: He has a bigger voice and it can handle a bigger sound. It’s a
feel thing, for others it doesn’t feel the same. One track on that 
album was originally for Slug, but it wasn’t right for him. He didn’t
 like it. But Ali ran into it and it turned out to be “Bitchslap” on 
Shadows. It’s weird how things work out.



AllHipHop.com: Other Indie producers haven’t reached the numbers in sales you 
have, but they get more exposure than you…like 9th Wonder for 
example. Why do you think you’re not getting that same exposure?



Ant: Maybe it’s a taste thing. Maybe that’s what they like. If 
numbers were the case, we’d be talking about the producer for Britney
 Spears.



AllHipHop.com: True, Would you like to work with some more commercial MC’s?



Ant: I would, but I’m not crying over that. I’m open to whatever. I’d
want some power in the situation though.



AllHipHop.com: In a recent interview Slug said Atmosphere “helps kid’s find their 
identity.” Do you feel that is a common theme among young people and 
how do you help them with finding themselves?
 


Slug: I can’t believe I really said that. [laughing] It is the best I 
can hope for. We are playing a small letter in the equation in helping 
them find themselves. I’m not hoping to go platinum, the best I can go
 for is providing quality, positive Hip-Hop within the game.



AllHipHop.com: Ant, This year alone, with the Rhymesayers label, you are 
producing around five projects. Will you be doing other projects off
 the label?



Ant: I’ll do a song here or there.



AllHipHop.com: How do you chose the MC’s you want to work with?



Ant: Obviously, if I know them or if they’re good. If I can fit it in
 too. I prefer to work with somebody, not to send something in the 
mail. A lot of people are doing that s**t these days. I don’t do that.
 



AllHipHop.com: Let me ask you about the Rhymesayers label. Rhymesayers put out
critically acclaimed albums from MF Doom and Blueprint this last year.
Do you see the company continuing to putting a Rhymesayers flip on
other artist’s styles?



Slug: The problem with Indie labels is they tend to create a certain 
sound. I love diversity on our label. We have Brother Ali, MF Doom, 
who is like the Andy Kaufman of Hip-Hop, and Blueprint, who is just 
the all around MC’s MC. I appreciate diversity and most important with 
our people on our label, is that they are all good human beings. They
are all people I can bring my kid around. I mean, people can learn to
be dope. I can stick you on a bus touring with Brother Ali and you can
get dope, but in the end, if you’re an a**hole, you’re an a**hole.



AllHipHop.com: Ant, I heard when you first met Slug, you didn’t care for his 
voice at all, what changed your mind?



Ant: Touring has done some damage to his voice and it’s helped his
 voice. It sounds like more of an adult. When we first met, he had that
 teenager thing happening. I mean, it was all right.



AllHipHop.com: You have said in the past, you are more of a background guy and 
leave the front man stuff to Slug. You also said you are not trying to
be Puffy or anything. What do you get out of producing then? What is 
your ultimate goal?



Ant: When I said that, I meant big in the sense of having my face
 everywhere. Ultimately, I am chasing my dream. I like making music. My
 goal is to accomplish my dream and I’ve accomplished most of my dream
 already.



AllHipHop.com: Let’s talk about touring. You are one of the kings of Hip-Hop
van touring. With that said, what is the coolest roadside attraction
 in America? I mean it can be a good sandwich or anything.



Slug: Oh man, that is a tough one. I like the mountains, I like 
looking at them. Um, That is a good question. On the road, I am very 
distracted by women. I am completely into studying people. People
 generally keep me going. It is an opportunity to meet future friends,
future ex-wives, future co-workers and on stage I jump around and seem
 loud, but off-stage I am not a loud guy. I like to observe. That is
 why I write so much about people. My writing is about the human
 condition. Did I really just say that?

AllHipHop.com: [Laughing] No, it sounded good. Speaking of women, let’s talk
about the song “Like Today.” I heard someone say it gave sexual hope 
to the hopeless. What prompted you to write that song?



Slug: “Like Today” is really my version of LL Cool J’s “The Do Wop.” I 
even ended it like him, where I woke from a dream, but nobody got that 
except me. I never expected people on the outside of Minneapolis to
hear it. It is really about the ‘any man’ lifestyle for kids in
 Minneapolis. It is the ‘any man’s’ song.



AllHipHop.com: Have you been worried about sample clearances, since your selling 
more records now?



Ant: A little. We try to clear our stuff or part of it. We’re not that
 big where people pay attention.



Paul Wall Gets Married In Houston

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

Paul Wall probably won’t be hooking up with females on the internet, as chronicled on his song “Internet Goin’Nuts.” The Houston bred rapper quietly got married in a low-key ceremony in his hometown over the past weekend, a representative for the rapper confirmed with AllHipHop.com. The identity of his bride was only disclosed as Crystal, “his longtime girlfriend.”

In related news, Wall remixed his song “They Don’t Know” to pay homage to the Houston Astros, who made their first visit to the World Series. His former partner, Chamillionaire has also released a similar ode, “Turn It Up (remix).

Wall released his debut album, The People’s Champ, earlier this year to critical acclaim.

Crips Founder/Children’s Author To Be Executed

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

A death warrant was signed on Monday (Oct. 26) that clears the way for Stanley “Tookie” Williams, co-founder of the infamous Crips Gang, to be executed at San Quentin prison in mid-December.

Superior Court Judge William R. Pounders signed the death warrant on October 24. The judge rejected requests by Williams’ attorneys to delay the execution until December 22 to give them more time to seek clemency from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. “This case has taken over 24 years to get to this point,” stated Judge Ponders, according to the Associated Press. “That is a long delay in itself and I would hate to add to that delay.”

The December 13 date gives Williams’ attorneys until Nov. 8 to submit a clemency request, a small timeframe. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to consider Williams’ case earlier this month. Williams was sentenced to death in 1981 for fatally shooting Albert Owens, a convenience store worker, in 1979. He also was convicted of killing two motel owners and their daughter during a robbery that same year.

Williams steadfastly maintains his innocence and his supporters attended the court proceedings to rally on his behalf. Despite his past, the former gang leader has renounced his past lifestyle and penned children’s book. Furthermore, Williams has been nominated for the coveted Nobel Peace prize and actor Jamie Foxx played the convict in “Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story.”

Williams, 51, and a high school friend Raymond Washington became started the Crips street gang in Los Angeles in 1971. The gang, well known for their violent ways, were mostly identified by the blue color worn by their members.

Many of Hip-Hop’s elite, West Coast artists in particular, have often been criticized for glorifying the gangbanging lifestyle and pledging affiliation to the Crips. Artists such as Snoop Dogg, Dub-C, Eazy E, Ice T, Daz, Kurupt, Warren G, Tray Dee, Goldie Loc, Coolio, MC Ren, MC Eiht and a host of others have been affiliated with the Crips.

The Crips became popular throughout southern Los Angeles as more and more youth gangs joined it; eventually they outnumbered non-Crip gangs by 3 to 1. In response, some of the besieged smaller gangs formed an alliance that later became the Bloods. For decades, there was a bloody rivalry between the Crips and Bloods until a peace treaty was eventually negotiated, ironically by Williams.

Williams is schedule to be executed on December 13. A website, www.savetookie.org/, has been erected to galvanize support him.

Emcee’s Properganda

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

Artist: JinTitle: Emcee’s PropergandaRating: 3 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Robert Longfellow

The Emcee…ahem…Jin can’t win for losing. In a matter of months we’ve seen the Asian rap superhero throw in the white flag with an early retirement, get knocked the fugg out at a Fight Klub battle and reclaim his freestyle battle crown, technically, at the recent Power Summit in the Bahamas. The source of Jin’s recent stumbles, at least in the eyes of his supporters, detractors and those oblivious, is rather obvious. His debut album, The Rest is History, was wack. Licking his wounds, his latest independent endeavor, Emcee’s Properganda (Draft/Craft Plugz), is everything his proper debut wasn’t, slicker lyrics over knocking instrumentation. Senorita be damned.

Everyone’s favorite rapper can spit. The deciding factor is weather beat accompaniment helps him merits return listens. Jin calls beats the “Fifth element” on “G.O.L.D.E.N.” On Properganda new jack producer Golden provides all the tracks and proves to be Jin’s lifeline. On “Top 5” Jin rides (pause) a hollow vocal lift snuggled by shuffling drum kicks and avoids controversy by name checking a gang of his favorite rappers, “Scarface ya minds playing tricks and illusions, Pharaoh Monche out to organize the confusion, trying to figure out this fly chick I discovered, at the same time Common said he used to say he love her, Buckshot with his camp click laced up his boots, big up to Black Thought, never forgot his Roots.” On “Mr. Popular” he successfully adjusts the battle raps into a smooth song structure over thumping percussion and subtle keys. The only real suspect cut is “Carpe Diem” which suffers from a listless sitar that runs through the track. On the much too short “My First Time” he gets conceptual, recounting the first time he popped his cherry (pause), and wrote his first rhyme.

Jin’s rhyme book is thick but and he used it to let you know he’s still bitter at rap’s largesse (“Perspectives”, “Properganda”), wants women to respect themselves (“Foolish Little Girl”) and wishes there were less wannabes (“No More Fans”). The stock angry rapper purist peeved at a jacked up Hip-Hop aesthetic is tiresome, though not without merit. But Jin has tried to refine his approach and make it easier to swallow (pause). However, since his fan base would be in agreement-forgive the forthcoming cliché-he’s preaching to the choir. Then again that glorified coaster that was his freshman flop makes him need to endear himself to as many kindred, lyrical loving, and CD buying spirits as he can. After all, it isn’t propaganda that battle money only lasts so long.

Court Orders Young Jeezy To Turn Over Bank Statements

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

Jay "Young Jeezy"

Jenkins was ordered to turn over financial records of his earnings during a

child support hearing on Tuesday (Oct. 25).

The Boyz N Da Hood former

front man and Def Jam artist is having his earning scrutinized, as the mother

of his 9 year-old son, Nicole D####, is stating that the rapper’s income has

changed drastically since a 2001 child support ruling.

The original motion, which

established the paternity of the child, set the child support for Jenkins to

pay at $178.

Since that motion,

the record label Jenkins’ allegedly owns, Corporate Thugz Entertainment,

has enjoyed success.

Jenkins was a member

of BNDH when they released their self-titled debut on Bad Boy Entertainment,

which landed near the top of the charts when it was released in June of 2005.

In July of 2005,

Jenkins’ certified platinum debut, Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101

hit stores through a deal with the Island Def Jam Music Group, a unit of Universal

Music Group.

In court depositions,

Jenkins denied owing a mansion or a house, a car or jewelry, but D####’

lawyers singled out his diamond incrusted "snowman" pendant, as well

as the platinum success of his debut album and the success of BNDH’s self-titled

debut album, which spawned the radio hit "Dem Boyz."

Nicole D#### is asking for

more than $20,000 in expenses for clothing, transportation and housing to care

for the child.

"The ultimate

question is what is he making?" Superior Court Judge George Nunn asked

on Tuesday (Oct. 25), during the proceedings.

The court concluded with

the judge stating that if Jenkins can prove that he’s only living on a minimal

income and driving an economy rental car, rulings would bear in his favor.

On the other hand, if he

fails to disclose a full picture of his income, the judge warned that he will

assess child support based on the rapper’s "lifestyle of a wealthy rock

star."

The judge ordered the rapper’s

attorney to turn over his bank statements to D####’ attorneys and told

the lawyers to file subpoenas for other financial information from Corporate

Thugs Entertainment by Friday (Oct. 28).

Diana Lynch, who is representing

Jenkins in the case, is disputing the claim that he is the owner of Corporate

Thugz Entertainment.

The follow up hearing to

determine the amount of child support is scheduled for Nov. 29.

Rapper DMX Pleads Guilty To Driving Charges, Facing 60 Days

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

Hip-Hop star DMX may

have to serve 60 days in prison.

The rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, pleaded guilty

Tuesday (Oct. 25) to violating the terms of an agreement reached after a driving

infraction last year.

Additionally, DMX confessed that he had a pair of other violations

while his driver’s license was suspended or revoked, according to the

Associated Press.

The rapper’s driver’s license was suspended after

a June 2004 road rage incident at JFK Airport in Queens, New York.

DMX managed to avoid jail time after chasing another driver

through the airport parking lot with flashing lights and sirens on his SUV.

He later admitted to being under the influence of V##### during

the fiasco.

Police claim DMX was pulling the other driver out of the car

when they arrived on the scene. His charges were eventually reduced to misdemeanor

offenses.

In December of 2004, DMX had more problems with his driving.

The Def Jam rapper was arrested and charged with speeding violations

in

Westchester, New York, after police caught the rapper driving over 100 mph in

a 65 mph zone.

In April of 2005, DMX was driving on the Major Deegan Expressway

in the

Bronx, when he crashed into a car that then struck an unmarked police cruiser.

The rapper has maintained that he was rushing to the hospital

because his wife was in labor, but prosecutors said the child was born three

days later.

Sentencing has

been scheduled for November 17.

Blackalicious: Clockwork

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

Duos and groups come and go. Their careers skyrocket and plummet in the blink of an eye. After a decade of making music together, not too many acts can even say that’s they’re still going strong together, let alone drop a new album that sounds totally unlike anything they’ve done before. Keeping your freshness seal-tight in today’s music game isn’t as easy as some make it look.

Ten years into the game, Blackalicious is bringing a new album and a new sound to the table. The North California team has forged Quannum Projects as a label to watch, and Blackalicious as a group to hear. Going into The Craft this Fall, Chief Xcel and Gift of Gab are getting all sorts of reviews. AllHipHop.com talks to the duo about the new album The Craft, as well as the span of their careers, the chemistry they have, and drinkin’ on 40’s for breakfast.

AllHipHop.com: I’ve been listening to the new album, The Craft, and it’s really crazy. It has been described as having “sonic depth,”—can you elaborate on that for me?

Gift of Gab: I think that musically alone, the way Xcel put the album together was ingenious. He got live musicians that we knew and brought them all together and had them jam for days at a time. Then what he did was take the parts that he thought were best and made them into songs. There’s a lot of live musicians and instrumentation on this album. And the thing that’s really dope about X’s sound right now is that you really can’t tell if it’s live or sampled.

AllHipHop.com: Is live music something that you usually incorporate into your albums?

Chief Xcel: Yeah, pretty much in all of our records. The thing about The Craft is that there are just as may samples on the record as there are live instruments. For me, pretty much since Nia, the aim had really been to sort of erase the line between what’s live and what’s sampled so it sounds like it’s all coming from the same source.

AllHipHop.com: The other day, as I was listening to The Craft while driving, I caught a slight case of road rage and usually I’m very calm in the car—especially listening to a Blackalicious album. It all reminded me of “Mashin’ on the Motorway”. Now, is that strong feeling that the album puts forth something that was intentional is was I just a mad driver?

Gift of Gab: [laughs] I think that a lot of the songs are more fast paced then stuff we’ve done in the past just on an energetic level I can see how you’d say that.

AllHipHop.com: How was it to work with George Clinton?

Chief Xcel: Well, Mr. Clinton, as you know, is a legend and to be able to be in a session with him is almost like being in school. Each time you collaborate with someone is really a learning process because different artists have different ways of accessing their creative energy and to watch his process in action was really amazing. When we first did the song, Gab had originally written the hook and done the demo so Mr. Clinton came into the studio, listened to it and vibed out for 15 or 20 minutes. It was almost like he was going into a trance, started kind of mumbling melodies and harmonies to himself. Then after about 20 minutes, he was like, “Okay, I’m ready” and then to watch his mind work and watch all these different vocal arrangements unfold kind of gave me a little insight into how they made all of those great Parliament records.

AllHipHop.com: Is there any particular song on the album that meant a little more to, or that you really put your heart into?

Gift of Gab: We put our heart into all of the songs. I know you’re expecting me to say that…

AllHipHop.com: Yes and no…

Gift of Gab: We kinda went by this theory about Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson making Thriller. And the way they went about making that album was by saying “We can’t keep any songs that don’t give us goose-bumps.” So we sort of went by that blueprint. X did over 120 beats and I wrote to about 50 of them, and we cut it down to these 14 because there were a lot of songs we did that were good songs, but after listening to them we’d ask “Okay, but does this song move you? If you had never heard us before and you heard this, would you say ‘Whoa, what was that?’” And if the song didn’t give us that feeling when we were done listening to it, then we’d cut it. We really set a high benchmark as far as what moves us musically in terms of this record. So when you say ‘one song’—each song really stands on its own.

AllHipHop.com: So you would trust him to tell you if you were spittin’ mediocre and would you tell him if his production was average?

Gift of Gab: Yeah, we know that the worst thing to say to each other either after I spit a rhyme or after he makes a beat is “Yeah, it was cool.” We don’t want to just do “cool” stuff. We want a reaction. We want to see that we area affecting the person listening. You can tell when it’s sincere and when it’s not sincere.

AllHipHop.com: Well one of my favorite songs from you guys is “Release” with Saul Williams. Before he got on that track, did you point him in any specific direction before he took the song where he took it?

Gift of Gab: We were just building on the concept of releasing, letting go and being free. He just really went there—he completely created some new s**t. There was no way we could have guessed that he was gonna come with what he came with on that one.

AllHipHop.com: You guys have had quite a few albums now, from Melodica to Nia, and now The Craft; is there any album you feel particularly strong about or is it all love?

Chief Xcel: They’re all kind of like your children, you know? It’s almost as if you have all these different yearbooks on your shelf. Of course if you’re just going into college you have an affinity towards senior year, because that’s what’s closest to you and to where you’re at. But it doesn’t make freshman, sophomore and junior year any less important because that’s where you were at then. So for us I really just look at it as one body of work with various chapters to it. It’s hard for me to go back and listen to anything that I’ve done in the past because that’s who I was then. It’s sort of like revisiting the past as opposed to moving forward in terms of where I am now. So I rarely ever listen to any of our old records.

AllHipHop.com: Gab, your solo album, 4th Dimensional Rocketships Going Up—when you approach your solo music, do you approach it any differently then when you’re working with X?

Gift of Gab: Well, me and X have a chemistry. The difference between my solo album and a Blackalicious album is the chemistry. I can only make a Blackalicious album with X, and he can only make on with me. We can make other albums with other artists and make good records, but we can only make Blackalicious albums with me and him.

AllHipHop.com: Melodica was ten years ago, and that album is very rare now. It’s worth hundreds of dollars if I’m not mistaken. As a record collector, how does that feel knowing that it’s hard to find some of the music you made?

Chief Xcel: It’s cool, as long as its maybe one or two records in your catalog. If it’s your entire catalog then that’s not cool—cause that means nobody’s buying them. But in terms of Melodica, that’s always going to be a very special piece for us because that was our first record. Just to know that it’s sought after is a very dope thing.

AllHipHop.com: And do you see that one being repressed?

Chief Xcel: Yeah, we’re actually talking about re-releasing it some time next year on Quannum.

AllHipHop.com: Looking back at your collection of yearbooks, really not knowing where you are in your career—you’re not at the beginning, there’s no way of telling where the end is, how do you feel about the spot you’re at right now?

Chief Xcel: It’s like, you know when you’re on a long ass road trip and say you’re drving from—where you at right now?

AllHipHop.com: Rhode Island.

Chief Xcel: Say you’re driving from Rhode Island to Oakland and you’re in Austin, Texas right now and hella stuff has happened since you’ve been on the road. You’ve just been through experience after experience after experience and it’s so intense that you just need to stop and be like “Damn I’m only halfway there and I’ve already gone through this, this, this and this.” That accumulation of experiences sort of puts you where you are now and that’s really what you want to show. You’re in Texas, but you have half the journey to go. At this stage in the game, I have about 18 years of beats under my belt and I’m just now really discovering music. That’s where the adrenaline rush comes from. Every single day you get a little breakthrough in the studio, or you learn something new and it’s exciting. Every day feels new.

AllHipHop.com: So lastly, in tradition of one of your most popular records – when was the last time you had a 40 ounce for breakfast?

Gift of Gab: [Laughs] It’s been a long time since I’ve had a 40. I’m not gonna say I don’t have some wine every now and then but it’s been a looooong time since I’ve had a 40.