Florida based artist/song-writer TJ Hearns, known as Teezy, has been making his mark lately. After releasing his biggest visual titled “Hotel Ride It Out”, Teezy hasn’t looked back since. Listen to Teezy’s latest single ‘Wait On It’ produced by Will-A-Fool. This came out not too long ago but flew under our radar. Beat bangin on this one and while the track is short, the art is dope and you can tell Teezy has some nice tracks on deck.
After releasing “We All We Got” last month with Money Mafia, Master P is back with a new project “CP3” along with Money Mafia member Ace B.
South Carolina artist/producer City P, releases new single titled “Forever” written and produced by himself. This will be on his upcoming mixtape titled “No Way Out” planned to be released later this year.
Divine Styler, has had an atypical 25 year career as an MC. Look at his discography and you'll see that even though he's only has come out with 4 albums, each of his albums have had the goal of pushing the boundaries of what hip hop can, and should be. I asked him why does he create albums that push the limits of hip-hop?
Styler: "I've never cared from the beginning…And that's what the fun part is to me because I'm free, to a degree, in a lot of areas to actually exercise different things without the pressure of certain things….The biggest hit I took was with Spiral Walls because I was actually pushing boundaries and excited about pushing boundaries. But you learn quickly and specifically in Hip-Hop that is a no, no. you aren't supposed to push boundaries. you supposed to keep it pimping and you're supposed to keep it cocaine and all that other s###. For me, that just made me go deeper into doing my own thing."
Part 1 of my interview with Divine Styler will be available soon http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/
Divine Styler, has had an atypical 25 year career as an MC. Look at his discography and you'll see that even though he's only has come out with 4 albums, each of his albums have had the goal of pushing the boundaries of what hip hop can, and should be. I asked him why does he create albums that push the limits of hip-hop?
Styler: "I've never cared from the beginning…And that's what the fun part is to me because I'm free, to a degree, in a lot of areas to actually exercise different things without the pressure of certain things….The biggest hit I took was with Spiral Walls because I was actually pushing boundaries and excited about pushing boundaries. But you learn quickly and specifically in Hip-Hop that is a no, no. you aren't supposed to push boundaries. you supposed to keep it pimping and you're supposed to keep it cocaine and all that other s###. For me, that just made me go deeper into doing my own thing."
Part 1 of my interview with Divine Styler will be available soon http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/
Divine Styler, has had an atypical 25 year career as an MC. Look at his discography and you'll see that even though he's only has come out with 4 albums, each of his albums have had the goal of pushing the boundaries of what hip hop can, and should be. I asked him why does he create albums that push the limits of hip-hop?
Styler: "I've never cared from the beginning…And that's what the fun part is to me because I'm free, to a degree, in a lot of areas to actually exercise different things without the pressure of certain things….The biggest hit I took was with Spiral Walls because I was actually pushing boundaries and excited about pushing boundaries. But you learn quickly and specifically in Hip-Hop that is a no, no. you aren't supposed to push boundaries. you supposed to keep it pimping and you're supposed to keep it cocaine and all that other s###. For me, that just made me go deeper into doing my own thing."
Part 1 of my interview with Divine Styler will be available soon http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/
South Bronx rapper Jimmy Valentime says he always wanted more for himself and that his ambition shows in his music. Following up his release of “Winter Is Mine,” Valentime gives us a Valentine’s Day treat. Take a listen to “Fade” below.
You know Rae…he and Ghostface are doing “The Purple Files,” a documentary celebrating the 20th anniversary of “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.” Over the Grammy weekend, I heard they had a preview screening that had people in tears over how dope it was. From what I heard, LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, West Coast don Damani, ill Camille and others were in attendance. There are a lot of rumors circulation on this one. I can’t even talk about most or I am going to get my neck chopped. But, lets just say that this will be EPIC. I heard there are a lot of big names vying to be a part of it, especially after what they have seen in the extended trailer. Oh, I didn’t mention – DAME DASH showed up looking G’d up and all that. Shout out to him. The real rumor is…this ish looks epic. Anything else would get me killed.
Free leak from the Bottom Feeder Music EP “Gorilla State” dropping this spring.
Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images
Music’s biggest stars gathered at Staples Center in Los Angeles for the 57th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday. But before one golden gramophone was handed out, the world’s hottest musicians hit the red carpet. This year’s nominees and their peers hit the red carpet with some winning looks this year. Because all big names were whisked down the carpet, the Grammy’s red carpet actually turned into quite the fashion show as media admired celebrity’s ensembles from their marked posts on the carpet.
AllHipHop did have some entertaining interactions on the carpet. At one point there was an announcement that the carpet was closed, but all trained media know you don’t pack up until it’s truly over. After the alleged closing of the carpet came Kanye West & Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Tyrese, and Neyo. We acknowledged to Mr. West the fact that he was performing and then transitioned into asking him who he was most excited to see. An annoyed Kanye gave us typical Kanye annoyed-I’m-about-to-go-off-on-media-face and then stated “Everyone.” Which really translated to “no one” or “myself”.
We left our post to attempt to speak with Chris Brown and Pharrell, who like all A-listers, were whisked down the carpet. Brown’s escorts had him moving at the speed of lightning down the carpet. Pharrell was friendly and reached out to shake our hand but his escort quickly made it known that the “Happy” singer would not be participating in interviews as they were “bringing him straight through.”
Jhene Aiko & Rita Ora both yelled from the carpet that they were most excited to see Kanye West and Madonna respectively. Juicy J said the Rihanna, Paul McCartney and Kanye West performance was going to be the best. Rick Ross expressed his excitement about MMG being nominated in three categories.
LL Cool J, the host for the evening, kept it classy in a navy blue tuxedo jacket.Lady Gaga stunned in a Brandon Maxwell gown. Ciara wowed in a lavish Alexander Vauthier gown. Rihanna wore an interesting Giambattista Valli number that wasn’t a fan favorite. Although Rihanna makes anything hot, this dress was more reminiscent of a Barbie cake. Winner of the night Sam Smith made his tuxedo pop with a white bow tie. Moulin Rouge Matador-dressed Madonna stunned in Givenchy, and arrived with her dapper dates, Nas and Diplo.
Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images
Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images
Mike Will Made It and Miley Cyrus hit the red carpet together, both in all black ensembles. Pharrell once again pushed the envelope in a fashion-forward shorts suit. Nicki Minaj showed off her infamous curves in a deep plunging Tom Ford number. Songstress Ashanti gave body and class in a halter gown with a cut out and thigh high slit. Katy Perry fresh off her Super Bowl performance, was stunning in a Zuhair Murad illusion dress. The legendary Babyface hit the carpet with host LL Cool J keeping it sleek in a black tux. Big Sean killed it from head-to-toe in Saint Laurent while his singer beau Ariana Grande kept it edgy in a Versace one shoulder sequin number. Chris Brown was spotted by his blue hair and burgundy fedora. Hit Boy stood out in a white tuxedo jacket accentuated by a printed bow tie. BJ The Chicago Kid gave old school flare in a green and navy tuxedo.
Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage
The eve of The Grammy Awards absolutely belongs to legendary music executive and producer Clive Davis and has so for 39 years. Today’s hottest music stars came out in significant numbers to the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, CA to attend Davis’ marvelous affair saluting industry icons.
Before the formal presentation the night was all about the music. It was a contingent night of classic stars with stellar performances from Pharrell, Sam Smith, Mary J. Blige, Smokie Robinson with Jamie Foxx, Aloe Blacc, JC Chasez and Miguel, John Legend, Johnny Mathis, and Carole King. As Sam Smith got the night going with his cover of “My Funny Valentine” and his Record of the Year awarded “Stay With Me”, the night was turned up another notch when Smokie Robinson handed Jamie Foxx the mic. Foxx delivered some riffs and runs that only the actor/comedian/singer could deliver. Philip Bailey of the legendary R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire excited the crowd with his perfect falsetto. Mary J. Blige received a standing ovation for the power vocals she delivered with her performance of “Doubt”. It was only Johnny Mathis who could bring the whole room to their feet before singing even one note. The 79-year-old emoted effortlessly through his biggest hits. Ricky Martin, Tyrese, Common, and Mary J. Blige all joined in to help Carole King sing “You’ve Got a Friend.” It seems like even with the stellar performances that preceded him, Pharrell Williams still seemed to steal the show with his performance of Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” and his hit “Happy.” Iggy Azalea and Rita Ora also performed “Black Widow”, Azalea and Jennifer Hudson “Trouble”, John Legend “All of Me”, and Meghan Trainor and Legend “Like I’m Gonna Lose You”.
After a hilarious video highlighting Bandier’s career, he took the stage to accept his Industry Icon President’s Merit Award thanking his family for allowing him to pour himself into music. He also expressed that he didn’t feel songwriters get their just dues and definitely aren’t compensated in several realms such as the digital and touring.
The Bee Gees, who were awarded a lifetime achievement award by the Recording Academy, were tributed as the ceremony closed.
Off the T.R.U. Jack City compilation tape, 2 Chainz links with Cap-1, Skooly, Short Dawg (Fresh) and Kaelub (Honcho Kae) to drop the video for “Keep It 100”. This is a perfect way to bring in 2 Chainz weekly TRUsday releases. New mixtapes from Skooly and Short Dawg coming soon. For now, check out the “Keep It 100” video below.
Atlanta hip hop collective, Two-9, releases a brand new video for “World Gone Crazy” which appears on their B4FRVR mixtape that dropped yesterday.
Ab-Soul stopped by the GGN to partake in the usual puff-puff-pass session with Snoop Dogg. During their chat, Soulo schooled Snoop on his upbringing in a record shop, how he became a part of the TDE dynasty and more.
While chopping it up about R&B artists, the Black Lip Pastor and the Doggfather connected over their love for the Detroit-bred singer/rapper DeJ Loaf and her breakout hit “Try Me.” As Snoop broke into an impromptu dance and sung the trigger-happy lyrics, Soul shouted out her mixtape track “Me, U & Hennessey.”
Watch below to hear Soulo talk about whether he will ever be on the silver screen, Snoop deem Black Hippy a mini Death Row and more.
Lebron James will be tapping into his other talents for the NBA’s first fashion show. All-Star Style will be produced by James’ Springhill Production Company and will air during All-Star Weekend on Valentine’s Day at 6:30 p.m EST on TNT.
With ballers like James Harden, Chandler Parsons, Demarcus Cousins and Klay Thompson snagged to hit the runway, the show will have three segments: attire worn to the game, dressing for the boardroom and a night out on the town. The one-hour show will actually double as a competition, starting off with eight players, four will go to the second round and two will advance to the finals.
Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and WNBA player Elena Delle Donne will sit at the judge’s table.
Waka Flocka Flame has recruited an all-star line-up for his upcoming third solo album, Flockaveli 2. He took to his Twitter to announce his track list will be packed with features from hip-hop’s finest including Jay Z, Drake, Kanye West, Lil’ Wayne and 50 Cent.
In 2013, Waka said that Flockaveli 2 was finished, mastered and would be hitting stores that year but for some reason that never happened. Back in November, the “Round of Applause” rapper revealed the cover art for the project but he unveiled a redesigned one via Twitter yesterday (Feb. 9).
With the album’s release date of June 1st steadily approaching, fans should be on the lookout for the first single.
With the Baby and Lil’ Wayne not being on good terms right now, it seemed like YMCMB’s resident rapstress Nicki Minaj was taking sides when Birdman was turned away at the door when he arrived to her pre-Grammy party at LA’s 1Oak on Feb. 8th. It turns out that there’s no bad blood, Baby just arrived at the wrong time.
The no. 1 stunna and his crew arrived to the club at 1:45 a.m and were denied access because they wanted to order bottle service, which isn’t allowed after a certain time. Nicki had also left the club by this point, so she had no idea that Baby had issues getting in. It was also close to closing time and security was not letting anyone else in.
Though Weezy wants to take Drake and Nicki Minaj with him when he jumps the Cash Money ship, the two Young Money comrades are hoping that the two can settle their beef.
West LA native J-Go is preparing for the release of his highly anticipated project entitled “Drive”. Over the past year J-Go has been working hard to perfect his craft while enjoying the success of his last mixtape entitled “Mr.Goins II”. The buzz of his last project has taken J-Go across the country performing fan favorites highlighted by his most notable show headlining a showcase at SXSW .”Drive” is expected to be released SUMMER of 2015.
The promotional campaign for “Drive” is in full swing as his first single entitled “Bout Dat Life” was released late last year and is currently gaining significant traction on iTunes. “Bout Dat Life” was produced by D-Berg and features R&B singer EQ. “Drive” will feature production by LA’s Grammy nominated producer Skhye Hutch as well as features from prominent and well known talent from the Los Angeles area.
After being in the hospital for over two weeks with minimal brain activity, the Brown and Houston family have decided to take Bobbi Kristina Brown off of life support tomorrow, Feb. 11th. Brown’s grandmother, Cissy Houston, wants it to happen tomorrow because it’s the third anniversary of Whitney Houston’s death.
[ALSO READ: Bobby Brown Says Bobbi Kristina Isn’t Brain Dead And Refuses To Take Her Off Life Support]
A source close to the families told the New York Post that Mrs. Houston feels that letting Brown go on Feb. 11th will “keep the mother and daughter together for eternity.”
“This is the only thing they can agree on — that she’s gone [brain-dead], and there’s nothing more than can be done for her,” the source said.
Filmmaker Tyler Perry is reportedly paying for the funeral arrangements and has visited Atlanta’s Emory Hospital to be with the families during this difficult time.
“You wouldn’t think of him as being someone who’d be a peacemaker, but he’s someone both sides really respect,” the Brown family source told the Post.
[ALSO READ: Bobbi Kristina Brown Reportedly Brain Dead; Bobby Brown Releases Statement]
The 21-year-old was found on Jan. 30th in her Atlanta home face-down in her bathtub. Brown was on a ventilator and doctors told her father that her brain activity was alarmingly low but he wanted to keep her on life support as he “prayed for a miracle.” He even released statements denying that Bobbi Kristina was brain dead while sources close to the family and in the hospital told the media otherwise.
Nick Gordon, who was proven to not be Brown’s husband, is currently being investigated due to bruises being found on Brown’s body and face. Authorities are investigating to see if there was any foul play.
Cash Money Records has been a force in the entertainment business for two decades. Brothers Bryan “Birdman” Williams and Ronald “Slim” Williams built a company that has reportedly sold over 500 million songs worldwide.
Many of those early singles spawned from the four-man group known as the Hot Boys. New Orleans rappers Juvenile, Lil Wayne, BG, and Turk contributed countless bars to records like “Neighborhood Superstar,” “We On Fire,” “I Need A Hot Girl,” and “Shine.”
While Cash Money founders Birdman and Slim have gone on to become two of the most powerful people in the music industry, several of the artists that provided the popular rhymes and star power responsible for constructing the empire feel they were not given proper share of the spoils. Two of the original members of the label have now threatened to take Cash Money to court, if necessary, in order to get payments they believe are rightfully owed to them.
Longtime Cash Money frontman Lil Wayne filed a $51 million lawsuit against the company, and fellow Hot Boy member Turk is also suing the label for unpaid royalties. The Young & Thuggin album creator is taking legal action against Money Mack Music for publishing profits as well.
AllHipHop.com spoke with Turk about his financial battle against the label heads he still refers to as his brothers. Turk also discusses his current business relationship with Houston-based Rap-A-Lot Records, and he offers advice to neophytes in the game about not getting trapped in their own monetary quagmire.
Why did you decide to file this lawsuit against Cash Money now?
It was the guidance of my counselor. I tried several times to negotiate out a deal or settlement before it even got to this. Me being from the street, being the type of person that I am, being loyal, I never once wanted to file a lawsuit.
But it comes a time where I have to listen to my counselor. My counselor said it was in my best interest to go ahead and file a lawsuit. So that’s what we did.
Reading through the lawsuit, it says you hadn’t received any royalties since you signed with them.
No.
Not at all?
No, I have not received any royalties. It had always been a type of situation with Cash Money where it was family. When one ate, we all ate. When one went and did certain things, we all did certain things.
But when it came down to business, there are things that we didn’t know coming into the game as youngsters. Throughout the years of reading, researching and seeing the numbers are not adding up, it’s like, “Oh yeah, something’s going on.”
Of course, I was incarcerated, so there wasn’t too much I could do. My whole plan was to come home, get back with Cash Money, get the Hot Boys reunion going, and get back with the old family.
I’m just being all the way real. When I got out it wasn’t what I thought it was. Even with the free “Hot Boy Turk” and “When you get home, we got you.” It wasn’t none of that. It was just smoke and mirrors.
You said you were really young when you signed your deal. How old were you when you signed with Cash Money?
When I got with Cash Money it was like ‘97 or ‘98. I believe I was about 15 or 16. I was a teenager fresh out the projects.
Now that the news of the lawsuit has come out, have you heard from anyone at Cash Money or Money Mack?
Nah, I’m leaving everything in the hands of my attorney. There’s no more talking. Like I said, I tried to resolve this matter before it got to this. So there’s really nothing else for me to talk about. It’s out of my hands. The only thing I can do is follow the instruction of my attorney.
Wayne’s situation is a little bit different from your situation. He’s been with Cash Money the whole time. You haven’t been officially connected with them for a while. So what are your thoughts on what Wayne is going through at the moment?
It ain’t nothing new to me. When we all left Cash Money, there was no other way around making sure Wayne be satisfied and comfortable.
I believe Wayne’s a man. He makes his own decisions based on however he feels or whatever he thinks is right. The same way I’m doing it. I wish the best for him.
Have you had the chance to speak to Wayne over the last few months?
I spoke with Wayne, but not since the ordeal with his situation. I’ve been so focused on me and my family. Going through the things I’m going through in my life, I don’t really have the time to focus on anybody else’s business.
Over the years there have been a lot of lawsuits, new stories, and rumors dealing with Cash Money’s alleged pattern of not paying artists, producers, and other individuals. Why do you think the company has managed to be so successful despite that?
I believe Baby is a hustler. When you’re a hustler, you’re always going to find a way to stay up. No matter what.
Now, the people that he hustled don’t know. When you don’t know, you suffer. It’s like I could be a bad person, you could be a good person, and you’re wondering how I’m getting so far ahead. It’s because of the knowledge that I have. Knowledge is power. As long as you’ve got wisdom of a situation, you will always be able to stay ahead of the game.
At the time, I didn’t know. None of us knew. The only thing we saw was the lifestyle. When you’re young and you see a lifestyle of the rich and famous and have a chance to be in it – mess with the females, ride in nice cars, and all the stuff that you dream about – especially me coming from the projects, you don’t think about the legality of it.
You don’t think about the contracts. You don’t even think about the future. You live for the day. Baby was not young. He had a lot of wisdom. He knows a lot. You can’t take that from him.
What’s the status of your situation with Rap-A-Lot?
We’re still partners. Me and J. Prince will always be cool and loyal to each other. When I was in my worse situation being incarcerated, I had a 22 year sentence. He was there.
What’s next for you musically?
Right now, I’m just working. I got a single called “Wodie” featuring Master P. We’re about to shoot the video for that real soon. Just pushing my own brand, pushing my own label, and getting this Cash Money situation behind me.
For the record, I don’t do anything for a publicity stunt. A lot of people out here are saying, “He filed a lawsuit because of Wayne.” My lawsuit has been in play. It was just held off from me being loyal and me not wanting to take my brothers – because I still consider them as brothers – through the court system.
Where I come from, we don’t do that. We sit down and talk like men. When you get to the point where you can’t talk, you can’t do nothing but go the legal way. That’s the only way you can do it without somebody getting hurt or getting incarcerated.
It’s business at the end of the day. I just hope they respect my cause, the way I respect their cause. I just want the world to understand my take of it.
When I got locked up, I put myself in that position. So it’s not an act of revenge because a person didn’t pay my attorney fees or all the other crazy s**t that’s going out on the web. A lot of people just be talking and don’t know better. Those be the ones that get in the same situation like me, then ten years down the line they’re going to be going through the same thing.
I want people to learn from the situation, not get bitter. It’s a lot of people saying, “F**k Baby.” It ain’t about all that. It’s about what’s right. That’s all I’m about.
What advice would you give a young artist that’s just coming in the game now?
Don’t be blinded by what you see. We’re young when we come in the game, and we’re impressed by the watches, necklaces, earrings, and grills. We’re impressed by that, but you gotta think about if your kids are going to be set for life. Or are you just selfish, and you just want to live for the day?
You gotta know. You gotta set up things. That’s how the white folks do it. I’m not racist, but they set up stuff for their kids and pass it down the line. We as a race have to come together and keep on doing what’s right. And get away from all the b#######.
I really did heroin and cocaine. I really did sling pistols. I really did jail time. I really did this s**t, but I ain’t glorifying the s**t. It ain’t even about that. It’s about being right. If it’s right, I’m all for it.
For more information about Turk visit his website www.hotboyturk.com.
Follow Turk on Twitter @HotBoyTurk32 and Instagram @hotboyturk_32.
Listen to Turk’s “Wodie (Remix)” featuring Master P below.
