ASCAP Pre-Grammy Brunch Brings Out Ne-Yo, Migos, Melanie Fiona, Goapele, Malik Yusef And More

By: Rea Davis @IamReaDavis Updated Feb 10, 2015 at 9:45amCategory: Alternatives

Photo via ASCAP

The 57th Grammy Awards week was certainly one to remember for all of those in attendance for the event packed week long celebration. On Saturday, February 7 the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) hosted their annual Grammy Nominees Brunch at the SLS Hotel located in Beverly Hills, celebrating their Grammy-nominated songwriters and composers. A mix of music executives, artists, musicians, media, and tastemakers gathered to toast to this year’s nominees.

The brunch celebrated this year’s ASCAP Grammy nominees including hip-hop producer STREETRUNNER, Meghan Trainor producer Kevin Kadish, R&B singer Antonique Smith and actor/musician Malcolm-Jamal Warner amongst others.

Celebrities in attendance included the likes of Ne-Yo, Mali Music, Antonique Smith, Migos, Demetria McKinney, Kenny Burns, AJ Johnson, Mir Harris, Bridget Kelly, Verse Simmonds, Melanie Fiona, Goapele, Jessica White, Malik Yusef, Malcom-Jamal Warner, Rock City, Mona Scott-Young, Kap G, 12 Til, and more. All were greeted by ASCAP’s newly appointed CEO Elizabeth Matthews and President Paul Williams.

ASCAP Grammy nominees also included Beyoncé with three awards, Beck, Tom Elmhirst (PRS), David Greenbaum, Jay Z and Kendrick Lamar.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Azealia Banks Laughs At Iggy Azalea Grammy Loss

By: kubeezz Updated Feb 10, 2015 at 9:14amCategory: Rumors

Iggy Azalea left the Grammys empty handed and for once Azealia Banks was made happy.

When the announcements were made that Kendrick Lamar was the winner for Best Rap song, Banks tweeted:

I must say it is good to see that the Grammys actually had some sense this year and did the right thing…

Garbage's Shirley Manson To Kanye West: "You're Making Yourself Look Like A Complete T###"

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Feb 10, 2015 at 8:57amCategory: News

(AllHipHop News) Garbage lead singer Shirley Manson felt some type of way about Kanye West’s comments on Beck winning “Album Of The Year” over Beyoncé. During a post Grammy Awards interview, West stated the 44-year-old rocker needed to “respect artistry.” Manson took issue with the statements, and she penned an open letter to Kanye.

[ALSO READ: Kanye West On Beck’s Win Over Beyonce: “The Grammys Need To Stop Playing With Us” (VIDEO)]

Manson wrote on her Facebook page:

Dear Kanye West

It is YOU who is so busy disrespecting artistry.
You disrespect your own remarkable talents and more importantly you disrespect the talent, hard work and tenacity of all artists when you go so rudely and savagely after such an accomplished and humble artist like BECK.
You make yourself look small and petty and spoilt.
In attempting to reduce the importance of one great talent over another, you make a mockery of all musicians and music from every genre, including your own.
Grow up and stop throwing your toys around.
You are making yourself look like a complete t###.

Ps.I am pretty certain Beyonce doesn’t need you fighting any battles on her account. Seems like she’s got everything covered perfectly well on her own.

Kanye later spoke about his Beck comments. The producer/rapper clarified that he did not mean to suggest the Morning Phase album creator was not an artist. Ye claimed his commentary was directed more toward the Grammys, but the “Only One” performer did not reverse his opinion that Beyoncé was more deserving of the award.

“I wasn’t saying Beck. I said the Grammys. Beck knows that Beyoncé should have won,” said Kanye. “Come on man, I love Beck, but he didn’t have album of the year.”

[ALSO READ: Beck Responds To Kanye West’s Grammy Statements; Kanye Clarifies His Comments]

Chris Brown Addresses Rumors He Was Beat Up At Meek Mill's Party

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Feb 10, 2015 at 8:17amCategory: News

(AllHipHop News) Rumors began circulating this week that R&B star Chris Brown was attacked at a party being held by Meek Mill. Brown felt the need to end the speculation, so the “New Flame” singer addressed the topic in a Instagram post.

[ALSO READ: Was Chris Brown’s Friend Packing Heat?]

CB wrote:

Lol.. Killing these lil rumours that I got beat up last night at meek mill party. It’s funny how I’m always the topic of discussion for bulls**t. Given my prior encounters with the law I don’t conduct myself like that when I go out. So no, I wasnt involved in any pistol whipping or fighting. There was an altercation between other people at the party and I observed. Me and my team left so we wouldn’t have anything to do with it so the police wouldn’t f**k wit me. You know how my name pops up in everything. Lol. GOOD DAY SIR

Lol.. Killing these lil rumours that I got beat up last night at meek mill party. It's funny how I'm always the topic of discussion for b#######. Given my prior encounters with the law I don't conduct myself like that when I go out. So no, I wasnt involved in any pistol whipping or fighting. There was an altercation between other people at the party and I observed. Me and my team left so we wouldn't have anything to do with it so the police wouldn't f### wit me. You know how my name pops up in everything. Lol. GOOD DAY SIR

A photo posted by BREEZY (@chrisbrownofficial) on Feb 9, 2015 at 1:00pm PST

[ALSO READ: Chris Brown Finishes Community Service]

Common Talks Creating "Glory" + His Experiences Dating Serena Williams & Erykah Badu (VIDEO)

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Feb 10, 2015 at 7:56amCategory: News

(AllHipHop News) The last 12 months have seen numerous accolades showered on Chicago rapper/actor Common. He released his Grammy nominated 10th studio album Nobody’s Smiling last July. He starred in the Oscar nominated film Selma. He won a Golden Globe for Best Original Song, and the track “Glory” is also up for Best Original Song at the 87th Academy Awards.

[ALSO READ: Common, Kanye West, Beyonce, Pharrell, Rihanna & More Perform At The 2015 Grammy Awards (VIDEOS)]

Before closing the Grammy Awards with a performance of “Glory” with John Legend, Common stopped by Angie Martinez’s radio show to discuss the song, the movie, and more.

“Ava DuVernay, who directed Selma, she asked me to do a song,” said Common. “It was a day I was just laying down in my bed, and I was like, ‘I need to just call up John Legend and we need to start working on this song.’ I was just feeling the spirit about it.”

Common explained how his experience of playing a character in the film moved him to want to write the record. He also connected the theme of Selma to the recent deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner at the hands of police officers.

Angie decided to switch up the subject and ask Com about his well-known history of famous women in his life. Common revealed his experiences with his ex-girlfriends Serena Williams and Erykah Badu.

“She got something special. Erykah is a special woman,” stated Common. “E is super dope. She does have a power. It’s nothing like crazy.”

[ALSO READ: Common & Fellow Panelists Discuss U#### Mothers & Black Fatherhood On “The Nightly Show” (VIDEO)]

Watch Common’s interview below.

Beck Responds To Kanye West's Grammy Statements; Kanye Clarifies His Comments

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Feb 10, 2015 at 7:19amCategory: News

(AllHipHop News) Kanye West became the talk of the 2015 Grammys when the Yeezus creator jumped on stage after Beck won the award for “Album Of The Year” over Beyoncé. West sparked even more buzz when he later stated in an interview with E! the veteran musician needed to “respect artistry” and give his trophy to Bey.

[ALSO READ: Kanye West On Beck’s Win Over Beyonce: “The Grammys Need To Stop Playing With Us” (VIDEO)]

“I just know that the Grammys, if they want real artists to keep coming back, they need to stop playing with us. We ain’t finna play with them no more,” said Kanye. “And Beck needs to respect artistry, and he should have given his award to Beyoncé.”

Beck spoke about the incident with Us Weekly. The man that released the classic 1994 song “Loser” was not upset about Ye almost stealing his moment. He even called Kanye a “genius” and admitted he also thought Beyoncé was going to win the Grammy that night.

“I was just so excited he was coming up. He deserves to be on stage as much as anybody,” Beck said. “How many great records has he put out in the last five years right?”

Meanwhile, paparazzi caught up with Kanye at the airport in New York City. When asked if his E! interview was meant to imply that Beck was not a real artist, West stated he was speaking about the Grammys, not Beck.

“I wasn’t saying Beck. I said the Grammys. Beck knows that Beyoncé should have won,” said Kanye. “Come on man, I love Beck, but he didn’t have album of the year.”

[ALSO READ: Common, Kanye West, Beyonce, Pharrell, Rihanna & More Perform At The 2015 Grammy Awards (VIDEOS)]

Azealia Banks Discusses Her Using The Word "F*ggot," The "White Gay Media" & Homophobia (AUDIO)

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Feb 10, 2015 at 6:42amCategory: News

(AllHipHop News) Harlem rapper Azealia Banks was caught up in more controversy recently when she posted a message on Instagram about accusations she was homophobic for using the word “f****t.” The IG post led to negative reactions from many people in the media.

ALSO READ: Charlamagne Tha God Addresses Azealia Banks Calling Him A “Coon”; Warns Against Riff Raff]

Banks spoke with Xorje Olivares of SiriusXM’s OutQ about the public contention. An excerpt from the hour-long discussion has been released, and in the 10 minute segment Azealia defends her use of the f-word.

“The word f****t came to me from my mother. And it was never a thing about a guy being gay. It was always just a man who hates women,” states Banks. “You can be gay or straight. You can be a straight f****t… F****ts are men who want to bring women down, f**k with their heads, control them.”

The “Chasing Time” performer goes on to add that she called celebrity blogger Perez Hilton the word because she feels he was being racist and misogynistic towards her. Banks later calls to task the “white gay media” as well.

“I definitely think a lot of the time with the ‘white gay media’ – especially with female artists – in order for you to seem successful or seem feminine you have to desire their approval,” contends Banks. “I feel like a lot of times gay men can be way more misogynistic than even straight men. Even how they come to you picking at your hair, telling you you’re fat, telling you all this other s**t. Telling you how to be a woman. What the f**k do you know about being a woman?”

Banks questions why gay bloggers can use the word “b***h” to describe women, but she can’t use the word “f****t” to describe men. She also asks why white women have an issue with her using “f****t,” but do not have a problem with her using the word “n***a.”

“America cannot pick and choose when it wants to be offended,” Banks said.

[ALSO READ: Macklemore Talks Racism, Azealia Banks, Kendrick Lamar & The White Appropriation Of Hip Hop]

The entire Azealia Banks interview will air on Thursday. Listen to a portion below.

HEATER OF THE DAY: Kendrick Lamar – "The Blacker The Berry"

By: Scooby Wilson (@mcscoobins) Updated Feb 9, 2015 at 6:37pmCategory: Music

After winning two Grammy Awards, Kendrick Lamar releases his new track “The Blacker The Berry”. Produced by Boi-1da with additional production from Terrace Martin. Stream below.

E-One – "I Can't Wait" (VIDEO)

By: Scooby Wilson (@mcscoobins) Updated Feb 9, 2015 at 6:19pmCategory: Videos

DMV native E-One has been earning his keep in the underground scene for some time now and he has already begun showing signs of promise. With his debut single being placed on a recent DJ Drama ‘Gangsta Grillz mixtape, the only artist from his region to achieve such a feat in so little time, he is looking to continue building on his accomplishments. Fresh of the release of his debut project ‘Now Or Never: Vol.1’, E-One is prepping for the follow up titled ‘#BuiltForThis’. The visual for ‘I Can’t Wait’, serves as the first offering from that project.

Drift – "Go Time"

By: Scooby Wilson (@mcscoobins) Updated Feb 9, 2015 at 6:12pmCategory: Videos

Drift is an actor/artist from East Orange, NJ by way of Ghana, West Africa, that many might recognize his face from lead roles in DJ Khaled’s “Never Surrender” and Yo Gotti’s “Don’t Come Around” videos. Drift is also signed Divine Order Entertainment (DOE) / Entertainment One (eOne) artist who has finally released his visual to his single “Go Time”. Directed by Peter Dmitriyev.

Two-9 – "B4FRVR" (Mixtape)

By: Scooby Wilson (@mcscoobins) Updated Feb 9, 2015 at 5:36pmCategory: Music

Two-9’s most anticipated mixtape B4FRVR is now available for download and stream. The tape features guest appearances by Rae Sremmurd, Wiz Khalifa & Ty Dolla Sign. Expect production from Mike Will Made It, Metro Boomin, The Olympics & Childish Major. B4FRVR is 13 songs long including interludes and skits. This is Two-9’s first collective mixtape release since their Two-9 FRVR project which dropped in 2012. This tape is a lead up to the FRVR album which is set to drop in 2015.

Disko Boogie – "Preachin To The Choir"

By: Scooby Wilson (@mcscoobins) Updated Feb 9, 2015 at 4:34pmCategory: Music

Disko Boogie releases “Preachin To The Choir” from his up coming producer mixtape #BoogieNitez coming March 1st with music ft. E-40, Joe Moses, Problem, Dej Loaf, Av lmkr, Cocc Pistol Cree, Chris Brown, Michelea Renee, Khase Dee, Luigi the Singer, Smoove & Yung (csd), Money Moe Beezy, Ana Lou and more!

Judge Ordered Suge Knight To Stay In Jail

By: Tanay Hudson (@NYStateOfMind2) Updated Feb 9, 2015 at 1:15pmCategory: News

At a court hearing this morning (Feb. 9), Suge Knight was ordered to stay behind bars until his next hearing in March. Knight’s attorney and the prosecutor asked for more time to prepare for their bail-review hearing as well.

[ALSO READ: Suge Knight Suffered A Blood Clot, Not A Panic Attack]

The former Death Row head honcho was charged with murder, attempted murder and two counts of a hit-and-run after he ran over one man, Terry Carter, and injured another man, Cle “Bone” Sloane in Compton last month.

[ALSO READ: Suge Knight Arrested For Hit-And-Run Death; Witnesses Say Act Was Intentional]

Knight is due back in court on Mar. 20th.

Sam Scarfo Talks About New Album And New Generation of Hip Hop

By: Emazing Smith Updated Feb 9, 2015 at 1:12pmCategory: Features

The term “real Hip-Hop” gets thrown around a lot these days. People go back and forth about what should be considered genuine. With a new wave of rappers happy to express their sensitive sides, the time of the hardcore Hip-Hop artist seems to slowing down. But if Infamous Records own Sam Scarfo has anything to say about it, “Keeping It Real, will never be replaced by “Tell Em Why You Mad!” or “Who Hurt You?” and he’s got 5 Million Stories to prove it with. With a new album in stores and more singles on the way, Sam sat with AllHipHop’s MrMecc to explain his records, his reality and rap life in 2015.

'Drunk In Love' Producer Hints At Jay Z And Beyonce Joint Album (VIDEO)

By: Tanay Hudson (@NYStateOfMind2) Updated Feb 9, 2015 at 12:40pmCategory: News

There were once rumors of hip-hop’s royal couple, Jay Z and Beyonce. doing a collaborative album together but the facts were scarce. Detail, the producer behind Bey and Jay’s Grammy-award winning hit “Drunk in Love,” teased that the album may be coming to life after all last night (Feb. 8) during a quick chat on the 2015 Grammys red carpet.

“I’m working with a couple of new projects that I don’t want to unveil, and then me and Beyonce and Jay Z are actually doing something together this year,” he told Billboard. “When you think of Jay and Bey together, you think ‘album.’ You should already know.” He continued, “In my imaginary mind, I will work to say it’s true.”

Watch him subtly spill the beans below.

DJ Mustard Welcomed His Second Child

By: Tanay Hudson (@NYStateOfMind2) Updated Feb 9, 2015 at 12:07pmCategory: News

DJ Mustard was no where to be found Grammy weekend but not because he wasn’t nominated. The west coast beatmaker was home with his newborn babygirl. Mustard and his fiancee, Chanel, welcomed their second child, Kauner, over the weekend.

Mustard took to his Instagram to gush over his new addition to his family.

The couple already has a two-year-old son, Kiylan.

Kanye West's Adidas Yeezy 750 Boost Sneakers To Be Released All-Star Weekend In New York City

By: Tanay Hudson (@NYStateOfMind2) Updated Feb 9, 2015 at 11:38amCategory: News

Ever since he partnered up with adidas, Kanye West has been gushing about his new deal and the creative freedom he has been given. He was spotted during Grammy weekend in his new edition of the Yeezys and now they are being released to the masses. It’s been announced that the adidas Yeezy 750 Boost kicks will drop in between February 13-15 in New York City, where All-Star Weekend will also be happening.

The rumored retail price is $350 but that has not been confirmed. Release dates for the rest of the world will be announced soon.

During his recent chat with Ellen, Ye’ said adidas is respecting him as a visionary and allowing his ideas to come to fruition.

“There were so many things I wanted to do with film with clothing and I just didn’t have the words or the resources or the backing or the perception that I could do it being I was I was a rapper and all these things,” Yeezus said. “With this Adidas deal they’ve allowed me a little bit of Oxygen. Adidas allowed me to make my own clothing line which is something I wanted to do.”

Iggy Azalea Blasts Papa Johns For Giving Out Her Phone Number

By: Tanay Hudson (@NYStateOfMind2) Updated Feb 9, 2015 at 11:06amCategory: News

Iggy Azalea just can’t catch a break.

Before the last night’s 57th Annual Grammys, where she went trophyless, Iggy ordered pizza from Papa John’s. Instead of collecting his tip and being on his merry way, the delivery man decided to give out the The New Classic rapper’s phone number. This led to her receiving phone calls and texts from from fans.

She then took to Twitter and used her 140 characters to give Papa John’s a piece of her mind.

PREMIERE: Catch Lungs & DJ YRS Jerzy – "You Dead"

By: Scooby Wilson (@mcscoobins) Updated Feb 9, 2015 at 10:00amCategory: Music

For his latest release, Catch Lungs teams up with DJ YRS Jerzy to bring you, “You Dead.” The single sounds like a direct statement to other rappers as Catch goes hard with unique wordplay and lyrics along with his eccentric style to deliver a painted picture of how he’s killing the game and everybody in it. Sit back, enjoy, and try and catch all of the rapid fire rhymes as Catch Lungs displays his A Game song writing ability on “You Dead”.

Mannie Fresh Shares His Thoughts On Lil Wayne's Issues With Cash Money

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Feb 9, 2015 at 9:36amCategory: News

(AllHipHop News) Lil Wayne’s issues with his label Cash Money have been playing out in the public for two months. Ever since the New Orleans native expressed his desire to leave the company in December, several individuals such as Pusha T, Suge Knight, and Turk have given their opinion on the matter.

[ALSO READ: Leaked 21-Page Lawsuit Reveals Details Of Cash Money’s Contracts With Lil Wayne, Young Money & Drake]

The latest observer to weigh in on the situation is former Cash Money producer Mannie Fresh. The board master for hit records like “Tha Block Is Hot” and “Go D.J.” believes Wayne is being creatively stifled by the label. According to Fresh, Weezy wanting to branch out musically from the YMCMB camp may play a factor in his desire to cut ties.

“I think he’s going — real talk — ‘I could probably use Drake and Nicki, but I’ve done that so many times,'” said Mannie. “Let’s get out there and do things so I can show that I am bigger than life.”

Wayne’s list of career collaborations includes working with many industry heavyweights. His catalog features cuts with Jay Z, Eminem, Bruno Mars, Destiny’s Child, and OutKast. But Fresh still thinks Wayne is missing that huge crossover joint effort that would solidify his status as one of the elite artists on the planet.

“Wayne has given us some great albums, but he has never given us that album with like a Justin Timberlake on it – with features where like, OK, this is what we expect from an artist of your caliber,” Mannie stated. “If I did do a song and I got Justin Timberlake on it, I got Justin Timberlake fans as well. I think Wayne is starting to see it in that way. Hip Hop can only bring you so far.”

[ALSO READ: Rick Ross, Mannie Fresh To Talk Song Writing/ Producing With BMI]