“Bar 4 Bar” features Nae Reala, Southmob Doe, Dat Midnight and Clicquot Geno.
Will Smith And Jimmy Fallon Remake 'It Takes Two' Using iPad App (VIDEO)
When Jimmy Fallon and Will Smith team up, they always dig into hip-hop’s past for fun. Last time the two were together they gave a crash course on the “Evolution of Hip-Hop Dancing,” and now they are bringing an 80’s favorite back to life.
During Smith’s recent visit to the The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the rapper-turned-actor channeled his inner Fresh Prince and recreated Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock’s 1988 smash hit “It Takes Two.” With the help of the iPad app Looper, Fallon and Smith recorded and looped themselves beatboxing and added sounds as they went a long. They then broke out into a performance of the song and The Roots chimed in with their live instrumentation.
Watch below.
Taraji P. Henson Talks Her 'Empire' Character Being Inspired By Foxy Brown, Lil' Kim And Salt-N-Pepa
FOX’s new series Empire is the breakout hit that they have been waiting for, pulling in 11.5 million viewers for this week’s episode alone. The hip-hop drama is filled with excitement, thrill and leaves viewers with suspense, thanks to its feisty protagonist Cookie, played by Taraji P. Henson. Cookie makes us cheer and cringe at the same time with her fierce clap backs at anyone who gets in her way, her street smarts and her plethora of animal print garbs.
In a recent chat with Vogue, Henson dished about Cookie and said her hardcore persona is pulled from some of hip-hop’s finest femcees.
“Is she influenced by Foxy Brown? Certainly,” the DC native said. “That’s where a lot of her style comes from—Salt-N-Pepa, all of that. That era of hip-hop was her heyday, those are the woman she identifies with.”
The 44-year-old also gushed about Lil’ Kim’s influence not only on Cookie but on hip-hop in general.
“Kim is everything. Today it’s Nicki Minaj, but Nicki Minaj got everything from Kim. Kim came on the scene and made everything change for women—she made it feminine and sexy and hardcore. She was a champion, and she’s certainly Cookie’s champion.”
Henson said she is happy that’s there talk that Empire is changing the landscape of television and making it “less safe,” because that was the whole point.
“I’ve been hearing about this thing in Hollywood call the ‘Empire effect.’ A lot of pilots are going back to the drawing board, saying, How can we switch this up, make it more realistic. On TV things are tied up so neat, but we are going to shake up television. Because people love this girl.”
Read the rest of her sit down with Vogue here.
Hip-Hop Rumors: Taraji P. Henson Says Lil Kim Is Inspiration Behind Cookie Character NOT Nicki Minaj
Hmmm Taraji has raised a few eyebrows after she somewhat threw some shade Nicki Minaj’s way, saying that ‘Cookie’ character from Empire is inspired by Lil’ Kim and Nicki got everything from the vet.
Taraji recently did an interview with Vogue on playing ‘Cookie’ and had this to say:
“Kim is everything. Today it’s Nicki Minaj, but Nicki Minaj got everything from Kim. Kim came on the scene and made everything change for women—she made it feminine and sexy and hardcore. She was a champion, and she’s certainly Cookie’s champion.”
Uh-oh. Sounds like shade to me. #butthatsnoneofmybusiness.
Meanwhile Kimmy loved the compliment from the actress.
Cash Money Founders Birdman & Slim Make Billboard's 2015 Power 100 List
(AllHipHop News) Cash Money Records may be facing two separate lawsuits from Hot Boys members Lil Wayne and Turk at the moment, but the heads of the label are still being honored by Billboard magazine for being among the most powerful people in the music business.
[ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: More Details About Turk’s Lawsuit Against Cash Money Revealed]
The publication ranked Cash Money founders Bryan “Birdman” Williams and Ronald “Slim” Williams at number at 90 on its 2015 Power 100 list. The two brothers fell 40 spots from last year. However, Birdman was the only rap mogul/performer to be included on the 2015 list.
Other industry insiders connected to Hip Hop to make Billboard’s Power 100 include Apple executive Jimmy Iovine (5), Roc Nation CEO Jay Brown (30), Warner/Chappell Music North American President Jon Platt (46), Epic Records executives L.A. Reid & Sylvia Rhone (61), and BET executives Stephen Hill & Debra Lee (84).
Lucian Grainge, Chairman/CEO of Universal Music Group, rose one spot from last year to take the #1 position. Jay Z & Beyoncé were named 2014’s most powerful people in music. Neither of the Carters made the 2015 edition.
Despite the current legal battle taking place between Cash Money and Wayne, Slim was quoted recalling his first time meeting the “A Milli” performer. He said, “When I first met Wayne in the early ’90s at an autograph signing. He was like 9 years old. But he was very impressive and confident.”
[ALSO READ: Lil Wayne In Dispute With Cash Money Over The Future Of Drake, Nicki Minaj & Entire Young Money Roster]
Check out the cover of Billboard’s “Power 100” issue featuring Lucian Grainge along with UMG artists Kanye West and Lana Del Rey.
Hip-Hop Rumors: Were Quincy Brown Empire Rumors True?
Rumors were circulating that Diddy had banned his son Quincy from appearing on everybody’s new favorite show ‘Empire’ after a disagreement between he and Lee Daniels, the show’s co-creator, over use of his music.
Sources are revealing that may have been a maneuver to get people talking about Quincy’s music.
E! New reports:
“Quincy was never actually offered a role on Empire. He did have some very preliminary talks, but Diddy’s son never tested for a role, and wasn’t offered a part. There was never an issue regarding his music rights. Timbaland has been Empire’s music director from the get-go, and the show uses his library of music, as well as original songs that are sold on iTunes.”
Hip-Hop Rumors: Safaree Hurt Behind Nicki Minaj And Meek Mill
Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone…
Safaree and Nicki’s verrryyyyy ugly public breakup is taking its toll on her ex, and her hooking up with Meek Mill flaunting their new relationship doesn’t make things better.
A source revealed to UrbanIslandz that Safaree is trying to cope with pain by working hard on music:
““Beezy (Safaree Samuels) is a good guy and he is really hurt by the photos and by what she is doing,” the source told us. “She is going around dissing SB and sucking up to Meek Mill when a few weeks ago she wanted to work things out. How does she expect to be taken seriously.”
“Music is what he does best so instead of being depressed about it, he is spending a lot of time in the studio working on his mixtape,” the source revealed.
“He was the one who introduced her to Meek Mill and over time Meek poisoned her mind against him,” the source added.””
Hip-Hop Rumors: Meek Mill Posts Instagram Pic Of Nicki With Flirtatious Caption
Yesterday wasn’t Wednesday but Meek Mill let it be known who he’s crushing on…
Meek and Nicki Minaj have fans in an uproar over exactly what it is they have going on, but come on now. Read between the lines.
What is it that you’re hearing Meek? That the world wants to know if y’all are a real couple or what? Personally I think they’re a dope couple…
Missy Elliott Talks Performing At The Super Bowl + Reacts To Young Thug's Comments About Jay Z
(AllHipHop News) Missy Elliott’s appearance during this year’s Super Bowl halftime show with Katy Perry led the veteran performer seeing the consumption of her music catalog skyrocket on iTunes and Spotify. Missy spoke with Sway In The Morning about her performance in Arizona.
[ALSO READ: Missy Elliott Sees Boost In Spotify Streams After Superbowl Halftime Performance]
“I thank Katy cause she could have picked any artist. It was big for her. Most artists would be like, ‘Let me get somebody on the top of the charts just to make my joint just go even higher,'” said Missy. “We did a record together, and I thought I was going to come out on the record we did. She said, ‘I want you to do your records.’ I’m like, ‘Wow.'”
Missy tells Sway she has been receiving a lot of offers to go back out on tour. But the rapper/singer/producer is still figuring out what her next move will be.
The “Work It” rhymer was also asked about the idea of ageism in Hip Hop. The question spawned from Young Thug’s comments that he would not purchase a Jay Z album because the Roc Nation boss is over 40.
“I haven’t experience [ageism], and I thank God. I’m blessed,” Missy responded. “I think what me and [Timbaland] did with our music was so ahead of its time – and it’s still ahead of its time. That’s not even coming from a cocky or conceited way. I listen and tell Tim, ‘What were you on? What were we on?'”
For Missy, her crew’s futuristic style is what prevents the music from sounding dated. She adds there should not be time limits for Hip Hop artists.
“Other genres, they don’t have that. They could be 80 years old selling out shows. I think talent is talent, and it’s timeless,” she stated.
Missy is getting set to go back in the studio with longtime production partner Timbaland. Missy is not quick to say an album is coming, but the two Virginia natives are recording new music together.
[ALSO READ: Hip Hop Stars React To Closing Moments Of Super Bowl XLIX]
Listen to Missy Elliott’s interview below.
Lord Jamar Talks Debate With Royce Da 5'9", Explains Why Eminem Is Just Like Iggy Azalea & Vanilla Ice
(AllHipHop News) Early last month Lord Jamar and Royce da 5’9″ were engaged in a debate on Twitter over Jamar’s comments that Eminem was no different than Macklemore and Justin Timberlake. The cordial online back-and-forth sparked conversations about Em, his achievements in Hip Hop, and white privilege.
[ALSO READ: Royce Da 5’9” Challenges Lord Jamar On His Views About Eminem; Jamar Responds]
Jamar spoke with VladTV about the exchange with Royce. He said:
First shout to Royce for coming at me in a way that was productive. Some people would want to be an a**hole about it and try to turn it into something that it doesn’t have to be. He came to me in a grown man, adult type of way…
What he had to say? He didn’t lie. Everything he said was truthful. But at the same time that has nothing to do with my point. We can list all kind of accolades that people have done. And those accolades are facts, but they might give you credit in one column, but not necessarily in another.
Jamar went on to add his intent on saying Em was not any different from Macklemore was not about the two rapper’s comparative skill levels. For the Brand Nubian member, the comparison was simply addressing White performers making a Black art form and being successful in that genre due in part to white privilege.
“That’s how Eminem is just like Macklemore, just like Iggy Azalea, just like Vanilla Ice, just like Elvis, just like Kenny G, just like all those motherf**kers,” said Jamar.
The creator of 2006’s The 5% Album further stated his opinions are not meant to be received as “Hip Hop law.” He also tells the audience if they do not like what he has to say then do not watch the video.
Jamar believes he does have a role to play in calling out artists that get credit he feels don’t deserve it. While he does not consider Eminem a “wack rapper,” in Jamar’s eye the Detroit native should not be held in high esteem for accomplishing feats other emcees before him have also achieved.
[ALSO READ: Lord Jamar Says Eminem Is No Different Than Macklemore Or Justin Timberlake]
Watch Lord Jamar’s interview.
911 Call From Suge Knight's####-And-Run Released (AUDIO)
(AllHipHop News) Suge Knight is currently facing a murder charge for the death of Terry Carter. Authorities believe Knight killed Carter when he ran over the victim with his truck. Cle “Bone” Sloan was also injured during the incident.
[ALSO READ: Suge Knight Suffered Blood Clot, Not A Panic Attack]
TMZ has now released audio of a 911 call made by a supposed witness at the scene. The person on the call can be heard telling the dispatcher a man ran over two guys that were fighting.
The witness said the driver “pulled back and pulled forward” to run them over. The woman on the phone also revealed she followed the truck and took pictures of the vehicle.
Knight pled not guilty to the charges. Sources close to Suge have said the former head of Death Row Records may have been unaware he hit anyone with his truck, because he was bewildered from being attacked earlier in the evening. His attorney has also stated Knight will be exonerated.
[ALSO READ: Suge Knight Pleads Not Guilty To Murder]
Listen to the 911 call below.
EXCLUSIVE: More Details About Turk's Lawsuit Against Cash Money Revealed
(AllHipHop News) Turk is suing his former label Cash Money Records. AllHipHop.com has learned the suit includes the original Hot Boys member claiming he has not received any royalties from the company since signing with the label in 1998.
[ALSO READ: Turk Sues Birdman And Cash Money For $1 Million]
A section of the suit reads [emphasis not added]:
Defendants have also failed to pay Plaintiff any advances, any royalties, any artist royalties or any music publishing, whatsoever in connection with the Exclusive Artist Recording Agreement.
Money Mack Music is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit. Turk entered into a contractual agreement with Money Mack in 1999. The lawsuit states the company was to assume payments of publishing advances and music publishing royalties for the artist’s recordings.
The suit also asserts Cash Money and Money Mack failed to register artist shares of his 2001 album Young & Thuggin’ and numerous individual songs he appeared on, such as “Ha (Remix)” and “Welcome To The Nolia,” with Broadcast Music Inc. According to Turk, the result of not having those recordings BMI registered on his behalf was the loss of “publisher’s share” and “writer’s share” of performance royalties.
Turk is requesting the defendants provide accurate accounting in order to properly determine payments owed to him. He is seeking damages of at least $1.3 million.
[ALSO READ: Leaked 21-Page Lawsuit Reveals Details Of Cash Money’s Contracts With Lil Wayne, Young Money & Drake]
Newark, NJ To Use Hip-Hop In Performing Arts Program
Most people have forgotten that Mayor Ras J. Baraka is a strong affiliate of Hip-Hop, most notably for his appearance on Lauryn Hill’s debut solo album.
Nevertheless, the Honorable Baraka launched a new Performing Arts Program for youth aged 17-21 yesterday and he will utilize rap mistress Rah Digga and producer Peter Hadar to teach the kids.
The program is being offered by The Newark Youth One Stop Career Training Center and will teach “out of school” youth acting, photography and music.
“To change the city, we need to mobilize our youth and the power of culture to enhance life,” Mayor Baraka said. “This program will connect our young artists with the skills they need to become successful in their fields of interest and in life. They will be mentored by Newark natives who have distinguished themselves as artists. When the young men and women complete this program, they will be the generation of artists that transforms Newark’s culture – and that of America – into the City and nation we can all believe in. As a long-time Newark educator, I am both proud and excited by this program.”
The program is mean to develop, build self-esteem. and foster entrepreneurial skills.
The program will also utilize the talents of Newark native and Arts High School graduate, actor JD Williams and veteran industry photographer Brett Melius, BFA.
Did Sony's Racism Leak Into Annie DVD?
The movie “Annie” was a big hit for kids of color, particularly young Black girls. Well, the movie is about to hit shelves in the DVD and Blu Ray form. I received a message from a young person that brought it to my attention that one of the popular orphans in the movie, a teen of color, was not included on the cover art of the DVD art. Eden Duncan-Smith was well-received by fans and yet she is not getting the love she seems to be deserving of! She even has a fan club! LOL! I may have to join the fan club just as a show of support! Better yet – I may bring her over to the AllHipHop family, because there aren’t enough young actors as it is! Peep the cover!
By the way, Sony Pictures co-chair Amy Pascal has resigned after the big revealing email hack.
I guess it is a bit of a hardknock life, heh?
Epic-"Hold On" Video + Exclusive on Career & R&B
Emerging R&B/Pop group Epic has just released their first visual to their new single “Hold On,” a new-aged rendition of En Vogue’s classic ’90s hit. The California-native quartet comprised of Monie, Yei, Stixx and Blue introduce a strong vocal performance with a relatable sound to an old school classic.
Produced by Kevin “She’kspere” Briggs, best known for his work with Whitney Houston, Pink, Destiny’s Child and TLC, who manages the group along with Dynasty Records’ president Doe Henderson, featuring Kentucky artist Simms.
Epic starts with a vocal delivery of a famed a cappella verse and transitions into a united front of girl power mixed with jazzy choreography, fancy cars, and defining hair colors and wardrobe.
Check out the video below:
AllHipHop also caught up with Epic to discuss their endeavors and the new wave of R&B.
What do you think R&B is missing right now? What happened to the R&B group era?
I think we have to show up and show the world that it’s missing an impactful girl group so when they see a girl group singing four part harmonies like it was in the ’90s they are going to be like omg we are really missing this. R&B needs to return to talking about real life situations; I feel like that’s what’s really missing the connectivity to people’s lives. It’s really repetitive. Like what’s happening in our generation’s life that we all need to talk about? Girl groups that try to come out today they don’t influence others; they just do what the trend is, but no one is really inspiring anyone. EPIC plans to inspire.
EPIC is unique because you also are all musicians? So one by one tell me which instrument do you play?
I’m Blue: I play the bass guitar.
Monie: I play the keyboard.
Stix: I play the drums.
Yei: I play the lead guitar.
Do you feel the pressure to conform to what’s popular with R&B going pop or Hip Hop?
We try to balance it out but stick to quality with our own twist. That makes it EPIC. They will love who we are because we want to give them something they will love.
Arguably people say the ’90s early 2000s was the last era of timeless R&B, so a lot of R&B artists are leaning on covers because it resonates well with fans. Is that what inspired the En Vogue “Hold On” cover?
Yes because that was a popular song in the ’90s. People loved when Jackson 5 did that intro and they redid it and that’s years of music history. We are bringing it back for this generation to hear and understand.
Are you working on any other covers?
We are working more on original music, but we probably will do more covers.
With Epic everyone is gorgeous, has vocals, and plays instruments but what else separates you from the whole and makes you different?
We truly love each other. We really are one; when people see us they automatically can see that. Our foundation is so strong and we have a church background as well.
I feel like it’s really important for R&B artists to come together more on a united front because of what’s going on with the genre. So are you working with any other R&B artists currently?
We worked with Sims who is featured on the song and we work with Mishon. He (Mishon) always comes in our session and helps us there. Mishon is like our big brother; he helps us with our visions and our creativity. It’s amazing when you come together with someone who wants to bring back R&B and who have that same passion and drive.
So what has it been like working with She’kspere?
We love him; it’s really been a great experience. It can only go up from here. We all just connected, and we started recording the first day. It’s crazy because She’kspere has worked with a lot of great girl groups, so it meant a lot to us. It’s amazing for him to believe in us.
So She’kspere what made you believe in them…. you worked with Destiny’s Child, TLC, Pink Whitney etc?
They had the look, quality, and the foundation. I saw the same thing that I saw in a Destiny’s Child and a TLC.
So an influential producer such as yourself has the ability to create hit after hit even when the genre is struggling so what’s your secret to success?
Always do great music and give great music to stars. You can have great music but you have to have great stars; you can have great stars but bad music…. you have to have both.
What do you think is going to make Epic come to the forefront and last?
The foundation. Most of these other groups didn’t have that training and development to stick together. Most of these groups fall apart before they get started. The others don’t have the training to withstand the pressure and havoc that comes along with the music industry. They have a really strong spiritual and disciplinarian background.
What do you think is the problem within the R&B genre right now? There is a lot of finger pointing.
Great music always prevails, and stars sell. It has to be great music. With music now you have to switch up the way you look at the approach. The capacity of what it does is different. I’m very comfortable where music is. It’s really an even playing field for everyone. Whomever comes out with the best product and package will be seen and rise to the top.
Epic, What’s your favorite behind the scenes moment?
Working in the studio, and we have fun. When we get sleepy late at night and early in the morning we all do crazy and silly things.
Hip-Hop Rumors: Azealia Banks Is Back At It Again!
Azealia Banks is ruffling feathers once again, defending her use of derogatory terms.
Banks posted a message to Instagram for fans to hear her argument, but we’re not sure if they’re feeling the reasoning or not.
Now Banks has gone toe to toe with a few names in the industry including blogger Perez Hilton, it’s just a matter of time before he or someone else claps back for this one.
Man Gets Slapped And Knocked Out!
Holy Crap! A knock out is a knock out, but a slap that turns into a knockout is another story totally! There is a contest somewhere in America where dudes slap each other into oblivion. One dude…just dropped. See it below.
Somebody call the Amberlamps!
Turk Sues Birman And Cash Money For $1 Million
Turk, one of Cash Money’s original stable, has decided to sue the iconic label for $1 million.
On Instagram, Turk explained his reasoning.
“The Reason Why I’m Sueing Now Is Because I Realized That Me Being Loyal Has Gotten Me No Where In This Business!! Its My Attorney’s Decision That It Was In My Best Interest To Sue After Several Attempts To Settle This Matter Privately.Now We Wait For The Next Chapter!! #Wodie”
Turk feels that Cash Money has not fully disclosed all the money that he is owed. Turk wants to void his contract and collect his monies.
Lil Wayne has sued Cash Money for $51 million dollars.
Happy Birthday Bobby Brown! #ThrowbackThursdayTribute
In the midst of the tragedy currently surrounding daughter Bobbi Kristina, father and former R&B heavyweight Bobby Brown turned 46 today. With albums like King of Stage and 1988’s mega hit Don’t Be Cruel, take a look at some of the hits that got him crowned the Bad Boy of R&B.
“Don’t Be Cruel”
“Every Little Step”
“Humpin Around”
“My Prerogative”
“On Our Own”
Roc Nation Executive Lenny S To Marry Adrienne Bailon
Lenny Santiago, known to many as Lenny S, has been down with Jay Z and The Roc for quite sometime. He’s now set to marry Cheetah-Girl-turned-talk show host Adrienne Bailon.
Adrienne Bailon, 31, made the announcement while taping her show “The Real” and a will tell her TV audience on Friday in a taped episode.
According to E!, she wowed her her co-hosts Loni Love, Jeannie Mai, Tamar Braxton and Tamera Mowry-Housley with her chunky ring.
Congrats to the couple!