ELLIS provides us with a short film to go along with his project, “The Education Of Ellis.” Give it a look here.
Big Sean & E-40 Take Over The "Tonight Show"
While the holidays may be a source of cheer for many, for those dealing with a break-up or simply looking for a banger, Big Sean’s still popular “IDFWU” does the trick. Backed by The Roots, on December 23 Sean and Bay Area legend E-40 hit the stage for a performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Following up on Hall of Fame, the Detroit emcee will reportedly release another project in the first half of 2015.
Take a look at their performance below:
O.T. Genasis on Hit Record "CoCo"; First Meeting 50; Funny Altercation w/ Busta Rhymes
Thisis50 & Young Jack Thriller recently spoke with O.T. Genasis for an exclusive interview. O.T. Genasis speaks on his hit record “CoCo”, G-Unit, The Grind, Busta Rhymes, Wiz Khalifa stage diving during “CoCo” performance, influences, first meeting 50 Cent & much more…
FRESH HEAT – Fokis – "Produced By Dr. Dre"
In case you’re not familiar with Fokis, let’s bring you up to speed. Fokis is an emcee / producer who has collaborated with artists such as Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, Mistah F.A.B., Olu Dara (Nas’ father) & more. He’s worked with producers such as Ty Fyffe, Focus…, Fantom Of The Beat and Jake One. Fokis released various projects including the “20/20” EP (produced entirely by Focus…), “The Appetizer” LP with Punchline (formerly of eMC) & “A Vintage State Of Mind” mixtape. He runs an indie label, Loyalty Digital Corp., which executive produced projects such as “An Ode To Reasonable Doubt” by Skyzoo & Antman Wonder, “Barrel Brothers” by Skyzoo & Torae and Sadat X’ upcoming album “Never Left”. He’s also an engineer who has recorded & mixed for Slaughterhouse, Fat Joe, N.O.R.E, Pharoahe Monch, Bun B, Kool G Rap, to name a few.
His latest single “Produced By Dr. Dre”, was produced by none other than Fokeezy, (Fokis’ name as a producer). The single is off his upcoming project “Underground With Commercial Appeal” slated for release 2/3/15.
Chinx Ft. Zach – "Point Blank"
Chinx leaks record off of his CR5 album dropping tomorrow on Christmas Day.
Dear Barack : Evolution (Directed by: Ralliebox films)
Barack Obama is under more pressure than the bowels of a constipated old man. And with all the drama in the nation surrounding police brutality, the president is catching it from all over. Poet Evolution steps up with a powerful spoken word piece in the form of an open letter to the leader of the free world. The result is a compelling critique that, if heard, will compel Obama to see the world through the eyes of those on the ground.
Fabolous Talks Social Media, Getting Dissed By A Well Known Producer And More
Before his new album, Young OG, hits iTunes tomorrow (Dec. 25), feast your eyes on Fabolous’s new cover story with VIBE. For their December digital issue, they caught up with Fab to get the scoop on his Roc Nation deal, his upcoming album, his social media presence and more.
While discussing his ability to consistently release hit records, Fab reflected on a time that he was shaded by one of his industry homies.
“Your album used to mainly be about your singles. When you have that so heavy on your mind it can [influence] your creative process. But I knew I had to make those records to be successful because I felt like every time I put out an album it was somebody waiting for it to not work anymore. I remember reading a friend of mine, Jermaine Dupri, who said ‘I like Fab’s raps but I can’t see him past two albums’. I was like Damn JD, you my boy. But I guess it was his honest opinion.”
In between releasing albums, the Brooklynite has been able to keep fans intrigued with his hilarious, charismatic Instagram posts and hashtags. He said that though he doesn’t mind letting fans in through IG, he makes sure to not expose too much.
“With social media, I give a little taste but I always want to keep a little mystique to myself. I don’t want people to look at me like I’m a social media personality. That’s the problem with reality TV. Once you go on reality TV that becomes your personality–you’re a reality star or whatever you’re acting like you are on TV.”
Read the full cover story here.
Troy Ave Ft Jeezy & Rick Ross – "All About The Money (Remix)"
Troy Ave gets updated verses from Jeezy & Rick Ross for the official remix of his hot single “All The About The Money”.
HILARIOUS! 2Chainz Gives A Kid An Old School Flip Phone For X-Mas
The true meaning of Christmas, when googled, is difficult to determine at best. Some say it is the celebration of the birthday of Jesus the Christ. Others say it is the need to give back to those in need. And the list really does go on and on. But, in terms of this capitalistic land of ours, the realness is GIFTS. 2Chainz recently learned this the hard way when he tried to give a kid a free flip phone. Check out the video below.
Damn, kids! LOL!
Zuse – "Illegal Immigrant" (Mixtape)
Atlanta-based Jamaican hip hop artist, Zuse, dropped his newest project Illegal Immigrant. The project, his 3rd in 2014, contains 14 new tracks, with features from Money Makin Nique and Snypa, and production creds from Durdy Costello, Southside of 808Mafia, Honorable C-Note, Dun Deal and more.
Illegal Immigrant, presented by Defient, Black Roses and Zooly Gvng is executively produced by DJ Spinz and FKi.
YG, Young Jeezy And More Give Back To The Less Fortunate For Christmas
Since it’s the holiday season, many of hip-hop’s own have been sharing their wealth and giving back to the less fortunate in their hometown communities.
YG hosted his second annual ‘Nothing Can Stop Me’ Christmas event where he took 100 L.A children shopping. Through his 4Hundred Waze Foundation, the Bompton native took kids from L.A’s Boys and Girls Club and the Department of Family and Children’s Services to Lakewood Center Mall.
Our 2nd annual Christmas shopping event was successful & safe S/O to Lakewood Center Mal… http://t.co/mEQPrL6NtXpic.twitter.com/34AFj1WWxS
— YG (@YG) December 22, 2014
Over in Atlanta, YG’s mentor Jeezy and his Street Dreams Foundation also treated 100 less fortunate children, but they did more than shop. After attending a private screening of Annie, they got to eat good at Gio’s Restaurant and received more gifts.
Fellow ATL reps Ludacris and Future were also in the holiday spirit. While Luda gave out gifts at a local Atlanta children’s hospital, Future hosted the second annual Freebandz Coat Drive, where 300 coats were collected for needy children.
Jadakiss also put smiles on the faces of 50 children at the York Street Project, a women’s shelter in New Jersey, where he visited and handed out toys
.
Tenn Stacks – "Grits & Biscuits"
New York native Tenn Stacks unveils the gritty visual for his latest effort titled “Grits & Biscuits”. The track pulls inspiration from the boom bap sounds of Hip-Hop’s golden era. Tenn Stacks is actually an acronym for The Educated Negro Never Stops Teaching Another Cat Knowledge and Swagg. Along with his skills as an MC, the Hollatainment Records CEO is also a spoken word artist and community activist.
Jaynari (of League Of Starz) – "Loop God"
Jaynari of League Of Starz drops a new beat tape titled Loop God w/ 8 all new unreleased instrumentals.
Three Questions With Chaos
New Jersey’s Jameel “Chaos” Laboo went from throwing punches in the ring to laying down tracks in the booth. The Born 2 Win Entertainment rapper took up boxing to relive stress, but he later realized making music was a more effective outlet for him to release his emotions and aggression.
Inspired by the work of Tupac Shakur, Chaos embarked on his musical journey with street albums like 2012’s Born 2 Win and Streets On Lean. After releasing the Never Change mixtape featuring Troy Ave and Lee Mazin, Chaos is back six months later with the second installment in the series.
Never Change 2 is a 12-track ride through Chaos’ hometown of Newark. Hosted by DJ Drewski, DJ Naim, and DJ Wallah, NC2 lets listeners bare witness to the Brick City native’s tales of going from convicted hustler to recording artist. Pain, family, paranoia, relationships, prosperity, and conflict are all themes layered throughout the project.
AllHipHop.com caught up with the “I Gotta Ball” performer for “Three Questions.” In the off-kilter interview, Chaos shares his thoughts on the potential Floyd Mayweather/Manny Pacquiao bout, the possibility of having to give up sex, and nearly suffering an embarrassing public moment.
[ALSO READ: Three Questions With The 1978ers (yU & Slimkat)]
As a boxer, who do you think would win in a Floyd Mayweather versus Manny Pacquiao fight right now?
Me personally, I believe Floyd will win this fight. Reason being Manny is fighting with emotion. He has something to prove. He’s going to try and knock Floyd out. He’s going to be extra aggressive – all the things Floyd will use to his benefit.
Although Floyd knows he can’t take him lightly, Manny can’t get into his head. That’s what determines the fight. Once you’re cool is lost, the fight’s over.
If you had to give up either making music or having sex for at least three years, which one would you give up ?
That’s a crazy situation, but I will give up music. Not only because sex is the best stress reliever in the world [laughs], but I like kids and when all is said and done I need someone to continue the legacy I plan to build.
What has been one of the most chaotic moments during your time in the music industry?
I think one of my most chaotic moments was when I put together a showcase, and the DJ pulled a no-show at showtime. The place was getting packed, and we were playing music off an iPod. Eventually a back up DJ showed, and it was a success.
[ALSO READ: Three Questions With Khary Durgans]
Follow Chaos on Twitter @Chaosdarealest and Instagram @chaosdarealest.
Stream/Download Chaos’ Never Change 2 below.
Wales Announces 'Album About Nothing' Release Date
Wale released his A-Trak assisted mixtape Festivus, in honor of the Seinfeld holiday, earlier this week to hold fans over until the release of his fourth project, The Album About Nothing. When a fan tweeted him thanking him for gifting his fans with such quality free music, instead of saying thank you back the MMG spitter replied with his album release date, Mar. 31st.
With him releasing a mixtape based on a Seinfield holiday, doing the Complex cover story with Jerry Seinfeld and the album titled also being derived from the 90’s show, it’s only right to believe that the comedian will be apart of the album. There’s no word on his direct involvement, but Wale did mention that he had been linking up with Seinfeld.
“I’ve spent some good time with Jerry [Seinfeld] and we’re gonna keep building on it,” he told MTV News back in October. “I wanna make it super incredible and super honest and I’m really putting the fans first on this one. With The Gifted, I [did] things musically and sonically that I felt I wanted to do for myself, but this one is solely for the fans and solely for the people who made me who I am.”
If you haven’t already, peep the album art below.
Roc & Yella – "Wide Open"
Money Gang America delivers the official video by ROC & YELLA titled “WIDE OPEN” produced by Trap-A-Lot-Musik.
Ray J Partners Up With A Watch Company
Besides becoming an official member of the Love and Hip Hop family this year, Ray J has also been inking some business deals.
Ray J and his business partner David Weintraub have reportedly teamed up with RSNL Watches and now the “Wait A Minute” singer is the face of the company. No details on if he is involved behind the scenes or not. The watches, which sell for anywhere from $150 to $500, are available for purchase at Macy’s, Kohl’s and JC Penney.
2 Chainz Hosts 5th Annual Street Execs Christmas Concert
Photo by Paras Griffin/Gety Images
2 Chainz made many children’s Christmas again this year with his 5th Annual Christmas Charity Concert in Atlanta, GA presented by Street Execs & T.R.U. Foundation. Comedians DC Young Fly and Emmanuel Hudson of Archive Entertainment hosted the event and as usual kept the crowd entertained in between sets. The concert was a huge success as concert goers had the chance to see several major acts perform if they donated an unwrapped toy for a child in need. The show did however come to an end before some of the major acts such as Young Thug, Rich Homie Quan, Bankroll Fresh, Young Dolph, K Camp and Boosie were able to hit the stage. Those in attendance were still able to see performances by 2 Chainz, T.I., Travis Porter, Cap 1, Khaotic, OG Maco, Mishon, Spodee, Rich Kidz, We Are Toonz and many more!
Check out more photos from the event below. Photos by Paras Griffin/Getty Images
Tyga Announces Release Date For 'The Gold Album: 18th Dynasty'
Tyga and his drama with his former label Cash Money/Young Money Records has hindered the release of his long awaited album The Gold Album: 18th Dynasty, which was supposed to hit iTunes yesterday (Dec. 23). Now, it has been announced that the Hotel California rapper’s third studio album is officially dropping on Jan. 27th. The official album art, which was created by Kanye West’s DONDA company, was unveiled earlier this week as well.
Tyga will be releasing this album independently.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed Hosts Annual UNCF Masked Ball Brings Out Jeezy, Ludacris, Big Boi And More
Photo by Prince Williams/ FilmMagic/ Getty Images
The United Negro College Fund in conjunction with Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed held their 31st Annual UNCF Mayor Masked Ball. The Black Tie affair is one of Atlanta’s premiere powerful events throughout the year. The masked ball is a fundraising event dedicated to supporting the efforts of the UNCF organization and its member colleges and universities.
The event was also co-hosted by UNCF President and CEO Michael L. Lomax and UNCF EVP Maurice Jenkins and held at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. Grammy Award-winning Chaka Khan, the Queen of Funk performed her roof-raising musical hits for more than 1,200 ticketed guests. She also received the Phoenix Award.
“The Mayor’s Masked Ball is always a spectacular evening supported by the leaders of Atlanta who share in our efforts to raise funds for the education of college students attending UNCF schools, four that are right there in Atlanta ” Dr. Lomax said in a statement to press. “The ball is UNCF’s signature event and significant opportunity to keep students in school and to help them graduate and go on to secure successful professional careers.”
Ludacris, Young Jeezy, Will Packer, Chris Tucker, TLC’s Chilli and more came out to support and even more celebrities were spotted at the after party including Usher, Bobby V, and Teddy Riley.
The United Negro College Fund is the nation’s oldest and most successful minority higher education assistance organization. Since its founding in 1944, UNCF has raised more than $3.6 billion to help more than 400,000 students receive college degrees at UNCF member institutions and with UNCF scholarships. UNCF accomplishes its mission by providing financial assistance to deserving students, raising funds for its 37 member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) for scholarships and capacity building and providing technical assistance to those member campuses.
Check out more photos from the event below. Photos by Prince Williams/ FilmMagic/ Getty Images