AllHipHop

Milwaukee Officer Will Face No Charges In Shooting Death Of Dontre Hamilton

By: @SimplyCecilia Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm has announced that former officer Christopher Manney will face no charges in the death of a mentally ill Black man, after a consultation with police experts advised that the officer had allegedly acted in self-defense.

Addressing the press Chisholm stated,  “Manney’s use of force was privileged and justified. On a human level, of course, it’s tragic … but our job is not to tell people necessarily what they want to hear.”

Dontre Hamilton, who family members say had not been taking his medication for schizophrenia, was first found by two officers after it was reported that a homeless man had been sleeping inside of Red Arrow Park. After assessing that no laws had been broken the pair left the man alone, with Officer Manney arriving shortly after. After attempting to pat him down an altercation broke out between the two, resulting in Hamilton being shot over 14 times.

Although Manney has been cleared of any wrongdoing in the incident, it was determined that he didn’t follow department guidelines by treating a mentally ill individual like a criminal; he was fired six months after the fatal shooting.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a federal review of the case will be conducted.

 

Jill Scott To Be Honored at Essence's Black Women In Music

By: Rea Davis @IamReaDavis Updated Category: Alternatives
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Essence will honor Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Jill Scott at the 6th annual Black Women in Hollywood event. Over the last five years, ESSENCE Black Women in Music has honored the achievements of the day’s biggest stars and breakthrough artists. Essence stated, “For our sixth year, we’re proud to honor Scott for her incredible achievement, singular artistry, and powerful storytelling.” Scott Jill told Billboard, “It will be 15 years in July that my first album came out, and Essence has been there the entire time. I’m truly honored.”

“Jill Scott is the quintessential Essence woman,” says Essence Editor-in-Chief Vanessa K. DeLuca. “Like many of the female artists who inspired her – she has touched the collective soul of women across generations.”

Past Essence Black Women in Music honorees include Mary J. Blige, Kelly Rowland, Janelle Monáe, and Solange Knowles. This year’s event will feature an exclusive performance from Scott as well as several other performances from several classic eras of music. And for the first time, community fans will be able to join in the festivities of this invitation-only event. The Essence Black Women in Hollywood event will kick-off their year-long commemoration of the 45th anniversary of Essence Magazine, where Black women have always—and will continue to—come first. President of Essence, Michelle Ebanks stated, “Essence was groundbreaking in its founding 45 years ago, as is Jill Scott in her impact on music and the arts. She is a fearless innovator, and it is our honor to continue to build community by bringing together music industry influencers and fans during GRAMMY Week for an epic celebration.”

Essence Black Women in Music will take place in Los Angeles, California on February 5, 2015.

Jodeci Releases Full Version of "Nobody Wins" Ft. B.O.B + Lyric Video

By: Rea Davis @IamReaDavis Updated Category: Alternatives
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Photo credit:Gabe Ginsberg / Getty Images Contributor

The bad boys of R&B, iconic R&B group Jodeci, have released the full version of their new single “Nobody Wins” Ft. rapper B.O.B. The legendary quartet debuted a snippet version at the 2014 Soul Train awards where they performed a medley of their greatest hits: “Freek N U”, “Stay”, “Come and Talk to Me”, and “Forever My Lady”. The lyric video includes original footage blended with news clips detailing the issues of dealing with domestic violence. This is the first single off the group’s forthcoming album that will feature production from both group member DeVante Swing and Timbaland (who Swing discovered).

The 1990’s garnered many R&B groups but none quite like Jodeci. It was an era dominated by New Jack Swing where Jodeci married R&B soul and Hip Hop to create a sound that is classic and timeless even today. You can’t talk about R&B, soul, and New Jack Swing without mentioning Jodeci, so it’s easy to see why so many fans are excited about the release of their new single. That’s how you know you are iconic when you take nearly 2 decades off from making new music and your fan base is still there off the original music you released. And the same fans has been eager for a new single since 1995. The singe “Nobody Wins” was even No. 1 on Billboard’s Trending 140 chart yesterday. “Nobody Wins” holds a chorus that exhibits Jodeci’s signature lush harmonies and the unparallelled soul, it takes a slightly different turn for the group. They sing, “Nobody wins when we fight, fuss and argue,” as Atlanta rapper B.o.B. contributes to the verses.

Check out the lyric video below.

Joell Ortiz & Audiomack Present "Yaowa Nation" Remix EP

By: Scooby Wilson (@mcscoobins) Updated Category: Music
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Joell Ortiz, YaowaNation.com, AudioMack & Bottom Feeder Music team up to put Joell Ortiz’s new MixEP titled, “Yaowa Nation”, where we’ll hear Joell add verses to some of the Hottest records on radio in Top 40, Rhythmic & Urban world.

Sick, Racist Song, "Dead, Dead Michael Brown" Hits Internet

By: Chuck Creekmur (@ChuckCreekmur) Updated Category: Uncategorized
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

The next time you consider that America is post-racial, think about Gary Fishell. The singer has recorded a new song called “Dead, Dead Michael Brown” and performed the song at a party for retired LAPD officer Joe Myers and other cops in attendance. The song is a play on the classic record “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown.” But this despicable parody is making the rounds on social media and traditional outlets alike, as it further dehumanizes the unarmed teenager that was murdered by officer Darren Wilson. In the video, obtained by TMZ, Fishell sings:

Michael Brown learned a lesson about a messin’
With a badass policeman
And he’s bad, bad Michael Brown
Baddest thug in the whole damn town
Badder than old King Kong
Meaner than a junkyard dog
Two men took to fightin’
And Michael punched in through the door
And Michael looked like some old Swiss cheese
His brain was splattered on the floor
And he’s dead, dead Michael Brown
Deadest man in the whole damn town
His whole life’s long gone
Deader than a roadkill dog

An official for the Elks Lodge in Glendale, CA has denounced the event and have publicly said they were implement punishment on the event organizers and Fishell individually.

This is what we are dealing with.

TeeFLii's 'STARR' Tracklist Features Chris Brown, Nipsey Hussle, Dom Kennedy And More

By: Tanay Hudson (@NYStateOfMind2) Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

TeeFLii ‘s debut album STARR  has been pushed back from its December release date, but it won’t stay on the shelf very long. It has been assigned the new release date of Feb. 3rd and Tee has unveiled the tracklist that features some left coast heavyweights.

The 12-track effort boasts features from fellow west coasters like Nipsey Hussle, Dom Kennedy, Snoop Dogg and E-40. The South Central native also snagged Chris Brown, whom he used to dance with, for a track called “Blue Lipstick.”

Peep the tracklist below.

1. Intro
2. Action
3. Give it to Me (feat. E-40)
4. Hennessy & Weed (feat Nipsey Hussle)
5. Blue Lipstick (feat. Chris Brown)
6. Something She’ll Do (feat Skeme)
7. Different Positions
8. Addicted (feat Snoop Dogg & Dj Quik)
9. I Don’t Need You (feat. Dom Kennedy)
10. Change Your World
11. Love Over Money
12. 24 Hours (feat. 2 Chainz)

Neef Buck Talks "Forever Do Me" Solo Branding & Young Gunz Future Return

By: Scooby Wilson (@mcscoobins) Updated Category: Videos
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Neef Buck of the Young Gunz, speaks on what he’s been up to since the split from the duo and what he has been doing for his brand creating the series “Forever Do Me” currently on the 7th Edition of the tape, Neef plans on putting it for sale on iTunes January 19th before Re-Emerging with New Young Gunz material.

Sony Will Release 'The Interview' On Christmas Day

By: Tanay Hudson (@NYStateOfMind2) Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

The release of the movie The Interview has caused so much friction between North Korea and the United States that it was decided that the movie would not be released at all. Now, Sony Pictures has reportedly changed their minds and the film will be released Christmas day in a select number of theaters.

The conflict began because the comedy, which stars Seth Rogen and James Franco, is about assassinating North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un.

“We have never given up on releasing The Interview and we’re excited our movie will be in a number of theaters on Christmas day,” Sony Entertainment chair and CEO Michael Lynton said in a statement. “At the same time, we are continuing our efforts to secure more platforms and more theaters so that this movie reaches the largest possible audience. I want to thank our talent on The Interview and our employees, who have worked tirelessly through the many challenges we have all faced over the last month. While we hope this is only the first step of the film’s release, we are proud to make it available to the public and to have stood up to those who attempted to suppress free speech.”

The film will also be released on video-on-demand systems.

Sony snatched the movie from theaters last week (Dec. 17) after five of North America’s biggest movie theater chains  received terrorist threatened them with “9/11 style” attacks if they showed the movie.

TOPE Ft. Dizz – "Rocky"

By: Scooby Wilson (@mcscoobins) Updated Category: Music
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

One week after dropping his much anticipated album BROKEBOYSYNDROME, TOPE is back with the catchy single “ROCKY” produced by Theory Hazit, featuring vocals from Dizz. TOPE is in the zone with this one – uptempo piano, soulful vocals, smooth synths, and plenty of quotables. The young Portland rapper is feeling like nobody can stop him, rightfully so. Continuing his rise as one of the most active artists out of the NW, TOPE is starting to jump on a few radars as an artist to watch in 2015 with attention from labels, and blogs such as XXL, Okayplayer, 2DopeBoyz, and more. Stay tuned for more #BBS visuals and remixes dropping in the new year.

Nicki Minaj's Ex Safaree Samuels Releases Two New Tracks

By: Tanay Hudson (@NYStateOfMind2) Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

While dealing with the breakup from his girlfriend of almost 15 years, Nicki Minaj, Safaree Samuels has decided to hop in the booth and put his energy into his music. He took to his Soundcloud yesterday and uploaded two new tracks, “Burner” and “I’m Dope.”

While “I’m Dope” boasts lyrics about living the fast life with fast women, Safaree spits catchy wordplay on “Burner” while he also addresses the media’s coverage of his former relationship.

“Why you worried ’bout my ex?/ Stop tryina read my texts/Don’t worry bout these tatted lips unless you giving neck,” he rhymed.

These two tracks are off of his self-titled EP that is said to be coming soon.

Lend your ear below.

“I’m Dope”

“Burner”

Joey Bada$$ – "Curry Chicken" (P###. by Statik Selektah)

By: Scooby Wilson (@mcscoobins) Updated Category: Music
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

As a holiday present to his fans, Joey Bada$$ has decided to share another track from his forthcoming debut album, B4.DA.$$. Joey is proud to share the Statik Selektah-produced, “Curry Chicken,” which is now available for stream via soundcloud and download via iTunes with a pre-order of the album.

The 3hree Project Ft Trev Rich, AP, Young Doe & Esi Juey – "100 Mil"

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Music
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

The 3hree Project started a little over a year ago at KMG Studios with a vision and creative mission. The idea was a lofty one, to bring various artists together who have very little in common except one thing; they all represent the best of Denver, Colorado’s music scene. Each artist received hands on artist development throughout the project’s creation. MC’s were paired with producers and engineers who could hone their style and skill. The result was a magical undertaking that produced some of the most innovative and ground-breaking sounds to come out of Colorado. Official release date December 23.

Kanye West's 'Yeezus' Has Been Turned Into The Christmas Album 'Kreezus'

By: Tanay Hudson (@NYStateOfMind2) Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

If you weren’t feeling Kanye West’s Yeezus as a hip-hop album, then you may enjoy it as Christmas album. Yeezus  has been remixed into a holiday album entitled Kreezus.

A sketch comedy trio named Local Business Comedy found a Yeezy impressionist to spit Christmas-themed bars over Yeezus instrumentals. The whole album was re-written and boasts song titles like “Gift It Up,” “Light On The Trees,” “I Am Claus” and “Hold My Eggnog.”

Stream the 10-track holiday parody project below.

Ferguson And Beyond: Black Lives Matter In Brooklyn

By: Chuck Creekmur (@ChuckCreekmur) Updated Category: Multimedia / Video
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

From Ferguson and Beyond, a town hall meeting organized by #BlackLivesMatterNYC, in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn on 12.8.14. The panel included activists from the front lines of Ferguson and organizers fighting against police brutality in New York City. Check out the conversation with Ashley Yates, Tef Poe, Tory Russell, Monifa Bandele from Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, Majesty from Justice Committee, and Brittany Bratwaite of Girls for Gender Equity. The event was hosted by Mark Winston Griffith ED, Brooklyn Movement Center and moderated by Chuck Creekmur, AllHipHop’s CEO.

Ferguson and Beyond from Deep Dish TV on Vimeo.

De La Soul, G-Eazy & Ace Hood BitTorrent Bundles Among Top 10 Most Downloaded In 2014

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: Features
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

(AllHipHop News) The current shifts taking place in the entertainment industry have led artists to discover innovative ways to distribute content to their supporters. BitTorrent Bundle is one of the most successful new publishing platforms being embraced by many art creators.

[ALSO READ: De La Soul Release “Smell the DA.I.S.Y” Mixtape Bundle Featuring Production By J Dilla]

After a year of providing direct-to-fan releases from rap representatives like Public Enemy, Curren$y, Cam’ron, Bishop Nehru, and Azealia Banks, it is clear music lovers appreciate the opportunity to have access to more than just songs from their favorite performers. Many of the bundles also provide exclusive tour information, merchandise, and contests.

“Our long-term vision is not to be a content store, or another walled garden. Our vision is to create the technology that puts the store into the content and to let the artist decide what the exchange should be. They know best what the value of a fan is and can judge that better than we can,”  BitTorrent’s Vice President of Marketing Matt Mason relayed to AllHipHop.com in 2013. “Our job is to create the best possible tools for creative people, and then get out-of-the-way of them and their fans.”

BitTorrent is a community of 170 million fans, and 89% of those users return each month for other offers. More importantly, 90% of sales revenue goes directly to the artist. According to the company, 12.5 million BitTorrent Bundle digital box sets were downloaded this year. Projects by De La Soul, G-Eazy, and Ace Hood were among the most downloaded bundles in 2014.

“To me I saw it as an opportunity to do something new and gain a new fan base,” Ace Hood told AllHipHop.com about his “Best of Starvation Bundle.” “It’s an opportunity to expand my brand and get my music out to the masses in a different way.”

[ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Ace Hood Talks “Starvation” Bundle, “Everyday” Remix Contest & Collabing With Skepta]

Last year, Curren$y’s “Jet Life Bundle” was downloaded over 4 million times in its first four months of release. The Jets also reported that after dropping the Bundle the sale of apparel on their website increased by 500% and advanced ticket sales for their tour went up by 30%.

“Music fans have changed in recent years. New material has a shorter shelf life, and fans have a shorter attention span,” stated Jet Life manager Mousa Hamdan. “You have to keep coming out with new music and new content to keep them coming back. You have to constantly be thinking about new ways to drop content, and new ways to reach listeners.”

Ohio rapper Dub-O of Machine Gun Kelly’s EST 19XX label released his own “Old Lights, New Lights Bundle” in July. Speaking with AllHipHop.com at the time, Dub explained why he jumped on the chance to work with BitTorrent.

“When you do stuff like the bundle package [the fans] feel special. There’s a big, big difference when you’re interactive with your fans, so I try to be as much as I can,” said Dub-O. “I don’t think too many artists are doing things like that. They’re just dropping a mixtape like, ‘Here you go fans.’ But when you put sprinkles on that cupcake, they appreciate that more and keeps them more involved with you.”

Beside individual artists using BitTorrent Bundles to offer fans special incentives, labels such as Mad Decent and Fool’s Gold distributed compilations on the platform as well. Even filmmakers used the site to distribute their art. Over 10 million social justice and advocacy documentaries were accessed via BitTorrent Bundle.

[ALSO READ: Dub-O Premieres “Doing Numbers” Video & Discusses New BitTorrent Bundle]

The Ten 10 Most Downloaded Music BitTorrent Bundles Of 2014:

1. Thom Yorke
2. Diplo
3. Gramatik
4. De La Soul
5. Zeds Dead
6. G-Eazy
7. Ace Hood
8. Mad Decent
9. Vinyl Williams
10. Hundred Waters

Pusha T Says Second Album 'King Push' Will Drop Spring 2015

By: Tanay Hudson (@NYStateOfMind2) Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Pusha T is at work on his sophomore release, King Push, which he plans to release in the spring of 2015.

The G.O.O.D Music emcee said that  he’s working feverishly on this project and is excited to show fans how he has “raised the level of musicality.”

“It’s amazing,” Push told Rolling Stone. “I feel like the sound will be second to none. And of course you already know the raps will be smacking people all left and right. I’ve been working on it constantly.”

The former Clipse member said that his latest single “Lunch Money” is a signal to the fans that they should expect the unexpected.

“I dropped ‘Lunch Money’ to show how far out me and ‘Ye are going to go, just sonically,” he says. “Now, I feel like people don’t know where the hell I’m going to go on the next record. And that’s where I want them to be.”