Idris Elba To Release Nelson Mandela Inspired Album "Mi Mandela" (VIDEO)

(AllHipHop News) Idris Elba’s Golden Globe nominated portrayal of Nelson Mandela in Long Walk to Freedom has inspired the British born actor to create an album celebrating the former South African president. Mi Mandela will feature Mumford & Sons, James Blake, Maverick Sabre, Mr. Hudson, and more.

[ALSO READ: Idris Elba & Chiwetel Ejiofor Both Nominated For Two Golden Globe Awards]

“Mandela was into his music, and I wanted to understand what music he liked. So in that journey I sort of discovered the roots of South African music,” says Elba who also performs as the music artist Driis. “South Africa has over 60 different tribes, and each one has a musical expression, each one has a very unique, different sound style.”

Some of that South African musical talent will appear on the project as well. Elba worked closely with South African producer Spoek Mathambo for Mi Mandela as he recorded the album in the country.

“I had no real agenda,” says Elba. “I just wanted to pull these musicians together, express some feelings to them, and then we all go off and make music. That was really the plan.”

Mi Mandela is available for pre-order on iTunes. The album is scheduled for release on November 24.

[ALSO CHECK OUT: Maya Angelou Reads Tribute Poem For Nelson Mandela (VIDEO)]

Watch Idris Elba announce Mi Mandela below.

Apple Reportedly Plans To Rebrand Beats Music; May Drop The Name

(AllHipHop News) When Apple bought out Beats Electronics and the streaming service Beats Music earlier this year, it seemed the $3 billion price tag was partly because the name “Beats” had become a star in its own right. But according to Tech Crunch,  the name “Beats Music” may disappear in the near future.

[ALSO READ: Dr. Dre, Jimmy Iovine & Tim Cook Discuss Apple’s $3 Billion Beats by Dre Purchase]

The site first reported five different sources claim Apple was shutting down Beats Music altogether and moving its employee to other projects in the company. Apple has refuted that claim and suggests the Beats Music may just be rebranded.

Josh Constine for Tech Crunch writes:

Apple has told TechCrunch that our report of Beats being shut down “is not true”, but sources familiar with the situation tell Re/code that Apple “may, however, modify [Beats Music] over time, and one of those changes could involved changing the Beats Music brand.” This aligns with what my sources said, which is that the Beats Music brand will be shut down, but that it’s unclear what Apple wants to do in streaming music. It seems quite possible that the Beats Music product could be rolled into iTunes rather than being ‘shuttered’, but that’s semantics.

Beats jumped into the music streaming service prior to the Apple buyout. According to reports, Apple was more interested in the Beats headphones and pulling in co-founders Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine than the streaming application.

In May, Beats Music was reported to only have around 100,000 subscribers, and it has not become available overseas. The service is currently competing against Spotify, Pandora, YouTube, Rdio, Rhapsody, and Apple’s own iTunes Radio.

[ALSO READ: Dr. Dre Takes The Top Spot On Forbes Hip Hop Cash Kings List; Drake & Macklemore Enter Top 5]

 

Rah Digga Says Iggy Azalea Is Not Real & Not Hip Hop (VIDEO)

(AllHipHop News) With Iggy Azalea killing the charts, Nicki Minaj dropping a much talked about video, Lil Kim releasing her mixtape, and Remy Ma returning home from prison, female rap saw one of its biggest summers in years. Of course when a veteran femcee is being interviewed the subject of women in the game comes up.

[ALSO CHECK OUT: Rah Digga Ft. Jon Connor “Storm Comin (Remix)”]

That was the case recently for Rah Digga. The former Flipmode Squad member spoke with ThisIs50, and she was asked about some of her rap peers. After giving a shout out to Remy and suggesting she does a little research about the current music scene, Digga expressed she is not a fan of Iggy.

“Iggy Azalea, I can’t really get into her. Because it’s just not real to me,” explains Digga. “There is a white girl from Australia that spits in an Australian accent, and her name is Chelsea Jane. That I can get into. Teach me Australian Hip Hop culture. Don’t come to America and try to convince me  that you’re Gangsta Boo… We’re not going to believe you if you’re trying to convince us that you’re out here trap shooting.”

Digga also supported Nicki’s speech at the BET Awards where the Young Money member seemed to call out rappers that don’t write their own lyrics.

“That’s the problem. They’re too many passes being given,” stated Rah. “When did it become wrong to call out people that don’t write their own rhymes? When did that become a crime in Hip Hop?”

She later added, “I don’t consider [Iggy] Hip Hop. I listen to her album. Everything that I hear on there is everything but that… Hip Hop is representative of this: to inform and empower inner city youth. I’m fine with anybody’s race, creed, or color participating, but don’t ever forget what it was created for in the first place.”

[ALSO READ: Lil Debbie Challenges Iggy Azalea To Make A Hit With No Features + Says Nicki Minaj Looked Weak (VIDEO)]

Watch Rah Digga’s interview below.

Andre 3000: Big Boi's A Much Sharper Rapper Than I Am

(AllHipHop News) Many Hip Hop followers would consider OutKast one of the greatest rap groups in history, but there has also been debate about which member was the better emcee. Andre 3000 stated that he leans more toward Big Boi.

[ALSO READ: Bun B, 2 Chainz, B.o.B, Janelle Monae & Some Of The South’s Biggest Rap Stars To Appear At OutKast’s #ATLast Weekend]

“One of the biggest things that kills me is when people try to put Big Boi down… The chemistry that made Outkast was the balance,” said Dre. “And honestly, Big’s a much sharper rapper than I am. If I was going to a battle, I’d definitely bet on him instead of me.”

This is a big weekend for 3000 and OutKast. The Jimi Hendrix biopic Jimi: All Is By My Side starring Andre is set to open on September 26. The Atlanta-based duo is also performing three nights in the city at their #ATLast concert event.

[ALSO READ: Two Clips Of Andre 3000 From Jimi Hendrix Biopic Emerge (VIDEOS)]

Kendrick Lamar Talks Drake, J. Cole & The Impact "Control" Had On The Game (VIDEO)

(AllHipHop News) With the release of his new song “i”, Kendrick Lamar is once again in the media spotlight. It was one year ago that another K. Dot musical output shock the world. Big Sean dropped his “Control” track at the time, but it was Kendrick’s verse on the track that caught fire.

 [ALSO READ: Kendrick Lamar Releases New Single “i”]

The L.A. native’s challenge to his peers became the most talked about topic  in the culture for months. Kendrick sat down with Power 106 to discuss his “Control” verse and his relationship with two of the targets on the song – Drake and J. Cole.

“When I went in a did the verse, I thought I was just having fun. These cats I know. I’m just calling out and having fun,” said Kendrick. “But I see how the world took and flipped it – the media. I realized it has been 10-15 years before it has been some type of shaking up in the game.”

According to Lamar, “Control” did not affect how he interacts with his rap comrades. The TDE emcee was asked specifically about J. Cole and Drake.

“[We’re in the] same place. It’s all love from the moment I did the verse to after the verse,” added K. Dot. “I think Hip Hop is a sport, so you’re gonna have these little spits and spats. It’s all good, because personally I respect these dudes as people. Outside of that it’s really nothing.”

[ALSO READ: Drake Shouts Out Kendrick Lamar At OVO Fest (VIDEO)]

Watch Kendrick Lamar’s interview below.

Bun B, 2 Chainz, B.o.B, Janelle Monae & Some Of The South's Biggest Rap Stars To Appear At OutKast's #ATLast Weekend

(AllHipHop News) The ATLiens are returning home this weekend for their #ATLast concert series. Andre 3000 and Big Boi will be performing at Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park on September 26, 27, and 28, and each night will feature a different line-up of musical guests.

[ALSO READ: OutKast Announce “ATLast” Homecoming Concert In Atlanta]

On Friday, 2 Chainz, Janelle Monae, and Solange will open for OutKast. Bun B is also scheduled to make an appearance. Kid Cudi, Childish Gambino, and Raury will be up on Saturday, and B.o.B is tapped to perform on Sunday. The final night will also feature a star-studded Southern Round Up with Killer Mike, 8 Ball and MJG, Bun B, K Camp, Devin the Dude, Kilo, Gipp Goodie, and DJ Unk.

#ATLast is about more than just music. Fans that submitted artwork throughout the summer via Outkast.tumblr.com and Bigboi.tumblr.com will get to see their creations displayed at the “In Real Life” art installation.

The duo is also offering a special fan package through Uber. Riders that apply the code UberOutKAST within the service’s app between noon and 1:00 p.m. on September 26-28 can request the ultimate Outkast fan package and tickets to that night’s show. For every person who signs up for Uber and rides during OutKast #ATLast weekend, $5 will be donated to either the Centers of Hope or Big Kidz charities.

[ALSO READ: OutKast Brings Out Bun B During OVO Fest Performance (VIDEO)]

Top 5 Dead Or Alive: Lil Kim

Lil Kim’s dedication to Hip-Hop is apparent. Appearing on some of the most revered contributions to the genre, The Queen Bee, has shared bars with classic contemporaries. She’s invested over twenty years into the culture. A respected and provocative reign has solidified her relevancy.

Hard Core 2014 is the latest project. Chronicling a lifetime appreciation for Hip-Hop, Lil Kim, delivers her list of  the greatest five(ish) greatest MCs.

The Notorious B.I.G.

“Of course, you know, Biggie. See, I would say Ready to Die, it’s a class. That’s hard [picking my favorite album], you know, when you say, Biggie, that’s like saying, Michael Jackson. You can’t pick one favorite album from Michael Jackson; you can’t pick one from, Biggie. I would say [that] because Life After Death had more songs on it you have to go with Life After Death. It has more songs on it. But as far as the classic album it would definitely be, Ready to Die. B.I.G. made two huge classics before he left this world. I think Life After Death is also a classic.”

Eminem

“Eminem is one of my other favorite rappers. His first [commercial] album [The Marshall Mathers LP is my favorite].”

Jay Z

“He comes from the same world that I come from. We grew up in the same neighborhood. I knew him since—I actually knew Jay Z before I came into the industry. I’ve known Jay Z since I was 14 years old. So, a lot of things that he says are facts. That’s just pointblank, and it’s just like me, a lot of things that I say are facts. We know each other.  You know, he’s just a hustler by heart. He’s a hustler I just had to say that.”

Rakim/KRS-One/Nas/Big Daddy Kane/ Queen Latifah

“I also put people like Rakim, KRS-One, Nas those are also my favorites. You know what I mean, Big Daddy Kane, was one of my favorites. I mean , I can name a lot. When I was a baby listening to Hip-Hop—man, I can go on and on. But I had to narrow it down; so, I gave you that. As far as the women, we have to give the women some thought. There’s Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Roxanne Shanté—everybody—I grew up on all the females that were in the game. So, shout out to all the females who emcee.”

Drake

“Now, I would say, Drake. I can’t even front. He definitely would probably never be a friend. I don’t really like him as a person. But, he’s definitely my favorite artist right now. Drake’s got it, point-blank, period. He has that all-around factor. He has everything. He’s the complete triple threat, if you ask me.”

 

 

T.D. Jakes To Take Legal Action Against Jeezy

(AllHipHop News) T.D. Jakes, the famed preacher, author and film maker, has announced that he plans to take legal action against an unauthorized sample on the remix of “Holy Ghost” from his new album Seen It All.

The exact nature of the legal action has not been determined.
Jakes revealed the move on his Facebook page, stating the following:

SPECIAL NOTICE: The ‘Holy Ghost’ remix by Jeezy featuring Kendrick Lamar was produced without the knowledge or consent of T.D. Jakes, TDJ Enterprises, Dexterity Music or its associated companies. We are taking the necessary legal actions to stop the unauthorized use of T.D. Jakes’ intellectual property.

The sample stems from a speech from Jakes called “Don’t Let The Chatter Stop You.”
In it, Jakes says, “To tell myself, I’m still on fire. I’m under attack, but I’m still on fire. I got some chatter, but I’m still on fire. I got some threat, but I’m still on fire. I got some liabilities, but I’m still on fire. If it’s not amazing that I’m on fire. I’ve been to hell and back, but I’m still on fire.”

The “Holy Ghost” remix features Kendrick Lamar.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Is Shawnna Lying?

Uh….oh…the plot thickens a bit. You know Shawnna – or her camp – said that Chaka Zulu of DTP somehow black balled her off the red carpet? Well, I am hearing from some people close to that situation that have said that there is no truth to that at all. I don’t know what happened at all, but they have refuted the notion. Apparently, Chaka was one of the producers on the Hip-Hop Awards and the tipsters said that, for some reason, she was hated on. A couple people said that sounds nothing like Chaka Zulu, as he’s regarded as a nice dude and a low key legend in the Atlanta area. Anyway, Shawnna is the homey too so this is pretty interesting. I didn’t even think that there was friction with the Luda crew and their best female rapper.

RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Shawnna’s Rep Claims She Was Denied Access To BET Hip Hop Awards, Replaced By Lil Mama

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Dej Loaf Ft. E-40 – "Try Me (Remix)"

Detriot artist Dej Loaf is back with another remix to her “Try Me” joint. This time she gets E-40 to add a verse on it. The official video for this single is set to release September 24th.

https://soundcloud.com/e40/dej-loaf-ft-e40-try-me-dirty

Peter Leo & Eitan Noyze (feat. Styles P) – "So Superb"

Summer will always be synonymous with the sounds of boom-bap. Whether you spent the best months of the year having a cookout with the family or found yourself playing hoops all afternoon, the heavy drum breaks have always been part of the action. But even though these times are behind us, does not mean we have to put the genre back on the shelf for next year. Aiming to educate the new generation with that good ol’ Boom bap, Long Island emcee Peter Leo has crossed paths with producer/deejay Eitan Noyze to give us 12 classic sounding gems in the form of Energy Shift. “So Superb,” with it’s braggadocios, yet catchy rhymes from Peter and the always on point Styles P, is the joint that will make you nostalgic over those endless summer nights. Noyze’s stripped down, sublime production is a refreshing throwback for all of you heads that need a break from all of the Cloud and Trap Rap that’s been clogging the net. Check it out today, and pick up Energy Shift on iTunes, or give it a stream below:

PREMIERE: Jay Pharoah The Resurrection Mixtape

Prior to the airing of Saturday Night Live’s 40th year anniversary, SNL cast member Jay Pharoah, flexes his emcee skills with his first musical release as a rapper on new mixtape #Ressurection. Now, you have seen Jay Pharoah comedic sketches and impersonations of Kanye West but, Jay Pharoah can seriously spit some bars. Having witness myself, Jay did a few off-the-dome freestyle during our interview. Pharoah extends his wit and cleverness from his comedy into a witty repartee’ on the mic

In a statement from Jay Pharoah’s camp the y summarize the project:

Music has always been his (Jay Pharoah) 1st love he had the opportunity to re-explore his passion and thus the motivation for creating this project Its an introspective look into his thoughts and experiences past and present It his 1st official release #Ressurection

The #Ressurection project was created duringJay Pharoah’ summer hiatus from Saturday Night Live, this is just an avenue of art Jay Pharoah was meant to release and have the people appreciate this equally creative side of this comedian and emceee.

One of the things he(Jay Pharoah) wanted to accomplish with this project was to feature DMV producers including HighDefRazjah, Kino Beats, C Spikes, Rahk, Hef Beats and more

AllHipHop is delighted to premiere the lyrical creation of Jay Pharoah and his latest project #Ressurection

KidCali – "Breathe"

KidCali drops another single off “The Visual” mixtape dropping Oct. 5th. This song is a soulful and laid back track thats nice to ride to. Lyrically he sits back on the track on the feel good song perfect for relaxing kick back times.

Chris Skillz – "Voices" ft Raekwon

Wu Tang Clan’s rap vet, Raekwon connects with Dover, DE emcee, Chris Skillz on a new single called “Voices”. The track is the first release from Chris’ debut album, “Yesterday’s Tomorrow”. The track was produced by New York beatmaker, Aviles.

“Voices” is available now on iTunes, Google Play and Amazon. Also streaming on Spotify.

Mack Milly – "Word Up"

Long Island representer, upstart rhymer Mack Milly is back, following up his version of Bobby Shmurda’s “Hot N####” with a new original track. “Word Up” is a grimy, street-driven record that lets us known Mack Milly has an edge in the streets. Stream the Maserati Sparks-produced single below.

EXCLUSIVE: C-Murder Issues Letter From Jail About Troubled Relationship With Brother Master P

(AllHipHop News) Corey “C-Murder” Miller is currently serving a life sentence at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola for the murder of 16-year-old Steven Thomas. Miller was convicted of the crime in 2009, but the former No Limit Records artist has maintained he is innocent and has repeatedly appealed the verdict.

[ALSO CHECK OUT: C-Murder Ft. Lil Boosie “Came2DaCan”]

While C awaits the outcome of the latest challenge to his conviction, he has also suffered through a falling out with his brother Percy “Master P” Miller. The platinum selling rapper recently released the Master P diss track “All I Wanted 2 Be Was A Soldier.”

The song featured C-Murder calling P “unloyal.” C further expresses his thoughts on his relationship with his older brother in an exclusive letter sent to AllHipHop.com.

[ALSO READ: C-Murder Disses Brother Master P On “All I Wanted 2 Be Was A Soldier”]

Read C-Murder’s letter addressing Master P:

“All I wanted to be was a soldier, like P”

We all must learn lessons before dying. My ultimate lesson was giving loyalty to those undeserving. Yes, I learned the hard way. Incarceration has opened my eyes to see deceit through pitch black darkness. I was taught and raised that your bloodline will be there through thick and thin. Even when the entire wicked world and fake friends condemn and abandon you at your darkest moments. And being in prison for life, means until you die. Until your heart stops beating and your body turns cold.

This is a time to come together and support, unconditionally. Not for finger-pointing and ridicule. Even as I truthfully and passionately claim my innocence, I’m forced to entertain the blasphemy and silly lies of the one I believed in and looked up to the most. Who not only betrayed me but turned his back on my kids. My three angels who keeps blood pumping from my heart, throughout my veins. My sincere message to you as you read this is: Trust no one but yourself. No-one deserves your total loyalty, a smile can be deceiving in many ways. Be your own leader. People change and you can never know someone’s TRU identity or agenda.

I will never change, break or fold. I will always be TRU. It’s my life, my way of thinking. My World!

If my last breath was to come this minute, I’ll be buried as a man among men. Loyal to a fault. But I will rest in peace. Feel Me?

I am smarter and much wiser now. Why? Because I have truly learned my “Lesson Before Dying”

These are the truest words I ever said.

C-Murder

C-Murder will go before another judge in November. Earlier this year, his lawyer filed a post-conviction relief application in the 24th Judicial District Court.

Attorney Rachel Conner is claiming C did not get a fair trial partly because a juror in the 2009 case has stated she and another juror where pressured by other jury members to vote for a guilty conviction.

The Miller team also alleges the trial judge forced the jury to reach a verdict after the 12 person panel originally was unable to come to a decision. The jury later came back with a 10-2 decision to convict. In the state of Louisiana, a 9-3 vote would have resulted in a mistrial.

C-Murder’s previous appeals have been denied.

[ALSO READ: Supreme Court Upholds C-Murder Conviction; Sets Precedent for Criminal Case Convictions]

Hip-Hop Rumors: Andre 3000 Wants Who To Play Him In Film?

If there ever was an Outkast movie made, Andre 3000 already has someone in mind to play him.

Complex caught up with 3000 at a screening of his new Jimi Hendrix biopic, “Jimi: All Is By My Side,” where he revealed who he thought would be a good fit.

“It would be great to make an Outkast movie right now, but instead of really serious, make it a full comedy — like Kevin Hart would play Big Boi,” he said of his rapping partner last night. And as himself? “We should cast somebody stupid — like Leonardo [DiCaprio],” ” the Outkast member said.

leodicaprio

Now don’t get me wrong, Leonardo is legit with the acting, but hopeful Andre was just pulling our legs when he shared this one.