I don’t really like to follow the love lives and times of various rappers, because its pretty corny to me. But, this is the job and all that goes with it. Love it or leave it, eh? Anyway, a few days ago A$AP Rocky and his dame Chanel Iman were supposedly all engaged to be married. All of a sudden A$AP spews all these tweets in the streets and now he’s acting single and possibly upset. Check the tweets below.
Hip-Hop Rumors: Did A$AP Rocky Get Engaged To His Dope Model Chick?
Not looking too good.
[SOURCE]
“They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!” -illseed.
If you want to somehow get shocked and amazed as to who will come out with OutKast …just leave here now. Don’t look any further like Dennis Edwards. But, yeah, the return of OutKast is eminent and everybody is ready to see what the group has coming. I don’t know a whole whole whole lot, but I got a nice little nugget for you guys.
My sources tell me Future will DEFINITELY join the guys on stage. I am not fully aware in what capacity, but he’s gonna hit that super, historic stage. I guess even Kast could use a fresh coat of youthful paint. I’m not mad, but I don’t see them in the same vein as Future. Nevertheless, I wish I was there to see this one.
#Winning
“They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!” -illseed.
In Kevin Gate’s second part interview, the young rapper discusses how guerilla style, self-promotion boosted his popularity and helped leverage one of his greatest deals to date. Not one to be handheld by a record company, Gates took a cue from Birdman and started his own label, Bread Winners Association (BWA). The wildly successful label caught the attention of several mainstream music publications including The Washington Post & The Rolling Stone, and made Gates a millionaire before signing any outside deals.
On Young Money rumors:
I was in the process of signing with Young Money, but after being around Birdman and him telling me that ‘man I been doing this for twenty years’ and things of that nature, you know he inspired me to start my own label. Now they managed me, Wayne’s brother is my manager, so I was like the first artist to be managed by Young Money.
Why he Choose Atlantic Records:
As far as me I started my own label called BWA, Bread Winners Association, my partner and I and, we took leads with everybody, Universal and everybody, Atlantic got a hold of it and was like ‘look we like artists that have their own brand, we like artists who know who they are’ so we partner with Atlantic Records because we wanted to learn the inner workings and mechanics of a label because us having our own label, why not learn how to run a successful label, from a successful label. So I look at it like I’m in college right now. I’m just learning, and I’m just going to keep learning.
How he Achieved Success:
I never relied on a label to do anything for me, I grind hard in the streets. We was already doing money- I was already a millionaire when I went over the deal with Young Money, I was already a millionaire when I came to Atlantic, just off shows…
And my partner, she was the DJ, she would go in there with the cd with the songs on it, and tell the DJ what songs to play… I was the rapper and the security guard, that was my job, and that’s what we started at. Then we opened up a business account and got an LLC and I was like man, we got 2.5m’s… off a shows and grindin’ in the streets real hard. It’s an untapped market and because I established myself like that it was nothing that anyone could ever take away from me, because I already laid the groundwork.
(AllHipHop Interviews) Sharif “Reefa” Slater’s hands have been involved in the creation of songs by some of the top Hip Hop artists in the business.
Projects by Rick Ross, The Game, French Montana, Fabolous, Maino, Beanie Siegel, and Troy Ave feature tracks from the Brooklyn-born head of ATM (Addicted To Money) management group/production house.
Even with that list of accomplishments, Reefa is not slowing down. Up next is Diddy’s forthcoming album MMM. He has also been in the studio recently with rap legend Nas, pop icon Jennifer Lopez, British singer-songwriter Estelle, and YouTube sensation Maddi Jane.
AllHipHop.com spoke with Reefa about his production work, the “King Of Brooklyn” discussion, and what he looks for when he considers signing an aspiring producer to ATM.
You worked with Diddy and the Trackmasters early on in your career. What were some of the lessons you learned from working with those producers?
Work ethic is the main thing that I learned from being around Puff, the Trackmasters, and other producers – work ethic, staying focused, and staying humble.
You’re currently working with Diddy on his next album. Can you give an idea what musical direction that project is taking?
I can’t really talk about that much, but I can tell you it’s going to be a movie. It’s going to be fire. You’re going to expect, hopefully, something that can change the whole Hip Hop sound.
You have a lot of connections with the Bad Boy camp and Ciroc Boyz. You produced Rick Ross’ “What A Shame” from his Mastermind album. Whose idea was it to build that track off Wu-Tang Clan’s “Shame On A N***a”?
That was of course the mastermind Rick Ross and French Montana. That’s where the whole idea for using that Wu-Tang hook came from.
Can you talk about some of the other artists you’re currently producing for?
I’m currently in the studio with Estelle. I’m working on Nas, Fab, J-Lo. Plus, I’m developing my own artists. I got a lot coming later on this year.
You mentioned Fab. Is that for his album?
Yes, Loso’s Way 2.
What about the Nas joint?
Nas is working on his album. I don’t know too much about it. I just know for a fact that we’ve been collaborating. Hopefully, you’ll hear something from Reefa and ATM on his project.
I heard you have a track with Iggy Azalea and Keyshia Cole for The Other Woman soundtrack.
Yes, I think that movie comes out this month.
That’s an interesting pairing. Can you give some details on how that song came together?
That whole idea came about with me and Iggy. Then we hollered at Keyshia Cole, and Keyshia hooked up with Iggy.
I want to talk about one of your past tracks. You produced The Game’s “One Blood.” The remix is one of the most famous posse cuts of all time. Did you play a part in that version coming together?
I knew that remix was going to happen. At the time it had a lot of momentum. Me and Game spoke, and he told me everybody he was putting on that remix. A lot of people were calling me, calling him, getting the instrumental, and laying their verse.
Did you guys have any idea it was going to be that many rappers when you first started talking about it?
No, not at all. I didn’t know how big that record was. I knew it was a monster, but I didn’t know how big it was until it spread all over the world. Then I was like, “Oh yeah, we got one.”
You mentioned that you’re doing some work for your own artists. How did you first discover Maddi Jane?
Maddi Jane was discovered by one of my business partners Chris Lorenzo. That’s how we met her. I locked in the studio with her and did two records. I ended up signing her. We’re doing her album and EP.
Is that project coming out soon?
Yeah, she’s supposed to drop a single sometime this summer on iTunes. We got a good campaign coming with that single. It’s not just putting out a single on iTunes. There’s a whole campaign and plan going behind that record.
What do you look for in an artist or producer when trying to decide if that’s someone you want to sign?
A lot of producers out here, they make beats. They’re programmers. They can do this; they can do that. But it’s not a lot of producers out here that have personality in their music. Somebody can easily program some s**t, and the s**t can sound hot, but that’s what makes the Timbalands, the Swizz Beatz, the Jermaine Dupris, the Puffs, the Rico Loves – all these guys have personality in their music. A Just Blaze, a Kanye. It ain’t just making a hot beat and move on to the next one. It’s personality. You’re going to know it’s a movie that’s coming.
How would you describe your musical personality?
My music personality is aggressive, hard drums. Sometimes I have two sides of the beat – down part, up part. Like if you hear on Mastermind’s “What A Shame,” I have the boom bap drums switch up to a more hype kind of pop. I do that a lot now. I did that before with my previous record with Red Cafe’s “The Hottest In Da Hood.” I have different sounds. I got a great team, and we’re just trying to take over.
Being from Brownsville, what’s your opinion on the recent “King of Brooklyn” and “King Of New York” talk?
Maino’s King Of Brooklyn project, I executive produced that EP/mixtape. I think everybody in Brooklyn is they own man from Maino to Fab to Uncle Murda. I respect everybody from Brooklyn. I don’t really get involved in that type of controversy.
What do you think some of the rising emcees out of New York City can do to attract national attention again?
Honestly, it will take great music. I feel the momentum, but it has to be good music that comes with it. Certain rappers, I hear them doing those records, but it’s only like one or two rappers besides Fab. He has that momentum. He’s ready. The new rappers are coming, but it’s going to take a little bit of time. It’s going to take some good music, some good dedication, and a whole movement. People have to buy into artists now. It ain’t just about the music no more.
You’ve talked about some of your tracks. Do you have any other projects coming up that you haven’t mentioned?
I have a whole lot. Sometimes I forget, because I’m working so much in the studio. I have a lot. I probably have over seven to eight projects coming out. As of now, I’m focused on the things in front of me from [Diddy’s] Money Making Mitch project, Nas, Estelle, and Fab. Hopefully I get some hits. I know I got some great music.
(AllHipHop News) There’s a few things a man would do anything for and family is number one with his own kids at the top of the list. Today (April 9th), Master P’s wife, Sonya Miller filed for an emergency custody order against Master P after alleging that he took their three kids and refuses to return the children.
According to TMZ, Sonya Miller accuses her estranged husband of abducting 13-year-old son Hercy Miller in February after picking him up from school. The following month, Sonya alleges P did the same with their 9 year old son Mercy Miller. Their 17 year old daughter Tytyana allegedly ran away around the time of these two alleged abductions.
Last night, Melissa Forde hosted one of the most celeb filled birthday parties that Supperclub Tuesdays with Supreme Team LA has ever seen. Sexy couple, Drake and Rihanna, were on board to sip cocktails and party hard with Melissa as well as Ciara’s baby’s daddy, Future and Miley Cyrus’ bff, Mike Will Made It. Drake and Rihanna arrived separately but shared some publicly intimate moments as they hugged and danced together a few times. It was a night to remember, with tons of champagne flowing, and was definitely one happy birthday! Also in attendance was J. Cole, Christina Milian, E! News’ Terrence J, and Busta Rhymes!
(AllHipHop News) Lil Wayne has no problem signing a gay rapper, but that does not necessarily mean he already has made that signing. According to Young Money President Mack Maine, the rumors of Lil Wayne signing an openly gay rapper are false.
Rumors recently spread that Lil Wayne signed openly gay rapper Fly Young Red last Friday (April 4th) after 24hourhiphop.com reported that Lil Wayne announced signing Red. According to a quote obtained by the site, the rapper’s sexual orientation had no factor on his decision to sign him:
Gay, straight, black, white, blue or purple. Good music is just good music. Have you ever been in the club when that joint came on? ni**as go crazy when that drop. I had to make him YMCMB [Young Money Cash Money Billionaires].
The site also posted a quote purportedly from Birdman cosigning Wayne’s decision:
I support everything my young’n do. Young’n brought Red into the boardroom, we met behind closed doors, we spoke like men, we handled business like bosses. We ended up making him a offer he couldn’t refuse. It’s YMCMB forever, ya dig? We support Red movement and what he tryna accomplish. We definitely support the movement.
However, Mack Maine went to his personal Twitter account to dispel the rumors:
I don’t know if this is a publicity stunt but we (YMCMB) haven’t signed any new artist recently….Love
(AllHipHop News) Recreational usage and sale of marijuana became legal in two states in the USA this year: Washington and Colorado. Today (April 9th), Snoop Dogg announces that he and a few other artists will promote cannabis legalization by performing two concerts on Snoop Dogg’s Wellness Retreat.
Snoop Dogg, Wiz and a few special guests are set to perform at the WaMu Theater in Seattle, Washington on April 19th. On the unofficial national holiday of marijuana consumption, April 20th, Snoop and Wiz will be joined by YG and Smoke DZA at Red Rock Theater in Denver, Colorado.
Snoop also teamed up with Leafy, an online information and education resource for cannabis consumers, for the #MyLeaf social media contest. Fans just have to tag @Leafly and use #MyLeaf with a photo or video on Twitter, Instagram or Vine that showcases creative/artistic support for the cannabis movement. Two winners (one in Seattle, one in Denver) will receive VIP press passes to capture behind-the-scenes footage, $500 Visa card and more. The contests runs between today and April 14th, 2:59 EST.
(AllHipHop News) David Ortiz has three World Series championships, one of the greatest post season careers statistically and tens of millions of dollars in salary and endorsement income. However, the Boston Red Sox’s slugger asked Drake to grant him something he has never been able to attain.
Appearing on MTV’s Off The Bat From The MLB Fan Cave, Ortiz explains to Drake how his “Started From The Bottom” song was the Boston Red Sox’s theme song. Later, Ortiz makes a request to Drake that would begin his music career:
I really like when you say ‘now my whole crew f*cking here.’ Anyway, the reason I am writing you is to say, when you write the next anthem for Red Sox Nation, can I get in the studio and drop a few adlibs?
Check out Ortiz write his letter to Drake on MTV’s Off The Bat From The MLB Fan Cave below:
(AllHipHop News) The ongoing legal battle between celebrity couple Kanye West/Kim Kardashian and YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley has entered another phase. Radar Online reports Ye and Kim K are now asking a judge to order Hurler to pay $6,650 in legal fees for attempting to stall the case.
West and fiancée Kardashian accuse Hurley of breaking a confidential agreement by leaking footage of their wedding engagement. The two stars sued Hurley last year and claim he has not complied with the pre-trial portion of the case including refusing to turn over 124 documents requested by West’s attorneys.
Hurley had asked a judge to throw the case out on the grounds that releasing the video is protected by his First Amendment right of freedom of speech and the fact that the plaintiffs have not sued other media outlets that posted the video.
(AllHipHop News) Any true student of the history of Hip Hop knows that the genre is essentially a cousin of Jazz. Both musical styles were born out of African-American youth culture and both include similar elements like improvisation or freestyling.
But according to a poll conducted by 60 Minutes/Vanity Fair, Jazz is seen as “more important” than Hip Hop.
It should be noted the CBS news program and pop culture magazine do not share the demographics of those surveyed, but the answers somewhat shed a light on certain Americans’ thoughts about music (or at least those Americans that watch 60 Minutes and read Vanity Fair).
According to the poll, 73% of those who answered feel jazz is a more important type of American music compared to 19% who selected Hip Hop. A majority – 50% – also said Hip Hop has reached its peak. Country totaled 20%, Rock 10%, Pop 9%, and R&B 7% in that tally.
Also, 42% chose this decade’s music as the worst, and when asked to select which artist they would like to see their child study 33% picked The Beatles, 32% picked Mozart, 14% picked Michael Jackson, 9% picked Billie Holiday, and 5% picked Jay Z.
While the 60 Minutes poll separates Jazz and Hip Hop, many acts including A Tribe Called Quest, Common, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Robert Glasper, and Kris Bowers have blended the two styles together.
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