Sevyn Streeter Goes Solo And Loves It
CBE/Atlantic recording artist Sevyn Streeter has had an incredible year thus far joining Kelly Rowland and Eve for a performance on Black Girls Rock, co-hosting the BET/Centric Soul Train Awards Red Carpet, penning Chris Brown’s “Fine China” and Ariana Grande’s ‘The Way’.
Sevyn has wasted no time getting her music career off the ground as she continues to widen her performance and songwriting repertoire to R&B, Pop, Gospel and beyond and as she proves that she’s more than just a talented songwriter.
Her new EP Call Me Crazy, But… also dropped this past Tuesday, December 3rd, and is highlighted by her hit single, “It Won’t Stop” featuring Chris Brown.
Sevyn recently performed in Atlanta, Georgia as an act on The Rebellious Soul Tour which also features Tiara Thomas and K Michelle as the headliner.
AllHipHop caught up with Sevyn backstage and discussed everything from her influences such as Aaliyah, working with Kelly Rowland, her love for 90s R&B, her individual style, and her new EP.
Hip-Hop Rumor: ‘Bad Girl’ Milyn Jensen Suing Oxygen?
The name Milyn Jensen probably only rings a bell if you’re a Belieber or a Bad Girls Club fan. Jensen made a name for herself as Justin Bieber’s jump off and alleges that she’s the one who caused his break up with Selena Gomez. Eventually she popped up on Bad Girls Club Season 11 (back to Miami) but didn’t make it to the end because of a vicious fight.
Apparently, she’s salty about getting booted from the show because not only did she not show up for the taping of the BGC11 reunion, which has two more parts to air, but word on the reality TV streets is that she’s suing Oxygen. There’s no word on what she could possibly be attempting to sue for, because it doesn’t look like she really has a case if this is true but the attention w#### disease is real.
Mandela’s Long-Standing Influence on Hip-Hop
When Nelson Mandela was released from prison after 27 years of imprisonment, the incomparable activist visited the United States with an eight-city stadium tour. On stops in New York, Boston, Washington, Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area, Mandela brought the continued struggle of the South African people to life for Americans. The trip was viewed as a celebration of human rights and further solidified Mandela as a symbol for those who have successfully stood for humanity and against racism.
However, even prior to his release, the hip-hop generation was inspired by his activism and heroism. Stesasonic’s A.F.R.I.C.A. (Free South Africa) in 1986 was the first hip-hop song to shed light on the struggle against apartheid.
SEE ALSO: Nelson Mandela Dead at 95, Hip-Hop Pays Respects
The 80s were a time of message music in hip-hop. “The Message” in 1982 was the first prominent hip-hop song to feature a political commentary, but it would not be the last. Inspired by local and global events, KRS-One, Public Enemy and Brand Nubian made music that continued the Black Nationalism themes that had arisen out of the end of the civil rights movement. Early hip-hop was both directly influenced by and a continuation of the movement, of which Mandela played a major part in his country, and influenced leaders in America. Songs like “Self-Destruction,” (1989) spoke directly to ills in the black community. “Fight the Power,” became one of hip-hop’s most powerful songs and the theme for the film, “Do the Right Thing,” itself a black political piece.
The hip-hop generation became further engaged through action on college campuses by lobbying for divestment of major American companies and universities illustrated in television and movies. A Different World had a major storyline related to South Africa’s struggle for freedom and divestment was a part of the plot in the hit movie, School Daze in 1988.
In the years since Mandela’s release, hip-hop has continued to reference the iconic leader with lyrics in tribute to his life and legacy. Mandela has been named dropped in numerous hip-hop songs which has kept his name alive in hip-hop. Though political rap has waned, hip-hop is still a powerful voice of urban people.
“Why Mandela did all them years/All that blood, all that sweat, and all them tears?” —Styles P asked on 2006’s “Testify,” (feat. Talib Kweli) from the Time is Money album. Influenced by 2004’s “Why?” from his groupmate Jadakiss, which also referenced Mandela, “”What if Nelson Mandela could give his time back?”
One of the strongest lyrics came from The Game on “Blood Diamonds,” from his Jesus Piece album, “But nah, Mandela did 28 straight/without a fu**in complaint, put a afro on a saint.”
Hip-Hop has always had love for Mandela. A freedom fighter who served 28 years of a life sentence imposed upon him because he was fighting for freedom was a story that resonated with the world and young black Americans who grew up to become rap stars. Hopefully his death will continue to inspire us all to fight for what’s right in our own day and time.
R.I.P. Madiba. AMANDLA!!
Hip-Hop Rumors: Check Out Who Is Raging Against Nicki Minaj, Miley And Robin Thicke
Remember when Robin Thicke was just Thicke? Ewe.
People forgot it was all up in the crazy Sprite commercial.
Anyway, Rashida Jones, the daughter of Quincy, but a dope chick in her own right has lashed out against the overt sexualization in music and TV. She targeted Nicki, Miley and Robin all in one fell swoop. She says she went in after seeing online pics of Miley and Nicki and Robin’s vid. I don’t follow Miley at all, but remember Nicki has basically posed nude this year. Peep.
“I don’t know when the pornification of pop stars became so extreme, but as Robin Thicke’s ‘Blurred Lines’ video played in the background — naked fantasy women bouncing around and licking things — I realized that the lines were not really blurry at all,” she continued. “They were clear. A new era had arrived.”
“Let me say up front: I am not a prude. I love sex; I am comfortable with my sexuality. Hell, I’ve even posed in my underwear,” she wrote. “I also grew up on a healthy balance of sexuality in pop stars. Twenty years later, all the images seem homogenous. Every star interprets ‘sexy’ the same way: lots of skin, lots of licking of teeth, lots of bending over. I find this oddly … boring. Can’t I just like a song without having to take an ultrasound tour of some pop star’s privates?”
“It’s all enough to make you want to take a monastic vow and swear off Wi-Fi forever,” she said. “But I’m an optimistic woman. So as we say goodbye to 2013 and wish for a slightly more clothed, more original 2014.”
“They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!” -illseed.
Illseed, Out.
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Teyana Taylor Dropped By Adidas Over Rihanna Beef, Teyana Responds
(AllHipHop News) In another case of #WhenKeepingItRealGoesWrong, a few tweets have seemingly ended Teyana Taylor’s relationship with Adidas. Yesterday (December 5th) a senior public relations manager at Adidas confirmed the end of their partnership with Teyana Taylor.
Back in September, Rihanna and Teyana Taylor engaged in a series of back and forth tweets which included Rihanna changing her Twitter header to a picture comparing the two artists’ net worths. In response, Teyana placed an altered photo of her punching the image of Rihanna after her 2009 assault from Chris Brown:
After stating Adidas “do not have any upcoming product launch” planned with Teyana Taylor, the senior public relations manager at Adidas hinted that Teyana Taylor’s inclusion of the assault photo was inexcusable:
All I can say is that Adidas partners with athletes and artists who blend well with our brand values. We evaluate our relationships with partners based on the values we hold at Adidas and we don’t condone violence of any kind.
True to form, the self-proclaimed First Lady of G.O.O.D. Music responded to the news by issuing her official statement on her personal Twitter account:
Hey haters, imma let yall finish but I had the fastest sellin adidas of all time. #HandsMicBack&WalksOffStage #Kanyeshrug #ImSleepTho ?✌
— TEYANA M.J. TAYLOR (@TEYANATAYLOR) December 4, 2013
And that’s my statement you guys have a nice day!!!!! ?
— TEYANA M.J. TAYLOR (@TEYANATAYLOR) December 4, 2013
& I did it without a album. #MeekVoice ?
— TEYANA M.J. TAYLOR (@TEYANATAYLOR) December 4, 2013
R. Kelly Performs Nelson Mandela Tribute on Arsenio Hall Show (VIDEO)
(AllHipHop News) Yesterday (December 5th), the world lost one of the greatest advocates for international equality as former South African president Nelson Mandela passed away at the age of 95.On The Arsenio Hall Show, R. Kelly performed his 2003 song, “Soldier’s Heart” (originally entitled “Front Line”) in dedication to the fallen leader.
According to Hall, Kelly performed this sone “in Nelson Mandela’s living room” years ago. Kelly described the performance in Mandela’s living room as an “unbelievable moment”:
He was very honored, you know, as I was, to be in his presence. When I started performing the song for him on his piano, man, it was an unbelievable moment for me.
Check out R. Kelly’s riveting performance of “Soldier’s Heart” dedicated to the late Nelson Mandela:
Kanye West Talks About Producing Influences, “Cruel Summer” Criticism & More On Juan Epstein
(AllHipHop News) Kanye West appeared on Cipha Sounds and Peter Rosenberg’s Juan Epstein podcast during his recent tour stop in New York City. The “New Slaves” rapper and the Hot 97 radio personalities spent 28 minutes discussing Ye’s influences, his Yeezus album, his current tour, and the fashion industry. Kanye also took the chance to address the negative feedback for 2012’s G.O.O.D. Music Cruel Summer compilation album.
[ALSO READ: Kanye West Hopes To Release Next Album In Summer 2014]
“When I was doing Cruel Summer everybody acted like they didn’t like it, and they even tried to take me lower on the emcee list,” says Kanye. “Ain’t nobody had a verse that year to the level of… ‘New God Flow’ verse or the level of ‘Cold’ as a song, but because it was so accessible and because ‘Clique’ and “Mercy’ became so popular people were like, ‘That’s really popular. I don’t like it’.”
[ALSO READ: Sway Addresses Kanye West Interview (VIDEO)]
Listen to the full Kanye West Juan Epstein interview below.
WTF News: Man Behind Bars After Being Arrested Twice in One Night
A 20-year-old North Carolina man was arrested twice in one night.
Around 9 p.m. Wilmington Police say Dustin Felton, 20, was trespassing in the Vesta Village community and told him to leave. They say when he got in his car, he squealed his tires and sped off. That’s when police arrested him the first time.
Felton left jail around midnight on $2,500 bond after Wilmington Police arrested him for second-degree trespassing and careless and reckless driving in the 1900 block of Colwell Ave.
Just after 2 a.m., police responded to a call of damage to a storm door, a car windshield and two broken windows at a home on S. 7th St. The homeowner, who did not want to go on camera, says she woke up to banging and smashing glass and says she has no idea who the suspect is.
Watch the video for the full story.
Crime clearly shouldn’t be his line of work but the sadder part is, he’s probably just going to keep getting arrested for new offenses and released, once again.
Drake Pulls Out Of Grammy Nominations TV Special
(AllHipHop News) Drake was scheduled to perform at tonight’s Grammy Nominations Concert, but reportedly the YMCMB rapper has cancelled his appearance citing a scheduling conflict as the reason for pulling out. According to TMZ, a Drake representative announced the cancellation.
[ALSO READ: Drake To Build Recording Studio For Philadelphia’s Strawberry Mansion High School]
“Unfortunately, due to scheduling complications, Drake will no longer be performing,” stated the rep. “[He’s] currently in the middle of his nationwide ‘Would You Like A Tour?’ and sincerely apologizes to his fans that he can’t be there.”
Drake may be out, but several artists are still providing performances for the show. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Robin Thicke, T.I., Miguel, Lorde, and Earth, Wind & Fire will still hit the stage for the event being called “Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night.” Some of the nominees for the 56th annual Grammy Awards will be announced as well.
The Grammys Nomination Concert will air live tonight (12/6) at 10 PM ET on CBS. The show is hosted by LL Cool J.
[ALSO READ: Drake, Macklemore & Robin Thicke To Perform At Grammy Nominations Concert Live]
B.G. Calls Young Buck From Prison (AUDIO)
(AllHipHop News) New Orleans rapper B.G. is currently serving a 14 year sentence in federal prison after being convicted on charges of gun possession and witness tampering. The original member of Cash Money Record’s Hot Boys took time to reach out by phone to another southern rapper who was recently incarcerated as well.
[ALSO READ:Rapper B.G. Drops His First Letter From Prison]
Speaking with Tennessee native and former G-Unit member Young Buck, B.G. discusses his refusal to flip on associates for a lesser sentence.
“At the end of the day, they wanted a n***a to take motherf****rs with him, but I don’t believe in that,” says B.G. “N***as gotta live with the decisions that they make as a man.”
B.G. also states that despite his current circumstances he still feels blessed because he was facing up to 25 years, but only got 14.
“I know it could have been much worse,” B.G. tells Buck. “A n***a gotta take the good with the bad.”
[ALSO READ: Young Buck Gets Out Of Jail]
Listen to B.G.’s conversation with Young Buck in the video below.
Nas And Hennessy VS Take Over Art Basel
Last night, Hennessy VS brought out Hip-Hop star Nas, who put on a full show for a packed crowd.
While the Hennessy was flowing, Nas ran through hit-after-hit for the enthusiastic Miami audience. He even offered a touching memorial to the late Nelson Mandela.
Busta Rhymes, “Basketball Wives” star Jennifer Williams, Miami Dolphins’ Bryant McKinnie, DJ Cassidy, AllHipHop.com Founder Grouchy Greg, DJ Green Lantern and others supported the event, which took place during the annual Art Basel festival.
Photos by Thaddeus McAdams for ExclusiveAccess.net
#KeepItExclusive
Hip-Hop Rumors: Can Paris Hilton Be This Dumb?
Paris Hilton has never been the sharpest knife in the kitchen, but the Young Money singer couldn’t be THIS dumb, could she?
As the sad news of Nelson Mandela dying broke, a tweet started to circulate all over the internet that suggested that the socialite had mistaken Mandela for MLK.
Peep it below:
Well thankfully, she is NOT that stupid and she did NOT send that tweet out. I knew it wasn’t real but I definitely wasn’t positive based on her history. She’s chilled out a lot in the last few years.
“They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!” -illseed.
Illseed, Out.
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New Kendrick Lamar Song Produced By Dr. Dre Previewed In Beats Ad (VIDEO)
(AllHipHop News) It appears the good doctor and the good kid are back at work on a new track. Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar both appear in a new commercial for Beats By Dre, and the 90-second ad features K. Dot rhyming over a new Dre-produced track.
[ALSO READ: Dr. Dre’s New Streaming Music Service Debuting In January]
The two Aftermath/Interscope performers previously worked together on Kendrick’s platinum selling album good kid, m.A.A.d. city. Dr. Dre was the executive producer for the project and rapped on the song “The Recipe.”
Another protégé of Dre also used a Beats sponsored commercial to preview an upcoming track. Eminem gave a glimpse of his The Marshall Mathers LP 2 single “Berzerk” in a short clip back in August.
[ALSO READ: Eminem Releasing Marshall Mathers LP 2 on November 5th (VIDEO)]
Listen to snippets of Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre’s latest creation in the video below.
Mac Miller Releasing Live Album “Live From Space” (Cover Art/Tracklist)
(AllHipHop News) Mac Miller is set to release his first live album. Live From Space will feature songs from the Rostrum Records recording artist’s recent album Watching Movies With The Sound Off and his 2011 mixtape Best Day Ever. It will also include five unreleased studio tracks.
[ALSO CHECK OUT: Mac Miller [#BGA] “Sky’s The Limit (Freestyle)”]
“My dream has been to play with a live band like this,” said Miller. “I love that with this album we were able to capture the energy from our live show and take the songs and recreate how they work. It’s exciting to share with the fans while also giving them new music as well.”
The album was recorded during various stops on the “Space Migration Tour.” Miller’s tour mates The Internet of Odd Future also appear on the project. Mac is currently filming the second season of his hit MTV2 reality show Mac Miller and the Most Dope Family.
[ALSO READ: Mac Miller Embarking on ‘The Space Migration’ North American Tour]
Live From Space will be available for digital download on December 17th. The album can be pre-ordered at iTunes.
Check out the cover art and tracklist for Live From Space below.
1. S.D.S. (Live)
2. The Star Room / Killin’ Time (Live)
3. BDE (Best Day Ever) (Live)
4. Bird Call (Live)
5. Watching Movies (Live)
6. REMember (Live)
7. The Question (Live)
8. Objects in the Mirror (Live)
9. Youforia (Live)
10. Eggs Aisle **New Studio Track
11. Earth (feat. Future) **New Studio Track
12. Life **New Studio Track
13. Black Bush **New Studio Track
14. In the Morning (feat. Syd & Thundercat) **New Studio Track
Hip-Hop Rumors: Did Paul Walker Try To Escape The Burning Car?
You know…sometimes we look too far into something. Case in point, the Paul Walker case. Walker is dead and that death is a tragedy. But, in their investigation they are looking at this whole thing very forensically. So, they are saying that the poor guy didn’t die based on the impact of the crash. They are suggesting that he burned to death and was flailing about after the crash. I wish I didn’t read that online so that I didn’t know the details. Now, I’ve passed it along. God bless that dude, because that’s a terrible way to go.
I don’t think he was an angel, but I am convinced he was a damn good person. RIP.
“They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!” -illseed.
Illseed, Out.
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Ryshon Jones #BGA – “Three Kay” (P###. by Thelonious Martin)
Ryshon Jones and Thelonious Martin come together for the latest release from the Philadelphia emcee’s upcoming album Track Fifteen, “Three Kay”
Sean Price & M-Phazes – “Dump In The Gut”
In promotion for Sean Price and M-Phazes’ collaborative extended play effort Land of the Crooks, which becomes available on December 17th, the emcee/producer duo unveil the UGK inspired banger “Dump In The Gut,” along with the project artwork and tracklist.
Tracklist:
01. Bag of Sh*t (feat. Loudmouf Choir)
02. Dump In The Gut
03. Land of the Crooks (feat. Billy Danze, Maffew Ragazino & DJ Babu)
04. Murdah Type Thinkin (feat. Roc Marciano)
05. Murdah Type Thinkin (feat. Guilty Simpson) [Small Professor Remix]
06. Bag of Sh*t (Instrumental)
07. Dump In The Gut (Instrumental)
08. Land of the Crooks (Instrumental)
09. Murdah Type Thinkin (Instrumental)
10. Murdah Type Thinkin (Small Professor Remix) Instrumental
11. Crookapella (Beat Kit/Scratch Stems)
R. Kelly – My Story (LA Remix) feat. Too Short & Nipsey Hussle
Nelson Mandela Dead At 95, Hip-Hop Pays Respects
(AllHipHop News) Nelson Mandela, the consummate South African freedom fighter, has died at the age of 95.
South African President Jacob Zuma made the announcement on Thursday.
Mandela pushed South African from the dregs of apartheid in to democracy that was inclusive of all races. His struggles have been well documented as he endured almost three decades of imprisonment by the White majority. Somehow, he was able to simultaneously prevent a South African Civil War and evolve into an international symbol of peace.
He would go on to become South Africa’s first Black president.
“The time for the healing of the wounds has come,” he said in his acceptance speech in 1994. “The moment to bridge the chasms that divide us has come. We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation.”
Mandela has amassed innumerable awards and he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, one of his many accolades. AllHipHop will continue to commemorate the life and times of Nelson Mandela.
The Hip-Hop community was no exception to the mourning felt for the icon and many used social media to express their feelings.
REST IN POWER TO THE GREAT NELSON MANDELA!
— allhiphopcom (@allhiphopcom) December 5, 2013
RIP to a true warrior?????????????????????????????????? MANDELA THE KING?? http://t.co/Dej89A8cIt
— SWIZZ BEATZ (@THEREALSWIZZZ) December 5, 2013
RIP 2 ONE OF OUR LAST TRULY GREAT KINGS AND GOD OF OUR UNIVERSE, THE LATE GREAT NELSON MANDELA!!! I WILL 4EVER LOVE U GREAT MAN & GREAT MIND
— Busta Rhymes (@BustaRhymes) December 5, 2013
Thank you Nelson Mandela. All the best on your transition.
— Nasir Jones (@Nas) December 5, 2013
A true fighter in every sense of the word… MANDELA!
— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 5, 2013
The mission to FREE Mandela was woven into the blueprint of PublicEnemy using RAP & Hip Hop to recognize THIS MAN RIP pic.twitter.com/HEcYZVpPtr
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) December 5, 2013
Nelson Mandela. What a difference one person can make. #RestEternally
— LL COOL J (@llcoolj) December 5, 2013
#NelsonMandela you made your people proud!! We'll always love you for it!
— Rihanna (@rihanna) December 5, 2013
What a heroic, beautiful life Mandela lived. Rest in peace.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) December 5, 2013
R.I.P Nelson Mandela sad thing is that alot of ya'll myself included wont fully understand his importance until the movie comes out
— TROY AVE NYC (@TroyAve) December 5, 2013
Madiba. Not just your own nation, but the WORLD mourns your passing. Let us celebrate a life of sacrifices & strengths that changed us all.
— LIFE WITH JEANNIE (@JeanGreasy) December 5, 2013
We cut our teeth as 80s student activists demanding the UofR divest of companies doing business in S Africa. Mandela: an early inspiration.
— Bakari Kitwana (@therealbakari) December 5, 2013
Nelson Mandela. Farewell soldier! pic.twitter.com/5wHCBPlcMd
— Willie D (@WillieDLIVE) December 5, 2013
Mandela was a warrior and an inspiration #RIP
— Black Thought (@blackthought) December 5, 2013
Rest peacefully Mr. Mandela. Your strength & determination will forever inspire.
— Wendy Williams (@WendyWilliams) December 5, 2013
So very saddened to hear of Nelson Mandela's passing. His struggle will never be forgotten.
— ⭐Jill Scott⭐ (@missjillscott) December 5, 2013
A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.
Nelson Mandela
— Charlamagne Tha God (@cthagod) December 5, 2013
RIP NELSON MANDELA DIED AT 95 BUT I WISH HE COULD'VE MADE IT 122 AND GOT THOSE 27 YEARS BACK TAKEN… http://t.co/txEkHYSuwV
— Crooked I (@CrookedIntriago) December 5, 2013
Mandela stood for justice and truth!! Today the world lost a beautiful soul, fighter and true KING!! #RIPMandela http://t.co/Y6hCvwk49u
— Diddy (@iamdiddy) December 5, 2013
Nelson Mandela was the embodiment of discipline, courage, love and forgiveness. "There is no future without forgiveness"-@NelsonMandela
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) December 5, 2013
Ice-T Nelson Mandela rap. > Prepared to die "RIP MANDELA " http://t.co/ngTPdsuqRP via @youtube
— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) December 5, 2013
MANDELA!!!!! May God Bless that angel!!! Thank You for all that you have done for MANKIND!!!! REST IN… http://t.co/FLNdyBsGST
— D-dot (@DDotAngelettie) December 5, 2013
RIP Nelson Mandela not many Sacrifice & Struggle for the Freedom of others, You are Appreciated, & Your life will be Celebrated!!
— Treach (@triggertreach) December 5, 2013
RIP Nelson Mandela the world will never forget your importance and impacted to mankind. RIP
— Shane Mosley (@SugarShaneM) December 5, 2013
R.I.P Nelson Mandela…I'm in Cape Town right now..u can feel his absence in the air..
— Robert Glasper (@robertglasper) December 5, 2013
ON MY RECENT TRIP TO SOUTH AFRICA I HAD THE PLEASURE OF LEARNING ALOT OF STUFF I DIDNT KNO ABOUT MANDELA AS WELL… http://t.co/y7q1ZYHmR3
— LIL JON (@LilJon) December 5, 2013
Rip Nelson Mandela gone but never forgotten.
— Tony Yayo (@TonyYayo) December 5, 2013