Jay-Z Covers TIME Magazine’s 100 Influential People, NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg Writes The Article

(AllHipHop News) Look at Jay-Z. Now look at a picture of the globe. No one there is having a better month than Shawn Corey Carter. Days after Jay-Z and his wife Beyonce were deemed music’s first billionaire couple, TIME Magazine places Jay-Z on the cover of the magazine’s lauded 100 most influential people list.

[ALSO READ: Jay-Z and Beyonce Become Music’s First Billionaire Couple, Reddit Co-Founder Wants Jay-Z’s Nets’ Share]

Mr. Carter is joined by a vast array worthy entrants including North Korean supreme leader Kim Jon Un, Frank Ocean, his pals Barack and Michelle Obama as well as his own wife among others. This is the second inclusion on the list for the boy who grew from Marcy Projects with 2005 being the only other year.

[ALSO READ: Kid Rock Calls Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake’s Tour Ticket Prices “Garbage”]

Proving he has admirers in the highest of places, Jay’s TIME magazine article was written by none other than New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg. The 108th NYC mayor mentioned Jay-Z’s perseverance, business acumen and hometown loyalty in the concise article:

He’s an artist-entrepreneur who stands at the center of culture and commerce in 21st century America, and his influence stretches across races, religions and regions.

[ALSO READ: White House Responds to New Jay-Z Song, Says Obama Never Spoke To Jay-Z About Cuba Trip]

Check out the full list at TIME Magazine 100’s website and check below for the cover:

jay-z-time-magazine-cover

Hip-Hop Rumors: What Model Chick Is Scared Of Rihanna?

Jessica Biel that’s who!

Seems like Justin Timberlake’s wife is scared that Rihanna is going to come in and scoop her man! You may not know this, but Justin bought into MySpace. And he’s trying to revamp the brand and bring it back to its former glory. And, he seemingly feels that Rihanna is the Bashian bullet to do it. Only thing is, his boo isn’t liking RiRi. According to “sources,” she doesn’t “trust that b***h,” says the National Enquirer. LOL!

“Jessica has had her trust issues with Justin, and knowing that he’s schmoozing Rihanna really makes her nervous,” the source claimed. “She’s told Justin that she wants him to avoid dealing with RiRi one-on-one and leave the negotiating to his business team, but that’s not how Justin rolls. He approached [Rihanna] recently with the pitch that he’d take some of the business pressure off her shoulders. But what he really wants is to bring her online business ventures – and her fans – onto MySpace.”

They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry! -illseed.]

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EXCLUSIVE: Amalgam Digital CEO Claims Dame Grease Illegally Used Max B’s Image, Refutes Grease’s Claims

(AllHipHop News) Things are certainly not wavy in the Max B camp. In an interview with AllHipHop, Dame Grease’s claimed that Amalgam Digital sent a court order to stop the Max B-inspired clothing he attempted to sell. Amalgam Digital’s CEO, Anyextee claims Dame Greaese categorically lied and has illegally used Max B’s image, which Amalgam Digital owns.

[ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Dame Grease Reveals Amalgam Digital Stops Max B-Themed Clothing, Cites Copyright Infringement]

In a statement given exclusively to AllHipHop from Anyextee, the CEO and manager of Max B responds to Dame Grease’s interview with AllHipHop yesterday (April 17th) in an attempt to clear a few misconceptions. According to Anyextee, he spoke to Dame Grease about the Max B inspired clothing and asserts that while Dame was illegally using Max B’s image Amalgam Digital never took legal action:

Dame Grease is asserting false claims in that Amalgam Digital put out a  “court order”. This is not true. It’s an exaggeration and it’s a bit dramatic on Dame Grease’s part. I had called Dame Grease earlier today after becoming of this clothing line and website that is illegally selling T Shirts and sunglasses using Max B’s name and image without securing the proper license to do so and discovered that it is being promoted by Dame Grease.

While Dame has assured that the revenue from the funds would go to Max B and his family, Anyextee states that “Max B had no idea there was a clothing line and website selling t-shirts and sunglasses using his image that was promoted by Dame Grease.” In addition, Anyextee called Dame about the discrepancy after talking with Max B’s mother whom he claims is upset at constant misuse of her son’s image. Apparently, Dame Grease did no go through the proper legal channels:

I reminded Dame Grease that Max B is still signed with Amalgam Digital and that I manage Max B as an artist and represent his best interests. I asked Dame why it’s being marketed as a portion of the proceeds going to Max B and his family yet Max B and his mother had no idea Dame Grease and this site was selling merchandise with his image on it. There is no contract in place. No license. No payment.  Max didn’t even get a chance to approve any of these images. As his manager I wasn’t aware of it and the label didn’t know about it.

DeadLine LTD’s “Free Max B” tee “is the only street wear company that properly obtained a license from Amalgam to release a shirt using Max B’s image on it and made payments toward Max B’s account,” according to Anyextee.

Max B is currently still a signed artist with Amalgam Digital.

Anyextee also revealed that unreleased Max B music will be featured in the film “Charly Rambo: The Max B Story” which is slated for a summer 2013 release. The verbose CEO also engaged in a Twitter fight with Dame Grease himself:

[VIDEO] Iyanla Vanzant “Writes” DMX An Open Letter

(AllHipHop News) Iyanla Vanzant, the acclaimed spiritual and motivational speaker, has written an open letter to DMX on the heels of their highly viewed episode of “Iyanla: Fix My Life,” which was broadcast last week on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN Network. The episode was meant to delve into DMX’s apparent addiction to women, but soon began to deal with his relationship with his son and his own issues with substance abuse. Below is the letter in full as well as a video.

“Beloved, I know we haven’t spoken since our time together in Yonkers. And what I’m hearing is that they are just waiting for the call. They are waiting for the day they get the call. And you know what I mean.

But I’m not waiting for that call. I’m calling on you, and I’m not going to give up on you. I will not stand by and watch my brother die. Over the years, I’ve worked with many, many people who’ve struggled with addiction.

RELATED: DMX Reunites With Son; Looks To Fix Life

With help, healing is possible. I want you to remember the person you became in the final months of your grandmother’s life. That’s a clean life. You can be that man today and every day. Just remember what your son said to you, I want a relationship with you that is not toxic. My brother, Earl, DMX, I support you.

I love you and I’m calling on all of my beloveds…to send you their love and support. I know that there is no valley deep enough, no gap wide enough that love can’t conquer.

RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: DMX: “Iyanla Didn’t Fix My Life…She Made It Worse”

My door is always open.”

Ghostface Killah Wants To Record A “Positive Album” About His Islamic Faith

(AllHipHop News)  From Kendrick Lamar opening his critically acclaimed, gold selling album good kid, m.A.A.d. city with a prayer to Christian emcee Lecrae becoming the first rapper to ever win the Best Gospel Album Grammy award, the discussion of faith in Hip-Hop has become widely accepted on a larger scale again.

Ghostface Killah says he wants to explore the topic in a future project as well. The New York City native has long incorporated the philosophy of The Five Percent Nation into his work, but he tells Fact Magazine that he now wants to do an entire LP focused on his relationship with God.

“I wanna rhyme about God, I wanna do a God album,” says the Wu-Tang Clan member. “God put me here to teach people and to lead people to his direction. I’m not a Christian, I’m a Muslim but God is one. I just believe in the Most High. I know what my duty is.”

Ghostface has long be viewed by many in the Hip-Hop community as one of its brightest storytellers. Classic albums like IronmanSupreme Clientele, and Fishscale paint vivid pictures with lyrics. GFK gives all credit for his ability to put words together to Allah.

“It comes from the Most High. It comes from God man, there is no other place where it comes from,” says Ghost. “I pray for him to keep my mind open, and that’s it. Don’t close it on me yet, I’m not finished. I still got a story to tell.”

The man also known as Tony Stark released his 10th studio album this week. Twelve Reasons To Die is a concept album produced by composer Adrian Younge (Black Dynamite) and narrated by fellow Wu member RZA. The LP is based on a comic book of the same name that centers around a 1960’s era organized crime syndicate.

[ALSO READ: Ghostface Killah Releasing New Concept Album with Comic Book]

Watch the new video “Rise of The Ghostface Killah” off Twelve Reasons To Die below.

Wiz Khalifa & Curren$y Announce Release Date For ‘Live In Concert’

(AllHipHop News) For several months frequent collaborators Curren$y and Wiz Khalifa have been teasing that they would release another joint project called Live In Concert.

During a live stream overnight, the pair revealed that the new mixtape will be dropping in two days on the smokers’ holiday 4/20. Live In Concert will feature seven new tracks.

Live In Concert was recorded in only two studio sessions, but despite the quick creation time the project was held up for legal reasons. Curren$y points out that long delay for the release was the result of getting samples cleared.

“There were some hurdles. A little red tape we had to cut through. In the music business that happens that keeps us from getting sued,” says Curren$y. “And with respect to the artists whose music we created Live In Concert on, we had to do the proper things.”

This will be Wiz and Curren$y’s second collaborative project after 2009’s How Fly. Wiz recently released his second major label album O.N.I.F.C., and Curren$y’s last effort was the New Jet City mixtape that came out in February.

Wiz appeared on the New Jet City track “Choosin” also featuring Rick Ross.

Watch the stream below.

Non Hip-Hop Rumors: Obama Nixes The Jay-Z Cuba Stuff

“You know, this is not something the White House was involved with. We’ve got better things to do.”

The reporter on this one really sucked. I mean, we already know that Obama didn’t have anything to do with the trip to Cuba. But, she could have at least asked a dope follow up question that would have gotten us something interesting. Anyway. Obama handled it with grace. But why are we talking about Jay-Z and B anyway with the looming “threat” of South Korea out there? I guess America’s got different priorities.

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Jay-Z got some power somewhere.

They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry! -illseed.]

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Jay-Z and Beyonce Become Music’s First Billionaire Couple, Reddit Co-Founder Wants Jay-Z’s Nets’ Share

(AllHipHop News) General rule of thumb: once a couple starts buying private islands for one another it should be assumed they are obscenely wealthy. The winning streak Hip Hop’s power couple seem to be on continues as International Business Times reports that Jay-Z and Beyonce are “pop music’s first billionaire couple.”

The couple have been constant fixtures on Forbes’ annual The World’s Highest Paid Celebrity Couples List for years, ranking at #2 and #1 in 2011 and 2012 respectively raking in $150 million in the two years combined.

Recently, Beyonce became the face of H&M’s summer bikini collection and reportedly made $116 million on that deal alone. Jay-Z, still reaping the returns of his historic 2008 $150 million deal recently signed a multi-year, worldwide partnership with Universal Music Group.

The Carters’ money is not the only asset on people’s minds these days. The co-founder of Reddit, Alexis Ohanian told Bloomberg News today (April 17th) that he is very interested in buying Jay-Z’s minority stake in the Brooklyn Nets. Jay-Z is expected to sell his share in the Brooklyn Nets in order to become a certified player agent, especially after his newly formed Roc Nation Sports signed New York Yankee superstar Robinson Cano. 

The 30 year old internet entrepreneur further elaborated on why he would want to own part of a basketball team on in a post on Reddit’s NBA subreddit:

 “I’m a diehard Skins (/r/nfl knows) fan, but I’ve come to terms with never getting a share out of Dan Snyder. I realize it’s a token amount. But I actually live in Brooklyn and I’m pretty good with the internet — I reckon that could be helpful.

Both Jay-Z and Beyonce are reportedly releasing albums this year and have tours scheduled with Beyonce beginning her Mrs. Carter World Tour this past Monday (April 15th) at the Kombank Arena in Belgrade, Serbia.

EXCLUSIVE: Afrika Bambaataa REFUTES Stabbing, Turns 56 Today

(AllHipHop News) Afrika Bambaataa, Hip-Hop Legend and music pioneer, was reportedly stabbed a few weeks back.

Members of the Zulu Nation have clarified that Afrika Bambaataa has recovered and also dispel rumors related to this event.

Ahmad Henderson, Africa Bambaataa’s manager, who was at the hospital, refuted the notion that he was stabbed.

“Ridiculous. There are too many rumors. Bam checked into the hospital for chest pains. And he came out fine. Three days later he was Radio City Music Hall. If he was stabbed how, was he on stage performing?”

“Afrika Bambaataa was not stabbed so we do not know where this is coming from,” added Mickey Bentson of The Mighty Zulu Nation, who was also at the hospital when Bam was treated.

“Yes he did go to the hospital because of chest pains bothering him and everything checked out alright,” Mickey Benston continued. “So when did he get stabbed? That’s a rumor, sorry that didn’t happen to Afrika Bambaataa.”

Ernie Paniccioli, Hip-Hop Photographer, refuted the claim that the stabbing was the rumored response to a date rape.

Earlier, The Star & Buc Wild Show alleged on air that the stabbing stemmed from a rumored date rape, in which Bam had drugged a man and attempted oral sex.

In the rumor, the man woke up and stabbed the legend.

Ernie Paniccioli told AllHipHop.com this is patently false.

“It is BS,” Paniccioli said, “to hell with anyone who defames a man who has devoted his life to Peace and dignity and who has been a beacon to generations of our youth.”

Brother Ernie goes further, suggesting that this attack on Afrika Bambaataa’s character may be in response to members of the Zulu Nation recently condemning Rick Ross for his date rape lyrics on UOENO .

Brother Ernie warns, “Never underestimate the Devil.”

Afrika Bambaataa is one of the pioneers of break beat deejaying and has spent his life spreading Hip-Hop throughout the world as the founder of the Universal Zulu Nation.

Although Wikipedia lists his birthday as April 19th, sources say his actual birthday is April 17th, he turns 56 today.

Brother Ernie continues, “I have know Bam for 35 years on this Earth and can vouch for him as a man, as a human being and as a mighty leader and yes even as an Icon. I will defend him with every breath I have in me. I can bear witness to his spirit and his warmth and his leadership.”

Check out Afrika Bambaataa at Radio City Music Hall below:

Hip-Hop Rumors: Is YMCMB Ripping Off Tyga? Lil Wayne Laughs!

Another “rumor” left on the cutting board. To me this was a case of “is water wet” and just leave it alone. But the other day, Tyga did an interview where he revealed that he has never, ever gotten a royalty check from Cash Money. This is crazy, but its out there. And this a complaint that many others have had in the past.

Tyga told Power 105’s Breakfast Club:

“I never got a check from Young Money/Cash Money, But by me saying that, I’ve always treated my career like independent and everything that I got is because of myself, my own endorsements, me touring, myself. I think I got a signing bonus when I first signed but that was it.”


Tyga has sold over 350,000 records…uhhhh…get ya paper! He just had a kid! I did peep that Tyga never visited Wayne in the hospital. Did you?

LIL WAYNE LAUGHS!

TMZ…meanwhile is laughing about the recent assertion that QD3 and his lawyer are going to take his s**t!

 

Lil Wayne is laughing at reports that he’s about to lose his mansion and fancy cars to satisfy a $3.4 million judgment against him — because he says that kind of jack is pocket change to him.
Wayne had sued Quincy Jones III over a documentary about the rapper’s life. QJIII countersued … claiming Wayne screwed him out of profits by acting so unreasonably.

The California jury saw it Quincy’s way and slapped Wayne with the multi-million dollar judgment.

Now we find out … Quincy’s lawyer has moved the judgment to Florida … where Wayne has lots of assets, including an $11 million mansion and a Bugatti that’s worth more than a mil. There’s a report out that the lawyer is taking aim at these goodies to satisfy the judgment.

But our Wayne sources say no one is going to sell any of Wayne’s assets to satisfy any judgment, because he’s worth as much as $100 million and can easily pay off the judgment.

It’s interesting … Wayne has thumbed his nose at everyone connected to the case — remember his epic deposition (below)? So it’s a little surprising Wayne is saying he’ll pay the piper.

Tyga: “Pay me.”

They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry! -illseed.]

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Hip-Hop Rumors: Are Jay-Z And Kanye West Putting Chief Keef Under Their Wing?

Here is some good rumors for the day. I got hit up on email from somebody claiming to know what’s going on. I think there may be some truth to this. Jay-Z and Kanye are rumored to be mentoring Chief Keef in some form or fashion. I don’t think its going to be like this:

But, I believe that these guys recognize what’s down the road if Keef doesn’t get reigned in and decided to do something about it. How cool is that? But, Jay name-checked him and Kanye took him to Paris so it makes some sense. Now, we just need to mentor some other artists that can lead us. Like even Kendrick could take some mentoring, I’m sure and artistically he’s better than Keef. God bless em.

Remember, it was rumored that 50 Cent wanted to “mentor” Keef that those efforts were apparently rejected. I think its a matter of psychology or something. You can’t be like “I’m going to mentor you, OK?”

“No, you aren’t mentoring me and you’re creepy.”

They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry! -illseed.]

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EXCLUSIVE: Dame Grease Reveals Amalgam Digital Stops Max B-Themed Clothing, Cites Copyright Infringement

(AllHipHop News) Dame Grease exclusively reveals to AllHipHop that Amalgam Digital has put out a court order to prevent the release of the Max B-themed clothing he was going to release with CKDOUT.

[ALSO CHECK OUT: EXCLUSIVE: Dame Grease speaks on new DMX movie and Max B-Themed Clothing Line (VIDEO)]

According to the prolific producer, Amalgam Digital believes the Max B-themed clothing line is infringing on the company’s copyright. It came as a surprise to Grease, whom was under the impression that Amalgam’s merchandise license had expired:

“I remembered the first album deal they did with Max. They did three albums and the merchandising [license] was for them albums. But I guess Max did another deal with them. The only reason I did the [Max B Wave Gang clothing venture] was because Max said he needed some cash. Person like me is a hustler so I go and try and help him get some cash to take care of his kids.”

Max signed with Amalgam Digital in mid-2008. Since his signing, Amalgam Digital has released his collaborative project with Young Riot A Wave Called Yes, Public Domain 3: Domain Pain and his debut album Vigilante Season. However, no new Max B material has been released by the label since 2011. Dame spoke with Amalgam Digital’s CEO, Anyextee (DJ Next) about the issue and believes the label has plans on releasing more work from Max B:

 “I’m sure they will [release Max B material]. Me, with the four years he’s been locked, I put out the Wave Gang tapes to keep his music alive. Keep his name in the streets. I have not made a dime off of any of it. [Laughs].”

While Amalgam has prevented this venture it has attempted to allocate merchandising funds to Max B while incarcerated. In December of 2012, Amalgam Digital teamed up with streetwear line Deadline and released “Free Max B” raglan tees. The proceeds went to Max B’s commissary. The “Free Max B” tees are still available at Deadline’s online shop.

All is not lost as Dame still owns the Wave Gang company therefore the Wave Gang clothing are still available on CKDOUT’s official site, sans the items bearing Max B’s image.

Wave Gang 6 is also still slated to be released and according to Dame is the final installment in the Wave Gang series.

AllHipHop Teams Up with Hittmenn DJ’s for #LoudPackTour IV

In today’s world of Hip-Hop, not only do you need to know how to market yourself online, but you also have to be in the streets, and on the road touring as well.  By combining an online and offline presence, many artists are finding success and are developing a buzz and a fan base. The state of the game has changed, but the grind hasn’t and the #LoudPackTour showed that most recently as the AllHipHop teamed up with the Hittmenn DJ’s for an incredible tour run through the south.

Taking 6 artists from different parts of the country, AllHipHop teamed up with the Hittmenn DJ’s to document the process of the these artists getting their records spun, doing meet and greets with the DJ’s and meeting fans in 10 different markets all within a few hours of Atlanta.  In short, if these artists want spin in Atlanta, they have to be able to capture the surrounding markets like Birmingham, Huntsville and Montgomery, Alabama and cities in Georgia like Macon, Augusta, and Columbus.

Using Atlanta as a home base, the @MonsterCable, @DoloClothingCo and @mixsho_net sponsored tour ventured out to the aforementioned cities and returned to Atlanta after each date.  Artists signed up on the tour were given the opportunity to build relationships with Clear Channel and other urban radio stations in those markets, providing each artist with an opportunity to get radio spins and other promotional opportunities in the future.

“The #LOUDPACKTOUR was founded in 2009 and was designed to help and support artists in achieving that next level of stardom. The goal is to help artists create a brand and a fan base simultaneously, while the music is presented to new demographics and markets across the country,” said Kasper founder and president of the Hittmenn DJs.

For more info on the artists participating in the tour check out  the following Twitter pages: Wyld (@wyldsworld) from Virginia, V.I.P. (@KPaul and @PimpinPen) from Austin, Texas, Crix Green (@crixgreen) from New Orleans, Louisiana Young Snead (@sneadamg) from Atlanta, Fly Ty (@iamflyty) from New York, and Dat Guy (@whoamidatguy) from Palm Beach, Florida.

While this is only brief glimpse of the tour, take a look a the LOUDPACKTOUR VI Spring Edition [RECAP 1] and tune in soon for more updates and interviews with the artists on tour. 

#LOUDPACKTOUR VI Spring Edition [RECAP 1] from @Sevvyn on Vimeo.

AllHipHop.com & HittmennDJslive.com present the LOUD PACK TOUR 2013 from @Sevvyn on Vimeo.

Love & Hip Hop Atlanta Returns

Monday night (April 15) Monami Entertainment and Myx Fusions gave over 300 Atlanta press and industry insiders a sneak preview of the Season 2 premiere episode of VH1’s “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta.” Guests packed Cream Ultra Lounge to get a glimpse of the attending cast which included Stevie J, Joseline Hernandez, Mimi Faust, Erica Dixon, Rasheeda Frost, Kirk Frost, Shay Johnson, Momma Dee, Benzino, and newcomers Traci Steele, Babey Drew and Che Mack.

Executive producer Mona Scott-Young welcomed the crowd, adding that season 2 is just as thrilling as the first one. BOSSIP senior editor Janee Bolden moderated the cast Q&A, while DJ Fadelf kept the crowd moving throughout the night. Additional guests included Shawty Lo, DJ Toomp, Adiz Bambi (“Basketball Wives”), Alexandra Dilworth (Bravo’s “Taking Atlanta”), Sincerely Ward (Bravo’s “Taking Atlanta”) and more. Special thanks to Myx Fusions, Malibu Red and Ciroc.

“Love & Hip Hop Atlanta” premieres Monday, April 22 at 8pm ET/PT on VH1. Visit the show online at www.lovehiphopatlanta.vh1.com.