(AllHipHop News) Fans will have to wait until next year for Kanye West and Jay-Z’s Watch the Throne album.Originally, West planned to release Watch the Throne and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy in November. But Kanye confirmed yesterday (November 4) that the focus for the rest of the year will be his own LP and his G.O.O.D. team.“It’s coming soon,” Kanye said during a conference call hosted by Def Jam. “It’s gonna be early next year, though.”The duo’s work has been heavily featured during Kanye’s G.O.O.D. Fridays series on tracks like the “Power (Remix),” “Monster,” and “So Appalled.” Last week’s song showcased the pair rhyming over the Pete Rock-produced “The Joy,” causing speculation on if the offering signaled the album’s direction.Both artists have been recording since August. According to Jay-Z, they are close to wrapping up the 10-track album.“Before I came into London we were in Bath at Peter Gabriel’s studio,” Jay-Z told Tim Westwood. “We recorded some songs there. It’s exciting that its coming out…[We’re] pretty close.”At press time, no outside producers or guests emcees have been finalized.

(AllHipHop News) A number of influential Hip-Hop artists and activists will gather to celebrate the 37th anniversary of the Universal Zulu Nation, one of Hip-Hop’s oldest organizations dedicated to advancing the culture. Headed by Hip-Hop legend Afrika Bambaataa, the Zulu Nation was founded in the early 1970’s as a way for gang members to use the various elements of Hip-Hop (MC’ing, DJ’ing, B-Boying, Graffiti Art and Knowledge, Culture and Understanding) as an alternative to violence. Since then, the organization has blossomed into a worldwide movement, with chapters in Japan, France, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, South Korea and other countries. Afrika Bambaataa and The Zulu Nation will also celebrate Hip-Hop’s 36th birthday from November 11th-14th, with events in the Bronx and Manhattan. “We Need All Our Brothers And Sisters who live Hip-Hop and claim that they are Hip-Hop to recognize November as Hip-Hop history month,” Afrika Bambaataa told AllHipHop.com. “Come out and support the Universal Zulu Nation Anniversary,” Afrika Bambaataa continued. “And we need every one to do some work in every city, country, and town to push their government to recognize November as Hip-Hop History Month. Seattle, Washington has [already] done it. If Your Officials do not recognize that, then we as the people of the world, we the people will recognize it. And we will celebrate it to show how Hip-Hop culture has brought people together all over the world.”On Thursday, November 11th and Friday, November 12th, a variety of artists will hit the stage at Gaucho’s Gym in the Bronx. Bronx Hip-Hop legends Grandmaster Caz and Mick Benzo will host the dates, while DJ’s Jazzy Jay, TC Islam, Grandwizard Theodore, DJ Rockin’ Rob, DJ Johnny Juice, Cutman LG and others will rock the turntables. On November 13th, artists like The Cold Crush Brothers, The Son of Bezerk, The Crash Crew, Smooth Da Hustler, Trigga the Gambler, Marc Live, Ultramagnetic MC’s Big Daddy Kane and The Soul Sonic Force will hit the stage at the Hip-Hop Culture Center at Magic Johnson’s Theater.The highlight of the the celebration will take place on November 14th at S.O.B.’s with performances by X-Clan, Brother J., Isis, Sadat X, Grand Puba, Roxanne Shante, Jasari X, YZ, DJ Tony Touch and other surprise guests. The 37th Anniversary Celebration for the Universal Zulu Nation is dedicated to the memories of a variety of deceased, influential rap legends, including Cowboy of The Furious 5, Wiz Kid, Disco King Mario, Jam Master Jay, Eazy-E, Rudy Pardee, Sugar Shaft, Mr. Magic, Big Pun, Apache, J. Dilla, Roc Raida, Guru and others. “As we celebrate Hip-Hop History Month lets keep in mind that WE as a culture need to come together and have our own,” said longtime Zulu member Lord Yoda X. “So as we celebrate and party let’s also remember we still have work to do. WE must have our own Hip-Hop Multi-Cultural Center where we can nurture our youth and preserve OUR history.  Let’s keep teaching and reaching out to our youth. “So with that in mind, make your Hip-Hop pilgrimage to NYC and celebrate with Afrika Bambaataa and The First Family of the culture The Universal Zulu Nation this November 11-14,” Lord Yoda X stated. For more information contact Mickey Benston at [email protected].

(AllHipHop News) Superstar producer Swizz Beatz has been named the first Producer in Residence at the Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Swizz Beatz, who has produced hits for everyone from Jay-Z and Beyonce to Lil Wayne and Metallica, will guide the students through group lectures, mentoring, one-on-one sessions during the 2011 academic year. “I’m excited to be able to take my many years of experience in the music business and use it as an example to instruct students,” Swizz Beatz said in a statement. “The invitation from Mr. Davis and Professor Rabhan is humbling and I’m honored.”The Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music provides students with professional business and artistic training for success in the music industry. Students who attend the school take courses such as “The History of Def Jam,” “Branding” and “Emerging Music Trends.” “Swizz Beatz’ amazing track record as an artist and producer, coupled with his commitment to education, makes him the ideal role model for our students,” added Jeffrey Rabhan, chair, The Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music.  “We consider it a great honor to have him involved with this unique program.”Swizz’ first label, Full Surface was a joint venture with Clive Davis and J Records.

(AllHipHop News) After serving eight months of a year long prison sentence, rapper Lil Wayne – born Dwayne Carter- has been released from New York City’s Riker’s Island Correctional Facility.   The rapper, who was imprisoned for a charge of criminal possession of a weapon, was released early this morning, around 8:35 AM [ET], despite rumors speculating that he would have to spend another night in prison.  With lots of plans in the making for his first weekend back, his childhood friend and the president of Young Money Entertainment, Mack Maine, has confirmed that there will be a party in Weezy’s honor in Miami on Sunday.  Following this morning’s release, the Hip-Hop community took to Twitter to express their sentiments of joy for Weezy’s return to the game.Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ): Wayne’s home! #WelcomeHomeWeezy @liltunechi @BIRDMAN5STAR @mackmaine #YMCMB Drake (@drakkardnoir): Between the hours of 1 – 2am…WEEZY IS COMING HOME Cortez Byrant (@CortezBryant): @liltunechi #WelcomeHomeWeezy. FREE AT LAST!!!!!! Keri Hilson (@MissKeriBaby): RT @liltunechi: #WelcomeHomeWeezy. «–YES…he’s baaaaack!!! Welcome home suga!!! The Game (@thegame): WELCOME HOME “ROSCOE JENKINS” a.k.a. LIL WEEZY !!! #soooowooooo Dj Clue (@THEREALDJCLUE): WELCOME HOME WEZZY aka @liltunechi ! Lehgoooo Rick Ross (@rickyrozay): just talk to @birdman5star … #weezyfbaby back!!!! #priceless Birdman (@BIRDMAN5STAR): Weezy f back on my money s### ymcmb billionaires!!@mackmaine: Everybody go and welcome @liltunechi back…..all true weezy fans!!! The angels are rejoicing and so am I!!!!!