Fashion Feature: Get Your Favorite Star’s Swag This Halloween

  Halloween is almost here and if you’re planning on embracing more tricks than treats, you’re going to need a costume. From monsters to actors and even musicians, the possibilities for dressing up are endless. If you haven’t made a decision about who you’re going to be on this most special of days, we’ve got you covered. Who better to be than the queen of the Jersey Shore or one of the kings of rap? Take a look—we’ve your guide to dress like Atlanta rapper T.I. and reality star Snooki.

To Get T.I.’s Swag…

You’ve got to sport his own clothing brand, AKOO. Below is an outfit that would definitely give you that “King” swag.

Barnett Wool Jacket

Bronco Jeans

Fox Hole Tee

To Get Snooki’s Swag:

To get Snooki’s style on point, all you need is a little Ed Hardy clothing, along with the a standout handbag and shoes. The hair poof is optional.

Vashti Dress

Daisy Tab Tote

Charlie Studded Platform by Dereon

President Of Uganda Goes Hip-Hop With New Song

(AllHipHop News) The President of Uganda launched a rap career during a campaign rally dubbed the “National Resistance Movement Solidarity Concert” over the weekend, in an attempt to gain new young voters. President Yoweri Museveni appeared at the rally in full military fatigues. As the President and his entourage arrived, musician Eddy Kenzo, known in the region for his hit song “Stamina” was performing. As rapper GNL Zamba, of Luganda finished up his performance, the DJ brought in an unfamiliar song featuring Museveni. Then, President Museveni grabbed the microphone and shocked his supporters when he began performing the song with lyrics in the Runyankore dialect.After he was finished he asked the crowd “do you want another rap?”Mr. Museveni was inspired to record the track with a group of rappers from Entebbe, who explained the poetical nature of Hip-Hop to the leader of Uganda. President Museveni said his rap actually came from a poem he used to recite in his youth. “We need to keep our traditions intact, put our poems in your songs so that they are not forgotten. We need those poems,” Museveni told the cheering crowd. Today, President Museveni and his main challenger Kizza Besigye presented their papers to the electoral commission, before heading to rallies in the capital of Kampala. President Museveni hopes to continue his 24-year run as President of the African country.

University President Apologizes Over ‘Profane’ Wale Performance

(AllHipHop News) Washington, D.C. based rapper Wale is in hot water again over an outdoor homecoming performance at University of Mary Robinson. University of Marty Washington students voted for the rapper to perform at the homecoming concert, which took place at the Battleground Athletic Complex around 7:30PM on Saturday (October 23rd). Three residents complained about the volume of the concert and Wale’s use of profanity, prompting the University’s President to issue an apology.”I am sorry that a high-spirited weekend on campus ended on such a negative note for some of our closest neighbors who were offended by both the volume and the content of the music,” UMW President Rick Hurley wrote in a letter to the editor of Fredericksburg, Virginia’s  Free Lance-Star.According to Hurley, he has received similar complaints in the past, but he was more concerned with the “use of profanity” this year. This is not the first time an outdoor performance by Wale has made headlines over the rapper’s use of profanity. In July, the rapper angered officials in the city of Baltimore, who were “deeply disturbed” after he used profanity and racial slurs during a free-city event. UMW’s President Rick Hurley said that from now on, the University would screen potential artists or groups before they are allowed to perform.”If there’s a crowd-friendly band like Train, maybe an outdoor concert would be appropriate,” he said.

A Well-Read Opinion of Kanye West’s “Runaway”

Troy Cle is the creator of The Marvelous Effect, a fantasy book & science fiction  series The Marvelous World Saga. After watching Kanye West’s “Runaway,” he was compelled to write this opinion piece and review. There is a special place where the disaster prone and eternally compelling Kanye West resides. It is a sacred place beyond reproach where passion and genius dwell. It is a place that we have a clear view of but is solemnly guarded by velvet ropes because such is a requirement of celebrity.

Agree or disagree, the 33-year-old Chicagoan is known throughout the world and still in the game in a huge way because of talent a tad bit more so than controversy. The video for “Runaway” is a testament to that. Not because it is an epic piece. Not because it is good. Not because it is bad. It is simply because it exits and has been anticipated by much of the music community. West had something he wanted this community to see and without a doubt he imposed his artistic vision upon millions. It is safe to say that some of the visuals will be in their heads for days if not forever.

Being a musician is about taking risks. Some calculated and some not. This video was a big risk, especially since one of the major venues that it debuted on was BET. BET is not known for featuring artistic representations like a parade of elegant White ballerinas like this one proudly does. The video could very well have left some viewers disappointed and on an anti-Kanye tirade. Such does not seem to be the case.

This 34-minute long form video echos the time when we saw Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” so many years ago. It is no surprise that there is a major reference to Jackson in this video. The video features nine of Kanye’s songs from his upcoming album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and chronicles the story of a phoenix who falls to earth, becomes Kanye’s girlfriend, and experiences how cruel people can be to what they do not understand. Eventually, the phoenix leaves Earth for her world to avoid being turned to stone. Kanye has gone on record saying that the concept of a burning phoenix was a kind of metaphor for the resurrection of his career after his incident at last year’s VMAs so there is no guessing about that there.

Some parts of “Runaway” disappoint and seem lifeless, but that is oddly acceptable  because some of it touches equally upon genius and that is a RARE find in anything. One such moment is the “All of the Lights” segment that does not feature any visual effects or an over -the-top location. Still, it is a near surreal wonder to watch and the horn heavy track complimented with Rihanna’s melodic hook and the sing song verse of Kanye that transitions into an aggressive bridge is the making of a hit record.

The segment features the illuminated head of Michael Jackson surrounded by a marching band decked in red under a firework painted sky. It’s all magic. At one time during the segment the dead pan expression and ridged march of the band leader is immediately contrasted to the fluid looks and movements of surprise and wonder of Kanye and his phoenix girlfriend. It all just takes the viewer somewhere else. So much so the masked winged figures and pointed red hoods that some of the members of the procession wear do not carry the immediate hateful history of the Klu Klux Klan or paganism with them. That imagery, like the experience, comes into the viewer’s mind totally fresh and new without a preconceived notion of what to make of it all. In today’s world that is nearly impossible and West manages to do that with ease. He did something similar with the “Power ” video. He was able to use the video’s visuals to place himself in a space so far from where you were accustomed to him inhabiting that for a moment you could only see him right there and then in that moment.

Others can write more on this video because there are countless elements of this video that can be picked apart and analyzed. It exists in part to get people talking about it in a way they would not for a normal video. They can do just that while I concede that West is an undying passionate force. I applaud his highly entertaining efforts.

Troy Cle can be found at marvelousworld.net.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Lil B Threatens Kanye West With RAPE?!

DISCLAIMER:All

content within this section is pure rumor and generally have no factual

info outside of what the streets have whispered in our ear. Read on.WHO: illseedWHAT: Rumors, Funnies, Fails and more!WHERE: illseed.comtwitter.com.illseedHOW: Send your rumors, sightings and ill pics to illseed at [email protected].WHAT THE HELL!?So, this is where the new generation is looking to take the rap game? REALLY? This is the most oddest, blatantly gay thing I have ever seen in my life. Lil B…smh!!!!!!Since we are on the topic, click here to see Chingy’s alleged tranny Sydney Starr get into a fight! SMH!LIL B… YOU LOVE YOU! They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!

Hip-Hop Rumors: Kanye West Rumors Galore! The Game / 50 Cent To Make-Up? Wiz Khalifah Joins Diddy?

DISCLAIMER:All

content within this section is pure rumor and generally have no factual

info outside of what the streets have whispered in our ear. Read on.WHO: illseedWHAT: Rumors, Funnies, Fails and more!WHERE: illseed.comtwitter.com.illseedHOW: Send your rumors, sightings and ill pics to illseed at [email protected].BUSHWICK BILL NOT TO DEPORTED

Shout out to Mr. Bill! Glad to see they didn’t give him the Shyne Treatment. CONGRATS, OG!!!!!!

I know Bushwick is happier than Lil Mama at a lipgloss convention. HATE KANYE?

CyHi Da Prynce brought out Kanye West on Saturday. I don’t see the hate.

AMBER ROSE TWEETS ABOUT KANYE WEST…

This was interesting and oozed emotion…in 140 characters.

MEANWHILE “THEY” SAYING KANYE AND KIM K WERE MAKING OUT..That’s what they say…she recently had a birthday and he blasted off with “Runaway.”KANYE ADDRESSES ILLUMINATI AND SATANISM RUMORSOh and Kanye west talks about the ILLUMINATI on his Twitter. He seems pretty dismissive of the rumors.

IT AIN’T OVER FOR T.I.

It was just brought to my attention from somebody that Tip’s present problems stem solely from the fact that he violated his probation. So, he was sentenced to jail based on that. The fact still remains that he has other outstanding charges stemming directly fro the arrest, the pills, weed and probably making that U-Turn where he wasn’t supposed to. Poor, Tip. I know this is of his own doing, but its not a good look period!

WIZ KHALIFAH’S WORKING WITH DIDDY?

Looks like Diddy and Jay-Z are going to scoop up all the young talents. LOL! Diddy is now bringing Wiz into the Ciroc Boys mix.

50 CENT AND THE GAME TO MAKE AMENDS?

Cats may diss me for this one, but I really HOPE these cats can get back together and make one last ditch effort to recreate that magic from back in the day. Kanye and G-Unit are cool again so the door is open. Game has said repeatedly that anything is possible.

MTV’s FULL TOP 10 HOTTEST MC’S LIST”

Here you go. What do you think?

1) Eminem

2) Jay-Z

3) Kanye West

4) Drake

5) Rick Ross

6) Nicki Minaj

7) Lil’ Wayne

8 ) Waka Flocka Flame

9) B.o.B.

10) Ludacris

NELLY IS MAD TO NOT HAVE BEEN ON THE TOP 10 RAPPERS LIST

Peep this interview of Nelly. He was TIGHT about not being included in the Top 10 Rappers of the 21st Century on BET.

Before the show aired, he didn’t seem to care so much when AllHipHop.com spoke to him about it. I bet he thought he would be on the list at that time.

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

My homey told Jeezy performed at Mansion in Miami and rocked it like crazy. I’m hearing Jeezy is getting his situation back in order.

This sounds silly. But I thought I’d tell you a rumor I heard. Supposedly, Too Shorts daughter is marrying somebody in the NFL.

I take back the comments I made about Ciara and Keri…whatever I said…I take it back.

Wendy Williams show has been renewed clear through to 2012! WOW!

Rumor has it Rihanna skipped out on Katy Perry’s wedding. She didn’t even go after booking a room and everything.

Huddy Combs was supposedly one of the best friends of Mase and Cam, but Cam said Mason didn’t go to the funeral. When asked, Cam said, “hell no that f***in sucka a** ni**a.”Shout out to the homey EDOGZ818.

EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY!

Come on Soulja Boy! Come on VIBE! This is the best yall can do!?

SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END

This is weird. A man is on trial for rape, which is basically normal in our society these days. But this dude has to take it to the next level of things. In court, Timothy West, 26, raped a woman at knifepoint in front of her mother and then, in the most shocking way, asked her on a date. Here is how the Q&A session went when he called her after raping her. “You just broke into my house, yo. I’ve never seen you before …. You try to rob me, then you rape me,” the woman said to West.

“Why you did that to me?”

“I do apologize from the bottom of my heart,” West said. “You mad at me?… I can’t call you no more?”

“What made you want to come in and break into my house? Why out of all the houses, why my house?” she pressed.

“It was just random,” he replied.

“Can I come see you?” he asked.

After that, he was met by some police and jailed. What a not case! All this happened in Queens NYC.

Source: http://www.nydailynews.com

EPIC WIN OF THE DAY!

Shout out to Rhymefest! Dude is running for City Alderman in the Chi! This is another win for Hip-Hop! I heard he looking like he’s going to win. Run, Fest, Run!!!!!!!!!!

Follow him on Twitter….right HERE!!! Tell him illseed send ya!

RHYMEFEST, WE LOVE YOU! GOOD LUCK!!!They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!

Bushwick Bill Released From Federal Custody; Will Remain In The U.S.

(AllHipHop News) Houston rap icon Bushwick Bill has been released from federal custody, after he faced deportation back to his country of origin, Jamaica. Bushwick, a former member of pioneering Hip-Hop group The Geto Boys, was released on Monday (October 18th), after being arrested over five months ago, according to XXL Magazine.According to Bushwick’s attorney Carlos Solomiany, the rapper was almost deported because he had three previous convictions on his record, in addition to his most recent arrest in May for possessing marijuana. After he paid his bail, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement started removal proceedings against Bushwich, who won a hearing last Thursday (October 14th) when a judge ruled in favor of the rapper, who is “back to being a lawful permanent resident of the United States.”Bushwick Bill, born Richard Shaw, is currently working on a new spiritual album titled Road to Redemption, the follow-up to his Gospel album, My Testimony of Redemption.

Kanye West’s “Runaway” Film [In Full]

The film has been described as brilliant and baffling. Either way, Kanye West has re-engaged the creative world with “Runaway” an ambitious short that has set the entertainment world ablaze with its tale of a fallen phoenix. Watch the entire film below and offer your views on it as a work of art.

Vote: Who Is Iller: Baracka Flacka or Waka Flocka?

BARACKA FLACKA FLAME – HEAD OF THE STATE

I posted this the other day, but after posting it on my site, I had to take it and give it its own shine. I know this video is patently offensive to our Black president, because it feeds into just about every single stereotype under our sun…BUT, the mess is FUNNY!!!! Its a spoof…a parody. I know a lot of us don’t listen to Waka Flocka so I put his video after so you can see the comparisons.

Here is Waka Flocka Flames – Hard In The Paint.

That was my first time watching Waka Flocka – based off a parody. LOL! The same thing happened with me an Soulja Boy back in the day.

No shots.

QuestionsView Results

Hip-Hop Rumors:Kanye: “They F**ked Up,” TI to Rehab? Ciara Dating The Dream?

DISCLAIMER:All

content within this section is pure rumor and generally have no factual

info outside of what the streets have whispered in our ear. Read on.WHO: illseedWHAT: Rumors, Funnies, Fails and more!WHERE: illseed.comtwitter.com.illseedHOW: Send your rumors, sightings and ill pics to illseed at [email protected].

THE DAILY TWO SENSE

Here are a few rumors for you. I’m out!

KANYE WEST RUMORS!

As you know, Kanye has been letting people view his movie short Runaway. Well, I don’t have too much to report from that. But, at the New York one, I heard there was a lot of chaos getting in and getting out. There were a lot of celebs there and Kanye seemed totally gracious in seeing so many of his friends. He also commented on how the music industry broke him down and now he doesn’t give a “f**k.” He had on a lot of gold chains and he looked like a midget Mr. T. Everybody was there, including LA Reid, Swizz Beatz and a bunch of others.

Here is a preview.

TI TO REHAB?

There is a new movement to get T.I. into a rehab facility and not in a prison lockup for the next 11 months. I can’t say I know or anything, but Tip never impressed me as an addict. I was told by somebody close that these drugs are equivalent to Superman going into a telephone booth. Remember that? I don’t know. There is a group that has lobbied with a judge to get Tip in rehab because him being in jail is a waste of tax payers dollars. Citizens of the State of Atlanta Georgia is the group and fail is the end result. TMZ.com is the source!

SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END

DDDDDD-AMN!

A Long Island, NY man done went and lost his ever-lovin’ pea-sized mind! Pedro Jones, 20, hit a 17-month child that wasn’t even his to make him act like a boy. Pedro somehow thought the boy was acting like a girl AT 17 MONTHS. He struck the kid with his fists until the boy went into cardiac arrest and died. He was baby sitting his girlfriend’s kid. SMH!

CIARA DATING THE DREAM?

Ciara and Dream are an item? This would redefine f**king for tracks, if that is the case. They worked together on her new album and have reportedly gone out already. Sounds like Dream didn’t think C. Millie, his baby momma, was a good enough R&B diva? This would be the 3rd C-List singer he’s dated, all respects due.

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

One of my sources informed me that Diddy and Ross may be doing an album together and that’s where the Interscope rumors started. Diddy is on Interscope and it would be via Bad Boy.

Looks Like Jazzy F got in contact with Raz B and we’ll have an interview in the near future! I cannot wait to read/hear/see this.

After all that, The Lox are trying to get back with their boy Diddy.

Marques Houston defines under the bus as Raz B continues to ride it over his reputation as a ladies man.

Rumor has is, Missy Elliot may be getting married…to somebody that’s not a man!

Nicki Minaj hit the #6 slot on MTV’s Hot MCs list.

Redman is finishing up his next album. I hear he is in a NY studio working crazy on some classic material.

POWERHOUSE PIX IN PHILLY

All the stars came out to play! I was there myself!

STARS,

WE LOVE YOU!They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!

Wal-Mart Denies Banning Kanye West’s Album

(AllHipHop News) Wal-Mart executives have finally issued a statement surrounding a controversial tweet by rapper Kanye West, who claimed the world’s largest retail chain banned his new album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Last week, Kanye West tweeted that Wal-Mart banned the highly anticipated album because the artwork was too racy to be carried on the stores’ shelves. The company claims that Kanye never showed them the artwork, but they are still excited to carry the upcoming album.”We’re excited about Kanye West’s new album and we look forward to carrying it in our stores on November 22nd,” Wal-Mart said in a statement. “As always, it’s our standard practice to carry the edited parental advisory version. We did not reject the cover artwork and it was never presented to us to view.”Kanye West’s album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is due in stores on November 22nd.

Fashion Feature: Kanye, Pharrell, Jay-Z: Who’s Your Kind Of Guy?

From Kanye West to Jay-Z  Find out whose style

you fancy by taking our quiz:  When you’re getting dressed to head out to a club with your guy,

does he:  a) Throw on a fresh white tee, clean denim?nd he’s on his way

b) Arrive home after his manicure and take an hour to decide on his

favorite suit

c) Pick out a pair of skinny jeans to match a bold graphic tee  When shoe shopping, he’d be more inclined to grab: a) A classic pair of Timberlands

b) Studded-out Christian Louboutin sneakers

c) A pair of bright Supra kicks  

On a Saturday afternoon, your guy is most likely to be

found:

 a) Doing handiwork around the house

b) Shopping like it’s going out of style

c) Chilling at a skatepark with his friends  

His idea of formal attire is:   a) An understated classic suit and tie

b) A well-tailored three piece suit and bow tie

c) A good black suit, accessorized with a bold skinny tie and Converse Chucks  

Your guy’s favorite street/urban brand is:

 a) AKOO

b) Orisue

c) Billionaire Boys Club  

If you answered mostly A’s:T.I.

Laid back guys like T.I. and Jay-Z float your boat. You’re into

classic, effortless urban style where the jeans are still slightly baggy,

but cleaned up. You don’t care for the newest trends?ou let his good

looks and swag do the talking when you walk into a room.  

If you answered mostly B’s:

Kanye West

You respect men like Kanye West and Andre Benjamin for their passion for

fashion. You like being the center of attention when you hit a party with

your flashy significant other. And perhaps you dig being able to take your

fella shopping without him whining and complaining the whole time!  

If you answered mostly C’s:

Chris Brown

You’re a fan of “skater boys” like Chris Brown

and Pharrell. Whether he actually skates or not,

you’re feeling his confidence when he rocks skinny jeans and bold colors.

He’s on top of the latest sneaker drops and progressive street brands, yet

he’s not afraid of high fashion. Just expect him to add his own twist when

he has to dress up.

Talib Kweli and Ozomatli Set to Peform at Red Bull’s SoundClash

(AllHipHop News) Red Bull has enlisted the talents of Brooklyn Rapper Talib Kweli and Los Angeles urban-Latino band Ozomatli to compete in a live performance at the Dallas, TX Palladium Ballroom. Red Bull Soundclash, which is being organized as one concert in a series of global musical battles, is designed to be a live musical conversation and performance between two bands with diverse sounds, styles, and creativity.  Seeking to create the ultimate musical battle where two bands fight for the acceptance of the public, the two artists will compete in a series of four rounds. The bands will perform various tasks, some rehearsed and some improvised, to showcase the range of their musical abilities.The audience participates in the back-and-forth exploration between the bands by judging each round and their reaction is measure by a decibel meter that the crowd must elevate with noise. Recently, Talib Kweli has had great success with his Blacksmith Records label, which is distributed by Warner Brothers Records.  In addition to his most recent Reflection Eternal project with Cincinnati producer Hi-Tek, he has been working closely with well-known signees Jean Grae and Strong Arm Steady on select tour dates and musical projects. Ozomatli has recently added to their Grammy Award winning resume, by becoming the Cultural Ambassadors of the U.S. State Department. Having been hired in a series of government-sponsored international tours to Asia, Africa, South America, and the Middle East, the group is able to continue their dedication to grassroots political achievements. The Red Bull Soundclash takes place October 28th in Dallas, Texas at the Palladium Ballroom.

Twista Striving for ‘Lyrical Perfection’ On ‘Perfect Storm’ LP

(AllHipHop News) Twista is focused on delivering a flawless product when his eighth solo album, Perfect Storm, drops next month. By now, fans know what to expect with Twista’s rapid-fire delivery. Instead of experimenting with his sound, the Chicago emcee concentrated on mastering the sound and style that’s allowed him to remain in the Hip-Hop for nearly 20 years.

“The focus on the new album is always giving the fans with what I think they consider the perfect Twista album,” he explained to AllHipHop.com. “I try not to steer too far from what they want to hear and get all crazy. You’re going to hear perfection in my lyricism, some dope ass songs, and Trax killing them on the beats.”

Twista and the Legendary Traxster broke a five-year drought last year by working together on the Category F5 album. Even within the confines of the Twista sound, the rapper says fans can still expect some surprises.

“You’re going to be surprised on there by tracks like ‘Heat,’” Twista said, referencing his recent work with Raekwon. “You going to be like that’s what I wanted to hear when you hear songs like ‘Back to Basics.’ It’s going to be big.”

While respected, Twista had to contend with lyrical battles in his career. The most prominent of those contests were lyrical confrontations with The Beatnuts, Bone and Naughty By Nature. But when reflecting back on artists that keep him lyrically focused, he cites peers he had cordial relationships with.

“Man, that’s a good one. It was never really one person. It was always different people like Jay-Z, Nas, Biggie, [and] Tupac, those types of artists,” Twista detailed. “It would be an Outkast, anybody that was hot from the perspective of doing their thing from being true lyricists. Those are the guys that kept me on my toes.”

Twista’s Perfect Storm features appearances from Lloyd, Yo Gotti, Chris Brown, Ray J, Raekwon and Waka Flocka Flame. The release date is November 9.

Mixtape Download: Mood Muzik: A Turn 4 The Worst

Here you go! Mood Muzik 4: A Turn 4 The Worst, the latest in  the epic series.

1. Intro (Pray For Me)

2. Aftermath

3. Role Reversal

4. Come Along

5. Mop Salad (Skit)

6. Sober Up (Feat. Crooked I)

7. Dessert 4 Thought (Feat. Styles P & Pusha T)

8. 1000 Faces

9. Inseparable

10. The Shoes (Skit)

11. Remember The Titans (Feat. Fabolous, Lloyd Banks & Royce Da 5’9?)

12. Welcome To Real Life

13. No Idea

14. Black Cloud

15. Follow Your Lead

16. Stuck In The Moment

17. If All Else Fails

Joe Budden – Mood Muzik 4: A Turn 4 The Worst (Mixtape)|||Mediafire

Hip-Hop Rumors: The Winners of illseed’s Twitter Contest

THE DAILY TWO SENSEHere is another reason you should follow me on Twitter @illseed! Not only am worth the follow, but I do spur of the moment contests and other things. So, the other day, somebody was talking to me and I listened. I told the artists that I would listen and give feedback to all of the rappers/singer I could in 30 minutes. That 30 minutes turned into an hour and a half. It was cool, but it definitely threw my rumors off. Anyway! Here we go! Give them a shot! Guess the two rappers I like that most! Click here for my Twitter…@illseed!TWITTER WINNERS

So, the other day, I did a lil thingy on twitter where I listened to a rapper or 100 and said that I would pick one and feature them on AHH. I started off picking one, but I actually ended up liking about four. Here they are.

http://twitter.com/ITSDATKID

A Female rapper! Whooooooooooo! Xplicit Lyric won me over from the start of her video. There you go! She’s got a big sound on the records and flows nice. OK.

http://www.twitter.com/XplicitLyric

I gotta admit…I was looking for somebody with some hard beats and hard raps and the homey Wyldfyer came through with Akida and his song “The Wrong Rapper.” This is perfect to complete the trifecta!

Kida – The Wrong Rapper (Produced by !llmind)

LAST ONE!

Poe Picasso – Inspiration

This was dope and they got in the winner’s circle after I had closed the contest. Shout out to all these talents. NICE!

http://www.poepicasso.com

Dice Raw of The Roots Launches New Label R&S Music Group

(AllHipHop News) Grammy Award winning rapper/producer Dice Raw of the Legendary Roots Crew has officially launched a new music imprint named R&S Music Group. According to Dice, the new label will focus on creating new music in multiple genres, across a variety of platforms, in addition to releasing music by Dice and new artists the label is currently cultivating. Through R&S Music Group, the Philadelphia-based producer is applying the knowledge he has accumulated over the years by licensing works to movies like Superbad, Hancock, Stomp The Year, Hurricane and the updated version of the Karate Kid starring Jaden Smith, son of rapper/actor Will Smith. “We are all about the preservation of good music and culture while also trying to be innovative with technology and the web,” Dice Raw told AllHipHop.com. “We want to open the doors to up and coming artists and provide a credible platform of digital distribution without them having to sell their life to a record company.” R&S is currently working with local producers Khari Mateen and Rick Friedrich, who have produced tracks for a variety of local artists, including The Roots and Jill Scott.Dice Raw will be performing new material next weekend near the campus of the University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware, when he hits the Mojo On Main for an exclusive performance on Thursday (October 28th). Advanced tickets to the show can be purchased at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/131042.For more information on R&S Music, contract @RandSmusic or @diceraw on Twitter or email [email protected].

Knockout Nation: Behind the Scenes of HBO’s 24/7 Pacquiao-Margarito

Every season, TV writers and producers are faced with the challenge of keeping their product fresh and edgy for viewers. HBO’s 24/7 is the same in that respect. But unlike their peers, the Emmy-winning series creates their shows without a set script, and only have four episodes to build anticipation for the payoff, which is an anticipated PPV fight instead of a season finale. On Saturday night (October 23), series veteran Manny Pacquiao and newcomer Antonio Margarito will take center stage as the latest boxers to open up their lives up to the 24/7 drama.

Senior HBO producer Dave Harmon has been involved with 24/7 since its beginnings hyping the Floyd Mayweather-Oscar De La Hoya superfight in 2007. Neither Pacquiao nor Margarito’s last fights had the back stories to warrant a 24/7. But each man’s recent out of the ring activities (Pacquiao’s congressional win in the Philippines , and Margarito’s license denial in California) have supplied the necessary ammo to warrant the first 24/7 since Mayweather-Mosley in May.

But will this truly be a new experience, or simply a rehash of past exploits? Dave Harmon explains why fans can expect surprises with this edition.

AllHipHop.com: Before we get into the show, lay out exactly what your responsibilities entail as senior producer of HBO 24/7.

Dave Harmon: I’m a senior producer for 24/7. That means I’m responsible for the big picture of the show. There are producers who work in each camp. We have one producer who gets all the footage from Pacquiao’s side, and a different producer who gets all the material from Margarito’s side. These segments we put together for the greater whole, which is the 24/7 half-hour show. I’m in charge of making sure the two segments are going well, and when the big picture is combined into one show it all makes sense.

AllHipHop.com: When you send those producers in there, do you have set storylines or look to see what develops spontaneously?

Dave Harmon: It’s a combination of both. In Margarito’s camp, we know we want to talk about his suspension for the illegal hand wraps. We want to talk about his new trainer. On the Pacquiao side, we wanted to talk about his becoming a congressman. At the same time, with our crew being there for five weeks, lots of things do happen that we don’t expect. We have lots of flexibility to show that stuff, too.

AllHipHop.com: Do you have any issues with fighters being open and emotionally accessible with the cameras being around?

Harmon: Now that we’ve done so many, they’re very open to us. They’re very familiar with the series even if they haven’t done it before. Margarito hasn’t, but he’s certainly seen the show and understands what’s required. Everyone is as open as we can possibly hope for.

AllHipHop.com: Have you been involved with 24/7 since the beginning in 2007?

Harmon: Yes I have.

AllHipHop.com: Maybe you can clear up some possible hyperbole. Floyd Mayweather has boasted since the show’s inception that he’s the creator of 24/7. Can you verify if it was his idea?

Harmon: Well, I’m not on the side of where it came about. Once it did come about, then they assigned me to work on it. So, I’m not really qualified to answer that.

AllHipHop.com: Let’s talk about the post-production window. What’s the process of getting everything compiled into one weekly show?

Harmon: It takes a week because we don’t air things that happened more than a week ago. If something happens that week, it goes on the air that Saturday night. There is a cut-off of Thursday; anything that’s shot on a Friday really couldn’t make it back to us in time to edit and put in the show. So I would say it’s on a cycle of Friday-Thursday that goes into the next week’s show.

AllHipHop.com: Has there been cases where you haven’t aired footage because it’s been too over the top?

Harmon: The only thing I could think of is every once and awhile you’ll get someone that’s very aware of the camera. It’s usually not the fighters. They play to the camera and don’t talk in a normal tone of voice. They’re either whispering or yelling.  And we want to keep it as real as possible, so we wouldn’t use a scene like that.  But there are no content things we’ve seen that have been too crazy. We do show everything that’s happening in the camp.

AllHipHop.com: How difficult is it to maintain interesting storylines? There are only two superstar fighters in boxing in Mayweather and Pacquiao, so we’re seeing the same fighters getting showcased in many of the 24/7’s. Is this becoming a major issue?

Harmon: It’s been easier than we thought. Almost each show has had a fighter that’s never been on 24/7 before: whether that’s Juan Manuel Marquez, Miguel Cotto or Antonio Margarito. So we’re telling a story we never told before. On the flipside, we almost always have a fighter that’s been on the show before like Manny Pacquiao.

We’ve been lucky with Pacquiao. Last series there was a typhoon before he fought Cotto. We told the story of what was going on there [in the Philippines]. Here this time he’s on congress and juggling that with his boxing duties. So that’s a new story for us. The longer we go in the series, and the more times we go to Manny Pacquiao, perhaps it will be even more difficult. But so far we haven’t had that problem.

AllHipHop.com: 24/7 right now is exclusive to the big, PPV attraction fights. Do you see it extending to the HBO network fights?

Harmon: I think it could extend to the fights on HBO. But I do think right now, HBO is concentrating on different sports for the network 24/7 shows. In January we did a story on Jimmy Johnson, the NASCAR driver, leading up to the Daytona 500. In December and January 2011 we’re going to do a show on the [NHL’s] Penguins and Capitols, and those aren’t leading up to a pay-per-view.  It’s possible for boxing, but it seems the focus is keeping what we have and expanding into other sports first.

AllHipHop.com: With the first show coming on Saturday, what do you think fans will be most surprised by? Will it be the hand wraps or anything else?

Harmon: On the hand wraps, that’s a difficult one. I’m not sure it’ll surprise fans, but Antonio Margarito himself hasn’t been on camera in a very many places talking about this issue. He’s kept fairly quiet and let other people do his talking for him. So viewers will get to see for themselves, and hopefully for the first time, Margarito saying he didn’t know about what was going into the hand wraps. They can decide for themselves how genuine he is when he says that. And whether they feel he did know, or is telling the truth. I think that’s pretty significant.

In this coming episode, I had only heard about Pacquiao’s congressional responsibilities. When I see it in video, it surprised me how serious those responsibilities are. I had a hard time imagining it at first. But you get to see it and the people who depend on him. You see the place where he has to show up and face two feet of paperwork at his desk. You realize that he’s not just fooling around and actually doing this.

AllHipHop.com: Regarding the hand wraps, you know the fact that Margarito is being allowed to fight again, let alone in a big fight, is very controversial in itself. In gathering all this footage, did this change your personal opinion on that situation?

Harmon: [Pauses] I am paid to be a television producer…My opinion is not something I care to repeat in an official interview. I’m sorry.

AllHipHop.com: No problem, I understand. Let’s switch gears real quick to the NHL 24/7 you mentioned. How differently do you approach the series when dealing with a team sport?

Harmon: The approach is actually fairly similar. Obviously, it’s different with 20 players as opposed to one fighter. But the approach is to find the type of access you can’t get anywhere else, and put that footage in there. Anyone can watch the Penguins play the Flyers. So we’re not going to chronicle it the way TV would cover it. We’re going to put mics on the players and show from the ice level what the players go through during the game. We wouldn’t call it game coverage. It’s more so covering the personalities. Like boxing, it’s trying to get the viewer something they can’t get anywhere else.

AllHipHop.com: With Pacquiao-Margarito, how’s the production coordination being that they’re based in Mexico and the Philippines?

Harmon: Most 24/7’s have had shoots in the Philippines, England and Mexico. At this point, the world is a small place. We can get the footage satellited or messaged back in a fairly short amount of time. Whether in America or a foreign country, it’s not an issue at all.

AllHipHop.com: Any closing thoughts?

Harmon: I have been very pleasantly surprised about the Pacquiao and Margarito storylines. Like one of your questions about keeping the stories fresh, I think people will be really surprised. It feels like a 24/7, but everyone has fresh and new storylines. And I hope people will enjoy it as much as I like it so far.

The first episode of 24/7: Pacquiao-Margarito airs on HBO this Saturday (October 23) at 10:30 PM ET. A new show will air every Saturday preceding the live PPV fight on November 13 at Dallas Stadium. Ismael AbduSalaam is a senior staff writer for AllHipHop.com, and the creator of Beats, Boxing and Mayhem, a website specializing in boxing and Hip-Hop coverage.

Wake Details, Celebration Announced For Eyedea

(AllHipHop News) A public wake will be held for Michael “eyedea” Larsen, who died on Saturday, October 16th 2010, from unknown causes at the age of 28. Family, friends and fans will gather on Thursday (October 28th) at the Minnesota Grand Ballroom to celebrate the life, legacy and music of eyedea. Additionally on Tuesday, November 9th, a celebratory event will take place at First Avenue Mainroom, to honor eyedea. “Always remember that where ever you go and what ever you do my love will always be with you,” eyedea’s mother, Kathy Averill said. “I knew before you were born that you were going to affect the world. I didn’t know how or with what gift, but now I do.  You have given me the most joy, trouble, happiness, and pain. Now it’s time for the rest of us to step up and be the humans you know we can be.  All my love, Mom.”Tickets to the celebration are priced at $20 and will be donated directly to the family of eyedea. This Saturday (October 23rd), eyedea will be remembered on Rhymesayers Radio from 9:00-11:00PM CST. “Mike was the closest friend I ever had. He was as caring as he was brilliant and was a true prodigy,” said Gregory “DJ Abilities” Keltgen. “I am honored to have been in his life and to have created with him and help spread his messages. He was a great human being and he will be missed.”Eyedea was remembered by his fellow Rhymesayers label mates, who were devastated by the sudden, unexpected loss of their close friend and musical collaborator. “My friend, my brother. I do not know who I would be without your influence in my life,” said Sean “Slug” Daley. “You challenged me without tearing me down. You pushed and encouraged me to be a better person. You had my back even when I didn’t have my own back. Your words, thoughts, and ideas impacted me in ways that I probably haven’t fully realized yet. You made me laugh and cry. You made me look and question. Thank you for everything. I love you Mikey.”Eyedea was a precious soul,” added Brother Ali. “We’re better artists for working with him and better people for knowing him. He added so generously to our lives and his passing leaves an empty space in our hearts. His spirit will forever be entwined in our life changing moments. Thank you, Mikey for sharing your light with us. We love you so very much and your music, insight and laughter will never leave us.””Anyone who carries leadership qualities always has my utmost respect,” said Evidence. “I truly feel he was a leader. So many others were so much closer to him to already know this firsthand, but if I could sense it from a distance, it must’ve been so potent to those up-front.”

Bone Thugs Announce New Projects, Krayzie’s Membership Unclear

(AllHipHop News) If a press release issued by the manager of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is accurate, the group is planning to release a variety of new projects, minus group members Bizzy Bone and Krayzie Bone. While Bizzy’s absence from the group has been well documented, in recent months it was speculated that Krayzie Bone was also in the process of leaving the group. The rumors seemed to be confirmed when Krayzie Bone announced the formation of a new label The Life Entertainment, which immediately caused friction with former group member Bizzy, who’s artist claimed he owned the rights to the label name. In a press release issued yesterday, Bone’s manager Jeremy Geffen stated that the group would wrap up their 90-city tour on October 30th, in Albuquerque  New Mexico. Wish, Layzie and Flesh-N-Bone will spend the rest of the 2010 writing a book, developing a film project and recording a new CD through a soon-to-be disclosed new recording deal. “We’ve got a great team and big plans for BTNH for 2011 and beyond that are quickly coming to fruition,” the group’s manager Jeremy Geffen stated of the veteran Hip-Hop group. “I am confident that we have some exciting times ahead including marketing, TV and film synch and branding concepts as unique as the group itself.” Bone Thugs-N-Harmony are one of the best known, and best selling groups in Hip-Hop history, moving over 30 million records worldwide, since their 1994 debut Creepin’ on ah Come Up on Eazy E’s Ruthless Records imprint. No further details were available on Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s upcoming albums or book.