“Kiss N Tell”
XO
“I’m From TX”
Kelly Rowland
“Commander”
Area Code (Pair A Dice, Mr.704, and Loch)
“Make A Hater Hate”
Gorilla Zoe Ft. Block Boyz
“Picture This”
T.I. To Return To Miami This May For Performance
(AllHipHop News) T.I. will give one of his first major performances this May when the rapper and artists on his Grand Hustle record label hit Miami during Memorial Day weekend. Atlanta promoter Jacob York and Miamis 99 Jamz are promoting The Return of the King Memorial Day Weekend Extravaganza. T.I. and crew are lasted to the stage on Sunday, May 30th at Klutch Nightclub, formerly known as Opium/Prive. The performances marks T.I.s first major performance since he was released from a halfway house in March, after serving a year in prison for attempting to purchase machine guns and silencers in October of 2007.Earlier this week, T.I. debuted the video for his single Im Back, the first official off of his comeback album King Uncaged, which is due in stores August 17th.
Anti-Solar Website F**kSolar.com Pops Up
(AllHipHop News) Supporters of deceased rapper Guru have launched a website dedicated to documenting the downfall of producer Solar. Solar is under intense scrutiny for a series of letters released allegedly penned by Guru before he died of cancer on April 19th. The website features a number of interviews with Guru and Solar that highlight the pairs strained relationship, in addition to investigating Solars past. More accusations are hurled Solars way via the website, which appears to be registered to a party in Berlin, Germany. The website claims that Solar helped separate Guru from his friends, controlled Gurus interviews and even chose what females were right for Guru. In an interview with MTV.com, Patricia Elam expressed her discomfort in trusting Solar with overseeing Gurus health. When [Guru] started working with Solar, even up until the time he was in the hospital and we learned Solar was the health care proxy, my father and my [older] brother were still sort of like, This is what your brother wanted. Were kinda gonna go along with it, Patricia said. They were pretty trusting of Solar. [Solar] was feeding them the information he wanted them to have. I was always hesitant and a little more cynical. I never had the right feeling about him. I think he knew that.In related news, it appears as though Solar is removing hateful comments from his official Blog, after he posted an interview with MTV, in which he expresses his frustration with DJ Premier. A number of posts have been removed in the past 24 hours, leaving Solars screen completely filled message removed by administrator messages. I havent spoken to Premier since all the way back when they did The Ownerz (2003). We havent spoken. He hasnt reached out to me and I havent had the opportunity to reach out to him. What its been more or less is theres been a lot of frustration on Gurus part, for various reasons once 7 Grand was started, certain aspects of Gangstarr kept hanging on to him. He felt like it was dragging him down from getting to where he wanted to get. It was a source of frustration for him and myself as well, I felt the tension too.
Danger Mouse Perseveres Over Death; ‘Dark Night’ Gets Release Date
(AllHipHop News) Producer Danger Mouse has reached an agreement with EMI Records to release Dark Night Of The Soul.Dark Night Of The Soul is a collaboration between Danger Mouse and deceased singer Sparkle horse (Mark Linkous.)Anticipation for a commercial release for Dark Night Of The Soul began to build in early 2009, when limited edition copies of the art book was circulated with a blank CDR and an audio/visual gallery installation.The album was held up due to the ongoing dispute, so Danger Mouse and company released the materials along with a blank CD-R for users to use as they saw fit. “Danger Mouse is a brilliant, talented artist for whom we have enormous respect. We continue to make every effort to resolve this situation and we are talking to Brian Burton (Danger Mouse) directly. Meanwhile, we need to reserve our rights.” EMI said prior to resolving the dispute. Now that the contracts are signed, Danger Mouse and Sparklehorses album will see a worldwide release this July. The pair assembled an all-star cast for Dark Night, which features appearances by The Flaming Lips, Gruff Rhys, Jason Lytle, Julian Casablancas, Black Francis, Iggy Pop, David Lynch, James Mercer, Nina Persson, Suzanne Vega and Vic Chesnutt.Tragically, Sparklehorse committed suicide on March 6th by shooting himself in the chest outside of a friends home in Knoxville, Tennessee. In the UK, Dark Night will hit stores on July 12th via Parlaphone, while Capitol Records will release the album on July 13th in the United States.Dark Night of The Soul is also dedicated to the late Vic Chesnutt, who died in December 2009 from a lethal combination of muscle relaxants that had left him comatose.
Ex-Prison Guard Denies Spying On Lil Wayne In Jail
A former guard at Rikers Island may sue after she was terminated for allegedly spying on rapper Lil Wayne.
Officials at Rikers Island, the New York jail that houses the rapper, charged that Amelia Negron went into the unit where Wayne stayed without appropriate authorization.
Negron denied the charges.
I dont even like rap. I like rock and alternative music and didnt know much about him when they said I tried to see him. None of its true, she told the New York Daily News.
Negron admitted to going into the ward that held Wayne, but she said she was there to speak to a co-worker, not the multi-platinum artist.
The door to the area was unlocked, and so I went in to say hello, and that officer said, Hey, you cant be here. Weve got a celeb here. I said, Okay, no problem, turned around and left.
She said afterwards, she was subsequently threatened.
[I] did nothing wrong, but [I was] threatened with criminal charges, transfers, suspensions.
Officials in the Correction Department maintain that the firing was just.
Negron is consulting her lawyers with the expectation that she will sue.
JR Writer – “Still Standing” Mixtape
Dipset/ThundaByrd Rapper JR Writer drops his highly anticipated new
mixtape “Still Standing” alongside DJ Ill Will, DJ Thoro, Big Mike
& DJ Rockstar. The Harlem, New York MC loaded this mixtape with 25
tracks including almost 80 minutes worth of music. Includes features from Cassidy, Drag-On, 40 Cal, Fred Money, Fresh & Promise. www.twitter.com/thisisJRWriter
Hip-Hop Rumors: Basketball Team Fails Terribly
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.
SEE SOMETHING? SAY
SOMETHING!!!!!
EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY!
YOOOOOOO! This is way, wayyyyyy too funny. This is the fail of the year and that other team is probably still crying right now. This gives new definition to the meaning of Finish them! LMAO! Peep this one classic.
This needed its own look in the rumors.
Chuck D Speaks Out Against New Arizona Immigration Law With New Song
(AllHipHop News) Arizonas new immigration law will give birth to a new form of racial profiling in the eyes of Chuck D. The Public Enemy frontman addresses the controversial law and what he views as the growing tangible and intangible wall existing between the black and brown people in North America in his new song Tear Down That Wall. A statement released by Chuck D and his wife, Dr. Gaye Theresa Johnson, leaves no mystery as to how they feel about Arizona governor Jan Brewer signing the legislation into law last week as well as those who have not voiced their opinion on the issue.Under the new law, Arizona police are required to question people if they have reason to believe they may be in the United States illegally. CNN reports the legislation also targets those who hire illegal immigrant laborers or knowingly transport them as well as requires immigrants to carry their alien registration documents at all times. At this time, officers can check someone’s immigration status only if that person is suspected in another crime. Jan Brewer’s decision to sign the Arizona immigration bill into law is racist, deceitful, and reflects some of the most mean-spirited politics against immigrants that the country has ever seen, the couple said. The power that this law gives to police, to detain people that they suspect to be undocumented, brings racial profiling to a new low.Brewer’s actions and those of [Maricopa County, AZ sheriff] Joe Arpaio, [Senator]Russell Pearce, the Arizona State Senate are despicable, inexcusable, and endorse the all-out hate campaign that Joe Arpaio, Russell Pearce, and others have perpetrated upon immigrants for years, Chuck D and Johnson added. The people of Arizona, who voted for this bill, as well as those who crafted it, demonstrate no regard for the humanity or contributions of Latino people. And for all of those who have chosen not to speak up, shame on you for silently endorsing this legislated hate.Chuck Ds Tear Down That Wall may be a new offering, but the title of the tune carries historical significance as it stirs up memories of former President Ronald Reagans criticism of communist countries regarding the existence of the Berlin Wall, a prominent symbol of communism.The former actors difference of opinion culminated in his famous speech commemorating the 750th anniversary of Berlin on June 12, 1987 in Berlin. Reagan challenged the -then General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev to tear down the wall in an effort to usher in more democracy and free speech.Years later, the desire for freedom would manifest in Public Enemy. The collective, who is known for its politically charged music, generated headlines in the early 90s with the song By the Time I Get to Arizona. The tune and its video are noted for addressing the controversy surrounding then Arizona governor Evan Meachams refusal to recognize Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s birthday as a national holiday. Although the songs content reflected a different subject, Chuck D believes no change exists in regards to resolving the issues of the past. In 1991 I wrote a song criticizing Arizona officials (including John McCain and Fife Symington) for rejecting the federal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The same politics I wrote about in “By the Time I Get to Arizona” are alive and well in Arizona today, but this time the target is Brown people, the rapper stated.Chuck D may have a point. In recent years, the challenge for those trying to get in to the U.S. has been met with fatal results.Since 1994, the struggle for Mexican migrants trying to reach the United States has resulted in more than 5,000 deaths. According to Mexicos National Human Rights Commission, an average three migrants lost their lives every two days in the US-Mexico border region in 2007 and 2008. With the new law scheduled to take effect 90 days after the close of Arizonas legislative session, Chuck D believes the time is now to join critics who feel the immigration law will cause businesses, tourists and various conventions to find another location to serve them as well as increase racial profiling. Supporters argue the law is needed to curb illegal immigration. These actions must stop. I am issuing a call to action, urging my fellow musicians, artists, athletes, performers, and production companies to refuse to work in Arizona until officials not only overturn this bill, but recognize the human rights of immigrants, Chuck D expressed. This should include the NBA playoffs, revisiting the actions of the NFL in 1993, when they moved the Super Bowl to Pasadena in protest against Arizona’s refusal to recognize Dr. King. We all need to speak up in defense of our brothers and sisters being victimized in Arizona, because things are only getting worse. What theyre doing to immigrants is appalling, but it will be even more damning if we remain silent.’
TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: Game
The Game has never hidden his influences and on his albums he names them quite liberally. However, AllHipHop.com had to get the definitive Top 5 Dead or Alive from the Compton wordsmith. In typical Game fashion, the list is perplexing with a dose of standard fare at the same time. Furthermore, he completely broke tradition and doubled the Top 5. The R.E.D. Album drops on June 15, and he celebrates the recent release of The R.E.D. Room., keeping fans pleased.
If his influences are any indication of future success, Game is about to have a banner year. The Game: Top 5 Dead or Alive…or something like that.
AllHipHop.com: I need your Top 5 lyricists of all time.
Game: You know that can’t be done.
AllHipHop.com: Why not?
Game: Because there ain’t five it’s like 10 of them ni**as.
AllHipHop.com: OK so give me 10 and why?
Game: B.I.G that’s gotta be number one.
NO. 1 – THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G.
AllHipHop.com: Why?
Game: Because you said lyricists and that’s B.I.G. He made it cool to be an emcee, he made it funny, he talked about himself and still kept it hot. He made the women go crazy and hes a big 300 lb fat nasty ugly ni**a and I can say that because he said it. But BIG was just that dope when he repped Brooklyn he repped New York and still to this day he’s the king of New York. That’s what they call him that’s what I call him because with two albums and he was only alive for one album, look at the impact he made. Dope
NO. 2 – NAS
Game: Then NAS, man a 12th grader with a platinum album. That’s what I like 17 years old 12th grade with one of the top 3 Hip-hop albums of all time, 10 tracks just so Hip-hop. 17 with that mind? Gotta be #2, crazy.
NO. 3 – ICE CUBE
Game: Ice Cube, he wrote all NWA’s sh**. From the skits on to the raps so that’s him.NO. 4 – TUPAC
Game: #4 Tupac, because he makes you feel good. He makes you feel like you somebody, makes you feel like your a part of something, especially the ladies. Tupac love the ladies. He always made you feel good though, always made you think. But he had one flaw he talked about the same thing all the time. I’d be like did this ni**a say thug passion again? (Laughs) But I’m a super super Pac fan.
NO. 5 – EMINEM
Game: #5 Let’s go Eminem and he’d be #1 if I didn’t have those other 4 guys up there. I love Em he’s dope hes always been dope and as far as any type of lyrical war the guys above him, I don’t think could win in a battle. You don’t f### with that crazy white boy. You notice out of everyone I’ve ever talked about i never f##### with Em and I never will when he p##### off he ain’t gonna punch you in the mouth and he probably can’t beat you up, but he’s gonna f### you up. And we’re all going to believe in it and we’re listen and we’re gonna love it and we’re not gonna love the other guy so much because he’s gonna rip you a new a######.
NO. 6 – JAY-Z
Game: Jay-Z, I would’ve put him up higher but I don’t have to its my list. Naw but Jay could be in anyone of those slots. But with BIG and PAC’s untimely demise, he capitalized on that. He was the most prominent emcee after those two deaths and he held for us, for Hip-hop throughout and still. 40 plus and still kickin sh** fresh like it was 96. Do this n#### put out anything that’s not cool? He’s always changing the game, he’s always making the s### that we think is cool, not hot anymore. Ya know, we be on something and he’ll come and be like that ain’t the sh** we off that change clothes, and did EVERYBODY change clothes? I remember we all used to be so hood my sh** used to be baggy, everybody changed clothes, what man do you know that ain’t got a belt? If he ain’t got nothing else he got a name brand belt. That was Jay he did that.
NO. 7 – SNOOP DOGG
Game: I gotta so Snoop cause I’m getting to close to the end and # 7 is actually too far for Snoop cause that’s my friend he’s like my brother and he’s dope. He’s still dope but the old Snoop? Like right now he’s daddy day care he’s chillin, but before that, the flattop with the hoodie on and the electronic Johnnie 5 I’m alive movements yo! Snoop at #7
NO. 8 – WU-TANG CLAN
Game: Wu Tang as a group. Because we all know that era we were all trying to kick through walls trying to be Chinese with them they did it so Wu Tang as a group. And definitely Method Man on the stand-out just for being a part of that group being dope but still being able to get commercial and still keep it lyrics and hood, ya know. That s**t with Mary J you know the one, the one, the one. That’s Method Man and so Wu Tang as a group that’s number eight.
NO. 9 – SCARFACE
Game: #9 Gimme Scarface and at #10 Gimme DMX and I’m good. My reason for DMX is because remember how I said PAC always took care of the women? Well DMX, them ni**s with the dirt under they nails and not a dollar in their pocket trying to figure out whats next? Where I’m going? Where am I gonna sleep? Those ni**as the ones out there that people gave up on DMX looked out for them he was one of them and gave them what they needed. And all of us that weren’t like that or were still hood but I at least had a dollar in my pocket and a place to sleep we felt that because we knew people like that and then he took that mainstream and it worked and he barked and growled on everything.
NO. 10 – DMX
AllHipHop.com: Do you think we gave up on DMX?
Game: We gave up on him, but we’re like that. We gave up on Micheal Jackson when we let him die like that. We give up on people – that’s who we are.
THE SIDEBAR – GURU
AllHipHop.com: Speaking of death, we just lost Guru do you have any words on that?
Game: If I had a Top 20 I would give it to Guru, but Gang Starr is iconic. When death springs up on you, it ain’t really nothing you can say that’s gonna make too much sense so I just wish him the best on his journey up top. And condolences to his family cause it could happen to anybody and it will happen to everybody. So you can cry and feel sad but not too much because all of our day’s will come so we’re just living til we can’t live no more. I’m sure he was holding onto life and really didn’t want to go but sometimes its OK to just let go.
Mixtape Download: Papoose Papoose Season
The one and only Papoose is back again with another classic, “Papoose Season,” which is hosted by DJ Kay Slay, DJ Whoo Kid, DJ Self, Dj Nu, DJ Drama, DJ Robby Rob, DJ Juanito, DJ Cocoa Chanelle, Jenny Boom Boom, Sasha Victoria, DJ Camilo, DJ Envy. Starting off with a street classic ” Trading Guns,” Papoose hits you with that raw street essence of hip-hop lyrism. The mixtape features Ray J,Maino, Red Cafe, Waka Flocka, Jim Jones Bun B and Twista which makes this a classic mixtape overall. Click here to download it.
Pitbull Makes People En Espanols 50 Most Beautiful Hispanic Celebrities Issue
(AllHipHop News) Miami-based rapper Pitbull will be in good company on the printed page as one of the 50 Most Beautiful Hispanic Celebrities for People En Espanol.
Those appearing in the special issue with the hitmaking entertainer include actress Sofia Vergara from ABCs Modern Family, singer Ricky Martin, model /TV personality Daisy Fuentes, singer/actress Thalia, celebrity blogger Perez Hilton and current Miss Universe Stefania Fernandez, among others. Celebrities included in the 50 Most Beautiful edition were chosen by PeopleEnEspanol.com users for the third consecutive year.
Photos taken by celebrity photographer Omar Cruz for the 14th annual issue were inspired by Mexico’s Golden Age cinema and telenovela icons.
To promote the 50 Most Beautiful issue, PeopleEnEspanol.com will have exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from the editions cover shoots as well as an online special featuring daily updates with exclusive photo galleries, celebrities interviews and interactive surveys about this year’s 50 Most Beautiful.
The site will continue its behind-the-scenes coverage with a look at People En Espanols 50 Most Beautiful party. The event is scheduled to take place on May 20 in New York City.Pitbulls inclusion in the 50 Most Beautiful issue comes more than six months after the release of his latest album, Rebelution. The project, which features appearances from Lil Jon, Ke$sha, B.o.B and Akon, includes the hit singles I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) and the Hotel Room Service.
PEOPLE En Espanol’s 50 Most Beautiful Hispanic Celebrities issue is set to hit newsstands in June.
New Eminem: Not Afraid
The new Eminem song is here. This is Not Afraid from the upcoming album, Recovery. The song is an anthem in nature and rebellious to the core. Check it out.
Can Hip-Hop’s New Generation “Master The Moment”
Master The Moment.
Years ago, I wrote a personal editorial on AllHipHop.com, because I felt like the culture itself has finally learned to “master the moment.” This write up referred to the period affectionately known as the second Golden Era. I’m not certain if that the “Master The Moment” phrase had ever been used before, but I felt it was appropriate for the crop of ambitious, determined and business savvy artists that were successfully melding branding with marketing with commerce with art.
It all seemed to go hand in hand, like the Boy’s Club logo.
Strategically, this created stars, in front of the camera and behind. Most notably – but not limited to – is the team over at Def Jam Records, who repeatedly knocked it out of the park with Survival of the Illest, Month of the Man (Red & Meth) and other initiatives. Not to be forgotten were folks like Steve Rifkind and Loud Records, Jay-Z, Dame and Roc, and other collectives like the Duck Down crew, who remain a powerful brand. During that time, the artists and their team’s timing was impeccable. Biggie and Puff Daddy (P. Diddy) were supremely tactical in their approach to the game, something that often goes unnoticed these days. DMX was right on time when he broke out of the shiny suit era with “Get At Me Dog.” All systems were a-go, from the streets to the board room.
In present day, the “machine” and all of its various cogs seem out of synch. And I’m hoping that the new generation of Rap stars know the value of mastering the moment like their predecessors. But, I’ll admit I am not certain.
There is hope, if they take heed.
Nicki Minaj recently scrapped her touring plans with pop princess Rihanna in order to work on her album, which is now slated for a September release. Barbz I’m sorry 2 say I will not be going out on RiRi’s tour. I’ve decided 2 use that time 4 the completion of my album. Hope u understand, Nicki tweeted, of her album that I’d like to see manifest before the September 2010 scheduled release date. Well, if Nicki’s reasoning it true, she is probably preparing herself to win the war of longevity as opposed to winning battles for fast cash.
Speaking of cash, I believe quick money is the reason why a bunch of newer acts fail to master the moment. Rappers and other artists as well have the ability to pay their bills in ways unimagined before thanks to the internet. The loved and loathed one known as Waka Flocka is living proof of this. While many abhor this product of Atlanta, he’s tours getting about $15 – $17 thousand per show. Sometimes he does two shows a night, one for adults and one for teens. He’s admitted his reluctance to drop an album, because it could serve as a buzz kill if its not well received.
Then there is Drake, who is closely related to Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne’s Young Money. Drake seemed to be set in the year 2009, as he had several smash hit records like “Best I Ever Had” and “Successful.” Furthermore, he’s already won numerous awards and has been nominated for a Grammy. This success has continued into 2010, where he’s graced VIBE’s recent cover and will cover XXL’s issue with the aforementioned Nicki Minaj. So, with Sprite commercials, Drake is still a bankable artist. In many ways, I do wish So Far Gone was turned into an album so all the accolades surrounding it could represent his “moment.”
Hip-Hop will continue to need stars on every level, including the underground. Take Jay Electronica for instance. He’s been resolute in creating a feverish demand, especially with his song “Exhibit C.” But, in a recent interview, he admitted that he wasn’t prepared for the demand.
I saw this video on 2dopeboyz.com, where the comments were particularly interesting and pointed to Jay Electronica’s ability to master this moment. Here is a random sampling.
“Im not even asking for Act II, an album, or a mixtape .just put out a new song dude.”
“Everytime I see Jay Electronicas name I think its a new song but nope, more interviews haha ”
“ok so i didnt wanna be one of the people always complaining, because i usually dont freak out when stuff is pushed back and whatever but seriously where the f**k is act 2?”
I really “need” Electronica to hit the masses with a video and then an album, but his fans mostly just want a new song. “Exhibit C” not only excited Hip-Hop’s core, but it rejuvenated those that have abandoned rap. A friend of mine hit me like, “Have you heard of this dude Jayo Electronica?” That’s no typo – JAYO. He had never so much as heard of Jay until that song. Yet, the follow up has been sluggish to say the least and I’m hoping the Jay’s moment isn’t escaping him.
But, Jay Electronica and others are in the driver’s seat of their careers and move at their own pace, and perhaps the pace of their base. Furthermore, they have the ability to generate revenue through touring and singles without a label. Why rush an album when you get $15, 000 per show like Waka Flocka or in Nicki’s case $30,000 to host parties during the NBA’s All-Star weekend?
I admittedly think of the classic album as the basis from which hometown heroes can transcend into timeless legends by way of their art. Every legend has at least one classic album, but that is a fleeting notion with the way CDs sales are down and rappers are dropping stray tracks daily. Nevertheless, timing is everything. Take Joe Budden for example. I still consider Mood Muzik 2 his classic album, even though it was a highly revered mixtape. It came out at a time when people thought it was over for the “streets draft pick.” Lil Wayne made it practice to flood the streets and the internet with song after song, mixtape after mixtape until the demand was unparalleled. Both artists made the moment their master, not the other way around.
So, where does that leave us.
It leaves us back to the basics with a modern twist.
Jay-Z is an excellent example. While Jay is revered as a solo artist, he’s never ever been truly solo. He and his team (whichever team that has been through the years) have always been a master at capturing moments in time. Just look at last year alone. He did the September 11 benefit, which coincided with his scheduled album release for Blueprint 3, which happened to coincide with the September 11, 2001 release of The (original) Blueprint. He released a quintessential pop ode to New York City (“Empire State of Mind”) when New York rap is still climbing back into prominence. If you look back, you can chart when Jay’ and his team (I emphatically stress team) were on the same accord and the results. Lastly, Jay has known when to change gears, when to collaborate with who and when to leave the past in the past. Sure, there have been missteps, but the moves have been overwhelmingly positive time and time again.
I can’t say the same for many of my favorite artist, who often look like they were an astronaut floating in space with no jet pack. Confused and directionless.
The moments in time became their master and they fell off, even though they were skillful artists.
With that, I charge this new generation of creatives (and some older ones) to keep pushing forward as aggressively as possible, but know when to pump the brakes, push the pedal to the metal and definitely know what kind of “vehicle” you are in. Employ your resources wisely in a way that allows you to maximize the impact of your talents. Generally, the moment is bestowed upon you and other times created by you. Whichever is the case, you better be ready and I hope you are, because the time is now.
Watch: Kimora Lee & Russell Simmons “Play Fight”
During DrJays.com Live’s recent live stream of Baby Phat‘s Summer 2010 collection, held at Phat Fashions’ midtown Manhattan offices, host Kimora Lee Simmons was surprised when ex-husband Russell Simmons appeared in the room.
The animated ex-couple immediately start to play fight over Kimora allegedly insinuating that Russell’s current girl, Julie Henderson, was “fat” on an episode of Kimora’s show, Life In The Fab Lane. Russell then asks Kimora to appear in his own upcoming reality show (due this fall). Kimora also mentions last year’s VH1 Hip-Hop Honors footage, where Russell and former partners Rick Rubin and Lyor Cohen feature prominently, teasing her ex-husband by telling him, “You actually look good! You could get it! Not from me, but you could get it.”
Check out the video below:
You can expect more footage from the Baby Phat Summer 2010 live stream soon!
Gucci Mane Camp Sued Again for Missed Shows
Gucci
Mane (Radric Davis), his booking agent Johnnie Cabbell (Hitt Afta Hitt
Entertainment), and Debra Antney (So Icey Entertainment CEO) are facing
another lawsuit over alleged concert no-shows.
The
latest lawsuit was filed in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania by William
Marshall (Marshall Productions) and Derrick Brown (Rockstar
Entertainment). The two parties allege that Guccis representatives
took two deposits of $13, 750.00 to book him for concerts in Pittsburgh
last August that were never completed.
At
the time, Gucci Mane was restricted from leaving the state of Georgia
due to parole violations from a 2005 felony assault, which eventually
resulted in him being sent back to prison for 12 months on November 12.
According
to the lawsuit, Marshall and Brown claim the defendants’ engaged in a
widespread scheme scheduling concerts they knew would not take place,
including the concerts involving plaintiffs that are the subject of
this complaint.
Last
year, Gucci Manes camp was the subject of intense media scrutiny
regarding similar claims from other promoters in a 10-page
investigative article by Ozone magazine founder Julia Beverly.
I am fully aware of the recent allegations which have been made about me and my company Hitt Afta Hitt Entertainment (HAH). I
am a licensed and bonded entertainment booker and have been operating
my company successfully for almost a decade, Johnnie Cabbell told AllHipHop.com
last December. During my career, I have booked thousands upon
thousands of shows and have worked with various promoters all over the
country. I have maintained an impeccable track record and am operating within the confines of all applicable laws. Ive always strived to do the best job I can possibly do and will continue to do that.
The plaintiffs are seeking over $25,000 in damages.
At press time, a court date has not been set.
AllHipHop ChartWatch: Black Eyed Peas, Luda and Cypress Hill Linger On Charts
AllHipHop ChartWatch for April 28, 2010No Hip Hop in the top 10 but there is
Usher. Hes kind of Hip Hop. Well not
really but hes got some rappers on his album.
This week Raymond vs Raymond
comes in at number five and sells 51,000 copies.
Moving beyond the top ten we have the
Black Eyed Peas whose latest album, The
E.N.D, sells another 21,000 copies and grabs the number 17 spot.
They are followed by Ludacris who holds
the number 18 spot. This week the
Atlanta rapper moves another 20,000 copies of his seventh studio album, Battle of the Sexes.
The next group was in Dropping last
week and this week they claim the 22nd spot. Cypress Hill come back to the music world
after a brief hiatus and sells 17,000 copies of their latest, Rise Up.
Finally Lil Waynes attempt at rock
music is still (amazingly) selling. This
week the New Orleans rapper moves another 11,000 copies of Rebirth and grabs the number 40 spot.
Shoulda
Been
It came out last week. It wasnt in the top ten this week but it
shoulda been. This week its Devin the
Dude. This artist has been grinding out
of Houston since the mid-nineties (15 of those years with Rap-A-Lot.) After coming out with the Odd Squad the
rapper went solo and has since released six studio albums. Devin has worked with some notable Hip Hop
figures including Dr. Dre, DJ Premier, Scarface, De La Soul, Nas, 8Ball, Andre
3000, Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne and Bun B just to name a few. His last album is titled Suite 420 and, in typical Devin the Dude fashion, features the MC
rapping and singing about wine, weed, and women in his humorous, narrative
flow. Its not in the top ten for this
week…it shoulda been.
Dropping
This Week
First up this week in Dropping is
someone that should have been in the column last week. I got Devin the Dude, Cypress Hill, and
Little Brother but I forgot Kurrupt.
Last week the westcoast MC release Streetlights,
his sixth studio album. The new disc features
appearances from Xzibit, Snoop Dogg, DJ Drama, DJ Quick, Tone, Problem, and
Terrace Martin. Thanks to Bertofab
(Dont know what that means or stands for but Im sure it makes sense) for
pointing it out in the comments section.
One things for sure Kurrupt, Little Brother, Devin the Dude, and
Cypress Hill have a strong fan base and they will let you know if youre
slipping.
The first artist dropping this week is from outside the United
States. Anita Tijoux was born in France
while her family was exiled due to the political climate in Chile. Upon returning to her home country Tijoux joined
a series of Hip Hop groups throughout the late nineties. Since then Tijoux has won a string of awards
throughout the international community but is relatively unknown in the
U.S. She is now releasing her fifth solo
record titled 1977. This album is said to be inspired by her
childhood in France and an ode to the 90s Hip Hop that inspired her during her
teen years in Chile. I know that U.S.
fans arent big on hearing international Hip Hop albums but with artist like
K-OS dropping solid albums maybe listeners should give Anita Tijoux a chance.
Staying in that international vein is
another Latin American artist with a little more U.S. notoriety. Now, Im not a big fan of reggaeton so I
pretty much had my radio switched off a couple of years ago, but I will give
credit where it is due…this next artist has a strong fan base. Daddy Yankee has carved out a huge niche
worldwide, a significant portion of which comes from the U.S. This week he releases his ninth studio album,
Daddy Yankee Mundial, which
translated means Daddy Yankee Worldwide.
This album is said by Yankee to be a mixture of a few musical styles
including raggaeton, soca, and bachata.
It was supposed to come out around this time last year so fans should be
really happy to see it finally coming out this week.
Next up is a highly anticipated artist
amongst Hip Hop fans and artists alike.
Coming out of Atlanta is B.o.B and his debut album, B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray. He, along with Wale, Asher Roth Drake, and
Kid Cudi are some of the artist thought to be the new class of Hip Hop. B.o.B produced close to half of his debut
album which features Bruno Mars, Lupe Fiasco, Hayley Williams, T.I., Janelle
Monae, River Cuomo, Eminem and Ricco Barrino.
That eclectic list of feature artists should give fans a little preview
of how the album will feel. I havent
liked every B.o.B song (I want to punch my radio every time I hear Nothin on
You) but I do appreciate the diversity he brings to the game. Like the artist in todays Shoulda Been
section B.o.B sings, raps, produces, and plays multiple instruments. Dont be like me and let that first single
fool you if you want to know about B.o.B take a listen to some of his mixtapes
and then go pick up The Adventures of
Bobby Ray.
Its an international kind of day so
lets hop across the pond and take a look at Ty with his latest album Special Kind of Fool. The London born rapper has released three
albums previously and worked with the likes of Estelle, De La Soul, Speech,
Zion I and Basement Jaxx.
So thats the charts and the albums
dropping this week. Go out there and
pick up an album.