Monday, January 31, 2011

Game Reveals Title And Concept Of DJ Premier Collaboration, Roots For Green Bay Packers In Super Bowl


The Compton icon teams with an east coast legend to make a song about the south, champions "Green and Yellow" and talk about mainstream Rap going global.

Last week, Compton, California emcee Game revealed to Complex.com that he and DJ Premier were able to secure a collaboration for this year's R.E.D. album. Speaking with HipHopDX last week, Game was asked to describe one of the three final tracks that the Gang Starr producer crafted with the Black Wall Street rapper. "The name of the song [DJ] Premier did is called 'Born In The Trap,'" revealed Game to DX. "I'ma say that it's an east coast beat from an east coast producer, a west coast artist rhymin' on it, and it's about the south. So get that. That shit is crazy, man."

Previously, Chicago, Illinois emcee Lupe Fiasco teamed with Soundtrakk for a song about the Houston Hip Hop experience on "Hip-Hop Saved My Life" from 2007's The Cool. Later on, Lupe claimed the song was inspired by Slim Thug and Bun B.

While speaking with HipHopDX, Game, an avid sports fan, was asked about his allegiance in this Sunday's Super Bowl XLV. "The team with a G on their helment; I'm Game," said the emcee with a chuckle, referring to Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. "I'm biased to the letter." Although Game remixed Pittsburgh anthem "Black and Yellow" with Wiz Khalifa on Purp & Patron (as "Purp and Yellow" ) he continued, "All I got is 'Green & Yellow, Green & Yellow.'"

Lastly, Game spoke about his recent collaborations with French emcees, and if he believes mainstream Rap will be more globally accepted. "I think that Hip Hop, as an individual entity, just grows and flourishes, all around the world. More power to anybody who picks up a microphone and does anything on it, or plugs an MPC and a laptop in, and makes a beat," said Game. "'Cause we're all a part of this wave - where it is, where it'll stop, where it'll land, nobody knows, but I'm championin' everybody."

Kangol Kid Urges U.T.F.O. Members For Reunion, Proceeds To Kool Herc


The first Rap group to come forward is 1980s Brooklyn legend Kangol Kid, calling the quartet to reunite for one show, with 100% of proceeds going to Hip Hop's founder.

Brooklyn, New York Hip Hop group U.T.F.O. has not released an album in 20 years. Still, the Select Records quartet largely known for hit singles like "Roxanne, Roxanne," and "Beats and Rhymes" may be one of the first Rap outfits stepping forward to publicly help Hip Hop founder DJ Kool Herc, in a time of health and financial concerns.

While the quartet of Kangol Kid, Mixmaster Ice, Doctor Ice and The Educated Rapper have not performed together in recent years, one member is calling for a reunion, to support Herc's cause. In a public statement by Kangol Kid, he urged his band-mates to consider.

"I am saddened by the news of Kool Herc’s deteriorating physical condition and resulting medical payment issues. Unfortunately, the majority of classic Hip Hop artists of my generation are at the risk suffering the same fate. Herc is a legend of my time as well as a pioneer of my culture and most importantly…he is my friend. Therefore, after several failed attempts to reunite U.T.F.O., I urge original members Doctor Ice, Educated Rapper, Mixmaster Ice and myself, Kangol Kid to put our differences aside and appear/perform for one show which will be awarded to the highest biding promoter from any city for what may be the first of many or the last performance of U.T.F.O. One hundred percent (100%) of U.T.F.O.’s earnings from this performance will be donated directly to Kool Herc’s medical expenses because it is the right thing to do. I am doing my part…and I challenge anyone who has benefited financially from the business of Hip Hop to do theirs."

Big Unk Arrested For Possession of 150 Pounds of Marijuana, Claims Innocence


Big Unk, presently freed on bond, is publicly maintaining his innocence. A press release on behalf of the E1 said Unk maintains he was arrested for "driving while black." Peter John, Big Unk’s attorney, in a statement said “I expect an uphill battle. My client has the right to a trial by jury which he has chosen to exercise.”

Dr. Dre Relaunches Website, Used As A Platform To Preview Music


One of the first Rap superstars to have a website gives it a much-needed facelift, and begins promoting "I Need A Doctor."

Hip Hop superstar Dr. Dre is a lot of things, but he's never been a heavy Internet presence. The Compton, California producer/rapper and founder of Aftermath Entertainment is not known for tweeting, facebooking or doing many online interviews, but the icon's DrDre.com website has been relaunched this week.

DrDre.com, a website owned by Dre and his legal staff since 1997 (according to online records) - a year after forming his Aftermath label, has sat dormant for several years. The site now provides a Soundcloud to "I Need A Doctor" , Dre's Eminem-assisted second official single from long-awaited third solo album, Detox. The single's official cover art also drives consumer's to tomorrow (February 1, 2011) iTunes release date.

Other artists, such as Kanye West and Swizz Beatz, have launched or re-launched websites to provide fans with free streams and/or downloads to songs.

Eminem To Appear In Million-Dollar Super Bowl Ad For Lipton Brisk


Slim Shady's life comes to claymation for the popular tea soft drink, as reportedly Em signs his first endorsement deal for a cool million.

After over a decade of super-stardom, Detroit, Michigan's Eminem has finally agreed to an endorsement deal. The Aftermath Entertainment emcee/producer has reportedly signed a seven-figure contract with Lipton Teas, for an advertising campaign that will launch during this Sunday's Super Bowl game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers.

Although not confirmed, early reports, via The New York Post, claim that the spot will chronicle a typical day in Eminem's life. The ads will be presented in claymation, similar to Lipton Brisk's famed ads with Frank Sinatra several years ago.

Super Bowl ad time this year is reportedly at $3 million per minute.

Super Bowl coverage begins Sunday, February 6 at 6:30 pm EST on the FOX network.

Swollen Members' Madchild Turns U.S. Customs Banning Into An EP


Suburban Noize Records announced today that Mad Child turned his United States Customs experience into an EP, February 15's Banned From America.

"After being turned away at customs, I drove home that night feeling full of disappointment and frustration. I knew I had to do something positive as a way of dealing with it, so I started writing about the experience," commented Madchild in a statement. "I started recording immediately and didn't stop for six days. I was only sleeping a couple hours a day, because if I wasn't writing or recording, I would have gotten myself into some trouble. Looking back, this was the best thing I could've done for myself and some dope new songs came out of these recording sessions. Everyone at the label loved the material and I'm excited for fans to hear it."

The tracklisting to the five-song EP is as follows:

1 - Black Phantom
2 - Mental Explosion
3 - Little Bad Wolf
4 - Super Ill Villain
5 - Re-birth of the Warlord

Nicki Minaj Gives "Saturday Night Live" Second Highest Season Rating


Saturday Night Live enjoys its second-highest ratings this season as Nicki Minaj transforms from Young Money's Barbie to Bride of Blackenstein.

The January 29 episode of “Saturday Night Live” drew a preliminary rating of 3.2 in 25 markets with adults between the ages of 18 and 49. The episode, which was hosted by The Social Network actor Jesse Eisenberg and featured Nicki Minaj as the musical guest ranked as SNL’s second-highest rated episode this season, only trailing the January 8 episode, which featured Jim Carrey.

Nicki performed her current singles, “Moment 4 Life,” which is currently ranked number 37 on Billboard magazine’s Hot 100 chart as well as “Right Thru Me.” In addition to the performance, Nicki was featured in two comedy sketches—“Do The Creep,” a digital short by The Lonely Island and “Bride of Blackenstein,” which featured Jay Pharoah, Andy Samberg and Kenan Thompson.


"SNL just gave me yet another #moment4life | S/O to the entire staff 4 being INCREDIBLE ; and Thank you all for tuning in! xoxo"

“Being a part of ‘Saturday Night Live’ feels absolutely incredible,” Nicki told MTV a few days before her performance. “I still don’t even believe it’s true, I’m not even going to believe it’s really happening until—well, I’m going to DVR it, because I can’t watch it, because I’ll be on it.”

National Museum Of Hip Hop Creates 'Donate-A-Dollah' Campaign


The National Museum of Hip Hop launches 'Donate-A-Dollah' campaign, hopes to create a Hip Hop census.

To raise awareness of the upcoming National Museum Of Hip Hop (NMoH) which will be built in New York City and to raise funds for the project those behind the creation of the museum have launched the worldwide “Donate-A-Dollah” campaign.

The NMoH is asking that fans of Hip Hop across the globe donate a dollar to the “Donate-A-Dollah” campaign. Since a donation can only be made once the NMoH will also use the results of their campaign to create a sort of Hip Hop census.

The campaign will also help organizer’s decide which borough in New York City the museum will be placed in.

“If we are ever going to create positive change within our inner-city communities, we must stop depending on out-of-area government officials and corrupt politicians; true changes begins and ends with the PEOPLE. But before the people (hip-hop culture) can exact change, they must first be unified; this, unification, is the underlying focus of the DAD Campaign,” said Craig Wilson, creator of DAD & President of NMoH. “Hip-Hop is a world renowned culture and is long overdue for an institution to recognize and educate the public on the positive contributions of the four original elements of its culture.”

The National Museum of Hip Hop was founded in 2005 with plans for a physical museum having been brought up in the last two years or so. Last year the National Museum of Hip Hop faced a number of problems including financial issues, location problems, and even a boycott against the museum led by Hip Hop icon KRS-One.

Young Money's Cory Gunz Gets April MTV Docu-series, "Son Of A Gun"






Nick Cannon will executive produce a six-part Thursday night series that looks closely at the persistence of one of Young Money's newest acts signed.

Bronx, New York emcee Cory Gunz is the latest Young Money emcee to get MTV's docu-series treatment. The leading music network has previously aired "day-in-the-life" material on Drake and Nicki Minaj, before announcing this morning that they have an April 28 premiere planned for Cory Gunz.

Son of A Gun takes its name from the fact that Cory Gunz is son of 1990s emcee Pete Gunz, who along with Lord Tariq, scored a hit in 1998's "Deja Vu (Uptown Baby)" for Columbia Records. The series will be produced by a Rap peer, in Nick Cannon, who called Cory's story "inspiring, one that boldly paints the many trials and tribulations he’s had to endure in pursuit of his dreams.”

The six-part series, airing at 11pm EST, will show Gunz hunger and rise, including a feature on Lil Wayne's present hit "6'7" .

Jamie Smith of the xx Explains Drake's New Direction






Now that Drake has enlisted 9th Wonder, the xx, Florence Welch and others for "Take Care," what should fans expect on his sophomore album?

Despite earning four Grammy nominations and selling over a million copies of his debut, Drake may be drastically changing his sound. In October, the Toronto-based actor-turned-rapper announced he had already recorded material with 9th Wonder as well as his longtime collaborator Noah “40” Shebib. In early January, Drake also confirmed working with indie rocker Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine.

“Me and Flo met the night after the VMAs, she came to the studio and we just clicked right away,” Drake told BBC’s Newsbeat. The two performed the Thank Me Later single “Fireworks” live during Drake’s tour stop in Birmingham, West Midlands. At the time Welch said it was possible a future collaboration could either end up on Drake’s album or on something released by Florence and the Machine.

Additionally, Jamie Smith of the xx recently told Pitchfork he and Drake played some new material for each other during a brief encounter in London.

“He’s not just after making a hit album again, he really wants to make things we’ve never heard before,” Smith said. “I think I’ll be flying to New York or Toronto to work with him in a few weeks. I’m happy to try new things, that’s what this year is about.”

Regardless of the direction of the album, fans should probably not expect it anytime soon. Drake said he’s taking up to a week to complete some individual songs in hopes of presenting a more complete package for his sophomore effort.

“‘Thank Me Later’ was a rushed album,” Drake told the UK’s DJ Semtex. “I didn’t really get to take the time that I wanted to on that record. I rushed a lot of the songs, and sonically, I didn’t get to set with the record and say, ‘Maybe I need to change this verse.’ It was like once it was done, it’s done. That’s why my new album is called ‘Take Care,’ because I get to take my time this go round. It’ll be out in 2011.”

Mikkey Halsted Credits Kanye West As Inspiration, Despite '00s Split

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Mixtape Release Dates: Game, Money Making Jam Boys, Lil' Kim


On 4/20, Curren$y and Alchemist are said to be teaming up for "Convertible Coup" while Big K.R.I.T. has March 22 on lock, after Game heats things up with three huge mixtapes in one week.

Game, Money Making Jam Boys, and Travis Porter take over this week, Juvenile and Lil Kim join the Valentine’s Day lineup, Fabolous does some S.O.U.L. searching, and Travis Barker preempts his March 15 LP with a Wicked freebie. Additionally, Kid Cudi matures into A Man Named Scott this summer, circa the release of his Wizard collaboration album with Dot Da Genius.

First Quarter TBA
Travis Barker & DJ Whoo Kid – Let The Drummer Get Wicked

January 24
DJ K.O. – Living Out A State Of Mind Vol. XII
Game, DJ Skee, & Funkmaster Flex – Purp & Patron
Nickelus F & 0hbliv – Yellow Gold
Random & Lost Perception – Black Materia: Final Fantasy VII
tabi Bonney & Smiles Davis – Postcard From Abroad
Tum Tum & Dow Jones – Super Bowl XLV The Mixtape: 800 Miles And Running

January 25
Chalie Boy – Baby Makin Music: The R&B Files
Mims – Open Bars
Paper Diamonds – Levitate

January 27
Armageddon – The Journal Vol. I: Rebirth
Fokis – A Walk Through Myspace Vol. 1
McKenzie Eddy – A Prelude To My Next Excursion
Schoolboy Q – Setbacks
Wes Coas – Paper Planes

January 28
Lil Chuckee, DJ Tee The Barber, DJ Ill Will, & DJ Rockstar – Rapper’s Market 2: Shop Never Closed
Maro & DJ Bankrupt – Life Of A Flycat
Random & Span Phly – Spy Vs. Spy Vol. 2

January 30
Dre Day & Slim Thug – Tha Recap
Lex One – The G.T.P.S. Mixtape

January 31
Game & DJ Skee – Purp & Patron: The Hangover
Gilbere Forte’& Don Cannon – Eyes Of Veritas

February TBA
Che Grand – ZFTP VIII: Uche The Great
Dorrough & DJ Drama – Gangsta Grillz: Code Red
ElZhi – Elmatic
Fabolous – The S.O.U.L. Tape
Gorilla Zoe & DJ Scream – I Am Atlanta 3 Mixtape
I-20 – The Gray
Kartoon – West Sidin Drive-By
Pac Div – Mania!
Pusha T – Fear Of God
Smoke DZA – T.H.C. (The Hustler’s Catalog)
Vandalyzm – Vandalyzm Is The Stepfather

February 1
HaLo – Heat Writer II
J. NiCS – Champion Rizla
Problem – WhatsTheProblem
YG Hootie – Flight To The Motherland

February 2
Travis Porter, DJ Drama, DJ Teknikz, & DJ Scream – Music Money Magnums

February 3
Money Making Jam Boys, Mick Boogie, & Terry Urban – The Prestige: Jam Boy Music
Sean Kingston, DJ Ill Will, & DJ Drama – King Of Kingz

February 7
The NU Revolution Camp, DJ Vkcor & Statik Banks – Super Hero Theme Music Vol. 1

February 8
Amor – The Wake-Up Show
Neako – The Sinner & The Winner
Stalley – Lincoln Way Nights (Intelligent Trunk Music)

February 9
The Regiment – Back To Lyrics
Yung Nate – I Heart YN

February 11
DJ Dow Jones – Free Trade Agreement

February 13
Devi Dev & Terrace Martin – The Sex EP

February 14
Bobby James – The Glass Ceiling EP
Bobby V & DJ Drama – 60 More Minutes
Dondria – Dondria Duets 2
Jeremih – TBD
Juvenile – I Got The Internet Goin Nuts
J. Valentine – Love & Other Drugs
Lil' Kim – Black Friday
Rocko & DJ Scream – Gift Of Gab
Show Tufli – S.
TiRon & Ayomari – Sucker For Pumps
Trina – Save Tha Best 4 Last

February 15
Brain – The Celestine Prophecy
Fashawn – Higher Learning 2
Grant Parks & Vudu Spellz – Real MCs, Real Skills
Kalae All Day – Past Times & Crass Lines
Meyhem Lauren – Self Induced Illness
U-N-I – Keeps Keep Marching

February 20
Ron Artest – TBD

February 21
Willie The Kid – The Fly 2: The Transformation

February 22
Tity Boi, DJ Teknikz, & DJ Frank White – Codeine Cowboy

February 23
Damani – On Vacation From Vacation
J.R. Writer – Still Standing 2: Killem Dead

February 24
Bossman – Who The Fuck Is Bossman?

February 25
Yung A – Da Jet Life

February 28
Hazardis Soundz – HazMat 2

March TBA
Blaack Bottom – Blaack History
Blood Type – Two Weeks’ Notice
Freddie Gibbs – A Cold Day In Hell
Jerm – No Mercy
Lloyd Banks – The Cold Corner 2011
Mac Miller – Best Day Ever
The Niceguys – TBD
Nino Bless – A Bitch Named Karma
Willie D – Gangsta Of Love Vol. 1
XO – Monumental Vol. 2

March 1
Chip Tha Ripper & Chuck Inglish – Gift Raps
Fly.Union – The Greater Than Club
K-Hill – Motivational Speaker

March 11
Kida – The Redshirt Freshmen

March 22
40 Glocc, Spider Loc, & DJ Drama – Graveyard Shift
Big K.R.I.T. – The Return Of 4Eva
K. Sparks & Pajazo – Tomorrow, Today

April TBA
Phil Ade – A Different World
Reek Da Villain – Villamatic

April 20
Curren$y & The Alchemist – Covert Coup

Summer TBA
Kid Cudi – A Man Named Scott

hug
SeDrew Price – The New Regime

Russell Simmons Delivers Barack Obama's Message Via MySpace


President Barack Obama sends young American citizens a statement discussing the American Dream, student loans, the Affordable Care Act and more.

During a recent MySpace takeover of sorts, Russell Simmons delivered a message directly from President Barack Obama. In order to do this, Simmons participated in the Myspace Hijack, a program that allows celebrities to play the "Editor-in-Chief" of the social media site, as we reported earlier this month.

"Over the past week, I have had the great pleasure of taking over Myspace, which was supposed to end on Thursday, But I just couldn't let it go," Simmons wrote in a statement. "I have shared my musical influences, exclusive excerpts from my new book, Super Rich, inspiring content from GlobalGrind, the best in art and culture, and even a little yoga. I couldn't let go because I had one more thing to share. Nothing makes me prouder than what I received late last night from a hero of mine, the President Of The United States, Barack Obama, and I am overjoyed to deliver his exclusive message to young people of this great nation. As we move forward, let us move forward together as one."

President Obama's message was one straight for the youth and that message covered a variety of topics. He spoke on the Affordable Care Act, the student loan system and military affairs.

"I've always believed that here in America, every young person should be able to set goals and reach them; to discover their passions and follow them; and to earn their piece of the American Dream. That's why, during the last two years, my Administration has worked hard to give people like you the opportunities you need to reach your potential and win the future. We passed the Affordable Care Act that allows young people to stay on their parents health care plan until they're 26 - allowing more time to find a job that carries insurance. We reformed the student loan system to put billions of dollars back into the pockets of students paying for college instead of watching it pad the profits of big banks. We've invested in clean energy and encouraged a generation of innovators working to start the companies and build the technologies of the future. We've ended combat operations in Iraq and brought more than 90,000 troops home from the battlefield, and also made sure they get the care they have earned when they got back," the President wrote.

Still, President Obama urged young citizens of the nation to do their part in leading the way, adding that decisions he makes are always done with the youth in mind.

"Even though there's still a tremendous amount of work to be done, I promise that every decision I make in the years ahead will be made with you in mind. Each of you represents our hope for this country. Your generation will be the one leading America into the future. And if we do our part, I know you'll make us proud."

50 Cent's New Album Will Feature Production From The Cataracs


The "Like A G6" and "Wet" production duo will provide two tracks for the upcoming record.

Some more details have been revealed about 50 Cent’s nearly complete next album. The forthcoming record, entitled Black Magic, is nearly complete and we now know a little more about who’s been lending a hand in its construction. DJ Whoo Kid recently took to twitter to divulge that The Cataracs worked on a couple of tracks for 50.

"Cataracs is doing 2 tracks on 50 cent's new album ! Pow!!"


The Cataracs are the production duo behind Far East Movement's Number One hit "Like A G6." The Berkley producers have also worked with Glasses Malone and the New Boyz. No release date has been set yet for 50's next album but he told MTV.com that he expects it to drop this summer.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Rapper Trina To Be Honored In Jamaica


Miami, Florida rapper Trina will be honored in Kingston, Jamaica during the 7th Annual Excellence in Music and Entertainment (EME) this coming March.

EME Awards Founder and Chairman Richard "Richie B" Burgess said Trina will be the 2011 "International Friend of Reggae Honoree" honored for her collaborations with various Jamaican acts like Queen Lady Saw, Sean Kingston, Barbee and others.

“Some of the icons of our rich musical heritage as well as the hottest newcomers around will receive the recognition they so rightfully deserve, for providing us with wonderful musical gems throughout their careers”, Burgess said in a statement.

Past artists who have received the award include Missy Elliott, Akon, Estelle, John Legend, India.Arie and others.

In addition to Trina, over 30 of Jamaica's top artists will be honored during the EME Awards, with popular acts vying for awards in categories like the Best New Artist, Song of the Year and Vocalist of the Year.

The 2011 EME Awards will take place at The East Lawn of Devon House in Kingston on March 12th.

New York Knicks Bring Out Grandmaster Flash


The New York Knicks paid tribute to the legendary Grandmaster Flash at a recent game against the Miami Heat.

After enduring nearly a decade of losing seasons, the New York Knicks are no doubt elated to find their team in the top tier of the NBA. Now, the Knicks are giving back to their home city by paying tribute to one of the city's most renowned Hip Hop icons, Grandmaster Flash.

The Knicks enlisted the help of Flash to pump up the crowd during their January 27 game against the Miami Heat. Flash spun an all-wax set during the the pre-game, halftime and timeouts to a crowd that included other Hip Hop luminaries like Q-Tip, Fat Joe and Kanye West. He also spoke to the Los Angeles Times about the team's current standing and what it means for the city.

"There's an energy here," said. Flash. "It's getting back to the way it was. It's exciting. This team, as a collective, has a chance to be good." (LATimes.com)

The Knicks went on to win the game that night against the Heat 93-88. In addition, the Knicks's star power forward Amare Stoudemire was named an All-Star Starter prior to the game's start.

Nelly's Road Manager Accused Of Threatening Concert Promoter


Nelly finds himself amidst controversy with accusations of kidnapping and threats.

A Branson, Missouri concert promoter is accusing members of Nelly's entourage of kidnapping one of his bodyguards and threatening him.

According to Paul Dunn, the rapper's road manager, Abby Cole, confronted him and demanded an extra $35,000 at the end of an August 2010 Nelly show.

“He had a figure wrote down and demanded when the concert was over I give him that money -- cash money,” said Dunn, according to yoraps.com.

After the event, Dunn claims he was followed to IHOP, where his vehicle was cornered and he was threatened.

“[In the restaurant’s parking lot, Cole] basically kidnaps one of my security guards,” continued Dunn. “I thought I was going to get shot. I thought to be honest with you; I thought I was fixing to get shot.”

There was some apparent miscommunication, as a rep for Nelly says that the agreed-upon price was $75,000. Dunn denies this claim, saying that he gave the emcee a $37,000 check and $3,000 cash, and they never agreed on anything further.

Dunn did hand over a $35,000 check following the incident, but placed a stop payment before it could be cashed. “I’m not paying it because it wasn’t part of our agreement,” added Dunn.

Blu Bolden, Derrty Entertainment's COO, sent an email denying all allegations by Dunn, and revealed that the company "intend[s] to pursue our claims in the appropriate venue."

DJ Premier Reveals DJ Kool Herc Is In Poor Health


Preme says that the Father of Hip Hop has been hospitalized and needs help.

DJ Kool Herc, often referred to as the "Father of Hip Hop," has been hospitalized, according to DJPremierBlog.com.

"Kool Herc is very sick...Kool Herc is not doing well," explained DJ Premier. "It's funny how we actually have a father of a culture [who] still lives, where in some cultures, they're already dead and gone..."

"Since he's very sick and has no insurance, uses a metro card to get around, needs to pay his bills so he can get out of the hospital, it's ill... If you don't know about it, now you know about it. ...We spoke today, and he needs some help to pay his bills for the hospital because he can't hold it down. And being that he is the man who set this whole culture off, ya'll should be wanting to do it any type of way that you can. People know how to reach us."

If you are interested in learning how to help, email gim@djpremierblog.com to remain updated on any details regarding the matter.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Lil Wayne is “Highly Focused” on Tha Carter IV, David Banner Says





Lil Wayne once titled a track after Kobe Bryant. He’s now drawing comparisons to the NBA superstar. David Banner, who spun Tha Carter III standout “La La,” described the Young Money star to XXLMag.com as “highly focused,” right now on his follow up album.

“Wayne is like Kobe Bryant right now,” Banner told XXL. “You know, as Kobe gets older all he cares about is championships. Wayne is in that zone. He’s highly focused and very sharp right now.”

Young Money General Mack Maine told XXLMag.com yesterday (January 27) that Wayne is almost finished with the eagerly awaited Carter IV LP. “I was in the studio all night workin’ on this Carter IV,” he told XXL. “We got David Banner coming in tonight, so hopefully he’ll come with somethin’. We try to make sure — he kind of makes every album. He made Tha Carter III, and made [We Are Young Money].”

The Mississippi sound architect wouldn’t confirm his collaboration with Weezy last night.

Aside from Banner, other producers reportedly on board for Tha Carter IV include Swizz Beatz, Detail, Boi-1da, and Kanye West. Carter IV is tentatively slated for April 2011.

Diddy Buys Son A Maybach Limo





Puff’s 17-year-old son Justin receives lavish gift for getting good grades at school…

Diddy’s 17-year-old son, Justin, received a limousine for becoming an Honors student.

UK newspaper The Independent reports that the 41-year-old rapper bought his son Justin a Maybach car for his birthday after achieving high grades at high school.

This is in addition the lavish Sweet 16 party that was thrown for the younger Comb’s birthday last year. At the party titled “I Am Prince,” a nod to his father’s “I Am King” fragrance campaign, the teen was presented with a $10,000 check, which he later donated to a Haiti relief fund.

“Justin has turned himself around and is now an Honors student, which he wasn’t before, so I wanted to treat him”, Diddy said. “It’s a collector’s car so maybe he will use it for special occasions like on a first date, but like all my kids, he prefers the simpler things than the expensive things. Simple tastes.”

The Last Train To Paris superstar is also a stepfather to Quincy, 19, and father to Justin, Christian Casey, 12, twin daughters, D’Lila Star and Jessie, four, and four-year-old daughter Chance.

“I don’t do this for the money. I do it because I love it, I never did it for the money,” Diddy told other UK paper The Sun

Daz Dillinger Announces New Album "D.A.Z.," Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg Featured






Today, Daz Dillinger told HipHopDX that April's D.A.Z. will feature Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Soopafly and Mac Shawn100.

Tracklisting & Artwork Revealed To D12's Swifty Mcvay's "Hell To The Captain"



Eminem's homie finally breaks through with a new solo album.

Detroit, Michigan's Swifty Mcvay (f/k/a Swift) is best known for his role in Eminem's group D12. The veteran emcee has been one of the more reclusive members of the group, not known for releasing solo material. That will change with February 23's digital album, Hell To The Capatain. Swifty will release the album through Arsenal Vision Entertainment.

The cover art has been revealed, and tracklisting is as follows:

1. Run Up On
2. Ant No Stoppin
3. Now&then
4. Love The Way You Move
5. N Jail
6. Change It Up
7. Not2trust
8. Set 2 Aim
9. If You Knew Better
10. Yall Some Hoes
11. Down Azz Bitch
12. Dont Underestimate
13. Gaurdian Angel
14. Noomega

Lil Wayne Reunites With Jay Sean; Finishing 'Tha Carter IV'





Lil Wayne is re-teaming with UK singer Jay Sean on a new single following the success of their smash hit "Down," which has sold over six million copies worldwide.

The two label mates have teamed up for Jay Sean's new single "Hit The Lights," which is slated to be released online on February 8th.

The single is taken from Jay Sean's upcoming Cash Money album Freeze Time, which is scheduled to land in stores in June and will feature guest appearance by Drake, Pitbull, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne and others.

In related news, Lil Wayne is in the final stages of recording his highly anticipated 8th studio album, The Carter IV, which will feature production from Kanye West, Swizz Beatz and others.

According to Young Money's President Mack Maine, he has been in the studio round-the-clock with Lil Wayne, as the label prepares to drop Tha Carter IV.

“I was in the studio all night workin’ on this Carter IV,” Mack Maine told XXL Magazine. “We got David Banner coming in tonight, so hopefully he’ll come with somethin’. We try to make sure — he kind of makes every album. He made Tha Carter III, and made [We Are Young Money].”

No release date is available for Tha Carter IV at press time.

Erick Sermon Has New Solo Material In The Works, New EPMD Single





EPMD tells 2011 Rap fans "Don't Get Clapped" as the Green Eyed-Bandit has much in the works.

After producing on Redman & Method Man's Blackout! 2 in 2009, Long Island, New York emcee/producer Erick Sermon had a largely quiet 2010. The EPMD co-founder and mentor to Keith Murray, Rick Ross and the aforementioned Red is planning to return to the scene this year. On February 5, Sermon will attend a Chicago, Illinois music seminar Hip Hop 360 at the Black Pearl venue. In preparation for the event, the Def Squad member spoke to ChicagoNow.com about the event, the state of music, and upcoming plans.

EPMD is releasing "Don't Get Clapped" next month, the iconic duo's first single in two years. Comparing it to late '80s hit "I Shot The Sheriff," Sermon said, "The songs is basically about: don't put yourself in a predicament. That girl don't belong to you. Don't be flashing money in front of regular people 'cause they hate that." Additionally, Sermon says he's at work with Red and Meth on new material.

Sermon, who has not released a solo album in over a decade, revealed that he's planning to drop ESP: Erick Sermon's Perception this year. The former Def Jam star's latest album will include appearances from Mary J. Blige and Syleena Johnson.

In 2008, EPMD released We Mean Business on RBC Records.

Bruno Mars Avoids Conviction In Cocaine Case





The singer-songwriter skates on cocaine charges.

Bruno Mars begins 2011 on a positive note after a monster 2010, as the singer has avoided a felony conviction for possession of cocaine.

According to TMZ, the "Nothin' On You" singer has cut a deal with the Clark County District Attorney's Office in which he receives a "deferred adjudication." This means that if he's able to stay out of trouble for a year, as well as perform community service, there will be no conviction on his record.

Bruno Mars will do 200 hours of community service, and ad the end of the year-long period, the felony will be dismissed.

The charges stem from an October 2010 incident in Las Vegas in which the Atlantic Records artist was found with powder cocaine.

Chris Brown Asks For Restraining Order Against Rihanna To Be Lifted





Rihanna's attorneys will now decide if it it's okay for Chris Brown to attend award shows and events that the former couple plans on attending.

Yesterday, Virginia Pop/R&B singer Chris and attorney asked a Los Angeles court judge to remove the restraining order against former girlfriend Rihanna during a progress report. The singer, who was arrested for brutally beating Rihanna in February, 2009, was seeking the order lifted because it reportedly prevented him from attending award shows, parties and public events, according to RadarOnline.com.

While Judge Patricia Schnegg did not remove the order, Chris Brown and legal staff are presently waiting Rihanna's attorneys to modify the order from "stay away" to "do not annoy."

Despite three Grammy Award nominations, Chris Brown is not expected to attend next month's premiere event.

Vanilla Ice Hospitalized After Ice Skating Accident For Reality TV Show

The onetime rapper's latest reality TV foray landed him in the hospital this week.

Rapper-turned-reality television star Vanilla Ice was hospitalized this week after sustaining an injury during a taping for British ITV series Dancing On Ice. The 43 year-old was reportedly practicing a lift with partner Katie Stainsby on Wednesday January 26, when he fell and was knocked unconscious with a deep laceration.

Vanilla Ice, who is known by Hip Hop for his mainstream hit "Ice, Ice Baby" as well as an altercation with Suge Knight, is presently in recovering. He received several stitches and has deep bruises.

KRS-One & D.I.T.C.'s Showbiz To Release "Godsville" On February 15




KRS-One & Showbiz's Godsville will receive physical distribution on March 8, 2011, according to Amazon.com.

Friday, January 28, 2011

T-Pain Got a Facebook 'Like' Button Tattoo

Rapper T-Pain introduced this new tattoo he got in Hawaii with a tweet: "I think this ones pretty sweet, unless facebook shuts down soon 0_o". That's what the guy who tattooed MySpace's Tom on his back said in 2002.

It kind of makes sense, this "like" button tattoo, if you consider the phenomenon of bad-tattoo-as-meme (and meme-as-bad-tattoo): Maybe T-Pain is trying to embody the viral success of his music. But it's also sort of dumb, because of the fact that he ruined his body and will be forced to spend his 70s and 80s explaining to young people what his tattoo means, after Facebook is replaced with cranial implants.

T-Pain and Gucci Mane should start their own viral phenomenon while there's still time: Rapperswithbadtattoos.com.


VIBE hosts Player's Gala featuring Keri Hilson and Chris Brown

VIBE Magazine Player’s Gala, the sexiest Super Bowl after party, hosted by Chris Brown and featuring a special performance by Keri Hilson

Snoop, Nelly, Bow Wow Heading Down Under For Supafest



Long Beach, California rapper Snoop Dogg will head to Australia to headline the 2011 Supafest, which will take place in four different cities.

Snoop, along with rapper Nelly, Bow Wow and Taio Cruz, are the first acts announced for Supafest, which will hit Sydney on April 9th, Perth on April 10th, Brisbane on April 16th and Melbourne on April 17th.

The event is being produced by PaperChase Touring and Entertainment, including Supafest, Winterbeatz and Summerbeatz.

Last year's first ever Supafest drew a total of 65,000 people, according to organizers.

Snoop Dogg was banned from Australia in 2007 after former Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews rejected the rapper's Visa on character grounds, over his past criminal record.

The ban was overturned in August of 2008, when Snoop was granted permission to enter the country to tour.

For more information visit: http://www.supafest.com.au

Q-Tip, Slum Village to Perform at J. Dilla Benefit Show

“One Won’t Do Pt. 2: A J Dilla Tribute and Fundraiser” is set to go down on Feb. 3…






The J. Dilla Foundation, in association with XXL magazine, is proud to present the “One Won’t Do Pt. 2: A J Dilla Tribute and Fundraiser” at DROM Nightclub in New York City.

The tribute/fundraiser will feature live performances by Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest alongside Slum Village, Illa J and music by Mick Boogie & DJ Metaphysic.

The mission of The J Dilla Foundation is to help inner city music programs. The foundation was started by Maureen Yancey; the mother of the late Grammy-award winning record producer James “J Dilla” Yancey. Dilla passed away in 2006 after a struggle with Lupus.

In an interview with DromNYC Maureen said, “One of the things he wanted me to do with his legacy was to use it to help others – kids who were musically gifted but had little hope due to poverty. It is the foundation’s hope that by funding and encouraging such progressive music curricula, young prodigies, and music enthusiast alike will have the tools and support they need to flourish and become successful within the entertainment industry.”

The show is set for Thursday, February 3. Doors open at 8 p.m. EST and the show starts at 9. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door you can purchase them at www.dromnyc.com.

Game Reacts To Name-Drop Criticism [360]

XXL counted 149 name drops on Game’s Purp & Patron mixtape and illustrated every one. Game weighs in…




Game put his generosity on full display this week when he released his 29-track, double disc mixtape Purp & Patron as a free download online on Monday (January 24). Fans ate up the tape which featured guests like Lil Wayne, Fabolous, Wiz Khalifa and KRS-One. XXL was so into the release; it’s beats and it’s lyrics, that we decided to break it down a bit further than we normally would and count the amount of name drops the rapper spit. .

Game, who has been known to name drop everyone from actors to athletes and other rappers went on to mention 149 personalities to help illustrate his lyrics and get his point across during the duration of the mixtape. There were lines like “No patience, so I had to ride sick/Ride dirty on that T.I. tip” and “I’m ballin’, MJ on you niggas” from “L.A. Times.” Floyd Mayweather, Pharrell, Dr. Dre and actress Halle Berry were also some of the celebrities mentioned to help Game enhance his similes and metaphors.

Game applauded XXLMag.com for our efforts, but had a few choice words for anyone who dares criticize his penchant for name-dropping:

“It was cool, y’all put a lot of work in on that, I saw the link on Twitter and read it. I don’t give two shits about the criticism. I’m on my fourth album and I got three platinum albums and The R.E.D. Album is going to be incredible.

When I first came in on The Documentary people said I name drop too much, now everybody name-drops. Next time anybody puts out a mixtape, count the name drops, it’s gonna be just as much as mines, maybe more. I set trends, now it’s acceptable. I use that to illustrate my lyrics and for anybody to count every time that I name drop they have to listen to it, so I’m good with that.

That means they are listening to my lyrics.”

Game: “[The R.E.D. Album] is Gonna be Better Than The Documentary”




Despite numerous set backs, and no set release date, Game is quite confident about the work he put into his new LP, The R.E.D. Album. XXLMag.com recently chopped it up with Mr. Chuck Taylor to find out what fans can expect.

“This [R.E.D.] Album is fuckin’ incredible,” Game told XXL. “Everything I do now in the studio is mind-blowing. I don’t want anybody to hear Purp & Patron and think they album is gonna sound like that, I’m on a different level with The R.E.D. Album. My bars is gonna be on point, my beat selection is gonna be on point. I got everybody from Dr. Dre to DJ Premier to Pharrell and Kanye West involved. They just don’t jump on anybody’s projects, so that has to tell you something.”

Earlier this week the Compton rep dropped the double disc mixtape, Purp & Patron, with DJ Drama and DJ Skee. But, as he explained to XXL, the tape holds no comparison to his official album. “Purp & Patron is like if me and you got a chance to see Kobe shoot around at the Lakers practice with Lamar Odom and Matt Barnes,” he said. “We’re gonna be amazed because that’s Kobe, but Kobe is gonna be like, ‘You think that was great, wait until game time.’”

“Purp & Patron is just me shooting jumpers in the gym for practice,” he continued “When The R.E.D. Album comes out there are going to referees there and that’s when I’m gonna pack the stadium. This is gonna be my best work. I feel like this album is gonna be better than The Documentary.”

In the meantime, Game is prepping the release of his follow up to Purp & Patron, The Hangover. No details yet on the drop date. —Elan Mancini with reporting by Rob Markman

Fabolous Says Ne-Yo Collabo Album is Coming




Around the time that Fabolous and Ne-Yo’s hit single, “Make Me Better” came out in 2007, Fab told reporters that he was considering a full album with the R&B singer, similar to Jay-Z and R. Kelly’s Best of Both World series. Four years later and the BK MC told XXLMag.com that the joint album may actually come out soon.

“I think this year too I might be doing this project with Ne-Yo finally,” he told XXL. “We’ve been in talks for a minute. It’s really sounding like it’s gonna get done. Ne-Yo is really hyped about it. I just fell back on it, but now I see the wheels are turning a little bit. I think we need that for the game. Some of the allure from the game is gone. You see people doing less numbers, so now let’s do some vanity projects where people are collaborating together.”

As previously reported, F-A-B-O is currently prepping the release of his new mixtape for next month. The Def Jam heavyweight revealed to XXLMag.com that the project will be offered to fans for free and will have a focus on production with soul samples. —Elan Mancini with reporting by Rob Markman

Kanye West Headlines Chilean Lollapalooza, Cypress Hill Joins Bill






Cypress Hill and Kanye West bring some domestic Hip Hop to South America for the first Lollapalooza festival outside of the US.

Kanye West is already headlining the annual Coachella music festival in Indio, California. When the complete lineups were announced, the even sold out within hours. Now it has been announced West will headline the first South American edition of Lollapalooza, as the festival heads to Chile. The festival is the brainchild of Jane’s Addiction frontman Perry Farrell and is usually held at Grant Park in West’s native Chicago.

“We are confident a massive music audience is awaiting us in Santiago,” Farrell said, in a written statement. “What we are very interested to learn is how widely spread the demographic will be. In Chicago we have hipsters as well as young parents with children in attendance. It is one of the few places in the world where a generation gap doesn't exist.”

Lollapalooza is going international 20 years after first making its domestic debut. West and Cypress Hill will be the most notable Hip Hop acts in the predominately Rock/Alt lineup. Lollapalooza Chile will take place April 2 – 3 in O’Higgins Park in Santiago. More information is available at the official Lollapalooza Chile website.

Zion I & The Grouch Team Up For Second Collaborative "Heroes" Album





West Coast rappers Zion I and The Grouch to release follow-up to 2006's "Heroes In The City Of Dope."

Years after the release of Heroes In The City Of Dope West Coast rappers Zion I and The Grouch are teaming up yet again for their upcoming project titled Heroes In The Healing Of The Nation.

“Anyone changing other people’s lives for the better is a hero to me” The Grouch explained of the album’s title.

The trio revealed that their new album will focus on troubles plaguing the entire country.

“People are going through a difficult transition these days,” said Zumbi in a statement. “We want this album to aid in that process.”

Heroes In The Healing Of A Nation will include appearances from Fashawn, Casual, Freeway, Silk E, Mystik, and more. The album will be released on March 22, 2011.

Heroes In The City Of Dope was released in October 2006 and featured appearances from Mistah FAB, Jurassic 5, and other notable artists.

Game Confirms That Wu-Tang's RZA Filed Lawsuit Against "Heartbreaker"




Game explains that he and RZA made a song that couldn't be used for "R.E.D.," but when it ended up on this week's mixtape, the Abbott started sending cease-and-desists.

Yesterday, HipHopDX spoke with Compton, California emcee Game about his just-released double mixtape Purp & Patron. After revealing that Nas is a fan of "The Kill" and how iconic deejay Funkmaster Flex got involved with the project, Game also confirmed reports that Wu-Tang Clan's RZA had sent a cease-and-desist to Game and the media over the song "Heartbreaker."

On Wednesday, January 26, 2011 Universal Music Publishing Group sent an "unauthorized use" letter on behalf of Robert Diggs (a/k/a RZA) to several media companies, including HipHopDX.com, asking for the removal of "Heartbreaker" from Purp & Patron, on behalf of the Wu's co-founder. The song has since been removed from the double-mixtape on DX. Yesterday, Game weighed in with what happened behind the scenes.

"I think RZA [is] tryin' to sue about ['Heartbreaker'] or somethin'," confirmed Game to HipHopDX yesterday. "That's fuckin' crazy. Like, I don't even know how RZA sues The Game." From Game's understanding, the song was an agreement. "He came to the studio and brought the ['Heartbreaker'] track to me. He's like, 'Yo Game, this is for you. You can have that.' Those are his words." Game also maintains that RZA's company on that day, Rev. Burke, was invited to rhyme on the record. "His boy spit crazy. I [rapped after] him."

Originally unsure what to do with the final product, the team learned that there were problems with the song's composition. "We found out that the sample was un-clearable," said Game about the Grand Funk Railroad song of the same name. "For anybody." In the rapper's eyes, that made the song unusable for his upcoming R.E.D. album. "So I threw it out [on a mixtape]. The next thing I know RZA is suing The Game. That shit's crazy. I didn't even know Wu-Tang sued niggas." Although the Aftermath Entertainment star was taken aback by the news, he says it's nothing personal. "I still got nothin' but respect for RZA [and] the whole Wu, and all of that. I'm good. I'm good friends with Ghostface [Killah] and [Raekwon] and Method [Man]. Those are my dudes. I would never speak down on RZA or any of those dudes for that matter - not that any of those dudes [have anything] to do with this conversation. But with the Wu, you gotta speak to a pack. It's all love." Last year, Game appeared on Ghostface Killah's album, Apollo Kids. On Game's last album, L.A.X., Raekwon appeared.

Although the song is presently an endangered species with Universal Publishing's cease-and-desist on behalf of RZA, Game remains complimentary of RZA's latest lyrical protege. "This dude Rev. Burke, he threw some shots out. He had a crazy lil' pimp swag. He had two girls with him; they were lookin' at this lil' nigga like he was Jesus and shit, while he was spittin' in the booth. I felt like when he was in the booth, that I was in the movie The Mack. This nigga was standin' there rockin' back and forth at the mic, and these chicks was dancin' slow and seductively. Shit was crazy."

40 Glocc, Spider Loc Unite For Album "Graveyard Shift"





The G-Unit artists join forces for a DJ Drama-hosted album.

40 Glocc and Spider Loc have teamed up with DJ Drama to release a new street album, Graveyard Shift.

The G-Unit artists' release has been a work in progress for two years due to the incarceration of Spider Loc.

The album will feature contributions from Tony Yayo, Gail Gotti, Jay-O Felony, Kurupt, Busta Rhymes, Obie Trice, MC-8, ZOOBABIES and Norega.

Prior to his new release, 40 Glocc dropped single “Damn” featuring Ray J, which was featured on MTVU this fall and followed up with a remix featuring Ray J, Yo Gotti & Twista. Features from Snoop Dogg, E-40, Mistah F.A.B., Xzibit, MC Eiht, Kurupt, Yukmouth and Messy Marv on Big Bad 4-0’s “Welcome To California” and “NWA’ cover topics from politics, police and parties.

In related news, 40 Glocc was arrested on a weapons charge, and was released on $100,000 bail.

Lil Wayne Said To Be Completing "Carter IV" Recording This Week






Mack Maine says Weezy may finish Tha Carter IV this eveing, adding that he's only a couple of songs away from being finished with the LP.

Lil Wayne supporters eager to hear Tha Carter IV can applaud as its completion is nearing. Mack Maine recently confirmed that the LP is a couple of songs short of being finished. The finalized version may come as soon as David Banner adds his touches, something that he's done on previous Carter discs.

“I was in the studio all night workin’ on this Carter IV,” Maine recenty told XXL. “We pretty much finished, to be honest; we probably need about two more songs. We got David Banner coming in tonight, so hopefully he’ll come with somethin’. We try to make sure—he kind of makes every album. He made Tha Carter III, and made [We Are Young Money].”

After this, Maine noted that the album could be finished before the weekend hits, adding that Carter IV will show people Weezy's "maturity." To set this new "mature" LP up, Wayne teamed up with Hype Williams for a video that seems more like a "movie," according to Maine.

“[Wayne] actually shot his first video with Hype Williams, which is big. We just finished a four-day video shoot, which is like a movie to me.”

The album is said to feature usual comrades as well as "surprise" guest appearances. While no official list of producers has been released, Maine acknowledged that Detail and Swizz Beatz will definitely make the album.

Timbaland's Timbo Thursday May Be Shut Down





Timbaland reveals that his Timbo Thursdays may be in danger of being shut down by "they."

After the government's crack down on OnSmash.com and RapGodfathers.com, music sites are starting to feel the government's pressure in full force. Now, artists may have to worry, as Timbaland's Timbo Thursdays may soon be coming to an end.

The super-producer behind hits from Jay-Z and Missy Elliot Tweeted the other that "they" were trying to shut down his weekly Thursday song give away, although Timbo didn't reveal who exactly was trying to block him.

"here we go "they" up to it, "they" tryin to shutdown my timbo thursdays"

"i knw some of yall been askin bout timbo thursdays for 2day & i told yall bout my dilemma wit "they" tryin to shut it down 4 various reasons"

Raekwon Explains RZA Not Being Involved With "Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang"




Raekwon talks to XXL about the RZA's absence on his upcoming 'Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang' LP.

A Wu-Tang Clan project without the RZA may sound absurd to many, but it isn't too far from the truth. One of the Wu's top lyrical assassins Raekwon recently told to XXL that the Abbot will not appear on his upcoming Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang LP, due out this March 8.

"RZA is not on the album," he said. "Being that he’s so die hard Wu-Tang, anything that sounds like it’s going at Wu-Tang wasn’t really up his alley." (XXLMag.com)

Raekwon explained that there isn't any bad blood within the Clan, however. He says that the RZA's absence on his album is largely due in part to conflicting schedule, as the RZA is currently wrapping up production on his debut as a film director The Man with the Iron Fists. He also said that a lot of the album came out of his displeasure with the Wu's most recent LP as a group, 2007's 8 Diagrams.

"I aint mad at him [though]," he explained. "He’s doing his movie thing right now, he’s happy with that, and for me I’m just gonna keep the legacy alive. I think I’m a skillful artist that understands how to do things, so it wasn’t really a headache to not have him [involved]. He did things for me on Cuban Linx II which I’m very grateful for, but I didn’t want to get him to start dealing with [Wu-Tang vs. Shaolin] because I knew that at the end of the day he wasn’t fond about it." (XXLMag.com)

He added, "It wasn’t about anybody trying to make this record to assassinate the RZA. We love the RZA. The RZA is the one that found us in the street. But we don’t always gotta be in love with the RZA you know what I’m saying? So this album was definitely picked from that time [with 8 Diagrams]." (XXLMag.com)

Without the RZA on the boards, Rae enlisted the likes of Erick Sermon, the Alchemist, Havoc of Mobb Deep and Scram Jones to flesh out Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang. The album is due out March 8 on Ice H20/EMI Records.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Natalie Nunn Spills All About Wiz Khalifa, His 'Hoe' Amber Rose & Her Shaq Secret





VIBE: So are you sick of those Jay Leno chin jokes yet?
No! The more people talk about my chin, the more I stay relevant. Who knows because of that I could land on his show! I would be ecstatic. I don’t care about it. It’s not a big deal. And I was prepared for the scrutiny, I remember Meagan Good years back crying to me about what people said about her. Some people have sensitive sides, but I think I lost that when I was toddler [laughs]. I’m keeping this chin!

Good attitude to have. Speaking of which, how is it knowing that people only want to see your obnoxious side?
That side is what America wants to see because it is entertaining. I can’t blame them for wanting that particular side. That’s what I’m here for as a personality. Only thing that sucks is that I’m always playing myself and everything is real. It’s harder to be a TV personality then to be an actress.

How’s that spinoff show coming along?
Under contract there’s a lot I can’t talk about, but I am doing a countdown on my Twitter page and I think people can guess it. We have 58 days left. I just can’t say it until the network says it first. But I’m sure people know.

What we don’t know even more is this music thing you briefly mentioned during your UStream.
I have a real big business side. And I’ve always wanted to do a little bit of everything. Before Bad Girls, I said I wanted to do reality TV, then my own reality show, record a song and put it out on iTunes… a book. So a few things are pending. But my single is going to be released soon.

Major label?
Yeah. All of this is going to be happening within these 58 days. The song’s been recorded and we’re doing some finishing touches. I’m not a singer. I can’t do that.

You’re rapping?
I’m definitely in there spitting some real flows. I’m talking that crazy bad girl crap. I’m really going in on some people that people will know. My book is going to be big too. It’s coming… it’s just going to be a little different than other peoples books [laughs].

What the hell, is it a sex journal?
No it’s not going to be a sex journal [laughs]. People might be like why am I in her book, but they were just lucky enough to be in my story. And remember, I always keep it real. The book is going to be a little shit starter for sure.

When did you start rapping?
I got in the studio with a couple other producers. While I’ve been working on this EP, I’ve been working with Chuck Harmony who’s done a lot for Ne-Yo, Rihanna. And he was like your so full of personality, even though you’re not necessarily a recording artist you still pop on a track.

How long ago was this?
June. I’ve also been in the studio with the guys who did “Whip My Hair” and the last producer is Dre Knight who’s worked with Nicki and the whole Young Money track. I’m cutting my first single with him and I am putting out a couple other songs.

Are you doing an album?
I don’t know about that yet, but I am doing an EP. The first single is going to be called “I Run LA.”

Of course, how ridiculously fitting. You got any guests on there?
Theres been some talks, but I haven’t solidified yet. One person I’ve been back and forth communicating with is Soulja Boy. He’s a friend of mine and I would love for him to get on there and swag it out.

So what do we call you since you don’t want to be taken too seriously as an MC?
I think we should call me a recording personality [laughs]. I don’t wanna have BET calling for me to perform. It ain’t that serious!

I think it’s obvious that we have some elephants in the room we gotta have you address. First up, Shaq. There were rumors that his engagement with Hoopz ended because of you. True, slightly true, or false?
Oh, wow. Uh [short pause], I have never said this [before]… I actually have claimed to not know Shaquille O’Neal. I have said that before, but right now what I can say is um, that is definitely um… a big chapter in my book.

Do you mean that figuratively or in the book you were talking about before?
The book that I was talking about before. I would definitely just like to state I have claimed that I do not know Shaquille O’Neal in the past. I’ve claimed that I met him once and that we took a random picture that was floating on the Internet. I mean, that’s just something [where] the pages are gonna turn crazy when they buy my book. It’s definitely addressed in the book, it just so happened that he was the lucky one that was apart of my story.

Now you know the last time Shaq was mentioned in a book it was in Superhead’s. We all know how that went down. Is your story similar to her experiences with him?

Now you know the last time Shaq was mentioned in a book it was in Superhead’s. We all know how that went down. Is your story similar to her experiences with him?
Um, [laughs]. Oh my God. See, now I’m gonna be compared to Karrine. I’ve already been compared to Kat Stacks. I’ve been compared to strippers, and we don’t even need to say names. I’m just tired of being compared to bums!

Ha! I’m not trying to compare, I would’ve mentioned that if he was in a nun’s book.
I get it. You know what? No, it’s not gonna be like that. It’s gonna be the Natalie Nunn story. It’s gonna be good, people are gonna be extremely entertained and it’s real. It’s real life and it happened to me and it’s gonna be a great story for everybody to talk about.

Will he get mad at it?
I think a lot of people are just gonna be a little upset that their names… ya know, people are just weird about that in the entertainment industry. Immediately, they think you’re using your fame to capitalize off of.

Right, because it’s not like forced them to perform their actions.
Exactly! You didn’t have to do what you did. You chose to do that and it just so happened to be apart of my life and this book is about my life, not yours. There’s gonna be pictures included, copies of emails… everything. Nothing that has ever come out of my mouth has been a lie. This book is about me, Natalie! If you wanna make some money then talk about your life in a book. Period.

Shaq would probably have a good book.
You know what, I can't mess with you [laughs].

So are you and Shaq friends now?
Shaq is a friend of mine. That’s it, just a friend.

I don’t think he’s your type anyway…
You know what? [laughs] I’ve found myself on some really wild dates in this past year, with people I never thought I’d date.

I believe you. Guess this is the part where transition into Wiz [laughs].
I’m just gonna be honest. Wiz did definitely stress that he wanted a girlfriend, someone to be enjoy his moments with. It would've been great [to be that girl] because Wiz was a fun guy to hang out with, but at the end of the day, I have my calendar. When I was taking time out to hang with Wiz, I was taking time away from a) my rest and b) my money. Those two things right now are the most important things for me. I feel like Wiz needed a girl that doesn't have anything going on. And that's not being sarcastic. Wiz wanted me to be somewhere with him every other day and with my work ethic, I couldn’t offer that to somebody. I'm happy that things happened the way it did [also] because it showed Wiz's true colors. As much as people want to sit here and say Natalie's the bad guy… Wiz knows [everything I said during my UStream] was the truth.

Did you find out about him and Amber the way all the rest of us did?
Yeah! That is how I really found out, but the day after he was shooting the Black and Yellow remix video he invited me to a party, but I was sick. I did not go. But somehow Amber Rose showed up to the party all in his face and they exchanged information. So the reason I went so hard at Amber is because on Thanksgiving, I hosted a party with her in Texas and we were talking, hanging out and we exchanged phone numbers. She had been nonstop text messaging me since November 25. All of a sudden when she was in Wiz's face and exchanging information with Wiz at that party, three weeks ago, I have not heard from her since!

Did you mention to her that you were dating Wiz?
I didn’t have to. Everybody already knew. There were pictures all over the Internet. At the end of the day, it’s all good. She’s twitpic’n pictures with Wiz and his mom. I have pictures with Wiz and his mom backstage too, but I’m not gonna entertain that. I can entertain a million other things because I have a voice and an outlet where in x amount of days I’ll be back on TV. Some of these bum bitches just ain’t doing shit except jumping on planes and chasing after niggas that got stuff going for themselves. I could not do that for Wiz. I respect him as a person, but Wiz is young. He’s a baby in a lot of ways.

I was going to ask how seriously you took him.
There were a lot of things that honestly just weren’t gonna work for me in the first place. I can’t sit up here all day smoking weed, like I can’t. But the main thing was I could not stop what I have going on for nobody right now.

You looked hella upset during that UStream.
She sat up there text messaging me and I have all the text messages. All of her conversations, all of her trying to be, "Let's go workout together; let's train." Then all of a sudden you don't want to be woman enough to get on the phone and talk to me about the situation. Yeah, I got a problem with you, straight up. Amber needed to be a grown ass woman ‘cause we all know the bitch is like 35 years old. She’s been in the game for a cool minute. She’s damn near pushing a whole decade of Wiz and I.

Did any one of them reach out to you after the fact?
I don’t like to attack the female first. I ain’t with that petty stuff ‘cause real talk I’ll just go at peoples’ necks. It could be ugly. I don’t care!


Physically ugly?
Nah, I don’t need to fight her. She’s a bop! She’s boppin’ right now. And if you don’t know the definition of a bop, it’s a hoe. Because at the end of the day, you know that I was laid up, kickin it with Wiz for well over month. For two months I had taken time out to hang out and get to know him. Just because we were hanging out doesn’t mean somebody’s fucking. No.

Were you waiting to take it to that level?
No, I was just chillin. I wanted to see what kind of person he was.

Do you think maybe he played you because you didn’t wanna have sex?
It wasn’t like that. Let me not make it seem like Wiz is a bad guy. Wiz is a sweet guy and that’s why all of it caught me off guard. I hit him on the BBM like ‘Oh, your pictures on Media Takeout are real fuckin’ cute. You’re kickin’ it with Amber now?

What about if Amber hit you up right after this interview, would you hear her side?
I have no respect for her as a woman. And I don’t care if people love Amber Rose. [She] knew and [she is] a bop.

Are you and Wiz friends now?
I mean, I’ve deleted him off my BBM when I saw the picture the very first time I saw the pictures on Media Takeout. I hit him up on BBM and I was like, ‘That shit was fuckin’ trifling and you need to get the fuck off my BBM and I’m blocking you on Twitter.’ ‘Cause he was following me on Twitter first and I followed him back. That’s how it really all happened. I kid you not, the minute I hit follow, 20 minutes later I had a direct message from him.

And that was the last convo with him?
That was the last convo with him and right before I went in on that, there was a message. It was, ‘I miss you, boo. I miss you, babe. I love your face. When am I gonna see you?’ Tryna be slick. That shit aint’ gonna work over here with a real bad girl. I don’t know what Amber claims she is. ‘She’s from Philly, she don’t play.’ Oh whateve! Amber ain’t gon’ say shit because hoes don’t talk.

Damn.
[Hoes] are trained to not talk, so she is just gonna sit there and not say a damn thing.

Well if you need someone to replace Wiz, you might as well holla at Tyga. They’re basically twins.
[Laughs] I hosted a party with Tyga in North Carolina. He’s a nice guy. I think he has a girlfriend. But I will say I am dating. Wiz was not the only guy I was going out on dates with.

Wait did Wiz know you were dating other people?
No. When I said I wasn’t going to go to Atlantic City to hang out with him on New Year’s Eve where he was performing, it was because I was going to Indianapolis to hang out with my other friend. But he didn’t need to know. In his eyes, we weren’t boyfriend and girlfriend, but we were seeing each other. But hey, just like Wiz was doing, I had to keep my options open to.

So are you done with industry guys then?
I’ve never really been an industry girl. I’m more attracted to guys who have big muscles and can man handle a situation.

I’m scared to see what the hell Shaq is doing in your book!

Nicki Minaj And Drake's Wedding In 'Moment 4 Life' [PIX]






[RUMOR]50 CENT HEARTBROKEN OVER CHELSEA HANDLER?


There are rumors and there is gossip. People don’t think there is a difference but there is. This is pure gossip to me! They are trying to say that Chelsea Handler broke 50 Cent’s heart! US Magazine is reporting affirmatively that Chelsea left 50, dumping him before the Christmas holiday. They are also saying that he was “heartbroken.” 50 Cent is a P-I-M-P! Here is something that seems a bit more factual though. A source said that 50 was definitely trying to get her back, showering her with gifts for Christmas. She reportedly sent them back saying “I can buy my own gifts.” What do you think of this one? Hmmmm….