T.I. Released From Prison Earlier This Morning

According to TMZ, T.I. was released from prison earlier this morning to either home confinement or a community living facility. Chris Burke, spokesman for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, says he was released at 7:29 a.m. and is "in transit" to finish out his sentence. Tip also tweeted to let fans know he's out of prison.

The-Dream Releases Free Album "Terius Nash Est. 1977"

The-Dream has released his free album via his site.

The tracklist has been revealed for the upcoming project, dropping August 31st.

01 Wake Me When It’s Over
02 Used to Be
03 Long Gone
04 Ghetto (Feat. Big Sean)
05 Wedding Crasher
06 Rolex (Feat. Casha)
07 Silly (Introducing Casha)
08 1977 (Miss You Still)
09 Wish You Were Mine
10 This Shit Real Nigga (Feat. Pharrell)
11 Form of Flattery

Tupac Shakur's Family Denies Outlawz Claim Regarding Smoking Of Ashes

A spokesperson for the Shakur family says "[Afeni Shakur] would never participate in smoking her son."

Earlier in August, The Outlawz confirmed a rumor stating that they had smoked Tupac Shakur's ashes. The confirmation has reached the Shakur family and according to TMZ, a family spokesperson says many within the family, including Afeni Shakur, do not approve of the act.

Among other things, the spokesperson noted that Afeni Shakur would "never participate in smoking her son." The Outlawz have claimed his mom was present during the smoke session.

The spokesperson added that if the Outlawz in fact were able to smoke the ashes, they had to go through some obstacles in order to get some of those ashes.

"[They] would have had to sneak the remains past the family member in charge of keeping an eye on the ashes at the memorial."

While the family does not appear to condone the act, per statements made to TMZ by this spokesperson, the family also presently does not plan to pursue legal action against The Outlawz.

Jewell, Singer For Dr. Dre's "Let Me Ride" To Release Two Fall Albums

WIDEawake Entertainment's D Sound Syndicate division, along with Royal Hand Entertainment, announced that they will release Jewell's My Blood, My Sweat, and My Tear on October 25, 2011. WIDEawake's Death Row Records imprint will follow, a month later, on November 22, with Jewell's self-titled Gospel album, the material that was shelved since the 1990s.

Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter IV" Projected To Sell 850,000 In First Week

Weezy is on pace for the highest first-week sales for a Rap album since "Tha Carter III."

After a day of sales, Lil Wayne's Tha Carter IV projects to have one of the highest first-week sales of any album this year.

According to Billboard, the long-awaited album, which was released after the MTV Video Music Awards at 12:00 AM, is on pace to sell 850,000 to 900.000 units.

The album will almost certainly take the No. 1 spot, with the Red Hot Chili Peppers' I'm With You likely coming in second with 175,000 to 200,000.

Wayne's latest, if the projections hold true, will have the highest first-week sales for a Hip Hop album since Tha Carter III, which sold 1.01 million in its first week in 2008.

Carter IV will be Wayne's third No. 1 album.

Lil Wayne's Facebook Manager Talks Online Publicity Tactics

The tech wiz behind Weezy F.'s publicity team explains how he used Facebook to push the YMCMB brand while Wayne was in jail.

With the Internet having become the dominant form of publicity in music, having a presence on blogs and social media networks is paramount to an artist's success. Last year proved especially difficult for Lil Wayne's camp, as the Young Money honcho's incarceration largely kept Weezy out of the public eye. That is, until 21-year-old Mazy Kazerooni joined the YMCMB team as Weezy's Facebook page manager.

In a recent interview with NPR, Kazerooni reveal how he managed to keep up online presence despite being on lock-up. He explained that he utilized Facebook to reach out Wayne's 30 million-plus fans, from merchandising to music updates to even earning Weezy a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most "Likes" in a day.

"He had a million fans sitting on his page, and no one had access to it," he explained. "No one even really knew what Facebook was, on his team. I had to argue with them for like a month to give me the information I needed to get the access. Now, there's a lot of attention being paid to what's happening online."

Kazerooni also discussed how he used Wayne's incarceration to his advantage. He said he made sure to re-post fan letters sent to Wayne at Riker's Island and his written responses on Facebook, creating a sense of fan engagement and community among his fans

"While he was in jail, we had an address so people could send him letters," Kazerooni said. "He'd write back to some of these letters. I would post all that stuff on Facebook. We just kept everyone engaged throughout the whole process."

Check out the full article to read about Kazerooni's involvement in Ustream and how his work with the company prepared him for the big leagues in the rap game.

Bruno Mars Suing Music Publisher Over Contract

The hit hook-man for B.o.B. and Bad Meets Evil is taking his music publisher to court over his contract with the company.

Despite having a platinum album with his 2010 debut Doo-Wops and Hooligans, things aren't so cheery for pop sensation Bruno Mars. According to TMZ, Mars is now suing his music publisher over his current contract with the company.

The hit crooner behind B.o.B.'s "Nothin' On You" and Bad Meets Evil's "Lighters" recently filed suit against Bug Music, Inc. for violating the stipulations of his contract. Documents from the Los Angeles County Superior Court indicate that Bug Music refuses to let Mars out of his contract, even though Mars claims he had completed the requirements of his contract.

According to Mars's contract, Bug required the singer to deliver a set amount of music before he could terminate his contract. Following the completion of this stipulation, Bug had a specific period of time during which they could offer to renew their contract with him.

Mars claims that he had delivered Bug with the required amount of music this past February, but that the company failed to renew his contract within the time limit, thus ending his contract. Bug claims, however, that Bruno Mars has yet to complete his assigned contract, which gives them access to 50% of the copyrights to his music.

GLAAD Lashes Out At MTV For Awarding Tyler, The Creator At 2011 VMAs

The gay rights organization says that MTV should be more responsible in educating the masses.

GLAAD, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, has issued a statement addressing Tyler, The Creator’s recent win for Best New Artist at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.

The organization claims that MTV should be more responsible in educating viewers on the homophobic slurs and misogynistic lyrics found in contemporary music.

“Rather than providing simply a larger platform, MTV and other networks should educate viewers about why anti-gay and misogynistic language has no place in the music industry today,” said Senior Director of Programs, Herndon Graddick. “Given Tyler’s history of such remarks, viewers and potential sponsors should refrain from honoring homophobia and in the future look to a more deserving artist.”

Back in July, a number of women’s rights and LGBT organizations in Chicago, Illinois protested Odd Future’s performance at the Pitchfork Music Festival.

Drake Talks Working With Stevie Wonder, Evolution As A Rapper

Drizzy talks about recording with the legendary Stevie Wonder and how he's grow as an artist since he first burst on the scene.

With as many hit songs as he's appeared on this summer alone, it's hard to imagine that Drake had enough time to record his own music. Now, however, in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, the Young Money reveals that his sophomore LP Take Care will arrive on schedule this October 24, and that it's picked up a few key collaborations along the way.

Drizzy explained that he was able to enlist R&B legend Stevie Wonder to record a song with him, titled "Doing It Wrong." According to Drake, the song found him venturing out of his pop-oriented comfort zone and looking back to Stevie Wonder's discography for inspiration. He also said it's the first song he's recorded that's made listeners actually tear up in front of him.

"I had a song that’s very powerful, it’s called 'Doing It Wrong,' and Stevie [Wonder] boosted it to another level," he said. "[Noah '40' Shebib] produced it, but Stevie has a solo on it that he plays. It’s a great piece of music...He brought life to it. I was only trying to use extremely strong R&B songs on this album if I’m going to use R&B at all. Before I’d have scattered interludes and songs where I’m experimenting with things. Here I wanted to get back to 'Brand New,' 'Bria’s Interlude' days. It’s going to be really tight writing and shit that’s sexy as fuck. That’s my thing. I’m going to do the type of R&B I’m good at. With Stevie it’s hard for me to explain. It’s an incredible thing I witnessed that night. He heard a song that he saw some potential in and he added some key pieces that made it come to life.

He added, "I’ve never played a song for people and they’ve cried and gone into their own private zone in their mind where they’re really thinking about some situations that hit home. And this song has done that for me. I’ve never seen that before. I’ve heard stories where it’s like, 'So and so cried when they heard this.' And I’d be like, 'Yeah, okay, cool.' But I’ve seen people tear up listening to this song that me and Stevie did...I think me and Stevie immediately formed a relationship where he wants to see me do well. He’s expressed to me adamantly that he wants to see me succeed. He wants to see me on the moon. It’s boosted my confidence."

Drake also spoke on his evolution as an artist and as an emcee. He said that many fans tell him that he's not the same artist as he was on his smash mixtape So Far Gone. As much as he wants to cater to his fans' needs, however, Drake recognizes that he can't stay stagnant as a lyricist, and that in order to grow as a person, his approach to music will have to change as well.

"[P]eople always say 'I miss the old you.' And I take it. I go, 'I hear you man,'" he said. "I don’t ever lash out online or whatever. What’s interesting is that they don’t really miss the old me, because any real fan would want me to evolve and get better. And I think what people miss are the time markers. For a lot of people our albums are time markers...[s]o when people say that, I just think they’re saying they miss that time in their lives...With this record, I knew I couldn’t talk about 'Oh, I miss my old friends.' On Thank Me Later I said something like 'I wish wasn’t famous. I wish I was still in school.' At that time that was really how I felt. But when I listen back to it...I’m more confident now...This album is about living it and owning it and letting you know exactly what I go through. It’s not Drake on So Far Gone and it’s not Drake on Thank Me Later. I can’t go back to the old me. It’s impossible. I’m proud of who I’ve evolved into, for sure."

He added that his personal growth has factored heavily into the manner in which he writes and delivers lyrics, saying, "The other day me and 40 found a box of So Far Gone CDs - like actual CDs that we gave out around the city when I dropped the mixtape. That night I drove home listening to it and it hit me right there. As well put together and different as it was, it hit me that, 'You can rap better than this now.' It was like I told myself, 'Congratulations, you can spit better than this now.' But it’s hard for me to pat myself on the back. My arms don’t reach that far. I can’t really get a good pat. [Laughs] I’m pushing myself. I’m 24 and there are a lot of eyes on me, a lot of pressure on me. And I just want to be someone they remember. I want to speak for this generation."

The full article can be found on Entertainment Weekly's website.

Phonte Speaks On Drake Dedicating His BMI Award To Him

Drizzy named Phontigallo as one of his inspirations, but Phonte says a collaboration in the near future isn't likely.

During his acceptance speech for Songwriter of the Year at the BMI Urban Awards this past weekend, Drake thanked Kanye West, Andre 3000 and Phonte for inspiring him. Speaking with The Source, Phontigallo spoke on being named by the Young Money rapper, explaining that he’d like to collaborate for Take Care but can't seem to link with the rapper.

“To my knowledge, it’s not happening. We’ve made contact with each other but all of my attempts to make something real happen have led to a dead end,” he said. “I saw that he dedicated his BMI award to me and while that was a very noble and thoughtful gesture, I’d much rather he had dedicated himself to finishing a verse for one of me and 9th’s songs. That, to me, seems like a more tangible way of showing gratitude. But with that said, I’m still a fan and I think he’s an incredibly talented artist. When Take Care drops, he’s got my money.”

Phonte is currently gearing up for the release of his solo debut, Charity Starts at Home, releasing September 27th.

Read the full interview at TheSource.com.

DJ Pauly D Recording Album With 50 Cent

The "Jersey Shore" star reveals he's working on an LP with Fif.

DJ Pauly D is the latest to sign to 50 Cent’s G-Unit Records, revealing that he inked a three-album deal with the imprint earlier this month. Speaking with Billboard.com, the “Jersey Shore” star confirmed that he’s working on an album with Fif that channels “DJ Khaled” and “David Guetta.”

“I'm focusing on music. That's my my passion. I'm working with 50 Cent now. I'm gonna do an album with him,” he revealed. "It's going to be a little bit of everything. It's almost like DJ Khaled and kind of David Guetta but my own DJ Pauly D style."

Pauly D is currently on tour with Britney Spears as part of her “Femme Fatale” tour.

Rap Release Dates

August 30
BK-One - Tema Do Canibal EP
Blu - J e s u s
Braille - Native Lungs
DJ Drama - Third Power
Glasses Malone - Beach Cruiser
Ja Rule - Pain Is Love 2
Skyzoo - The Great Debater
Slim Thug Presents...-Boss Hogg Outlawz - Serve And Collect Part 3 (Immahogg)
Soopafly - Best Kept Secret
Timbo King - Babylon To Timbuktu
Uptown XO - Monumental II
Smoke DZA - Rolling Stoned

September 5
DJ Shadow - The Less You Know, The Better

September 6
Oddisee - Rock Creek Park

September 13
Bronze Nazareth - School For the Blindman
Kurupt Presents - The Academy
Shawn Chrystopher - Silent Films For the Blind
Swizz Beatz - Haute Living

September 20
Cormega - Mega Raw/Greatest Hits
DTMD - Makin' Dollas
G-Macc - The Opera/Angels & Demons
Hollywood FLOSS - One Fan At a Time
Mary J. Blige - My Life II: The Journey Continues
Tragedy Khadafi - Thug Matrix 3
Young Jeezy - Thug Motivation 103

September 27
9th Wonder - The Wonder Years
Big K.R.I.T. - Live From the Underground
J. Cole - Cole World: The Sideline Story
J-Live - S.P.T.A. (Said Person of That Ability)
Phonte - Charity Starts At Home
Pusha T - Fear Of God 2: Let Us Pray

October 4
Drake - Take Care
Exile - 4TRK MIND
Freestyle Fellowship - The Promise
Maino - The Day After Tomorrow
Styles P - Master Of Ceremonies

October 5
Cam'ron & Vado - Boss Of All Bosses 3

October 11
The Away Team - Scars & Stripes
Icebird (rjd2 x Aaron Livingston) - The Abandoned Lullaby
Roots Manuva - 4Everevolution

October 18
Witchdoctor - The United Race Ov America

October 25
Yelawolf - Radioactive
Statik Selektah - Population Control
Melanie Fiona - The MF Life

November 1
Bow Wow - Underrated
Torae - For the Record
Tyrese - Open Invitation
Wale - Ambition

Kanye West Welcomes D'banj To G.O.O.D. Music, Awards Him His Chain

After getting off a PJ, West introduces fans to the newest member of the G.O.O.D. Music team, D'banj.

Fresh off the MTV Video Music Awards, Kanye West surprised a London crowd with a performance and announcement as he welcomed D'banj into the G.O.O.D. Music family. In a moment that was reminiscent to his own induction to Roc-a-Fella, West also gave his new artist his G.O.O.D. Music chain in front of the crowd.

Before speaking about D'banj, who is a respected Nigerian singer-songwriter, West took the stage to perform "All of the Lights" with a harmonica backing. He then told the crowd, "I don't know if y'all heard or not, but D'banj is a new artist on G.O.O.D. Music."

As West took his chain off to hand to D'banj, the latest G.O.O.D. Music member bowed and hugged him. The moment may seem familiar to fans who have seen West's "Through the Wire" music video, where footage shows him receiving the Roc-a-Fella chain in front of a crowd when he was first signed.

D'banj's signing has been official for some time now, with the announcement first surfacing in June.

Glasses Malone Talks Dr. Dre, Debut Album "Beach Cruiser"

The Hoo-Bangin artist speaks on his upcoming album and meeting the Good Doctor.

As Glasses Malone's debut solo album, Beach Cruiser, drops in stores today (August 30), the emcee has taken the time to discuss what the project means to him.

"I've never worked so hard on anything in my life," explained Malone in an interview with KarmaLoopTV. "I was that person in high school that got good grades, so I ain't been a loser my whole life. To see it just get finished, finally, I feel good. It just feel like I finally get the chance to start my career."

Malone, who is signed to Mack 10's Hoo-Bangin Records, also spoke on meeting legendary producer Dr. Dre. "When I met Dr. Dre, and he told me I was dope, I think that's when I decided I'd take it real serious. Dre tells me that, that's just really crazy. That's all I needed. For someone of his caliber to say, 'You know what, you can do this shit for real.' You gotta think, like, damn, what'd he tell Eazy-E? What'd he tell Ice Cube? What'd he tell Snoop Dogg? I mean, if he tell you you can do this, you probably bet your bottom dollar you got a good shot at being someone great."

Soopafly Talks Work On The New "Detox,” Hits With Dr. Dre & Tha Dogg Pound

Exclusive: The west coast's best kept secret discusses being fired by Dr. Dre, recently rehired for Detox, and using social media to talk to onetime collaborator Nate Dogg.

Even the most ardent fan of Hip Hop from the land of palm trees and gang signs is likely to incorrectly reply “Warren G,” “Daz” or “Battlecat” when asked who produced certified left coast classics like Warren G’s “Somethin’ To Bounce To,” Tha Dogg Pound’s “Thrown Up Da C,” Daz Dillinger’s “In California” or Snoop Dogg’s “Loosen’ Control.” Unknown to too many for too long is that the musical mind behind some of the finest G-Funk selections ever created was actually Priest “Soopafly” Brooks.

Now with his aptly-titled third solo album, Best Kept Secret, the onetime protégé of Dr. Dre (whose first gig was playing keys for Dre and Ice Cube’s “Natural Born Killaz” as an unknown 19-year-old) is looking to finally let the world know who got some gangsta, gangsta shit by strategically keeping the best of his most recent G-certified creations all for himself.

Last Monday (August 22nd) the producer/rapper spoke to HipHopDX about the just-released follow-up to his slept-on sophomore album, 2007’s Bangin West Coast, and its past-meets-present sonic direction. The unofficial third member of Tha Dogg Pound also discussed his past and present working alongside Dr. Dre, being compared to legendary music makers like Dre and DJ Quik, and communicating with a recently passed legend via Twitter.

Rick Ross Being Sued For Trademark Infringement Over "Teflon Don" Album Title

Ricky Rozay is in legal hot water for taking another rapper's name.

Last year, Rick Ross was forced to settle a trademark infringement lawsuit with former drug boss Ricky “Freeway” Ross, who claimed that the Miami rapper lifted his name. Now, the Maybach Music Group CEO is at the center of another trademark suit over the title of his popular 2010 album Teflon Don.

In a lawsuit filed on August 30, rapper Teflon Don (born Donald Askey Jr.) alleges that Ross, along with DJ Khaled, Universal Music Group, Slip-N-Slide Records, Def Jam Recordings and Maybach Music Group are all guilty of “trademark infringement, common-law trademark rights, trademark delusion, unfair competition, tortious interference and fraud and identity theft," for illegally using his name. Askey Jr. claims that back in 2007, before the release of Ross’ Teflon Don album, he was involved in projects with DJ Khaled who specifically called him out by name on the track “I Represent,” (Coast 2 Coast Mixtape Vol. 10) saying, “To my homie Teflon Don, we the best…”

He says that the content of Rick Ross’ music has hindered his potential success because it has sent mixed messages to his fan base. "It is almost belittling to me because the music he [Rick Ross] puts out is almost demeaning and the music that I put out is more positive," Askey said. "We have two different crowds and it is making me lose clientele based on the fact that they think that I am a negative rapper.”

"I'm building a name, I'm building a brand and for someone to come with an album and an alias the name Teflon Don and they have big budgets to put behind it, it blocks me from progressing,” he added. “I was climbing the ladder and it feels like I went straight downhill and I don't feel like that's fair."

The (R)evolution Of Immortal Techinque" Documentary To Premiere At The Harlem Film Festival

The Cary Stuart-directed pic will debut next month in New York.

Cary Stuart's Immortal Technique documentary, The (R)evolution of Immortal Technique, will premiere at the Harlem Film Festival on September 7th.

The director will debut the film at the festival and follow the flick with a Q&A. Fans will be able to watch the Q&A worldwide via Skype (the page can be accessed at harlemfilmfestival.com).

Shot from 2004 to 2011, the documentary follows the political rapper as he travels from locations like Afghanistan and Peru to France and Norway, examining his life both on and offstage. Ice-T, Dr. Cornel West, KRS-One, Ill Bill and more appear in the film.

Steve Stoute Says Jay-Z Is Above Beef With Lil Wayne

The Commissioner explains that Hov is "so much bigger" than sparring with other rappers.

Lil Wayne tossed a few barbs at Jay-Z with his diss track "It's Good," but Hov's business partner Steve Stoute says that he likely won't respond. During an interview with JasFly (via UHTN), the Commissioner explained that Jay is above beefing with other rappers and that he doesn't see the beef moving forward.

"For Jay-Z to do ANYTHING that resembles moving backwards right now would be insane," he said. "And a Jay-Z beef is moving backwards. Jay is SO MUCH bigger than rap at this point. He’s a movement. And THAT’S where his head is at. That’s where his focus is. And NO ONE is on his level, even worthy of him battling with. No one. So you probably won’t see that happen."

On the track, Wayne responds to Jay's dig at Baby on "H.A.M.," rapping, "Talkin’ ‘bout baby money, I gotcha baby money / Kidnap your bitch get that how much you love your lady money / I know you fake, nigga / Press your brakes, nigga."

50 Cent Speaks On His Upcoming Fifth Album & "I'm On It"

Fif says that his next album fulfills his contract with Interscope Records and how some decisions were poorly made.

50 Cent has made his beef with Interscope Records public over the past few months, explaining that he and the company weren’t seeing eye-to-eye on his oft-delayed fifth album. Speaking with MTV UK, Fif confirmed that the LP, formerly titled Black Magic, would be his last for Interscope and that he’s recorded “more than enough material for it.”

"It’s actually my final requirement. My fifth album and the final requirement for Interscope. I had some difficulties with the actual system,” he said. “There are people there that are afraid to lose their job; they’ve seen other people get fired. I think they’re afraid to make some decisions that need to be made right away, they just sit and look. […] We’ve had some conversations communicated to develop plans for different things and it’s not actually executed in the time plan that we’ve created. And I get frustrated and I start doing things, like I put the record out."

The G-Unit leader said that he prefers to saturate the market with records before dropping a full-length and that the way that Interscope handled his single “I’m On It” caused problems between both parties.

"I condition my core audience to hear me a lot, because I perform at least two albums worth of material before I actually release the album. And when they don’t hear aggressive content, they turn their nose up at material, unless it’s already worked on radio,” he continued. […] It doesn’t actually mean that I don’t like the company because all the success I’ve had in my career has been with Interscope records. It’s just a frustration at different points - like I had a song just go out and it was in their position, they were moving around to actually make the music video for it and then they go ‘ok, I don’t want that song no more’ because it’s been presented in the wrong way to the public. […] Then people go 'I don’t like this, I like this, I don’t know!’ - there’s no event to it. It’s not difficult when you’ve recorded 40 songs, it’s like so what? If you only have one song, you should just go jump off the song. Go get it."

Mickey Factz Replaces J. Cole For 2011 KnowledgeFest Performance

It has been announced that another Sony Music act, Battery/Jive Records' Mickey Factz, will be performing. J. Cole, whose debut album is planned for release next month. Factz, a native of Bronx, New York and DXnext alum, is also at work on his debut.

Jay-Z & Kanye West Reach Gold Status With "Watch The Throne"

In its second week on the chart, "WTT" becomes one of the few Hip Hop releases to hit gold this year.

In its second week on the charts, Jay-Z and Kanye West’s Watch the Throne has become one of the few Hip Hop releases this year to achieve gold certification for moving more than 500,000 units.

The album, which holds court at the top of the Billboard 200 for the second consecutive week, sold an additional 177,000 copies, upping its overall cume to 613,000 albums sold since its release. This also marks the first week that both digital and physical editions of the LP were available for the entirety of the sales period.

Additional albums released this year that received gold certification include Wiz Khalifa’s Rolling Papers, Beyonce's 4 and Chris Brown’s F.A.M.E.

Kanye West To Headline Call Of Duty XP Event In Los Angeles, California

'Ye will treat gamers to a performance in early September.

Kanye West has been announced as the closing night performance of the upcoming Call of Duty XP event, taking place on September 2nd and 3rd at the Call of Duty compound in Playa Vista.

‘Ye will perform at 8 p.m. on the second day of the event, which includes the “world premiere of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer, the first public hands-on with the title, the finals of the Call of Duty $1 Million tournament sponsored by Xbox 360, Call of Duty-inspired live action-experiences and much more.”

"We're pulling out all the stops," said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing. "We promised our attendees and fans around the world a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the first Call of Duty XP, so we're thrilled to have Kanye on board.”

Obie Trice Says "Bottoms Up" Will Include At Least Two Eminem Features

O. Trice explains that his upcoming LP will also tout production from Em and Dr. Dre.

Obie Trice has revealed that his upcoming album Bottoms Up will include at least two songs that feature Eminem. Speaking with XXLMag.com, the Detroit, Michigan native explained that not only does Em appear on the LP, but both Em and Dr. Dre contribute production.

“It could be more [than two Eminem-featured songs],” said Obie, naming “No Turning Back” as one of the tracks. “I think it’s a great album. […] I’m older, I’m real excited.”

Obie will release Bottoms Up on his own imprint Black Market Entertainment in January 2012.

Mobb Deep Promises New Album Before Next Year Mobb Deep Promises New Album Before Next Year

P tells Bootleg Kev that he and Havoc will their next project in stores before year's end.

Bootleg Kev recently caught up with Prodigy of Mobb Deep backstage at the Las Vegas leg of the Rock the Bells. During the interview, P revealed that he and Havoc would be coming with the M-O-B-B's latest offering sometime before the end of the year.

Although Prodigy kept details on the project under wraps, he did indicate that the album will be ready for release before next year, with a lead single coming soon. He also added that Havoc and frequent collaborator the Alchemist will be two of the featured producers.

"We'll be dropping the single for the [new] album soon," he said. "That's the only thing we're focusing on right now, the Mobb Deep album...it'll be [out] before the new year. We ain't letting nothing out the bag [with features] - just know, it's that hard shit...[it'll be] Al[chemist], Havoc, the home team, you know? Mobb Deep, you know how we always do it."

Earlier this summer, Prodigy revealed that the Infamous Mobb had joined Rick Ross in the studio to record a track, possibly for their next album. Havoc also revealed that he and P are looking to record a full LP with Nas.

Young Jeezy – The Real Is Back 2 (Artwork)

Cover art to Jeezy and Drama’s upcoming mixtape

Swizz Beatz Debunks Myth That He Was Sued By Casio

Swizzy explains that he never used a Casio keyboard to make the beat for Ruff Ryders' "Down Bottom."

Swizz Beatz was once rumored to have been sued by Casio for the 1999 Ruff Ryders track "Down Bottom" featuring Drag-On and Juvenile. But according to the man himself, the rumor is just that. In an interview with Complex.com where he breaks down his classic records, Swizzy explained that he never used a Casio keyboard or faced a lawsuit by the electronics company.

"The sound module comes with sounds programmed in it already, so I was just looping the sound modules. Then, of course, people spun it out of control like I got sued by Casio. I was like, ‘What the fuck?’ I’ve never used a Casio in my life. That was a myth. I was using the Trinities, these silver keyboards. The Triton hadn’t come out yet," he said. "Today—because of that story—people think I made all of that shit from a fucking Casio. I’m like, ‘How can you make those beats from a Casio?’ No disrespect, but the only Casio I’d ever seen was little. I’ve never seen a Casio that had those types of horns or that could make the type of shit I was making."

Swizz also spoke on the equipment he used back in his Ruff Ryders days, cataloging his stock list of hardware to make beats. "My equipment list started from two BD10 Gemini turntables with a wood-grain Gemini mixer—the small one. Then I graduated to the Technic 1200’s and I got the other Gemini mixers. I always liked the Gemini mixers," he continued. "On the production side I started out with a Dr. Rhythm drum machine, I had an old TR-808. Then my cousin’s boyfriend—who was Bobby Brown’s brother—gave me an MP60, which was my first MP. I remember hooking all that up to my turntables and that was that."

Lil Wayne To Release "Tha Carter IV" To Digital At Midnight Following MTV VMAs

Weezy hopes that his performance will inspire viewers to cop his album shortly after he exits the stage.

Following his performance at the MTV Video Music Awards this Sunday (August 28th), Lil Wayne plans to make his oft-delayed new album Tha Carter IV available at digital retailers at midnight.

According to Billboard.biz, the Young Money chief hopes that his performance will inspire fans to purchase the album in stores like iTunes and Amazon.com before it hits physical retailers on August 29th. “I am extremely excited to be the first artist to utilize such an amazing idea. I hope that I can open the door for others," said Wayne in a statement.

Jay-Z and Kanye West took a similar approach with their chart-topping album Watch the Throne, which was released to digital on the Monday before its Friday physical release. The strategy helped prevent leaks and helped them break the iTunes record for most digital first-week sales.

Producer Mars Says Game's Next Album Will Have No Features Or Name-Drops

The 1500 or Nothin' member explains that the two are hard at work on Game's last album for Interscope Records.

This past weekend, Game announced that he was already working on the follow-up to The R.E.D. Album, due in stores tomorrow (August 23rd), with 1500 or Nothin' producer Mars. According to the beatsmith, the Compton, California native is taking a different approach with his fifth and final album for Interscope Records, explaining that the LP will be devoid of guest features and name-dropping in Game's rhymes.

"Me and Game was in the studio yesterday," Mars told MTV's Mixtape Daily. "We did two songs. That's coming along crazy. We're going to have no features: It's just him rapping. No name dropping, no little things people say is cliché about Game. It's just putting on the boxing gloves and going for what we know."

Mars, known for his previous production work with T.I. and Nelly, also serves as executive producer on R.E.D., an honor that he didn't see coming. He says that he was given the title because of "[Game] seeing that it wasn't about trying to get however many songs or just going up there and sending beats and just leave like other producers would. I just wanted to be there every day to make sure there's input," he continued. "Even if it was songs I didn't produce, I made sure I was vocal about it. He respected different things I would suggest."

Mixtape Release Dates

August 22

GLC - "I Know Who You Pimped Last Summer"

August 23

Curren$y - "Spitta Andretti: Verde Terrace" (Hosted by DJ Drama)

August 25

Cam'ron - "Family Ties Vol.1"

August 29

Kyle Rapps - "On Air"

August 30

XO - "Monumental II"

August 31

The-Dream - "Terius Nash Est.1977"

September 1

Killa Kyleon - "Candy Paints & Texas Plates"

October 5

Cam'ron and Vado – "Boss of All Bosses 3"



TBA

Styles P – "The World's Most Hardest MC"

Young Jeezy – "The Real Is Back 2"

Young Buck – "Bond Money"

Ne-Yo – "101 (Hosted by Kevin Hart)"

Drag-On – "The Crazies: Part 3"

Melanie Fiona – "The MF"

Triple C's – "Money Burning Motherfucker"

French Montana, Three 6 Mafia & Project Pat – "Cocaine Mafia"

Zaytoven – "Zaytown 3"

Truck North and The 3rd – "Reconstruction"

Wale – Untitled

Raekwon – Untitled

Ludacris – Untitled

Young Chris x Cardiak – Untitled

DJ Holiday – "Holiday Season Vol. 4"

SL Jones – "The Number 23: Editor's Cut"

Jackie Chain x Nick Catchdubs – "After Hours"

DJ Spinatik – "Street Runnaz 60"

Freddie Gibbs – "A Cold Day In Hell"

Maffew Ragazino – "Rare Gems: The Collection Pt. 2"

Kingpen Slim – "Pass The Roc"

Ess Vee - The Veelude

J. Cole Reveals Album Cover For "Cole World: The Sideline Story," Due September 27th

Instead of releasing new music like in previous weeks, J. Cole has unveiled the cover art for his upcoming label debut Cole World: The Sideline Story.

JT The Bigga Figga Planning New LP, Talks Magazine Venture With Snoop Dogg

The Fillmore legend is back on the scene, after getting involved with the Messy Marv and Too $hort beef.

San Francisco, California veteran emcee has been largely quiet in recent years. The founder and CEO of Get Low Records (which released early Game recordings several years ago) emerged recently to allign with Too $hort in his ongoing beef with Messy Marv. Speaking with AllHipHop.com last week, JT, who has released collaborative albums with the likes of Daz Dillinger and Juvenile, revealed that he's at work on new material.

"I'm working on a new album right now called Conflict of Interest. It will be out in November," said the Fillmore Hip Hop pioneer. "I've got a magazine that me and Snoop Dogg started called Mandatory Business. It's a magazine that we put together to help the underground make something happen for themselves."

Next year will be JT The Bigga Figga's 20th anniversary releasing studio albums, dating back to Dank Or Dope.

Kid CuDi Scraps "A Man Named Scott" Mixtape

Cudder lets fans know that his mixtape is a no-go.

Kid CuDi has revealed that he will no longer be releasing his upcoming mixtape, A Man Named Scott.

The Cleveland, Ohio native revealed the disappointing news to his fans on his Cud Life blog.

"A Man Named Scott is scrapped everyone," said CuDi in a statement.

There was a silver lining to the news, however, as Cudder revealed the reason for the mixtape's cancellation. "I know its a bummer but [sic] ive just been too busy with this new album and thats where all my energy and focus is right now. I gotta work on what moves me creatively. After this im going straight to work on MOTM3 so dont trip. You’ll definately have the WIZARD album this year so no worries. Trust im working extra hard to make this shit as amazing as possible and get yall some new jams. Again, sorry for the late notice. I know youll understand, I hope you understand ha :)

Cud"

Suge Knight Sentenced To Three Years Probation, Calls Out Diddy

A 16-plus year beef is back on again, as Suge Knight uses a press opportunity to criticize Diddy for doing Tupac Shakur wrong.

Death Row Records co-founder and onetime CEO Marion "Suge" Knight has been sentenced to three years of probation. The sentence comes from a February incident where the Compton, California native was arrested for driving with a suspended license. Knight pleaded no-contest to the charges.

Confirming the sentence with TMZ.com, Suge used the incident to criticize longtime rival Sean "Diddy" Combs, founder and CEO of Bad Boy Records. "A lot of these dudes say they love [Tupac Shakur], but at the same time they be doing shit like 'Bucky,' I mean Puffy, whatever it is," Knight began, referring to Diddy's former name. Suge continued, "Once now all of the truth comes out on all the people who did 'Pac wrong, we still gotta be back on that mission."


The pair has had a beef for over 15 years. At the 1995 Source Awards, Knight famously took shots at his east coast rival, by accusing Diddy of upstaging his artists through appearances in music videos and songs.

Suge Knight is reportedly working on film. In the 1990s, Knight produced Murder Was The Case, a 1994 short film, co-directed by Dr. Dre. While imprisoned, Knight also executive produced Death Row Uncut: Too Gangsta For TV, a Death Row Records video collection that also featured disses against former label artists, controversially revealing their home addresses.

LA Sheriff's Department Accepts Game's Apology In Twitter Prank

The sheriff's department issued a statement saying that his apology was "relevant and well received."

"His willingness to help share with the media and the community that the safety of the public is what is most important, is a great message," the department said. "Based upon our investigation, as well as consultation with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, the LASD considers the criminal investigation into this matter closed. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department will not be seeking criminal charges."

J. Cole On Jay-Z Collaboration: "Your Guess Is As Good As Mine"

Exclusive: As J. Cole readies the September 27th release of his debut album, "Cole World: The Sideline Story" he recalls getting the attention of manager Mark Pitts and keeping his word on few collaborations for his first album.

"I've been signed for two and a half years, it's been a long journey for me," J. Cole explains, holed up in Jay-Z's Roc the Mic Studio in Manhattan. Donning a snapback, t-shirt and cargo shorts, the young Roc Nation stalwart premiered the greater whole of near finished tracks for his debut album Cole World: The Sideline Story this evening to a select few in the music industry, and HipHopDX was there.

Cole explained he had well over 30 tracks to choose from for Cole World arriving September 27th. While sequencing and track titles remain tentative, the bulk of production does rest in J. Cole's hands, with the exception of one No I.D. track, a Danja Handz track, and the assumed album opener by new production team The University. Some cuts on Cole World: The Sideline Story have already made their rounds, including "Work Out" , "In the Morning" , "Lost Ones" , and "Lights Please" , which coincidentally was the song that drew the attention of manager Mark Pitts.

Per Cole, his demo for "Lights Please" was sitting in Pitts' office unopened until his assistant Kirk finally played the record as Pitts was about to leave his office. He turned around "like he smelled cooked food," Cole explains, and the rest is history. A skit on the album has J. Cole telling the story of how the night he got signed he was arrested and spent the night in jail, but was resting on the high of his record deal.

What hasn't yet been heard on J. Cole's debut is a healthy balance of pensive and energetic tracks, where Cole's talent - both lyrically and musically - sits at the forefront. Collaborations are very few, with one confidential collab with a female rapper who moonlights as a singer. Cole discusses several topics on his debut, ranging from relationships to personal achievements and the highs and lows of this new life he still seems to be accustoming to. The title track presents high-powered spitting from Cole on relatable subjects like student loans. Another standout track on the album takes a futuristic abstract beat and inserts the repetition of Jay-Z's classic line from the song "A Million And One Questions." The question of Jay-Z appearing on the album still arrives with no answer. "Your guess is as good as mine if we're gonna get a Jay-Z verse," Cole says of the one song he wants Jay-Z on, coincidentally the final track on the album. While some bars from the Roc Nation kingpin would be nice, Cole says he's not pressed. Rather, the Hov cameo would put an end to the continuous question of whether or not Jay-Z cosigns him.

Still unfinished, Cole World shows great promise and is the type of album Hip Hop should expect from the multi-faceted emcee /producer who stepped on the scene with well-deserved praise. Cole admits he already has the structure for the second album, which he hopes to release in the Summer of 2012. While Cole World: The Sideline Story was anticipated for a summer release, J. Cole is fine with missing the mark. "It'll be a Cole Fall instead," he says.

Big Sean Denies Beef With Drake, Talks Mixtape with Curren$y And Wiz Khalifa

Big Sean says there's no animosity between him and Drizzy, and shares a few details about his collaboration with Curren$y and Wiz.

Tim Westwood recently caught up with G.O.O.D. Music's latest star Big Sean to discuss his msuical activity this summer and his acclaimed debut Finally Famous: The Album. During the interview, Sean also discussed the rumors circulating that he and Drake are embroiled in a fued.

Big Sean confirmed Drake's recent statement at a show in Detroit that the two artists are not actually beefing with one another. He said that while Drake's adaptation of his flow may seem like enough of a spark to fuel a fight between the two, the two artists are on good terms.

“Drake is my homie, he just shouted me out a few days ago," he said. “As far as that flow thing goes, he just borrowed an element of a flow that I made up in '09 on [my mixtape] Uknow Big Sean. That same cadence I used, he used on the song 'Forever,' but he admitted he was like, 'Yo I got that style from Big Sean.'"

Big Sean also spoke on his recently formed super-group with Curren$y and current tour mate Wiz Khalifa. Although details about the exact size of the group's recording history went unmentioned, Sean did reveal that they are planning a mixtape together and that they have a number cuts already recorded. He also added that at the end of the day, the trio is simply having fun with their collaboration.

“We’re just having fun with it," he explained. "That’s what people are not doing these days, they’re not having fun with this shit.”

The full interview can be read over at MTV.

Mistah F.A.B. To Host Charity Basketball Tournament "Ballin' For Peace"

Mistah F.A.B. is preparing to host a charity basketball tournament this weekend in Oakland.

With this year's I Found My Backpack already in stores and his fourth studio album The Bus Ride (formally Da Yellow Bus Rydah) reportedly set for a release later this year, Mistah F.A.B. is looking to give back to the community. The Bay Area rapper is now preparing to host a basketball charity event in his native Oakland.

In a recent press release, Fabby Davis, Jr. announced that he will be hosting a charity basketball tournament on August 21. The event, which is titled "Ballin' For Peace," will also distribute backpacks and school supplies to Oakland students on a first-come, first-serve basis.

"I think it's important to show the kids that we care about them and I wanted to do something to encourage them to stay in school and on the right path, especially in light of all the violence that we’ve had in this city recently," F.A.B. said of the give-away event., "It's hard times for a lot of families here in Oakland and this is my way of giving-back."

A number of other local celebrities are set to appear at the event as well. Bay Area legend Too $hort will make an appearance, alongside Dorell Wright of the Golden State Warriors and former Oakland Raiders linebacker Kirk Morrison.

As previously mentioned, "Ballin' For Peace" will take place this Sunday August 21. The event wil be held at 44th Street and Linden Street in North Oakland beginning at 1:30 PM.

Drake To Receive Award From Canada's Walk Of Fame

Canada honors its biggest rap export Drizzy with a new award from Canada's Walk of Fame.

Between his numerous Grammy nods, his two Juno Awards and his recent Songwriters Hall of Fame commemoration, Drake has been making the best of his budding career by racking up award after award. Now, the Young Money star is set to receive his latest trophy from Canada's Walk of Fame.

AllHipHop reported earlier today that Drizzy recently received Allan Slaight award from Canada's Walk of Fame. The award honors Canadians who have displayed excellence in the fields of sports, literature, music and the performing arts.

The Allan Slaight award comes with a $10,000 honorarium prize, which Drake will present to the charity organization Dixon Hall. The Toronto-born rapper/singer recently released a statement on his latest win, saying that he's proud to be honored by home country in such a fashion.

“I am a proud Canadian, and I am grateful to Canada's Walk of Fame and the Slaight Foundation for this award,” he said.

The Director of Canada's Walk of Fame Peter Soumalias also commented on the award, saying, “At 24 years of age, Drake has already achieved what has taken others a lifetime to do. He is kind, smart, talented, philanthropic and driven. He is an inspiring example to all, and we are proud to recognize him this year as our young Canadian making a positive impact."

Rapper Jim Jones Speaks On Dipset Movie, "Fly Boy” Album With Cam'ron

In an interview with Invasion Radio, Jim Jones shares the details of the Dipset movie and speaks on new music from the crew.

According to rapper Jim Jones, the Harlem-based crew Dipset has quite a few interesting projects that are currently in the works. During his interview on DJ Green Lantern’s Invasion Radio the rapper revealed that there’s a Dipset movie being worked on as well as an album with himself and Cam’ron.

Still in its initial stages Jones explained that they’re still in the process of gathering material for the Dipset movie.

“The movie’s gonna be good…The process is everybody writing down the most memorable moments inside of Diplomat history both the good and the bad. And how we manage to be in the midst of a transition in a period of time where young black kids like us was synonymous for hustling and making money,” Jones explained. “And we got a chance to go into music at a very young age and treat that like we was hustling so it was a little bit crazy to be honest. It’s hard to have one foot in and one foot out and learn that. This is a bigger business than the streets.”

Jones later went on to compare the Dipset movie to that of an action-flick.

“It’s like an action-flick man. It’s so many things we go through…It’s just a lot. We blessed to still be here and dodging a lot of things,” said the rapper. “It feels good every day to wake up and know that I don’t have to want for nothing.”

As far as the albums are concerned according to Jones the Diplomat album will be preceded by an album featuring both himself and Cam’ron.

“It’s a grinding process. I think me and Killa’s Fly Boy album will come out right before the Diplomat album. It’s an album that we set out to do years ago when we first started the Diplomat movement and we was setting up the different albums that we were doing under Diplomat Records,” said Jones in regards to the Fly Boy album.

Statik Selektah Announces "Population Control" Album, Due October 25th

Statik nabs guest appearances from Bun B, Brother Ali, Mac Miller, Big K.R.I.T., Talib Kweli, Sean Price, Pill and many more.

Statik Selektah has announced the upcoming release of his new album Population Control, dropping October 25th via Showdown/Duck Down Records.

His fourth solo album, Population Control features guest appearances from Mac Miller, Talib Kweli, Bun B, Chris Webby, Pill, Dom Kennedy, LeCrae, Joell Ortiz, Freddie Gibbs, Brother Ali, Colin Munroe, Sean Price, Styles P, Lil Fame of M.O.P., Reks, Action Bronson, Chace Infinite, Slaine, JFK, Strong Arm Steady, Jon Connor, XV, The Kid Daytona, Termanology, Josh Xantus, Saigon, Jared Evan, Kali, Gameboi, Skyzoo, Chuuwee, Tayyib Ali, Push! Montana, LEP Bogus Boys, Ea$y Money, Nitty Scott MC, Rapsody, Smoke DZA, STS, Dosage, Scram Jones and DJ Babu.

"Every person I meet is a rapper, DJ or makes beats," Statik says of the title for the 18-track LP. "This is my way of saying who is legit from the new generation and I added a few of the OGs that still care about our music. This is a different sound from my previous albums. It's fresh and younger, but still very raw. I'm excited to show the older rap heads how dope some of the new guys are, as well as show some of the kids following the new guys how the OGs get down."

Nas Recalls Working With DJ Premier & Q-Tip On "Illmatic"

Nasir Jones reminisces on working in the studio with the veteran producers for his classic 1994 debut.

Nas is currently gearing up to perform his 1994 classic Illmatic on the Rock the Bells 2011 tour with DJ Premier and AZ. In preparation for his performances, he spoke with Fuse (via RR) about working with Primo in the studio and how the two clicked during the recording process.

“Premier brought to the table someone who I felt like was like myself. Premier was more like my guys, we related like that. Premier spoke my language all day, 24/7,” he recalled. “We sat down and he played records. He opened up his crates to me. He showed me records, he let me play them on the turntable, listen to things that I like. He was open, easy. Just real chill. So we’d just go through records for hours. He had ideas, beat ideas, he would lay down one thing and I’d lay down a rhyme to it and then he’d come back and [say,] ‘Change it up. Change that.’ Or I’d say, ‘I think this would sound better with this sound in it.’ He was just easy to work with.”

He also explained how he came up with the concept for the Q-Tip-produced “One Love,” which addresses an incarcerated friend and what’s happened in the streets since he turned himself in to do a bid.

“Just the story of ‘One Love,’ just writing a letter to someone in prison... I thought that it was what everyone of us, what everyone I knew, knew about. I didn’t understand there was no record like that before. And then the message being ‘one love’ was not a new saying, but it was new in the hood, kind of. It was just a positive thing to promote strength, even though you’re going through something serious in your bid. We still out here in the street and we still connected. You never die like that.”

Nas also recalled how Q-Tip presented him with the beat for “One Love” and had the intention to call it “My Summer Vacation.” After he laid his verses to the track, he showed the A Tribe Called Quest member what he wanted to convey.

“When Q-Tip first gave me the beat, he had this idea, it was called ‘My Summer Vacation.’ It was funny he said that, because it was like a student off for the summer and then comes back and tells the class what he did. It’s funny he said that because I already had the first two verses written, and I couldn’t wait to show him the different kind of letter i had. It wasn’t summer vacation, but it was about something else that Q-Tip could relate to. And when he heard it, he was like, ‘Wow, that’s it. That’s it!’”

Jay-Z Brands J. Cole's Debut Album "A Classic"

Hov still hasn't contributed a verse to his protege's project, but he was impressed by what he's already heard from the project.

J. Cole is still waiting on a verse from Jay-Z for his upcoming debut Cole World: The Sideline Story (September 27th), but Hov thinks it’s already a classic without it. In an interview with Rap-Up.com, Cole recalled hearing Jay’s impression of the album secondhand from Roc Nation executive Rich Kleiman.

“When I played him the album, I could gauge his response not on what he said, but what his vibe was,” he said. “I linked up with Rich Kleiman and he said he was with Jay-Z later that night. Out of nowhere, Jay said, ‘So Cole got a classic. That motherfucker.’”

As for getting that elusive verse from Hov, Cole says that it may or may not make the final cut - but that it won’t make or break the album.

“We’ll see. It’s very possible that he might not be on it. I feel like it’s dope as hell though,” he explains. “The whole world knows that J. Cole is waiting on a Jay-Z verse, but if it don’t happen, it don’t happen. But how ill is it that the album is called The Sideline Story, which is a metaphor for me trying to get off the bench, and I’m waiting for the nod from the coach?”

Big K.R.I.T., Jean Grae, Rapper Big Pooh Announced To 2011 A3C Festival

A new batch of performers has been added to the upcoming festival.

Recently added acts include: Jean Grae, Big K.R.I.T., Rapper Big Pooh, Smoke DZA, Homeboy Sandman, REKS, Termanology, Action Bronson, Nottz, Diamond D, GLC, Trademark da Skydiver, Marz Lovejoy, Bronze Nazareth, Saigon, Chris Webby, El Da Sensei and DJ Puerto-Roc, One Be Lo (of Binary Star), J. NiCs, Gods'Illa, Backbone, Moke and Tone, Lyric Jones, The Away Team, The Regiment, Bodega Brovas, Raven Sorvino, and Second Sight Crew.

Swizz Beatz Speaks On Contributions To Jay-Z & Kanye West's "Watch The Throne"

Swizzy says that the album will be looked at as part of Hip Hop history.

Swizz Beatz helmed the tracks “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Murder to Excellence” on Jay-Z and Kanye West’s chart-topping Watch the Throne, and contributed vocals on two of the cuts. Speaking with Billboard’s The Juice, Swizzy explained that being part of the project was a blessing that reveal itself in time.

"I'm a part of four different songs in different ways," he explained. "That's like what I was telling someone today. It’s like being in the studio with Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson at the same time. Of course, we don't feel that now, the masses don't feel like that now, but 10 years down the road, 15 years, that will be compared to something like that in Hip Hop history. Just to be in the Mercer... I'm just happy to be here.”

Jay-Z and Kanye West shattered the iTunes first-week digital sales record earlier this week with around 290,000 copies sold. The album debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 with 436,000 copies sold.

Will Smith Currently Working On A Comeback Album

The Fresh Prince is putting Hollywood on hold to revive his once thriving music career.

With his last studio album Lost and Found dropping in 2005, Will Smith is ready to pick back up the mic. According to 1500 or Nothin’s Mars, the Fresh Prince is currently at work on his comeback album, which he mentioned while running down a list of his production team’s upcoming projects.

“We’re working on Tip, we’re working on the High School movie with Snoop and Wiz Khalifa. We’re working on Will Smith, bringing him back,” Mars told XXLMag.com. “That’s actually him on the other line right now. Snoop’s daughter, we just put out her first single. We’re doing the whole album. Mario wants me to do a mixtape with him, we’re working on that. I’m working on Ashanti. We’re just working on as much as possible.”

As a solo artist, Smith released four albums, beginning with his nine-times-platinum 1997 debut Big Willie Style. Willenium followed in 1999, crossing the double-platinum threshold, while Born to Reign only achieved gold certification following its 2002 release. Lost and Found, also certified gold, was released in 2005.

J. Cole Announces Dates For "Cole World... World Tour"

The Sideline kid reveals the schedule for his upcoming tour, which begins next week and wraps in December.

J. Cole has revealed the tour dates for his upcoming "Cole World... World Tour" trek around the globe.

Kicking off in Canada on August 23rd, the trek takes him through North America until wrapping at New York City, New York's Best Buy Theatre on October 25th. From there, Cole heads overseas to join Tinie Tempah for a handful of dates before breaking off on his own until December 12th, when he completes the tour at Paris, France's La Cigale.

Check the tour dates below.

August 23rd - Vancouver, BC (Vogue)
August 25th - Edmonton, AB (Edmonton Events Centre)
August 27th - Calgary, AB (Flames Central)
August 30th - Saskatoon, SK (Odeon Theatre)
August 31st - Winnipeg, MB (Garrick Center)
September 3rd - Toronto, ON (Sound Academy)
September 6th - London, ON (Music Hall London)
September 7th - Montreal, QC (Club Soda)
September 10th - Orlando, FL (The Beacham Theatre)
September 11th - Miami, FL (Revolutions)
September 14th - Houston, TX (Warehouse Live)
September 15th - New Orleans, LA (House of Blues)
September 16th - Dallas, TX (Southside Music Hall)
September 17th - Austin, TX (Emos)
September 19th - Denver, CO (The Ogden)
September 20th - Albuquerque, NM (Sunshine Theater)
September 21st - Phoenix, AZ (The Venue)
September 22nd - Los Angeles, CA (Club Nokia)
September 23rd - San Francisco, CA (Regency)
September 29th - Winston Salem, NC (Winston Salem State University)
October 2nd - Atlanta, GA (Tabernacle)
October 4th - Cleveland, OH (House of Blues)
October 6th - Kalamazoo, MI (Kalamazoo State Theatre)
October 7th - Detroit, MI (Royal Oak)
October 8th - Milwaukee, WI (The Rave)
October 9th - Chicago, IL (House of Blues)
October 12th - Philadelphia, PA (Electric Factory)
October 13th - Charlotte, NC (Fillmore)
October 14th - Norfolk, VA (Old Dominion University)
October 15th - Elizabeth City, NC (Elizabeth City State University)
October 16th - Myrtle Beach, SC (House of Blues)
October 19th - Washington, DC (Fillmore)
October 20th - Baltimore, MD (Sound Stage)
October 21st - Albany, NY (Armory)
October 22nd - Worcester, MA (Palladium)
October 23rd - Providence, RI (Lupo's)
October 25th - New York, NY (Best Buy Theatre)
October 31st - Liverpool, UK (Echo Arena/TinieTempah UK Arena Tour)
November 1st - New Castle, UK (Metro Radio Arena/TinieTempah UK Arena Tour)
November 2nd - Glasgow, UK (SECC/TinieTempah UK Arena Tour)
November 4th - London, UK (O2 Arena/TinieTempah UK Arena Tour)
November 5th - Bournemouth, UK (BIC/TinieTempah UK Arena Tour)
November 6th - Birmingham, UK (LG Arena/TinieTempah UK Arena Tour)
November 7th - Manchester, UK (MEN Arena/Tinie Tempah UK Arena Tour)
November 8th - Cardiff, UK (Motorpoint Arena/ Tinie Tempah UK Arena Tour)
November 11th - London, UK (Electric Ballroom)
November 12th - Birmingham, UK (Institute)
November 13th - Cardiff, UK (Solus)
November 14th - South Hampton, UK (University)
November 17th - Glasgow, UK (ABC)
November 18th - Liverpool, UK (Academy)
November 19th - Sheffield, UK (Academy)
November 20th - Manchester, UK (Academy 2)
November 22nd - Cambridge, UK (Junction)
November 24th - Bristol, UK (Academy)
November 26th - Norway (Waterfront / UEA)
November 30th - Brussels, Belgium (VK*)
December 1st - Amsterdam, Holland (Melkweg)
December 2nd - Germany (TBD)
December 3rd - Copenhagen, Denmark (VEGA)
December 4th - Malmo, Sweden (Babel)
December 6th - Gothenburg, Sweden (Parken)
December 7th - Stockholm, Sweden (Nalen)
December 8th - Oslo, Norway (Rockefeller)
December 10th - Berlin, Germany (TBD)
December 12th - Paris, France (La Cigale)

Wale Reveals Cover Art, Tracklist For "The Eleven One Eleven Theory"

The Maybach Music Group rapper enlists producers like Tone P, Hit-Boy, DJ Toomp, Lil C and more for his upcoming project.

Wale has revealed the cover art and tracklist for his upcoming project The Eleven One Eleven Theory, releasing today at 1:11 p.m. EST on Jay-Z's website LifeandTimes.com.

The giveaway boasts guest features from Lloyd, J Holiday, Black Cobain, Lil Duval, Tre of UCB, Tone P and Magazeen. Producers for the project include Deputy, BuBu, DJ Toomp, Sonny Digital, Lil C and Hit-Boy.

Check the tracklist below.

1. "Theory" 11.1.1
2. Fuck You
3. Drums N Shit (prod. by Deputy)
4. Chain Music
5. Lacefrontin'
6. Mother Nature (Slow Jammin) (prod. by BuBu)
7. Barry Sanders (prod. by DJ Toomp)
8. Bait
9. Passive Aggres-Her (prod. by Sonny Digital)
10. Fairytales feat. Lil Duval (prod. by Lil C)
11. Ocean Drive feat. Magazeen, Black Cobain and Tre of UCB
12. Samples N' Shit
13. Ambitious Girl Pt. 2 feat. J Holiday
14. Let's Chill feat. Lloyd
15. Pick.. Six
16. Varsity Blues
17. Underdogg (prod. by Hit-Boy)
18. The Podium feat. Black Cobain, Tre of UCB and Tone P
19. Globetrotters (Bonus)

Big Sean Says New Mixtape Will Arrive In A Month And A Half

The G.O.O.D. Music rapper also explains how No I.D. influenced his debut album, "Finally Famous."

Big Sean previously revealed that he was working on a new mixtape, but it's arriving sooner than anticipated. Speaking with Hip Hop Chronicle UK, the G.O.O.D. Music rapper revealed that the latest street offering will arrive in roughly a month and a half.

"I'ma keep working mixtapes, I'm gonna do another mixtape, put that out. The next month and a half or so," he said. "That's a real important factor. Mixtapes are different from albums, and I don't want to ever lose that aspect of my career. That's how I got on."

He also touched on his relationship with producer No I.D., who handled the bulk of the production on his debut Finally Famous. The "My Last" rapper shared how No I.D. not only guided the musical vision of the album, but also taught him the fundamentals of being an artist.

"He was basically the album producer. He's somebody who I learned a lot from. He really got his hands dirty and spent most of the time on the album," he explained. "Taught me a lot as a man and how to handle myself. Really one of the good people in this industry, and that's hard to come by. There's a lot of fucking sharks, a lot of bitch-ass people in this industry, and he's one of the real ones."

Watch the rest of the interview below, where he also speaks on Drake taking his "supa dupa flow," performing in the United Kingdom and more.

Rapper Kampane Found Dead In Paramus, New Jersey

The up-and-coming rapper's body was discovered in a parked SUV.

Brooklyn, New York native Kampane was found dead earlier today in Paramus, New Jersey.

The up-and-coming rapper's burned body was discovered in a parked sport utility vehicle on the street. The 33-year-old Brooklyn resident, whose real name is Rhian H. Stoute, was found in the SUV’s rear cargo area. His body was burned in several areas.

Police are investigating the incident as a homicide, though Bergen County prosecutor John Molinelli says the cause of death is undetermined and that no further details surrounding his death have been given. Molinelli also would not explain what led the authorities to the car.

Jay-Z & Kanye West's "Watch The Throne" Breaks iTunes Sales Record

Hov and 'Ye's collaborative album becomes the highest selling digital album in history for first-week sales.

Jay-Z and Kanye West's collaborative album Watch the Throne, which was released exclusively to iTunes last Monday (August 8th), has broken a record for the online store.

According to reports, the LP has become the highest selling album in the store's history for first-week sales, moving about 290,000 copies to break Coldplay's previous record with 2008's Viva La Vida, which sold 155,000 copies.

Upon its release last week, Watch the Throne rocketed to number one in 23 countries worldwide. Final first-week sales, inclusive of digital and physical units, will be reported on Wednesday.