Kelly Rowland Announces Album Title & Single Details

After countless numbers of push-backs, singer Kelly Rowland has finally unveiled the album title for her third solo project. The set, which was originally slated for a September 14th release [last year] will be titled “Motivation”, and will led by a brand new single and video featuring Lil Wayne. As mentioned in previous interviews, the “Rose Colored Glasses” songstress said the project will be a “mix of dance and mash-up,” with production by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Tricky Stewart, The-Dream, Jermaine Dupri and Red One

Lupe Fiasco Explains How Compromise Affected "Lasers"

After fan protests and the gold single "The Show Goes On," Lupe Fiasco tells Complex the compromise to get a release date makes him love and hate his album.

After a standoff with his label, Lupe Fiasco says he has some mixed feelings about his upcoming album, Lasers. At one point he requested to be released from Atlantic, after telling fans he refused requests to sign a 360-deal and make more radio-friendly material. The standoff culminated with a fan-organized protest, after which Lupe and Atlantic Records came to an agreement.

“I love and hate this album,” Lupe recently told Complex.com. “I listen to it and I’ll like some of the songs. But when I think about what it took to actually get the record together and everything that I went through on this record—which is something I can’t separate—I hate this album.”

Despite Lupe’s stated mixed feelings about his upcoming album, the project does have a shot at crossover success. Last week, it was announced that his recent single “The Show Goes On,” was certified gold. However, Lupe explained to Complex that doing the single wasn’t really his call.

“I had to do ‘Show Goes On,’ that was like the big chip on the table,” he added. “I had to do it and it had to be the first single if the record was going to come out.”

To read the complete Lupe Fiasco interview, which also features Lupe explaining how tracks such as “Never Forget You” and the impact the Fiasco Friday protest made, visit Complex.com.

Juvenile Arrested And Charged With Possession Of Marijuana

Rapper Juvenile arrested in Sterlington, Louisiana, charged with possession and driving with a suspended license.

According to the Associated Press, Louisiana rapper Juvenile was arrested in Sterlington, Louisiana over the weekend after being pulled over for speeding. Upon being pulled over the arresting officer detected the smell of marijuana and when asked about the scent Juvenile handed over a small bag of marijuana.

"He was very courteous and respectful as he could be,” Sterlington Police Sgt. Jacob Greer explained to the AP. “He asked me if I recognized him, and I said `No. Now if you were George Strait I'll probably have recognized you.'"

On top of being charged with simple possession of marijuana Juvenile was also charged with driving with a suspended license.

Juvenile was released from jail after posting a $750 cash bond; he’s currently scheduled for an April 1 court date.

Last weekend’s arrest is just one of several arrests the rapper has dealt with in the last few years. Just last year Juvenile was arrested after police found marijuana in a home recording studio he was working in. The arrest resulted in three months in jail, six month’s probation, and a $250 fine.

Kid Cudi Ends Dream On, Plans New Record Label

After a cordial split with Plain Pat and Emile, Kid Cudi announced he would go in a new direction with Dot Da Genius that better reflects his vision.

Over the weekend Cleveland rapper and G.O.O.D. Music artist Kid Cudi announced a split from his longtime producers Patrick “Plain Pat” Reynolds and Emile Haynie. Cudi worked with Reynolds and Haynie to form Dream On. The label was distributed through Universal Motown via a partnership with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music imprint, and it spawned Cudi’s first two albums Man On The Moon: The End Of Day and Man On The Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager. Cudi made the announcement via his Twitter account.


"Dream On is over. new label announcement soon"


In a series of following messages, Cudi added that he is still affiliated with G.O.O.D. Music, and the split from Reynolds and Haynie will not affect his relationship with West. Since the release of his A Kid Named Cudi mixtape, which featured the platinum single “Day N Nite,” Cudi has expressed the desire to incorporate more Rock elements in his music.

Kid Cudi also announced he already has a name for his new label venture, but he wanted to “lock it in contractually first.” The new label will be helmed with frequent Cudi collaborator Dot Da Genius. Finally, Cudi urged fans that the sound will be the same just “more real and true” to himself.

this is a day to rejoice, this isnt bad news. things are gonna be so epic, im like a kid on xmas eve im so excited bout this new chapter

"Sprite Best Jerk Look" Contest to Award $200 American Express Gift Card

Jerk fans everywhere can rejoice and start dancing as the Sprite Best Jerk Look gears up to award a creative fan with a $200 gift card.

Fans of the popular Jerk dance craze now have a chance to win a $200 American Express gift card through Sprite. Participants can enter the Sprite Best Jerk Look Contest by submitting a photograph of their best "Jerk Look" to HipHopDX. Pictures can be sent of a single outfit and samples can currently be seen on the Jerk All Stars MySpace page.

Contest entries will be based on two things. First of all, fans must be creative, as 50% of the judgement will be made on originality. The other half will be made based on the submission's relevance to the contest theme. The contest will begin on February 28, 2011 and will end on March 13, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. EST. All participating Jerk fans must be over age 13 to enter.

In addition to this contest, fans of the dance can also catch a web series, one that will consist of 14 original episodes that will highlight the Jerk movement.

BB the Jerk, Sabi, Indigo Vanity and Young Ace are slated to be judges for this event. All submissions must be sent to jerkallstarshiphopdx@gmail.com.

Big Boi, Killer Mike & Pill Making An Album Together

A trio of Atlanta's finest have joined forces to record an album together

Three generations of Atlanta rappers in Big Boi, Killer Mike and Pill are recording an album together according to Maurice Garland. In a post on his website he said, "I was hanging at Stankonia tonight chopping it up with these three. After a night of Black n Milds, rum, vodka and good music…they told me they were working on a new album together. None of these cats have gave me false info before so take this as the stone cold truth. They said they have about a months worth of material ready to go so stay tuned."

Big Boi and Mike Bigga are no stranger to one another. It was Outkast who introduced Mike to the world back in 2000 on "Snappin' & Trappin'." Daddy Fat Sax then went on to sign Killa Kill From The 'Ville to his Purple Ribbon imprint. Since then, they have fallen out and reconciled. Mike has two other releases slated for 2011 as well, his highly anticipated Pl3dge and recently announced collaboration with Independent heavyweight emcee/producer El-P.

This past week Pill was the latest artist signed to Rick Ross' growing Maybach Music. Last year 1140: The Overdose was among the most acclaimed mixtapes of the year, even garnering praise from the other half of Outkast, Andre 3000. The tape featured Killer Mike on the Emile produced cut "Westsiders."

Lil Wayne Stopped, Searched By Federal Agents

Lil Wayne was stopped by the feds, who searched the rapper for drugs.

Shortly after his arrival at Opa-Loca Airport in Miami earlier this week, Lil Wayne was stopped and searched by federal agents.

TMZ reports that Drug Enforcement Agency agents performed a contraband search on the rapper, who is currently on felony probation as the result of drugs and weapons convictions.

Luckily, Wayne was clean, so agents were forced to let him go without further incident.

The rapper has been out of prison since November.

In related news, a producer suing Lil Wayne for allegedly using a stolen beat for his 2008 song "Mrs. Officer" has enlisted the assistance of a musicologist.

Budget Cuts Shut Down Established Hip Hop Program At L.A. School

South Los Angeles loses a program that's hosted KRS-One and MC Lyte and financed deejay retreats for students.

By Brandon E. Roos

A charter school in South Los Angeles will be forced to terminate its successful Hip Hop culture curriculum this June due to ever-increasing budget cuts.

The Global Awareness Through Hip Hop Culture program is one of the only educational Hip Hop courses in the nation offered regularly to middle and high school students.

The program was founded by Sebastien Elkouby as a solution to connect with students disinterested in more traditional school subjects. As Elkouby explained, “This class uses the positive elements of Hip Hop culture that aren't usually promoted in mainstream media as a medium to develop critical thinking skills while teaching [students] language arts, social studies, and life skills.”

Active since 2006, the program has hosted KRS-One and MC Lyte as guest speakers, sent students on deejay retreats and received press from around the world. In 2008, the National Society of High School Scholars selected Elkouby as an "Educator of Distinction."

Despite this recent setback, Elkouby remains positive about his program's future. “It doesn't even have to be offered at a school," he says. "I'm open to bringing the program wherever the need is. I know that there's money available to fund creative programs. We just have to find it. Who knows? It may even come from someone in the Hip Hop community."

You can find out more about the program at www.globalawarenessthroughhiphopculture.com.

Parents Of Alleged Shooters Blame Waka Flocka's Security

The parents of the men charged with shooting at Waka Flocka's bus say his security should be charged.

Parents of the men recently charged with shooting at Waka Flocka Flame's tour bus say that the rapper's security guards should be charged.

Shots were fired by both sides, and the parents of the accused wonder why no one on the other side has been charged.

Antonio Stukes, one of the men charged in the exchange, was shot in the shoulder. "Just don't listen to one side of the story because there is always another side," said Stukes' mother, Antoinette, to the Charlotte Observer.

So why were none of Waka Flocka's crew charged? The parents believe it's because of their wealth and fame. "I don't understand why they are not locked up or being questioned for shooting at people," added Stukes.

After the shooting, Wacka Flocka Flame's publicist staid that the security team followed protocol, and that security cameras from a nearby store would back up the team's story.

Grandmaster Flash Offers Reward For Stolen Laptop

Last week, one of Hip Hop's pioneers was victim of a theft at New York's 40/40 Club. He's offering a cash reward in hopes of getting it back.

Legendary Bronx, New York deejay Grandmaster Flash is offering a reward for a stolen laptop. Widely considered one of Hip Hop's forefathers, the member of Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five had the device stolen last week at New York's 40/40 Club, founded by Jay-Z.

Flash took to Twitter, in hopes of seeing the laptop returned to him, and offering a $1,000 cash reward.

"Givin a reward for my laptop --Im puttin the word out it happened afta my 40/40 show last nite in Ny don't care how--i need it"

Blu Reveals Details Of Warner Debut "No York," Madlib, Flying Lotus Produced

Sa-Ra Creative Partners, Edan, Bilal and J*Davey contributed to Blu's Warner debut, and he says another full-length with Exile is on the way.

Los Angeles, California emcee/producer Blu has been largely quiet about his major label debut. After critical acclaim for 2007's Below The Heavens (with Exile) and 2008's Johnson & Jonson (with Mainframe). Speaking with HardKnockTV, Blu now provided details on his Warner Brothers debut, No York.

Asked about creative control within the label system, Blu said, "[Warner Brothers Records] is pretty open to my ideas, my different experiments - like I been trying to get into this electric Hip Hop feel, for like a while, since we finished the Johnson & Jonson album, me and Mainframe." Of No York, he added, "That is that that sound that I was digging for so long."

Blu revealed that No York, which is presently mixing, including contributions from Flying Lotus, Daedalus, Shafiq Husayn (and Sa-Ra Creative Partners), Madlib, Knowledge, Bilal, J*Davey, Edan, and Nola Darling. As for when Blu's next album will release, Blu explained, "We'll be sitting on it this summer."

As for the unique title, "No York is a deep reference to me," Blu said. "It's my west coast album."

Lastly, the emcee confirmed that he will make a follow-up to his Below The Heavens album with Exile. Contrary to reports, it will not be called Below The Heavens 2. Blu said that the sessions were initially not intended for public release, however, "Most likely, it'll come after [No York]."

Kanye West Booed In Chicago

The boo birds come out in Kanye's hometown.

Chicago may have had it with Kanye West's antics, as the emcee was booed by his beloved hometown on Thursday (February 24).

The United Center, home to NBA team the Chicago Bulls, was where the Def Jam Records superstar was booed when he was introduced to the crowd during the Bulls-Miami Heat game.

Tattletailzz.com speculates that Ye's recent Tweets about abortion were the source of the boos, but the emcee is no stranger to negative crowd response.

Most recently, the emcee was booed at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

He also received a similar treatment in 2008 at Bonnaroo for starting his set two hours late.

Papoose Gives His Take On Remy Ma Appeal

Remy Ma's husband voices his thoughts on Remy Ma's failed appeal.

It was announced on Thursday (February 24) that rapper Remy Ma's appeal to overturn her 2008 convictions on assault, weapons possession, and coercion charges was rejected.

Accordingly, her husband, Brooklyn emcee Papoose, had insight to Remy's state of mind, and was able to give his own take on the matter as well.

“She wasn’t happy about it, but she understands the situation that she’s in,” he said in an interview with XXLmag.com. “Mentally she’s free, her mind is right. She’s a strong person [and] she’s got strong family around her so she gonna be alright. We just gotta continue to fight.”

Papoose indicated some hope, as two of the seven judges ruled in her favor, including the chief judge. “That’s definitely a good sign that somebody is definitely seeing the truth of what’ really going on here, which is the fact that she’s innocent,” he added.

If no other channels can be taken to reduce Remy's sentence, she will remain in prison until 2016.

Producer Enlists Musicologist for Lawsuit Against Lil Wayne

The producer suing Lil Wayne for the beat to "Mrs. Officer" has hired a musicologist as an expert witness for the case.

Lil Wayne's lawsuit over the beat for his Bobby V-assisted 2008 hit "Mrs. Officer" has taken a turn for the worse. Now, the plaintiff Michael "Mali Boy" Bradford has enlisted the aid of an expert musicologist to testify in his case against the Young Money rapper.

Bradford filed the suit back in January 2009 claiming that he had originally made the beat five years prior to its release. Producer Deezle had apparently reworked the beat, originally titled "Popeye," for Wayne's Tha Carter III and received all of the credit for its production.

Now, Bradford has hired Dr. Felicia M. Miyakawa of Middle Tennessee State University to testify on his behalf as an expert witness in musicology. Miyakawa, an Associate Professor of Musicology and Assistant Director of the MTSU School of Music, compared Deezle and Bradford's versions of the song and says that there is enough similarity to bring the suit to court.

"Hip-Hop producers have become adept at reducing samples to smaller and smaller chunks of sound and reordering sampled bits so that the source material will be unrecognizable," she wrote. "But if random V103 audience members can hear these striking similarities, clearly the producer of 'Mrs. Officer' did not hide the source material and in particular the riffs - adequately. Further, these riffs are the most identifiable parts of a larger groove that establishes the identity of a previously copyrighted song."

AllHipHop has also provided a musical chart highlghting the similarities bewtween the two songs.

Bradford isn't the only person suing Weezy for "Mrs. Officer." Apparently, Deezle is also suing Weezy F. for $2.5 million worth of royalties for the very same song.

Joell Ortiz Working with Child Prodigy Lil' BQE

Joell Ortiz revealed via Twitter that he recently hit the studio with 8 year-old beatsmith prodigy Lil BQE.

From Flying Lotus to Kool G Rap, Crooklyn rhymer Joell Ortiz has worked with a wide variety of artists over the course of his career. Now, the Brooklyn emcee has revealed that he's hit the studio with perhaps his youngest collaborator, the 8 year-old producer Lil BQE.

The body of Slaughterhouse took to his Twitter earlier this week to inform his fans that he did connect with the production child prodigy. Ortiz, who released his sophomore LP Free Agent on Tuesday via E1 Entertainment, also posted a picture of BQE in the studio.

"Me and lil BQE (8yr old producer) just did a heater!!! http://yfrog.com/h4u3biyj"

As shocking as it may seem, Lil BQE is a pint-sized prodigy who has proved his worth on the MPC 2000 in a number of YouTube videos. He takes his name from the expressway that runs through his and Ortiz's native BK borough.

Wiz Khalifa: Rolling Papers [Album Art]

Roll up with everyone’s favorite weedhead on March 29th when the album hits stores.

Lloyd Secures Lil’ Wayne, Andre 3000 Collabo For ‘King Of Hearts’

Vibe recently reached out to Lloyd for information on his forthcoming studio album King Of Hearts and Young Goldie revealed guest appearances from the likes of Trey Songz (‘Be The One’), R. Kelly and Keri Hilson (‘World Cry’) and Chris Brown (‘Love Me Girl’).

Perhaps the LP’s most buzzed-about collaboration is probably ‘Miss That P*ssy’, which is set to feature cameos from southern MCs Lil Wayne and Andre 3000. The tongue-in-cheek ditty has a retro ‘50s sound and Robert Kelly-like crass, detailing the aftermath of a female’s infidelity—particularly on her lower regions:



"“I liked the way it used to be,” a, um, tightlipped Lloyd told VIBE of the track’s anatomical focus. He hadn’t yet heard the cameo verses by Wayne or Andre, who both appeared on the Idlewild soundtrack (‘Hollywood Divorce’) and, coincidentally, on different versions of Lloyd’s 2006 hit, ‘You.’ Source."

Jim Jones- Capo (Album Cover)

Capo’s 5th solo set will hit stores on the 5th day of April [via E1]. How fitting.

Travis Barker- Give The Drummer Some (Tracklist)

Album hits stores on March 15th.

The first single, which is also the title track, will feature the Game, Swizz Beatz, Lil Wayne, and Rick Ross. Other collaborators on the set are: Clipse, Ludacris and Kid Cudi, with previously released leaks “Hard Liquor” and “Carry On.”

Spotted @ RapRadar. UPDATE: The official tracklist has surfaced, hit the jump.

1. Can A Drummer Get Some (Feat. Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Swizz Beatz, Game)
2. If You Want To (Feat. Pharrell, Lupe Fiasco)
3. Carry It (Feat. RZA, Raekwon, Tom Morello)
4. Knockin’ (Feat. Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, E-40, Dev)
5. Jump Down (Feat. The Cool Kids)
6. Devil’s Got A Hold (Feat. Slaughterhouse)
7. Let’s Go (Feat. Yelawolf, Twista, Busta Rhymes, Lil Jon)
8. Saturday Night (Feat. Transplants, Slash)
9. Cool Head (Feat. Kid Cudi)
10. Raw Shit (Feat. Tech N9Ne, Bun B)
11. Just Chill (Feat. Beanie Sigel, Bun B, Kobe)
12. Beat Goes On / I Play The Drums (Feat.Cypress Hill)

Deluxe Edition:

13. On My Own (Feat. Corey Taylor)
14. Don’t F*ck With Me (Feat. Paul Wall, Jay Rock & Kurrupt)
15. City of Dreams (Feat. The Clipse & Kobe)
16. Misfits (Feat. Steve Aoki)

DJ Eclipse Celebrates 13 Years of Halftime Radio, Fat Beats Opens Warehouse Store

Saigon, A.G., Vinnie Paz, Masta Ace and others may help Halftime Radio celebrate next week, while Brooklyn gets a chance to still enjoy Fat Beats.

WYNU 89.1 FM's Halftime Show will celebrate its 13th anniversary next Wednesday, March 2. The show, hosted by respected deejay/producer DJ Eclipse, will air from 10:30pm to 1:00am EST, and features invited guests including A.G., The Artifacts, Black Sheep's Dres, Rah Digga, Vinnie Paz, Masta Ace and Saigon, among many others. The New York City-based show is also available for live stream at UStream.TV/Channel/WNYUHalftime.

In related news, Fat Beats, the legendary New York record store that Eclipse managed, will re-open a sub-store within their Brooklyn warehouse. The Village Voice reports that beginning March 5, Fat Beats' 110 Bridge Street warehouse will include a retail section, where loyal customers can purchase vinyl, CDs and merchandise of their favorite artists.

Alex Da Kid Working On Skylar Grey's Debut Album

In a live video interview with MTV Alex Da Kid speaks on working with Skylar Grey as well as meeting Dr. Dre and Eminem for the first time.

Following the release of Eminem’s “Love The Way You Lie,” Dr. Dre’s “I Need A Doctor,” and numerous other songs, Wisconsin-born singer Skylar Grey has steadily made an impact on the Hip Hop world with her vocals.

Grey performed alongside Dr. Dre and Eminem during the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards and now the singer is working with producer Alex Da Kid on her debut solo album. The British producer recently spoke to MTV’s RapFix about working with Gray and launching his own label.

"I'm working on Skylar's project, and I'm really excited about that,” Alex Da Kid explained to MTV News. "She's the first artist signed to my label. I'm just wrapping up my label situation right now, and that's my main focus."

Alex Da Kid also spoke briefly on his experience working with both Dr. Dre and Eminem.

“I met Em before I met Dre and Em is like a joker,” said Alex Da Kid. “He definitely doesn’t act like someone that’s sold the most records of this decade. So once you’re around him for two minutes you kinda just fall into a pattern of joking around and having fun. And when I met Dre for the first time…[he’s] kind of just way more relaxed and all about the music. I think once you’re around people that just love music as much as we all do it kinda just all makes sense.”

There’s still no word yet on when Grey’s debut album will be released; the album will be the first project released through Alex Da Kid’s label.

DJ Drama & La The Darkman Have Falling Out On Twitter

The Aphilliates' star deejay and former executive/emcee have a public dispute, that leaves Drama apologizing to fans for ever doing a Gangsta Grillz with the Wu-Tang Clan affiliate.

Throughout the last five-plus years, Atlanta, Georgia-based The Aphilliates deejay collective has been led by DJ Drama, with the help of emcee-turned-executive La The Darkman. La, known for his 1998 debut album Heist of the Century, is also brother to Willie Da Kid, which released his debut album, Absolute Greatness with The Aphilliates' imprint in 2008. La had been President of The Aphilliates Music Group, and maintains that position according to his Twitter page.

This week, the public learned that Drama and La may not be on the best of terms, as the popular deejay apologized to fans for his endorsement of the Crown Heights emcee.

DJ Drama: "I want to apologize to the hip hop community, fans & artists, for ever putting la the darkman on a gangsta grillz mixtape."


In 2008, the pair released the The Notorious L.A.D. Gangsta Grillz mixtape, believed to be the one Drama apologized for. La responded, calling the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania deejay's sobriety and financial status into question:


LA The Darkman: Mannnn I guess that's what the drugs & going broke will do to some people! Lol"

Russell Simmons Sells New Jersey Mansion At Reduced Price Of $10 Million

In less than four years, the former Simmons family mansion went from a listing price of nearly $24 million to a sale price of $10 mill.

Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons is widely considered Hip Hop's first mogul. With a top record label, fashion line, reality TV shows and websites at various points in his career, the Queens, New York has evolved throughout the last 30 years. One of Simmons' symbols of wealth sold this week, for an eight-figure sum.

HomesOfTheRich.net reported that Russell and ex-wife Kimora Lee Simmons have sold their Saddle River, New Jersey mansion for $10 million. The amicably split couple first listed their former living quarters in 2007 for $23.7 million, before reducing the price several times since.

The 35,000 square-foot mansion includes a 50-seat home theater, among many other amenities. The buyer's name has been kept private.

Naughty By Nature To Drop First Album Since 2002, DJ Premier Collaboration

Vin Rock and DJ Premier agree that 20 years is too long, and Illtown meets the Gang Starr sound for their next album.

Naughty by Nature have set a May 17 release for their first studio album since 2002's IIcons, Anthem Inc.

The album, which will drop on Illtown Records, signifies the 20th anniversary of the group, as well as the 15th anniversary of its Grammy for Best Rap album, the first of its kind.

"Anthem Inc. is our way of saying thank you to our incredibly loyal, global fan base for their support over the last 20 years," said Vin Rock of the release. "With a few classic tracks re-recorded and brand new bangers, the album will give listeners a 'Then and Now' perspective of our career.

The group began promotion by performing a medley of songs, in addition to their new single "Flags," on "Late Show with David Letterman" on Thursday (February 3).

Their latest single, "Flags," has been released in two video versions, the "Life Cut" and the "Death Cut," which contain alternate endings. The former guest stars Ice-T, as he helps the video's protagonist make the smart decision and get out of the street life. In the latter, the character is not so lucky.

"The 'Death Cut' depicts what occurs when one makes bad decisions in the face of adversity," explained Vin Rock. "Unfortunately, this is the reality youth are facing across America. We will use both versions to open up the dialogue in our community. We must step up to curb the self-inflicted genocide in our culture."

Naughty by Nature will be going on tour this year, making stops in the U.S., Europe and Australia.

Beastie Boys Ready "Hot Sauce Committee 2" For April 19

It has been announced that Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 will release on April 19, on Capitol/EMI Records.

Raekwon Wants To Work With 50 Cent

Despite past grievances, The Chef wants to cook with 50

It has been a long time since the Wu-Tang Clan took umbrage with 50 Cent's breakout single "How To Rob." It was 1999 when the Queens emcee joked "I'd rob ODB but that'd be a waste of time/Probably have to clap him run and toss the nine" and "I hit the studios take niggaz jewels and leave/Catch Rae Ghost and RZA for them funny ass rings."

A year later on Supreme Clientele Ghost responded on "Ghost Deini" with "Hot night, Jamaica/Came thru in a booger green '68 Pacer/Had mad paper, high as a fuck/Truck, 2 rappers got stuck that night I ain't sayin no names/they know who, thank you for the change." Rae, in an altered voice, also had some words for Fif on the Clyde Smith skit. That wasn't all the Clan had to say though. In 2008, seemingly out of nowhere, GZA fired shots at 50. First yelling at a show, "I dont give a fuck about 50 Cent. Who gives a fuck about him? You got a a lot of money nigga, you don't got talent. I don't give a fuck if I talk about a nigga, I don't give a fuck. You got a lot of fucking recording sales, you got a lot of money, you don't got talent motherfucker." Then releasing "Paper Plate," a song which 50 never responded to.

All water under the bridge though, in a recent interview with ThisIs50.com Rae expressed his desire to work with 50 Cent. "Right now I need my nigga 50 on something," Rae said addressing the camera."So Fif, you're my heart so let's roll and make a classic for these niggas."

You can watch the full video below where Rae talks about his beginnings, Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang, Justin Bieber and future projects.

OFWGKTA Makes MTV Debut, Kanye West Co-Signs

Odd Future makes their MTV debut while Kanye dishes out some high praise

Last week, California collective Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All stunned viewers with their raucous television debut on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon." Now, OFWGKTA continue their TV tour with an appearance on MTV later today.

According to the group's Tumblr, OFWGKTA will be making their MTV debut this afternoon at 4 PM EST. MTV's Kyle Anderson wrote that a camera crew "piled onto a Chinatown bus [with Odd Future] and took the long, smelly trip to Philadelphia" for a show following their Jimmy Fallon performance last week. They also released a teaser video of their trip down to the City of Brotherly Love.

"I've smelled dick that smells better than this bus," joked Tyler, the Creator. "I'd rather listen to Black Eyed Peas's last album fully through on Dre Beats [headphones] than be on this [bus]."

Cormega Talks Next Album "Cormega Raw Forever"

'Mega talks his next album, which will be a surprising new direction.

Cormega finally provided fans with the title of his upcoming album; Cormega Raw Forever. The more interesting news that came from his interview with Legal Hustle TV, was that the double disc will feature an album of Mega Montana with a live band.

"One disc will be a best of, so whatever your favorite Mega shit is will most likely be on there," the QB native explained. "The second disc will be me basically performing with a live band, like unplugged type shit. And then it's going to have features from artists. So basically it's like, imagine a mixtape with a live band playing behind it."

He did reveal that Large Professor produced a single, but no word on other producers or guest appearances. Last summer Mega did give us some hints as to who would appear, and who he would like to appear.

"I've got somebody from Wu-Tang on it, that's all I'll say, and I've got somebody from QB on it, one of the best spitters from Queensbridge on there, too. In the future, who I wouldn't mind collabing with, people like Scarface, Lauryn Hill, Slick Rick," he said. "I always liked doing shit with M.O.P., Mobb Deep...there's a lot of people...I would like to do a Dogg Pound track. I've worked with Kurupt before."

The album is tentatively scheduled to drop this summer.

Eminem Becomes Most 'Liked' Living Artist On Facebook

Em continues to dominate social media, surpassing Lady Gaga and trailing behind Michael Jackson in Facebook popularity.

Detroit's biggest name is making even bigger feats in the digital arena. This week, social media tracker Famecount.com found that Eminem has not only joined Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber in the ranks of Youtube's Artists-With-One-Billion-Views Club, but has now surpassed Gaga as the most "liked" artist on Facebook. He currently has 28.88 million Facebook fans, while Gaga is close behind with 28.87 million. Both are led by Michael Jackson, who maintains 29.13 million fans.

"Within the last few hours Eminem has become the world's most popular living person on Facebook," said Famecount founder, Daniel Dearlove. He went on to praise the rapper's successful year in music.

Of course, it's easy to perceive the numbers as arbitrary and to write them off as yet another tallying-trend brought on by obsessors of social media. However, these particular numbers represent a paradox in Eminem's large-scale success within the mainstream. As someone whose popularity is rooted in sentiments of the anti-popular, Em's emergence as the social media king seems almost counter-intuitive.

MJ, Eminem, and Lady Gaga are trailed by Bieber and Rihanna, the latter of whom is the fastest growing star on Facebook.

Rhymefest to Face-Off for Chicago Alderman in April

It looks like Rhymefest is one step closer to realizing his political dreams, as he's set to face-off against the incumbent Alderman this spring.

As announced last October, Chicago emcee was looking to run for the position of Alderman in the the city's 20th Ward. Now, after coming in second in the elections this past Tuesday, 'Fest will face off against the incumbent Alderman Willie Cochran.

According to the Chicago-Sun Times, each candidate must receive at least 50% of the vote in order to be officially elected Alderman. Although Ald. Cochran received 46% of the vote, Rhymefest, né Che Smith, received 20% of the votes, giving him enough leeway to go head-to-head with Cochran this April in a run-off election.

Although 'Fest isn't out of the race yet, he feels that another candidate on the five-person ballot hurt his chances this first time around. He says that people might have been confused by the name of another candidate, Andre Smith, but that now that the count is down to two candidates, he feels he has the chance to pull ahead.

“A lot of people didn’t vote for Cochran," he said. "People want change, and those who voted for Andre and George Davis will join up with me for change. I’m having a revolution of love. We want the 20th Ward to be a village again.”

'Fest also took to Twitter to rally support from his fans and fellow musicians. The run-off election will be held this April 5.


"Thanks to all of your tweets, RTs and support. We have a run-off on April 5th. We need volunteers and we need donations!"


"We have 42 days to make this happen. I'm going out today to get to work immediately but I cannot do this alone."

Lil' Kim Releases Nicki Minaj Beef Documentary, Birdman Responds

Lil' Kim is going back at Nicki Minaj with a new documentary, and BIrdman's in tow with a response.

Not even a month fresh off the release of her Black Friday mixtape, Lil' Kim is gunning for Nicki Minaj yet again. Now, the Queen Bee has released a short film about the Young money starlet called Carbon Copy.

Described on YouTube as "A documentary exposé about crazed fans with record deals," the video mashes up clips of Kim's past attacks on Minaj in interviews and songs cut over a host of the two artists' similar images.


In related news, Birdman responded to Lil' Kim's recent attacks on Nicki while chopping it up with the LA Leakers during NBA All-Star Weekend. He said that he makes sure that he and his artists stay away from beefs, and that Lil' Kim should move on from her dispute with Nicki at this point.

"Really, I don't get into that," said Baby. "Nicki's my little sister, so we ride. I'm with Nicki no matter how it goes, but I think Kim needs to just do her and stop worrying about what Nicki's doing and do her own thing. That's how we've always been: we stay focused on the music. We don't let nothing distract us. But you know, Nicki's the hottest thing in the game, so you've just got to live with it and do your own thing."

Foxy Brown Planning To Release "Black Roses," First Female Rapper's 2CD

The album that's been three years in the making just doubled, with one album of hardcore Hip Hop, another disc of Dancehall Rock.

Brooklyn, New York veteran emcee Foxy Brown has been in headlines recently for antics more than music. The former Firm member last released Brooklyn's Don Diva in 2008, but revealed this week that she is planning to release Hip Hop's first double-album from a female emcee.

Foxy revealed to Billboard.com that she still has plans to release Black Roses, an album that she began publicizing over three years ago. "I'm in the studio every night, slaving," said the onetime Def Jam Records star. "It's going to be really big. One side is going to be straight Hip Hop and hardcore records, and a couple big radio joints, and then the other side is Dancehall-Rock."

Earlier this week, Foxy disputed published reports that she was escorted from a club during New York's Fashion Week.

Killer Mike Discusses Black History Month's Importance

With less than a week of Black History Month remaining, Mike Bigga tells 3 Little Digs about the significance of cultural education.

Whether he’s incorporating Malcolm X speeches into his songs or calling a Detective Marc Cooper (one of the officers charged with reckless endangerment in the 2008 shooting of Sean Bell) a “race-trading bastard less than trash” Killer Mike has never been shy on the issue of Black Nationalism. As February draws to a close, Mike took a break from his recording session at Treesound Studios to tell 3 Little Digs about the importance of Black History Month.

“I think Black History Month is important for blacks in and outside the United States of America,” Mike explained. “Often times, black nations have been nations that have been conquered and just decimated by people. With being conquered and decimated, a lot of times, your history gets forgotten forever or just rearranged and changed. Not enough school children know that the face of The Sphinx used to be a face of Negro features. And Napoleon [Bonaparte] ordered 21 shots to blow the nose off the face.”

Mike added that his Pan-African influence came from his grandparents, due to his grandfather attending Alabama’s Tuskegee Institute. During a recent photo shoot, which featured Mike paying homage to Black Panther Party co-founder Huey P. Newton, Mike said he got a reminder of how little some people know about black history.

“One of the video models, who was in her mid-twenties, said, ‘Who was Huey Newton, a drug dealer?’” Mike recounted. “So her expectation was that all rappers try to emulate drug dealers and not necessarily revolutionaries. I found it a little shameful that this young woman didn’t know who Huey Newton was. I responded to her, ‘He’s the reason you have free breakfast in the schools…’”

Mike’s discussion was part of an ongoing series with 3 Little Digs. His upcoming album, PL3DGE, is scheduled to be released on March 22.

Remy Ma Loses Appeal, Eight-Year Sentence Upheld

New York's Court of Appeals court votes 5-2 to keep Remy Ma in prison for the duration of her prison sentence.

Thursday afternoon New York’s Court of Appeals rejected rapper Remy Ma’s appeal to overturn her 2008 convictions on assault, weapons possession and coercion charges. Remy—whose real name is Reminisce Smith—and her legal team argued that the convictions were the result of unfair direction from the trial judge.

In 2008, Smith was charged with shooting Makeda Barnes-Joseph during a dispute over $3,000. Smith’s appeal was based on her council’s contention that she also could have been shot during the dispute with Barnes-Joseph, as both women struggled to gain control of the gun. The defense argued the previous judge’s decision to disallow that argument violated Smith’s constitutional right to mount a defense, and it left the jury with a question of only whether she shot Joseph intentionally or accidentally.

“Her testimony without any other eyewitness to what happened inside the car, under the law, satisfies the proof beyond a reasonable doubt,” a judge said during the Appeal Court’s 5-2 ruling.

Smith rose to stardom as a member of Fat Joe’s Terror Squad. Her career arch culminated with a Grammy nomination in 2004 for the Fat Joe song “Lean Back.” Smith is also married to fellow rapper Papoose. Barring the success of any further appeals, Smith will remain in prison until 2016.

Raekwon Expresses Faith In Future RZA Led Projects

Raekwon tells iHipHop why it's important to have RZA production involved in future Wu-Tang projects.

Despite some of their previous disagreements over Wu-Tang Clan’s production style, Raekwon says he has no doubts in RZA’s production abilities in any future endeavors. Back in 2007, Rae was very outspoken about RZA’s production style, saying RZA was “trying to create too much of an orchestra, piano.” Ultimately, Raekwon and RZA reconciled, but there hasn’t been a proper Wu-Tang Clan album since 2007’s 8 Diagrams.

With individual members concentrating on solo efforts, or non-RZA led projects such as Wu Massacre and Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tang, Rae explained that a project sonically led by RZA could still be successful.

“He would definitely have to govern it,” Rae told iHipHop, in regards to RZA taking the production reigns. “But more or less, we would definitely have to seek other ways of making it more classical. It’s just all about RZA being able to not work as hard as he has to.”

RZA is currently shooting his directorial debut, The Man with the Iron Fists, which has limited his production work. In the interim, producers such as Allah Mathematics and Bronze Nazareth, who Rae refers to as “another Wu disciple” have handled a bulk of the production duties. Ultimately, Rae says the long-since buried spat between RZA and himself turned out to be a positive.

“I think that’s what people want to see anyway,” Raekwon added. “They wanna see cats come together and rhyme over a Just Blaze or a Kanye [West] or whoever. Maybe even a new cat.”

As previously reported, Raekwon’s Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tang will be released on March 8. Havoc, Sean C & LV, Alchemist, Erick Sermon and Bronze Nazareth are among the producers listed on the project.

Kanye West’s new “All of the Lights” video to be banned

Officials from an organization called Epilepsy Action has contacted YouTube demanding for Kanye West’s new “All of the Lights” video to be taken down due to excessive flashing imagery that could cause seizures (it’s also the first thing I noticed). However, since there are no violations against flashing imagery online, the video will remain available on YouTube. I did notice that they added a warning (shown above) in the beginning of the video.

Lil Jon To Release "Crunkest Hits" Collection, Tracklisting Revealed

Hits with Usher, Ying Yang Twins, Too Short, Mystikal, Krayzie Bone and Jadakiss return the CD on March 8th's compilation.

Atlanta, Georgia rapper/producer/deejay Lil Jon will release a Crunkest Hits collection on March 8th. The releases comes courtesy of The Orchard, who purchased TVT Records, where Jon was an artist throughout the early '00s.

The Tracklisting To Lil Jon's Crunkest Hits:

01. Get Low featuring Ying Yang Twins

02. Bia’ Bia’ 2 featuring Too Short & Chyna White

03. Yeah! featuring Usher

04. Throw It Up featuring Pastor Troy

05. I Don’t Give a Fuck featuring Mystikal & Krayzie Bone

06. What U Gon’ Do featuring Lil Scrappy

07. Put Yo Hood Up

08. Get Crunk featuring Bo Hagon

09. Nothins Free featuring Oobie

10. Who U Wit

11. Stop Trippin’ featuring Ludacris

12. Cut Up

13. Knockin Heads Off featuring Jadakiss & Styles P

14. Weed N Da Chopper featuring Project Pat

Man Jailed After Stealing Various Items From Lil Wayne Video Set

Twenty year-old Marco Nigete apparently stole items in hopes that it would bring him closer to meeting Weezy F. Baby.

M1 of dead prez Confirms Upcoming Collaboration Album With Stephen Marley

As "Information Age" wraps up, the RBGz are hard at work on a stic.man solo, and doing a full-length with Stephen Marley.

Hip Hop duo dead prez is at work on their tenth album, Information Age. Speaking with Mikey T The Movie Star, the group's co-founder M1 confirmed another higher-profile project in the works. "There's a number of albums we're working on, simultaneously. Being that we've been in this [industry] for a minute, we're able to work on more than one project at a time. We're also working with Stephen Marley on a project."

Stephen, who worked on Nas & Damian Marley's Distant Relatives album last year, has recorded with dead prez previously, on the Black & White soundtrack for "Dem Crazy." Last year, Marley signed another respected New York emcee in Lost Boyz member Mr. Cheeks.

M1 revealed that partner stic.man is also presently recording his second solo album.

Jay-Z & LeBron James Talk Making A Difference

Taking a page from Ol' Dirty's book, Jigga and LeBron are for the children

Last weekend at the NBA's All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, Jay-Z and LeBron James teamed with Sprite to rennovate a local gymnasium for the Boys & Girls Club of America. The two rich and famous friends spoke to MTV about the importance of getting involved with the community.

"You've seen LeBron James on TV," Jay-Z said in regards to being a role model. "Just that thing that's tangible, that they can touch him and shake his hand and know that this is a young man who comes from the same areas as they do, and look where he's made it to. So it makes it real."

"Could you imagine if Michael Jordan showed up to your community?" James added. "Or whoever that you just dreamed and loved and watched every day on TV and you thought that was superhuman, just showed up to a community [center]? That one moment right there could be the difference between you making a left or making a right."

Jay-Z also stressed the importance of participating in these events rather than just posing for pictures.

"We wanted to just have a further dialogue with the people we were doing business with," the Marcy projects native explained. "To let them know we weren't just paid endorsers and gonna sit there and just be smiling with a can in our hand or something. We wanted to take this [business] relationship and do some good. Take all these people, put them in a room, take their power and influence, and use them. But use them in a good way. Use them to affect good all over."

OFWGKTA to Make MTV Debut Today

Odd Future continues its media dominance by appearing on MTV later today.

Last week, California collective Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All stunned viewers with their raucous television debut on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon." Now, OFWGKTA continue their TV tour with an appearance on MTV later today.

According to the group's Tumblr, OFWGKTA will be making their MTV debut this afternoon at 4 PM EST. MTV's Kyle Anderson wrote that a camera crew "piled onto a Chinatown bus [with Odd Future] and took the long, smelly trip to Philadelphia" for a show following their Jimmy Fallon performance last week. They also released a teaser video of their trip down to the City of Brotherly Love.

"I've smelled dick that smells better than this bus," joked Tyler, the Creator. "I'd rather listen to Black Eyed Peas's last album fully through on Dre Beats [headphones] than be on this [bus]."

Just Blaze Names His Top 5 Emcees of All-Time

No Kane, G. Rap, Rakim, KRS, Jay, Big, Cube, Pac, Nas, L, Em, Slick Rick or Cool J. So who made his list?

A lot of rappers and producers have been giving their Top 5 of All-Time lists of late, and Just Blaze is the latest. Just may also have the list that will have the most people up in arms. Eschewing the the usual consensus picks like Kool G. Rap, Jay-Z, and Rakim for other emcees from the same era. The New Jersey bred producer hit SOHH with his list and provided explainations.

Beastie Boys

Beastie Boys has to be in my Top 5, as a group. And you gotta remember, one thing about the Beastie Boys is that none of them ever really had "verses". Everything was them playing off of each other. They write collectively. It wasn't like, "I'm gonna write my verse and then you're gonna write your verse." You can't break them up. They deserve a spot on my list. So I'm gonna have to say that's one.

Prodigy

I would have to go with '95 Prodigy. I loved everything about him back then. There was a point where he was the best out, in my opinion. You think back to how many great opening lines Prodigy's had in songs. From "Shook Ones" to "Survival of the Fittest" to "Godfather Part III" to "Quiet Storm", he was the maestro to the opening line. So I would definitely put mid-1990's Prodigy on the list.

The D.O.C.

D.O.C.'s gotta be in there. You gotta remember with him, there really wasn't a West Coast vibe around his era. He was from Texas [and] formed a group with artists who were from the West Coast, but his album just felt more universal. I think what we consider these days as the "West Coast" sound was more so like the G-Funk era. Up until that point, everything that for the most part was coming out in terms of hip-hop was still different spins on it. It was like the East Coast sound was more rhymes and imitation and then D.O.C. kind of came out of nowhere, relatively unknown, from Houston, rapping the way he [did]. He's definitely one of the greats. He put out one album and that one album still stands the test of time even to this day.

Brother J

I've gotta keep it to what I listened to growing up and so I have to name Brother J from X-Clan. If you listen to a lot of those old X-Clan albums, they specialized in just jacking everybody else's beats and rhyming on 'em. So listening to an X-Clan album felt almost like you were at a house party. It sounded like somebody was just on the mic freestyling. His rhythm, his flow, his vocal presence, the knowledge he was kicking, all those factors are important. At the time, a lot of people were trying to kick knowledge but not too many could do it like him. Whatever you listen to at 12, 13 years old, it always sticks with you for the rest of your life. Even though he was rapping over everybody else's beats, his rhyme, his cadence, his flow, his rhyme patterns and just what he was saying in general, it's always stuck to me over the years. I can still go back to those first two albums.

Chuck D

My last pick would probably be Chuck D. Public Enemy's concept and pride in black nationalism at the time was important. It was such a movement more so than anything else. He might not have had the best rhymes or flow, but his voice and his presence made you stop and listen. His voice was one of the few that actually had the ability to control the people.

What do you think of Just Blaze's list?

Tru Life Pleads Guilty In NY Stabbing, Avoids Life In Prison

Jay-Z's former artist cops a plea.

Tru Life pleaded guilty to gang assault on Wednesday (February 23) in a June 2009 stabbing that left Christopher Guerrero dead.

As previously reported, the rapper and his brother were offered plea deals recently.

Tru Life, born Robert Rosado, will receive an eight year prison sentence, while his older brother Marcus is expected to get 10 years for manslaughter, according to ABC News.

"They wish to express their deepest sympathies to the Guerrero family, and it is their hope that by accepting responsibility, they can bring some measure of closure to the family," said attorneys for the brothers, Alan M. Abramson and Joel S. Cohen.

The incident was the result of an argument at a nightclub. Rosado and his brother reportedly chased down Guerrero and another man, Jason Gray. Guerrero was stabbed in the abdomen, and Gray's artery was sliced, though he survived.

Tru Life was originally signed to Jay-Z's Roc-La-Familia, though he no longer has a recording deal.

Nas To Feature On Nelly Furtado's Newest Single

The multi-faceted singer announces that she's teamed up with QB's finest for a track on her upcoming album.

Nelly Furtado revealed on Wednesday that she's linked up with Nas for her newest song. The Canadian singer, who's most recognized in Hip Hop for her previous work with producer Timbaland, tweeted that the track will be released soon. "Just finished rough mix of my new track featuring @NaS. You'll hear it soon!!!" she promised.

Both artists are familiar with working outside of their respective genres. Aside from her collaborative songs with Tim, Furtado has also appeared on tracks with Jurassic 5, The Roots, and Missy Elliot, solidifying a presence in Hip Hop music. Nas' recent full-length album with Reggae artist Damian Marley has also seen the rapper stepping out of his comfort zone.

Furtado's fourth English album Lifestyle is set to drop later on this year.

The Cool Kids Enlist Bun B, Pharrell for Debut

The Cool Kids enlist Bun B, Pharrell and Asher Roth for their long-awaited debut LP.

As DX reported last week, the Cool Kids have returned to their former label home Green Label Sound to release their long-awaited debut When Fish Ride Bicycles. Now, the Mountain Dew-founded imprint has announced more details about the Chicago duo's highly anticipated project.

Slated for a spring 2011 release, When Fish Ride Bicycles is set to feature the likes of Asher Roth and fellow Pulled Over by the Cops member Bun B. In addition, the Cool Kids have been working extensively with Pharrell Williams on finishing up the album.

"[Green Label Sound] agree with our purpose," said Chuck Inglish of the Cool Kids. "They support our sound and they just want to see it happen - no BS."

The other half of the duo Mikey Rocks also added they're exicted "[to have] a hip platform [like Green Label Sound] to put our album out while having the creative control that we require to make something crazy."

The Cool Kids also released the first single off their oft-delayed debut earlier today. The track, titled "Bundle Up," is available for download at Green Label Sound's website.

Snoop Dogg Enlisted for MetroPCS Ad Campaign

Snoop Dogg gets his smartphone game on, joining forces with MetroPCS and Samsung's Galaxy INdulge phone.

Snoop Dogg has teamed up with MetroPCS and Samsung for the release of the Galaxy Indulge phone, the first 4G LTE Android phone commercially available service. Now, in order to celebrate his recent partnership, Snoop has reinvented himself as named Snoop Dogggg.

"It feels good to be working with MetroPCS and Samsung for the launch of the Galaxy Indulge," said Snoop. "I’m stepping it up to 4G’s so my phone can keep up with my demanding, always-connected lifestyle."

Snoop's work with the wireless network doesn't stop there, however. Snoop is starring in a series of "The Dating Show"-style videos alongside model Brittany Dailey, "The Man with the Golden Voice" Ted Williams and fellow LBC emcee and frequent collaborator Warren G.

MetroPCS is also giving fans the chance to meet Snoop with their “Indulge with Snoop Dogggg" sweepstakes. The winner of the contest will win an all-expenses paid VIP trip for two to a Snoop Dogg concert this summer, complete with front-row tickets, backstage passes and two Samsung Galaxy Indulge smartphones. The contest can be entered at any MetroPCS store through March 31. More information on the contest can be found here.

Juvenile's Next Project To Be Released By Rap-A-Lot, Possible Hot Boys Single

Several years after his "The Beginning of the End" album on R-A-L with UTP, Juvy is back and J. Prince wants the Hot Boys to support their brother on his first single.

In 2004, New Orleans, Louisiana rapper Juvenile and his UTP group released The Beginning of the End on Houston, Texas' famed Rap-A-Lot Records imprint. While Juvenile is best known as a Cash Money Records artist, as he was in the '90s and early '00s, the Hot Boys member has had more recent stints with Atlantic Records and E1 Entertainment. In a brief-but-rare interview with Rap-A-Lot's head, James "J." Prince, revealed to TheSource.com that Juvy has returned to the house that The Geto Boys built.

"We don't have a title for [Juvenile's album] yet. He has a real exciting single that I'm real crazy about. If I have it my way, the whole Cash Money crew is gonna be on there. They were family in the beginning, and I look at it and view 'em as family now," said Prince, presumably referring to Juvenile's former group, the Hot Boys - which consisted of B.G., Turk and Lil Wayne.

In 2009, Wayne and Juvenile reunited on B.G.'s Too Hood 2 Be Hollywood album, on the song "Ya Heard Me." Turk remains incarcerated.

Jermaine Dupri And Others Respond To Steve Stoute's Grammy Ad

So So Def Founder Jermaine Dupri encourages artists to become NARAS members, while The Hollywood Reporter fields responses from other experts.

The 53rd annual Grammy Awards took place February 13, but 10 days later, artists and executives are still weighing in on the winners and losers. After Steve Stoute’s $40,000 advertorial in the New York Times, So So Def founder Jermaine Dupri offered some opinions of his own. Unlike many others who have weighed in on the subject, Dupri served as a member of Atlanta’s Grammy board and had a direct influence on which artists took home awards.

“I was the youngest person in the room; not that being old has anything to do with it,” Dupri said via his Global14 blog. “Not only was I the youngest person in the room, but I was the only valid Hip Hop person in the room.”

Dupri added that R&B producer James “Jimmy Jam” Harris was one of the only other members with knowledge of urban music. And while Dupri quit NARAS in 2004 to protest the uproar over his then girlfriend Janet Jackson’s Superbowl wardrobe malfunction, he says other artists need to get involved in the process.

“We are not on the board as young executives,” Dupri added. “We have so many young, black executives that claim they’re executives, and say they do this. But they’re not out here doing the work. It should be more people like Steve Stoute on that board.”

In a round table discussion with The Hollywood Reporter, Tommy Boy founder, Tom Silverman, echoed Dupri’s statements.

“Due to the nature of the voting body, there are voting blocks such as Country, Jazz, Rock, Classical and Urban,” Silverman explained. “These voting blocks vote as you would expect them to, for what they can relate to. Country is one of the more organized genres and have one of the largest voting blocks. The Urban voting block is probably one of the smaller ones.”

Yung LA Explains Face Tattoo F*ckery

The ‘net has been buzzing for the past few days due to the continued cooning certain rappers have taken to by receiving tattoos on their face and Grand Hustle artist Yung LA being the latest smh. He spoke with XXL about his Duct Tape Entertainment tattoo, not as a signal of him signing to the label, but of loyalty:

“That tattoo just comes from something in the city,” he explained. “My cousins grew up with a lot of people from Zone 6, I know a lot of people from Zone 6, and the people from Zone 6, there whole movement is called Duct Tape and I just had been really getting up with these guys. Everybody in the city from Zone 6, Zone 3, Zone 1, from Duct Tape to YGC to CDB to 30 Deep, there’s so many cliques in Atlanta and I just wanted to be the Robin Hood, I just wanted to be the guy that could have relationships with everybody in the city.”

“It was never a signing,” he said. “It was just an understanding. It’s a verbal understanding, it’s an eye to eye understanding that’s saying, ‘Boy I see what you got going on,’ ‘Oh shit I’m fucking with you, when we out in these clubs we linkin’ up.’ It was never a deal.”

Snoop Dogg – Doggumentary (Official Tracklisting)

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