Saturday, April 30, 2011

Jay-Z x Kanye West Collaboration with Beyonce & Bruno Mars Confirmed


Yesterday, a rumor dropped that the next single from Watch The Throne would be a collaborative effort between Jay, Ye, Beyonce and Bruno Mars and producer Jeff Bhasker comes through with the confirmation that the record will, at the very least, appear on Throne. No word as of yet when the next single will drop.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Lil Scrappy Talks About Soulja Boy and Diamond's Relationship


Lil Scrappy talks about Soulja Boy and his one-time fiance Diamond's newfound relationship.

After a number of pictures of Soulja Boy and Diamond getting intimate together began surfacing on the Internet, the two rappers revealed that they were actually dating. Now, Diamond's former beau Lil Scrappy weighs in on the news.

Although Scrappy's mom apparently feels differently, the former BME emcee explained to Hot 107.9's Durrty Boyz that he bears no ill feelings towards either Soulja Boy or Diamond. He said that he and his one-time fiance have been separated for too long for him to really have an opinion.

"We ain't been together so I can't say nothing, you feel me," he said. "We keep it closed in, you feel me? When people see that, they observe and see different things. I can't help what people see...when I see the picture [of them together] it's like, 'OK, wow. OK, cool.' It really don't do nothing to me."

Scrappy also added that his interests in life are too different for him to be upset about their newfound relationship. He even said that he feels people have no right to judge her over her personal life.

"I'm into making money right now and that's what she was into doing and I guess [Soulja Boy] is into doing," he said. "Everybody's into making money but at the end of the day, you can't help when two people like each other...I been kicking it with her for a minute but we've both been openly dating. I'm sure y'all are gonna see some pictures of some [of my girls]. You feel me? Shorty gotta get her money. However, shorty gotta get her money - and shorty is young. If she out with that dude, that dude and that dude, they can't judge her."

Big Scoob to Release Sophomore LP 'Damn Fool'


Big Scoob prepares to drop his second album this May, titled 'Damn Fool.'

Following on the heels of Brotha Lynch Hung's acclaimed Coathanga Strangla, Strange Music imprint continues its already successful with a new project from Big Scoob. The long-time friend and collaborator of Tech N9ne is preparing the release of his sophomore LP Damn Fool this May 3.

Clocking in a 26 tracks, Scoob's LP features the likes of Glasses Malone, Bumpy Knuckles, Messy Marv, Irv Da Phenom and fellow Strange Music signees Jay Rock, Krizz Kaliko, Skatterman and Tech N9ne. Scoob says that the album captures his wild personality and street smarts.

"Growing up in the 'hood in Kansas City, a damn fool, that was me!" said Scoob. "I'd stick to my whiskey bottle, go as hard as I wanted to. But now I'm seeing the effects of that over the long term, so I'm in a position to tell cautionary tales. Don't worry, I got jokes!"

He also gave some insight into the meaning of the title, saying that it was inspired by touring with artists like Fat Joe and E-40.

"When I let my personality out on tour, cats like Fat Joe and E-40 were howling and said 'You a damn fool!,'" he explained. "Tech N9ne was watching and told me, 'That's what I want you to give people on this new album.'"

HipHopDX recently premiered the video to the first single off Damn Fool, titled "All I Know is Hood."

Thursday, April 28, 2011

B.o.B. Explains His True Feelings About The OFWGKTA Diss


The rapper explains his reaction to Tyler, The Creator's diss in "Yonkers."

When Odd Future leader Tyler, The Creator released “Yonkers”, the first single from his forthcoming album Goblin, he did what he has done many times before: fire shots at some very visible and successful targets. But this time Tyler’s lyrical barbs offended someone enough for them to respond.

With the line, “I’ll crash that fucking airplane that that f----t n---a Bob is in,” (which referred to B.o.B.’s hit single “Airplanes”) the young California rapper appeared to really get under B.o.B.’s skin. It even provoked Bob to release a diss track in response, “No Future.” But now B.o.B. seems to have cooled off a bit and is taking the Tyler line in stride and chalking it up to being part of a long Hip Hop tradition.

The Atlanta rapper spoke with The Source and explained, “When I initially heard the line I felt like it was some emcee shit. Honestly, there’s a side of me that’s an artist that’s like, “What? You saying my name?” But when you understand the element of it, you understand what the emcee mentality is. I felt like some people perceived it as a shot but I felt like people love to hate. When he said the line my fans weren’t coming at me like, “Bob he’s dissin’ you, he’s dissin’ you!” I feel like you can take it and make whatever you want to make out of it. I don’t harbor any negative emotion at all. And I feel like with Hip Hop now even if something is competitive, as long as it stays productive, and it’s raising the bar for Hip Hop music, there’s nothing wrong with that.”

DJ Craze Criticizes Flo Rida, Praises Kanye West


The former DMC champ speaks out on some of rap's biggest names and also reveals details about his upcoming EP.

DJ Craze is one of the most respected deejays working today. In 1998 he was the DMC champion of the United States and the World. He has also worked with some of the biggest names in the business. So it goes without saying that he takes this whole music thing very seriously. He also has some harsh words for anyone he believes is not in it for the right reasons. Speaking with D-House Entertainment recently the deejay said, “If you [play music] for the right reasons, it shines. If you like playing all kinds of shit and you like doing all kinds of shit, it’ll show. If you do it just for the money, it shows and you’re corny. Flo Rida you’re corny.”

But he was quick to praise some he considers a true artist: Kanye West. Craze related some of his experience from touring with Kanye on the emcee’s 2008 Glow In the Dark Tour. He stated, “I was just thinking, ‘Kanye, the superstar guy, was gonna finish doing his the show, go to an after party, get with the hoes, just be a rock star,’ and none of that [happened.] The whole time we were on tour he was working on 808s And Heartbreak. When we were in China…everybody went to the Great Wall to check it out. And I was like, ‘Where’s [Kanye] at?’ And they were like, ‘He’s in the studio.’…He had a makeshift studio in the dressing room and he was always, always working. This guy wasn’t getting any sleep. He wasn’t messing with girls or trying to go party…The work ethic was just incredible.”

Craze also has music of his own in the works. He described his forthcoming release, an EP, as “coming out sometime in March or April. [It’s called] Dance Alone. I think my fans are going to be like, ‘What the fuck is this?’ ‘Cause it ain’t hard bass stuff, it ain’t turntablist stuff, it ain’t Hip-Hop stuff, it’s some different stuff. I’m gonna wait ‘till I put it out to show ya’ll people.”

J.Cole Addresses Constant Debut Album Delays


J.Cole is set to perform at the House of Blues in Atlantic City tomorrow night and and while doing some press, he discussed the constant delays of his debut album on Roc Nation.

“I know my fans are frustrated with me, because I won’t give a date. I only gave a date one time in my career last year, and I smacked myself in the face because it was so unrealistic. Now I say it’s coming soon, and it’s really true, because we’re in the final stages right now.”

“I think of my own expectations and my pressure on myself. I don’t worry about what the world wants me to do. I’m worrying about meeting my expectations. My album is really heavy, it’s really emotional, it’s really true.”

Prodigy Says He Almost Fought Jay-Z Following Summer Jam


At a book signing in Washington D.C. Prodigy speaks on an incident where he almost fought Jay-Z outside of Justin's Restaurant.

During a book signing in Washington D.C. with author/professor Michael Eric Dyson, Prodigy of Mobb Deep revealed quite the shocker when he explained to the audience that he once almost gave Jay-Z a beat down outside of Justin’s Restaurant in New York City.

The incident happened several months after Jay-Z called out Prodigy at HOT97’s Summer Jam concert although according to Prodigy his issues with Jay-Z didn’t stem from Summer Jam.

“Sometime after that little statement I made about him, Jay-Z put out the song called ‘The Takeover’ and he did the Summer Jam,” Prodigy explained. “Had my picture up when I was a little kid at my grandmother’s dance school. I thought I was Michael Jackson. Aight, so cool. That was funny to me. I didn’t even take offense to that. That was just funny to me. My whole problem was a whole ‘nother thing.”

During the discussion Prodigy went on to explain that upon hearing that Jay-Z was at Justin’s Restaurant he and his crew of about 10 to 15 people waited for the rapper outside the restaurant.

“We surrounded the front door so he couldn’t get out without seeing us. So I’m standing there waiting to see him and finally he comes from back somewhere,” said Prodigy. “Him and Jermaine Dupri come walking. Jermaine sees us and he was out. Jay’s standing there with two bodyguards approaching us…He puts his hand out, like this, and comes walking up to me like this to shake my hand. So I’m looking at him like I could just really treat him like a rag dog right now like for real. So I shook his hand, ‘What’s up man?’ He was like ‘Yo listen, it ain’t no beef. It’s just music. Let’s keep it just music. There’s no problems son. I just wish you would have came and told me how you felt to my face instead of putting it in a magazine.’ And I’m like ‘Alright cool, there ain’t no beef. We can keep it just music.’ And I had thought about it real quick. Cause I’m thinking about how I could just really overpower him right now with the security and all that.”

Raekwon Recalls Wu-Tang Clan's "Can It Be All So Simple" Video


During a return to Park Hill to shoot "Butta Knives," Raekwon revisits working with Hype Williams on a Wu-Tang classic.

If you listen to enough of the Wu-Tang Clan, the borough of Staten Island is as much of a part of the group as any of the original nine members. One of the iconic images of Staten Island—which the Clan affectionately dubbed Shaolin—was created during the filming of “Can It Be All So Simple.”

“We just wanted it to be a straight, colorful project that felt like the hood would feel,” Raekwon explained to LRG Films. “We was telling Hype Williams at the time, ‘Yo, we want to se a lot of dissolving. We want to see a lot of project shit that meant a lot.’”

That request was fulfilled with everything from slow-motion footage of kids popping wheelies on bikes to local graffiti murals. Rae said he looked to capture that same feel on “Butta Knives,” the upcoming visual from Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang. According to Raekwon, the casual viewer doesn’t need to look much further than the buildings in Park Hill.


Home > News > Raekwon Recalls Wu-Tang Clan's "Can It Be All So Simple" Video
Raekwon Recalls Wu-Tang Clan's "Can It Be All So Simple" Video

by Omar Burgess

posted April 28, 2011 at 8:02AM EDT | 4 comments

Raekwon Recalls Wu-Tang Clan's

During a return to Park Hill to shoot "Butta Knives," Raekwon revisits working with Hype Williams on a Wu-Tang classic.

If you listen to enough of the Wu-Tang Clan, the borough of Staten Island is as much of a part of the group as any of the original nine members. One of the iconic images of Staten Island—which the Clan affectionately dubbed Shaolin—was created during the filming of “Can It Be All So Simple.”

“We just wanted it to be a straight, colorful project that felt like the hood would feel,” Raekwon explained to LRG Films. “We was telling Hype Williams at the time, ‘Yo, we want to se a lot of dissolving. We want to see a lot of project shit that meant a lot.’”

That request was fulfilled with everything from slow-motion footage of kids popping wheelies on bikes to local graffiti murals. Rae said he looked to capture that same feel on “Butta Knives,” the upcoming visual from Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang. According to Raekwon, the casual viewer doesn’t need to look much further than the buildings in Park Hill.



“This video ‘Butta Knives’ takes me back to that direction,” “I remember police jumping out of cars chasing us, and all we’re trying to do is make it back to that apartment. You know how niggas be standin’ in front of the building and then the police jump out. When they jump out, you dip! I just want to go back to the history of the shit that I’ve been through. This video meant a lot to me.”

Cam'ron Reveals He Wrote Lil' Cease's Verse On "Crush On You"


Killa airs out details about one of his early ghostwriting exploits.

Dipset head honcho Cam'ron recently revealed that he was responsible for writing one of Lil' Cease's most well-known verses.

In an interview with Hot 97's DJ Cipha Sounds and Peter Rosenberg on their Juan Epstein podcast, Cam revealed that he wrote Cease's rhymes on Lil' Kim's 1996 track "Crush on You."

“What happened was, [Untertainment CEO Lance] Un [Rivera] gave Mase $30,000 to write five songs for Lil’ Cease at that time and Mase gave me $5,000 of the 30 to write one or two of the songs,” explained Killa. “I wrote the ‘Crush on You’ song and they ended up keeping it for Lil’ Kim album but it was really for Lil’ Cease. The original ‘Crush on You’ is all Lil’ Cease, Lil’ Kim isn’t even on the record.”

Unfortunately for Cam, he did not received any residuals from the track, which peaked at No. 2 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music charts in 1997.

Master P, Silkk the Shocker, Romeo Celebrate 20 Years of No Limit with Concert


Three of No Limit's finest celebrate the label's two decade legacy with a performance.

During the late 1980's and 90's, New Orleans-based No Limits Records was one of the biggest and most successful labels in the Hip Hop world. Now, No Limit founder Master P is celebrating the 20th year of his roster with a concert.

According to AllHipHop, members of the No Limit will take to Houston's House of Blues to commemorate two decades of music. The show, which will feature performances from Master P, his brother Silkk the Shocker and his son Romeo, is presented by No Limit Forever, The L.I.E. Group, AARJ Worldwide and Viranski.

Although the original No Limit label is now defunct, Romeo heads up the New No Limit digital retaile imprint, which features artists like Black Don and D, Bengie B., Gangsta, T-Bo, among others.

Tickets are are available at No Limit Forever's website. Prices start at $45 for general admission and $89.50 for a special meet-and-greet with Master P himself.

Wale Talks Ending Beef with Kid Cudi, Maybach Music


The D.C. emcee explains how he and Kid Cudi squashed their differences and how he fits in with Rick Ross.

Complex recently caught up with Wale to discuss his upcoming album with Rick Ross, Meek Mills and Pill, Self Made. During the interview, the D.C. emcee discussed how he fits into the Maybach Music scheme and how it's affected his music. He said that the move to Rozay's imprint hasn't change anything about the content of his lyrics, but that it's allowed him to branch out musically.

"I’m the deep-thinking, spend too much money on sneakers, member of Maybach Music," he explained. "I’m not out there trying to do what Pill’s doing or Rozay’s doing. I am the deep-thinking, overly analytical–maybe sometimes emotional—but it’s that same emotional as ‘Pac for me. What they call emotional now, they call it whining...I can’t give you the sound you want to hear because it’s the sound I want to make. If I want to talk about the fucking sex trade on a fucking Lex Luger beat that sounds 'B.M.F.'-esque then let me do that! That’s what I want to do. Just because I’m making a deep song about deep shit, it doesn’t mean I have to go be deep sounding."

Wale also discussed how he and fellow XXL Freshman Kid Cudi squashed their feud from last year. He explained that Cudi called him one day and they worked out their issues respectfully. He also revealed that he has since worked with the G.O.O.D. Music rapper on a song for his album.

"Cudi just called me," he explained. "He was like, 'Man, I fucks with you man, you know?' We just had a real brother conversation. It was a long conversation but a lot of things needed to be said. Some of the things that he said hurt and I’m sure some of the things I’ve said or done probably hurt. The nigga told me what was on his mind and I respect that. We handled it like men."

He also added, "He’s going to be on my upcoming album. When we first got cool again, he said, 'What have you been working on?' I said, 'This song that I just got. You would sound good on it.' The song is produced by this guy from France, Spiff TV actually brought me the beat. He recorded it from his iPhone, Ross’ producer mixed it down, and it sounds like a real song. He’s actually redoing the hook. It’s kind of a Camp Lo vibe. I don’t want to call it what we say throughout the song which is, 'Rolling, we rolling, we rolling.'"

Wale also explained he feels that people in the industry don't appreciate him as an artist. He even went as far as to call out Complex, saying he feels offended by how the magazine profits off the alternative lifestyle that he and other rappers live.

"Sometimes I wake up and think the world hates me," he said. "I feel like the industry might hate me. But that’s the mentality I grew up in because I’m black. I’ve been trained to believe the world hates niggas. It’s society. Like, being pulled over at church and being 14 years old? It makes you look at the police differently. There were times when I was in the front seat and they told me, 'Don’t do nothing,' and they took me out the car, and they pulled the gun out on my man and everything. I’ve seen it all. I’m not bitter to nobody man. If I was bitter I wouldn’t even talk to a lot of them. I wouldn’t be doing no interviews.

"Especially with Complex. I thought they were really trying to...I’m not going to lie, I was a little bit offended. I thought there’s a market that myself, Cudi, and a couple other artists helped. [We didn’t help it] survive, because Marc Ecko doesn’t need none of us. But I felt it was a company that we helped keep thriving. Them little kids in DC, they wouldn’t know nothing about no damn Nudies and no damn APCs and all that if it wasn’t for me. So I’m more or less the mid-Atlantic ambassador for the alternative lifestyle that Complex is promoting. We—and when I say we, I’m including myself and the niggas at Complex—are the people in the school that are like, 'What the fuck is those? What’s that?'"

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Beyonce Sued For $100 Million By Video Game Makers


The game developers claim the pop superstar bailed on a proposed dance video game.

In an exclusive story, New York Magazine’s Vulture.com is reporting that video game production company Gate Five has filed a lawsuit against Beyonce for breach of contract. The developers are seeking an award in excess of $100 million dollars. Gate Five say they entered into a deal to create a “motion-sensing dance video game” with the pop singer entitled Staypower: Beyonce.

Vulture quotes Gate Five’s summons as accusing Beyonce of “a bad faith breach of contract so callous that, on what appeared to be a whim, she destroyed Gate Five's business and drove 70 people into unemployment, the week before Christmas.” The company refers to Beyonce as Ms. Carter throughout the document, referring to the singer’s marriage to Hip Hop titan Jay-Z, whose birth name is Sean Carter.

The suit also describes Beyonce as “too erratic to do business with.” Requests for comment by Vulture to Beyonce’s management have not been met. To read the full story, including further allegations from the summons, head over to Vulture.com.

NYPD Investigates Diddy's Police Escort For After Party


The NYPD looks into why Diddy allegedly received a police escort to an after party.

The NYPD has begun an investigation regarding reports that Diddy was provided a police escort following his concert in Manhattan to an after party in New Jersey.

New York's 1010 WINS reports that New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg spoke with Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly yesterday (April 26) about reports that Diddy received a three-car police escort after his show.

“Police escorts should be provided if there’s a security issue, period," said Bloomberg. "Either for you, for me, for everybody else…The bottom line is the police department should treat everybody exactly the same. If you don’t get a police escort, P. Diddy shouldn’t.”

The NYPD has launched an internal investigation to determine who authorized the escort.

50 Cent Announces This Is 50 Comedy Tour, Launches New Website


50 takes a page from Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam and Diddy's Bad Boys of Comedy, and launches his own comedy tour.

50 Cent has proven himself to be a businessman lacking the gene of fear. While being experimental has sometimes backfired on him when it comes to his music, his business ventures thrive from risky moves. On Tuesday 50 announced that he is ready to start a comedy tour that will be linked to his Thisis50.com website. The "This is 50 Comedy Show" will feature the site's regular comedian Jack Thriller.

The tour will include the launching of 50's newest website, Thisis50Comedy.com, which will officially be available to the public on April 28. The site's debut will feature the first comedy show (filmed in front of a live audience in the Times Square Arts Center in New York), which viewers will be asked to pay $2.99 to watch online. Some of the proceeds will go to victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.

"This tour represents a new era in comedy," 50 said in a statement. "I've put together the funniest, most ignorant comedians you ever seen and we will travel the earth bringing laughter, joy, love, and pain, sunshine, and rain. So brace yourselves because we are coming to a city near you."

The 'This Is 50 Comedy Show' will begin to air online on the last Thursday of each month.

Lil Wayne Filming Documentary for I Am Music 2 Tour


Lil Wayne reveals he's preparing in a documentary about his crew's current tour.

MTV's Sway Calloway recently caught up with Lil Wayne following a performance on the New Orleans leg of his current I Am Music 2 tour. The Nolia rhymer revealed that he and his Young Money partners will be filming a documentary about this tour.

Weezy F. said that he was inspired to make this latest flick by documentaries like 2004's Fade to Black that focused on the backstage elements of the concert. He also said that he's felt there have been few musical movements comparable to Young Money as of late that could provide such an interesting premise for a flick.

“I just felt like a movie like th[is one] hasn’t come out in so long," he explained. "At that time when they put those movies out, we as the fans were interested in what they were doing on the road. … Nobody hasn’t came around since then that was that interesting other than Young Money. It’s going to be real major; it’s going to be real big."

Capone Calls Out Prodigy Following Snitching Allegations, Prodigy Responds


After Capone's statements were made, Prodigy called into Funkmaster Flex's HOT 97 New York radio show last night (April 25). The Mobb Deep co-founder reacted to the Capone-N-Noreaga co-founder's sentiments. "I feel that [Capone] is probably upset because the truth of the matter came out now, as far as what happened with Havoc's brother and the whole case thing. It's sad that it went down the way that it went down. We didn't ask 'Pone to do that; we didn't have nothin' to do with that decision-making," said P. "He has to take that up with hisself at the end of the day...in no way, shape or form was I trying to be disrespectful or to target him or ruin somebody's career. That wasn't my intentions at all. My intentions was just to tell the story how it went down and how it is."

Prodigy went on to call C-N-N "friends" and point to the two groups' rich musical history within Queensbridge

Odd Future Rumored To Ink Record Deal with Sony


With the industry’s biggest bosses courting the Odd Future gang, it appears no one may win but the group itself. Rumor has it the collective will soon be inking a deal with RED Distribution/Sony, which will allow the group to remain independent yet still receive major backing for its projects, full creative freedom and control of their masters. Manager Chris Clancy had this to say about the deal:

"“It’s based on getting the distribution deal we’ve always envisioned that allows the group to “sign themselves” to their own company and keep their masters. They will have 100% creative control of all aspects of their music, art, and release schedule with no 3rd party participation in outside business. Freedom and ownership was the whole point. Red and Sony know that its in everyone’s best interest to maintain the group’s authenticity and control. They built it, they deserve it. There’s no cheesy hooks or fluorescent liquor product placements in the works.. It’s about to be fun.. and different..” spotted: rapradar."

Stalley Not Signed With Rick Ross’ MMG


Rumors swirled around the internet(s) last week that rapper Stalley had become the latest MC to jump on-board the expanding Maybach Music Group roster. Fueled by this tweet posted by Ricky himself, the Ohio native had since then remained tight lipped on the reported signing, that is, up until now. Speaking exclusively with the Ohio State University newspaper, The Lantern, he set the record straight on the gossip regarding the deal. He simply says:

“I haven’t signed nothing. Things have happened. We’ll see what happens.”

Spotted at XXL.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Soulja Boy Says Birdman Wants Him On Cash Money; Reprises 2Pac's "Juice" Role


Mr. Tell Em says Birdman wants him to join Cash Money and says he's "Bishop in 2011" as he prepares to drop a "Juice" remake.

According to Soulja Boy, Birdman has been trying to add him to the Young Money/Cash Money family. Soulja Boy recently revealed this much when speaking with The Boom Box, acknowledging that he's "cool with Birdman."

"Me and [Lil] Wayne, man. I talk to him, but I'm cool with Birdman," he said of his relationship with the two leaders of Cash Money. "When I'm in Miami I be with Birdman. He's trying to get me to come over to Cash Money. I'm cool with Birdman."

"When I was down in Miami for a couple of weeks recording with Sean Kingston, Birdman reached out to me. He said, 'Come and have a meeting with me.' He told me, 'Yo man, you'd go perfect with everything we got going on. Whatever you want, I want to bring you over to this family, bring you to Cash Money.'"

Currently, Soulja Boy still has contractual obligations to Interscope Records.

Fans of Soulja Boy may not catch him signing with Wayne or Birdman just yet but they can expect a mini-movie from the rapper. He has filmed a short film that is meant to be a remake of 1992's Juice, a film that saw Tupac playing the role of Bishop. In the updated version, Soulja Boy will play Bishop and he says that he's "Bishop in 2011."

"Basically, it's your boy Soulja and I'm Bishop in 2011, running around in the streets, man," He told Vibe. "You know how the movie goes, but we're flipping it and shooting in Atlanta. I want to show these people my acting side and me being creative -- always giving them something new; that's all.

The film will also be titled Juice and his mixtape of the same name is meant to be the soundtrack.

"The whole mixtape is the soundtrack for the movie," he noted.

Eminem To Headline Lollapalooza 2011


After various reports that Eminem would headline the 20th anniversary Lollapalooza concert, festival organizers confirmed Em’s presence by releasing the official lineup. Eminem’s fellow “I Need A Doctor” collaborator, Skylar Grey, is listed among nearly a dozen other Hip Hop and R&B performers, which naturally sparked rumors that Dr. Dre would pop in for a surprise performance. Lollapalooza founder Perry Farrell told MTV he couldn’t confirm the rumor one way or another, but he did praise Em’s reputation as a live performer and said he would “put in a call” regarding the Dr. Dre rumor. A complete list of performers is available at the official Lollapalooza website.

Notable Lollapalooza Performers:
Nas and Damian Marley
Cee-Lo Green
Atmosphere
Tinie Tempah
Sam Adams
Mayer Hawthorne
Ryan Leslie
Kid Cudi
Jay Electronica
Collie Buddz
Skylar Grey

Nas Collaborating With OFWGKTA Member Frank Ocean


Nasir and OFWGKTA's resident R&B-leaning singer/songwriter spent some time together in the studio.

Seems everybody wants to work with members of the OFWGKTA (a/k/a Odd Future) collective these days. Diddy and Jay-Z have both made efforts to sign the group to their respective labels. De facto group leader Tyler, The Creator has been collaborating with his idol Pharrell. And Frank Ocean, who has previously worked with Brandy and Justin Bieber, has been spotted in the studio with Beyonce.

Now comes word that Ocean, whose works mainly in the R&B genre, is collaborating with one of Hip Hop’s most respected icons, Nas. The Queens emcee tweeted last week that he and the young singer/songwriter were in the studio together.






The pair’s work together will most likely end up on Nas’ forthcoming tenth studio album. That album is still, obviously, unfinished so no title or release date is known at this point. As for Frank Ocean’s solo work, the singer dropped his first solo release, Nostalgia, Ultra, earlier this year.

Styles P Opens Juice Bar In The Bronx


One-third of the Lox launches a new business venture.

Styles P may be more well-known for his rhymes than his business acumen, but that may begin to change.

The Bronx Times reports that the emcee has opened a juice bar in The Bronx with Nyger Rollocks and Leo Galvez.

The juice bar is called "Juices for Life," the idea for which was conceived when the three partners had drinks at another juice bar owned by Rollocks.

“I was eating a lot of fast food, but Rollocks got me eating right,” said Styles. “Our first goal is to get everyone a little more health conscious.”

The bar has exercise equipment running along its back wall, in addition to an actual bar where customers can relax.

The trio have a plan to franchise in the near future.

Mobb Deep Explains Creative Process Behind Sophomore Album 'The Infamous'


Complex recognizes the duo's critically hailed sophomore effort with a deep look into all of the albums 16 tracks.

It's been exactly sixteen years since Mobb Deep dropped their second album The Infamous. To commemorate the anniversary of the album's release, Complex took an in-depth look at each of the critically acclaimed LP's tracks, including interviews with the duo and others involved in the album's production.

Both members explained how the track "Eye for a Eye (Your Beef Is Mines)" featuring Nas and Raekwon came together.

“I knew Nas since I was six or seven because we both went to the same daycare after-school in the projects," explained Havoc. "And growing in the neighborhood, everybody knew everybody. Then as a teenager I got a little closer to Nas before me and him even had a record deal. So we were always there, but just running separate courses.”

Prodigy said he and Havoc became the link between Nas and Raekwon, the latter of whom was very interested in doing a record with Nas.

He said,“We was just chilling with Rae and Ghost[face], smoking bud, drinking 40s, just wilding in they projects and shit. And when we were out there chilling with them niggas, Rae was like, ‘Yo, introduce us to Nas. We want to do some music with Nas.’ So we were like, ‘Alright, we’ll line that up.’ Rae actually, he drove us back to the projects that night and we were like, ‘Yo, tomorrow we’re going to get Nas’ number for you and we’re going to make some shit happen.’ So the next day we told Nas about the situation.

“We told Nas, ‘Yo, Raekwon from Wu-Tang wants to do some music with you. Come to the studio, we’ve got a song for both of ya to get on anyway.’ So he came and did that and that’s how them niggas met. The next day we lined that studio session up and we just made it happen."

Graffiti Artist Revok Arrested at LAX


World renowned graffiti tagger Revok was recently arrested at LAX for failure to pay restitution.

Lee Quiñones's Zorro persona in Wild Style captured a very real truth about taggers: all graffiti writers tip-toe the line between artist and outlaw. Now, Los Angeles bomber Revok is feeling the harsh truth of this notion after he was arrested last week at LAX.

Revok, also known as Jason Williams, was arrested last Thursday on an outstanding warrant for failing to pay restitution for previous cases of vandalism. The internationally respected writer was detained by police while boarding a plane at LAX due for Ireland.

According to the Los Angeles Times, authorities claim that Williams heads up the graffiti crew Mad Society Kings, or MSK for short. He is currently being held in Los Angeles County Jail on bail for $320,000.

This isn't the first time that Williams has been arrested over his art. In 2009, he was arrested for violating his probation by being in possession of spray tips, which fall under the legal auspiscies of "vandalism tools." He had also been arrested earlier that year after Tweeting about a tagging spree in Australia.

Ice-T's Wife Coco Marie to Star in E! Reality Show


Ice-T's wife Coco Marie will join him in TV land with a new E! reality TV program.

For the better part of the past decade, Ice-T has transformed himself into a bonafide TV celebrity with his starring role on NBC's "Law and Order: SVU." Now, his wife Coco Marie will join him on televsion with her new show on E!.

According to TMZ, who broke the story earlier today, Coco will star in a new reality program called "Coco's Secret." The show will center around her and her husband's lives in New York City, where the two ciurrently reside.

Coco also confirmed the news via her Twitter. She revealed more information about the program, detailing that it will begin airing this June 12 ater 10:30 PM, following E!'s other smash reality show "Keeping Up with the Karashians."

Grandmaster Melle Mel to Celebrate 50th Birthday, DJ Kool Herc Honored May 17


Two of Hip Hop's most important architects get their props this May at a special event.

As Hip Hop continues to dominate the charts as one of the most popular music genres, many fans increasingly neglect the forefathers that started it all. Now, however, two of Hip Hop's most important godfathers, Grandmaster Melle Mel and DJ Kool Herc, will get the props owed to them.

The B.B. King Blues Club and Grill is currently preparing back-to-back celebrations in honor of Melle Mell and Kool Herc. This May 17, Manhattan-based venue will host Hip Hop Appreciation Week, with special appearances from Big Daddy Kane, the Force MDs, Money Harm, Jeru the Damaja, Freedom Williams, A.G. of D.I.T.C., T Ski Valley, M.O.P. and DJ Jazzy Jay.

May 17 also marks Melle Mel's 50th birthday celebration, making the event doubley momentous for the legendary frontman of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.

Tickets for the concert are currently priced at $20 in advance purchase and $25 at the door. Fans looking to attend can reserves their tickets at Ticket Master. Doors will open at 8 PM, with the show beginning at 9 PM.

2P Debuts "The Rapture", Termanology Offers Up "Cameo King II"


Two new releases from these respected veterans.

DXnext alum 2P, formerly known as 2 Pistols, is back with a new collection of songs entitled The Rapture. The set is being released via a partnership between 2P’s own Blood Money Union label and Get Dat Up Entertainment. The Rapture will feature the rapper’s last two singles “I Love Myself,” which features Jovi Rockwell, and the Kelly Rowland assisted “Krazy In Love.” Other guests making a cameo on The Rapture include Gucci Mane, Rich Boy, Bobby V, and more. 2P views this album as a reboot of his career, stating, “Not that I’ve been gone long, but this is my come back. I feel like this is definitely going to set me apart from the other artists that I have been compared to in the past. I’m here to stay, so get used to me!”

Also premiering a new project is veteran Massachusetts rapper Termanology. Coming off a year that saw the emcee touring several continents the new released is a continuation of Termanology’s Cameo King series. Cameo King II boasts guest spots from such big named as Bun B, Joell Ortiz, Freddie Gibbs, Mac Miller, Royce Da 5'9, Talib Kweli, Sheek Louch, Havoc, Sean Price, Inspectah Deck, Freeway, M.O.P. and more. Production work is handled by Scram Jones, Oh No, Statik Selektah, MoSS & Sha Money XL.

The first single from the project is “Another Level,” which features Sean Price and Ghetto. Cameo King II is set for digital release on May 24.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Teedra Moses To Make Maybach Music Debut With 'Luxurious Undergrind' Mixtape


Singer Teedra Moses prepares to release new mixtape through Maybach Music, says she's comfortable with her new label.

Close to a month after signing to rapper Rick Ross’ Maybach Music, R&B singer Teedra Moses is already preparing for her first project through the label.

Moses initially planned on releasing her sophomore album this year, but will first release a feature-filled new mixtape titled Luxurious Undergrind.

“This is going to be the first mixtape I grab a lot of features for, which I normally don't do. It will also be my first mixtape that will have a stamp from someone that people already respect,” Moses explained to Billboard.com. “The attention that will be on this mixtape will be the same as the attention that would be on a sophomore album [therefore] I'm putting all my efforts to making this like Drake did. He made a mixtape so great that it could have been an album. That's what I want to do. I always said that I wanted to release The Lioness the right way, I think this will help me out.”

While Maybach Music is a predominantly Hip Hop centered label Moses explained that she’s grateful to be at a label where she can be herself and not feel forced to conform.

“I just need a place to put out my music,” said Moses. “I've learned so much being independent. I've learned to connect to the people I wasn't keen on looking for a deal. He saw how I was grinding, he respected that and he came to me…I'm not trying to conform. I'm just adding what I do to what they do, my way though.”

The singer is just one of a series of artists who have joined Maybach Music this year. Just this week Ross signed on Ohio rapper Stalley and in February Atlanta rapper Pill joined the label.

Moses makes several appearances on Maybach Music’s upcoming compilation album, Self Made.

Dr. Dre Joins Eminem In Chrysler 300 Ad Campaign


Dre's spots expected to start airing in May.

Chrysler’s recent Super Bowl ad featuring Eminem celebrating both the company’s and the emcee’s hometown of Detroit were a huge hit. Now, according to USA Today, the company is looking to repeat that success by enlisting Em’s mentor, Dr. Dre. In spots that are scheduled to being airing in May Dr. Dre will act as pitchman for Chrysler’s 300 Sedan.

The campaign is reportedly going to show the good doctor hard at work, at his studio and developing his growing brand of audio products. The theme of the ad being that the Chrysler 300 is a luxurious reward for a job well done. Chrysler CEO Olivier Francois tells USA Today, “This will be a breakthrough in terms of how you speak about luxury (in) this country. It doesn't speak about luxury in terms of just aesthetic, but about luxury in terms (of) the spirit.”

As far as Dre’s day job is concerned the world still waits for a confirmed release day for the perpetually delayed Detox. For now, that album’s lead single, “I Need A Doctor,” peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and has sold in excess of one million copies.

R. Kelly Presents Love Letter Tour Dates, Marsha Ambrosius Featured


The Pied Piper of R&B is scheduled to hit nearly twenty cities this summer.

To celebrate his critically acclaimed Retro-Soul leaning Love Letter LP R&B titan R. Kelly is hitting the road this summer. His “Love Letter Tour” will be stopping at eighteen U.S. cities throughout June and early July. Kels is known to be a consummate showman and put on shows that routinely wow sold out arenas.

With him on this jaunt will be Keyshia Cole and Marsha Amrbosius. Cole is supporting her most recent album Calling All Hearts which was released this past December. Multiple Grammy winner Ambrosius is touring behind her smash debut album Late Nights & Early Mornings which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Top 200 in March.

Love Letter Tour Dates:

June 2 Southaven, MS DeSoto Civic Center

June 3 New Orleans, LA UNO Lakefront Arena

June 4 Mobile, AL Civic Center

June 5 Houston, TX Toyota Centre

June 10 Oakland, CA Coliseum

June 11 Los Angeles, CA Nokia Theatre L.A. Live

June 16 Chicago, IL Allstate Arena

June 17 St Louis, MO Chaifetz Arena

June 18 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center

June 19 Dallas/ G.P. Verizon Theater

June 24 Raleigh, NC RBC Center

June 25 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena

June 26 Birmingham, AL BJCC

June 29 Cleveland, OH CSU Wolstein Center

June 30 Newark, NJ Prudential Center

July 1 Baltimore, MD 1st Mariner Arena

July 2 Washington, D.C. Verizon Center

July 3 Philadelphia, PA Mann Music Center

Kanye West Charity Closes


The Kanye West Foundation has shut down.

Joseph Collins, former executive of the Kanye West Foundation, recently revealed that the charity has closed its doors.

Geared towards reducing high school dropout rates, the charity appears to be no more. “I am reaching out to let you know that the Kanye West Foundation (kanyewestfoundation.org) has officially closed it doors after a successful 4+ years of programming and events,” wrote Collins in an e-mail, according to The New York Times. “It has been an incredible experience working with Kanye and the board to realize his mother’s vision and I am honored to have been given the opportunity to lead the Foundation.”

No details have been given about the charity's closing, though the Times article did point out several incongruities.

First, the charity does not appear to have been funded by Kanye, even though it filed tax forms as if it were a private foundation.

Additionally, the charity raised an average of $492,000, and made total grants averaging $18,080 in 2007, 2008 and 2009, bottoming out at only $563 in the last year.

Kanye was unavailable for comment.

An Organization Accused Of Falsely Claiming Trademark Ownership Of The Word "Hip Hop"


The National Hip Hop Association, an organization based out of Portugal, may possibly be selling rights to words they don't own.

A Portuguese Hip Hop organization which goes by the name of the National Hip Hop Association (NHHA) may have a bit of explaining to do if allegations from a local writer are true.

According to Joana Nicolau, a Portuguese Hip-Hop blogger and journalist, the organization claims to have trademarks from the National Institute of Intellectual Property for the following words: New School, Old School, Popping, Locking, BBoy, BGirl, New Style, Old Style, Beatbox, Street Dance, Hip-Hop, MC, DJ, Graffiti, and Breakdance.

On top of claiming to have trademarks for the above words the NHHA are also charging those who wish to use any of the above words with a certification and licensing fee on top of requiring them to join their organization.

But according to the National Institute of Intellectual Property, the word “Hip-Hop” is a collective association trademark meaning the word is not registered and is free for use.

And the other Hip-Hop related words the NHHA is said to have trademarked are also not registered with the National Institute of Intellectual Property and are free for use.

The NHHA has yet to respond publicly to reports of their questionable trademark ownership.

50 Cent Traces Roots To South Carolina In Upcoming Vh1 Documentary


G-Unit's head comes face-to-face with descendants of the slave-owners with ties to his own family in the gripping "Origins of Me."

Queens, New York superstar emcee 50 Cent is the latest musician to get the Vh1 "Roc Doc" treatment. The G-Unit head is the subject of The Origin of Me, a feature documentary that will premiere on May 23 at 9pm EST on the Viacom-backed channel.

The Origin of Me finds 50 returning to Edgefield County, South Carolina, where his ancestors moved from before relocating in New York City during the 1950s. Edgefield was a onetime home to controversial United States Senator Strom Thurmond and according to Vh1, "The epicenter of 'Confederate Rage', Edgefield was known to be one of the most violent places in the South."

During the rapper's trip, 50 Cent also meets the descendants of the slave-owners which enslaved 50's ancestors, and according to the network, "Will show the world a very different side of 50 Cent."

Game Detained In Canada For Two Weeks


Apparently, during his three hour wait in customs while making his way from LA to Canada, Game learned he would be detained for 14 days, which he revealed via his Twitter:

"Been in Customs for 3 hours……. #patienceIsAvirtue.Customs officials just denied me entry into Canada. I’m sorry 2 ALL my fans but I was mislead by promoters & assured I would be able 2 enter. This just in: I’m being detained in Canada for 14 days until they process my inadmissability then I’ll have a hearing heard by a judge. At that point the judge will decide to either deport me or give me a sentence for violating Canada’s immigrant entry laws. F%cked up situation !!! But at least they let me call home, & tweet before they lock a n!gga up !!! Gotta turn in my property, y’all be kool.Gotta give up my phone & property. This some straight bullshit ! Flew all the way from LA to be denied and detained ?!?! WTF"

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Three 6 Mafia's Juicy J & DJ Paul To Be Included In Cast Of Vh1 Cooking Show


DJ Paul and Juicy J will tear da kitchen up this fall, as Vh1 confirms the Crunk duo is coming back to reality TV.

Memphis, Tennessee Hip Hop pioneers Three 6 Mafia are returning to reality television. After the group's 2007 series Adventures In Hollyhood ran on MTV and MTV2, as well as storied appearances on Jackass and Entourage, founding Three 6 members DJ Paul and Juicy J will be returning to Vh1 this year on an upcoming cooking series.

Tentatively titled Famous Food, the series will feature a number of notable figures working in California restaurants belonging to The Dolce Group, to see who can prove to be the most successful. Other confirmed contestants include Heidi Montag of MTV's The Hills, former headline-making prostitute Ashley Dupre and Jake Pavelka of ABC's The Bachelor.

Less than two years ago, Juicy J spoke to HipHopDX about his plans of getting a cooking show."We got a producer right now that’s doing the edits on the show and he's getting ready to start shopping to some networks. The show is about [how] cooking ain't easy, we're not cooking soul food. We're cooking all different types of food; we're cooking Indian food, we're cooking Italian food, we're cooking Asian food, we're cooking Mexican food, we're cooking all different kinds of foods that people wouldn’t think we could cook. It’s a comedy, it’s funny, and I think you’re going to love it."

While the aforementioned Cookin' Ain't Easy never was produced, Juicy J and Paul's Vh1 run will reportedly begin this fall. Meanwhile, Three 6 Mafia is finishing an upcoming album for Sony Records

Cool & Dre Team With Interscope To Establish Their Own Label


The production duo's new imprint will be called Epidemic.

Most people believe that the big money in music comes when you step up from being just an artist to also being an executive. Countless rap artists have gone that route, seeing their bank accounts swell when they start seeing returns on their signees’ releases. Now, AllHipHop.com is reporting that Miami-based hitmakers Cool & Dre have reached an agreement on a distribution deal with Interscope to release records from their own Epidemic Music imprint.

The producers already have two acts signed to Epidemic. The first is Don Trip, a rapper from Memphis. The second is K-Rose, an 18 year old R&B singer. Cool and Dre are currently preparing her first album. The duo has also been hard at work on work for other artists. They are scheduled to have beats appear on Rick Ross’ upcoming album, Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter IV, and Game’s Red Album.

For the full story on Cool & Dre’s new Epidemic Music label check out AllHipHop.com.

Gucci Mane Arrest Details Emerge; Woman Ejected For Refusing Proposition


Tuesday, DeKalb County, Georgia prosecutors announced formal charges of battery, reckless conduct and disorderly conduct against Gucci Mane, also known as Radric Delantic Davis. Gucci Mane’s attorney, Ashutosh Joshi told the Associated Press his client plans to plead not guilty to all charges. Gucci was originally accused of pushing a woman out of Hummer while driving down a suburban Atlanta street.

Atlanta, Georgia rapper Gucci Mane was arrested on Friday (04/08/11) for pushing a woman out of a moving vehicle earlier this year, according to new reports. Hollywood Reporter obtained this information after speaking with DeKalb County Police for confirmation of the alleged incident.

Gucci allegedly threw the victim out of the moving car in January, after she rejected a $150 proposition to check-in at a nearby motel. The woman met Gucci on the same day at a local mall, where they agreed to leave for breakfast.

The woman only suffered soreness and pain and had to check in at a hospital. Gucci has been charged with violation of probation and misdemeanor battery and had to check in at Georgia Department of Corrections Probation Office.

This is not the first time Gucci has been involved with legal woes. He served time in prison for violating parole in the past and was arrested last year for driving on the wrong side of the road. This year, Gucci checked into a mental facility after claiming mental incompetency for a series of legal problems.

Flesh-N-Bone Claims Krayzie Bone Is Disrespecting Eazy E By Leaving BTNH


Yesterday (April 19), Flesh-N-Bone spoke to TMZ.com about Krayzie Bone's depature from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony further, claiming that his former band-mate is disrespecting the legacy of Bone's mentor, the late Eric "Eazy E" Wright, co-founder of Bone's earliest label home, Ruthless Records.

"Krayzie [Bone] might as well say 'Fuck Eazy-E' because he is disrespecting Eazy-E's legacy by leaving the group," Flesh said to TMZ. Additionally, the emcee who was incarcerated and estranged from the group between 2000 and 2008, before returning to the group for Uni 5: The World's Enemy.

Dr. Dre Wins Lawsuit Against Death Row Records


Dr. Dre wins his 2010 lawsuit agains WIDEawake/Death Row, entitling him to 100% of all digital sales from his classic 1992 album, "The Chronic."

Tuesday, US District Judge Christina Snyder issued a ruling that entitled Dr. Dre to 100% of all digital royalties from The Chronic. In 2010, Dre filed a lawsuit against WIDEawake/Death Row Records alleging that he had been grossly undercompensated for his critically acclaimed album. The album sold well over 3 million copies, and during the 2010 suit, Dre’s attorneys were seeking upwards of $75,000.

According to reports by the Associated Press, a 1996 exit agreement between Dre and the original Death Row called for Dr. Dre to receive 18% royalties on music he created while at Death Row and gave him extensive authority over how the songs were used. Judge Snyder ruled that when WIDEawake purchased Death Row’s assets in 2009, they were restricted to selling the assets in the original format in which they appeared. Of course, all of the early Death Row albums were created in the early-to-mid nineties prior to the invention of iTunes and other digital licensing services.

“For years, Death Row Records forgot about Dre when they continued to distribute his music digitally and combined his hits with weaker Death Row tracks in an attempt to elevate the stature of their other artists,” Dr. Dre’s attorney Howard King wrote in a prepared statement. “We are gratified that the federal court has unambiguously declared that Death Row has no right to engage in such tactics, and must hold all proceeds from these illicit distributions in trust for our client.”

Prodigy Declares Mobb Deep "Free Agents"


Rapper also clarifies the duo's current status regarding G-Unit.

It’s been almost exactly five years since the world received a new album from Mobb Deep, the Queens, New York duo comprised of Prodigy and Havoc. In the time since 2006’s Blood Money the duo have released solo material and had run-ins with the law. But now it seems as if there is some serious activity going on within the group. The first sign is their new web series “Start of Ur Ending.” The first episode has just been uploaded to Vimeo. In it Prodigy offers some insight on Mobb Deep's current label status.

The emcee explains, “When 50 [Cent] took G-Unit [Records] off of Interscope [Records] and took it somewhere else, in that in between space, where there wasn’t no deal, the clause in our contract set us free. So, basically, we’re free agents right now. I’ve been talking to 50, we’ve been kicking it with son, and he definitely wants to continue doing business. We’re just weighing our options, seeing what we really want to do, seeing how we want to move forward, see what’s the best route for us to take. Because that’s what it’s all about, just making that best business move, wherever that may be. My focus is incredible right now because I got a lot of catching up to do, with money, the game, and just music and everything. I was missing for a little while so I got a little showing and proving to do to show that I deserve my spot, that Mobb Deep deserves their position in the game."

The duo has had a pretty eventful past regarding labels. Through their career they’ve signed papers with Loud Records, 4th and Broadway Records, RCA Records, and G-Unit. So it’s safe to say, knowing their history and experience with the industry, that group will be careful when they choose their next label. Check out the full episode "Start of Ur Ending" below.

Black Eyed Peas To Open Music School In New York City


Learn how to make "Joints and Jams" like B.E.P., thanks in part to the Adobe Foundation.

The Black Eyed Peas are opening a video and music production school in New York City in collaboration with the Adobe Foundation.

The school, formally called the Peapod Adobe Youth Voices music and multimedia academy will be based in lower Manhattan, and teach video and music production to students ages 13 to 19, according to the Associated Press. Classes will begin in July.

"Our passion for music and media was fueled by many generous people on our road to success," Black Eyed Peas rapper will.i.am said. "Expanding the network of Peapod Adobe Youth Voices academies enables us to pay it forward, giving more youth the skills and encouragement they need to realize their dreams."

The school is underwritten with funds from the Peapod Foundation, the BEP’s charitable organization administered by the Entertainment Industry Foundation. The Adobe Foundation is the charity arm of technology company Adobe Systems, Inc, the maker of Photoshop, Flash and Acrobat.

The two foundations already run three Youth Voices academies in California: Los Angeles, Oakland and Redwood City.

Youth Voices NYC will be operated by Urban Arts Partnership, which runs after-school arts programs for teens who attend high-poverty schools and students will be accepted into the academy based on recommendations from teachers and demonstrated interests in subject areas such as camera work, editing and graphic design, according to the AP.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Lil Wayne – Tha Carter IV (Artwork)


June 14th!

Mike Dean Talks Kanye West, Jay-Z and 'Watch the Throne'


The legendary producer for 2Pac and Scarface talks working with Jay and Kanye, and the joys of mixing records while high.

Mike Dean, the legendary pioneer of the Dirty South sound and producer to 2Pac, Kanye West and many others, recently caught up with fellow engineer Dave Pensado for the latest installment of his series Pensado's Place. During the interview, Dean discussed his extensive work on 'Ye's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. He even gave up a few details about Kanye and Jay-Z's highly anticipated collaborative album Watch the Throne, saying that "it's almost done."

"I think I co-produced...eight or nine [tracks of MBDTF] and played along on those and mixed them," he said. "There's three of use who engineer for Kanye. There's four now: Andrew [Dawson], Anthony [Kilhoffer] and me. We all mixed Graduation together. Then we hand stuff around until it passes Kanye's approval. Then we had a new guy Noah Goldstein...who tracks all the vocals...[Kanye's] a special guy...it never gets dull. It's always something pioneering going on."

He added, "I'm working on the new Kanye/Jay-Z record Watch the Throne. That's almost done...I've got like four or five co-produced tracks on there, I'm mixing the whole record, supposedly."

Dean also discussed the trademark Dirty South sound that he helped cultivate alongside the likes of Scarface, UGK, Devin the Dude and many others. He explained that when he was working in Houston, record companies weren't paying attention to the music they were producing, allowing them to craft an orginal sound isolated from outside influences.

"We were kind of isolated in Houston from the industry," he said. "We were just down there making those records, locked in the basement. That's why we kind of got such an original thing going down there, because we were isolated. Until I came to California in like 1995, '96, we had no influences, just the records we were listening to...it really was just me, Vito, Scarface and just a couple of other guys...that pretty much pioneered the whole thing that turned into the South sound. The South music now is not the same now. The South music now is now slowed down bass music [from the '80s]...instead of being 120 [BPM], it's slowed down to 70 [BPM]."

Finally, Dean discussed his work ethic in mixing records while high. He joked that he's confounded by mixers unable to produce quality work while sober.

"How do guys mix [without] pot?" he joked. "I've been trying to figure that out for years. How do you make yourself sound so good when your sober?...It comes from lots of practice...I mean, I don't endorse the use of marijuana, just for medical use only."

Diddy, Bad Boy Entertainment Sued After Atlanta Photographer Altercation


After a BET Awards after-party ended with a photographer getting assaulted by bodyguards, he sues the party's multi-millionaire host.

Bad Boy Entertainment and its founder and president Sean "Diddy" Combs have been named defendants in a lawsuit by photographer Jabari Tilgham. On April 15, Tilgham filed a suit claiming that Diddy, Bad Boy and bodyguards of Atlanta, Georgia's Club Mansion were responsible for his beating, according to The Atlanta Constitution-Journal. The night of the beating coincided with a Diddy-hosted BET Awards after-party at Club Mansion.

Reports indicate that at least one Club Mansion staffer is a confirmed witness of the beating. Diddy and Bad Boy Entertainment has yet to release a statement.

Shooting Takes Place At Trill Fam's Lil Phat Concert, Associate Arrested


Trill Fam concerts are attracting violence, as the second shooting in as many months finds the crew from Baton Rogue.

Shots were fired as Trill Fam rapper Lil Phat performed Sunday night at Tuscaloosa, Alabama's Black Orchid Club. One of the Baton Rouge, Louisiana rapper's alleged associates, Travis Demond Carroll has reportedly been arrested and charged with attempted murder and second degree assault, according to AllHipHop.com.

Police reports indicate that Carroll was approached by a man upon exiting the club, before shooting the other man and a nearby woman. The victim is reportedly in critical condition, as the woman is recovering.

Those reports are connecting Carroll to Phats, though Trill Entertainment has yet to release a statement. For the Trill Fam, this is the second such incident in less than a month, after Webbie performed during a shooting in Illinois. Presently, Trill Fam's biggest star, Lil Boosie, is on trial for first degree murder.

Travis Demond Carroll is presently incarcerated, on $75,000 bail.

Stalley Rumored To Sign With Maybach Music Group


Numerous reports have Cleveland-based emcee Stalley joining Rick Ross' Maybach Music imprint.

After bolstering the Maybach Music Group roster by signing Wale, Pill and Meek Mill, Rick Ross has reportedly signed Cleveland-based emcee Stalley. Stalley apparently met with Ross’ camp backstage at Lil Wayne’s “I Am Still Music” tour. Ross and Stalley then traded a series of messages via Twitter over the weekend and continued through the earlier portions of the week.


The Wale, Pill and Meek Mill signings began in a similar fashion, with all parties keeping Twitter abuzz after some informal, personal meetings. Once the paperwork was taken care of, Ross quickly put the wheels in motion to secure a deal with Warner Music Group and put out the upcoming Self Made compilation.

Stalley has been making his rounds—most notably with his Lincoln Way Nights (Intelligent Trunk Muzik) project. If a deal is finalized, Stalley most likely will not make the May 24 release date of Self Made, which has presumably been recorded already.

Tracklisting Revealed To Fabolous' "S.O.U.L. Tape," Lil Wayne Featured


The tracklisting to Fabolous' The S.O.U.L. Tape is as follows:

1. Pain / Fabolous / Produced by Santana & P-Thought
2. Wolves in Sheeps Clothing / Fabolous ft. Paul Cain
3. Really Tho / Fabolous / Produced by Teddy da Don
4. That’s Not Love / Fabolous ft. Lil Wayne / Produced by StreetRunner
5. Leaving You / Fabolous / Produced by Sonaro
6. In The Morning / Fabolous
7. Drugs (Do This To Me) / Fabolous ft. Paul Cain & Broadway / Produced by Broadway
8. Y’all Don’t Hear Me Tho / Fabolous ft. Red Cafe Produced by Cardiak
9. Phone Numbers / Fabolous
10. Mo Brooklyn, Mo Harlem, Mo Southside / Fabolous ft. Vado & Lloyd Banks
11. Riesling & Rolling Papers / Fabolous
12. Slow Down / Fabolous ft. Trey Songz / Produced by DJ Swivel
13. PayBack Music / Fabolous ft. Freck Billionaire
Bonus: “Look At Her” You Be Killin’ Em Pt 2. / Fabolous ft. Ryan Leslie & Ne-Yo

Lil B Says New Album Will Change The World, Enlists Just Blaze


In an interview with Sirius' The Invasion radio show Lil B and producer Just Blaze speak on upcoming 'I'm Gay' album.

California rapper and self-proclaimed “Based God” Lil B had a lot to say about his upcoming album I’m Gay in a radio interview which aired on Green Lantern & Boss Lady's "The Invasion" radio show on Sirius XM radio. It was also revealed that famed producer Just Blaze will be working alongside the somewhat eccentric rapper on his new album.

At one point in the interview Just Blaze explained that it took a while for him to understand Lil B, but through a series of text messages and phone calls he developed more of an understanding of the rapper.

"I understand what he’s doing and why he’s doing it. It’s smart, and it’s not necessarily a gimmick. It’s one of those things that just goes to show you that you can’t take everything somebody says in the most literal since,” Just Blaze explained. “I appreciate that, and there’s a deeper meaning to what he’s saying. It took me a minute to get over that hump. When B first came on my radar, I didn’t really get it…The more we jumped on the phone and text messaged—we connected and I understood how he thinks. I get it now, and it’s deeper than the words. Sometimes you’ve gotta look past the words and listen to the words on the record.”

During his performance at Coachella over the weekend Lil B revealed that the name of his new album would be I’m Gay and of course sparked a firestorm of comments from fans, bloggers, and even gay rights organization GLAAD.

“I wanna say this is gonna change the world. It’s gonna make the world think. It’s bigger than me, and the message is gonna keep people talking,” said Lil B. “I’m Gay will be the most powerful album to ever come out. It’s gonna change people’s lives, and I promise that from my heart. The words have elevated the way people address me. It’s amazing. You have your radicals, but in general, people are viewing me with a whole different stature. It’s way more respect.”

A release date for I’m Gay has yet to be announced.

Rick Ross' Maybach Music Group "Self Made" Tracklisting, Cover Art Revealed


The tracklisting for Maybach Music Group's Self Made Volume 1 is as follows:

1. Selfmade - Wale, Meek Mill, Pill, Rick Ross & Teedra Moses

2. Tupac Back - Meek Mill ft. Rick Ross

3. 600 Benz - Wale ft. Rick Ross & Jadakiss

4. Pacman - Pill ft. Rick Ross

5. By Any Means - Wale, Meek Mill, Pill & Rick Ross

6. Fitted Cap - Wale, Meek Mill & Rick Ross ft. J. Cole

7. Rise - Pill, Wale & Teedra Moses ft. Prince Cyhi & Currensy

8. That Way - Wale ft. Jeremih & Rick Ross

9. Ima Boss - Meek Mill ft. Rick Ross

10. Don't Let Me Go - Pill ft. Gunplay

11. Pandemonium - Meek Mill ft. Wale & Rick Ross

12. Play Your Part - Wale ft. Meek Mill & Rick Ross

13. Ridin' On Dat Pole - Pill

14. Big Bank - Pill, Meek Mill, Torch & Rick Ross ft. French Montana

15. Running Rebels - Wale ft. Meek Mill & Teedra Moses

Lupe Fiasco Says His Core Fans Will Be Pleased With "Food & Liquor 2"


The Chicago emcee says his next album will appeal to his longtime fans.

At a recent concert in Albany, New York Lupe Fiasco announced from the stage that his next project will be a sequel to his debut release entitled, Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album. Now the chart topping rapper has revealed some details about the direction that record will take.

Speaking with Albany radio station Jamz 96.3 Lupe declared that the project will have his core, longtime fans in mind and will be a return to the style he showcased on his early releases. “It’s a little more dedicated to the nerdy Lupe Fiasco fans, out there, who like the super double entendres and the triple metaphors and the concept songs. So you know we gonna take it back,” Lupe stated.

In the immediate future for the rapper are several video shoots. He plans to film clips for forthcoming singles “I Don’t Wanna Care Right Now” and “Out of My Head,” both off his latest record Lasers.