Prodigy Explains Why He Respects Waka Flocka Flame & Soulja Boy

P also shares his love for Fred the Godson, Kid CuDi, Wiz Khalifa and more.

Prodigy recently spoke on new rappers in the game, explaining that he likes everyone from Wiz Khalifa and Kid CuDi to Waka Flocka Flame and Soulja Boy. During an interview with Vlad TV, the Mobb Deep member shares that he kept his finger on the pulse by watching BET and reading magazines while behind bars, keeping up with all the upstart spitters.

“From what I’ve seen, I definitely like Wiz Khalifa, I like his whole little movement. I like what Kanye’s doing over there with the G.O.O.D. Music label, his new artists over there. A lot of dudes from the Freestyle Cipher, XXL, Kendrick Lamar, Big K.R.I.T., Fred The Godson,” he said. “There’s a lot of different people. There’s a lot of people doing they thing.”

The Queens, New York native defended rappers like Waka Flocka Flame and Soulja Boy, claiming that they’re taking it back to the essence. “You got Cory Gunz, French Montana, you got a lotta people that’s doing their thing and creating a buzz for themselves,” he said. “But a lot of people, they hate on a lot of new artists. They say, ‘We need to bring it back to the old school, we need to bring it back to that hardcore shit. These niggas is making these songs.’ To me, I like what they doing. I like Soulja Boy’s music, I like Waka Flocka’s music, I appreciate all of that. Because they’re being them. They having fun, they making money, they doing them.”

He likened their music to golden age groups. “It’s not lyrical or whatever, they doing them, just having fun. When I look at that, I compare it to like how rap started. The Sugar Hill Gang, the Cold Crush and all that. It was fun. It wasn’t really about being too lyrical,” he continued. “You really not saying nothing. And that’s how rap started. So that’s the essence of it. it’s just fun and just making your money and getting popular and repping your crew and where you’re fun and all of that.”

Now, he considers hip-hop a multi-tiered culture. “As rap progressed, people got more serious about the lyrics, about the production, about the thing as a whole. Now, you’ve got different levels of it. You’ve got the conscious rap, you’ve got the hardcore rap, you’ve got the party songs, you’ve got the strip club songs, you’ve got the different types of things. And that just shows the progression of this, it’s not just one thing,” he said. “We’re very unique. Rap music is very complex. You can’t hate on somebody for being different, because they’re doing something different than what you’re doing. They just doing they thing. That’s my answer to that. I respect these new dudes, I like what they doing. Kid CuDi, everybody. I like what they’re doing. Their shit is hot.”

Lupe Fiasco Pens A Tribute To Gil Scott-Heron

The politically minded rapper channels Scott-Heron's 1970 recording "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised."

Lupe Fiasco has penned a tribute to rap’s godfather Gil Scott-Heron, who passed away this past weekend. The Chicago, Illinois rapper released the piece on his website, branding it “in Dedication to that guiding light of a human being Gil-Scott Heron.”

In the piece, Lupe imitates the language used on Scott-Heron’s 1970 recording “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” separating each paragraph with “The Television Will Not Be Revolutionized!”

Each paragraph has a sarcastic slant on television’s dumbing down of society. “Idiot boxes of the world unite!” he writes. “To fight off the effects of intelligence, replace smart quotes with fart jokes, substitute sense with scenes from Martin, let the baby's bathe in that glow and learn all manner of things they don't really need to know!”

Hackers Claim Tupac Shakur Is "Alive And Well" In Bogus PBS Story

As retribution for a poor portrayal of Wikileaks, a hacking group posted a fake story on PBS.com claiming Tupac is alive.

Hackers took over PBS’ website this past weekend, posting a bogus story that Tupac Shakur was alive and well and residing in New Zealand 15 years after his death. Shortly after the article was posted and the news went viral, PBS NewsHour’s Teresa Gorman dismissed the story on Twitter, revealing that the website was hacked.

The story purported that Tupac and Notorious B.I.G. resided in a small town in New Zealand that was left unnamed for “security risks.” The culprits behind the story are The Lulz Boat, otherwise known as LulzSec, who were seeking revenge for a “Wikisecrets” episode on Wikileaks, conveyed in a unfair light.

“Greetings, Internets. We just finished watching WikiSecrets and were less than impressed,” said the group in a statement. “We decided to sail our Lulz Boat over to the PBS servers for further... perusing. As you should know by now, not even that fancy-ass fortress from the third shitty Pirates of the Caribbean movie (first one was better!) can withhold our barrage of chaos and lulz. Anyway, unnecessary sequels aside... wait, actually: second and third Matrix movies sucked too! Anyway, say hello to the insides of the PBS servers, folks. They best watch where they're sailing next time.”

Rap Release Dates

May 31
Big L – The Danger Zone
Canibus & Keith Murray (as Undergods) – In Gods We Trust: Crush Microphones To Dust
Kool G Rap – Riches, Royalty, Respect
Vast Aire – OX 2010 Odyssey

June 7
Big K.R.I.T. – R4: The Prequel
Hail Mary Mallon (Aesop Rock, Rob Sonic & DJ Big Wiz)- Are You Gonna Eat That?
Ja Rule – Pain Is Love 2
Ja Rule – The Renaissance Project
Tech N9ne – All 6’s And 7’s

June 14
Bad Meets Evil (Eminem & Royce Da 5'9") – Hell: The Sequel
J. Period & Q-Tip – The [Abstract] Best
Random Axe (Sean Price, Guilty Simpson, & Black Milk) – Random Axe
Slim Thug Presents… Boss Hogg Outlawz – Serve And Collect Part 3 (Immahogg)
Vakill – Armor Of God

June 21
Blaq Poet – Blaq Poet Society
Grieves – Together Apart
Lil Wayne – Tha Carter IV
Pitbull – Planet Pit
T3 (Slum Village) – 3iLLA

June 28
Beyoncé – 4
Big Sean – Finally Famous: The Album
Dorrough & DJ Drama – Gangsta Grillz: Silent Assassins
Pete Rock & Smif-N-Wessun – Monumental

Jay-Z Explains What Makes A "Classic Track"

Hov pens an article for Rolling Stone on his thoughts regarding what makes a timeless tune.

Jay-Z recently had four songs added to Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list - "Crazy in Love" with Beyonce at No. 118, "Umbrella" with Rihanna at No. 412, "99 Problems" at No. 172 and "Big Pimpin" at No. 467. To celebrate his induction onto the prestigious list, Hov penned an introduction to the list, sharing what he thinks makes a "classic track."

"A great song doesn't attempt to be anything — it just is," he begins, lauding Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." "When you hear a great song, you can think of where you were when you first heard it, the sounds, the smells. It takes the emotions of a moment and holds it for years to come. It transcends time. A great song has all the key elements — melody; emotion; a strong statement that becomes part of the lexicon; and great production."

The Brooklyn, New York native states how difficult it can be to leave a track as is. "I spend a lot of time fighting myself to stay out of the way of a great song," he notes. "It's hard for me to leave a song alone, in its natural state. I want it to have that mass appeal, but once I start trying to push it too far, you can feel that something isn't right."

He concludes by crowning his laidback anthem "Can I Live" as one of his best accomplishments. "Some of my best songs aren't the biggest ones. A song like 'Can I Live' is so full of emotion to me — it was better than 'Hard Knock Life' or 'Empire State of Mind,' but it lacked that accessibility. ­Michael Jackson's Off the Wall album may not have been bigger than Thriller, but the songs had better melodies."

Lil Wayne, Drake Help Celebrate WorldstarHipHop.com's 6th Anniversary

Worldstar's sixth year of existence is commemorated with an anniversary weekend that included a King of Diamonds party hosted by Weezy, Drake and Jeezy.

To commemorate its sixth anniversary, WorldstarHipHop.com recently held a party at King of Diamonds recently, a popular Miami, Florida strip club.

The party featured an appearance from Young Jeezy and it was hosted by Young Money emcees Lil Wayne and Drake.
Angela Yee, Lil Twist and Jennifer Williams were among other celebrities who attended the event. They joined site owner Lee "Q" O'Denat for an evening of celebration.

The party was part of a six year anniversary weekend that also included a boat party.

Erick Sermon Talks Longevity, Collaborations With Rick Ross And Sheek Louch

During an interview with AllAccessDVD, Erick Sermon discusses being courted by a new generation of fans and laying down tracks with Sheek Louch and Rick Ross.

Erick Sermon says that despite not dropping a solo project since 2004’s Chilltown New York, there has been a heavy demand from younger fans for another E-Double project. During an interview with AllAccessDVD, the EPMD co-founder explained how he encountered a large number of younger fans while overseas on tour.

“I used to meet young kids in their twenties saying, ‘I’m not old but I like your stuff. Are you gonna come out soon?’” Sermon explained. “My audience was going from the Drake concert one week to watching EPMD the next month. Even with the difference in decades, someone was either telling them about EPMD or they were finding us themselves. And they loved it, so that was dope.”

Another factor working in the Green Eyed Bandit’s favor was the positive reception he got from recent tracks with the likes of Rick Ross [“Ain’t Me”] and Sheek Louch. Producer Rockwilder, who has been working with both Sermon and Redman since Sermon’s 1995’s Double Or Nothing album, gave Sheek Louch and Sermon different versions of the same track, “Dodge This.” Sheek and E-Double ended up collaborating based off both emcee’s familiarity with the track, and a recommendation from some of Sermon’s friends. As for Sermon’s recent collaboration with Rick Ross, the track was originally a collaboration with Vic Damone.


“Through the grapevine, when Rick did that record, it was a $40,000 verse,” Sermon added. “I don’t know if he knows because of how the companies went down. But we ended up paying like 40 grand for that verse at the time. I just revamped it by changing the beat and putting myself on it.”

Lloyd Banks Scraps "Cold Corner" Mixtape

Instead of working on his new mixtape, the G-Unit soldier will focus his energies into his fourth album.

Lloyd Banks has canceled his mixtape Cold Corner 2011 in favor of working on the follow-up to last year's H.F.M. 2 (Hunger for More 2). The G-Unit member previously announced the mixtape in December 2010, shortly after the release of his third solo LP.

The Boy Wonder originally released The Cold Corner back on January 1, 2009. The tape, hosted by DJ Whoo Kid, featured 14 tracks and served as the third installment in his "5 and Better Series."

Mixtape Release Dates:

May 31

Waka Flocka Flame – “Duflocka Rant 10”


June 1

40 Cal – “God's Gift To An iPod”

B.G. x Bigga Rankin – “History Of A Street Legend”


June 4

Black Cobain – “Young, Gifted & Black”

Phil Ade x 2Dopeboyz – “#PhiladeFriday”


June 6

Skyzoo – “The Great Debater”


June 7

Rocky Rivera “POP KILLER MXTP”


June 11

Black Thought x J.Period – “Live Mixtape At Echoplex”


June 14

Consequence – “Movies On Demand 3”

Freddie Gibbs – “A Cold Day In Hell”


June 21

Rapsody – “Thank H.E.R. Now”

Sha Stimuli – “The Break Up pt.2: The Proposal”


July 1

Tone Trump x DJ Drama – “The Fresh Prince”


TBA

Da Brat – “Life After Death”

Cookin Soul – “The Revolution Is Being Televised: A Tribute To Gil Scott-Heron”

The Weekend – “Thursday”

The Kickdrums – “Meet Your Ghost”

Meek Mill – “Mr. Philadelphia 2”

Diamond – “Bitch Muzik 4: Poor Little Rich Gurl”

Erick Sermon x Funkmaster Flex – “Breath Of Fresh Air”

Jakk Frost – “Coldest Summer Ever”

Bigga Rankin x The Cool Running DJ’s – “Everybody Eats”

QuESt – “How Thoughtful 2”

Brother Ali Speaks About Race, White Kids' Relationship With The Word "Nigga"

Ali looks back on his diverse youth and speaks about the curious relationship between race and culture in Hip Hop.

Minneapolis, Minnesota emcee Brother Ali recently spoke to the IllDoctrine's J Smooth about the relationship white people have with the word "nigga." As a white man, the Rhymesayers Entertainment emcee spoke personally from his youth. "It's very, very confusing for white kids who have a lot of black friends are accepted. I can't stand here and say that when I was nine years old and all my friends were black, and they were tellin' me, 'Aw, Ali, you're basically black,' that I didn't believe that."

Now an adult and highly-successful independent artist, Ali deduced, "I think that's something a lot of young white kids struggle with: just understanding the different position we have in the world."

Ali spoke for all white people, but specifically to those immersed in black culture. "We have to own our relationship to the injustice of the world, and we have to own the benefits that we get from it. And for myself, it took a lot of self-love to learn how to do that." Noting that as a legally blind emcee, he faces oppression in everyday society, he acknowledged, "Racially, I'm still priviledged."

Jermaine Dupri & Taio Cruz To Judge Bravo's "Platinum Hit"

The So So Def honcho joins Leona Lewis, Donna Summer, Natasha Bedingfield and more on the reality competition's rotating judging panel.

Jermaine Dupri and Taio Cruz are a few of the judges on the rotating panel featured on Bravo’s upcoming reality show “Platinum Hit." The songwriting competition, hosted by Jewel and former “American Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi, also includes Leona Lewis, Donna Summer, RCA/Jive senior VP of A&R Keith Naftaly and Natasha Bedingfield on the judging panel.

The 10-episode competition, which premieres tonight (May 30th), takes 12 unknown songwriters who compete for a deal with Sony’s Jive/RCA imprint. Each week, the contestants will take on a songwriting assignment, such as writing a chorus about Los Angeles in a half-hour and completing the song in groups.

“Collaborations are essential to the show," said Jewel. "It's a battle of ideas to a complete song. The awkward moments that [arise during the collaborative process] are essential to making it watchable."

T.I. Sponsors Bus Trip For Family Members To Visit Inmates

While behind bars, Tip chartered a bus for 46 family members to visit 14 inmates serving time with him in Arkansas prison.

T.I. is doing good from behind bars. The incarcerated rapper, who is currently serving an 11-month sentence for violating his probation, sponsored a bus trip for 46 family members to visit 14 inmates serving time alongside him at the Forrest City Correctional Facility in Forrest City, Arkansas.

"I've been blessed to receive tons and tons of mail from my fans, family and friends, as well as get visits on a regular basis. Unfortunately some guys aren't as fortunate," T.I. told MTV News in a statement. "There are a lot of good dudes in here that haven't been able to see there loved ones in years. Their families can't afford the trip so I wanted to help out."

The bus trips, titled “To See a Love One,” occurred yesterday and today. Family and friends boarded the bus in Atlanta and Alabama on Saturday.

Sean Kingston In Stable Condition After Jet-Ski Collided With A Bridge

According to the Associated Press, Sean Kingston has been stabilized and moved to the intensive care unit. His publicist, Joseph Carozza, says, "Kingston's family is grateful for everyone's prayers and support."

Swizz Beatz Announces "Haute Living" Release Date

The Monster also says that M.I.A. and Alexandra Burke will appear on the LP.

Swizz Beatz ha s announced the release of his upcoming third solo album Haute Living. During an interview with BBC Radio 1Xtra’s DJ Semtex, the super-producer revealed that the album will drop on his birthday, September 13th.

“Monster Mondays was a warm-up for people to understand that I’m doing things different. So when we get into my album Haute Living, which I’m dropping on my b-day September 13th, people, when they hear the track with me, Bono and Kanye ["Skyscrapers"], they can be prepared for it. When they hear the track with me, Lenny Kravitz and Lil Wayne, they can be prepared for it,” he said.

He also revealed that British singer Alexandra Burke and M.I.A. will make guest appearances on the album, which has already spawned the single "Everyday (Coolin')" featuring Eve. “When they see all these different zones, they can be prepared for it, not just thinking of one club track, because I have so much to express. I have so much to let people know who I am as a person, how I’ve grown, where I’m ready to take it and just trying to set the bar for the culture 20 times higher,” he continued. “And it comes with no sleep and putting extra work and doing things people are scared to do. I already shot five videos for my album already. Epic ones.”

The Bronx, New York native also revealed that he may shoot a video for the Monster Mondays giveaway “The Transporter” featuring Rick Ross. Before ducking out of the interview, he offered his opinion on upstarts Odd Future, supporting their movement.

“Odd Future, it’s a cool movement. I got to witness Frank Ocean in the studio, he’s a very talented guy. He’s definitely different from the rest of the group, which I’ve seen. I think he’s very special and I know for sure he has a lot of big things that people are going to witness that I witnessed,” he said. “I mean, having your freedom is always the best, but sometimes when you’re a young group like Odd Future, you might want to have a little extra support.”

Lil Wayne Speaks About "How To Love" As A Transition Record For His Career

Weezy F. tells MTV's Sway about how the new Detail-produced record will take his show and his sound to a more universal place.

In a new interview with MTV's Sway Calloway, New Orleans, Louisiana emcee Lil Wayne spoke about the impact of his new Detail-produced single "How To Love." Released online last week, Weezy explained, "I feel that ['How To Love'] will take me to a place that I've never been musically."

Projecting to 2013, Lil Wayne said this likely inclusion from Tha Carter IV will transition his next career conquest. The emcee looked two years ahead, and spoke to the perspective of his fans. "If I'm still tourin', you'll know when you come to a Lil Wayne show [that you will see] some of the best Rap, [you will] get guitar, [you will] get some singin', [you will] get some dancin', [you will] get some old school music, and [you] will get to go to a show tonight."

50 Cent Says Dr. Dre Expected To Leak Collabo Single, Hopes To Top Debut

The next "Detox" song we hear is likely to feature one of Dre's star pupils, as 50 Cent claims he hopes to top "Get Rich Or Die Tryin'."

Queens, New York superstar emcee 50 Cent's best-selling work to date is 2003's official debut, Get Rich Or Die Tryin'. The critically-acclaimed work, executive produced by Hip Hop icons Dr. Dre and Eminem, featured such hits as "In Da Club," "21 Questions" and "P.I.M.P." and went on to become certified eight-times platinum.

No longer with Shady/Aftermath Records or parent company Interscope, 50 Cent recently tweeted that he is looking to top his work from over eight years ago.

Nas Announces The Title For His Tenth Solo Album

Nas has announced that the title of his 10th album will be Life is Good. It is currently unknown who will appear on the LP in regards to features and producers.

Q-Tip To Headline 2011 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival, M.O.P., Torae Added

The Brooklyn Bodega has announced that Brooklyn, New York duo M.O.P. (a/k/a Mash Out Posse) has been added to the lineup. Additionally, Coney Island, Brooklyn emcee Torae will be performing. Last year, Torae, who has released albums with Duck Down, Soulspazm and Fat Beats Records, was a master of ceremonies and host throughout much of the event. Also included will be pioneering veejay/video director Ralph McDaniels. "Uncle Ralph" has been deeply involved with Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival for several years.

The Roots, Dice Raw Return To Philadelphia's South Street For Pre-Picnic Jam

One of the biggest parties in Philadelphia gets a historic pre-show event as The Illadelph crew returns to the part of town where they spent years honing their skills.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hip Hop band The Roots spent years in the early 1990s performing on the city's famed South Street. The collective which has gone on to release Grammy Award-winning albums and work with the likes of Jay-Z, Mos Def and Blu will be celebrating their annual Roots Picnic next month at Philly's Penn's Landing.

Prior to the day-long event featuring performances by Nas, Wiz Khalifa and Yelawolf as well as The Roots, the group will return to its origins with a Pre-Picnic event at The Legendary Dobbs, a venue at 3rd and South Streets. On Friday June 2, the group will be joined by longtime affiliate Dice Raw, the Money Making Jam Boys and deejay J. Period, among others.

Admission is $10.

Peedi Crakk Shares His 3 Little Digs

Peedi Peedi explains the three things he can't and won't live without.

Peedi Crakk recently caught up with 3 Little Digs to share his three favorite things in life at the moment. During the quick chat, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania rapper shared that he loves the innocent things his kids say, party essentials and making new tracks.

“The first one - I’ma keep the first one clean. One of the main things I did, I got four boys. Two years old, 4-year-old, 8-year-old and a 10-year-old,” he said. “And I just really love to hear them say the modest, honest things that kids say. My oldest son, he says anything out his mouth. He’s so honest. That’s one of the things I love, that blows my mind to see my child growing up.”

He couldn’t help but explain his love for booze and the female form. “These two go together. Rose Moet and big booty on the late night. Like a bottle of Rose and a big, brown booty, I just love that. That go together.”

And as a rapper, he had to give it up for the writing process. “This one drives inside of me, a stupid beat with dumb kick and me zoning with a pen and a pad. I dig that, that’s me. That’s a part of my life,” he said.

Cassidy No Longer Speaks With Swizz Beatz

The Philly rapper explains that Swizzy doesn't answer his calls anymore.

Formerly signed to Swizz Beatz’s Full Surface label, Cassidy has revealed that he and Swizzy are no longer on speaking terms. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania rapper took to his Twitter page to explain that he hasn’t spoken to his former boss in over a year.

“@THEREALSWIZZZ don't even answer my calls anymore: we ain't speak in over a year: i thought we was fam, but times change, Smh That why I changed.. Ain't no love loss.. It is what it is,” he wrote.

While the two didn’t have a falling out, Cass explained that Swizz let him focus on his career without his oversight, but no longer speaks to him. “It's never a war, I'm just speaking my mind.. How can we talk if you never pick up, You said you let me do my own thing ASAP, but what does that have to do wit communicating, since I'm doing my own thing you don't talk to me anymore.. Thats crazy..,” he continued. “the only reason I'm on twitter is cause that's the only way I can reach you.. RealRap.”

Together, the duo crafted singles including “My Drink n My 2 Step,” the platinum-certified “I’m a Hustla” and “Hotel” featuring R. Kelly.

Crooked I Speaks On Spearheading The Weekly Song Series

The Slaughterhouse member also addresses how some industry folks weren't in his corner before the group signed to Shady Records.

Credited as the first rapper to release tracks as part of a weekly series, Crooked I takes his trendsetting in stride. The Slaughterhouse member explained that he’s content with creating a new business model for hip-hop and that those who are in the know pay him respect.

“I mean, I think I definitely created a different business model for rappers to promote themselves online. It’s cool to set a trend. Sometimes you don’t get your full props or accolades, but niggas who know, know,” he told Forbez DVD. “And that’s all that counts. To set that trend made me feel good, it made me feel like I had something to offer hip-hop. People took it and they ran with it. Some people salute me when they see me and they talk about it, and some people, they act like they made it.”

He also spoke on signing to Shady Records after grinding for years. “I feel good because it’s inspiring other artists,” he said. “Niggas who know my story, they know I went through trials and tribulations, valleys and peaks, ups and downs. And then they see me pop up on Shady, and they think, you know what? I can do that shit too.

But not everyone was in his corner. “Some niggas tried to kick me when I was down. They don’t understand how tough it is to pull yourself back up out of a ditch,” he continued. “The niggas who did it was typical, basic, non-hustling niggas. They didn’t have to hustle for nothing that they got. They got the red carpet treatment all the way through the industry. So they didn’t know how to respect the hustle.”

DJ Premier Recalls Producing Nas' "NY State Of Mind," Buckshot LeFonque

Mean Joe Preem also reveals that he has two TV shows in the works.

DJ Premier is scheduled to man the turntables behind Nas at this year’s Rock the Bells performance, where he’s performing his classic 1994 debut Illmatic. Premo recently spoke on the opportunity, explaining that it serves a bigger purpose for the hip-hop community.

“Let’s see who still comes correct and gets it going. We can fix the economy and the culture ourselves, but you’ve got to connect with the people that’s gonna make it that,” he told DJ Ron. “I’m here to make it that, and that’s all I’m here to do. That’s all I will ever do, is to make it right all the time. Make it right is my new name. I’m DJ Make It Right.”

The legendary producer also reflected on recording “NY State of Mind." “Shout to Showbiz, Showbiz from D.I.T.C. was there that day. It was Showbiz, Biggest Gord, me and Nas had a whole bunch of his friends with him from Queensbridge,” he recalled. “Back then, he used to roll real thick with a lot of dudes. Big crew. We all had posses. I used to have 100 people on stage with me. I made the beat on the spot, right there at D&D studios, and he likes to sit at the head of the control board and rhyme like this, with his hand over his mouth like he can only hear himself while the beat plays.”

He remembers Nas struggling to start the verse, and how it naturally flowed out. “You hear him say ‘I don’t know how to start this shit.’ [...] What it is, he’s looking at the paper because he’s trying to figure out how to format coming on the beat, but I’m counting going ‘1, 2, 3’ and at the last minute, he’s looking at the paper going, ‘I don’t know how to start this shit,’” he continued. “I guess out of the corner of his eye saw me going ‘1, 2, 3’ because my booth is where we can see each other. So it’s always amazing that he did that whole verse in one take, non-stop. Very impressive.

As for upcoming projects, Preem revealed that a new album from Buckshot LeFonque could be on the horizon, and that he’s currently working on a children’s and adult television shows.

“We was just experimenting, having fun. Buckshot LeFonque was supposed to be the not normal project that just does whatever it happens, happens. We’d just be in the studio doing whatever,” he said. “We even talked about doing a third one. It hasn’t gone down yet, but we talked about doing a third one. I’m working on a cartoon and a children’s show for television. The cartoon is going to be more adult with cursing and all of that. The children’s show will be for kids and I want Branford [Marsalis] to be music director to put music together for the project, so I’m looking forward to that. I just asked him, he said he would love to be a part of it. So I’m excited about that. And I want to get into television, too.”

Young Jeezy & DJ Drama Reveal Cover Art, Tracklist For "The Real Is Back"

The Snowman teams with Mr. Thanksgiving for a giveaway that's dropping tomorrow afternoon.

Young Jeezy is teaming back up with DJ Drama for his upcoming mixtape The Real is Back, releasing tomorrow (May 28th) at 1:03 p.m.

The 21-track offering features an heavy roster including Lil Wayne, Fabolous, Yo Gotti, Freddie Gibbs, 211, Slick Pulla, Scrilla, 2Chainz, Boo and Alley Boy.



Check out the tracklist below.

1) The Real is Back
2) How You Want It
3) Dram & Jeezy Speak
4) Win Win
5) All The Money ft 211
6) SnowGo ft Slick Pulla
7) Broads ft Scrilla & Slick Pulla
8) Dram & Jeezy Speak 2
9) Flexin ft Yo Gotti
10) Ballin ft Lil Wayne
11) Rollin ft Fabolous
12) Slow Grind
13) Hoodstar ft Slick Pulla
14) Count It Up ft 2Chainz
15) Talk About It ft Boo & Scrilla
16) Run DMC ft Freddie Gibbs
17) Count It On The Floor ft Scrilla & Slick Pulla
18) Four ft Alley Boy
19) I Ball I Stunt ft Scrilla
20) Dram & Jeezy Speak 3
21) Do It For You ft Freddie Gibbs

Nicki Minaj To Embark On "Pink Friday" Tour In 2012

Nicki Minaj has plans for headlining her own tour next year.

After being an integral part in tours by Lil Wayne and Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj has revealed that she plans to embark on her own tour in 2012.

"I’m sure there are so many things I’m going to learn just by watching her," said Nicki of her time touring with Britney Spears in an interview with Usmagazine.com. "Next year, I’ll be headlining my own tour so this is my time to be a student and to learn and to absorb all of this information and then take that knowledge and create an amazing Pink Friday tour at the top of 2012."

"I’m honored to be out with Britney," said Minaj. "She’s freakin’ paved the way for pop culture. I’m excited. We are in talks to hit the stage together but that is up to her. I would love to of course. If we do something on tour, it will probably be the ['Till the World Ends'] remix."

B.G. Describes Relationship With Grand Hustle, Says He's Pushing For Hot Boyz Album

The former Hot Boyz member says he was one inspiration for T.I. and says he wants to release a Hot Boyz reunion album.

B.G. is one example of a rapper who's made the tumultuous trips back and forth between labels both major and independent. The former Hot Boyz group member cut ties with T.I.'s Grand Hustle Records in 2009, but seems to have fond memories of the label's founder. He spoke highly of his first meetings with T.I. before signing to Grand Hustle.

"T.I. was like, I was one of the reasons he [started rapping]," B.G. told Mikey T and Hip Hop Weekly. "He was like, 'I used to be just sitting in the trap just bumping all your shit.' I had put out six solo albums under Cash Money before [T.I. and I] even had our deal…So I was like, 'Damn.'"

Although fellow Hot Boyz member Turk is doing a 14-year prison bid because of charges related to weapon possession, B.G. says he still would like to see the group do a reunion album.

"All of us say, 'We ready.' The whole world wants it, the whole world wants to see it. It's a business move. Me and Baby talk all the time. Me and Lil Weezy, that'll always be my little brother. Me and Juve, I don't know, we don't really talk like that."

B.G. is gearing up to release his mixtape, Money Side Murda Side II.

Action Bronson & Statik Selektah Plan "Well Done" Album, Lil Fame Featured

One of New York's most talked-about new emcees teams up with a veteran producer for a July 5 album.

Queens, New York emcee Action Bronson self-released the cult-championed Dr. Lecter earlier this March. Following the reaction to that, the DXnext alum has teamed with with producer/deejay Statik Selektah for a collaborative album, Well Done. Due July 5, the project will feature M.O.P.'s Lil Fame, Mayhem Lauren and Maffew Raggazino.

Released on Statik's Showoff Records imprint, the release will have a CD pressing as well as digital copies. Last year, the pair worked together - with Termanology, on 1982's The Evening News EP.

Pusha T Lands Four-Episode Role In "How To Make It In America"

HBO's "How To Make It In America" will now feature two G.O.O.D. Music members, as Pusha T gets a four-episode role in season two.

Clipse and G.O.O.D. Music Member Pusha T will join the cast of HBO’s “How To Make It In America” when the show returns for a second season. Miss Info originally reported the news, and “How To Make It In America” writer Ian Edelman and HBO music supervisor Scott Verner confirmed the report via Twitter. Pusha will appear in at least four episodes as currently unnamed character that is a drug dealer.



The half-hour HBO series also features G.O.O.D. Music member Kid Cudi as the character Domingo. After an initial run, publications such as Entertainment Weekly gave the series favorable reviews. No official date has been announced for the second season premiere of “How To Make It In America.”

Snoop Dogg Released From Probation Early

Tha Doggfather is off the hook after serving only 49 months of his 60-month probation order.

Snoop Dogg has been on probation for almost five years after he was arrested in Los Angeles, California for drugs and gun possession. Originally sentenced to 60 months of probation in 2007, the judge has ended his probation early, cutting him loose after serving 49 months of the order.

According to TMZ.com, Snoop is "pleased" with the judge's decision. The probation stems from Snoop's arrest outside of NBC Studios in 2006, when policemen allegedly found marijuana, cocaine and a firearm in his car.

His probation prevented him from traveling and touring around the world. In 2007, he was denied entry to Australia, whose officials claimed that he "isn't the sort of bloke" that should be in their country.

Trina Addresses Being Considered The Most Consistent Female Emcee

The Miami, Florida rapstress speaks on remaining relevant in the changing Hip Hop industry.

Trina has released five studio albums since debuting in the late ‘90s, and she’s confident about her accomplishments. The Diamond Princess recently addressed XXL’s bestowment upon her of “most consistent female emcee,” agreeing with their assessment of her career.

“Absolutely, I think definitely I hold that title,” she told Vlad TV. “I think I’ve been the most consistent female of all time. We have a lot of recurring females as well as a lot of new females, but as far as consistent, I definitely think I hold that title.”

As an artist who’s managed to stay afloat in a shifting industry, Trina explains that it’s not always easy being a female in a male-dominated industry.

“It is what it is. I think as a female, I think you have to work extremely hard, you gotta do whatever it is that you do, you gotta stayed focused and you gotta know what it is you want to do and strive for the best,” she continued. “It’s so many guys, there’s such a little bit of females. And I think that when you get that small little crack, you gotta mash on the brakes and just gotta take off.”

Diggy Simmons: Copy Paste [Single Artwork]

Here goes the artwork for the first single ‘Copy Paste’ from Diggy’s upcoming Atlantic Records debut, set to premiere over Memorial Day weekend

Wu-Tang Clan Artists Planning A Compilation Follow-Up To "Wu Chamber Music"

RZA, Ghostface Killah, Method Man and others are back for a follow-up to their 2009 indie gem, featuring M.O.P.'s Fizzy Womack co-production.

Fans of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan got a taste of what the group’s upcoming project titled Legendary Weapons will be like when the first single from the album was released earlier today.

The album’s first single, “Only The Rugged Survive,” features just RZA and is produced by Noah Rubin. Rubin produced several tracks for Legendary Weapons and also produced the majority of songs on Chamber Music.

A follow-up to 2009’s Chamber Music, Legendary Weapons will include appearances from Ghostface Killah, RZA, Method Man, Cappadonna, Inspectah Deck, U God, and several special guests.

The album will also feature production from Fizzy Womack (more commonly known as Lil Fame of M.O.P.) and Andrew Kelley.

Legendary Weapons will be released on Tuesday, June 28.

DMX To Be Released From Prison By End Of Summer

The troubled rapper will be placed under supervised watch on July 1st.

DMX is currently behind bars serving a yearlong sentence for violating the terms of his probation by using drugs. But the gruff rapper, born Earl Simmons, will be back on the streets by the end of the summer.

According to court records, Dark Man X will be released from prison under supervised watch on July 1st. His supervision will end on August 12th, while his maximum end date in prison ends on August 25th.

X headed back to prison on December 16th after pleading guilty to violating his probation. At the time, the judge speculated that he had “an undiagnosed mental condition” and possibly suffered from bi-polar disorder. He was admitted to the Flamenco Mental Health Unit at the facility.

This marks DMX’s 13th incarceration. He was arrested in Maricopa County, Arizona in November 2010 for violating probation stemming from an incident involving attempted aggravated assault by throwing a food tray at a jail guard, as well as theft by using a fake name to dodge a $7,500 hospital bill.

Prodigy To Host "My Infamous Life" Signing At Crooks & Castles In L.A.

The Mobb Deep emcee hits West Hollywood this weekend to sign copies of his controversial autobiography.

On Saturday May 28th, Mobb Deep co-founder Prodigy will host a book-signing at West Hollywood, California's Crooks & Castles store. The Queens, New York emcee released his autobiography, My Infamous Life co-written by Laura Checkoway this spring to critical acclaim and controversy within the local Rap community.

The signing will take place from 1-2pm PST at the 8570 Sunset Blvd. Suite 6.1 location of the popular clothing company. Books will be for sale at the venue.

Eve Speaks On Nicki Minaj & Lil' Kim Beef, New Album

Ruff Ryders' First Lady is working with Salaam Remi on "Lip Lock" and is five songs away from its completion.

Nicki Minaj and Lil’ Kim have been sparring for a minute, and Eve doesn’t like it. The “Pit Bull in a Skirt” weighed in on the war of words between the two MCs, explaining that Kim needs to stop fueling the fire and instead focus on bettering her career.

“I need her to stop. If I was Kim’s friend, I’d be like, yo. Because she’s Kim, period. So she never has to feed. She shouldn’t,” she told BBC Radio 1Xtra. “It’s bad. It’s not a good look. If I was her friend, I’d tell her, yo, just come back bigger and better. The best way to get at people is to do you better than you’ve ever done you. So that’s it.”

She also gave props to Nicki for holding it down for the ladies in the rap game. “I love it. You know, it’s definitely a nice group of females that’s out representing, but because I come from hip-hop, I need more females in hip-hop,” she continued. “Nicki definitely is holding the flag down, and a lot of people be wanting me to hate just because that’s how girls supposed to do in hip-hop, but I’m loving everything she does. But we need more females, man. There’s too much testosterone in the hip-hop game.”

The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native gave an update on her oft-delayed album Lip Lock, revealing that she’ll be dropping her new single “Mama’s in the Kitchen” featuring Swizz Beatz in the next few weeks.

“I did another record called ‘Mama’s in the Kitchen’ with Swizz that is ridiculous. In the next couple of weeks, I’ma let this burn for a minute and then I’m going to drop that record,” she said.

She is also working with Salaam Remi on the album and is five songs away from completing the album. “I’m working with Salaam Remi, who if you know music, Salaam is major, major, major,” she said. “I went in with MSTRKRFT, I don’t know if people know who MSTRKRFT are, I went in with them. I’m busy. I got like five more records to do and then I’m done with the record.”

Rock The Bells Would Like Dr. Dre, Outkast, Jay-Z & Others

B-Real, Souls of Mischief's Opio and Guerilla Union president Chang Weisberg speak on the significance of this year's Rock the Bells tour.

After this year's star-studded Rock the Bells lineup was announced, fans were excited but that may just be the beginning. On the night of the press conference, Guerilla Union president Chang Weisberg spoke with HipHopDX to talk about why fans can still expect more, saying he's "still working." He also discussed the importance of this year's show, saying fans will never get to see a tour like this again.

Over the years, Rock the Bells had a tradition of reuniting Hip Hop groups, but that focus has gone to recreating classic albums to be performed on stage in their entirety. When asked what sets this bill apart from those of previous years, Weisberg noted that this was just "a great start."

"From the topline view, 10 classic records, just like boom, and then, the hottest new Hip Hop performers in the country, hands down," he said. "That’s it. It's just that combination. It’s not the year of some crazy reunion but I think it’s a great start to it. I already know, people are going to ask, ‘what else are you going to announce? What else is next?’ It’s cool, I get it."

Understanding this, Weisberg also explained that he's still working on getting other acts to join the bill. During the press conference, he acknowledged that he would love to have Jay-Z, Kanye West, Eminem and others join the tour, something he also expressed to us.

"I’m still working on it," he said. "Everybody knows I’m working on it. I would love to put an ad out, a big takeover campaign on HipHopDX that reads, ‘Rock the Bells Wants Dr. Dre! We Want OutKast!’ They know it. I’ve talked about it every year. I hope that Rock the Bells is around long enough to realize what everybody wants. I hope they also appreciate what they’re given this year. I can guarantee this: you will never see what you’re about to see this summer again."

B-Real, who Weisberg said this event could never have been done without, expressed the importance of topping every year.

"That became the question: Can these guys top this show? And every year, they end up putting a show together that everybody talks about like, ‘Are they going to top this one?’"

Souls of Mischief's Opio also explained why this event is special to him.

“The crowd that comes to this event," he said. "I’ve been to the one in L.A. and the one in the Bay, so I can’t really speak from experience on everywhere else, but the crowd that comes here is knowledgeable about music. Every time you have a conversation about Hip Hop with someone, they kind of have to be in the same mind frame…All of those people come to these shows. The true Hip Hop fan is there. So, it adds to the magic of the moment.”

For more information on this year's lineup, stay tuned.

Jay-Z Named In Ticket-Fixing Scandal

Hov is reportedly one of many celebrities who gets out of traffic tickets.

When Jay-Z’s driver gets pulled over for violating traffic laws, he gets off easy. According to the New York Daily News, Hov is one of many celebrities including A-Rod and Raymond Felton to use their star power to weasel out of tickets, with policemen unlawfully fixing tickets after they learn that the violators were celebrities or celebrity affiliates.

The report claims that Jay-Z’s driver was pulled over last year for speeding on the West Side Highway. A “friendly” cop lost the paperwork after it was filed, and the case was subsequently swept under the rug. Jay-Z’s publicist declined to comment.

The Internal Affairs Bureau is currently investigating these incidents. If found in violation of the law, as many as 40 policeman could be indicted for “improperly voiding tickets, losing paperwork or purposely missing court dates in order to squash summonses.”

Swizz Beats Promises "Art Piece" For Upcoming Video

Swizz's "Haute Living" will include a host of big names, including Bono and Kanye on the single "Skyscrapers."

As Swizz Beatz readies the release of his sophomore album Haute Living, he's also offered previews as well as information on the list of artists who will appear on the effort, including Lil Wayne, John Legend, Jay-Z, and wife Alicia Keys. Swizz talked about recording the track "Skyscrapers," which will feature Kanye West and U2's Bono. He joked that 'Ye almost hijacked the entire song after receiving the beat.

"[Kanye] gives me the track back, done, three verses, the chorus there and a bridge," Swizz told MTV News. "So, I'm like, there ain't no room for me on that thing! I'm like, 'Not on this one, baby.' So I got two extra verses in the stash."

The "Skyscrapers" track will include a video, but none of the three artists will appear in it.

"I felt like there was a lot of things going on in the world that was bigger than all of us. So as of right now, we're not in the video," he explained. "It's like an art piece. It's like a documentary of the world as we don't know it, but kind of know it. You know these things are going on in the world, but you don't really know to what degree they're going on in the world. So I took time out to piece up a couple of visuals that represent that--moving visuals. Right now me, Boo, Kanye, we're trying to figure out what's the right way to have that message."

Lil Wayne Recording Music with Daughter Reginae

Lil Wayne's latest musical partner is his 12-year-old Reginae, as the two have apparently hit the studio together.

On their 2007 album collaborative Like Father, Like Son, Lil Wayne and Birdman made the rap game a family affair. Now, Weezy F.'s looking to continue that tradition with his daughter Reginae.

Accoridng to a recent interview on SOHH, Wayne's ex-wife Toya Carter revealed that the Young Money head honcho brought his 12-year-old daughter into the studio with him to record. Toya said that while Reginae hasn't definitively decided upon music as a future career, she is supportive of her daughter making music with her father.

"Yes, Reginae is very talented," Toya said. "She is very talented, smart and wise beyond her years. And I know Wayne feels the same way, that she's a star. [Her future?] It's really whatever she wants to do. She been doing music with her dad lately. As long as she's doing what she has to do in school and making good grades, I'll support anything else."

No word yet on whether Wayne and Reginae's work together will appear on Weezy's upcoming Tha Carter IV. The two are currently the subject of a BET reality show "Toya: A Family Affair."

In related news, sources have confirmed that Wayne is preparing to release his album's next single "How to Love" sometime tomorrow. DX will keep you updated upon its release.

50 Cent’s Fifth Album Nearly Complete

“I finished my new album now,” he told Ellen DeGeneres during his appearance on her show with Nicole Scherzinger. “I’m actually one song away from being done. I’m mixing the record. I’m excited.”

While he didn’t specify an exact release date for the single or album, he did say, “This summer they’ll have new music from me.” Not sure whether he’s sticking with the Black Magic title that was originally announced yet

Lil’ Wayne To Release New Single “How To Love a B*tch” Tomorrow

It has been revealed that the Young Money boss will be unleashing his next offering off C4 titled “How To Love (a B*tch)” tomorrow, as per Mel Smith, the senior vice president of Cash Money Records promotion. C4 hits shelves June 21st

Bad Meets Evil: Hell (The Sequel) EP [Tracklist]

Welcome To Hell [prod. Havoc]
Fastlane [prod. Supa Dups]
The Reunion [prod. Sid Roams]
Above The Law [prod. Mr. Porter]
I’m On Everything (ft. Mike Epps) [prod. Mr. Porter]
A Kiss [prod. Bangladesh]
Lighters (ft. Bruno Mars) [prod. Eminem, The Smeezingtons, Battle Roy]
Take From Me [prod. Mr. Porter]
Loud Noises [prod. Mr. Porter]

The gates open June 14th

Jeezy x DJ Drama: The Real Is Back [Artwork]

Beyonce: 4 [Tracklist]

1+1
I Care
I Miss You
Best Thing I Never Had
Party (ft. Andre 3000)
Rather Die Young
Start Over
Love On Top
Countdown
End Of Time
I Was Here
Run The World (Girls)

4 hits stores June 28th.

Lauryn Hill, Nas, Cypress Hill & More To Headline Rock The Bells 2011

Artists including GZA, Souls of Mischief, Mos Def & Talib Kweli, Raekwon & Ghostface and more will perform their classic albums in their entirety.

The star-studded lineup has been announced for the Rock the Bells 2011 Festival Series. Presnted by Boost Mobile in association with Guerilla Union, the BlackBerry-powered event will feature Ms. Lauryn Hill, Nas, Cypress Hill, Mos Def & Talib Kweli are Black Star, Raekwon & Ghostface Killah and more.

Similar to last year, headlining acts will perform their classic albums in their entirety. Ms. Lauryn Hill will perform The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, while Cypress Hill will take on Black Sunday, Black Star will perform Mos Def & Talib Kweli are Black Star, Raekwon & Ghostface will team up for Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, Mobb Deep will tackle The Infamous, The GZA will revisit Liquid Swords, Souls of Mischief will recap 93 ‘Til Infinity and Masta Killa will cover No Said Date.

Additionally, Nas will perform his classic 1994 debut Illmatic alongside AZ, DJ Premier and Pete Rock. “For years people have been asking me to do Illmatic in so many ways, from stage plays to movies to books, but the time wasn't right. Where music is going now, the time is right,” said Nas in a statement. "This will be my biggest production and it only makes sense to do it on the best rap tour which also happens to be a brand I've built and am a partner in. Can't wait to kill it with my comrades AZ, Premo & Pete Rock!"

The 8th annual RTB festival will also feature the Paid Dues Stage, curated by Murs. “I am excited that I once again have the privilege of hosting the Paid Dues Stage,” he said. “We will have the honor of showcasing some of the best talent in independent hip hop as part of the worlds largest and longest running hip hop festival... the Paid Dues stage is gonna be the one to watch this year.”

A new addition to the event is the 36 Chambers Stage, which will feature members of the Wu-Tang Clan and RZA-approved artists. The Grindtime Now Stage will also make its debut, hosting battle-style performances.

Rock the Bells 2011, hosted by The RZA, Murs 3:16 and Supernatural, will take over four different cities. Check below to see tour dates and the full list of artists.

Tour Dates:

08.20 San Bernardino, CA - San Manuel Amphitheater

08.27 Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre

09.03 New York, NY – Governor’s Island

09.10 Boston, MA

Confirmed Performers:

Ms. Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill +

Nas – Illmatic +

Cypress Hill - Black Sunday +

Erykah Badu*

Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star +

Raekwon & Ghostface - Only Built for Cuban Linx +

Mobb Deep - The Infamous +

The GZA - Liquid Swords +

Immortal Technique

Slaughterhouse

Mac Miller*

Curren$y*

Souls of Mischief - 93 ‘til Infinity +

Black Moon

Childish Gambino

Blu & Exile

Fashawn

Random Axe*

Masta Killah - No Said Date +

Evidence*

Macklemore*

Freddie Gibbs

Roc Marciano

+ notes full-album sets

* notes performance on select dates only

Ja Rule Weighs In On Nicki Minaj vs. Lil' Kim

Ja Rule speaks on Nicki and Kim's beef and discusses the failed super-group with Jay-Z and DMX.

With his days as a free man dwindling, Ja Rule's kicked his promotion schedule for his seventh and eighth albums The Renaissance Project and Pain is Love 2 into high gear. The former Murder Inc. star recently caught up with the.LIFE Files TV to discuss his long-awaited return to rap.

During the interview, Ja weighed in on Nicki Minaj and Lil' Kim's extended feud. No stranger to high profile beefs himself, Ja said that he thinks rappers are far more susceptible to feuding with each other because of the competitive nature of rap music. Ultimately, he believes that the two artists can work it out in the end.

"I think it's terrible, man," he said. "I like Nicki, I know Kim. It's fucked up that artists in Hip Hop go through that shit, because artists in pop and R&B and other genres..don't go through that shit...[Kenny Chesney vs. Garth Brooks,] you don't get that shit. You don't have to disrespect another artist's creativity...to better yourself or get ahead as an artist. I think Nicki and Kim, they can resolve that."

Speaking of beef, Ja also spoke on his failed super-group Murder Inc. with Jay-Z and former foe DMX. He said that the group ultimately never really took off because some of the members' egos.

"We tried to put [the Murder Inc. group] together, but it didn't pan out," he said. "I think egos got in the way of that whole situation. But you've got to understand that that's Hip Hop, too. Niggas are competitive. I think [DMX] and Jay[-Z] were so competitive [that]...real talk, we couldn't even get [them] in the same room because of their competitive natures and what they had been through before that [with]...the legendary battle that they had on the pool tables up in Uptown with the guns out."

Mac Miller Talks Choosing Beats, Working with DJ Premier

Mac Miller discusses the process behind selecting beats and what it was like to work with DJ Premier.

iLLVibes recently chopped it up with DX Next alum Mac Miller at a recent show at the 9:30 Club in Washington D.C. During the interview, Mac discussed the process that goes into choosing beats for projects. He explains that a producer's popularity isn't as important to him as the quality of the beat.

"When I first starting making a name for myself, what I really wanted to do was just work with as many people as possible," he said. "I'm just an excited fan, so as a fan, I want to work with everybody, like, I want to work with all of my favorite [artists]...but what it comes down to is, the people who I really want to work with are the people who really support my movement and who really support what I do and who really want to see me succeed...but as far as picking beats and everything, it really doesn't matter what the name is to me; I'ma pick the dopest beats. When I did K.I.D.S., a lot of those beats were straight up off of an email...that shit happens now, too."

Mac also revealed that he recently linked up with the legendary DJ Premier to work on music together. He said that the experience of recording in the same place as greats like Nas, Jay-Z and his personal favorite Big L was the best part of the experience.

"I did a jam with DJ Premier, which was a life changing experience for me because that's like the top producer of all time," he said. "It was cool, like, because the one I like about working with people, especially [people] like Premo, [is that] my favorite rapper is Big L...and [Premo] was able to tell me all these stories about L. I actually stood in the same booth that Big L stood in to record and that so many other people like Jay-Z and Nas [stood in]. Premo has the same booth; he keeps it 100% traditional."

Photographer Almost Suffocated Nas On "I Am" Cover Shoot

Nasty Nas was nearly suffocated by clay while on the set of the album art shoot for his 1999 release.

Famed photographer Danny Hastings has shot iconic cover images for Big Pun’s Capital Punishment and Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, but his album art shoot for Nas’ I Am almost ended in disaster. In order to make the iconic mask featured on the cover, Hastings and his crew put a clay mold on his face and poked air holes so he could breathe, but he almost suffocated after clay got lodged in his nose.

“The funny part was that the first attempt, Nas was getting asphyxiated. We almost killed Nas," Hastings told MTV.com. “We cleaned him up, and he was like, 'Let's do it again!' […] Nas was a true sport."

He also explained the meaning behind the cover, and how it built off of previous album art for Illmatic and It Was Written. "The first one, you have him being a boy, very young. The second was a little bit older. And the third one, he was a king," he continued. "He already conquered the world. He was on top of the world. He was doing a lot of big things. We came with the concept of making a King Tut sarcophagus piece."

Jakk Frost Explains His "Gay Bashing" Record

The Philly cat justifies his controversial new track.

Jakk Frost stirred up controversy with his newly released track “Gay Bashing” off his upcoming Coldest Summer Ever. Now, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native is explaining the meaning behind the record, declaring that he doesn’t condone violence against homosexuals and was attacking current trends.

“I don’t condone hate crimes against somebody for their sexual preference on no level. Not one time in the record do I say ‘Go kill a male or a female because they choose to have sex with the same sex,’” he said. “It’s not what the record is about. ‘Gay Bashing’ was the title because it’s just that. It’s me bashing these gay swag fag type rappers.”

His intention was to target rappers who dress in tight clothing. “I’m talking about these dudes that’s influencing our kids and our youth to run around dressed like women, tight jeans, tight shirts and swag this, swag that,” he continued. “It’s not to encourage anybody to go hurt anybody or do anything to anybody. I never want nobody, an innocent person, to get hurt or for nobody to catch a case or influence somebody that’s weak-minded to commit suicide over a record called ‘Gay Bashing.’”

Frost explains that if you listen to the track, you’ll get where he’s coming from. “Now, the hook, the title, everything is controversial. But if you listen to it, it makes total sense and you’ll understand where I’m coming from,” he said. “When I use the word ‘fag,’ I’m referring to these fag swag, tight jeans, tight shirt rappers. Am I saying that everybody who wears tight jeans and tight shirts is a faggot? No. I’m not saying that. I’m saying that I’ve used the word fag in a slang way, the same way Kobe used it.”

Kanye West, G.O.O.D. Music Team With Heineken For Red Star Access

CyHi Da Prynce and Pusha T will embark on a tour following an NYC launch presented by Yeezy.

Kanye West and G.O.O.D. Music have partnered with Heineken to launch this summer’s Heineken Red Star Access. The 18-date tour kicks off with a launch event in New York City presented by West on June 9th, while CyHi Da Prynce and Pusha T will hit the road for the first leg of the trek.

A celebrity female will host each event, while “tier two talent and local market female hosts” will appear for the second leg of the tour. The summer venture will make stops in New York City, Miami, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston, Washington D.C., New Orleans, Atlanta and Detroit. Additional dates and ticket information will be announced in the forthcoming weeks.

Heineken has thrown memorable events in the past. Last year, the brand hosted Fabolous and Ryan Leslie in Los Angeles, California for its free Heineken Inspire event, while previous headliners for Heineken-sponsored shows have included Ludacris, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Common.