Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Weezy Set To Top Two Million in Sales
Lil Wayne lands at number five on the Billboard 200 after moving just over 85,000 copies of Tha Carter III, moving him withing striking distance of the two million mark overall.The Cash Money star’s has now sold 1,997, 218 copies of his latest album.
Nas, who last week came in at number one on the charts, is holding onto the number eight slot with his untitled project. The New York lyricist pushed 63,000 copies of hist latest.
Plies continues to do well on the charts, his sophomore LP, Definition of Real, is almost Gold certified, at 417,983 copies sold.
G-Unit’s project, T.O.S., at number 34 on the charts; after four weeks on the charts with 173,250 copies sold. Last week, 50 Cent and company moved almost 14, 000 copies of the group’s sophomore album.
DipSet member Hell Rell also debuted on the charts at number 131 with over 5,000 copies sold of his album Black Mask, Black Gloves
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Young Jeezy Sets Date For The Recession; Tour Dates
Young Jeezy announced today he’ll release his new album, The Recession, September 2nd via his CTE label through Def Jam Records.
The Atlanta rapper is riding high off his hit single, “Put On,” featuring Kanye West. The song entered the top 5 on urban radio and the video made its premiere recently.
Jeezy is also set to kick of a promotional tour, beginning August 10 in Houston, Texas. The rapper will be in town for the Ozone Awards, where’s he nominated for several awards, including Best Rap Artist.
In addition to his promo run, the Atlanta trap star will also provide brand new content on his Web site, USDA2day.com, every Tuesday beginning today until the release of his album.
Young Jeezy is currently on the cover of the September issue of XXL Magazine. Tour dates are as follows:
DATE CITY VENUE
Aug. 10 Houston, TX Arena Theatre
Aug. 12 Dallas, TX House of Blues
Aug. 13 New Orleans, LA House of Blues
Aug. 15 Detroit, MI Plan
Aug. 18 Chicago, IL House of Blues
Aug. 22 Washington, DC Norva
Aug. 23 Cleveland, OH House of Blues
Aug. 26 New York, NY Blender Theatre
Aug. 29 Jacksonville, FL Plush
Aug. 30 Tampa, FL Jannus Landing
Sept. 2 Atlanta, GA Tabernacle
Monday, July 28, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Lil Wayne Sued Over Rolling Stones Sample On Carter III Song
Lil Wayne has been sued by a musical publishing company that owns the rights to a Rolling Stone song the rapper allegedly used for his song “Play With Fire,” from his recent album, Tha Carter III.
The company, Abkco Music Inc, is accusing Wayne of copyright infringement and unfair competition. Universal Music Group, along with the song’s collaborators, are also included in the lawsuit, filed in Manhattan federal court.
Orginally, the Wayne track sampled the song, however, the producer of the song, Streetrunner, re-did the beat since the sample was not cleared.
Wayne’s lyrics, on the other hand, still reference the Rolling Stone song. The suit also cites the “explicit, sexist and offensive language” of Wayne’s version. Abkco said Wayne’s version could lead the public to believe the company and the Rolling Stones “approved of and authorized the new version.”
Lil Wayne, nor Universal Records, has commented on the lawsuit as of press time
Friday, July 25, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Confessions of a Woman Scorned
Well here it is. The much talked about XXL Mag interview with Foxy Brown’s tearful confession about Jay-Z the Camel:
“A lot of things have happened over the years between Jay and I,” she says of the man who signed her to a multimillion-dollar deal at Def Jam in 2005, nine years after their classic duet “Ain’t No Nigga” gave him his first radio hit.
“But there’s an unbreakable bond that will never die. 50 wanted me to be part of his team so bad. He was like, ‘Look, I’ll do it with Jay, half and half.’ And, of course, Jay said no. At one point, 50 asked, ‘Why do you have so much loyalty to this Nigga?’ Jay and I have history. There are things that he could have done better, as far as his loyalty to me, and I’m sure I’ve made mistakes that he felt he could’ve prevented.” Foxy chokes up. “When I lost my hearing, Jay gave me the respect to go heal myself. He stuck with me along the way. But there are times when I just really needed him, and it wasn’t even about Foxy Brown and Jay-Z. It was just like, ‘I need you to help me save my life,’ and he just wasn’t there.”
The tears are streaming down her cheeks. “I would never denounce him in public. That’s just how I feel. But I’ve been incarcerated for eight months, and Jay’s been everywhere, and he hasn’t mentioned one thing about, ‘Tell her I love her. Tell her to be strong.’ That broke my heart more than anything. When they sent me to jail, I just knew he would be there-everyone came. But he never showed up… My mother always says, Jay also said this, in the tru life freestyle ‘Inga, when a person shows you who they are, believe them. Been showing me all through the years and you just don’t wanna believe it.’”
Pull out the violins, here she goes with the heavy dramatics. Who can blame Hovvy for kickin her nutty ass to the curb?
When The Checks Stop Coming In
As we mentioned earlier this week, Scott Storch is in deep. Not only has he been in hiding, but now his ass is about to be homeless:
Music producer Scott Storch is facing foreclosure on his $10 million Florida mansion, according to reports.
The Lean Back beatmaker is being chased by SunTrust Bank executives for outstanding payments on the home. According to the Palm Beach Post, Storch has failed to make monthly payments on the home for nearly a year.
The paper alleges in addition to the bank, an electric company and security system are after Storch and have put a lien on the house in an effort to settle outstanding payments. Storch was recently alleged to have fallen two years behind on property taxes amounting to $511,839 for the Miami Beach mansion.
His situation is all jacked up. Hopefully ole Scottie can hold on to at least one of his rides so he can have a place to sleep at night. SMH.
T.I. Partners With Hip-Hop Caucus For Voter Registration Drive
T.I. and the Hip-Hop Caucus have partnered to form a voter registration initiative targeted at young adults, aged 18 to 29.
The “Get Out The Vote” pact was announced today and next week the campaign will kick off with Tip and the organization holding a press conference in Washington D.C.
The campaign slogan and t-shirts will be revealed at the event, to be held the morning of July 28 at the 9:30 Club.
T.I. will be the major spokesman, but will be joined by other celebrities and key figures. PSAs, online marketing, and photos by famed hip-hop lensman Jonathan Mannion will be used.
During the last presidential election, Diddy launched the “Vote or Die” campaign, which registered a number of first time voters. The Russell Simmons founded Hip-Hop Action Summit Network has also been responsible for securing a number of young people to vote. Simmons official resigned form his board position of HHSAN (a non-partisan group) after officially endorsing Illinois Senator Barack Obama during the Democratic primary.
Nas Knocks Lil Wayne Off Top, Lands Atop Billboard Charts
Titled or not, Nas’ 9th LP, Untitled lands atop the Billboard charts this week. The set sold 187, 078 copies according to Nielsen’s Soundscan, moving enough units to push Lil Wayne off the No. 1 spot.
But don’t expect Escobar to rest on his laurels. The Queens lyricist is keeping busy with a protest against Fox News in NYC today and an appearance on Comedy Central’s hit show, The Colbert Report, later today.
Meanwhile, Weezy is a step closer to double platinum status. Per Nielsen, Tha Carter III scanned 105, 590 CDs this week- bringing its grant total to 1, 912, 052 after six weeks on the charts. David Banner’s Greatest Story Ever Told barely missed the Top 10, nabbing the No.11 spot with 51,902.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Peedi Crakk Signs With Amalgam Digital
After five years, North Philly rapper Peedi Crakk has parted ways with Roc-A-Fella Records in favor of booming independent, Amalgam Digital. The tech-savvy company responsible for launching hip hop's first genre specific digital retail store attracted Peedi with their innovative business model and creatively fostering environment. Peedi Crakk joins a roster made up of both commercially successful artists and underground hip hop icons, including Grammy-nominee Joe Budden, Kurious, Tash (of Tha Alkaholiks), and the Juggaknots. His highly anticipated debut album Camel Face Hunting Season, will be released in September 2008.
A founding member of State Property, alongside Beanie Sigel, Freeway, and Young Gunz, Peedi Crakk has earned respect for his lyrical talent and rhythmic flow. "The Prince of State Property" created buzz with his single "One for Peedi" which was featured on the Paid in Full soundtrack. He has also made a name for himself by collaborating with the likes of Twista, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Ne-Yo on the singer's hit "Stay". He has showcased his versatility as a featured artist on two albums from Grammy award winners, The Roots, including his recent feature on their single "Get Busy." Additionally, Peedi will be featured in the upcoming film Next Day Air, directed by Benny Boom.
When asked about his new relationship with Amalgam Digital, Peedi made the following statement:
"Yup. I’m back! And I feel unstoppable. My flow is advanced and as an artist, I'm getting better, especially without the claws of Roc-A-Fella digging at my back. I’ve been a free agent for the past 3 months and now signing with the Amalgam Digital label for my first project I feel even more unstoppable. They are providing exactly what Peedi always needed... proper promotion and distribution. BANG! It's Camel Face Hunting Season"
"Camel Face Hunting Season" will hit retail stores and digital outlets in September 2008. The first single entitled "More Towels," features production by Vinny Idol. AmalgamDigital.com will offer exclusive bonus tracks when the album is downloaded from the website.
Peep the Peedi Video Below...
Rick Ross Correction Officer Rumor Confirmed!
Rick Ross denied being a corrections officer in his past, but TheSmokingGun.com uncovered documents that verified claims that the Miami rapper was in fact a law officer.
Pictures surfaced online of Ross in a officer’s uniform, but in a video interview he denied the authenticity of the image. Ross said it was his head, however, the uniformed body was doctored and attached to his face.
“If this shit was real, don’t you think they would have more specifics, like dates and everything,” Ross responded.
TheSmokingGun.com revealed plenty of specifics. They reported yesterday that a man with the same social security number as Ross was employed as a prison guard in Florida from December 1995 until June 1997. Ross, real name William Leonard Roberts, earned a salary of almost $23,000 when he graduated from the DOC training academy and earned almost $26,000 when he left. He was allegedly 19-years-old at the time.
A department of corrections spokesperson supplied the document-digging Website with the information.
Ross has not commented on the report as of press time.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Nas To Join MoveOn.org For Fox News Protest In NYC
"Untitled" is the ninth album by New York rapper Nas, which was released in July 15, 2008 in the U.S
Nas will join political groups MoveOn.org and ColorOfChange.org tomorrow (July 23) in New York to protest Fox News and the cable channel’s coverage of black Americans, including presidential hopeful Barack Obama.
The Queens rapper has been outspoken against the network and their star anchor Bill O’Reilly in the past. When Nas was scheduled to perform at Virginia Tech to honor students who lost their lives during an outburst by a student, O’Reilly lambasted the school’s administration. The conservative host referenced vile Nas’ lyrics out of context and demanded the rapper not be allowed to perform on the basis of his work. O’Reilly invited members of the hip-hop community to debate the merits of Nas’ work, however, he barely allowed them to speak.
The network has also been critical of Nas during the promotion of his most recent album, which was slated to be titled Nigger before the rapper dropped the name.
Nas penned a song “Sly Fox” on his Untitled album aimed at his detractors at the network and now he will take to the streets to protest Fox News.
“FOX poisons the country with racist propaganda and tries to call it news,” Nas said in a statement.
Nas, along with MoveOn.org and ColorofChange.org, are set to deliver a petition signed with over 600,000 names calling for the “racist smears” on air against Obama and other black Americans to end. In the past few months, pundits on the network have referred to Obama’s wife as his “baby mama” and inadvertently called the Democratic Presidential Nominee Osamba, instead of his given surname.
Nas will join political groups MoveOn.org and ColorOfChange.org tomorrow (July 23) in New York to protest Fox News and the cable channel’s coverage of black Americans, including presidential hopeful Barack Obama.
The Queens rapper has been outspoken against the network and their star anchor Bill O’Reilly in the past. When Nas was scheduled to perform at Virginia Tech to honor students who lost their lives during an outburst by a student, O’Reilly lambasted the school’s administration. The conservative host referenced vile Nas’ lyrics out of context and demanded the rapper not be allowed to perform on the basis of his work. O’Reilly invited members of the hip-hop community to debate the merits of Nas’ work, however, he barely allowed them to speak.
The network has also been critical of Nas during the promotion of his most recent album, which was slated to be titled Nigger before the rapper dropped the name.
Nas penned a song “Sly Fox” on his Untitled album aimed at his detractors at the network and now he will take to the streets to protest Fox News.
“FOX poisons the country with racist propaganda and tries to call it news,” Nas said in a statement.
Nas, along with MoveOn.org and ColorofChange.org, are set to deliver a petition signed with over 600,000 names calling for the “racist smears” on air against Obama and other black Americans to end. In the past few months, pundits on the network have referred to Obama’s wife as his “baby mama” and inadvertently called the Democratic Presidential Nominee Osamba, instead of his given surname.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Diddy to Premier New Series on VH1
Diddy will premier a new reality television program on VH1 next month titled "I Want to Work for Diddy." The program will feature thirteen contestants competing against each other in a series of challenges to become the next Fonzworth Bentley. According to VH1, the challenges will be based on the real-life experiences of Diddy's previous assistants.
The series is set to premier Monday, August 4th at 9PM EST.
Once a top producer, Storch's musical empire falls
Just a few years ago, Scott Storch was one of the top producers in pop music, living in a $10.5 million mansion on an exclusive Miami island, driving a phalanx of luxury cars and dating the likes of Paris Hilton and Lil Kim.
Nowadays, Scott Storch, 34, is missing in action. He owes over $500,000 in real estate taxes and had a warrant out for his arrest when he failed to show up in court in a child-support case last month. He has not had a top 10 hit in three years. He still has his waterfront marble mansion, but his lawyer, Guy Spiegelman, says Storch is attempting to refinance it after a "catastrophic occurrence this year" resulting from "mismanagement." Storch no longer works with his old manager or publicist. He hasn't talked to either of his children in months.
Replete with tragic details and bad behavior, the ballad of Scott Storch may be the swan song of the bling era, a riches-to-rags tale of excess, poor decisions and a hobbled music industry.
Born in Nova Scotia, Canada, and raised in South Florida and the Philadelphia area, Storch is a high-school dropout from a broken, middle-class family who turned serious musician chops and intense ambition into a high-flying career. Vanessa Bellido met him when they were both in high school and he was a talented keyboardist.
"He always knew what he wanted to be," she says. "He would play the piano unbelievably. He was like, 'I'm going to make it, I'm going to make it.' Even at 15 he was an old soul. Real smart, real different."
While still a teen, Storch was a founding member of the Roots. He produced their breakthrough single "You Got Me," which helped Philly's acclaimed live hip-hop band win a Grammy, and gave the sandy-haired Jewish producer serious hip-hop credentials. Deciding he preferred studios to touring, Storch moved to Los Angeles to work with Dr. Dre. There his keyboard loops helped form the basis of such hits as "Still D.R.E." He produced seven tracks on Christina Aguilera's "Stripped" album, including "Can't Hold Us Down," which featured Lil Kim.
Storch decided to return to his Florida roots to, as he has said, build his empire. Beginning in 2003, the hits rolled in: Beyonce's "Naughty Girl," Terror Squad's "Lean Back," 50 Cent's "Candy Shop," and Chris Brown's "Run It."
Storch had the quintessential producer's talent for coaxing career-making performances out of both veteran and new artists.
"When we created that 'Baby Boy' record, Sean had only worked with Jamaican producers," says Atlantic Records chairman and CEO Craig Kallman, referring to the 2003 single by Sean Paul and Beyonce that Storch produced and that helped to make Paul an American recording star. "Scott was able to adapt himself to the sound of Jamaica but also to contemporary R&B and hip-hop. He was able to straddle both lines."
And yet there are similarities in many of Storch's records: sinuous keyboard riffs that reveal Storch's interest in Middle Eastern melodies coupled with thumping, staccato beats. In 2004, everyone wanted the Storch sound, and he reportedly commanded $100,000 per beat. An extensive Rolling Stone profile called him "hip-hop's Liberace" and said he had earned $70 million.
"The people who have always been on top of the production game - Timbaland, Neptunes, Swizz Beatz, Scott Storch - they all had their own sound," says the Miami-based producer Infamous, whose own recent work on the Lil Wayne and Jay-Z track "Mr. Carter" has made him the producer of the moment. "When their one record took off, everybody wanted a record that sounded like that."
Fame brought added responsibilities: In 2004, Storch reunited with the child he had fathered 12 years earlier with Bellido. He moved Bellido and their son Steven to South Florida: Bellido calls it "one of the happiest times in our lives."
Three years later, the producer began paying for another son, the now 2-year-old Jalen Daniel. Bellido and Jason Setchen, the lawyer for Jalen's mother, Dalene Jennifer Daniel, both say Storch was inconsistent but not a deadbeat dad. "Once able to get his attention, he stepped up to the plate and did the right thing across the board," says Setchen.
Other producers were as hot as Storch in 2003 to 2005. But dating movie stars and heiresses, and conspicuously consuming, Storch flaunted his multimillionaire status like a hip-hop Gatsby. Many say the fame went to his head. He had a public flare-up with Aguilera over the cost of a private jet to fly him out to produce her '06 album "Back to Basics." He also traded insults with fellow hitmaker Timbaland, who called Storch "just the piano man" in one track.
Storch's career had some serious stumbles: He was supposed to help his then-girlfriend Paris Hilton become a music star, but he said his songs for her were deemed too sexual and not released as singles. He signed reality TV show star Brooke Hogan to his Storch Music Company label and produced eight of 12 tracks on her album "Undiscovered," but the record flopped.
Storch has continued to work with top-name artists, including producing tracks on recent albums by Mariah Carey and Fat Joe. But he has not been able to crack Billboard's Top 10 since 2005.
Storch has paid neither his 2006 nor 2007 real estate taxes. At the start of this year, he stopped paying child support for both his kids and fell into several months of arrears before being sued by both mothers in separate cases.
It's unclear just why Storch fell so far so fast. (The producer did not return repeated requests for an interview.) "There was some mismanagement and some other errors. He got jammed," Spiegelman, his lawyer in the child support cases, says. "I don't think he's going down, I just think he's having difficulty. It's a cash flow problem."
But both outside observers and people who know Storch see other factors at play besides mismanagement. When Storch has been sighted recently in public, he has looked gaunt and unhealthy. The producer was a flamboyant smoker of marijuana; in 2004, he was fined for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia.
"If he's got managers and accountants and various investors looking out for his interests, it would be hard not to notice that money wasn't coming through," says Debbi Gibbs, president of Just Managing, a company that manages producers.
Career-wise, Storch may be a victim of his own success. The public is known to grow tired of the same old sound. "Most producers outside of a small number who focus on trying to be hit makers try to focus on new creative collaboration with whatever artists they're working on," says Gibbs. "That's when that magic happens and hits you didn't see coming come. Anyone who tries to create a hit formula is doomed to very short term success given the fast pace of musical taste."
But Storch built his name on numbers as much as on skills. He may not have adapted to the changing economy and the downsized music industry.
"Costs have come down because it's an absolute necessity. We're certainly not able to spend beyond what our budgets are for making records," said Kallman. "If a producer's out of our price range, we've gotta move to another producer. There's always new people." The executive says Storch has not produced any recent Atlantic tracks but that they have "been talking."
Storch seems also not to have saved for a rainy day - a fatal mistake in pop music. "There's no 401k plan in the music industry," says Infamous. "You can't be stupid and just throw your money away."
Those who have worked with Storch and those who have only heard his music think he can have a comeback. Infamous theorizes Storch may be purposely cooling things down in order to come out strong with something new: "Scott is definitely talented enough to say all right, it's time for a new Scott. His track record alone speaks volumes."
The producer has left a trail of debt and bad feelings behind him. The big spender developed a reputation for arrogance; many see his failure to care for his offspring, while still tooling around in a Ferrari, as particularly reprehensible. Yet the people who have personal reasons to hate the player don't.
"Scott's not a bad person," says Bellido. "I know he loves his son. He's been irresponsible."
Storch hasn't shown up for his court cases, but his lawyer has said he will meet his financial obligations. He paid the money he owed Daniel and the arrest warrant was vacated. "I'd like to see him do the right thing so we can move on," Setchen says.
Bellido sees Storch's lifelong materialism as his Shakespearean flaw. His identity is so wrapped up in his riches, she fears, that he is ashamed to appear publicly and clean up his mess.
"I think he's embarrassed," Bellido says. "I don't think he's going to be right until he has his money."
T.I.’s Album Pushed Back ‘Til September, Works With Fall Out Boy
T.I.’s upcoming album, Paper Trail, has been delayed until September, MTV News is reporting. The Atlanta rapper’s LP is now set to be released September 9. His latest single, “Whatever You Like,” was recently leaked online an now Tip is supposedly going to collaborate with Fall Out Boy for his project. Said F.O.B.’s Pete Wentz: “[It’s like] something from The Nightmare Before Christmas. After hearing about the chance to do a collaboration with someone like T.I. we thought, ‘How amazing would it be to send him something with strings and a Danny Elfman-like intro that Patrick [Stump] came up with? Lyrically you can take it as [being about] a friend, a lover, or even a fan.”
Paul Wall the hustler....
Paul Wall is a hustler, for sure. The Texas rapper, already a partner in a jewelry store and proprietor of his grill company, is now launching a tattoo detox business. The product is believed to help combat heavy metals in tattoo ink and cleanse the blood. The rapper’s father is said to be behind the idea.
The rise and fall of Scott Storch. Friends and industry insiders weigh in on the one-time multi-platinum producer’s career. And his current state of legal affairs.
Judge OK’s 50 Cent To Visit Son, Baby Mother Says She Doesn’t Trust Him
A Long Island judge granted 50 Cent visitation rights to his son next month after the rapper and the child’s mother attended a court hearing today.
The G-Unit head is allowed to see his son unrestricted from August 3-12. According to TMZ, 50 had to submit to a drug test in order to receive visitation. The rapper passed the drug test.
Fif told reporters gathered outside the courtoom after the hearing that “It went pretty good.”
He recently told MTV News he missed his son, Marquis, 11, and that not being able to see him was the toughest challenge of his life.
“In the summertime, for the first two years I was successful, my son has traveled with us on those tours,” 50 explained. “He was on the Rock the Mic Tour, he was on the Anger Management Tour. This summer, when he’s free, it’s, like, no communication. It’s tough.”
Tompkins told reporters she didn’t trust the rapper as she exited. “Not at all,” she said. “Not in any way. I don’t.”
Previously, Tompkins filed a temporary restraining order against Fif that called for him to stay away from her in public, forfeit any firearms he may have, and pick up his son curbside.
The two have engaged in a public feud over custody of their child and the battle escalated following a fire that burned down the house Tompkins lived in that was owned by the rapper.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Ace Hood Separates Teeny Bop Rappers From Grown Men, Justifies “Cash Flow”
Ace Hood isn’t exactly reinventing the wheel here. This past year alone, artists like Lil Wayne and Hurricane Chris have released titles like “Got Money” and “Get Money,” respectively. When time came to select the first single off his debut album, Gutta, due in stores September 23, Ace opted for “Cash Flow,” yet another single celebrating money.
“I just felt like it was relevant at that point and time,” Ace told XXLMag.com. “That was just my whole thought process. Why not? I feel like it’s gonna be the biggest money street record just cause it’s so catchy and even if you ain’t got somebody’s money you gon come see them regardless.”
Now 20-years old, Ace was only 19 when he recorded most of Gutta’s material. Money aside, Ace’s content leans towards grown man business rather than issues closer to his age bracket. But what makes a teenage artist spit one way or the other?
“I mean depending on how real it is,” Ace explained. “I feel as an artist, you gotta be believable. That’s why they leaning towards me because, I’m giving it to them raw and uncut and I’m young.”
“A lot of the OGs respect me cause they’re like, ‘oh, he’s a young cat, but he’s giving it to you real,” he continued. “It’s real rap. I mean, the other dudes…they do their thing with their music, I just gotta give it to them raw, you feel me?”
N*E*R*D Perform In NYC And More In “The Roundup”
N*E*R*D took to the stage at Santo’s Partyhouse in Manhattan last night in honor of front man Pharrell Williams gracing the cover of Paper magazine’s “Double Summer Music Issue.” The Virginia trio performed a short set of songs from all three of their albums, including “Everyone Nose.” Their recent LP, Seeing Sounds, sits at number 60 on the Billboard charts after four weeks of release.
Nas celebrated the release of his untitled album in New York yesterday. The Queens rapper first performed at Blender Theater for a set, which featured L.A. Reid, Polow Da Don, Keri Hilson, Kelis, Duck Down’s Dru Ha, and DJ Enuff and Mister Cee. Afterward, the rapper trekked downtown to party at the Red Bull Space.
Snoop Dogg may be called into testify in the murder case of a Midwest rapper, according to the Associated Press. The California artist was named on the defense team’s witness list. Mac Minister is accused of killing Kansas City rapper Fat Tone. According to court officials, however, Snoop has not been scheduled officially to appear during the trial.
Lil Wayne Is Number One Again, Fends Off Coldplay
Lil Wayne is sitting on top of the Billboard 200 for the second week in a row, again besting rock group Coldplay.
The Cash Money star moved over 124,000 copies of Tha Carter III, inching closer toward double platinum status. Currently he’s at 1.8 million copies sold.
G-Unit, which made an notable debut last week at number four, is still in the top 10. The 50 Cent-powered group pushed just over 36,000 of T.O.S. Last week, the New York-based group landed on the charts after selling just 100,000 units.
Three 6 Mafia sits just outside the top 15, at number 16, after selling 24,000 copies of their latest release Last 2 Walk.
Plies pulled in at number 17, with just a shade over 24,000 copies sold. His sophomore album, Definition of Real, has sold 380,000 copies since its release.
Tech N9ne ,who debuted at number one on the indie charts with his latest, lands at number 34 on the BillBoard 200 charts, after moving over 13,000 units of his latest, Killer, which has sold 50,000 copies to date.
Killer Mike’s latest project, I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind II, made its debut on the charts at number at 178 after moving 3, 500 copies. The album is the follow up to his successful mixtape of the same that earned the Atlanta artist the Mixtape Monster Award last year at the Ozone Awards.–
Details Emerge In Eminem Bathroom Brawl
A Michigan man filed a lawsuit against Eminem claiming the rapper attacked him in the bathroom of a local strip club. Now TMZ has details regarding the incident.
The man, Miad Jarbou, alleges he was in the bathroom when the Shady CEO entered with a bodyguard. Another man entered shortly after and reportedly spoke to Em. The suit claims the man walked in and recognized the superstar and said “Hey Eminem, What’s up?”
Jarbou claims the rapper’s bodyguard replied “Shut the fuck up, man! Don’t say another word.”
When Jarbou interjected to defend the second man, explaining he was a friend, the lawsuit accuses Eminem then attacked him.
He allegedly “stepped back from the urinal and without warning or provocation, as Jarbou continued to urinate, drove his fist in a violent punching manner into the side of Jarbou’s face, knocking him to the ground.”
The incident in question happened two years ago and Jarbou has filed suit against the rapper seeking unspecified damages.
Skillz Weighs In On Tight Jeans Craze, “I Don’t Know What Hipsters Are”
Skillz is unapologetic to say the least. Rather than hide it, the Virginia lyricist has embraced his Jansport as evidenced on his forthcoming album, The Million Dollar Backpack due in stores July 22. But Skillz may be the last of a dying breed as the new crop of underground MCs aren’t tagged backpackers, but hipsters.
“I don’t know what hipsters are,” Skillz told XXLMag.com. “I think hipster is a word that somebody who didn’t know what to call the kids who wear their pants a little tighter, a little retro…They didn’t know what to call them, so they called them hipsters.”
“Maybe I’m a little too old to be a hipster,” he continued. “Maybe hipsters are the kids who are 20 and 21. It’s all music, man. I’ve always said from day one, I don’t believe in separating. Either it’s good or it’s bad. Don’t get me wrong, I got a Members Only jacket. You know my sneaker collection is crazy. You know I’m retro on the kicks. Maybe if I messed around and wore some 28 slims I’d be a hipster too.”
Aside from pushing his project, Skillz is still pushing the pen for others. Having crafted songs for everybody from Diddy to Jermaine Dupri, he’s now venturing into R&B.
“I just wrote a record two days ago,” Skillz shared. “I was talking to Chris Brown, I’m trying to get it to Chris Brown. I’m moving into the R&B side as we speak now. I’m definitely not The Dream or Sean Garrett, but I’m definitely trying to get there. The thing about writers who write R&B, they always tell me and other rappers that we are the best R&B songwriters because we have a better play for words.”
“R&B singers don’t care,” he added before switching gears. “Nobody cares if Mary J Blige didn’t write my life. Her audience doesn’t trip over that, because Mary delivered that song. That’s all it’s about, delivering the record.” –Carl Chery
Scarface To Retire From Rap For Good?
Scarface’s Made, the southern lyricist’s seventh official solo album, almost never came out. Nearly two years ago, Face told SOHH he was quitting rap. He obviously didn’t. One album later, Face is singing a familiar tune, or is he?
“This is it for me,” Face told XXLMag.com. “That should end it right here. I ain’t making it my last album. I’m moving on to some different shit. It ain’t my last album that I’m gonna be a part of. You never know what’s next for me. I might go into making one of them rock bands.”
“Scarface, Emeritus, man,” he continued. “I’m always gonna be a part of the industry. I may just not be a part of the music industry as Scarface. Maybe, I don’t know. I ain’t saying nothing.”
Coincidentally, emeritus means retired with honor. Still, when queried about his next album being his last Scarface solo release, the Houston MC refused to elaborate.
“I’m not gonna say that,” he replied. “I’m gonna say Scarface, Emeritus. As time goes on, you will understand it.”
A date has yet-to-be set for Emeritus. As Face puts the finishing touches on the CD, he’s also promoting heregomydemo.com, a new site he recently launched to help up-and-coming artists put their music out.
“Every time I’m out on the road, everywhere I go, somebody got a demo for me,” Face explained. “Somebody’s gonna get caught without their music somewhere. It’s not myspace, youtube or iTunes, it’s all creative motherfuckers in one, man. You can post your own shit. You can sell your shit. You can audition musicians. You can audition singers. You wanna buy an MPC, you got pro tools for sale, there’s a classified section for shit like that.”
Young Buck To Tony Yayo, “Let’s Fight.”
Young Buck took the the air on XM satellite radio and challenged Tony Yayo to a boxing match.
“As far as Yayo talking about he wanna fight, I’ll do it,” Buck said, according to UDub News. “I’ll do it off of real nigga shit I swear on my child’s life. If they line this shit up, where me and that nigga can go in a ring, we can put that shit on VH1. We can make that shit real life. I’ll have Floyd Mayweather training me. I’ll knock that nigga’s fat, flabby, old non-rappin’ ass out.”
The two former friends turned foes first butted heads during another Buck radio appearance. During the aftermath of Yayo allegedly assaulting the son of The Game’s manager, Buck rebuked the actions. The comments led to the beginning of the end for Buck and his inclusion in G-Unit.
Buck and 50 Cent have been trading words lately, in song and in audio leaked to the Web.
Since departing from G-Unit, Young Buck has signed on with new management in Blue Williams and has collaborated with 50 Cent enemy The Game.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Lil Wayne Leads The Pack With 8 Ozone Awards Nominations
Lil Wayne’s proved to be the biggest star in hip-hop this year and he’s be rewarded by receiving eight nominations at the upcoming Ozone Awards, including Best Lyricist and the TJ’s DJ’s Hustler Award.
Weezy’s recent best-selling album, however, Tha Carter III failed to earn a nod for Best Album. The LP was released after the cut off date for nominations.
The Cash Money star and Baby were also nominated for Best Rap Group. And Weezy was tapped for Best Rap Artist, Club Banger of the Year (”Lollipop”), Mixtape Monster Award, Best Video (”Lollipop”), and the Pimp C Award for Trillest Artist.
Pimp C and Bun B combined for six nominations together. The group earned nods for Best Rap Group, Best Rap Album, and Best Video. Bun was recognized in several categories, including Best Lyricist, and Best Rap Artist. Pimp C was nominated posthumously for the TJ’s DJ’s Tastemaker Award, recognizing trendsetters in music, fashion, and style.
Rick Ross earned the second most nominations for a solo artist with 5 nods. The Miami rapper scored a nomination in the Best Rap Album and Best Rap Artist categories. He also received nominations for Best Rap/R&B Collaboration with his R.Kelly-assisted “Speedin’,” which was also tapped for Best Video honors. And the Boss scored a Club Banger of the Year nomination for appearing on the DJ Khaled cut “I’m So Hood.”
Comedian DeRay Davis is set to host the award show taking place August 11 in Houston, Texas.–Jayson Rodriguez
Full nomination list:
BEST RAP ALBUM
Plies - Real Testament
Rick Ross – Trilla
Shawty Lo - Units in the City
UGK – Underground Kingz
BEST RAP ARTIST
Bun B
Lil Wayne
Plies
Rick Ross
T.I.
Young Jeezy
BEST R&B ARTIST
Chris Brown
Keyshia Cole
Ne-Yo
T-Pain
The Dream
Trey Songz
BEST RAP GROUP
Birdman & Lil Wayne
Grit Boys
Little Brother
Playaz Circle
Three 6 Mafia
UGK
BEST LYRICIST
Andre 3000
Bun B
Lil Boosie
Lil Wayne
Scarface
T.I.
BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST
Flo Rida
Gorilla Zoe
Rocko
Shawty Lo
Soulja Boy
BEST RAP/R&B COLLABORATION
2 Pistols f/ T-Pain “She Got It”
David Banner f/ Chris Brown & Yung Joc “Get Like Me”
Plies f/ Ne-Yo “Bust It Baby Pt. 2”
Ray J f/ Yung Berg “Sexy Can I”
Rick Ross f/ R Kelly “Speedin’”
Usher f/ Young Jeezy “Love In This Club”
CLUB BANGER OF THE YEAR
DJ Khaled f/ Rick Ross, Plies, & Trick Daddy – “I’m So Hood”
Flo Rida f/ T-Pain “Low”
Lil Wayne f/ Static Major “Lollipop”
Playaz Circle f/ Lil Wayne “Duffle Bag Boy”
Shawty Lo “Dey Know”
Webbie f/ Lil Boosie & Lil Phat “Independent”
MIXTAPE MONSTER AWARD
B.O.B.
Gucci Mane
Lil Wayne
Shawty Lo
Trae
Yo Gotti
MOST SLEPT ON ARTIST
BloodRaw
B.O.B.
Killer Mike
Trick Daddy
Z-Ro
PIMP C AWARD (TRILLEST ARTIST)
David Banner
Kanye West
Killer Mike
Lil Wayne
Trae
Trick Daddy
TJ’s DJ’s HUSTLER AWARD
Akon
Bigga Rankin
DJ Khaled
Lil Wayne
T-Pain
TJ’s DJ’s TASTEMAKER AWARD
Greg Street
Jermaine Dupri
Pimp C
Polow da Don
Soulja Boy
T-Pain
BEST VIDEO
Chamillionaire f/ Slick Rick “Hip Hop Police”
Lil Wayne “Lollipop”
Lupe Fiasco “Hip Hop Saved My Life”
Rick Ross f/ R Kelly “Speedin’”
UGK f/ Outkast “International Players Anthem”
DJ OF THE YEAR
Bigga Rankin
DJ Drama
DJ Khaled
DJ Q45
Greg Street
Tony Neal
BEST MIXTAPE / STREET ALBUM
B.G. & DJ Drama - Gangsta Grillz: Hood Generals
B.O.B. & Mick Boogie - Hello My Name Is BOB
Bigga Rankin & Brisco - From Dade to Duval: WRNR
Chamillionaire – Mixtape Messiah 3
Rich Boy – Bigger Than The Mayor
Shawty Lo & DJ Scream – I’m Da Man 2
Yelawolf - Stereo
Yo Gotti & DJ Smallz – Cocaine Muzic
BEST PRODUCER
DJ Montay
DJ Toomp
Drumma Boy
J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League
Polow the Don
The Runners
BEST RAP ARTIST (WEST COAST)
Ice Cube
Keak da Sneak
Mistah FAB
Snoop Dogg
The Game
BEST RAP GROUP (WEST COAST)
Dem HoodStarz
DPG (Dogg Pound)
Mob Figaz
Strong Arm Steady
The Pack
BEST RAP ALBUM (WEST COAST)
Blu “Below the Heavens”
Keak Da Sneak “Deified”
Mistah FAB “Baydestrian”
Snoop Dogg “Ego Trippin”
Too Short “Get Off The Stage”
LIVING LEGEND AWARD
J Prince
Yung Joc Readies New Group, Due In Court Today
Yung Joc has learned from Diddy and Russell “Block” Spencer, head of the rapper’s recording home, Block Entertainment. Joc is now following in the footsteps of the two moguls by putting out his own group, the Chicago trio Hot Stylz.
The upstart crew is signed to Joc’s label Swagg Team through Jive Records.
Their breaout hit, “Lookin’ Boy,” is getting noticed for his stylish video clip and its unusual verses, which are a series of each member–and Joc, too–
“That’s the way of life in Chicago,” member Raydio G told MTV News. “It’s called roasting, gunning, different names. But it’s a tradition. We wanted to express it to the world.”
Hot Stylz album, Yo Momma Got a Mustache, is due in August.
Joc, is also reading his next project, his third album, Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood, which should see the light of day by the fall, he said.
In the meantime, Joc is busy with legal matters.
The rapper is due in court today (July 14) regarding a dispute over service rendered for high-end stereo equipment.
A company by the name of Stereotypes claims Joc did not pay for installation services totaling up to $25, 000
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Ozone Awards To Feature Pimp C Award; Kanye, Wayne Nominated
Late UGK rapper Pimp C will be honored at this year’s Ozone Awards with a category named after him that recognizes outspoken rappers, XXLmag.com has learned.
Kanye West, Lil Wayne, David Banner, Trae, Killer Mike, and Trick Daddy are the nominees for the spirited award.
Pimp C, who passed last December due to the combination of cough syrup and sleep apnea, was as beloved for his lyrics and production, as he was for his brash commentary.
The rapper made colorful comments about Russell Simmons in an issue of Ozone magazine and also disparaged Young Jeezy for the trap star’s drug references. Pimp C said Jeezy’s lines were inaccurate. The UGK star also caused a controversy when he said Atlanta wasn’t part of the South during a radio interview.
The nominees all have had their moments as well. Most notable West’s “George Bush doesn’t care about black people” remark and Weezy’s comments in Complex magazine about Jay-Z.
The Ozone Awards will be held in Houston, Texas, along with the TJs DJs Tastemaker’s Conference, August 8-11
Mobb Deep Files Lawsuit Against Former Manager
Mobb Deep have filed a lawsuit in court against their former manager claiming he used their recording without permission, according to TMZ.
The suit (filed Tuesday in New York) alleges Norman Bell authorized songs by the New York duo to be used as a part of “Best of”-style compilation mixtapes. Prodigy nor Havoc gave permission the lawsuit contends. Bell, according to the suit, goes by the name Purfek Storm and he released several mixtapes under that name, packed full of Mobb Deep songs.
Mobb is claiming Bell owes the pair over $1 million in royalties for the rights to the various songs he used without permission. The group’s legal representatives are requesting a trial by jury
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Lil Wayne Back Atop Billboard 200 Chart; G-Unit Barely Breaks 100k
Lil Wayne is back on top. The Cash Money start is sitting on top of the Billboard 200 charts again after moving 156,000 copies of Tha Carter III, besting Coldplay, the brit rock outfit that claimed the number one position the past two weeks.
Weezy’s four-week sales totals now sit at 1.6 million.
50 Cent and G-Unit’s anticipated album, T.O.S., debuted in the top five, but the sales figures of just over 100,000 aren’t up to normal standards for Fif. The album, however, has been critically acclaimed as a return to the Queens native’s grittier roots.
Plies is hanging around with strong sales still. The Florida rapper pulled in at number 15 this week after his sophomore LP, Definition of Real, moved over 30,000 copies to bring the Atlantic Records artist to a total of 356,000 copies sold.
Jim Jones and the Byrd Gang also arrived on the charts, landing at number 29. The Dipset Capo and company reeled in 17,000 fans to purchase their indie release.
C-Murder also made his debut, arriving at number 130 on the charts with just over 5,000 copies of his Screamin’ 4 Vengeance.—
Game Throws Punches At Family Funeral And More In “The Roundup”
The Game has a tumultuous relationship with his family, and it looks like ain’t much changed. The Compton rapper got into an altercation with a cousin at the funeral service of another relative, according to TMZ. Prior to the service, family members were allegedly already upset with Game because he offered to pay for half of the funeral charges, but when it came time to collect the funds the rapper is believed to have switched his cell phone number. So he left others to bankroll the additional $7, 000. Robert Kirkwood, a relative of The Game, told the gossip Web site that the rapper then unexpectedly arrived at the funeral and afterward when the financing issue arose he punched his cousin. According to Kirkwood, who was punched in the face, police report has been filed.
Snoop Dogg’s wife, Shante Broadus, has been cleared of driving under the influence after it was discovered police did not provide sufficient evidence against her. The longtime wife of Snoop was arrested last month in California and was booked on DUI charges. An Orange County D.A. , however, refused to follow through with the charges citing police failed to build a proper case.
The third annual TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference and Ozone Awards (”TOA”) is set to take place next month, August 8-11 in Houston, Texas. Last year, the event took place in Miami, Florida and Lil Wayne and T-Pain were the big winners, taking home three statues each. The “TOA” conference and award show are headed by T.J. Chapman and Julia Beverly
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Jesus Take The Wheel
In a recent interview, Flavor Flav discusses his early entrance to bona fide manhood:
Complex: Where did you lose your virginity?
Flavor Flav: Where did I lose my virginity? I lost my virginity in the bushes on a box.
Complex: Really?
Flavor Flav: Yea, in the bushes on a box. A girl and me were having sex on a box in the bushes, in some big tall bushes.
Complex: How uh…when was this?
Flavor Flav: This was when I was real, real, real, real, young.
Complex: Like elementary school? Or middle school?
Flavor Flav: Nah, I’m a tell you the truth; I lost my virginity when I was 6 years old.
Complex: Really?
Flavor Flav: Yea, man. Because you know we learned to have done the nasty back in the days, and me and this girl we experiment, we were experimenting, and my little joint got hard, I penetrated for about a few seconds.
Complex: I respect that. Early start my man.
Flavor Flav: That’s right early start and guess what and I have a great finish right now. [Laughs] Yessir!
WTF?? We don’t even know where to start with this one. Damn Flav, you never cease to disgust us.
Mommy Knows Best
Usher may be crawling back to his mom soon enough:
Usher is said to have been disappointed that it sold 433,000 in its first week, compared with his last CD, 2004’s “Confessions,” which had sales of 1.1 million in its first seven days. “Usher was livid!,” claims an insider. “He threatened to fire everyone.”
“People have been telling Usher to listen to his mother,” says a source. “Nobody knows how to sell him better than she does. Usher can be stubborn. But he may be ready.”Some claim Usher pink-slipped his mom because she failed to show proper deference to his stylist-turned-girlfriend-turned-wife, Tameka Foster. But now that Foster has given her a grandson, the two ladies are said to be getting along better. Usher, for one, denies he fired his mom. Rather, he tells Vibe, “[I paid her] the ultimate compliment - to retire her to be a full-time grandmother.”
Patton has actually been busy running her own record label and managing other artists, including Usher’s brother, Jlack. But sources say that if Usher cries momma, she’s there for him.
Tsk tsk. This should come as no surprise. Perhaps Usher was a little too hasty in “retiring” Mommy Dearest.
Soulja Boy: Game Over
It would appear as though the war between “good hip-hop” and “wack hip hop” will be on hold indefinitely:
“Basically comments were made (by Ice-T) and I had to defend myself,” Soulja Boy explained. “The GZA had said something about me one time and 50 jumped in it. And this time it was Ice-T and Kanye jumped in it. It’s the new Hip-Hop sticking together and I love it.”
“Look how many people came out with records last year: ‘Party Like a Rockstar,’ ‘A Bay Bay,’ ‘Wipe Me Down,’” Soulja Boy reasoned. “He (Ice-T) chose me because out of all those records mine was the biggest one. And [it was] not just the record but me individually.”
After the disrespectful remarks made by both sides on each other’s musical contributions to Hip-Hop, which are significant, Soulja Boy also welcomes closure to the unnecessary animosity. “It’s over with for me,” Soulja Boy stated emphatically.
Sounds like this little fella is declaring himself the official winner of this particular feud. Well at least it’s finally over and these guys can stop acting like a bunch of pansies.
Nate Dogg Charged In Highway Chase With Estranged Wife And More In “The Roundup”
Nate Dogg was charged with three felony counts stemming from his arrest last month after a highway chase with his estranged wife. According to TMZ, the gangsta rap crooner got slapped with three charges of making criminal threats, one misdemeanor count of driving with a suspended license, and stalking. He was released from holding after his arrest and is now due in court at a later date.
When the Bawwwss speaks, folks tend to listen. Rick Ross announced his second annual “Be Out” day today, taking place August 6th in Miami, Florida. The event is a part of the Def Jam star’s charity group. Ross will help parents prep their kids to return back to school by passing out backpacks and school supplies. The Rick Ross Charities, Inc. Scholarship Award will also be given out. DJ Khaled, Brisco, Gorilla Zoe, and Flo Rida are also set to attend.
It ain’t quite ladies night, but it sure is close enough. Lady of Rage, Lady Luck, Babs Bunny, and Amil will partner together, led by Ed Lover and Uneek (manager to Babs and Luck), to form F.E.M. (Females Earning Money Movement). The group is working on a mixtape to be released soon hosted by DJ Doo Wop. Rah Digga is scheduled to appear on the project. “This is the perfect time to do a project like this,” Ed Lover said in a statement. “A lot of people have been wondering what happened to the female emcees, well these ladies are about to prove that they are here and they are better than ever. The F.E.M. movement is great for the future of hip-hop.”
Ice Cube Sets Date For Raw Footage, Debuts New Video
Ice Cube has set August 19th as the release day for his highly-anticipated album, Raw Footage, featuring the politically-charged track “Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It.”
The former N.W.A. member’s 8th studio album will feature collaborations with Young Jeezy–it was recently announced Cube and Jeezy would be partnering together for a movie, as well–The Game, WC, and Musiq Soulchild. The remix to “Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It” featured guest Scarface and Nas. Maestro (Lil Wayne), Da Beatsmith, and others contributed production to the project.
The album’s first single, “Do Ya Thang,” was recently released to radio and the video clip premiered today on the rapper’s personal Web Site.
Cube is scheduled to hit the road later this month for an international promo run before returning to the states in August and September to tour.—LaTisha Robbins
Ice Cube tour dates are as follows:
July 2008
11 – Leipzig, Germany – Splash Festival
12 – Frauenfeld, Switzerland – Openair Frauenfeld
14 – London, UK – Electric Ballroom
15 – Tilburg, Netherlands – 013
16 – Amsterdam, Holland – Melkweg
18 – Dour, Belgium – Dour Music Festival
19 – Stuttgart, Germany – MTV Hip Hop Open
21 – Stockholm, Sweden – Kagelbanan
23 – Helsinki, Finland – Helsinki Icehall
25 – Copenhagen, Denmark – KB Hallen
26 – Oslo, Norway – Rockefeller Music Hall
August 2008
21 - Seattle, WA - Showbox at the Market
22 - Portland, OR - Roseland Theater
24 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Depot
26 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
27 - Bakersfield, CA - The Fox
29 - Anaheim, CA - The Grove
30 - Las Vegas, NV - House of Blues
September 2008
1- West Hollywood, CA - House of Blues
2 - San Diego, CA - 4th and B
3 - Tempe, AZ - Marquee Theatre
5 - Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theatre
6 - Aspen, CO - Belly Up Aspen
7 - Denver, CO - Ogden Theatre
9 - North Kansas City, MO - Harrah’s North Kansas City/Voodoo Lounge
10 - St. Paul, MN - Myth
12 - Fort Wayne, IN - Piere’s
13 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues
14 - Cleveland, OH - House of Blues
16 - Mt. Clemens, MI - Emerald Theatre
17 - Johnson City, NY - Magic City Music Hall
19 - Philadelphia, PA - The Fillmore at Theater of Living Arts
21 - New York, NY - The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza
Play-N-Skillz Step Out The Box W/ Sean Kingston, Talib Kweli & Bun B On New CD
The good news for Play-N-Skillz is that they have a day job. The Dallas duo are Grammy-winning producers who have laced the hottest of the hot in Texas with beats and now they decided to lay tracks down for themselves.
But while the brothers normally work with gritty rappers (Slim Thug, Bun B, Chamillionaire), for their self-produced debut, Out The Box, they decided to go, well, out the box.
“We’re producers, number one, but we come from a DJ background and that’s where we wanted to come from [with this project],” Play told XXLmag.com. “If I was a DJ spinnin, I’d want to play a little bit of everything.”
According to Play, Out the Box will consist of hip-hop, R&B, house, Chicago bass, and reggae sounds.
So far they’ve locked in collaborations with Sean Kingston, Bun B, Krayzie Bone, and Talib Kweli.
“[Talib] told me we were dope, and this is coming from ‘Mr. Hip-Hop,’ so I took that as a compliment,” Play explained. “I never worked with a guy in that type of category. [Our collaboration] might be over the head for our regular audience, but I think it will definitely open us up to a new audience.”
Prior to Kweli and Kingston, Play said the album was mostly Texas based. At the time the project was titled Titanic, but once the material began to open up they changed the focus and the name. They’re working on securing The Dream and Slim of 112 for the album.
“Its’ really [going to be] A to Z,” Play said. “It’s going to be a little bit of everything for everybody.”
Play-N-Skillz are looking to release their project by the end of the year, but in the meantime the pair has signed on to work on Krazyie Bone’s next album through their production company. They also recruited Tum Tum into the fold. And they still have their band Red Rooster in tact.
“If people don’t embrace us [as artists], I’ll just fall back behind the desk and continue producing,” Play said. “We’re also DJs, you don’t have to be one thing. Kanye is an artist, he’s not just a rapper. He’s more than that. The guys that are really successful aren’t just rappers. They channel their talent though different outlets and that’s what we’re striving to be.”
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Jay's New Look....
Jay Z was spotted leaving Paper nightclub in London this weekend. We understand Camel’s trying to adopt new steez, but the jury is still out on this one. That coat is just a wee bit short for us…
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
50 Mocks Young Buck, “Shawty Wanna Cry With Me"
50 Cent doesn’t handle separation like most people. So when G-Unit took to the Nokia Theater last night in Manhattan, Fif made sure to take the opportunity to remind everyone where Young Buck stands in the pecking order now. “I wanna do Buck,” he said to the crowd, before impersonating the former G-Unit member. “‘Shawty Wanna Cry With Me,’ y’all wanna hear that?” 50 was joined on stage by Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo. LL Cool J also made a surprise appearance, spittin’ his verse to the remix of G-Unit’s “Straight Outta Southside.”
Lil Wayne Cracks 1.5 Million Barrier With Tha Carter III
Weezy F. Baby is still hot. The Cash Money star moved just over 200,000 copies of his latest album, Tha Carter III, to push the project over the 1.5 million sold mark. Lil Wayne is sitting in the number two position on the Billboard Top 200 chart for the second consecutive week behind Coldplay.
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