HIP HOP NEWS [Janvier 08](1/2)
-> 01/16 - Killah Priest stays with Good Hands Records, releasing "Behind The Stained Glass" this spring
With the critical acclaim and success of his latest album, "The Offering", Killah Priest is staying with Philly based Good Hands Records to release his follow up "Behind The Stained Glass."
"Behind The Stained Glass is more of me tapping into the inner priesthood side I think people need to hear more of," said Priest.
Good Hands CEO DJ Truth added,"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to work with Killah Priest. It's great to work with an artist whose main goal is to feed his fans great music on a regular basis."
"We have a number of exciting projects coming up for 2008, and are really excited to have Priest set it off," added Truth.
The album will be joint venture between Good Hands, who also recently released Camp Lo's "Black Hollywood", and Priest's own Proverb Records. "Behind The Stained Glass" is set to be released this spring.
-> 01/16 - Jermaine Dupri plans to start hotel chain, launch vodka company
On the heels of Jay-Z announcing his plans to launch J Hotels, Jermaine Dupri let it be known he too was getting in the hotel game, with plans to launch Hotel D.
Dupri also announced his intention to create his own line of vodka as well as opening a cafe.
-> 01/16 - Bow Wow denies spitting on Chris Brown
With rumors swirling of another backstage tantrum in which Bow Wow spit on tour-mate Chris Brown, the young rapper quickly denied the story, according to MTV.
Man, listen, I just got off the phone with Chris. My mom called me and told me about the rumor. I called him and told him, and he started laughing. We was dying [with laughter]," Bow said.
"Anybody who knows me or anybody who's been around me knows I'm not that kind of person," he continued. "I [felt bad] for New York [reality-TV star Tiffany Pollard] when she got spit on during 'Flavor of Love.' A wise man once taught me, the most vicious thing you can do is spit on somebody. It's just a rumor. It's a big rumor. I would never do that. That's not being a man, that's a sissy act."
Brown was unavailable for comment, but Bow Wow had plenty more to say on the topic.
"In the business we're in, we are professionals," he explained. "We don't get paid big money for nothing. I was in front of 20,000 people in Dallas. I said, 'Hey y'all, we got a blown speaker, and I'm not gonna let that stop me.' Me going crazy and spitting on Chris, that's absurd. Chris is like my brother. He has the utmost respect for me. ... He looks up to me. That's my dude to the end."
"We're selling out every major arena," Bow continued. "[Jealous] people want to see me and Chris bump heads, but it's not gonna happen. I only got five friends in the industry. Chris is definitely one of them. I would never spit in somebody's face who I let sleep at my house when he comes to Atlanta or Miami. That's just not in my character. That's so far-fetched, it's stupid. Me and Chris have been on tour since the last week of November. We've never fought. What are they gonna say next?"
-> 01/15 - Atmosphere album info
Atmosphere, the prolific duo of Slug and producer Ant are set to release their highly anticipated sixth official studio album When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold on April 22, 2008. The acclaimed Minneapolis-based hip hop group have performed over 2000 shows and sold well over 1 million units worldwide as the flagship artist on the independent label Rhymesayers Entertainment.
-> 01/15 - Anti-violence activist group wants Beanie Sigel back
"We want Beanie back" says Malik Aziz of Men United for a Better Philadelphia. "We're happy to work with him, but he has to commit himself," Aziz told the Philadelphia Daily News of Beanie Sigel.
Sigel had been working with the activist group for six months before being sentenced last week to six months in a halfway house for violating parole with a trip to Atlantic City
Men United is a group focused on decreasing Philadelphia's violence by drawing young men away from criminal lifestyles.
Bill Cosby, who recently marched with Sigel in an anti-violence walk in Philadelphia, told the rapper that if he wanted to be involved with the group, he would have really devote himself.
"If he wants to break away from the criminal side he can," Aziz says, "but he can't go back just to sell records."
-> 01/15 - Bronx residents plan to save hip-hop birthplace
Residents of the Bronx building where DJ Kool Herc held many of the first hip-hop parties are fighting to buy the property, with a plan to keep it affordable. The building is known as the birthplace of hip-hop.
The plan would entail each resident purchasing their apartment for a few thousand dollars each.
Tenants at the Sedgwick Avenue building learned last year that current landlord no longer wanted to participate in the Mitchell-Lama program that has kept apartments affordable. This could lead to dramatic rent increases.
The building's recreation room is known to be the spot Kool Herc introduced the two turntable set up and cutting the records back in forth. Herc first started throwing the parties in 1973, the year hip-hop was born.
-> 01/15 - Rumor Mill-Bow Wow spits on Chris Brown? Lauryn Hill going broke?
BOW WOW SPITS ON CHRIS BROWN?
Technical problems with Bow Wow's microphone at his concert with Chris Brown in Dallas over the weekend let the rapper to spit in the R&B singers face, Mediatakeout.com is reporting.
"When he finished his set he went crazy ... He blamed [Chris Brown's] people for trying to sabotage his performance," a tour insider reported.
The arugment then led to Bow Wow spitting in Brown's face while someone waas trying to pull him away.
"I don't think he meant to spit on Chris, but that's what he did ... Everyone just went quiet, because no one could believe what this little [EXPLETIVE] did. I personally thought that it was going to be on and poppin', but Chris just walked away and got ready to go on stage." the witness continued. "I have to give [Chris Brown] a lot of respect, he knew that the concert and the fans were most important and so he didn't do anything to mess things up. Props to that dude."
LAURYN HILL GOING BROKE?
Sources tell Bossip.com that Lauryn Hill's finances are dwindling.
The report says that Hill is now living with her mother and four children back in New Jersey and is in significant debt. It has been 10 years since the release of "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill."
-> 01/14 - T.I puts cars and auto business up for sale
The criminal charges T.I is facing are apparently starting to hurt him financially.
A source close to T.I explained, "It's not like T.I.'s broke, but now that he can't tour - money's not coming in like it used to." Mediatakeout.com is reporting.
According to the report, T.I is selling his interest in the popular Atlanta auto shop Elite Auto, as well as a number of personal cars.
The source went on to say, "He knows that [there's a possibility] that he'll be in prison for a long time, so he's doing what he can to make sure that his family will have enough to live comfortably without him."
-> 01/14 - Method man addresses G-Unit beef, U God/Lil Kim discusses Remy Ma
Both Method Man and Lil Kim spoke with Whoo Kid recently and addressed a number of issues and beefs that have been swirling around. Listen to both interviews below.
-> 01/13 - Kanye West, Pharrell and Lupe Fiasco to record Child Rebel Soldiers album
Kanye West, Pharrell and Lupe Fiasco will be taking time off from their solo careers to form the group Child Rebel Soldiers.
"It's definitely happening this year. We call each other by our Child Rebel names - but they are top secret for now," says Fiasco.
The trio previously released a track together entitled "Us Placers" on West's 2007 mixtape Can't Tell Me Nothing.
-> 01/13 - 50 Cent, Timbaland, Wyclef and Mary J. Blige named in steroid trafficking investigation
Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds may not be the only ones feeling the heat of ongoing steroid investigations.
An Albany, N.Y, based steroid trafficking investigation has named 50 Cent, Timbaland, Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige, according to the Albany Times Union.
The artists are: "among tens of thousands of people who may have used or received prescribed shipments of steroids and injectable human growth hormone in recent years," the newspaper reports. "Records shared with the Times Union and information from several cooperating witnesses on Long Island indicate Blige and other stars were shipped prescribed human growth hormone or steroids -- sometimes under fictitious names -- at hotels, production studios, private residences, an upscale Manhattan fitness club and through the Long Island office of Michael Diamond, a chiropractor affiliated with the celebrities, sources said.
Despite the reports, law enforcement officials in the multi-state probe say they have no evidence that the customers, including the entertainers, have violated any laws.
-> 01/13 - DMX ordered to pay $1.5 Million to his baby's mother
DMX has been ordered to pay $1.5 million dollars to the mother of his child after he failed to show up on friday to defend himself on charges of defamation.
Monique Wayne filed a defamation of character lawsuit in 2006 after DMX claimed he was raped by her at a Baltimore hotel in 2003.
"She raped me. DNA says it is (my child). I don't know. If I did (have sex with her), I would remember. It ain't like she's a pretty girl." DMX told Sister 2 Sister magazine.
Wayne responded to the comments by filing a $6 million dollar suit. Friday Judge Thomas Smith ruled in Wayne's favor, ordering $518,400 in compensation, plus a further $1 million in punitive penalties, according to the New York Post.
"It's not so much the price, it's the point I wanted to get across. Let him think about what he's going to say before he says it," Wayne said following the ruling.
-> 01/13 - U-God sues Wu Music for $170k
U-God has filed a $170k lawsuit in District Court in New York, alleging that his own group's label, Wu Music, owes him for services rendered, including a tour, albums, and a European record contract.
This is not U-God's first dispute with his own Clan. In 2004 he openly feuded with the RZA and left the group. He has since rejoined and participated in their recent album, "8 Diagrams."
-> 01/12 - Eminem's mom calls him an "overweight recluse," concerned for his health
Following his emergency hospitalization over the holidays, Eminem's concerned mother is saying that her son is an overweight recluse, devestated by his best friend Proof's death 18 months ago.
"I fear for him every moment," says his mother Debbie Nelson, who claims instead of working on new music, Eminem spends his days watching television, playing video games and gorging on junk food inside his Detroit mansion, The Sun reports.
Nelson goes on to say that the Slim Shady the public knows is barely recognizable these days, and that he is fighting depression and constant health problems.
"He's let his blond hair grow out so everything but the ends are dark. His face has broken out in pimples and he's put on so much weight that he's causing all sorts of other health problems for himself." Nelson says. "Since childhood he's suffered bouts of pneumonia. He's always had throat infections and he's asthmatic. His diet can't help. I worry about his health all the time. He's always had high blood pressure and his cholesterol levels must be sky high. He orders filet steak takeout from an expensive restaurant almost every evening."
-> 01/11 - Tony Yayo associate admits hitting child
The other defendant in Tony Yayo's assault case, Lawell Fletcher, reportedly told detectives months ago that it was himself not Yayo, who struck the son of rival the Game's manager. The information was disclosed in court yesterday by the New York District Attorney.
Yayo was arrested last year for allegedly hitting Czar Entertainment CEO Jimmy "Henchman" Rosemond's 14-year-old son. However Fletcher has admitted no only to hitting the child, but that Yayo in fact tried to restrain him from doing so.
Yayo's lawyer, Scott Leemon, told TMZ.com, "I'm glad that after a year, evidence is finally emerging that could prove that Tony Yayo is not guilty."
The G-Unit co-founder is due back in court next week.
-> 01/11 - Lil Wayne reportedly held hostage in Chicago for $15,000
Owing money seems to be a developing trend for Lil Wayne.
Mediatakout.com is reporting that after performing in Chicago on December 29, Wayne was supposed to attend the official after-party at the Congress Ballroom in Chicago. The party was being thrown by Ming's Dynasty Records.
The report claims the Wayne spent too much time getting high backstage at the show and went on too late, thus missing the after-party.
The report then reads:
"An infuriated group of men associated with Ming's Dynasty Records and The Ark Entertainment stormed Lil Wayne's hotel room and assaulted Lil Wayne's camp including security and forced Lil Wayne's Manager Cortez to come up with $15,000 cash in order to leave Chicago standing up."
Wayne and his camp reportedly came up with the cash and were able to get out of town unharmed.
-> 01/11 - Blahz of Blahzay Blahzay sues Wyclef for copyright infringement
Blahz aka Martell Ellis, of the group Blahzay Blahzay, has filed a lawsuit in Manhattan U.S. District Court, claiming Wyclef sampled his group's 1995 hit "Danger" without permission.
The sample in question appears on a song on Wyclef's new album "Carnival 2: Memoirs of an Immigrant"
Blahz has also named Sony BMG in the suit. Sources are reporting the Brooklyn MC could be seeking as much as $50 million dollars.
-> 01/10 - Soulja Boy's "Crank That" passes the 3 million mark in downloads
17 year-old Soulja Boy has become the first artist to sell 3 million digital downloads, with his smash hit "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" passing the mark.
The grammy nominated artist has also sold over 3 million ringtones of the track and has racked up over 28 million views of his video on Youtube.
Soulja Boy has set the bar for what's possible in terms of breaking an artist online," commented Steve Berman, President of Sales and Marketing for Interscope Geffen A&M Records. "He's been doing it since day one, before he was signed here, so I'm not surprised he's setting a record today. Soulja Boy is out there on the frontier, showing everyone else what's possible."
"I can't thank my fans enough, without them all of this wouldn't have been possible. The support they give me is beyond incredible. I have so many Soulja Boy Tell'em projects ready and I will continue to give them what they need in 2008. Yuuuuaaaa!!" says Soulja Boy.
-> 01/10 - Calling All MCs! Get On Stage With Boot Camp Clik in NY
Do you have what it takes?
January 18th, Boot Camp Clik, Kidz In The Hall and Slaine, of Special Teamz will be performing at the Knitting Factory (74 Leonard Street b/t Broadway and Church Street, New York, NY).
Duck Down Records and HipHopGame.Com are offering the chance for one artist/group to get on stage with Boot Camp Clik during their set in front of a sold out venue.
The winning artist will be announced LIVE the night of the show.
Participants can register for the contest by sending an email to CONTESTS@DUCKDOWN.COM.
In the subject please write your artist name.
In the Body of the email provide your Myspace URL, email address, phone number and home address.
The top 20 finalists, chosen by Duck Down Management and HipHopGame.com will be announced 3 days prior to the show.
The concert on January 18th is an all ages event. Doors open at 11PM.
Tickets are available at http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/
SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&pl=&eventId=225173
-> 01/10 - Freekey Zekey tells Kay Slay that Cam'Ron and Diplomats working on new music
Freekey Zekey recently told Kay Slay on Shade 45 that there is no more beef between the Diplomats, and that a lot of new music is on the way. First up is Zekey's "Blame it on the Henny" mixtape, which just dropped. Zekey also spoke on "Diplomatic Immunity 3" being on the way, with the rumored beefing Dipset heads, Cam'Ron and Jim Jones invloved, as well as Juelz Santana, Zekey and more.
"Everybody was talking about we arguing and shit. Yeah, we was. We were yelling at each other. But, who don't yell with their brothers? Who don't yell with their mother? Who don't yell with their family members? But, it is what it is." Zekey tells Kay Slay.
Listen to the interview here below:
-> 01/10 - FREE Download: UnLearn's Enemy of the State: Warrior Anthems
UnLearn is back with a new project for free download. Check out Enemy of the State: Warrior Anthems below and make room on your hard drive for it.
"I think it's a continuation of the whole UnLearn movement that I started earlier in 2007," UnLearn told HipHopGame. "Raw passion, articulate lyrics with an honesty and sincerity that is rare in the current climate of hip-hop. This is my second mixtape in a period of nine months. This ensures my relevance among other up-and-coming emcees. Either you join the fire or get burnt by the flame!"
Download Enemy of the State: Warrior Anthems here: http://www.zshare.net/download/469975934f876e/
-> 01/10 - Feds learn of Beanie Sigel's Atlantic City trip from Philadelphia Daily News gossip column
Too much gossip is not a good thing.
At least not for Beanie Sigel, who was was reportedly nabbed for a probation violation by federal authorities who read of his trip to Atlantic City, NJ, in the Philadelhia Daily News gossip column, the newspaper is reporting. Sigel was sentenced yesterday to 1 day in prison and an 18 month extension of his probation which includes six months in a halfway house.
The column that did in Beans ran December 3rd. Below is an excerpt from the story:
"South Philly rapper Beanie Sigel was laying major money on a craps table at Atlantic City's Tropicana over the weekend. At one point, Sigel, whose new album "The Solution" is out Dec. 11, called over a fly honey for good luck, telling her he was down, but had $12,000 left to play with. She advised he keep it real and lay down another grand. No word on whether big Beanie won back his $$$."
-> 01/10 - Jay-Z loses 500k in high stakes poker game
Mediatakeout.com is reporting that Jay-Z lost more than 500k in a high stakes poker game in Las Vegas.
A source at the game told the website: "It was supposed to be a friendly game with everyone betting only [a few hundred dollars] a hand ... Jay Z was down only about [a thousand dollars] when he raised [another player] $500,000. It was a bold move for Jay Z - unfortunately his pair of queens didn't beat [the other player's] flush." The source added, "There were professionals at the table, he really should have known better than that."
-> 01/10 - Lil Wayne discusses The Carter III
Lil Wayne was everywhere in 2007, and with "The Carter III" set to be released this year, he doesn't want 2008 to be any different.
"The Carter III is coming in 2008. I don't want to give no months, no date," Wayne told MTV. "I got a gang of singles [on Carter III]. [It's] produced by my homeboy Diesel. He's also a Young Money affiliate. He's down with us. He's a producer/singer/engineer. He does it all. I have my artist featured on the song. Her name is Chanell. We already have a remix featuring Brisco and Lil' Boosie."
"The Carter III" features production from many of the biggest producers in the game, including Timbaland, David Banner, Mannie Fresh, Cool & Dre, Just Blaze and even Wayne himself.
As he became known for seemingly being on every possible collabo in 2007, Wanye showed so humor about his workaholic ways.
"Call me by a new name: 'Featuring Lil Wayne'" he said.
There is one collabo on his list that Wayne hasn't made happen yet though.
"I have never done nothing with Mariah Carey, and I would like to, because I love older women. . . .I'm attracted to older women. It's my thing. Mariah Carey, she might need a dude like me. I do my thing.
-> 01/10 - Snoop's collabo wish list: Madonna, Bono, Mick Jagger
Snoop Dogg is looking to think outside of the box and show fans another side of his music.
"I want to work with Madonna, Bono or Mick Jagger," he said. "I'm on some rock sh--, man. Snoop Dogg, man! Rappers don't really move me too much. They can't do what I did. I'm trying to get down with something that's outta the box and bigger than me." Snoop told MTV.com.
With his new album "Ego Trippin'" set to be released in March, Snoop is focused on not only making the music different, but getting his other ventures rolling as well.
The Doggfather is looking to introduce a new clothing line called "Rich and Infamous," as well as a brand of pet-care products and a chain of grocery stores called "Snoopermarkets."
-> 01/09 - Blue Note Records releasing Droppin' Science, a collection of jazz-funk tracks sampled in hip-hop
On February 12, Blue Note Records will release Droppin' Science, a unique collection of the legendary label's classic late '60s through mid-'70s jazz-funk tracks, all of which have featured prominently as samples in some of the greatest hip hop cuts of the late '80s, '90s and beyond. Hip-hop artists ranging from Dr. Dre to the Beastie Boys and A Tribe Called Quest have sampled Blue Note grooves by such jazz greats as Lou Donaldson, Grant Green, Donald Byrd, and Lonnie Smith. All of these original Blue Note tracks have been compiled for the first time on Droppin' Science, which Blue Note will release as a 10-track CD, a 13-track digital album and vinyl LP, as well as individual ring-tunes that are based on the exact sampled loop.
Little known to most of the general public, Blue Note is home to some of the most widely used samples in the history of hip-hop. Sampling and the use of breakbeats has been the foundation of hip hop since its advent in the late '70s; yet, during the late 80s artists began looking for the first time into the world of jazz for new and creative sources of music. Blue Note's extensive catalog quickly became the go-to location for innovative groove based samples. What resulted was an explosion of classic hip hop tracks featuring Blue Note jazz. This explosion is best experienced in the music of A Tribe Called Quest, who used 4 out of the 10 tracks on Droppin' Science in numerous groundbreaking classics.
Taking the name from a cut off of Marley Marl's 1988 LP In Control Vol. 1, Blue Note's VP of A&R Eli Wolf conceived the Droppin' Science project as a way to connect what he calls the "golden age of hip hop" to the now classic jazz-funk tracks recorded for Blue Note during the late 60s through mid-70s. Selecting from over 25 Blue Note tracks, Wolf has assembled the best of the best from the Blue Note sampleography.
The list of artists both sampled and sampling includes some of the most famous names in the world of jazz and hip hop, and covers a large breadth of time. In 1992, Kool G Rap used Joe Williams' "Get out of My Life Woman" in his classic cut "Ill Street Blues;" then, nearly a decade later Jill Scott used the same sample in the song "Brotha" featured on her seminal neo-soul debut Words and Sounds: Vol 1. Landmark tracks from Brand Nubian ("Punks Jump Up to Get Beat Down"), De La Soul ("Bitties in the BK Lounge"), and Lox ("Get This $") all feature a groove from Lou Donaldson's "It's Your Thing." A Tribe Called Quest used Jack McDuff's "Oblighetto" in their smash "Scenario." As recently as 2001, Dr. Dre sampled David McCallum's "The Edge" in the infamous cut "The Next Episode" which featured Snoop Dog. The list continues, with Biggie Smalls' "One More Chance" remix and Mary J. Blige's "Everyday It Rains" featuring a sample from Lou Donaldson's "Whose Makin' Love." Blue Note's influence has even been felt in the pop world where Madonna used a Lou Donaldson sample ("It's Your Thing") in her song "I'd Rather Be Your Lover," as well as a sample of Grant Green's "Down Here on the Ground" in her song "Forbidden Love." For a full sampleography, please see below.
These innovative hip hop artists and beyond did their part to bring to light some of the gems of the Blue Note catalog. Yet, these tracks deserve to be heard in their entirety; complete with ripping Lonnie Smith organ solos and David Axelrod produced sound-scapes. Blue Note's aim is to re-introduce these classics to the public and to highlight the innovative ways in which these artists and producers utilized jazz material in their work. Droppin' Science brings these jazz tracks together for the first time in a truly distinct, soulful and funky way.
Tracklisting and Sampleography:
1. Lou Donaldson "It's Your Thing" – Originally on the album Hot Dog (Blue Note, 1969).
Brand Nubian "Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down" (Elektra)
De La Soul "Bitties In The BK Lounge" (Tommy Boy)
Lox "Get This $" (Bad Boy/Arista)
Real Live "Day You Die" (Pirate/Big Beat)
Madonna "I'd Rather Be Your Lover" (Warner Bros.)
2. Ronnie Foster "Mystic Brew" – Originally on the album Two Headed Freap (Blue Note, 1972).
A Tribe Called Quest "Electric Relaxation" (Jive)
Rell "Real Love" (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam)
E.T.A. "Ayia Napa" (Flex)
3. Donald Byrd "Think Twice" – Originally on the album Stepping into Tomorrow (Blue Note, 1974).
A Tribe Called Quest "Footprints" (Jive)
Main Source "Lookin At The Front Door" (Wild Pitch)
De La Soul "Simply Havin" (Tommy Boy)
DJ Krush "Big City Lover" (Instinct)
J Dilla "Think Twice" (BBE)
4. David Axelrod/David McCullum "The Edge" – Originally on the album Music: A Bit More of Me (Capitol, 1968).
Dr. Dre "The Next Episode" (Aftermath/Interscope)
5. Jack McDuff "Oblighetto" – Originally on the album Moon Rappin' (Blue Note, 1969).
A Tribe Called Quest "Scenario" (Jive)
J Dilla "Oblighetto Remix" (Blue Note)
6. Joe Williams "Get Out Of My Life Woman" – Originally on the album Presenting Joe Williams and the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra (Solid State, 1966).
Kool G Rap "Ill Street Blues" (Cold Chillin'/Warner Bros.)
Biz Markie "Funk Is Back" (Cold Chillin'/Warner Bros.)
Cadillac Tah "You Loose" (Def Jam)
Jill Scott "Brotha" (Hidden Beach)
7. Grant Green "Down Here On The Ground" – Originally on the album Alive! (Blue Note, 1970).
A Tribe Called Quest "Vibes & Stuff" (Jive)
Madonna "Forbidden Love" (Boy Toy/Warner Bros.)
8. Lonnie Smith "Spinnin Wheel" – Originally on the album Drives (Blue Note, 1970).
A Tribe Called Quest "Can I Kick It" (Jive)
Pete Rock And C.L. Smooth "Act Like You Know" (Elektra)
Brian Austin Green "Didn't Have A Clue" (Yam Yum Entertainment)
9. Jeremy Steig "Howling For Judy" – Originally on the album Legwork (Solid State, 1970).
Beastie Boys "Get It Together" (Capitol)
10. Lou Donaldson "Who's Makin Love (To Your Old Lady)" Originally on the album Hot Dog (Blue Note, 1969).
Biggie Smalls "One More Chance" Remix. (Bad Boy)
Marley Marl & Craig G "Droppin Science" (Cold Chillin"/Warner Bros)
Mary J. Blige "Everyday It Rains" (Def Jams)
BONUS TRACKS (Digital album and LP version)
11. Ronnie Laws "Tidal Wave" Originally on the album Pressure Sensitive (Blue Note, 1975).
Black Moon "Who Got The Props" (Nervous)
Jackson 5 "I Want You Back (Remix)" (Motown)
12. Monk Higgins "Little Green Apples" – Originally on the album Extra Soul Perception (Solid State, 1969).
Gang Starr "Code Of The Streets" (Chrysalis/EMI)
13. Donald Byrd "Wind Parade" – Originally on the album Places and Spaces (Blue Note, 1975).
Black Moon "Buck Em Down" (Nervous)
2Pac "Definition of A Thug Nigga" (Columbia Pictures/Sony) and (Amaru/Interscope/Jive)
2Pac "Late Night" (Interscope)
Organized Konfusion "Stray Bullet" (Hollywood)
-> 01/09 - Beanie Sigel sentenced to 1 day in prison, has probation extended
Beanie Sigel found guilty Wednesday of a second probation violation for taking a trip to Atlantic City, N.J., and for being in contact with a convicted felon, according to the Associated Press.
Sigel was sentenced to 1 day in federal prison and had his probation, which was due to end next month, extended by 18 months by U.S. District Judge R. Barclay Surrick.
The first six months of the probation are to be served in a halfway house, ending Sigel's ability to travel to promote his new album "The Solution."
"I'm human, but I'm working on my mistakes," Sigel told Surrick.
Last month Sigel appeared in a public service announcement, pleading for peace in the city. The rapper also joined Bill Cosby in a anti-violence march.
Surrick acknowledged Sigel's positive contributions but said his actions must have consequences.
"If they're looking at you as a role model, you've got to do the right thing," Surrick said.
-> 01/09 - Prodigy's jail term delayed five weeks
A Manhattan Supreme Court judge postponed Prodigy's 3 1/2 year sentence in state prison in order to allow doctors time to gather medical records documenting his sickle cell anemia.
The Mobb Deep rapper was supposed to begin his sentence for carrying a loaded, unregistered .22-caliber gun in his bulletproof SUV in 2006. Court Justice Edward Mclaughlin decided the rapper's doctors should get five weeks to produce records of his life-long illness.
Prodigy's lawyer, Irving Cohen informed Mclaughlin that his client has been in and out of hospitals his entire life with the disease, a genetic, incurable blood disorder that can lead to organ damage, stroke and other problems.
"The judge was cool," said Prodigy.
-> 01/08 - Eminem rushed to hospital over holidays
TMZ.com is reporting that Eminem was rushed to a Detroit-area hospital for a serious heart condition and severe pneumonia. Em's weight has reportedly risen over 200 lbs.
Eminem's publicist issued the following statement: "Over the holidays, Marshall Mathers, aka Eminem, was under doctor's care at a Detroit-area hospital for complications due to pneumonia. He has since been released and is doing well recovering at home."
-> 01/08 - California auto customizer holding Lil Wayne's Bentley as collateral
TheSmokinggun.com is reporting that LeMarck deAndre has filed a breach of contract suit against Lil Wayne over close to $80,000 of outstanding fees he claims the rapper owes him.
According to the suit filed Dec. 18, 2007 in the Superior Court of California in Alameda County, Wayne agreed to pay at least $120,000 for repairs and refurbishment of his 1999 Bentley Arnage. After Wayne belatedly paid $78,000, he refused to make any further payments. deAndre is seeking the money he is owed as well as storage fees for the car, which he continues to possess.
-> 01/08 - Bun B confirmed to perform at South by Southwest
UGK's Bun B is confirmed to perform at the annual South by Southwest conference in Austin, Texas, Billboard.com is reporting. The event will be held March 12-16 this year with more performers to be announced soon.
-> 01/08 - Ice Cube and DJ Pooh to launch web's first real-time television network, UVNTV.com
Ice Cube and DJ Pooh are teaming up to launch the world's first real-time streaming television network online, UVNTV.com (U View Network Television).
The network will utilize Microsoft's groundbreaking Silverlight 1.0 platform, a cross-browser, cross-platform plug-in for delivering richer user experiences on the Web. UVNTV plans to rival cable and satellite television. In addition, UVNTV's channels are capable of full screen DVD quality resolution, Dolby surround sound and comes complete with a channel guide with video window.
"We are thrilled to work with Ice Cube and DJ Pooh, both whom have proven track records and have been at the forefront in music, film and television," said John Case, general manager, Developer Division, Microsoft Corp. "We see UNVTV as a leading example of the changing landscape of how consumers experience entertainment, and how the industry is seeking new interactive platforms to better reach their target audiences. By using Silverlight, UVNTV will have the capabilities needed to take the user experience to another level."
Networks will include Snoop Dogg's "Snoopadelic TV", Ice Cube's Hip Hop 24/7 TV, as well as UViewTV – UVN's user generated channel.
UVNTV also operates as a Broadband Social Network. Members will be able to join free and are provided a profile page to showcase their talents and collaborate. Members will be encouraged to pitch show ideas, audition for productions, and shape the future of UVNTV and television.
-> 01/07 - DJ Victorious & Sha Stimuli release The Wire mix-tape: Download Free!!
DJ Victorious and Sha Stimuli have teamed up
to release The Wire mix-tape, inspired by the HBO hit series "The Wire."
Sha Stimuli wrote and recorded songs for the mix-tape providing a backdrop for specific themes and situations taken from episodes of The Wire.
The mix-tape features guest appearances from Memphis Bleek, Peedi Peedi, Pusha T, Cashmere and more.
DJ Victorious and Sha Stimuli are set to release one mix-tape a month, leading up to the release of Sha Stimuli's highly anticipated debut album "Cinderella Man."
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD "THE WIRE MIX-TAPE FREE!!!!
-> 01/07 - Dr. Dre, Jimmy Iovine and Monster team up to introduce new "Beats" Headphones
Dr. Dre and Interscope Records chairman Jimmy Iovine have teamed up with Monster, the company best known for their Monster Cable and Monster Power recording products, to introduce a "state-of-the-art" headphone line "Beats by Dr. Dre."
The new line of headphones were conceived by Dr. Dre and designed with groundbreaking engineering by Monster.
"When I'm making a track I'm trying to capture the sound that makes me go 'now THAT's the shit! And I want that reaction from everybody who hears it," said Dr. Dre. "I spend a lot of time in the studio listening to my music through headphones…with Beats, people are finally going to hear it the way they should: the way I do."
"Dre and I have been developing these headphones for a while and in Monster we found a partner that could work with us to crystallize his vision and develop them to the quality level he expects," said Jimmy Iovine, Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records. "'Beats by Dr. Dre' is yet another example of Interscope's commitment to working together with its artists in developing new avenues to experience music."
Noel Lee, Head Monster, noted: "Dr. Dre is widely-known as the most critical ear in music today. This rare partnership with such an iconic artist is a testament to the both the need for high-performance headphones and the singular quality of 'Beats.' Listening to music with Beats headphones is a true 'ear opening' experience; users will enjoy not only their comfort and style, but their sonic performance that is unequalled in any other headphone."
-> 01/07 - XXL editor-in-chief Elliott Wilson fired
Longtime hip-hop writer Elliott Wilson was fired from XXL Magazine today, after over a decade at the publication. The founder of "Ego Trip" and one time editor at The Source magazine had been the face of XXL and has become known writing hard-lined editorials aimed at his former employer, artists and internet sites.
XXL nor its parent company Harris Publications has confirmed these details, but sources are reporting that Wilson's deputy editor Vanessa Satten would serve as a interim replacement. Sources are also reporting Wilson's contract was set to expire at the end of the month.
-> 01/06 - Saigon Posts Album Tracklisting for The Greatest Story Never Told
Here's the tracklisting for 'The Greatest Story Never Told' as posted by Saigon on his Myspace page:
1)Station Identification
2)The Invitation feat. Q-Tip & Fatman Scoop
3)Come on Baby feat. Jay Z & Swizz Beatz
4)The War
5)Enemies
6)Friends
7)The Greatest Story Never told
8)Clap feat. Faith Evans
9)Preacher
10)Its Alright feat. Marsha Ambrosius
11)Believe It
12)Give it to Me feat. Raheem Devaughn
13)What the Lovers Do feat Devin the Dude
14)Better Way feat. Layzie Bone
15)Oh Yeah
Bonus Tracks
16)Pain in my Life feat. Trey Songz
17)Enemies Live feat Bun B
-> 01/06 - Beanie Sigel and Freeway sound off on Def Jam to Whoo Kid
Beanie Sigel and Freeway both recently talked to Whoo Kid and discussed their feelings that Def Jam didn't push their albums and support them the way they should have. Both Beans and Free also add that they heard about Jay-Z's resignation second hand. Listen to the entire interviews here.
Click Here To Listen To Beanie Sigel Interview
Click Here To Listen To Freeway Interview
-> 01/05 - Houston hip-hop pioneer O.G Style dies
O.G Style aka Eric Woods, 37, a pioneer of the Houston hip-hop scene, died Thursday night at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital. Style had felt sick Wednesday night and slipped into a coma Thursday morning after suffering a brain hemorrhage, according to the Houtson Chronicle.
Best known for "Catch 'Em Slippin' (I Know How to Play 'Em)", a popular song regionally in 1991, Style may have never garnered the national spotlight, bit was highly respected in his hometown. Houston rapper K-Rino called Style's best known song, "A true hood anthem, one that you still hear to this day. Every rapper in this town knows the lyrics to it."
Houston rapper Smurk added:
"A lot of people talk about the pioneers of Houston rap, the people who made an early impact. If they don't mention O.G. Style, they don't know what they're talking about."
O.G Style leaves behind his wife, Shelley, their five children, his father and three siblings.
-> 01/04 - Birdman Sued For Copyright Infringement
Cash Money founder Birdman faces a federal lawsuit that accuses him of sampling other artists' songs without paying licensing fees.
The lawsuit claims the rapper owes several music publishing companies an unspecified amount of money for using copyrighted songs without permission.
The lawsuit claims that albums by Birdman and other rappers, including Lil Wayne and Big Tymers, contain copyrighted material that Cash Money Records used without licensing agreements and without paying royalties. The lawsuit doesn't name any of the copyrighted songs.
Birdman and the label made a single payment of $400,000, the lawsuit says, but have failed to provide the companies with "appropriate accounting" to show how much more money they owe.
The lawsuit, filed Oct. 29 in U.S. District Court in New Orleans, accuses the Williams brothers of breach of contract and copyright infringement and seeks unspecified damages, plus interest and attorneys' fees.
The companies named as plaintiffs are WB Music Corp., Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp., Cotillion Music Inc., Noontime Tunes and W.B.M. Music Corp. Warner-Chappell Music, a division of Warner Music Group, is the plaintiffs' parent company.
-> 01/04 - T.I and girlfriend from Xscape expecting baby
T.I and his on again, off again girlfriend, Tameka "Tiny" Cottle of the R&B group Xscape, are expecting their second child together.
People magazine is reporting that the couple is expecting a baby boy. Cottle made the announcement on her Myspace page. The child will be the T.I's fifth.
The news comes at an uncertain time for T.I, who is currently under house arrest while he awaits trial for illegal weapons charges. The rapper was arrested in October for allegedly attempting to purchase machine guns and silencers.
-> 01/04 - Screwball update
The legendary underground group Screwball is working on a new album, A Whole New Ballgame, for release in 2008. Member Scape is also working on a solo album, Let's Make a Deal. His single, "Cry Baby" is coming soon. Blaq Poet is also dropping his solo album on DJ Premier's label in 2008.
-> 01/03 - Album Sales: Mary J. Blige takes over #1, Lupe holds down top hip-hop spot
Mary J. Blige has finally ended Josh Groban's reign at the top. While Groban's Christmas album "Noel" sank to #3, Mary J's "Growing Pains" took over the #1 spot moving 204,258 units, bringing her two-week total to 835,426.
Meanwhile Alicia Keys "As I Am" kept on rolling, claiming the #2 spot with 193,211 this week (2,543,224 overall).
To find the top hip-hop album you have to look all the way down to #14, where Lupe Fiasco moved up one spot this week. The critically acclaimed "The Cool" scanned 54,398, bringing the Chi-Town MC to just under 200k in two weeks.
Both Wu-Tang Clan and Ghostface continue to put up disappointing numbers. "8 Diagrams" sinks all the way down to #77 overall with 19,798 this week (120,981), while "Big Doe Rehab" plummets to #160 with just 8,414 (70,320 overall).
Timbaland's "Shock Value" finally reached platinum status this week, holding down the #55 spot, while Styles P rounded out the Top 200 with "Super Gangster" scanning 7,050 (56,865 overall).
-> 01/03 - Judge postpones T.I. Hearing
T.I. will have to wait another six weeks before trying to convince a judge to throw out key evidence obtained against him in October when he was arrested on federal firearms charges.
U.S. Magistrate Alan Baverman postponed a suppression hearing, initially scheduled for Thursday, until Feb. 19.
T.I., was arrested in October for allegedly trying to buy machine guns and silencers in a parking lot.
In November, T.I.'s legal team filed court motions contending the search of Harris' vehicle on the afternoon of his arrest was illegal because it was conducted without "a warrant, consent or probable cause." As a result, "all evidence obtained in the searches and all statements as well as fruits thereof must be suppressed," the motion said.
If T.I.'s lawyers prevail in this motion, a large part of the government's case will be gutted.
T.I., who has pleaded not guilty, was released pending trial on a $3 million bond, under strict conditions that include home confinement.
-> 01/03 - Singer Sylvester Johnson sues Michael Jackson, Will Smith, KRS One, NWA, Peedi Crack, estate of 2Pac
Legendary R&B singer Sylvester Johnson has filed suit against Michael Jackson, Will Smith, KRS One and Boogie Down Productions, NWA, Peedi Crack, Young Chris and the estate of 2Pac, claiming they all sampled his song "Different Strokes" without permission or monetary compensation, TMZ.com is reporting.
The copyright infringement suit, filed in Illinois, also names Capitol, Sony/BMG, Zomba, Universal, Mijac Music and Amaru Entertainment.
The songs in question are Michael Jackson's "Blood On The Dance Floor", Will Smith's "Who Stole The D.J.", KRS One's "Criminal Minded", Peedi Crack & Young Chris' "Criminal Background", N.W.A's "Real Niggaz Don't Die" and 2Pac's "Peep Game" and "Nothing But Love."
Johnson is seeking unspecified damages.
-> 01/03 - Rep for R. Kelly refutes Ne-Yo's claims
A representative for R. Kelly has responded to Ne-Yo's lawsuit in which he claims he was fired from the Double Up tour because audiences liked him better, Bossip.com is reporting.
"The idea that R. Kelly had anything to do with Ne-Yo being dropped from the Double Up tour is just plain silly. As we said at the time, Ne-Yo was dropped because of a contractual dispute with the tour promoter, and in fact Ne-Yo is not suing Kelly but only the promoter. Ne-Yo may think blaming the situation on R. Kelly will improve his chances of collecting from the promoter, but if he does, he is sadly mistaken. Anyone remotely familiar with R. Kelly knows he is confident enough in his own abilities to be happy to share the stage with enormously talented people – the more talented, the better."
-> 01/02 - Mary J Blige Takes The #1 Spot
Finally, Josh Groban's 'Noel' album has been dethroned from its top spot by Mary J Blige.
In her second week, the queen of Hip-Hop Soul sold 204,000 copies of 'Growing Pains' (629,000 in her first week) and should reach platinum status by the end of next week.
No real major debuts last week but stay tuned for the numbers tomorrow.
-> 01/02 - Jay-Z Launching Label With Apple?
Could this announce a revolution in the music industry?
Gadget/new technologies website BoyGeniusReport.com reports that Jay-Z could be launching a record label in association with Apple.
The Boy Genius is very close to Just Blaze (although this time he hinted the info didn't come from him) so let's say this is more than just a rumor.
Also, Apple's Macworld expo and conference is coming January 14 so if a big announcement has to be made, it will be there.
Jay-Z just left his post as president of Universal Music Group's Def Jam Records label.
-> 01/02 - DMX To Drop 2 Albums In One Day, Including Gospel Album
DMX, who already said in 2003 that he was retiring from the rap game and was leaning toward becoming a preacher, told MTV News that he will release a gospel-rap album this year.
"I [was] the first n---a to put out two albums in one year [It's Dark and Hell Is Hot and Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood in 1998], now I'm gonna hit 'em again — drop two albums on the same f---in' day, yo," X told MTV. "A double album will make mutha----as mad, because they gotta spend more money — plus it's already a long [double] album. I'm talking about a hip-hop album and a gospel album."
The double album project project will be called Walk With Me Now and You'll Fly With Me Later.
"The same title is gonna be on both albums, but on one album one part [of the title] is gonna be [highlighted]," he explained. On "the other album, the other name is gonna be [highlighted]."
-> 01/02 - Ne-Yo Sues R. Kelly Promoter Over Concert Tour Firing
R&B singer Ne-Yo sued the promoter of R. Kelly tours for firing him after two shows as the opening act for Kelly because the audience and the critics liked him better, court papers obtained today show.
Ne-Yo, real name Shaffer Smith, and Compound Touring Inc. filed the suit Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court against Georgia-based Rowe Entertainment Inc., alleging breach of contract and violation of the right of publicity.
Compound Touring and Smith are seeking unspecified damages, but the suit maintains he was to be paid $785,000 for 25 shows opening for Kelly's "Double-Up Tour" that began Nov. 14 and is still owed $735,000.
Ne Yo was allowed to perform during the Nov. 14 and 15 tour dates, then was fired prior to the scheduled Nov. 19 show, according to the suit.
"Plaintiffs ... allege ... that an unknown representative of R. Kelly urged Rowe to terminate Smith from the tour given the audience's and critics' more favorable reaction to Smith than the reaction to R. Kelly," the suit states.
Compound Touring spent "substantial monies in preparation for the tour and turned down other touring and performance opportunities for Smith in reliance on Rowe's agreement that Smith would perform on the tour," according to the suit.
-> 01/02 - Download Free St. Laz Mixtape: Internet Kingz Vol. 1
One of the hardest grinders in the game, St. Laz, starts 2008 with a brand new mixtape: Internet Kingz Vol. 1.
Download it for free here
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