Mar 31, 2011

Artwork & Tracklisting Revealed For Kool Keith's "The Legend Of Tashan Dorrsett"

Artwork & Tracklisting Revealed For Kool Keith's

Marley Marl, Ced Gee, TR Love, Domingo and more lend a hand to Keith's upcoming album

Kool Keith and Junkadelic Music will release the latest addition to Keith's huge catalog on April 5. The Legend Of Tashan Dorrsett features exclusive remixes and features by Marley Marl, former Ultramagnetic Mc's groupmates TR Love and Ced Gee, Domingo, Mark Live and Agallah Don Bishop. The artwork below was done by Mode 2.

1. The Legend Of Tashan Dorrsett (Prelude)
2. New S**** Feat Champ / Dj Junkaz Lou Rmx
3. Supa Supreme / Marley Marl Rmx
4. Flow Smooth Feat Ced Gee / Dj Junkaz Lou Rmx
5. The Real Beginer Feat Chem / Ariel "The Cartel" Caban Rmx
6. Above The Sea Level / Agallah Don Bishop Rmx
7, Tashan Dorrsett… / Domingo Rmx
8. Track Runner Feat Marc Live, Raaddrr-Van & Tr Love / Tr Love Rmx
9. Glamour Life Feat Marc Live / Dj Junkaz Lou Rmx
10. Booty Clap Feat Big Sche Eastwood / Mr. Sche Rmx
11. Black Lagoon / Domingo Rmx
12. Magnetic Junkadelic Feat Ced Gee & D. Eazy / Dj Junkaz Lou Rmx
13. New S**** (Rmx instrumental)
14. Flow Smooth (Rmx instrumental)
15. The Real Beginer (Rmx instrumental)
16. Above The Sea Level (Rmx instrumental)
17. Tashan Dorrsett… (Rmx instrumental)
18. Track Runner (Rmx instrumental)
19. Glamour Life (Rmx instrumental)
20. Black Lagoon (Rmx instrumental)

?uestlove Explains Gluing Together Broken Grammy Award

?uestlove Explains Gluing Together Broken Grammy Award

The Roots' drummer explains how winning three new Grammys has given him motivation to glue together a long-ago broken Grammy award. 

The Roots scored three Grammys earlier this year for their critically acclaimed collaboration album with John Legend, titled Wake Up! The trio of awards is the first since the group's previous Grammy in 1999 for the song "You Got Me" with Erykah Badu and Eve.

While their first Grammy is no doubt held in high esteem, ?uestlove told PhillyMag.com that, until recently, the award had been accidentally broken in two and set on a peculiar resting place.

"My Grammy was broken in two pieces and always a fixture on my toilet, simply because I was self-defeating and thought it would never happen in this lifetime again. Now that I have an additional three, I've invested in some Krazy Glue and a relocation to the living room."

The group, who continues to play as late night host Jimmy Fallon's in-house band, will join Comedy Central's Stephen Colbert in a performance of the viral hit "Friday," originally sung by Rebecca Black. The pending comical performance helped to raise over $26,000 for schools in need.

DJ Quik Talks Returning to Analog For Latest LP


DJ Quik Talks Returning to Analog For Latest LP

DJ Quik talks to the LA Leakers about talking his latest album back to the old school by recording it in analog.

The LA Leakers recently caught up with the legendary DJ Quik in the studio to discuss his upcoming eighth solo album The Book of David, due out this April 20. The Comtpon producer and rhymer said that he decided to record his latest project using time honored analog equipment as opposed to a digital equivalent.

"The last three albums, if you're counting from Under the Influence, my first independent adventure, those were all digital records," he said. "That's I finally just decided to go Pro Tools and stereo like everybody else and do the digital things. I came from analog, all those Earth, Wind and Fire records, those Parliament records, and Arethra Franklin records and Curti Mayfield records Those records are all analog, so I came up in that era...the greatest era of music period. To switch over to digital and to lose that feeling [and] sound kind of make like I was almost cheating everybody...this record, The Book of David, is analog, just like where it continues from Safe + Sound and Rythm-al-ism.

The Book of David marks Quik's first solo project since 2005. His last release was with fellow Cali emcee Kurupt as BlaQKOut in 2009. The full interview can be seen below.

Rap Release Dates: Wiz Khalifa, Snoop Dogg, E-40, Blu, DJ Quik, Z-Ro


Rap Release Dates: Wiz Khalifa, Snoop Dogg, E-40, Blu, DJ Quik, Z-Ro

The last week of March has albums from Max B, 40 GFlocc & Spider Loc, Mac Miller's digital EP, and another DXnext alum in Lee Bannon.

The Bay meets L.A. this week, with E-40 issuing two more Revenue Retrievin’ volumes, as Snoop Dogg calls off his once teased Doggystyle sequel and replaces it with his Doggumentary. In addition, Pittsburg gets some much-needed attention with Rostrum Records supporting Mac Miller’s EP as well as Wiz Khalifa’s major label debut. Ahead, Grammy award winning rapper Mr. Cheeks stamps his name on next week’s Lost Boyz Mafia compilation.

March 29
40 Glocc, Spider Loc, & DJ Drama – Graveyard Shift
67 Mob – T.I.M.E. [Digital Release]
A.Dd+ – When Pigs Fly [Digital Release]
Baron Zen & Tekblazer – Electrik Surgery [Vinyl Release]
Broken Bells – Meyrin Fields
Cyrus Malachi – Ancient Future
DJ Spinna & Mr. Thing – The Beat Generation [10th Anniversary Collection]
E-40 – Revenue Retrievin’: Overtime Shift
E-40 – Revenue Retrievin’: Graveyard Shift
Illvibe Collective – All Together Now [Digital Release]
Kap Kallous – I Should Have Kept My Mouth Shut [Digital Release]
Kyle Rapps – Re-Edutainment [Digital Release]
Lee Bannon – Bannon’s BigToyBox II: Circus Cuts [Digital Release]
Mac Miller – On And On And Beyond [Digital Release]
Mary Mary – Something Big
Maticulous – The Maticulous EP
Max B – Vigilante Season [Digital Release]
Snoop Dogg – Doggumentary
Wiz Khalifa – Rolling Papers

April 5
3:33 (Parallel Thought) – 3:33
Ab-Soul – LongTerm Mentality [Digital Release]
Avant – Best Of Avant [Digital Release]
Bizzy Bone & Layzie Bone – Bone Brothers IV
Blueprint – Adventures In Counter-Culture
Brotha Lynch Hung – Coathanga Strangla
The Cuf – Cuf Caviar Volume 1
Has-Lo – In Case I Don’t Make It
Heavy Metal Kings (Ill Bill & Vinnie Paz) – Heavy Metal Kings
Jim Jones – Capo
J. Rocc – Some Cold Rock Stuf
Kool Keith (as Tahsan Dorrsett) – The Legend Of Tashan Dorrsett
K. Sparks & Pajazo – Tomorrow Today [Digital Release]
Mint Condition – 7
Mr. Cheeks Presents… The Lost Boyz Mafia – The Lost Boyz Mafia [Revolver Edition]
Pastor Troy – H.N.I.C. [Physical Release]
Rapper Big Pooh – Fat Boy Fresh Volume One: For Members Only [Digital Release]
Snowgoons Presents… Savage Brothers & Lord Lhus – The Iron Fist [Digital Release]
Sunspot Jonz – Galaxy Of Dreams
Tarek & Luss – The Minds Of Tarek & Luss [Digital Release]

April 12
Atmosphere – The Family Sign
Brian McKnight – Just Me
Classified – Hand Shakes And Middle Fingers
The Day Laborers & Rain – Deep Space Soul
Flying Lotus – Cosmogramma: Alternate Takes [Vinyl Release]
Foreign Legion – Night Moves [Digital Release]
Jessie J – Who Are You
John Robinson & Robot Koch – Robot Robinson
Moke & Tone – Shot Heard Round The World [Digital Release]
Noel Gourdin – Fresh: The Definition
Swollen Members – Dagger Mouth
TV On The Radio – Nine Types Of Light
Wiz Khalifa – Rolling Papers [Vinyl Release]
Yukmouth Presents… Monsta – Pacific Coast Highway

April 19
Bizz – Prince Of Jersey 2.0
Berner – The White Album
Blu – Her Favorite Colo(u)r [Reissue]
Cam’ron & Vado – Gunz N’ Butta
Chipmunk – Transition [International Release]
Coalmine Records – Can You Dig It? [Digital Release]
Damu The Fudgemunk – How It Should Sound Volume 1&2 [Vinyl Release]
Dan The Automator – Lovage [Deluxe Edition] [Vinyl Release]
Daz Dillinger – D.A.Z.
Del The Funky Homosapien – Golden Era Triple Pack
DJ Quik – The Book Of David
Gorillaz – The Fall [Physical Release]
!llmind – Beh!nd The Curta!n
The Jacka – Mobbin Through The West
Just-Ice – Masterpiece [Reissue]
Les Nubians – Nu Revolution
Luck-One – True Theory [Physical Release]
Mac Dre & Johnny Cash – Romp In Peace / Thizz In Peace
MF Doom – Operation: Doomsday [Deluxe Edition]
Plan B – The Defamation Of Strickland Banks [U.S. Release]
Smigg Dirtee & Hollow Tip – Cocaine Cowboys
SNO (Lil Wyte, Jelly Roll, & BPz) – Year Round
Various Artists – Fillmoe To The Crest
Wayne Brady – Radio Wayne

Other Recent Announcements
Gucci Mane & Waka Flocka Flame – The Ferrari Boys [Spring TBA]
General Monks (Planet Asia & TriState) – Each Step Becomes Elevated [April TBA]
Dennis Coffey – Dennis Coffey [April 26]
Boogie Down Productions – Criminal Minded [Reissue] [Vinyl Release] [May 3]
Curren$y – Muscle Car Chronicles [May 3]
Jennifer Lopez – Love? [May 3]
Megaphone (Moe Pope & Headnodic) – Megaphone [Digital Release] [May 3]
Sade – The Ultimate Collection [May 3]
CMG – The Jane Of All Trades [May 10]
Messy Marv Presents… Various Artists – Goon Vitamins Vol. 1 [May 10]
Pete Rock – PeteStrumentals [10th Anniversary Edition] [May 10]
Edo G – A Face In The Crowd [May 17]
Killer Mike – PL3DGE [May 17]
Nick Cannon – Mr. Showbiz [May 17]
Oddisee – Odd Seasons [May 17]
Rappin’ 4-Tay – Still Standing [May 17]
Z-Ro – Meth [May 24]
Big L – The Danger Zone [May 31]
Madlib & Frank Nitti – Madlib Medicine Show No. 9: Channel 85 Presents Nittyville (Season One) [May 31]
Slim Thug Presents… Boss Hogg Outlawz – Serve And Collect Part 3 (Immahogg) [May 31]
Hopsin – Haywire 2 [Summer TBA]
Lifesavas – TBD [Summer TBA]
Swizz Beatz – Haute Living [Summer TBA]
YG – Fresh On Campus [Summer TBA]
Trae Tha Truth – Street King [June 7]
Brisco – Street Medicine [June 14]
Glasses Malone – Beach Cruiser [June 14]
J. Period & Q-Tip – The [Abstract] Best [June 14]
Pitbull – Planet Pit [June 14]
Random Axe (Sean Price, Guilty Simpson, & Black Milk) – Random Axe [June 14]
Big Sean – Finally Famous: The Album [June 21]
Dorrough & DJ Drama – Gangsta Grillz: Silent Assassins [June 28]
Wale – TBD [July/August TBA]
Birdman – Bigger Than Life [July 5]
Jay Sean – Freeze Time [July 5]
Mayer Hawthorne – TBD [Early Fall TBA]

Ludacris Partners With Magnum Condoms For "Next Big Thing"

Ludacris Partners With Magnum Condoms For

Rappers stand a chance to win $5,000 an on-stage appearance with Luda's and a year-long pocket-fulla-rubbers.

After working with Magnum condoms last year for the $5,000 "Live Large" contest, Atlanta, Georgia emcee-turned-actor Ludacris is working with the contraceptive company once again.

With competition in New York, Detroit, San Francisco and Miami, Magnum will be sponsoring Rap contests. Backed by online voting, semi-finalists will appear on stage alongside the Def Jam Records star Ludacris. The winner will also receive $5,000 and a year's-supply of Magnum condoms.

"Living Large is really the only way to live," said Ludacris in a press statement. "That's why I'm a part of this project for the second year. I'm a huge supporter of the product, I live the life, and I love how Magnum is giving other people the chance to shine and represent the gold standard."

Drag-On Leaves Ruff Ryders, Talks New Record Label

Drag-On Leaves Ruff Ryders, Talks New Record Label

Drag-On splits ties with the Double R, and has big plans moving forward.

Once one of the Ruff Ryders' most promising young talents, Drag-On has moved on from the storied collective.

"I finally got my release from Ruff Ryders," said Drag-On to SOHH.com. "And now I got my own record label, Hood Environment. We're getting it popping. I have my own artists and we're putting out our own videos and shit like that. We're just working man. Word. Right now I'm feeling really good. A lot of people welcomed me back with open arms so at the end of the day, I'm just excited that the streets are excited [to hear new music from me]. A lot of people are really starting to catch on to my Hood Environment record label movement. Everything is gravy. I definitely cannot complain right now."

Drag, notable for his feature on the Ruff Ryder classic "Down Bottom," as well as a minor beef with Lil Wayne, intends on releasing a series of mixtapes.

"We're starting off by putting out mixtapes, The Crazies and The Crazies Part II, with The Crazies Part III coming. We got a lot of big artists on there."

Currently, DMX, the face of Double R, spends his time in and out of prison, while other Double R affiliates Eve and Swizz Beatz are working on music together.

Gucci Mane Talks Ice Cream Tattoo, Upcoming Projects

Gucci Mane Talks Ice Cream Tattoo, Upcoming Projects

After a rough 2010, Gucci Mane tells Billboard magazine about overcoming his problems through music and the "Ice Cream Man" album named after his face tattoo.

In 2010, Gucci Mane was arrested twice—once for allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road and again during a raid on his protégé Waka Flocka Flame’s house. The charges in the moving vehicle violation case were eventually dropped, but Gucci found himself in custody. Gucci Mane eventually entered a plea of mental incompetency for his legal issues, and spent a stint in a Georgia mental institution. He emerged with new music, which he said is reflective of his experiences.

“When I was going through all the things I was going through…I just stayed in the studio,” Gucci told Jason Lipshutz of Billboard. “It definitely helped me. The studio is where I go to just let everything out. I can go and just speak my feelings and what’s on my mind—just get it off my chest.”

Upon his return, most were more interested in what was on Gucci’s right cheek—a large tattoo featuring three ice cream scoops with that generate red lightening bolts.

“Everybody wants to know why I got the tattoo, did it hurt...what it means,” Gucci added. “I jut tell them it’s my trademark. It represents being the coldest in the game.”

While Gucci’s boast is open to interpretation, the soft-serve tattoo sporting rapper did move 25,000 retail copies of what Warner/Asylum is calling the “soft-release” of his The Return of Mr. Zone 6 mixtape. And in the near future, Gucci says more of his time in the studio and the tattoo parlor will manfest itself on wax. In addition to a Ferrari Boys album with Waka Flocka Flame, Shawty Redd and FATBOI, Gucci will co-star in a movie with the original Ice Cream Man, Master P. He also says he wants to name his upcoming album The Ice Cream Man.

New Video: Young Dro “Polo Down”

Mary J. Blige Readies Video for New Single

Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige has romance in the crosshairs. The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul has set a date for the premiere of the video for her new single “Someone to Love Me (Naked).”


The clip, directed by Colin Tilley, is set to debut on April 8 and features appearances from collaborators Lil Wayne and Diddy. The song was released to iTunes this week and the original version appears on Diddy-Dirty Money’s Last Train to Paris album.

MJB revealed the news via Twitter. “My New Video 4 Some One To Love will premier next week! I’m Loving It Fam!!! Hope u will 2!! April 8th! Thank U Wayne and Puff!!!” she wrote.

The R&B veteran is currently working on her 10th studio album, having already put in studio time with producer Danja and songwriter Kevin Cossom. “Everything that I’ve done feels really good,” Danja previously told Rap-Up TV. “Great tracks, funky, you can dance to it. Some is a hybrid of 808s with very heartfelt, soulful piano lines on top of them. You dancing and you in the club, but you kinda feeling a certain way at the same time. Very emotional topics and kinda classic Mary in 2011.”

Sneak Peek: Katy Perry f/ Kanye West – ‘E.T.’


Wiz Khalifa Professes Love for Amber Rose: ‘I’ma Be With Her’

Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose

Wiz Khalifa is in love and he’s not afraid to tell the world about it. The “Black and Yellow” rapper opened up to Angie Martinez about his high-profile relationship with Amber Rose.


“It’s pretty serious. I really, really dig her,” Wiz professed to the Hot 97 host. “People think it’s an image thing and that we’re just doing it to be crazy, but like, for real, for real, it’s just two great people meeting at a good time.”

While they may seem like an odd couple to some, they share a lot in common. “We just like to crack jokes and stuff like that. She’s very down to earth, she’s very realistic, and that’s the way that I am. Just seeing stuff for what it is and not being blinded by the lights. [...] She is womanly. I need that.”

The shaved-headed model’s previous relationship with Kanye West doesn’t concern the Pittsburgh MC. “That’s just life. Individuals grow apart from each other and then they grow with other people, and there’s no tension or anything that’s gonna happen,” he continued. “I would never ever, ever be involved in that situation because that has nothing to do with me.”

He went on to stress that their love is real. “I’ma be with her. That’s why we wanted to give it to the world. But it’s realistic. It’s nothing that we’re just beefing up or just doing for anybody’s eyes. It’s real. She’s a great girl. I really, really am into her.”

Not even the green can cloud his judgement when it comes to love. “I’m the kind of guy who knows when I’m winning, no Charlie Sheen intended. When you won, you don’t gotta keep tryna do stuff that’s gonna mess it up.”

Keri Hilson to Shoot Video with Nelly

Keri Hilson

Keri Hilson unleashed her inner animal last night at Paper magazine’s 2011 Beautiful People Party. The sexy singer, who performed during the Hollywood event, hit the red carpet in an ’80s-inspired outfit, wearing a leopard-print jacket over a bra, tight pants, and a red belt tied around her waist.

The songstress is gearing up to film the video for her Stargate-produced single “Lose Control” with Nelly off her sophomore album No Boys Allowed. Miss Keri will reteam with director Colin Tilley, who previously helmed the visuals for “One Night Stand” featuring Chris Brown and “In the Air,” her collaboration with U.K. rapper Chipmunk.

Video: Marques Houston f/ Immature – ‘Ghetto Angel’



Marques Houston reunites with his former group Immature/IMx in the video for “Ghetto Angel,” originally featured on his 2010 solo release Mattress Music. In the clip, the R&B star joins Jerome “Romeo” Jones and Kelton “LDB” Kessee for their first collaboration in almost a decade, suiting up in dress shirts and ties as they kick it on a black-and-white set. See if the ’90s heartthrobs still have it.

Video: Jennifer Hudson Duets with 12-Year-Old Powerhouse

Fantasia to Bring ‘Collard Greens and Cornbread’ to ‘American Idol’

Fantasia

Fantasia is heading back to where it all started. The “American Idol” champ is scheduled to perform on Thursday night’s episode of the hit show. She will serve up the soulful “Collard Greens and Cornbread,” the new single from her third album Back to Me. The R&B songstress will share the stage with Jamie Foxx and will.i.am, who will debut their collaboration “Hot Wings (I Wanna Party)” off the soundtrack to the animated film Rio. Tune in tomorrow evening for a super-sized helping of star power.

Rihanna Opens Up About Chris Brown, Bedroom Behavior, & Love Life

Rihanna

Rihanna opens up like never before in her cover story for Rolling Stone. The Bajan babe, who strips down for photographer Mark Seliger in the sexy images, reveals why she lifted the restraining order against Chris Brown, how she put up her guard following their domestic dispute, how she likes to get freaky in the bedroom, and her stagnant love life. Check out the interview highlights before the magazine hits newsstands Friday.


On why she agreed to let a judge ease the restraining order against Chris Brown: “We don’t have to talk again ever in my life. I just didn’t want to make it more difficult for him professionally. What he did to me was a personal thing—it had nothing to do with his career. Saying he has to be a hundred feet away from me, he can’t perform at awards shows—that definitely made it difficult for him. That was the only thing it was going to change, so I didn’t care. But you can never please people. One minute I’m being too hard, and the next minute I’m a fool because I’m not being hard enough.”

On putting up a facade following the former couple’s domestic dispute: “I put my guard up so hard. I didn’t want people to see me cry. I didn’t want people to feel bad for me. It was a very vulnerable time in my life, and I refused to let that be the image. I wanted them to see me as, ‘I’m fine, I’m tough.’ I put that up until it felt real.”

On turning up the heat in the bedroom: “I like to be spanked. Being tied up is fun. I like to keep it spontaneous. Sometimes whips and chains can be overly planned—you gotta stop, get the whip from the drawer downstairs… I’d rather have him use his hands.”

On her love life: “I’m not sexing, I’m not even sexting. It’s on complete nil,” she says, adding, “I haven’t gotten a dick picture in a long time. I think people are a little afraid. It can turn out bad.”

On empathy for her father: “I actually feel really bad for my father. He was abused too—he got beat up by his stepdad when he was young. He has resentment toward women, because he felt like his mom never protected him, and unfortunately, my mother was the victim of that. I’m not giving him excuses. Right is right and wrong is wrong. I still blame him. But I understand the source.”

Lil Wayne Plans to Retire at 35

Lil Wayne

Lil Wayne has been on his grind since the tender age of 15, but he’s already thinking about his exit strategy. With his Young Money protégés Nicki Minaj and Drake proving to be more than one-hit wonders, the 28-year-old spitter has revealed that he’s planning on hanging up the mic in seven years.


Speaking with Hot 97’s Angie Martinez, Weezy explained that he will have given it his all by the time he hits 35. “This is what happens when you work very, very hard. People think that when you say you work hard, they think you put two extra hours in. This is my life,” he said. “That’s why retiring at 35 would be a life lived, because this music thing is my life. So retiring at 35 would be enough. I’m 28.”

While fellow rappers have declared their retirement from the game and balked, the “6 Foot 7 Foot” rapper made it clear he’s not playing around. “This is a solid plan and I’ll stick with my plans. I’ma be a dad,” he shared of his post-retirement plans, stating he won’t be having another child anytime soon. “No! I’m good. I have four. I’m good.”

Lucky for fans, Wayne has a heavy schedule. The New Orleans native is currently on his “I Am Music II” tour with Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, and Travis Barker, and is prepping Tha Carter IV for a May 16 release.

Melanie Fiona Weighs In on Female Pop Music, Lady Gaga

Video: Snoop Dogg Goes ‘Boom’ on ‘Letterman’


211333255 by yardie4lifever2

Jim Jones And Vado Prepping New Albums



Jim Jones, Cam'ron and Vado are prepping to bring back Dipset with the release of their new albums in April.

Jone's Jones' highly-anticipated new album, CAPO, drops on 4/5 and Cam'ron & Vado's Gunz N' Butta drops on 4/19, timed with a current U.S. tour of the reunited Diplomats.

Jim Jones' 5th studio album, CAPO, includes the hit “Perfect Day,” which is climbing up the urban and crossover charts.

The video for “Perfect Day” was MTV2's Jam of the Week last week with 108 spins.

Hip hop legend and Dipset leader Cam'ron and his protégé Vado will release their long-awaited duet album, Gunz N' Butta on April 19th.

The album includes the hits “Speaking in Tungs,” and “Hey Muma” along with 16 tracks written and featuring both Cam'ron and Vado.

As previously reported, Vado recently inked a deal with Interscope Records and the Diplomats have reunited for a national tour.

In addition to music, Jones is featured on the 8-part docu-soap series entitled “Love & Hip Hop” which premiered on March 14th, 2011.

The new show features Jones while following his longtime girlfriend Chrissy Lampkin and three other dynamic women who are connected to the world of hip hop, whether it's through the men they love, or their struggle to be heard as an artist.

"Love & Hip-Hop" airs Mondays at 8 on VH1.

Lil Jon Donates 'Apprentice' Winnings To Children's Home


After a Celebrity Apprentice team win landed producer Lil Jon $40,000, the King of Krunk has donated his entire winnings to a children's home in Decatur, Georgia.

Jon gave his share of the purse to United Methodist Children's Home.

The children's home located on Atlanta's east side holds a special spot in the hitmaker's heart.
His mother adopted two of his siblings from there.
"I have a sister and a brother who were foster kids," reveals Lil Jon. "My mother ended up adopting them. I feel children shouldn't have to suffer for faults of adults."
Lil Jon's team of actor Gary Busey, former MLB star Jose Canseco, and reality star Richard Hatch won the prize on team challenge where they had to produce a 30-second long commercial for the new ACN video phone.

Curren$y Covert Coup Album Cover


Spitta plans to release his Alchemist-produced album, Convert Coup on April 20 and just recently, he has revealed the cover art for the project. Jets fool.

New Video: Meek Mill x Lou Williams “I Want It All”

Freddie Gibbs On Carson Daly


2113315421 by yardie4lifever2

New Video: Shawty Lo “Ask For Shawty Lo”

New Video: Jean Grae Ft. Talib Kweli x Styles P “R.I.P.”


Jean Grae R.I.P from BLACKSMITH on Vimeo.

New Video: 1982 x Mac Miller “82-92″

Wiz Khalifa At Roseland Ballroom


Wiz Khalifia Live at Roseland Ballroom 3/29/11 from David Downer on Vimeo.

On The Set: Pusha T “My God”

Pusha has already got the wheels in motion for his upcoming video, which is directed by Nabil Elderkin. Odd Future’s Tyler The Creator joined him on the set in L.A. One mo’ pic underneath. 

Pusha T & Kanye West Put In Work On Pusha's Solo Disc

 
Pusha T is finally getting his time to shine. Not that people didn't know how good he was before, it just seemed that Pusha's group, Clipse with his brother, Malice never got the major look he's getting now.

Signing with Kanye West's G.O.O.D Music imprint gives Pusha an all star cast in Yeezy, John Legend, Common, Kid Cudi and Mos Def to work with.  Along with up and comers Cyhi Da Prince and Big Sean

Pusha's getting to work right away.  After dropping his 'Fear Of God' mixtape recently Pusha told AllHipHop that he and Kanye have put in some time in the studio on his solo.

"Me and Kanye have been in [the studio] and we’ve done a good five or six records, and we’ve left them alone," Pusha said. "Then we’re gonna revisit it. We’re about to go to Chile, actually this week sometime, and we’ll probably do a show and just revisit some of the records."

No timetable on the album's release date.

Self Scientific Ft Freddie Gibbs & Krondon - Peaceful (Official Music Video)



DJ Khalil, the man behind the boards on hit records like Dr Dre's "Kush", Eminem's "Won't Back Down" and 50 Cent's "I'll Still Kill", and his partner Chace Infinite are back on the scene with a new video.

"Peaceful" features Freddie "Gangsta" Gibbs and Krondon from Strong Arm Steady.

It's been six years since SS dropped their last album "Change", let's hope this joint leads to a new disc.

(NEW) Cormega - Intermission

MTV Rap Fix LIVE with Wiz Khalifa


Jim Jones Popped For Driving W/Suspended License, Arrested

 

Dipset Capo, Jim Jones was busted today by New York's finest.

According to the New York Post, Jimmy was stopped for driving his 2011 Bentley with a suspended license at around noon today.

He was cuffed and shipped off to First Precinct


No word on whether or not he's been given bail.

Birdman ft. Lil Wayne, Mack Maine & T-Pain - I Get Money




Birdman ft. Lil Wayne, Mack Maine & T-Pain - I Get Money by Thisis50NewMusic

Nicki Minaj Goes Green to Save the Planet


Nicki Minaj helped saved the planet and met a fashion icon all in one night. Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour reached out to the hip-hop heroine to appear at the Green Auction: Bid to Save the Earth at Christie’s in New York City. The Young Money fashionista dressed for the occasion, rocking a green and blonde monster ‘do while performing with her Barbie dancers to preserve the Earth’s natural resources.

“Dear Barbz, who knew wen I gave anna wintour a s/o in ‘muny’ she’d b calling me 2 perform @ a vogue charity event. Lmao. Headed there now,” tweeted Nicki, who dreams of gracing the cover of the fashion bible.

Go green with envy by checking out more pics below.


Mar 30, 2011

Black Milk, Jack White Co-Produce New 'Third Man' Track

Black Milk, Jack White Co-Produce New 'Third Man' Track
The former White Stripes frontman teams up with fellow Detroit producer/emcee on a new live record.
While the White Stripes may have announced their official split earlier this year, vocalist and songwriter Jack White has continued to make music, even branching out into the genre of Hip Hop. White recently teamed up with fellow Detroit native Black Milk, co-producing a single that will be released on his label, Third Man Records.

On Friday April 8, Black Milk will perform the song with a live band at Third Man Studios in Nashville Tennessee in front of a live audience. The song will appear on one of White's Live at Third Man LPs, and will be released as both a 7-inch vinyl record and a digital single. The producer/emcee will appear on one of four Live at Third Man albums, others of which include comedian Reggie Watts, Cold War Kids, and the 5.6.7.8's.

The name of the song has not yet been revealed, but the album will be Black Milk's first full body of work since last year's Album of the Year. His 6th studio album is slated for release this summer.

Timbaland Wins Bollywood Lawsuit For "Put You On The Game" Sample

Timbaland Wins Bollywood Lawsuit For

Due to an unorthodox Indian copyright law, Timbaland and Game win a lawsuit for allegedly sampling a Bollywood movie without permission.

On Tuesday, The Honorable Judge Jane A. Restani, from Florida’s Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a previous ruling from a lower court in favor of Timbaland. The case was initiated when Saregama India Ltd. filed a suit against Timbaland, Game, Aftermath and Interscope Records alleging Timbaland sampled the 1967 Bollywood song “Baghor Mein Bahar Hai” without permission.

Tim and Game repeatedly looped three notes found in the aforementioned song for the melody of Game’s 2005 single “Put You On The Game.” The case was ultimately decided an unconventional loophole in Indian copyright law.

“Even if BMBH were covered by the agreement (a question we need not decide), Saregama would not currently own a copyright in the BMBH sound recording and thus lacks statutory standing to bring this copyright infringement action. We, therefore, affirm the district court’s order granting summary judgment for the Defendants,” Judge Restani wrote in a precedential ruling.

Essentially, it was irrelevant if Timbaland had permission to use the sample. Bollywood films may have up to two additional copyright holders besides the original publisher, whereas most licensed works do not. Saregama didn't have standing to bring the lawsuit, and the case may be pending further appeal by the plaintiff.

French Montana Confirms Two Albums On The Way, Three 6 Mafia & Wiz Khalifa Featured


French Montana Confirms Two Albums On The Way, Three 6 Mafia & Wiz Khalifa Featured

Rapper French Montana prepares for two album releases, waiting for release date and record label for one album. 

In an interview with Mikey T, Bronx by way of Morocco rapper French Montana confirmed that he will be releasing two projects in the near future.

One album, Cocaine Mafia, will feature appearances from a number of Hip Hop stars including rappers Wiz Khalifa and Waka Flocka.

“Me, Three 6 Mafia. [Got] other collabs on there. Wiz, Waka, everybody on there,” said French Montana when asked about the Cocaine Mafia album. “It’s gonna be a crazy album.”

On top of Cocaine Mafia French Montana will also be releasing Excuse My French, but the rapper is looking for both a release date and a record label for that album.

Excuse My French the album gonna come out real soon just looking for a date. And looking for a label to put it out through,” French Montana explained.

French Montana is currently signed to Akon’s Konvict Muzik.

Jay-Z And Red Sox's David Ortiz Settle 40/40 Club Lawsuit

Jay-Z And Red Sox's David Ortiz Settle 40/40 Club Lawsuit

One of Jay-Z's lawyers tells the NY Daily News the lawsuit between Jay-Z and David Ortiz over the 40/40 Club name has been settled in principle.

The battle between Jay-Z and Boston Red Sox slugger, David Ortiz, has been settled. One of Jay-Z’s lawyers, Peter Raymond, told the New York Daily News the only thing missing is the official paperwork.

“The case has been settled in principle,” Raymond told the Daily News. “We have agreed on the outlines of a settlement and need to reduce it to writing.”

After Jay slapped Ortiz with a $5 million trademark infringement suit, Ortiz’s camp claimed the suit was extremely excessive. Jay-Z owns several franchised 40/40 Club locations, and Ortiz opened a “Forty-Forty” club in his native Dominican Republic, which spawned the 2010 suit. The most recent ruling called for Ortiz to rename his club.

Federal District Judge Richard Berman was set to rule in the case Tuesday, March 29, 2011. He’d previously urged both parties to settle, and once they agree in writing the case could be dismissed in as little as 30 days.

“Seems like a sensible outcome,” Berman added.

Lauryn Hill Pens Open Letter to Atlanta Fans, Quotes Nicki Minaj

Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill, who left ATLiens angry after arriving three hours late to a show in January, reached out to her fans in a letter posted on her recently created Twitter account, quoting Nicki Minaj as she explained that she got off on the “wrong foot” and planned on making it up with another gig.


“I had to come back. I’M HERE and excited for the opportunity to do what should have been done the last time,” wrote an apologetic Ms. Hill. “Starting off on the wrong foot can always be easily rectified by putting another foot down, especially in a ‘monster shoe’ (Nicki Minaj quotable). Come Again!”

The Grammy-winning singer is set to make up her performance tomorrow evening at Atlanta’s Center Stage. Following the gig, the former Fugee is scheduled to play in Oahu, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Denver before wrapping her “Moving Target: Extended Playdate Series” at New Orleans’ Jazz and Heritage Festival on May 7.
Lauryn Hill Letter

Skylar Grey Teases First Single: ‘It’s Unlike Anything You’ve Heard’

Skylar Grey

Skylar Grey is keeping her debut under wraps. While the mysterious singer-songwriter remains tight lipped on specific details surrounding her project, she did offer a hint of what’s to come.


The Grammy-nominated Grey, the secret weapon behind Eminem and Rihanna’s “Love the Way You Lie,” Dr. Dre’s “I Need a Doctor,” and T.I. and Christina Aguilera’s “Castle Walls,” is working with producer Alex Da Kid on her Wonderland Music/Interscope Records debut. The first single is expected within the next month.

“I can tell you that it sounds unlike anything you’ve probably ever heard,” she teased to AMP Radio’s Carson Daly about the track. “We stick to what works, but we also like to push the envelope, and Alex and I push each other creatively outside of our comfort zone ’cause we like to keep creating new sounds.”

Not much is known about Grey’s album, due later this year, except that it may have a hip-hop-influenced sound. “Possibly, nothing nailed down yet,” she said, adding, “Lots of really big exciting things happening, but I can’t talk about them yet because we’re being mysterious as always.”

New Music: T-Pain – ‘Booty Work (One Cheek at a Time)’

T-Pain
T-Pain brings the club to his fans with his latest track “Booty Work (One Cheek at a Time),” released as a giveaway via Twitter. The club banger, produced by Young Fyre, encourages all the ladies to shake their derrieres to the horn-laced beat. “Black car, black rims, black shirt, black Tims/ Holy moly, look at her/ She got the boots with the fur,” raps Teddy P. on the song, which also features Joey Galaxy. Pop and lock to the new joint below.


T-Pain – “Booty Work (One Cheek at a Time)”

Video: Chris Brown Performs on ‘Dancing With the Stars’



New Music: Fonzworth Bentley f/ Faith Evans – ‘Believe It’

Fonzworth Bentley

Fonzworth Bentley keeps the Faith on “Believe It,” a dreamy tune off his mixtape C.O.L.O.U.R.S., due April 22. Described as “a biographical song that chronicles a couple of significant episodes in life,” the G.O.O.D. Music signee bares his soul as he recollects learning of a malignant tumor in his stomach.

“Two years, the rap thing’s now comfortable/ Pain in my stomach, know it ain’t trouble though,” he says of the life-changing experience. Listen below to see how the story unfolds.

"believe it" ft faith evans by Mr. Bentley

Ludacris Begins Work on ‘Ludaversal,’ Aims for 2011 Release

Ludacris

Get ready to step into Ludacris’ universe. The hip-hop mogul is readying his new album Ludaversal for release this year.


Luda is in the early stages of recording his eighth LP Ludaversal, the follow-up to last year’s Battle of the Sexes. The project is anticipated for a 2011 release. “I’m just getting started on it, so hopefully by the end of this year,” he told 102.7 KIIS FM’s Ryan Seacrest.

In the meantime, the rapper-turned-actor has been busy with his burgeoning Hollywood career. He will play a police officer in the ensemble dramedy New Year’s Eve co-starring Hilary Swank, Halle Berry, Jessica Biel, and Sofia Vergara, and also reprise his role in Fast Five.

“That movie is amazing. I guarantee you, if not No. 1, it will be top three movies of this year,” a confident Luda said of the fifth installment in The Fast and the Furious series, in theaters April 29.

Big Sean Moves Album to June, Shares ‘Special’ Kanye West Record

Big Sean

Big Sean has been waiting years to release his first album, but he’ll have to wait a little longer. The Detroit rapper’s debut has been delayed to June.


The 23-year-old MC’s G.O.O.D. Music debut Finally Famous is now scheduled to arrive on June 21. It was previously slated for a May 3 release. The project is led by the Chris Brown-assisted single “My Last,” and features contributions from No I.D., Mike Posner, Kanye West, and Pharrell, who appears on the triumphant “Donald Trump.”

Sean is debating between two songs for his next single. “That’s a tough one. I would go with either ‘What Goes Around Comes Around’ or ‘Don’t Tell Me You Love Me,’” he said.

He also shared a few details about a collaboration with his mentor Kanye. “It’s kind of like super special. It’s something people are going to be able to party to and has a great message at the same time. It’s just me and him going at it. Pause. I’m really excited about it. I can’t wait for the public to hear it.”

New Music: Lupe Fiasco f/ B.o.B – ‘Who Are You Now’

Lupe Fiasco and B.o.B

Lupe Fiasco asks “Who Are You Now” on a leftover track originally intended for his third album Lasers. The cut, produced by the Chi-town native and featuring B.o.B on guitar and vocals, tackles shape-shifting fashionistas who switch up their style to coincide with the times.

“Today’s styling’s injected like a virus/ From TV screens to your iris/ You buy what you are provided with,” raps Bobby Ray on the unfinished record, for which Lupe also wanted to include Janelle Monáe or Cee Lo Green.

Plug into the new jam below.


Lupe Fiasco f/ B.o.B – “Who Are You Now”

Review Roundup: Wiz Khalifa – ‘Rolling Papers’

Rolling Papers

Wiz Khalifa rolls out his Atlantic Records debut Rolling Papers to stores featuring the No. 1 hit “Black and Yellow” and Stargate-produced follow-up “Roll Up,” plus appearances from Too $hort, Curren$y, and Chevy Woods. Did the weed-loving rapper spark a flame or burn out with critics? Find out below.


USA Today: After much anticipation, his major-label album arrives, and it turns out it’s only somewhat worth the wait. Khalifa is certainly likable enough with his laid-back flow and knack for catchy rhymes over melodic beats. But he is limited thematically, with almost every song extolling the virtue of weed, women and the good life. 2.5/4

Rolling Stone: [Khalifa] manages to give life to those kinds of cash-gorged perma-baked clichés by warmly luxuriating in the space between pop’s fresh-faced exuberance and hip-hop’s easy arrogance—between skater and playa, Bieber and Biggie. This is a guy who can effortlessly segue from the ominous G-funk whir of “On My Level” to the adorably crushed-out R&B crooning of “Roll Up.” 3/5

Entertainment Weekly: The Pittsburgher’s debut on Atlantic is lyrically limited to getting high, stealing chicks, and blowing cash. (Then again, what would you rap about if you were young and new to affluence?) Yet it burns with an underdog’s passion and a champion’s spite. B+

SPIN: “Black and Yellow” turned Wiz into a bonafide star, but this twerpy stoner’s first album since that megahit embraces the doggedly one-note approach of the numerous mixtapes that built his substantial following. 6/10

BBC: Apart from some of the tedious subject matter—being stoned, drinking, etc.—it’s the sort of rap that deserves mainstream attention as it’s musically thoughtful and endearing beyond the dancefloor. Bizarrely, though, it’s when Khalifa sets his sights on the pop world it begins to fall apart.

Lil Wayne Gets Freaky with Shanell

Lil Wayne and Shanell
After getting treated to a lap dance from Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne got some lovin’ from another one of Young Money’s leading ladies. Weezy and singer-songwriter Shanell steamed up the stage while performing “Lollipop” and “Prom Queen” on the “I Am Music II” tour stop’s second night at Long Island’s Nassau Coliseum. The hip-hop martian rocked out wearing a Famous Stars and Straps T-shirt that read “Travis Mutha Fuckin’ Barker” in honor of his tourmate Travis Barker.

“It was a lot of fun. There were a lot of packs of gum backstage,” Shanell previously said about kissing Weezy onstage during their first tour.

See more pics of them rekindling the flame below.


Lil Wayne and Shanell Lil Wayne and Shanell

New Video: Chip Tha Ripper “The Entrance”


Chip Tha Ripper - The Entrance from illRoots.com on Vimeo.

On The Set: DJ Khaled “Welcome To My Hood (Remix)”

Khaled brought out the big guns for the remix and has already began shooting the movie behind it. More pictures on the other side.