Swizz Beatz To Be Honored During Pre-Grammy Brunch
Friday, January 22, 2010 11:45 AM
By Roman Wolfe
(AllHipHop News) Producer/songwriter Bryan-Michael Cox and SESAC will host a brunch during the Grammy Awards to honor producer Swizz Beatz.
The sixth annual event was started by Cox to acknowledge singers, songwriters and producers who’s accomplishments sometimes go unnoticed.
According to Cox, the event also serves as a networking vehicle for members of the music industry.
“Every year I look forward to celebrating the achievements of my comrades in music," says Cox. "This year I am especially thrilled to recognize the accomplishments of my friend and fellow music producer Swizz Beatz for his continued success and dedication to music."
Swizz, born Kasseem Dean, who is also a member of SESAC, a performing rights society, started his career at the age of 16.
He was produced this for a number of artists, including Jay-Z, Eve, Chris Brown, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Lil Wayne, Ludacris and others.
This year’s brunch will also acknowledge Cox’s recent induction into the Georgia Hall of Fame, after being named one of Billboard Magazine’s top ten producers of the decade.
From AllHipHop.com
http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/01/22/22104009.aspx
Ron Artest Talks Fitness, Rap Career
Friday, January 22, 2010 9:19 AM
By Chris Richburg
(AllHipHop News) The days of being a controversial bad boy are over for Ron Artest.
The NBA all-star, who garnered negative attention after an on-court fight on November 19, 2004, is moving forward towards more positive endeavors while reflecting on his past mind state.
“When I got to the NBA, I always made a conscious effort to never change and kept my hood mentality,” Artest reveals in the March issue of Men’s Fitness. “It was erratic to a lot of people from the outside. So I had to find a way to stay true and not be so erratic. People know I’m a good person, so they take me for what I am now. I just want them to see somebody that they can always relate to. That’s real important.”
Artest’s role in the fight resulted in a lengthy suspension and approximately $7 million in salary lost. Five years later, Artest joined his current team, the Los Angeles Lakers as a small forward/shooting guard.
With a renewed focus on being the best on and off the basketball court, the athlete’s energy is put on bettering his body. According to the Lakers forward, being mindful of what he puts into his body now is a far cry from the foods he ate out of necessity.
“I grew up not having a lot of money, so I ate no-frills brand fried chicken,” Artest said. “Everything was no-frills brand oils, butter, lots of salts—the cheapest way to make it. Luckily I ran a lot.”
Artest’s youthful motivation to stay fit carried over into his adult life and work on the court. The sports figure is adamant about working out regularly as he confessed to pushing himself to the limit whenever he exercises.
Like many visitors to the gym, Artest utilizes music to help make his workouts more fun. So much so that he has created a rap song about working out, a move he does not regret.
“I’m an athlete, and I rap," said Artest, who officially entered the world of rap with the 2006 release of his debut album, My World. "People ask me ‘Why [did] you make a song like that?' Because that’s what I do. I workout.”
The March issue of Men’s Fitness featuring Ron Artest hits newsstands on Monday (January 25).
From AllHipHop.com
http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/01/22/22103909.aspx
Kimora Returns For Third Season Of 'Life in the Fab Lane'
Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:30 PM
By Nolan Strong
The Style Network as ordered seven one-hour episodes of Kimora Lee Simmons' TV show Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane.
The third season of the show features Simmons as she raises her family, while simultaneously acting as CEO of Baby Phat, a company started with ex-husband/Hip-Hop mogul Russell Simmons.
The premiere episode features Kimora in the final stages of her pregnancy, in addition to the birth of her son and third child Kenzo Lee, whose father is actor Djimon Hounsou.
As she celebrates the birth of her new son, Kimora must also finish remodeling her Beverly Hills home within the month.
The second episode features Kimora making final preparations for Fashion Week in New York, while attempting to help her girls go back to school, which is conveniently located in 3,000 miles away, in Los Angeles.
Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane premieres Sunday, March 21 at 9:00 PM.
A stand alone special will kick off the new season titled Kimora’s Home Movies: Baby Kenzo’s Birth.
The half-hour special debuts on Sunday, February 14 at 10:00 PM and features never before seen personal home videos documenting the birth of Kenzo Lee.
From AllHipHop.com
http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/01/21/22102908.aspx
Rick Ross' First Single From 'Teflon Don' Leaks
Thursday, January 21, 2010 10:51 PM
By Nolan Strong
(AllHipHop News) Fans of Miami rapper Rick Ross were treated to a glimpse of his upcoming album Teflon Don tonight (January 21), as the debut single "Mafia Music II" was leaked to the Internet.
The new track features Ross rhyming over and beat produced by The Olympiks and features Chrisette Michele.
Teflon Don is Rick Ross's follow-up album to his 2008 release Deeper Than Rap.
"And those that are from Miami that know that was Ross’ original rap name, Teflon Don. Trust me, we are making some crazy music man. We gonna make them anthems that have the club going crazy,” producer DJ Khaled stated.
Deeper Than Rap sold 150,000 copies upon it's release in April of 2009 and debuted at number one on Billboard's Top 200 charts.
The album has moved over 350,00 copies to date and produced the hit single “Magnificent” featuring R&B crooner John Legend, which peaked at #5 on Billboard's Hot Rap Tracks chart.
At the end of the song, Rick Ross thanks a number of criminals, including Meyer Lansky, Gambino heads Paul Castellano, Carlo Gambino and John Gotti, as well as Al Capone, Bumpy Johnson, Crips founder Tookie Williams and Bloods founder T. Rodgers.
Teflon Don is due in stores in 2010.
From AllHipHop.com
http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/01/21/22103665.aspx
DX News Bits: Swizz Beatz, Wyclef Jean, Prince
January 23, 2010 10:01:00 AM CST | by Salima Koroma
After Swizz Beatz and U2 member The Edge confirmed a collaboration with Jay-Z to record a Haiti relief song, Swizzy recently explained how the effort came about. "The idea of the song is 'We're not gonna leave you stranded," Swizz told Rolling Stone about the song that may be titled "Haiti Mon Amour' or 'Stranded.' "And that what the chorus is. So me and Bono started going and forth with ideas, and he was like, 'You know this word stranded keeps standing out to me,' and I asked him to sing it, and he put me on hold, 'cause he's recording the ideas on a Dictaphone — so he did it there and then on the phone." Jay-Z later added the verses.
Rihanna was also added to the song to give it a softer touch. Swizz explains, "The last component that I added was Rihanna, and she's kinda like the angel that's on the track, softening it up and giving it that caring feeling, because this hook is so powerful." Rihanna, a Caribbean native herself said in a radio interview on Thursday that she felt a personal connection with the victims of the earthquake. "In the Caribbean, we think of ourselves as one big family, one country. We're all together. We all represent each other. It's like [the earthquake] happened to Barbados."
The song premiered on Friday night during George Clooney and MTV's telethon "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief."
In related news, Wyclef Jean has hired a new accounting firm for his foundation Yele after the organization was recently questioned for its handling of finances. The foundation was criticized when reports surfaced revealing that some donations were being used to fund events not related to Hatian aid.
The new firm, RSM McGladrey, will oversee the millions of dollars in donations, and says it will distribute them directly to the relief effort.
In unrelated news, Prince has recorded a song for the Minnesota Vikings in celebration of the football team's 34-3 playoff win against the Dallas Cowboys last week. The lyrics to the song, appropriately titled "Purple and Gold," are posted on the Vikings official team website. Prince, who is a Minnesota native, was spotted attending the playoff game last week. The Vikings will face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at the Superdome.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10495/title.dx-news-bits-swizz-beatz-wyclef-jean-prince
Damain & Nas release the 1st single off Distant Relatives
January 23, 2010 12:01:00 AM CST | by ShaBillionaire
Word from Damian & Nas’s camp is that Strong Will Continue , the single that leaked yesterday will not be on the new album. Actually let me rephrase that, the version you are hearing, will not be on the new album. Instead there is a rumored missing Nas verse and different sound all together.
“We are extremely happy with the response that we have been receiving from the leaked version of Strong Will Continue,” said Dan Dalton of Red Light Management, Damian Manager. “While it is not the initial single we planned to release these things happen. The first track we really want everyone to sink their teeth into is "As We Enter". This is it, the ball rolling, we are really excited about the project.”
Dan also confirmed that the album will be mastered next week and will be ready to go right after that.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10496/title.damain-nas-release-the-1st-single-off-distant-relatives
Ice Cube’s Raiders Documentary Receives Official Premiere Date
January 22, 2010 12:01:00 PM CST | by Danielle Harling
According to a press release, rapper Ice Cube’s documentary on the NFL football team the Raiders has finally been given a premiere date.
The documentary, which is entitled Straight Outta L.A., will be a part of sports network ESPN’s 30 For 30 series, a documentary series that will feature 30 films in honor of ESPN’s 30th anniversary. Ice Cube’s documentary will premiere on May 4, 2010.
Straight Outta L.A. was created to show the correlation between the Raiders’ move to Los Angeles and Hip Hop and culture in the city.
“The music, lyrics and images that I created with N.W.A. as a solo artist and as an actor helped turn the Raiders into something more than a football team,” Ice Cube said in a statement last year. “It’s been 21 years since we released ‘Straight Outta Compton,’ but to this day, kids all over the world buy Raiders gear, imitate the ‘Gangster Rap’ style and try to connect with the South Central L.A. vibe that we brought to the masses.”
ESPN’s 30 For 30 series will also include The Sixteenth Man a documentary by actor Morgan Freeman as well as a number of other documentary’s created by well known athletes, actors, and more.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10493/title.ice-cubes-raiders-documentary-receives-official-premiere-date
"Gangsta Bitch" Maker, Rapper Apache Dies
January 22, 2010 01:01:00 PM CST | by Jake Paine
Onetime Flavor Unit emcee Apache (born Anthony Teaks) has been pronounced dead, according to AllHipHop.com. The rapper died of a protracted illness, although information is limited at this time. Known largely for his 1992 hit "Gangsta Bitch," Apache was a hardcore act within Queen Latifah and 45 King's Flavor Unit roster. He worked with both hit-makers, as well as fellow Tommy Boy stars Naughty By Nature and Flavor Unit original emcee Lakim Shabazz.
Like Just Ice and Freddie Foxxx before him, Apache carried a hard delivery and an outspoken style. Many believe his hit single was a companion to MC Lyte's "Ruffneck," another assertion for hardcore imagery amidst the R&B/G Funk climate dominating Hip Hop by the early '90s.
A Newark, New Jersey native, Apache followed his 1992 album with 1993's Apache Ain't Shit. Lacking success halted further development of Apache, although he would continue to appear alongside artists such as Fat Joe and A Tribe Called Quest.
Author and Hip Hop scholar Adisa Banjoko, who says he had the pleasure of meeting Apache at a Bay area Gavin Convention, told HipHopDX.com upon hearing the news, "I think its hard for the youngsters of today generation of Hip Hop to understand the impact an artist like Apache had on their ability to exist. He knew how to be lyriclly hard and still have fun on the mic. He defined himself as a rapper, but was not defined by title."
Kid Capri also confirmed the news via his Twitter page.
Apache's age was unknown, but visit AllHipHop to get a reaction statement from Flavor Unit.
This happens less than a week after fellow Rap veteran Queens' Killa Sha died.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10494/title.gangsta-bitch-maker-rapper-apache-dies
Lupe Fiasco To Perform In Support Of Democratic Candidate
January 22, 2010 11:01:00 AM CST | by Edwin Ortiz
Chi-town emcee Lupe Fiasco will be performing on January 28 in support of current state senate candidate Cherlye Jackson.
Jackson, who heads the Chicago Urban League, announced her candidacy for Illinois Senator last fall after current incumbent Roland Burris declined to finish his full term following a senate appointment scandal.
“I am running to fight for our families and to help our communities all around the state of Illinois prosper, particularly at a time of such tough economic declines,” said Jackson. “The people of Illinois deserve an honest, independent broker and a bold advocate in Congress who is a problem solver and not another politician.”
The performance will take place at The Shrine Chicago. Tickets for the event are $30, and doors open at 8 p.m. All proceeds will be donated to Jackson’s senate campaign. Lupe Fiasco’s third studio album Lasers will be released later this year.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10492/title.lupe-fiasco-to-perform-in-support-of-democratic-candidate
Cam'ron & Vado Form The U.N., Ready March Album
January 22, 2010 10:01:00 AM CST | by Allen Jacobs
Although he was not part of 2009 album Crime Pays, Cam'ron has been hard at work developing Harlem rapper Vado. The two have appeared together throughout Cam'ron's recent mixtape run, including Boss Of All Bosses 2 , with DJ Drama. Throughout the intro the aforementioned tape, The Diplomats CEO thanked the Asylum/Warner executives for granting him permission to go Koch Entertainment, now called E1.
Late yesterday it was announced that Vado and Cam are indeed working with Cam's longtime home to various Diplomat releases, Jim Jones and Duke Da God. Known as the The U.N., Cam and Vado are quickly announcing their March 23 album, Gunz N' Butta.
Although tracklistings have yet to be released, Cam'ron is reportedly "on every song" from the album, a project that has excited both parties. "Cam’ron said in a statement, “[E1 Music President President] Alan Grunblatt is a true visionary in Hip Hop. I am thrilled to work with him again. We gonna make history. It’s all about the new movement.” Grunblatt countered the compliment saying, “Cam helped take E1 (KOCH) to the next level with our Diplomats deal. Cam is a true visionary and I’m thrilled to be working with him again.”
The first single is called "Clap."
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10491/title.camron-vado-form-the-un-ready-march-album
Black Moon, Freddie Foxxx Appear On Ruste Juxx & Marco Polo LP
January 22, 2010 09:01:00 AM CST | by Jake Paine
After finding critical success last year working with fellow Duck Down label-mate Torae on Double Barrel (which HipHopDX put as one of the Top 25 Albums of 2009), Canadian-turned-New York producer Marco Polo is set to work with Ruste Juxx. Juxx, the veteran Sean Price protege released his debut in late 2008.
The eXXecution as it's slated to be called, will release March 23. The Duck Down release will include several label-mates, including Duck Down founding outfit Black Moon, Sean Price, west coast-based turntablist DJ Revolution and Rockness Monstah. Also included on the song "Take Money" is veteran hardcore emcee Freddie Foxxx, who previously told DX that he and Marco are in talks to do a future collaborative full-length of their own.
The present tracklisting is below:
1. The eXXecution Intro (feat. DJ Revolution)
2. Death Penalty (feat. DJ Revolution)
3. Rearview
4. Take Money (feat. Rock (of Heltah Skeltah & Freddie Foxxx)
5. I'm On It
6. Bread On Ya Head
7. Think Back (feat. Black Moon)
8. Watch Yo Step
9. Nobody
10. Wings On Your Back
11. Fuckin Wit A Gangsta (feat. Sean Price (of Heltah Skeltah)
12. Unstoppable
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10490/title.black-moon-freddie-foxxx-appear-on-ruste-juxx-marco-polo-lp
DX News Bits: Ludacris, Omarion
January 22, 2010 12:09:00 AM CST | by Slava Kuperstein
Ludacris recently revealed that his highly-anticipated duet album with Shawnna, Battle of the Sexes, will be dropping March 16.
In an interview with radio DJs and media, the Atlanta, GA rapper said that the album would include guest spots from Nicki Minaj, Lil Kim and Trina.
In other news, Omarion has landed the job as the new judge for "America's Best Dance Crew," which is set to premiere its new season on Thursday (Jan. 28).
The R&B singer replaces Shane Sparks, who was arrested on eight counts of child molestation in December.
"I'm so excited to be a judge on MTV's 'America's Best Dance Crew'," said the singer. "Dancing and performing is what I do and being a judge on this show will allow me to give creative feedback to the newest and hottest dancers on the rise."
In addition, Omarion has released is third album, Ollusion, which entered the charts at no. 19 on the Billboard 200 this week.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10489/title.dx-news-bits-ludacris-omarion
DX News Bits: Jay-Z, Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie
January 21, 2010 05:01:00 PM CST | by Salima Koroma
In an interview with the Village Voice on Tuesday, Jay-Z described the inspiration for his first No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100, "Empire State of Mind" He explained the metaphor behind the track, and how it reflected a bittersweet quality of New York City.
"That's why the third verse is dark, because, at the same time, the city is intoxicating," he said. "It can sweep you up, and you can get sidetracked. You come here, and you take the city for granted—nightlife, things like that. I've seen it a million times. I've seen people come into the city—new girls come into town, and next month, they're gone."
After hearing the beat for the first time, Jay said he was "two seconds away" from calling Mary J. Blige who the rapper had collaborated with in the past. However, after hearing the song's melody and piano sound, he decided that singer Alicia Keys would better fit the song and add to the track's commercial appeal. Despite the song's ode to New York, it did well on the charts and on radio stations around the country.
Hov also added that his favorite songs of 2009 were, interestingly enough, not Hip Hop tracks.
"I think my #1 favorite is the Kings of Leon, 'Use Somebody,' " he revealed. "Actually, it's a tie between the two singles they had this year. 'Sex on Fire,' too. [Caleb Followill's] voice, and the heart and soul in that, was incredible for me."
In other news, Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie plan to produce a remake of "We Are The World" in celebration of the historic track's 25th anniversary, and in support of the relief effort in Haiti, according to Billboard.com. After the Grammys on Jan. 31, the duo plans to enlist artists like Usher, John Legend, Natalie Cole, and other nominees to participate in recording the track.
Other musicians who may appear on the song are Alicia Keys, Sting, Wyclef Jean, and Justin Timberlake.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10488/title.dx-news-bits-jay-z-quincy-jones-and-lionel-richie
Kanye West Snubbed By George Clooney Haiti Telethon
January 21, 2010 01:01:00 PM CST | by Allen Jacobs
Kanye West's outspoken reputation has left him on the outside looking in, says the gossip site Popeater. Tomorrow, celebrities from various mediums will partake in a George Clooney-hosted telethon to raise aid and relief for last week's tragic earthquake in Haiti, a disaster that has reportedly taken the lives of nearly 200,000.
Not invited was Kanye West, who previously stirred controversy when he said, then-United States President "George Bush doesn't care about black people." Someone on the production staff spoke to Popeater, and cited that 2005 incident, as well as the MTV Video Music Awards incident with Taylor Swift last year as reason enough to not include the Chicago superstar.
"Kayne [sic] has to make everything about himself. He will do anything to steal the spotlight and, well, this night it's just not about him," said the anonymous "producing partner."
The special, airing tomorrow evening on all major networks, including MTV, will however feature on-site reporting in Haiti from Wyclef Jean. The onetime Fugees front-man and prolific producer has raised over one million dollars in aid in less than a week.
Check local listings for times.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10486/title.kanye-west-snubbed-by-george-clooney-haiti-telethon
DX News Bits: Drake, KRS-One, Kurupt
January 21, 2010 11:01:00 AM CST | by Danielle Harling
Canadian rapper Drake had quite the year in 2009, his mixtape So Far Gone was a tremendous success and now a top magazine has named Drake 2009’s “Rapper Of The Year.”
Spin Magazine reveals that Drake is their “Rapper Of The Year” in their January/February 2010 issue.
“Being the new guy in the game is hard,” Drake told Spin. “People don’t want to accept the fact that there could be another artist on a Jay-Z level, on a Kanye level. No matter what I do on this album, no matter if I rap ten, 20, 30 times better than on So Far Gone, people are still gonna be like, ‘This isn’t as good as his last shit. We’re over it.’”
In other Hip Hop news, KRS-One and producer True Master have revealed, via a video promo, that they will be working together on a new album entitled Meta Historical.
The video promo simply revealed that the album will be “coming soon.”
Rapper Kurupt also revealed some interesting news via video as well this month.
In a video posted on YouTube, Kurupt speaks on an upcoming reunion album with Hip Hop group Four Horsemen.
“It’s Horsemen time. Me and M-Eighty is putting this plan together,” Kurupt explained. “You understand me? To do this right. We’re gonna rack up Cani, Ras, Priest. We gonna put together one of the best albums you can hear possibly to this day. It’s definitely gonna be one of the best. Definitely gonna be one of the best Horsemen projects we have ever done.”
No other details on the project have been revealed.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10485/title.dx-news-bits-drake-krs-one-kurupt
Flavor Flav In Las Vegas Car Accident
January 21, 2010 11:01:00 AM CST | by Allen Jacobs
Public Enemy's Flavor Flav was in a late night car crash in Las Vegas yesterday. TMZ.com broke the story nine hours this morning.
There was a two-crash between the rapper and television personality's Cadillac Escalade and an unidentifiable red car. No arrests were made, or hospital information released. Flav reportedly rode with the tow truck driver from the scene.
TMZ did say there is more to the story developing.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10483/title.flavor-flav-in-las-vegas-car-accident
Copyright Criminals Tackles Issue Of Sampling
January 21, 2010 09:27:00 AM CST | by Edwin Ortiz
With the issue of sampling and the legal ramifications behind it becoming more and more prevalent in Hip Hop, a new documentary produced by Benjamin Franzen and Kembrew McLeod seeks to answer the question of who truly owns music created through samples.
Titled Copyright Criminals, the documentary features over a dozen interviews with some of Hip Hop’s most recognizable figures, including Pete Rock, El-P, Chuck D of Public Enemy, De La Soul, and Bobbito Garcia.
Along with artists who have sampled during their careers, Copyright Criminals also highlights a handful of artists who themselves have been sampled. One musician in particular is drummer Clyde Stubblefield, who played in James Brown’s band during recording sessions. “I didn’t know anything about sampling until people came up and said some other artist is using your drum pattern…So many groups have sampled my stuff,” explains Stubblefield in the documentary. “They say I’m the world’s number one sampled drummer; I haven’t got a penny for it yet though.”
Copyright Criminals will be available January 26 via Amazon.com and iTunes, as well as in select local retail DVD stores.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10481/title.copyright-criminals-tackles-issue-of-sampling
Fabolous Postpones Mixtape Out Of Respect For Haiti
January 21, 2010 09:01:00 AM CST | by Andres Tardio
Fabolous has decided to postpone the release of his anticipated mixtape Funeral Service: There is no Competition 2 as a reaction to the tragic disaster in Haiti, according to the rapper's recent comments. Fab took to his Twitter account to announce that he would hold off on the release, noting this tape's title may not be appropriate for the times.
Recently, he posted these three updates on his page.
"I appreciate everyone lookin 4 & forward to #TiNc2.. It will b #classic.. But in light of the haiti tradegy imma hold of til end of Jan."
"Its very sad & tragic, & tho I has previously scheduled 2 release it, don't feel good bout talkin "funeral" n these times. Patience 4 #TiNc2"
"Its only a week, 10 days at most.. And its crazy.. Anyone who's heard any of the #TiNc2 mixtape please vouch that its crazy!"
Although it mentions that it will drop at the end of January, no word has been given on the finalized date of the release.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10480/title.fabolous-postpones-mixtape-out-of-respect-for-haiti
Ja Rule Faces Up To 4 Years In Prison For Gun Charge
January 21, 2010 12:44:00 AM CST | by Slava Kuperstein
Ja Rule's bid to keep a loaded gun found in his vehicle from being used against him in a weapons-possession case was denied on Wednesday (Jan 20).
Manhattan state Supreme Court Justice Richard Carruthers rejected the rapper's contention that he had been pulled over without probable cause after a July 2007 concert, according to abcnews.com.
Prosecutors stated that the stop was justified because the chauffeured vehicle was driving over the speed limit, and had suspended registration and no insurance. Ja's lawyer, Stacey Richman, says police were simply looking for an excuse to pull him over.
Police reported that they smelled marijuana, and found a .40-caliber semiautomatic in the rear driver's side door.
Despite the fact that the rapper had said he had "a little bit of weed" in his pocket, he is not being charged with drug possession.
If convicted, Ja Rule faces up to four years in prison.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10479/title.ja-rule-faces-up-to-4-years-in-prison-for-gun-charge
Snoop Dogg Releases More Malice Follow-Up Album
January 20, 2010 07:01:00 PM CST | by Danielle Harling
Due to the success of rapper Snoop Dogg’s last album, Malice N Wonderland, the rapper has decided to release a new project entitled More Malice.
More Malice will feature five songs from Malice N Wonderland as well as five new tracks and two remixes.
"The response to Malice N Wonderland has been so incredible that I had to drop another banger for the fans. They have been asking for more - so I'm giving them More Malice,” said Snoop. “I also wanted everyone to get something special so we are adding a mini-movie to the mix - with me in the starring role. The homie Jamie Foxx came through to be a part of it as well - between the action and the storyline, people are in for a big surprise."
As an added bonus More Malice will also come with a mini-movie featuring Snoop, Jamie Foxx, Xzibit, and Nipsey Hussle. In the 40-minute movie Snoop plays a superhero by the name of Malice who fights crime in his city of Wonderland.
More Malice and the accompanying movie will be released on March 23, 2010.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10478/title.snoop-dogg-releases-more-malice-follow-up-album
Zion I Performs Nationwide Tour, Offers Free Songs
January 20, 2010 06:01:00 PM CST | by Jake Paine
Bay area veteran duo Zion I has announced their latest tour. Joined by Reggae/Rock group Rebelution, The Takeover tour is in support of their 2009 album of the same name. The group is presently offering five free downloads of album songs on zionicrew.com/download.
"We're excited to go out on the road with these cats," explained Zumbi in a statement, "And vibe off an entirely different crowd and audience.
January 20, 2010 Wednesday San Francisco CA The Fillmore
January 21, 2010 Thursday San Francisco CA The Fillmore
January 22, 2010 Friday Portland OR Roseland Theatre
January 23, 2010 Saturday Seattle WA Showbox at the Market
January 24, 2010 Sunday Eugene OR W.O.W. Hall
January 26, 2010 Tuesday Bellingham WA Wild Buffalo
January 27, 2010 Wednesday Boise ID Knitting Factory
January 28, 2010 Thursday Salt Lake City UT The Depot
January 29, 2010 Friday Denver CO Gothic Theater
January 30, 2010 Saturday Boulder CO Boulder Theater
January 31, 2010 Sunday Omaha NE Slowdown
February 02, 2010 Tuesday Madison, WI Majestic Theater
February 03, 2010 Wednesday Minneapolis MN Fine Line Music Café
February 04, 2010 Thursday Chicago IL House of Blues
February 05, 2010 Friday Grand Rapids MI The Intersection
February 06, 2010 Saturday Columbus OH Newport Music Hall
February 07, 2010 Sunday Toledo, OH Frankie’s
February 10, 2010 Wednesday Boston MA House of Blues
February 11, 2010 Thursday New York NY Fillmore @ Irving Plaza
February 12, 2010 Friday Washington DC 9:30 Club
February 13, 2010 Saturday Philadelphia PA Fillmore @ Theatre of The Living Arts
February 14, 2010 Sunday Norfolk VA The NorVa *NO SOJA
February 17, 2010 Wednesday Atlanta GA The Masquerade
February 18, 2010 Thursday Ybor City FL The Ritz
February 19, 2010 Friday Orlando FL House of Blues
February 20, 2010 Saturday Jacksonville Beach FL Freebird Live
February 21, 2010 Sunday Jacksonville Beach FL Freebird Live
February 24, 2010 Wednesday New Orleans LA House of Blues
February 25, 2010 Thursday Houston TX House of Blues
February 26, 2010 Friday Austin TX Stubb’s
February 27, 2010 Saturday Dallas TX House of Blues
February 28, 2010 Sunday San Antonio, TX Scout Bar
March 02, 2010 Tuesday Tucson AZ Rialto Theatre
March 03, 2010 Wednesday Tempe AZ Marquee Theatre
March 04, 2010 Thursday San Diego CA House of Blues
March 05, 2010 Friday San Diego CA House of Blues
March 06, 2010 Saturday W. Hollywood CA House of Blues
March 07, 2010 Sunday W. Hollywood CA House of Blues
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10477/title.zion-i-performs-nationwide-tour-offers-free-songs
Mos Def, De La Soul, Snoop To Appear On Gorillaz' Plastic Beach
January 20, 2010 04:01:00 PM CST | by Jake Paine
Already deemed one of the Top 25 Most Anticipated Albums of 2010 earlier today, The Gorillaz announced more details regarding their March 9 album Plastic Beach.
The cartoon group's third album, and first in five years, sees them working with some old friends in Rap icons De La Soul. Other notable Hip Hop guests include Mos Def and Snoop Dogg.
Also included is '60s and '70s R&B icon Bobby Womack and onetime Velvet Underground front-man Lou Reed, among others. Plastic Beach's first single is the Mos Def-assisted "Stylo." The song will premier January 26.
Earlier today, HipHopDX reported that the Gorillaz will be headlining Coachella this year, along with Jay-Z.
The full tracklisting is below:
1. Orchestral Intro
2. Welcome To The World Of The Plastic Beach (feat. Snoop Dogg and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble)
3. White Flag (feat. Kano & Bashy)
4. Rhinestone Eyes
5. Stylo (feat. Bobby Womack and Mos Def)
6. Superfast Jellyfish (feat. Gruff Rhys and De La Soul)
7. Empire Ants (feat. Little Dragon)
8. Glitter Freeze (feat. Mark E Smith)
9. Some Kind Of Nature (feat. Lou Reed)
10. On Melancholy Hill
11. Broken
12. Sweepstakes (feat. Mos Def & Hypnotic Brass Ensemble)
13. Plastic Beach (feat. Mick Jones & Paul Simonon)
14. To Binge (feat. Little Dragon)
15. Cloud Of Unknowing (feat. Bobby Womack)
16. Pirate Jet
The Gorillaz have sold over 12 million worldwide albums to date.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10476/title.mos-def-de-la-soul-snoop-to-appear-on-gorillaz-plastic-beach
B.o.B., Jay Electronica, J. Cole Included In Complex's Top 25 2010 List
January 20, 2010 03:01:00 PM CST | by Jake Paine
2010 may be the year for the Rap rookie release, if Complex.com is right. The staff over at Marc Ecko's online publication selected 25 albums that they deem most anticipated for 2010. While the list includes acts beyond the Hip Hop genre such as M.I.A., Yeasayer, MGMT and The-Dream, it was also a very Rap-centric list.
Included are first time album-makers B.o.B., Jay Electronica, Nicki Minaj and J. Cole. Heavyweights such as Eminem's Relapse 2 and Kanye West's forthcoming project are also included. While Lil Wayne has made the list, Rebirth did not.
This ranked list includes a breakdown of slated collaborators and personnel, and context for each album.
Click here to check out Complex's 25 Most Anticipated Albums Of 2010.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10475/title.bob-jay-electronica-j-cole-included-in-complexs-top-25-2010-list
Jay-Z, Muse & The Gorillaz To Headline Coachella 2010
January 20, 2010 08:01:00 AM CST | by Andres Tardio
Coachella 2010 will be another festival with a large list of musicians gathering for three days in Indio, California. The event, which has had a history of showcasing various genres, will have three different headliners for each night. Jay-Z, Muse and the Gorillaz have been named as headliners.
Wale, Corinne Bailey Rae, Mayer Hawthorne, David Guetta, P.O.S. and Gil Scott-Heron
Tickets for the event will be sold on the Coachella site at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 22. Travel packages, camping information, hotels, shuttles and more can be researched on the site, as well.
For a full list of the three-day line-up, check below.
Friday, April 16: Jay-Z, LCD Soundsystem, Them Crooked Vultures, Vampire Weekend, Deadmau5, Public Image Limited, the Specials, Grizzly Bear, Passion Pit, Echo and the Bunnymen, Benny Benassi, Fever Ray, Grace Jones, She & Him, Erol Alkan, the Avett Brothers, Calle 13, the Whitest Boy Alive, the Cribs, La Roux, Yeasayer, Lucero, DJ Lance Rock, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Proxy, Ra Ra Riot, Deer Tick, Wolfgang Gartner, Aeroplane, Iglu & Hartly, Sleigh Bells, P.O.S., Baroness, Hockey, Little Dragon, White Rabbits, Wale, Kate Miller-Heidke, As Tall as Lions, Jets Overhead, Alana Grace, Pablo Hassan.
Saturday, April 17: Muse, Faith No More, Tiësto, MGMT, David Guetta, the Dead Weather, Hot Chip, Devo, Coheed and Cambria, Kaskade, 2Many DJ's, Major Lazer, Dirty Projectors, Gossip, Z-Trip, the xx, John Waters, Les Claypool, the Raveonettes, Mew, Sia, Camera Obscura, Tokyo Police Club, Porcupine Tree, Old Crow Medicine Show, Aterciopelados, Bassnectar, Frightened Rabbit, Dirty South, Flying Lotus, Corinne Bailey Rae, Pretty Lights, Shooter Jennings, RX Bandits, the Almighty Defenders, Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros, Craze & Klever, Zoe, the Temper Trap, Portugal. The Man, Band of Skulls, Girls, Beach House, Steel Train, Frank Turner.
Sunday, April 18: Gorillaz, Pavement, Thom Yorke, Phoenix, Orbital, Spoon, Sly and the Family Stone, De La Soul, Julian Casablancas, Plastikman, Gary Numan, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Sunny Day Real Estate, Yo La Tengo, MUTEMATH, Deerhunter, Infected Mushroom, Club 75, Matt & Kim, the Big Pink, Gil Scott-Heron, King Khan and the Shrines, Florence and the Machine, Yann Tiersen, Little Boots, Miike Snow, Talvin Singh, Ceu, B.o.B., Babasonicos, Owen Pallett, the Glitch Mob, Mayer Hawthorne, Local Natives, Rusko, the Middle East, Hadouken!, the Soft Pack, Kevin Devine, Paparazzi, Delphic, One EskimO.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10472/title.jay-z-muse-the-gorillaz-to-headline-coachella-2010
Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 1/17/2010
January 20, 2010 09:01:00 AM CST | by Allen Jacobs
Alicia Keys and Mary J Blige held their one-two punch for a third consecutive week. Released a week earlier than Blige, Element Of Freedom, Keys' album took the #5 spot (behind Lady Gaga, Ke$ha, Susan Boyle and surprising indie Rock #1 debut from Vampire Weekend). Keys' J Records release still appears two weeks away from platinum. Blige's Stronger (With Every Tear), a Geffen project went respectively to #7 (separated by another Gaga release, an EP). The two have been leaders (along with Rihanna and Robin Thicke), of an R&B/Pop takeover on the charts since October.
The Black Eyed Peas remained in the Top 10 with The E.N.D.. The Los Angeles-based quartet continues to fluctuate on the charts unlike typical urban releases. The release may be soon to reach double-platinum, a rarity in the present climate.
Rihanna slid two simple spots to #13. With increased radio spins and various authorized and unauthorized remixes to her "Hard" single, she represented Def Jam lovely with her Rated R break from silence. Last week she achieved a gold plaque to coincide with her "fan mail from 27 million."
Lil Wayne gave rebirth to the compilation. We Are Young Money remained in the Top 20. The project proves to be Universal Motown's top Rap priority leading up to Rebirth. The Rap industry will see whether Drake or Nicki is the first to release a solo album in 2010.
* Please note: figures below approximated to nearest thousandeth.
Top 200 Album Sales (Top 5 Hip Hop/R&B)
Rank Artist Album This Week Est. Total
5
Alicia Keys
Element of Freedom
48,000
889,000
7 Mary J Blige
Stronger (With Every Tear)
35,000
475,000
10
Black Eyed Peas
The E.N.D.
32,000
1,855,000
13
Rihanna
Rated R
24,000
550,000
18
Young Money
We Are Young Money
21,000
232,000
Omarion was one of the lone new additions to the charts this past week. His third solo LP, Ollusion, debuted in the Top 20. Released on Capitol/EMI, the album features Gucci Mane as well as Watts DXnext alum Jay Rock, although has garnered very mixed reviews.
The repackaging of Eminem's Relapse (as Relapse: Refill) with a handful of new songs, continues to prove as excellence in Interscope Records' business plan. The release came in at #23 last week, and will try to usher the Dr. Dre-produced effort to hard-to-earn 2,000,000 mark.
Jay-Z's Blueprint 3 heads towards the 1.6 million mark. In classic Blueprint marketing form, the Brooklyn emcee has two singles rotating in radio: the Mr. Hudson-assisted cover of Alphaville's "Forever Young" and the Swizz Beatz-helmed "On To The Next." As these singles penetrate new Alt and Pop markets, Jay-Z may easily be able to achieve two million units sold on this project as well.
50 Cent is at 365,000 with Before I Self Destruct. The Interscope album may be Fif's last with his second major label. Earlier this week, Young Buck, onetime G-Unit artist asked for a sit down with his boss (who still holds his recording contract), after three years of turmoil. If that happens, expect a media blitz and potentially album movement.
After watching their former manager get sentenced to football numbers earlier this month, The Clipse remain trying to seek six figure sales with Til The Casket Drops. The Virginia veteran duo, and dope-rap pioneers released a new video this week, in DJ Khalil-produced "Freedom." The video addresses the recent controversy, while their album features Cam'ron and Kanye West.
Rank Artist Album This Week Est. Total
19
Omarion
Ollusion
19,000
19,000
23
Eminem Relapse 17,000
1,777,000
26
Jay-Z
Blueprint 3
15,000
1,549,000
66
50 Cent
Before I Self Destruct
7,300
365,000
163
Clipse
Til The Casket Drops
2,900
62,000
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10474/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-1-17-2010
Supreme Court Tosses Out Mumia Abu-Jamal Sentence
January 20, 2010 01:01:00 AM CST | by Slava Kuperstein
The Supreme Court has tossed out a previous ruling that had nullfied the death sentence for Mumia Abu-Jamal, reports CNN.
Abu-Jamal was convicted of gunning down a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania police officer over 28 years ago. His sentencing has been a subject of much controversy due to Abu-Jamal's claims of procedural errors, in addition to too few blacks on the jury.
Pennsylvania officials appealed the 2008 ruling that went in Abu-Jamal's favor. The justices announced their decision on Monday (Jan. 18), granting a new sentencing hearing.
The appeals court has the option of reimposing the death sentences or ordering a new federal trial.
Witnesses say Abu-Jamal shot Officer Daniel Faulkner, 25, in the back and in the head when Faulkner pulled his brother over at a late-night traffic stop. Abu-Jamal was wounded in the encounter, and subsequently confessed to the killing.
During his time in prison, Abu-Jamal became an outspoken critic of the criminal justice system, and published several books.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10470/title.supreme-court-tosses-out-mumia-abu-jamal-sentence
DX News Bits: Trae's "Houston For Haiti" Event, Anthony "Scoe" Walker
January 20, 2010 12:01:00 AM CST | by Salima Koroma
On Monday night, Houston rapper Trae Tha Truth joined fellow Texan and former labelmate at Rap-a-Lot Records, Bun B during a show organized to help raise donations for the victims of last week's 7.0 earthquake in Haiti. It is not clear how much the 'Houston For Haiti' event raised, although the Houston Press estimated an amount close to $10,000.
Vince Young, a Houston native and quarterback for the Tennessee Titans also made an appearance, presenting Bun B with a relief check of $2,000. Others showed up to the event, including Slim Thug, the Botany Boyz, and Brian Andrews from Day26.
In other news, producer and A&R Anthony "Scoe" Walker has launched his new artist development agency, Temp Music Management. Having produced tracks for artists like 8ball and MJG, talent on Bad Boy Records, and serving as A&R during Rick Ross's Rise to Power, project through Suavehouse Records, Walker's aim is to "utilize his relationships with music executives, lawyers, and producer's to consult new talent on what they need to make themselves label ready," before artists meet with record labels.
Walker will launch the new website in February, and has brought on producer and former Bad Boy artist Mario Winans, co-manager of R&B group 112, Monica, and Jagged Edge Kevin Wales, and others as executives of the development company.
For more information, visit tempmusicmanagement.com.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10469/title.dx-news-bits-traes-houston-for-haiti-event-anthony-scoe-walker
King Tee, Rappin' 4-Tay, Ras Kass On Snoop Dogg's West Coast Blueprint
January 20, 2010 12:01:00 AM CST | by Jake Paine
Snoop Dogg is representing hard for veterans lately. Between enlisting MC Eiht, Kam and Goldie Loc to his Warzone group, re-releasing Priority Records classics from EPMD, Master P and Eazy E, Snoop has put together his West Coast Blueprint album.
To be released on February 23, the 21 track compilation features various gems from the Priority and Capitol catalogs. Included is WC's breakout hit (with DJ Alladin in Low Profile), "Pay Ya Dues," Latino pioneer Kid Frost on "La Raza" and early Yukmouth hit "I Got 5 On It" .
Snoop also included two versions of his cover of Ice Cube's Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five-sampling hit "Check Yo Self."
1. Introduction To The West Coast Blueprint - Snoop Dogg
2. Eazy-Duz-It - Eazy-E
3. Act A Fool - King Tee
4. No One Can Do It Better - The D.O.C.
5. Pay Ya Dues - Low Profile
6. La Raza - Kid Frost
7. Interlude - Snoop Dogg
8. Alwayz Into Somethin' - N.W.A.
9. You Can't Play With My Yo-Yo - Yo-Yo (feat. Ice Cube)
10. Check Yo Self - Ice Cube (feat. Das EFX)
11. Playaz Club - Rappin' 4-Tay
12. Interlude - Snoop Dogg
13. Foe Life - Mack 10
14. I Got 5 On It - The Luniz
15. The Evil That Men Do - Ras Kass
16. Gangstas Make The World Go Round - Westside Connection
17. 4 Tha Hustlas - Ant Banks (feat. 2Pac, MC Breed & Too $hort)
18. Nothin' But The Cavi Hit - Mack 10 (feat. Tha Dogg Pound)
19. Trust Me - Snoop Dogg (feat. Sylk E Fine & Suga Free)
20. Check Yo Self Interlude - Snoop Dogg
21. Check Yo Self (Snoop Dogg G-Mix) - Snoop Dogg (feat. Hustle Boyz)
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10471/title.king-tee-rappin-4-tay-ras-kass-on-snoop-doggs-west-coast-blueprint
Styles P Talks L.O.X., Diddy, & The Green Ghost Project January 19, 2010 04:01:00 PM CST | by Paul W Arnold
After a two-year span since his last solo effort, Styles P will be formally resurfacing next month with a new batch of his signature street-conscious raps on The Green Ghost Project (due February 2nd).
“He’s heavily into wanting to be creative, same with me,” Styles told HipHopDX last week of the project’s co-creator, DJ Green Lantern. “So, why not do something creative together? I just wanted to make something that was like a album and like a mixtape blended. That’s why it’s [titled] ‘The Project.’”
Similar to last year’s Green Lantern-assisted project with dead prez, Pulse Of The People, Styles’ new mixtape-album will have a formal retail release via Green’s Invasion Music Group.
“Nah, I wasn’t thinking about none of that,” Styles dismissively replied when asked if he was waiting for partner-in-rhyme Jadakiss to drop his reunion project with Green, last year’s The Champ Is Here Pt. 2 , to show solidarity between the Yonkers crew and the popular producer/deejay before surfacing with a Green-helmed project of his own. “I wasn’t thinking of none of that. We been talking about doing [something together] for a minute, but you know…he be running, I be running, [but] the time just came right where we could both knock some joints out and [so] we just knocked it out.”
Before the beef between ‘Kiss and Green (that erupted after a private phone conversation between the two discussing the then verbal jabs between Jada and 50 Cent was filmed and subsequently surfaced on a street DVD) had been officially squashed, Green and Styles had already resumed working together on the track “Holiday” for Styles’ last solo effort, 2007’s Super Gangster, Extraordinary Gentleman. As Styles reminded DX, Green has a long history of working with the entire D-Block camp pre, during and post beef, going back to the early ‘00s and “Mighty D-Block (2 Guns Up)” from Sheek Louch’s 2003 debut, Walk Witt Me.
Green and Styles’ newest collaboration, The Green Ghost Project, is an all-new-material release (save for the ‘08 leaked union with Junior Reid and Jadakiss, “Invasion,” as well as “Bang Time” , the Styles P/M.O.P. collabo which initially appeared on the Brownsvillian’s most recent release, Foundation). The almost-album project boasts standout selections like the stellar piano-driven Statik Selektah production “Shadows,” the gutta “Make Millions From Entertainment” (which contains the rhyme Styles spit for HipHopDX’s and director Court Dunn’s celebrated “16 Bars” video series), the soulful stunner “That’s Me,” and a track that can only be described as “Superthug 2010” for the N.O.R.E. and Uncle Murda-assisted, Green Lantern-laced “Pablo Doe.”
In addition to the aforementioned Statik Selektah produced track, additional sonic suppliers Buckwild, Scram Jones and Alchemist join Green behind the boards for the project, with Raekwon (“Time Will Tell”), Sheek Louch (“Double Trouble”) and the aforementioned all-star spitters rockin’ alongside The Ghost on what he described to DX as a collaboration of, “street dudes [who were like], ‘Let’s do some real shit for Hip Hop.’”
With a video forthcoming for the street album’s first single, “Send A Kite” , to trail the recent NahRight.com-presented, Court Dunn-directed one-shot clip for “Legal Money,” the emcee/aspiring filmmaker is officially on his visual grind.
“I’ma shoot a lot of viral joints [for songs from The Green Ghost Project],” said Styles. “I’m trying to get my little filming on myself.”
But even with all of the viral videos and promotional work put in online for The Green Ghost Project, Styles gave a rather surprising reply when asked by DX why, in this current climate, listeners should purchase a mixtape they could easily download for free?
“I ain’t telling ‘em to cop it,” Styles scoffed. “You should cop it if you wanna just get real music, but you don’t even have to cop it if you don’t wanna. I did this for the fans. I did this for love of the Hip Hop. I ain’t really put it out there to be worried about – This particular project I just did to get it off my chest. It’s something I wanted to do. I wasn’t worried about who’s gonna cop it, who’s not gonna cop it, so they don’t even have to cop it. They can just go listen to it for all I care. Don’t buy it, just take the time to respect the real Hip Hop laid down. But if you buy it I would highly appreciate it.”
In addition to what will surely be his highly appreciated project with Green Lantern, Styles confirmed to DX that The L.O.X. are currently hard at work on their long-delayed third group effort, New L.O.X. Order.
But contrary to some previous reports, Styles revealed to DX that the deal is not yet done to bring the trio back to Bad Boy Records for the release.
“We’re in the talking [stage] right now,” Styles clarified of the negotiations between the group and their first recording home. “Definitely in talkings.”
When asked if the group is talking with any other labels besides Bad Boy to release the new L.O.X. album Styles replied, “Nah, we talking to Diddy, we ain’t talking to nobody else. Ain’t no need for us to talk to nobody else.”
Given the group’s very messy move from Bad Boy to Ruff Ryders Records a decade ago, the obvious question is how did this reunion with the man they once publicly battled for their freedom come to be?
“I mean, we always doing shows – the concerts, the Summer Jam’s and all that - together, and he always spoke about it, always bringing it up,” said Styles of Diddy’s persistence in attempting to bring The L.O.X. back to Bad Boy. “And sometimes ya know…just shit happens in life. I don’t know better how to put it than that.”
Before the ink can dry on a new contract with his former recording home, Styles will be releasing some of his own ink via the fiction novel, Invincible. The book is due in April, the product of famed “Hip Hop fiction” novelist Nikki Turner’s deal with Random House to release a string of “urban fiction” titles.
“I wasn’t gonna do [a memoir of] my life in the industry and all of that kind of shit,” said Styles of his choice to pen a work of fiction. “Nah, I’m trying to display my artistry, my creativity. The storyline is basically it’s an action-mystery of a dude who has his life endangered…a dude trying to stay positive, his store ends up getting robbed, he shoots the people who robbed him, ends up going to jail, [and] while he’s in jail he gets a mystery letter from someone that wants to kill him, his lady ends up leaving him, he sees old friends – he don’t know whether he can trust ‘em or not…and it’s just an action-packed mystery adventure from The Ghost.”
Pinero casually launched his literary career one day when he found himself without anything to read, as he explained to DX, “I usually travel with a book. I ain’t have my traveling book that day and I was like, ‘You know what? I might as well give [writing my own] a shot, and it’s something I wanted to do so let me just try to keep pace and see what it do.’”
Already working on his next novel, and also aiming to start delving into film projects soon, Styles seems to be signaling the start of his post-music career.
“I’m really trying to tap into my creative side when it comes to books and films,” he noted. “You gotta do what you wanna do in life or you’ll never have no fun. I love music, but if I don’t expand and try to do the other things I wanna do I won’t be satisfied.”
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10467/title.styles-p-talks-lox-diddy-the-green-ghost-project
GZA Speaks On New Album, Collaborations and More
January 19, 2010 03:35:00 PM CST | by Andres Tardio
GZA has been working in the shadows, crafting new material. With the Wu-Tang legend, its classics and "drama" placed on the side, he is expanding his borders, unafraid to tackle new challenges. Now, GZA is determined and he has recently spoken about this, collaborating with artists from other genres and the status of a forthcoming Wu-Tang Clan album with writer Jeff Weiss.
GZA may have surprised fans by working with The Black Lips and King Khan but he says it was a natural choice to put their minds together.
"The bands were fans of Wu-Tang and I and we decided to perform together. It worked out well; they’re good musicians and we have a mutual admiration and love. The thing is, they were already connecting with me in some way first. I’d never heard their music before, but I was feeling it and when I saw both of those groups perform live, I knew I could work with them. The vibe was there."
Devendra Banhart is also working with GZA.
"I met Devendra at Coachella. I watched him and Gang Gang Dance perform and thought they both put on really great performances. I was like ‘who is this guy,’ because he was rocking, and it turned out that he was a big fan. When I met him, he told me what an honor it was and how much he loved Liquid Swords and Wu-Tang. So it was a beautiful connection."
It seems any time a Wu member is interviewed, the question of the next Wu album is innevitable. As it stands, the question is one that needs to be asked, specifically due to the group's last effort, which was followed by rumors of tension, disagreements and more. However, GZA, while speaking on it as "drama," says he is hopeful.
"I’ve got some songs done for my own album, but I’m still writing and recording. There’s been talks about doing another Wu-Tang album and going out on the road to promote it. We’ve just all got to get together and do it."
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10466/title.gza-speaks-on-new-album-collaborations-and-more
T.I. To Release New Album This Year
January 19, 2010 12:01:00 PM CST | by Danielle Harling
It seems that after being released from prison Atlanta rapper T.I. is eager to begin work creating new music. The rapper is even expected to release an album before the year is up.
“Whatever You Like” producer Jim Jonsin recently spoke with T.I. and then shared with Rap-Up.com what the rapper had to say.
“It doesn’t seem like he missed a beat,” Jonsin told Rap-Up.com. “He was so upbeat, his spirits were up, and he’s excited to be out and working. He hasn’t changed, he sounded exactly like he did when I talked to him months before he went in.”
Jonsin also revealed that T.I. is in the studio and “definitely working on an album for this year right now.” He also explained that he’s leaving all the direction to T.I.
“That’s really going to be determined by him. We’re supposed to get together or talk more about it soon,” said Jonsin. “But his last album was great and his sound already does really well, so I wouldn’t see him changing too much.”
Just last month, December 22, 2009 to be exact, T.I. was released from an Arkansas prison after serving six months. He currently resides in a halfway house in the Atlanta area.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10465/title.ti-to-release-new-album-this-year
Bun B, Jim Jones, Cam'ron, D-Block On Kay Slay's More Than A DJ
January 19, 2010 10:01:00 AM CST | by Jake Paine
DJ Kay Slay will be releasing More Than A DJ in on February 9th through E1 Entertainment. The latest in the Streetsweeper Entertainment founder's compilation series boasts a jam-packed lineup. Although the Drama King was outspoken about Plies holding out from contributions, the New York mainstay has included southern talent ranging from veterans Bun B and Yo Gotti to relative newcomers OJ Da Juiceman and Durrough.
West coast representation comes courtest of San Quinn, Mistah F.A.B. and Ray J, while east coast titans Cam'ron, D-Block, Busta Rhymes and Lloyd Banks are involved.
The tracklisting is below.
1. Intro (feat. Busta Rhymes)
2. Men Of Respect (feat. Tony Yayo, Papoose, Lloyd Banks, Jim Jones & Rell)
3. Bad Girls (feat. Jacki-O, Remy Ma, Hedonis & Ayanna Irish)
4. Blockstars (feat. Yo Gotti, Jim Jones, Busta Rhymes & Ray J)
5. Monster Music (feat. Cam’ron & Vado)
6. Layed Out (feat. Bun B, Papoose, Twista, Jay Rock, Young Chris, Durrough
7. Gangsta Shit (feat. OJ Da Juiceman, Papoose & Yo Gotti
8. Skit Straight Stuntin
9. Let’s Ryde Together (feat. Trick Trick, M.O.P., Trae & Trey Williams)
10. Thug Luv (feat. Maino, Papoose, Red Cafe & Ray J)
11. Skit Popa Wu
12. See The Light (feat. AZ, Raekwon & Ghostface Killah)
13. Hustle Game (feat. Bun B, Webbie, Lil Boosie & Nicole Wray)
14. God Forgive Me (feat. Joell Ortiz, Papoose, Jae Millz & Saigon
15. Kay-Slay-Dem (feat. Uncle Murda, Grafh & Mistah F.A.B.)
16. The Block Is Hot (feat. Mike Beck, Lucky Don, Nina B & Ki Grip)
17. You Heard Of Us (feat. D-Block & Ray J)
18. Street Credibility (feat. San Quinn, Big Rich & Hoodstars
19. Blockstars Remix (feat. Busta Rhymes, Sheek Louch, Rick Ross, Papoose, Cam’ron, Vado and Ray J
20. Skit Popa Wu 2
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10464/title.bun-b-jim-jones-camron-d-block-on-kay-slays-more-than-a-dj
Mariah Carey's 'We Belong Together' Decade's Most Popular Song
January 19, 2010 12:01:00 AM CST | by Slava Kuperstein
Mariah Carey's 2005 mega-hit "We Belong Together" was recently named the last decade's most popular song, according to HitsDailyDouble.com.
The song, whose popularity was calculated by record sales, airplay and online streaming, was the second single of Carey's comeback album, The Emancipation of Mimi.
Jermaine Durpi, who produced the song, spoke to HitsDailyDouble about the song's popularity. "The first two [songs] we did, 'It’s Like That' and 'Get Your Number,' were more uptempo. When we got back together in the studio, my idea was, let’s try some ballads this time—let’s flip the switch. We put a condenser mic in the studio so we could record every idea we came up with. When we went to play it back, you could hear the song coming to life. I cut the vocal myself at first, and she followed my direction to a 'T.'"
Dupri also explained that he was "speechless" that the song crossed over so well. "My style of production does not sound like pop music when you first hear it. Fortunately, they end up going that way. I had no idea what it was going to do; I just knew it was a good Mariah record. In my mind, it doesn’t sound like the song of the decade—it’s too different. It doesn’t sound like anything else."
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10462/title.mariah-careys-we-belong-together-decades-most-popular-song
Waka Flocka Flame Shot During Robbery Attack
January 19, 2010 04:01:00 PM CST | by Allen Jacobs
Gucci Mane's So Icey artist Waka Flocka Flame was hit with two gunshots in Atlanta today. KarenCivil.com confirmed the reports, that the 23 year-old rapper (born Juaquin James Malphurs) was the victim of an attempted robbery at an Old National Highway gas station. There, Waka Flocka was approached and told to hand over jewels. After refusing, the Warner Brothers-backed rapper was shot twice.
Early reports indicate that Waka Flocka is expected to recover fully soon. There has been no indication at where he was hit on his body, or whether or not the rapper was robbed.
Last month, Waka appeared on Gucci Mane's The State vs. Radric Davis, appearing on "Bingo." A member of Gucci's Brick Squad, Waka garnered buzz with his 2009 mixtape ironically titled Shoot Me Or Salute Me. He can be heard on single "O Let's Do It" .
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10468/title.waka-flocka-flame-shot-during-robbery-attack
Queens Veteran Rapper Killa Sha Dies
January 18, 2010 04:01:00 PM CST | by Jake Paine
Rap artists including Planet Asia (via Twitter) and website Unkut.com have confirmed that veteran Queens emcee Killa Sha passed away this weekend due to complications from Diabetes. A onetime partner of Tragedy Khadafi, Sha was a member of Juice Crew affiliates The Super Kids.
Later becoming Killa Kids, Killa Sha released several vinyl singles. Throughout the '90s, he remained close with Mobb Deep and Tragedy Khadafi. Sha, who also recorded as Sha Lumi, worked as a deejay for Prodigy and Havoc, while also recording as a rapper with Jedi Mind Tricks, Tragedy and Screwball.
He last released God Walk On Water on Traffic Entertainment in 2007. There was a rumored full album with Large Professor in the works, with whom he worked on last year's Main Source.
UPDATE: Christian Hedlund of the Traffic Entertainment Group, spoke of the rapper's impact to the label, and what they witnessed in Sha. "We felt that Killa Sha was perhaps the last real Queensbridge rapper, period. He was a righteous individual, real stand-up guy, who delivered what he promised, and delivered quality. Not something we run into all the time."
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10460/title.queens-veteran-rapper-killa-sha-dies
Damon Dash Compared To Andy Warhol In New York Observer
January 18, 2010 01:01:00 PM CST | by Danielle Harling
After being hit by a number of financials woes and a recent divorce Hip Hop mogul Damon Dash seemed to have strayed away from the spotlight.
But despite his recent burdens Dash has moved on to create DD172, an artistic space located in Manhattan’s wealthy Tribeca neighborhood.
Described by rapper Mos Def as a mix of “Hitsville, Andy Warhol’s Factory and a little bit of the Algonquin roundtable” DD172 serves as an art gallery, rehearsal space, photo studio, and much more.
In a feature story for The New York Observer, Dash gave writer D.M. Levine and photographer Matt Rodigheri an inside look at DD172.
“I’m a pretentious hippie,” Dash told The Observer. “This is what I should be doing…Regardless of how I got here, I’m exactly where I want to be.”
It may seem a little ironic that after dealing with a number of financial issues Dash chose to open a space right in the middle of one of New York City’s most priciest areas. When asked about his financial issues Dash responded with the following: “Look, you don’t come out of financial troubles over night. But, I guess, if this is financial trouble, I like being broke.”
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10459/title.damon-dash-compared-to-andy-warhol-in-new-york-observer
Queen Latifah & Diddy Honored by BET
January 18, 2010 12:01:00 PM CST | by Andres Tardio
During a recent gala, which will be televised February 1, BET honored Queen Latifah, Whitney Houston, Diddy, Ruth Simmons and Dr. Keith Black. The event featured a cast of stars paying tribute to the honorees and much more.
While Jazmine Sullivan paid tribute to Queen Latifah with a performance of "Unforgettable" and "Rock Steady," Jennifer Hudson did the same for Whitney Houston with "I Will Always Love You." Mary J. Blige celebrated Diddy's career by performing "I Love You," "Be Happy" and "Love No Limit."
Stevie Wonder surprised some by performing "I Invented Sex" with Trey Songz. They also paid tribute to Teddy Pendergrass together, with India.Arie joining them for a rendition of "Wake Up Everybody."
Singer Maxwell ended the evening with "Fistful of Tears" and "Bad Habits."
To view the televised version of the event, tune in to BET on February 1.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10456/title.queen-latifah-diddy-honored-by-bet
Rap Release Dates: Snoop Dogg, DJ Khaled, E-40, Big Boi & More
January 18, 2010 12:01:00 PM CST | by Mitchell Hanna
Tomorrow will see the free digital release of Mr. J. Medeiros’ 2009 EP (The Art Of Broken Glass) via Bandcamp.com as well as the unveiling of Louieville Sluggah of O.G.C.’s sophomore album (Best Kept Secret), which includes a guest appearance by General Steele of Smif-N-Wessun. Additional January 19 releases are Big Noyd (Queens Chronicle), Dessa (A Badly Broken Code), Oh No (Dr. No’s Ethiopium), RJD2 (The Colossus), Tekitha (The Prelude), and The Jacka and Laroo’s collaborative CD/DVD project (Neva Be The Same: 20 Bricks Season One).
The following week, Raekwon is dropping a limited edition purple-colored vinyl for his remarkable 2009 album (Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Pt. II), which features two new bonus cuts (“Walk With Me” and “Badlands”). The re-release will face off against Corinne Bailey Rae (The Sea), Cymarshall Law (Creators Kid EP), Mitchy Slick affiliates Tha Wrongkind (Yellow Tape), and the physical copy of Strong Arm Steady’s In Search Of Stoney Jackson.
On February 2, Los Angeles producer Elusive will put out his upcoming album (District 2 District), featuring Killah Priest, Planet Asia, Prince Po, Ras Kass, Royce Da 5'9”, and many more. The following week, poet/musician/author Gil Scott-Heron will return from his 16-year hiatus for the February 9 release of his new project (I’m New Here), which is already receiving co-signs from fellow artists such as Outkast’s Big Boi. Along with several U.S.D.A. (Uncut Snoop Dogg Approved) album re-releases, February 23 will mark the release of Snoop Dogg’s The West Coast Blueprint, a project composed of 16 classic tracks from the vault as well as a new recording by Snoop of Ice Cube's "Check Yo Self." On the same day, HiPNOTT Records will follow-up Cymarshall Law’s Creators Kid EP (January 26) with K. Sparks’ A Day In The Life, which is entirely produced by label mate G.C. Other artists eyeing a February/March release include Dr. Dre ghostwriter Knoc-Turn’Al (Knoc’s Ville) and Blu affiliate Sene (Reality Bites). In addition, fans should look out for Duck Down Records to drop Sean Price of Heltah Skeltah’s Mic Tyson shortly after the label’s February and March releases by General Steele (Amerikkka’s Nightmare Part 2: Children Of War), Kidz In The Hall (Land Of Make Believe), and Marco Polo and Ruste Juxx (The eXXecution).
March is shaping up to be a blockbuster month for album releases. This week, DJ Khaled (Victory) and Raheem DeVaughn (The Love & War MasterPeace) publicly announced the delay of their albums until March 2, while Amazon.com is showing that Ludacris’ Battle Of The Sexes is slated for the same day. The following week, Mariah Carey (Angels Advocate) and Snoop Dogg (Malice N Wonderland: More Malice) are planning to re-release their 2009 albums. On March 16, Erykah Babu will drop the sequel to her warmly received 2008 album (New Amerykah Pt. 2 (Return Of The Ankh)). Meanwhile, Andre Nickatina’s Khan!! The Me Generation and Yukmouth’s Free At Last will face off against a host of other Bay Area projectson the same day. On March 23, Big Boi (Sir Luscious Left Foot: Son Of Chico Dusty) and Cam’ron’s new group, The U.N. (Gunz N’ Butta), will contend with Joell Ortiz (Free Agent), Plies (Goon Affiliated), and Redman (Reggie Noble 9½). The month close out on March 30 with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s Uni-5: The World’s Enemy and E-40’s separately sold double album (Revenue Retrievin’: Day Shift and Revenue Retrievin’: Night Shift). Fans should also expect March releases from former Terror Squad member Armageddon (The Journal), Reflection Eternal (Revolutions Per Minute), Lupe Fiasco affiliate GemStone (On The Road To Glory: My Story), and Sean “The Pen” Garrett.
Recently signed by Snoop Dogg to Priority Records, Cypress Hill is gearing up for their first studio album in six years (RISE UP) on April 6, with eclectic assistance by artists such as Jennifer Lopez’s husband Marc Anthony and Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello. Later in the month, April 20 will see competition by Capone-N-Noreaga (The War Report II), Nas and Damian Marley (Distant Relatives), and Nappy Roots (The Pursuit Of Nappyness).
The following month, Jagged Edge will attempt to rejuvenate the group on May 18 with their Slip-N-Slide Records debut (The Remedy), fueled by their Trina and Gucci Mane-assisted single “Tip Of My Tongue.” Also slated for May, Keri Hilson’s untitled sophomore album will drop on Memorial Day. Shortly thereafter will be the release of Pimp C’s posthumous album (The Naked Soul Of Sweet James Jones), which will proceed fellow UGK member Bun B’s third studio album, Trill O.G. (March 2).
Fans will have to wait until 2011 for Dr. Dre’s Detox, while former Aftermath artists Bishop Lamont (The Reformation), Busta Rhymes (E.L.E. 2), Eve (Lip Lock), and Marsha Ambrosius (Sincerely Yours… Marsha Ambrosius) are in the studio preparing for 2010 albums. In addition to Young Jeezy’s Thug Motivation 103 dropping “sooner or later,” Jay-Z is back in the lab with Swizz Beatz recording for his next album. Meanwhile, many artists remain silent about their oft-delayed projects including Glasses Malone (Beach Cruiser), Havoc (From Now On), Tek of Smif-N-Wessun (24KT Smoke), Yung L.A. (Futuristic Leland), and Z-Ro (Heroin).
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10457/title.rap-release-dates-snoop-dogg-dj-khaled-e-40-big-boi-more
News: B.G. Gets "Bad" W/ Lil Boosie, Announces Joint Album
Monday, Jan 18, 2010 12:40PM
Written by Rosario Harper
Hots Boys' B.G. has announced plans to drop an upcoming joint album with incarcerated rapper Lil Boosie.
The rapper revealed the album's title during a backstage concert interview.
"Me and Lil Boosie got an album coming out called Bad Azz & Gizzle," he revealed in an interview. "You know what I'm saying, so, be on the look-out, the streets is watching, ya heard me?" (Southern Smoke TV)
B.G. recently spoke on Boosie serving time on a drug conviction.
"I gotta' hold him down while he's gone and I'm gonna' keep my word on that. Yeah, I'm gonna' keep my word on that and hold him down. We got some hot sh*t together, like man. It's for the streets. The streets have been disappointed. That's why records haven't been doing as good as they used to do. We're going off with the label thinks is a hit and not following the backyard." (Word of South)
Last month, the rapper revealed that he was no longer signed to T.I.'s Grand Hustle Records.
"I'm gonna be a free agent," he revealed in an interview. " I'm gonna sit down with the people that closest to me like my manager and lawyers and see what's the best route to do. [Grand Hustle,] no, all that's over with. [T.I.] was the executive producer of the project with me when it was on Atlantic. After the situation with him and the Hip Hop Awards, they kind of froze up on me, kept pushing the album back. This was pre-recession. Once I felt like they were playing with me, I stopped calling, got back doing what I was doing, creating another opportunity." (Hip Hop Wired)
There is also speculation he might make a return to Cash Money Records.
With the talk of a Hot Boys reunion and album, some would speculate that the rapper might find a nesting ground at his own home and align himself with Baby and Cash Money once again. "If the numbers right, if it makes sense." Whatever road the rapper chooses to walk down and whoever decides to do business, B.G.'s track records shows a man that will truly be an asset to whatever team will allow him to play. (Keep It Trill)
No further details on the B.G./Lil Boosie album have been revealed as of now.
From SOHH.com
http://www.sohh.com/2010/01/bg_gets_bad_w_lil_boosie_announces_joint.html
News: Tha Bizness Say "F*ck The Hackers" & Leak Unreleased Drake Music
Monday, Jan 18, 2010 12:00PM
Written by Cyrus Langhorne
Production duo Tha Bizness have responded to hackers who threatened to illegally release their collaboration with Drake by leaking the track, "Love & Guns", themselves.
Speaking through their blog, J-Hen and Dow responded to their T-Pain/Lil Wayne "U Know What It Is" leak by forcing out a new Drake track.
"This Is What Yall Want Well F*k It Will Leak It Ourselves This Time... Drake "Love & Gunz" Produced By Tha Bizness THEY SAID IT WAS GONNA LEAK TOMORROW, WELL F*K THE HACKERS WE WILL LEAK OUR OWN SH*T... AND YES THIS SONG WAS NEVER FINISHED, SO THANK US LATER!!" (Tha Bizness)
Writing through his blog last month, Lupe Fiasco expressed the seriousness behind stolen music.
"The track 'I'm Beaming' that was leaked last night was NOT authorized or intentionally leaked by myself or my company," he wrote Christmas Eve. "Plain and simple its STOLEN property. And this goes for ANY record or track that leaks or is made available for illegal download from this day forward. Actions are being taken and the authorities have been notified. As a personal plea to all my fans PLEASE DO NOT share, stream, or download any unauthorized or stolen Lupe Fiasco music. A lot of time and energy goes into the creation of this music, not to mention large sums of money, money provided by my record company as well as from my own personal finances." (Lupe Fiasco Blog)
Producer Jermain Dupri recently spoke on having his Usher track, "Fooling Around," leaked online earlier this month.
"SOME KINDA WAY MY USHER RECORD "FOOLING AROUND" GOT LEAKED," he wrote Wednesday (January 6). "IF YOU FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER YOU KNOW I DON'T CONDONE LEAKING RECORDS. SO BASICALLY I BEEN DOWN ABOUT IT ALL NIGHT, BUT I GUESS ONE POSITIVE IS I'VE BEEN RECEIVING MESSAGES LIKE THIS: This record feels great. Hopefully this more what Usher does for his new album. I miss this sound. Now yall jus need to get one with MC and maybe these mothaf*ckas can start sellin some records again! Classic JD/Bcox let's go yall know what this is." (Global 14)
Around 2006, the duo made headlines for signing a production deal with producer Sha Money XL.
"We're going with the team effort because me and J have different relationships with different people over the years and now we just decided it made more sense to join forces and kill the game. We both had bad experiences on our own, so we figured keep it family and cut out the outside bullshit and ever since then we been cracking. We got a lot of shit coming, we hitting all the indie artists and the majors. We're next in the line of great producers. We're coming like the next Neptunes or Cool & Dre." (VIBE)
From SOHH.com
http://www.sohh.com/2010/01/tha_bizness_say_fck_the_hackers_leak_unr.html
From SOHH.com
News: Soulja Boy, Talib Kweli, RZA & More Pay MLK Day Respects, "R.I.P A Legend Who Died For Us"
Monday, Jan 18, 2010 11:25AM
Written by Cyrus Langhorne
In light of today's national holiday, rappers Soulja Boy Tell Em, Talib Kweli, RZA and more have celebrated the life of late civil rights activist and motivational speaker, Martin Luther King, Jr.
Despite only being 19, Soulja Boy paid homage to King's 1960's movement.
"What would it be like if Martin Luther King Jr. became president?," he asked via Twitter on Monday (January 18). "R.I.P A legend who died for us. I salute him with utmost respect." (Soulja Boy Tell Em's Twitter)
Kweli focused on the positive effects King's legacy continues to represent.
"RT @Looseneck: I have decided to stick with love, hate is too great a burden to bear - MLK," he wrote. "RT @TerriThomasInc: Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe. Martin Luther King." (Talib Kweli's Twitter)
RZA made a calling for people to continue to unite as one.
"BONGBONG "We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools." MLK." (RZA's Twitter)
CNN's Nore also took a moment to pay homage to King's memory.
"Happy MLK day y'all this was a great man y'all he rep for us so we now live like kings!!!! RIP MLK" (Nore's Twitter)
R&B singer John Legend gave words of encouragement for MLK Day.
"At City Hall for the MLK Breakfast. Happy MLK Day everyone. Give, serve, love, fight injustice, be a leader in your community. Make the world better." (John Legend's Twitter)
From SOHH.com
http://www.sohh.com/2010/01/soulja_boy_talib_kweli_rza_more_pay_mlk.html
