Bun B Says That He Wanted A Quintessential Solo Album In "Trill O.G."

Bun B Says That He Wanted A Quintessential Solo Album In "Trill O.G."


by Jake Paine



posted August 12, 2010 at 10:04PM MST

Exclusive: The Trill O.G. tells DX's cameras that Rap-A-Lot Records purchasing a studio helped him take a year to create his latest LP.



Last month, HipHopDX went to Universal Fontana offices to get an early listen to Bun B's Trill O.G., and speak on-camera to the Rap icon. During the listening session of what became the album released August 3rd, Bun B explained that he devoted a year to making this project. Asked about that rare opportunity in 2010, Bun B explained the patient creation, and its affect on the album's overall sound and polish. "[Trill O.G.] was a lot easier than [II Trill to make. With] this album, we had the time. [Trill] was a neccessity, [II Trill], I felt like I needed to do something to take my mind off of what was going on," said Bun, referring to the 2008 death of his UGK partner Pimp C. "This one, we had the time and the ability to sit back and make a great album. That's what we wanted to do - I wanted to try to make a great album. I didn't feel like I made the quintessential Bun B album. I felt that the potential was there, and the ability was there, but it was about locking in and getting it done."



With a #4 debut on the Top 200, Trill O.G. has garnered praise from numerous publications, and finds the Port Arthur, Texas emcee sharing the microphone with the likes of Gucci Mane, Twista, and posthumous verses from Pimp C and 2Pac.



Beyond just wanting his most memorable and developed album to date, Bun said that his legendary label's improvements allowed for a more relaxed, more focused artistic process. "We now have an in-house studio at Rap-A-Lot [Records], so it wasn't so much about getting time, and getting in and getting stuff recorded. We could go every day at any time and record for as long as we wanted to," revealed Bun. "That really helped, having that kind of freedom. Not that it took us all day, everyday to record it, but just that when we felt it, we could do it. If we were there and we weren't feeling it, we'd just shut it down and not have to worry about [that] we bought a block [of studio time], and wasting money or time or whatever."







Within the album trilogy, Bun B was asked about the evolution of Trill O.G. With new sounds and styles on the album courtesy of Drake, DJ Premier and T-Pain, Bun states that it was more about growing as an artist and pleasing core fans than attracting new audiences. "At the end of the day, we're partying over here. At the end of the day, we're not trying to throw away any old fans or anybody that's been down just to get somebody else that may want to be down."



Trill O.G. is in stores now.

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11940/title.bun-b-says-that-he-wanted-a-quintessential-solo-album-in-trill-og

Gucci Mane Talks New Album, 1017 Brick Squad

Gucci Mane Talks New Album, 1017 Brick Squad

July 23, 2010 07:18:00 AM CDT

by Edwin Ortiz

In a recent interview with Yahoo! Music, Gucci Mane spoke on the concept behind his new album, his take on music sales, and compared his Brick Squad 1017 group to that of a certain famous 1990’s record label.



After dropping his major label debut The State vs. Radric Davis last winter, the Atlanta rapper is set to release his sophomore effort The Appeal: Georgia’s Most Wanted next month. Stating that the album is nearly 80% done, he explained, “It's actually the sequel to The State vs. Radric Davis, my last album. It's just about second chances, about never giving up.”



While The State vs. Radric Davis has sold favorably well for 2009-10 numbers, Gucci Mane theorized that the overall decline of album sales may actually be beneficial for fans and artists alike. "People aren't selling as many records as they were selling in the '90s, but [that’s] great for the fans. The artists that you love, they got to do more now.”



Continuing, he said, "Me, I love to work anyway. Of course, I'd love to sell a trillion CDs, but at the end of the day, I love making music the most. The more I do it the better I get. It’s not making me stale; it's making me fresher."



After his album makes its way to record store shelves, Gucci projected protégé Waka Flocka Flame’s debut Murder-Man Flocka will come immediately afterward, followed by the release of 1017 Brick Squad crew’s (Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka Flame, OJ Da Juiceman) currently-untitled collaborative project.



Loosely comparing Brick Squad to Death Row Records, Gucci Mane explained, “'Pac, Dre, Snoop, and the Dogg Pound…I can’t say which person is which, but as far as just musically, we got people who have been doing it for a long time, newcomers, and people who just play they role. We got a championship team, we just practicing to get ready for the game.”

The Appeal: Georgia’s Most Wanted is tentatively scheduled for an August 31 release through 1017 Brick Squad/Asylum/Warner Brothers.

From HipHopDX.com
 
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11774/title.gucci-mane-talks-new-album-1017-brick-squad

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 6/6/2010

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 6/6/2010
June 09, 2010 11:07:00 PM CDT

by Allen Jacobs

There were no new Rap releases entering the Top 200 this past week. If anything, last week's numbers were nearly repeated, though some of the rankings shifted. The top of the charts were held by singer/songwriter Jack Johnson and his To The Sea album. Hip Hop fans may know Johnson from his work with Prince Paul and Dan The Automator's second Handsome Boy Modeling School album, White People. Usher's Raymond v. Raymond held the #5 spot for a second straight week. The veteran Pop entertainer's "divorce album" is marching its way to a platinum plaque for Mr. Raymond and his longtime backer, LaFace Records.





B.o.B. Presents The Adventures of Bobby Ray returned to its #13 spot from two weeks ago. The Rebel Rock sensation cleared 200,000 units, making him the most successful Atlantic Records Rap release in over six months. Damian Marley & Nas' Distant Relatives fell nine spots to #18. The Universal Republic/Def Jam Records collaborative release has garnered huge critical acclaim in the Rap community for its rich commentary on the parallel relationship between Hip Hop and Reggae. Lil Wayne, K'Naan, Dennis Brown and Joss Stone appear on the work produced by Damian and brother Stephen.







Just ahead of Nas and Jr. Gong, The Black Eyed Peas and their nearly year-old E.N.D. were at #17, and remain a potential consistent climber in this sales drought. Another 2009 release, Alicia Keys' Element of Freedom was included with the top five Rap/R&B sellers at #29. It was announced last week that the songstress and Swizz Beatz will be having their first child.



* Please note: figures below approximated to nearest thousandth.



Top 200 Album Sales (Top 5 Hip Hop/R&B)



Rank Artist Album This Week Est. Total

5

Usher

Raymond v. Raymond

35,000

791,000



13

B.o.B. Presents The Adventures of Bobby Ray 20,000

210,000



17

Black Eyed Peas The E.N.D. 17,000

2,569,000



18

Damian Marley & Nas

Distant Relatives

17,000

100,000



25

Alicia Keys

Element of Freedom

13,000

1,305,00



Ludacris climbed four spots to #32 with Battle of the Sexes. The DTP/Def Jam album remains the imprint's most successful 2010 album to date, and carries itself towards a gold plaque, possibly due by mid-summer. With Thank Me Later coming to the charts in two weeks, it's to be noted that Drake's mixtape-turned-retail album So Far Gone is on the cusp of going gold. With artists like T.I. and Lupe Fiasco having catalog album sales climb during new releases, Drake may garner two gold plaques this summer.





Trina's Pop-inspired album, Amazin' sold less than 5,000 units last week, still remaining in the top half of the charts. The Diamond Princess' independent release boasts backing by EMI Records, similar to releases by Raekwon and Twista last year. Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek as Reflection Eternal's Revolutions Per Minute fell to #104 in its third week on shelves. Despite some high critical praise, the decade-anticipated reunion album still sits short of 35,000 units sold.







Rank Artist Album This Week Est. Total

28

Ludacris

Battle of the Sexes

12,000

441,000



82

Drake

So Far Gone

5,000

474,000



97

Trina Amazin'

4,700

59,000



104

Reflection Eternal

Revolutions Per Minute

4,700

33,000



162

Gucci Mane

The State vs. Radric Davis

2,900

369,000

 
From HipHopDX.com
 
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11433/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-6-6-2010

Gucci Mane To Be Released Next Week

Gucci Mane To Be Released Next Week
May 07, 2010 11:05:00 AM CDT | by Danielle Harling

A number of sources including Billboard.com have reported that Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane will be released from Atlanta’s Fulton County jail next week, May 12. A release next week means the rapper only served about half of his year long prison sentence.

Gucci was sentenced to a year in prison after violating the terms of his probation late last year.

Aside from the news of Gucci’s release next week it was also revealed that the rapper would be severing ties with management company Mizay Entertainment and booking agency Hitt Afta Hitt Enterprises although Hitt Afta Hitt recently shared with AllHipHop.com that they have not received any official word about Gucci’s departure from the company.

“While it is being widely reported that my booking agency Hitt Afta Hitt is no longer working with Gucci Mane, I have yet to receive any type of correspondence from Gucci, the label or anyone else that supports that,” Hitt Afta Hitt’s Johnnie Cabbell told AllHipHop.com in a statement. “I have known and worked with Gucci for over a decade. I have seen his career grow from being a local phenomenon into a household name and I feel like I helped play a minor role in his success.”

Although Gucci has yet to be released from prison he’s already booked for one the season's biggest music events, HOT97’s Summer Jam. Summer Jam will take place at New Jersey's the Meadowlands Sports Complex on June 6.

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11204/title.gucci-mane-to-be-released-next-week

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 5/3/2010

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 5/3/2010
May 05, 2010 08:05:00 AM CDT | by Allen Jacobs

A new Rap release finally reclaimed the #1 spot last week. Albeit a strongly Pop-influenced album, B.o.B. Presents The Adventures of Bobby Ray marks the eclipse of a five-year journey for the Georgia emcee, singer and songwriter. His Grand Hustle/Atlantic Records album features a broad spectrum of influence, genre and guests ranging from Eminem to Lupe Fiasco to Playboy Tre. The 21 year-old's debut sold an impressive 80,000 units, and places the onetime Jim Jonsin protege in the spotlight among his peers.



Further down the charts, Usher, Monica and Ludacris also repped hard for the '90s Atlanta alumni. Respectively, Raymond v. Raymond, Still Standing and Battle of the Sexes ranged between the #6 and #20 spot, as they've done for well over a month.

The Black Eyed Peas and The E.N.D. owned the #16 spot yet again. This week, the group took the crown for all-time single digital sales, with this album's cut, "I Gotta Feeling," a popular 2009 hit.

* Please note: figures below approximated to nearest thousandth.
Top 200 Album Sales (Top 5 Hip Hop/R&B)

Rank Artist Album This Week Est. Total
1
B.o.B.
The Adventures of Bobby Ray
84,000
85,000

6
Usher
Raymond v. Raymond
48,000
586,000

16
Black Eyed Peas
The E.N.D.
20,000
2,476,000

19
Monica
Still Standing
18,000
374,000

20
Ludacris
Battle of the Sexes
17,000
373,000


Cypress Hill's first group album in six years, Rise Up, fell over 50 places from last week's Top 20 debut. The trio (along with percussionist Eric Bobo) released the album on the revamped Priority Records, boasting collaboration with Pete Rock and Pitbull.

Gucci Mane's retail mixtape, Burrrprint [2] HD cracked 30,000 units sold. The DJ Holiday-hosted, Brick Squad 1017 release made a Top 20 debut last week, and features Nicki Minaj, Yo Gotti, Rocko and OJ Da Juiceman. This release marks Gucci's departure from his former business team and original So Icey Entertainment imprint.

Wu-Tang Clan member trio Ghostface Killah, Method Man & Raekwon's Wu-Massacre slipped to #156. The critically-praised collaboration was released on the Def Jam imprint, and boasts production from Scram Jones and RZA. Another Rap veteran, E-40, still maintained two releases on the Top 200 (at #190 and #191) respectively, with his EMI-released Revenue Retrievin' companion set.



Devin The Dude's first album with E1 Entertainment, Suite #420, hung on at #198, still short of 10,000 units sold. The HipHopDX-acclaimed release features various members of Devin's Odd Squad and Coughee Brothaz, as well as some production from longtime Rap-A-Lot Records-era collaborator Mike Dean.

Rank Artist Album This Week Est. Total
72
Cypress Hill
Rise Up
6,800
25,000

88
Gucci Mane
Burrrprint [2] HD
5,800
34,000

156
Method Man, Ghostface Killah & Raekwon Wu Massacre 3,400
64,000

190
E-40
Revenue Retrievin: Night Shift
2,600
26,000

198
Devin The Dude
Suite #420
2,500
8,700

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11182/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-5-3-2010

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 4/25/2010

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 4/25/2010
April 28, 2010 09:04:00 AM CDT | by Jake Paine

The top of the charts this past week were not in much favor of Hip Hop. As the Glee cast and Justin Beiber dominate scans, urban music's biggest stars of the week where veterans Usher and Monica. The former's Raymond v. Raymond crossed the gold benchmark, and proves to be yet another success for the former teen sensation. He was the only Top 10 urban appearance this week. The latter Still Standing heads towards 400,000.

After several weeks removed from the top of the charts, The Black Eyed Peas return with their The E.N.D., which soon will celebrate its one-year birthday. Ludacris was a place behind with Battle of the Sexes, which is a thousand units behind Monica in attempting to reach gold.



Cypress Hill's first group album in six years, Rise Up garnered a Top 20 debut. Released on the Snoop Dogg-cosigned Priority Records/EMI, the Los Angeles veteran trio has an album that features appearances and production from Pete Rock, Evidence, Alchemist, Everlast, Tom Morello and Pitbull. The warmly-received album revives the group after Sen Dog nearly died due to a heart attack two years ago.

* Please note: figures below approximated to nearest thousandth.
Top 200 Album Sales (Top 5 Hip Hop/R&B)

Rank Artist Album This Week Est. Total
5
Usher
Raymond v. Raymond 52,000
538,000

15
Monica
Still Standing
23,000
357,000

16
Black Eyed Peas
The E.N.D.
21,000
2,456,000

17
Ludacris
Battle of the Sexes 21,000
356,000

19
Cypress Hill
Rise Up
18,000
18,000


Gucci Mane's retail mixtape, Burrrprint [2] HD cleared another 8,000 units. The DJ Holiday-hosted, Brick Squad 1017 release made a Top 20 debut last week, and features Nicki Minaj, Yo Gotti, Rocko and OJ Da Juiceman.

Devin The Dude's first album with E1 Entertainment, Suite #420, debuted with 6,000 units sold. The HipHopDX-acclaimed release features various members of Devin's Odd Squad and Coughee Brothaz, as well as some production from longtime Rap-A-Lot Records-era collaborator Mike Dean.

Wu-Tang Clan member trio Ghostface Killah, Method Man & Raekwon's Wu-Massacre fell out of the Top 100 last week. The critically-praised collaboration was released on the Def Jam imprint, and boasts production from Scram Jones and RZA.



There were two additional debut chart appearances. Little Brother's farewell album LeftBack scanned over 4,500 total units. This is Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh's first release without ABB Records' involvement, after three celebrated albums. Instead, this album, which features Torae, Khrysis and Young RJ, was released on the Justus League's own Hall of Justus imprint. The group also announced select tour dates before the final "curtain call," and both pursue solo careers and other group interests.

Dogg Pound emcee Kurupt also cracked the charts. Young Gotti's album, Street Lights, largely produced by Snoop Dogg protege Terrace Martin hit the charts. The Universal Fontana release also has work from Pete Rock and Lil Jon.

Rank Artist Album This Week Est. Total
58
Gucci Mane
Burrrprint [2] HD
8,600
28,000

85
Devin The Dude
Suite #420
6,100
6,200

110
Method Man, Ghostface Killah & Raekwon Wu Massacre 4,900
60,000

128
Little Brother
LeftBack
4,400
4,600

183
Kurupt
Street Lights
2,900
2,900

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11129/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-4-25-2010

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 4/18/2010

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 4/18/2010
April 21, 2010 01:04:00 PM CDT | by Allen Jacobs

Sony's Electro-Pop duo MGMT were surprise chart climbers on their last album. However, the Brooklyn-based group that's worked with Kid Cudi and Jim Jones saw Congratulations debut at #2 behind Justin Bieber. Usher and his divorce ode Raymond v. Raymond fell to #4, making the LaFace release a prime suspect to cross the gold 500,000 unit mark next week.



Monica slid to #9 with her Still Standing. The J Records artist maintained a Top 10 position with an album that features production from Missy Elliott and Jim Jonsin. Monica's Atlanta neighbor Ludacris, who appears on Still Standing, went to #13 with Battle of the Sexes.

Sade bounced back in a major way. The Epic Records release shot back to #12, having already taken a platinum tour through the charts with her latest album, Soldier of Love.

* Please note: figures below approximated to nearest thousandth.
Top 200 Album Sales (Top 5 Hip Hop/R&B)

Rank Artist Album This Week Est. Total
2
MGMT
Congratulations
66,000
67,000

4
Usher
Raymond v. Raymond
64,000
486,000

9
Monica
Still Standing
30,000
334,000

12
Sade
Soldier of Love
25,000
1,100,000

13
Ludacris
Battle of the Sexes
25,000
335,000


Gucci Mane's retail mixtape, Burrrprint [2] HD sold just under 20,000 units for Warner Brothers/Asylum. The Brick Squad 1017 release made a Top 20 debut, giving the incarcerated Atlanta rapper two charted album, with his State vs. Radric Davis also at #89.

Wu-Tang Clan member trio Ghostface Killah, Method Man & Raekwon's Wu-Massacre skidded 30 more spots to #67. As predicted, the Def Jam album did cross the 50,000 unit mark. The warmly-received project features special packaging and production from RZA and Mathematics.

With their fourth installment together, Fornever, Murs & 9th Wonder exceeded the 5,000 mark. Debuting at #84, this release through SMC Recordings was made in Los Angeles, featuring native sons such as Kurupt, Suga Free and Sick Jacken.



E-40 crossed the 20,000 mark individually with both Revenue Retrievin' Night Shift and Revenue Retrievin' Day Shift. With the latter pulling ahead, 40 Water's first album with EMI Records proves to be a success when looked at collectively.

Lastly, Snoop Dogg's leftovers/companion release to Malice N' Wonderland, More Malice inches towards 50,000. The Priority/EMI Records release features Jay-Z, Soulja Boy and Bun B.

Rank Artist Album This Week Est. Total
19
Gucci Mane
Burrrprint [2] HD
19,000
20,000

67
Method Man, Ghostface Killah & Raekwon Wu Massacre
6,600
56,000

84
Murs & 9th Wonder
Fornever
5,400
5,500

126
E-40
Revenue Retrievin': Day Shift
3,700
21,000

142
Snoop Dogg
More Malice
3,400
34,000

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11085/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-4-18-2010

Lil Kim, Nicki Minaj, Trina, Eve On Ludacris' "Battle Of The Sexes"

Lil Kim, Nicki Minaj, Trina, Eve On Ludacris' "Battle Of The Sexes"
February 20, 2010 09:52:00 PM CST | by Allen Jacobs

While longtime-but-former Disturbing Tha Peace artist Shawnna is notably absent, Ludacris has enlisted some of the biggest female emcee talent from the last three decades of his forthcoming Battle Of The Sexes album. While the project first was introduced to the public as featuring Shawnna, the March 9th album instead features female talent including Lil Kim, Trina, Eve, Lil Mo, Crime Mob's Diamond and DXnext alum Nicki Minaj.

For male assistance, Luda's enlisted Trey Songz, Gucci Mane and Flo Rida for his March 9th DTP/Def Jam album.

The following is a tentative tracklisting:

1. Intro [Prod. by Xcel (for The Beatbangers)]
2. How Low [Prod. by T-Minus]
3. My Chick Bad (feat. Nicki Minaj) [Prod. by The Legendary Traxster]
4. Everybody Drunk (feat. Lil Scrappy) [Prod. by DJ Montay]
5. I Do It All Night (feat. Shawnna) [Prod. by B-Crucial & Tony Dinero]
6. Sex Room (feat. Trey Songz) [Prod. by Kajun]
7. I Know You Got A Man (feat. Flo Rida) [Prod. by Infinity]
8. Hey Ho (feat. Lil’ Kim & Lil’ Fate) [Prod. by Khao]
9. Party No Mo’ (feat. Gucci Mane) [Prod. by Bangladesh]
10. B.O.T.S. Radio (feat. Shawnna & I-20) [Prod. by The Runners]
11. Can’t Live With You (feat. Monica) [Prod. by Khao]
12. Feelin’ So Sexy (feat. Shawnna) [Prod. by Gaggie]
13. Tell Me A Secret (feat. Ne-Yo) [Prod. by Swizz Beatz]
14. My Chick Bad (Remix) (feat. Diamond, Trina & Eve) [Prod. by The Legendary Traxster]
15. Sexting (Bonus Track) [Prod. by The Neptunes]
16. How Low (Remix) (Deluxe Version Bonus Track) (feat. Ciara & Pitbull) [Prod. by T-Minus]
17. Rollercoaster (Deluxe Version Bonus Track) (feat. Shawnna & Dru Hill) [Prod. by Bangladesh]

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10667/title.lil-kim-nicki-minaj-trina-eve-on-ludacris-battle-of-the-sexes

Gucci Mane Denies Claims Of Drug Use From Behind Bars, "I Have Never Used Cocaine"

Gucci Mane Denies Claims Of Drug Use From Behind Bars, "I Have Never Used Cocaine"
Monday, Feb 8, 2010 10:15AM

Written by Biz Jones

Incarcerated rapper Gucci Mane recently debunked claims that he violated his probation by using cocaine.

According to Gucci, who is currently serving a one-year jail sentence, he has no past history using cocaine.

"My urinalysis was from, like, six months ago," he said in an interview. "I think it was for marijuana. But it definitely wasn't from cocaine. I have never used cocaine. That's just not true. Then I stopped smoking and stopped drinking. For the last six months, I haven't used any drugs, and I will continue to claim sobriety. That's why I said that at the BET Awards and made that PSA. Because that's something I took to and made a part of my life. So even when I do get out of here, I plan on continuing that, and I'm proud of myself for that. That gave me peace, even in the situation I'm in now. I know you have to be optimistic. Even if you're going through something that you expect to be good and it turns out bad, you know it will get well." (XXL Mag)
His attorney Dwight L. Thomas suggested that drugs were part of the reason Gucci was sent to jail for a year.

Gucci's probation for a 2005 aggravated-assault case was revoked because the flamboyant rapper has not completed a court-ordered 600 hours of community service, he's tested positive for marijuana and cocaine during visits to his probation officer and he has not been getting the proper permission to travel as mandated previously by the judge. "[Gucci] told the court yesterday he was on a road to recovery in terms of being clean and sober," explained Thomas, who also represented T.I. in his recent gun case. "[He is] alcohol free and weed free. ... He's also dealing with the emotional issue of killing somebody. He's been in counseling and therapy." (MTV)
The rapper's one-year bid was speculated online last November.

Mane has been sent back to Fulton County Jail in Atlanta for probation violation. Sources close to the Atlanta rapper say Gucci attended a court hearing earlier today to determine whether or not he'd have to serve time for an unspecified infraction that violated the conditions of his probation. He was sentenced to 12 months, but could end up serving only six with good behavior. This doesn't mark the first time Gucci violates his probation. The rapper was sent to the same jail for only completing 25 out of a required 600 hours of community service in relation to a prior assault charge. (BET)
Rapper Shawty Lo recently spoke on staying in contact with Gucci since his incarceration.

"I talk to him on a regular basis," Shawty said in an interview. "We keep him posted [on things going on in the industry]. He probably on the phone right now. I ain't got to give him advice, though. Gucci know what he gotta do -- he's a grown man. You know, he got his head up. He's ready to come back home...His spirits is up, and he get a lot of mail and get a lot of support from the fans in the streets and, you know, he's just waiting to come home to reclaim his career." (VIBE)

From SOHH.com

http://www.sohh.com/2010/02/gucci_mane_denies_lawyers_drug_usage_fro.html