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Wednesday, June 30, 2010

KiD CuDi feat. Kanye West - "Erase Me" (Radio Rip)


KiD CuDi feat. Kanye West - "Erase Me [Radio Rip]" by WWW.VIIMAG.COM

KiD CuDi collabos with Kanye West with this new track from his sophomore effort Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager, due September 14. This song premiered rather randomly on Cleveland radio station, 96.5 KISS FM, last night. Here is the radio rip until a CDQ lands online as we inch closer to September. Expect to hear this on pop radio thanks to the alternative soundbed Rebel Rock Ent. founder/producer Jim Jonsin laced to the cut. Jim Jonsin is most known for his work with Lil Wayne ("Lollipop"), Beyonce ("Sweet Dreams"), T.I.("Whatever You Like"), Usher ("There Goes My Baby"), and most recently, B.O.B.

In other G.O.O.D. music news, September 14th is (apparently) gonna be a big day for the label. It has been announced that three four albums will be dropping from the house that Yeezy built.



To recap, that means come September 14, 2010, we will be getting...

Kanye West - "Good Ass Job"

KiD CuDi - "Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager"

Big Sean - "Finally Famous"

Consequence - "Cons TV"


That's pretty ambitious. Will it actually happen? I highly doubt it...but we all know how Kanye feels about doubters.

Rick Ross feat. Wiz Khalifa & Curren$y - "Super High (Sativa Remix)"


Maybach Music x Taylor Gang x Jets =

Rick Ross feat. Wiz Khalifa & Curren$y - "Super High (Sativa Remix)" by WWW.VIIMAG.COM

After lighting up Wiz Khalifa's ustream last night, the conglomerate let this remix fly...and whad'ya know, it's all new verses.

After getting such a great reception online in just a few hours, SpiffTvFilms announced a video will be released soon for the remix of Ricky Rozay's summer anthem.

Here's some of the behind the scenes footage that just dropped a few minutes ago.



Sidenote:
It's amazing how the power of the internet got the labels playing catch up now.

Jordan Winterized Spiz'ike Boot


While this shoe debuted last year, the Jordan Brand decided to bring it back this Fall. These two colorways are Cinder/Black and Black/Anthracite. I'm sure fans won't mind this re-stock, giving them options to a pair of Js suitable for the grizzly season.



Each pair features premium leather/suede up top with durable outsoles. Expect these in stores September 2010.

Big Boi feat. T.I. - "Tangerine"





Big Boi feat. T.I. - Tangerine by WWW.VIIMAG.COM

Big Boi tells Eve Tangerine to "shake it like a tambourine". T.I. joins him on this cut from Big Boi's solo debut Sir Lucious Leftfoot: Son of Chico Dusty.

You can listen to the album in it's entirety (before it hits stores and iTunes on July 6th, 2010) on Daddy Fat Sack's myspace.

Swizz Beatz Should Pay His Bills


Famous people kill me with their non payments. We have Nicki Minaj not paying Lambo Bills, Wesley Snipes running from the IRS, Ron Isley in lockdown for not paying his taxes, and now Swizz Beatz is in trouble. I'm not judging the man, but with all his appearances and production credits, one would think he could pay the IRS what he owes them.


Swizz Beatz has again been hit by the tax man. According to public records, the fiancĂ© of Alicia Keys — who’s pregnant with Beatz’s child — was slapped with an IRS lien of $652,727 on June 3 for unpaid 2008 income tax. The music producer, real name Kasseem Dean, has had a string of liens filed against him and his former wife, Mashonda, in New York, Georgia and California. Their debts stand at about $2.2 million. A lawyer for Beatz said, “We have been discussing the issue with the government for years and are currently negotiating an amicable resolution of the dispute.”


What's amicable about you not paying your taxes? Why should the government negotiate with someone who's been running from them for years? I feel bad for Mashonda. This is a mess.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Rihanna Covers "Seventeen" Mag

I'm interested to see what she's talking about. I'll see when my sister gets her issue.

Prince to release new album


After being honored at the BET awards on Sunday, Prince announced that he will release a new album. The album, called 20Ten, will be released on July 10th in the UK and July 22nd in America. That is the shortest time I've ever seen between an announcement and the release. Get it Prince.

Track List:

1. “Compassion”
2. “Endlessly Beginning”
3. “Future Soul Song”
4. “Sticky Like Glue”
5. “Lavaux”
6. “Act Of God”
7. “Walk In Sand”
8. “Sea Of Everything”
9. “Everybody Loves Me”
10. “Untitled Bonus Track”

Shady but not throwing shade

This is an interesting one. Supposedly, Lloyd is going on the record saying that he told Chris Brown to cry during his BET performance to resurrect his career.


“He's back with a vengeance….I think that they're gonna find a place in their heart for him again….I told him man, you gotta get up there. You gotta CRY, you gotta really show your heart to the world.”

This quite is shady but I don't know if he's throwing shade.
(rapup)

People I Need a Loan From


Forbes just released their celebrity 100 list, and surprise Oprah is #1 with a yearly earning of $315 million. The real surprise is Lady Gaga made $65 million dollars last year.
Here are the top 10 celebs:

Oprah, $315 million
Beyonce, $87 million
James Cameron, $210 million
Lady Gaga, $62 million
Tiger Woods, $105 million
Britney Spears, $64 million
U2, $130 million
Sandra Bullock, $56 million
Johnny Depp, $75 million
Madonna, $58 million

(14)Kobe Bryant – $48M
(15)Jay-Z – $63M
(16) Black Eyed Peas $48M
(20)Michael Jordan $55M
(25) Tyler Perry $125M
(31) Floyd Mayweather – $65M
(43)Lebron James – $43M
(52)Shaquille O’Neal – $31M
(61)Serena Williams – $20M
(68) Sean "Diddy" Combs-$30M
(74)Lil Wayne – $20M
(80)Akon – $21M
(83)Venus Williams – $15.5M

Fabolous is not happy + "All I Do is Win" (Remix) Video

Fabolous is not happy after being shut out of the BET awards and he took to Twitter to let the world know.


Dru Hill clears up rumors

90's group,Dru Hill, are serious about their comeback. They have a new show on BET network, Centric, and are appearing at events. Here they are at the BET awards red carpet speaking about recent rumors.

(bossip)

Celebs Weigh in on Chris Brown's Mj Tribute

Nicki Minaj wants to clear the air


Twitter and the blogosphere have been buzzing over Nicki Minaj's lip syncing during her performance, so much so she has taken to Twitter to clear the air. Interesting.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Last Girl on Earth Cancelled?


Maybe Nicki Minaj was right to get off of this tour. A few dates on the US leg of Rihanna's tour have been cancelled due to "production changes" but word on the street is that tickets aren't selling. Hmmm.

Trey Songz: My Moment


Here is the preview of Trey Songz new show My Moment. Nothing spectacular yet, hopefully it will improve.


Lauryn Hill Comes Out of Hiding


Nicki Minaj has done for female rap what Eminem did for white rap, she resurrected it and caused people to get on their A-game. After years in hiding, Lauryn Hill is back performing and giving interviews. Here is her latest interview with National Public Radio:

Lauryn on being both a singer and a rapper

“There used to be a singing voice and there used to be a rapping voice but now the singing voice has to become more like my speaking voice in order for the two to be able to coexist."

On her creative experience
“When I create music, I think the feeling you get, I get first….when I first have a creative insight, not just the voice but the creativity, the production, the idea, the concept, the music involved, there is a high, there is an emotional experience for sure”. (:01-:26)

On her creative experience
“I think I made music, especially back in the day, as consistently as I did because it made me feel so good. Some might even argue that it may be a creative addiction, but the healthy kind”. (:43-:54)

On Bob Marley
“I appreciate words, I appreciate language, I appreciate words, I appreciate putting words together in an artful way that’s something gives me quite a good feeling to be able to do that."

“Bob Marley to me was one of the most clever lyrists, how he put things together , just like the way he put together songs”. (:24-:32

Why she stopped putting out music
“There were a number of different reasons," she says. "But partly, the support system that I needed was not necessarily in place. There were things about myself, personal-growth things, that I had to go through in order to feel like it was worth it. Oftentimes, I think people are forced to make decisions prematurely. And then that sound radiates.”

"I'm trying to open up my range and really sing more," she says. "With The Fugees initially, and even with Miseducation, it was very hip-hop — always a singing over beats. I don't think people have really heard me sing out. So if I do record again, perhaps it will have an expanded context. Where people can hear a bit more."

"I don't know if you know this, but I have five children," she says. "The youngest is 2 now, so she's old enough that I can leave her for a period of time and know she's going to be okay. That's one reason [Hill is starting to perform again]. And I think it's just time. I'm starting to get excited again. Believe it or not, I think what people are attracted to about me, if anything, is my passion. People got exposed to my passion through music and song first. I think people might realize, you know, 'We love the way she sounds, we love the music, but I think we just love how fearless she is. How boundless she is, when it comes to what she wants to do.' And I think that can be infectious."

BET Awards 2010: The Rundown

I saw about 75% of the BET awards before I fell asleep. The awards were what I expected them to be, sort of good, a bit mediocre at times, and a few funny moments. Here's a rundown of my favorite moments of the awards:
Someone offer Prince Simon Cowell's Job:



After peeping this side eye that Prince gave to Trey Songz after he tried to mix "Yo Side of the Bed" and "Purple Rain," I'm convinced that Prince should be the next American Idol Judge. He wouldn't even have to speak because his eyes would say it all.




Queen Latifah tells the sex of Alicia Keys' Baby:



I know too many of you were trying to hear if Queen Latifah came out of the closet to catch this one: but Queen Latifah let is slip that Alicia Keys is having a girl. During her monologue, when speaking about the baby, she said "her" more than once. No shade, but if Alicia and Swizz did nothing wrong why did they wait until his divorce was final to go public after being together for years? I'm just saying.

Ray J's Drunkeness:


Not too many people caught this, but Ray-J was a bit tipsy. So much so that Brandy had to tell him to shut up. When you're barely B-list, I think you should have more respect than to show up to an awards show drunk.

Chris Brown's Humility:


I loved Chris Brown's tribute. No matter what is said about Chris Brown here, I will admit he can dance and really did MJ justice. I was a bit confused when he was choked up during "Man in the Mirror" because I thought he was out of breath, but my mother pointed out he was crying. I was deeply moved because he showed humility. I also loved when he was humble during his acceptance speech.




Nicki Minaj is taking her black Lady Gaga thing too far:

Nicki performed three times last night and I was not impressed. I wanted her to do her own songs and I hated the lip syncing. I know everyone has lip synced a few times but I feel like if you can't dance, walk, whatever while singing, put the mike down. I also hated the orange haired prom thing she had going on. Sorry Nicki, you didn't impress me. Go harder next year.

Monica and Deniece Williams:



Monica did a good job. The bat wings were questionable but whatever. Anyway, Deniece Williams needed more vocal warm ups. That. Is. All.

B.O.B. and Keyshia Cole's "Airplanes":


I like the song but I don't like Keyshia Cole on it. Actually, I didn't like much about her yesterday. Her wig was a mess, her outfit was questionable, and she over sang.

Queen Latifah's Character study:


I enjoyed Queen Latifah resurrecting the characters from her past. Her Cleo was hilarious.

I got a Love Jones:

I'm not mad at BET for trying to be different but the first time they resurrected a movie/TV show from the past, it was cute. Now it's annoying. Stop it.

No One Man Should Have All That Power:


Kanye came out of hiding to perform his new single "Power." I like the song, but the performance was okay. It didn't suck but it wasn't great. Is that Jesus around his neck? If you know, please tell me. Either way, it's a mess and Kanye is a mess.

Prince' Tribute:






I didn't catch it but from what I've been reading, Prince was only impressed with Patti Labelle. I'll catch it on the DVR tonight and tell you what I really think.

Alicia Keys on the piano:


This was another moment that twitter and the blogosphere was buzzing about. A five months pregnant Alicia Keys, jumped on the piano in a sultry move that shocked Prince. When you shock the king of shock, you've done your job.



El Debarge's comeback:



When he came on stage, my sister asked me who he was. But anyway,there will be no shade because he did a good job. I hope he keeps it together enough to continue on this path.



The moment I wanted to see:



Call it the immature, Jerry Springer/Maury enthusiast in me, but I would have loved if Lil' Kim came to the mike when Nicki Minaj accepted her best female hip hop award and Kanye West'd her. Yes, Kanye has become a verb. I'm sure Lil' Kim had extra security around her to stop the shenanigans.

BET Award's 2010 Winners:

Best Female R&B Artist: Alicia Keys

Best Male R&B Artist: Trey Songz

Best Female Hip Hop Artist: Nicki Minaj

Best Male Hip Hop Artist: Drake

Best New Artist: Nicki Minaj

Best Gospel: Marvin Sapp

Best Group: Young Money

Best Collaboration: Jay-Z and Alicia Keys – “Empire State of Mind”

Video of the Year: Beyonce Knowles (ft. Lady GaGa) – “Video Phone”

Best Actress: Mo’Nique

Best Actor: Idris Elba

Best Movie: “Precious: Based on the Novel PUSH by Sapphire”

Youngstars Award: Keke Palmer

Subway Sportswoman of the Year: Serena Williams

Subway Sportsman of the Year: LeBron James

Viewer’s Choice: Rihanna (featuring Young Jeezy) – “Hard”

Best International Act: Dizzee Rascal (U.K.)

Centric Award: Monica

Fandemonium Award: Chris Brown



All Heroes don't sing and dance:



I'm glad BET is trying to change their reputation by honoring community leaders. I think it's a shame they're always having to defend themselves when MTV and VH1 are no better. The honorees were Geoffrey Canada (pictured above) and Earl Martin Phalen were among the honored.


BET Awards Winners List:

Viewers Choice: Rihanna Ft. Young Jeezy - 'Hard'
Best Female R&B Artist: Alicia Keyes
Best Male R&B Artist: Trey Songz
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: Micki Minaj
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist: Drake
Best Collaboration: Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
Best Group: Young Money
Video of the Year: Beyonce & Lady Gaga
Video Director of the Year: Anthony Mandler
Youngstars Award: Keke Palmer
Best Actress: Mo'Nique
Best Actor: Idris Elba
Best Movie: Precious
Best Gospel: Marvvin Sapp
Centric Award: Monica
Subway Sportswoman of the Year: Serena Williams
Subway Sportsman of the Year: Lebron James
Best International Act: Dizzee Rascal
Lifetime Achievement Award: Prince

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Cute Pic of Bey and Jay



I've seen this on a few websites and I thought it was cute. I'm happy to see Beyonce and Jay-Z actually acting like a couple. It's also nice to see Beyonce relaxed and not like a robot. Jay and Bey have been seen in this Jeep alot, so I think they're getting some dinero. you didn't hear that from me

VII Interview: Director Alonzo Anderson

(Angela Phillips, Alonzo Anderson, and Jennifer Sears)

Too often in the African American film industry, there is only room for one actress, one actor, and one top director but Alonzo Anderson is setting out to change that. The independent film producer is gearing up for the release of his new film StepSisters, a film that explores race, friendship, and sorority life. We sat down with the producer to talk his writing career, Tyler Perry, race in stepping, his Greek experiences, and the creative process.

VII Mag: How did you get your start writing?

Alonzo Anderson: I’ve been writing since I’ve been old enough to write. I got into writing 15 years ago when something unusual happened to me and I said to myself “this would be a good movie” I just sat down and learned the process and I just started writing. For the last 15 years, I’ve been trying to get my projects filmed and I’m doing smaller projects just learning the process. I’ve put this film together and now it’s up and running.


VII Mag: What are some of the other projects you’re involved in?

Alonzo Anderson: I have a project entitled Omaha Street that’s in production. I’ve worked on a film that I produced and directed called Rain and 20 something. Both received local limited releases. Nothing has gone into theaters. This is the first project to get wide distribution.


VII Mag: How did step sisters came around?

Alonzo Anderson: My co-producer Anthony Nixon came to me with an idea a few years ago and said he wanted to do an idea about college but didn’t want to do something fluff. He said he wanted to show a different side of college. The side that isn’t so rosy and the troubles that people have to go through adapting from home life to college life. I started writing on that two years ago. As I was working on that concept, I kept thinking I had to do something different, that would grab people and still teach them something along the way. I decided to change it up and build the concept around stepping. Around the cocept I injected the story around two best friends who decided to go to college together.


VII Mag: Did you pull experiences from your own Greek life?

Alonzo Anderson: I’m not Greek. I was always intrigued by the fraternity thing but I was never motivated enough to pledge. I enjoyed what they did but I didn’t agree with the way they became brothers.


VII Mag: How did you accurately portray the stuff they went through?

Alonzo Anderson: I reached out to sorority and fraternity members so I could accurately portray what they went through. As I was writing I would call them up and say hey I wrote this thing and let me know how accurate it is and they say “nah that would never happen, this is what is more likely to happen.” So they kept me in check that way. I also brought in consultants from fraternities and sororities. I think the authenticity is in check.


VII Mag: Were there any other steps you took to accurately portray the HBCU experience?

Alonzo Anderson: I didn’t get too much into the other stuff because the sorority and stepping stuff is a broad enough story as it is. This project is more about the character study and the impact of stepping. I did reach out to HBCU students and getting a take on their experiences. That was as far as I went with that. I didn’t go to an HBCU but I have a lot of family members that did.


VII Mag: What is your favorite part of film making?

Alonzo Anderson: It’s the writing process. Honestly, without a good screenplay the film never happens. That is the heartbeat, the blood, of any motion picture project. There is nothing more exhilarating than sitting in front of my computer at a blank screen and having a finished movie three or four months later and it all came from my mind.


VII Mag: What’s the hardest part of making a film?

Alonzo Anderson: As an independent producer, the hardest part is the financial piece. I’ve got everything in place and now I have to go out and convince people to buy invest their hard earned money, not knowing if the movie will make a profit. The same thing with distributors, convincing them that it will return on their investment. That’s the part of I like least because it’s a part of the movie business not the creative process. The business part of it leaves me dry because you’re dealing with people who could care less about all the things that go into putting a project together all they care about is can it make them money. The writer side of me is in conflict with the business side because it makes me feel cheap and dirty to make the confessions that I have to make to get my projects completed.


VII Mag: How do you feel about Tyler Perry?

Alonzo Anderson: I think I’ve seen one or two Tyler Perry films, and personally they do not entertain me. I understand that he fills a need in the entertainment industry and I applaud that. I applaud the brother for what he’s done and the opportunity he has created for everyone. I don’t think he’s a bad writer, producer, or director; I think he’s an excellent businessman. He’s set up a great business model for upcoming filmmakers.


VII Mag: Do you have a favorite Indie movie?

Alonzo Anderson: There is one I’ve watched over and over again and it’s called American Violet. I’ve seen it 8 or 9 times and I loved it. It wasn’t the best-made movie or best-written movie but it stimulated me and had great actors. The girl who played the lead, I want to work with her and make something specifically for her. I thought she was excellent and should have been nominated for some awards. I think that was her first film and I was mesmerized by her.


VII Mag: What makes a movie great for you?

Alonzo Anderson: I look at movies differently than the average person. A great movie for me is one that has great dialogue and great character development. If I can’t believe a character would exist in the world created in the film, I’ll zone out. That’s what catches me in a film, that it is believable. My favorite films are character driven films.


VII Mag: What do you want people to get from this movie?

Alonzo Anderson: This movie is called stepsisters, but it is not about stepping. In a perfect world, stepping wouldn’t be in there but I’m not an idiot and I know stepping is what is drawing people in. When people read the story, they realize there is actually a story in there. step sisters is hopefully going to enlighten folks that friendship has different layers to it and peer pressure is real and you can’t fight both monsters and you’ll have to give into one.


VII Mag: What will make this project successful for you?

Alonzo Anderson: Everyone is not going to be the next Tyler Perry but for me success is seeing Step Sisters on a billboard, seeing it in the theaters, and seeing it in Best Buy. That’s success to me because everything after that is collateral from the hard work we put in.


VII Mag: Is there anything else you'd like to say?

Alonzo Anderson: It’s a hot projects and I hope everyone supports it.

I'll Believe It When I see it


There are rumors flying around the blogosphere saying that Beyonce will be giving her father a pink slip because of his cheating on her mother. In February, Matthew was proven to be the father of Alexsandra Wright's baby and ordered to pay $8200 a month in child support. Word on the street is that Beyonce is not talking to her father and that is scaring the execs at Columbia records.



"Beyoncé was horrified to find out her dad cheated on her mom. She always looked up to him, and she is very close to her mom, so this has hit her really hard. She is refusing to speak to him, which is making things difficult where it comes to managing her career. Some people at Columbia now think it would be better to move him aside."



I don't know how true this is nor do I expect Beyonce to make a statement about this anytime soon but I doubt it. Beyonce's spoke person stated that the rumors are false. Only time will tell.

Tiny and Toya's Daughters Talk About Haters


How cute! Tiny and Toya's daughters Reginae and Zonnique have taken to Freddy O to address their hates and their parents haters. I guess you should get them started early.


(freddy0)

Jagged Edge Broke?


Word on the street is that Jagged Edge is broke. The group, who was originally signed to So So Def records and had hits like "Let's Get Married" and "Where The Party At?" are having a sneaker and jersey sale and a few are scratching their heads. Peep the video below and decide for yourself if it's just a little summer cleaning or a way to pay bills.
If you're in ATL and are looking for some cheap shoes, the sale will be held from 11 am-7pm at:
Jagged Edge Sneaker Sale
581 Tallwood Dr.
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
11am-7pm
(Bossip)

Tyler Perry Fires Entire Staff?


Remember that episode of the Boondocks that had a Tyler Perry Esq film and play producer who was secretly gay and used his plays as a way to hide it? If you don't, the episode is below so you can watch it. Anyway, Twitter and the blogosphere has been buzzing all week about the episode and Mr. Perry is far from happy. Although he hasn't spoken out publicly about the episode, word is his entire staff is getting pink slips next week.
I personally thought the episode was funny and I think Tyler needs a back bone, it's comedy nothing to fire your staff over.



Friday, June 25, 2010

Artist Profile: Sir Foster Carson



How many infants do you know can walk up to a piano, play a note, and sing at back to their mothers? Not many and if one was known, they would probably be on Ripley's Believe it or Not. Believe it or not, this is how Foster "Sir Foster" Carson began his musical career. By four, Sir Foster was writing songs based on people's names and at six he began taking piano lessons, at 14, he ditched his piano teacher to learn on his own. Although the name may not be familiar, those he has had a hand in producing should be. Sir Foster has racked up production credits for Young Joc, Keyshia Cole, Soulja Boy, Travis Porter, Roscoe Dash, and Gorilla Joe.

When he's not producing for big names, Sir Foster works for the Atlanta Hawks as a keyboardist and posts Youtube Videos of him adding a jazz flair to your favorite songs.

Notable Quotes:

"Music is more fun when it bangs in the trunk. My music does bang in the trunk but it is very musical because i do sing and play the saxophone. What I strive for is lyrical and musical substance but it's still fun to listen to. I think I've done a good job in achieving that."


"Life moves fast. If I set my goal to make it at 30 when i may not make it until I'm 35, so why not try to get on now? Why should I wait?"

Here is Sir Foster on CBS' Better Mornings Atlanta

Ne-Yo is expecting


When I first saw this headline, my eyes popped out my head. I am shocked. Ne-Yo? A few years back, Ne-Yo was taking care of an ex-girlfriend's son until he discovered that baby wasn't his and that resulted in a nasty lawsuit that obviously went in his favor because we havent heard anything more of it. Sorry for the long sentence. But anyway, Ne-Yo has confirmed to EbonyJet that he is expecting his first child.

EBONY sat down with the singer-songwriter at a super exclusive photoshoot planned to help promote his upcoming album Libra Scale. Ne-Yo, who is preparing to attend the ASCAP Awards Friday night in Beverly Hills, talked about how he had traveled home to Atlanta to get some news about the baby.

Surprise! He had to come home so he could make the first ultrasound visit with his girlfriend. There’s no word on the sex of the baby because the tiny tot curled up in a ball, leading Ne-Yo to joke that his future progeny is “stubborn.” But, he added, “They didn’t get that one from me.”

“I am 30 and I do have my first child on the way, and I’m very, very, very excited about that,” he tells EBONY. “It’s a New Year’s baby and I’m just in a really good place right now.”


Congrats to the happy couple.

All Hail The King

A year ago today, we lost one of the most prolific entertainers ever. The king of pop, Michael Jackson, left us too soon and it took his passing for us to realize the impact he had on us. I'm not going to talk too much but I will leave you with this industry tribute to Michael.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Have you heard: Big K.R.I.T.

Get familar with Def Jam's newest signee, Big K.R.I.T.



Big K.R.I.T. - Now or Neva by WWW.VIIMAG.COM

Hailing from Meridian, Mississippi, the 23 year old has been buzzing off collaborations with Wiz Khalifa, Curren$y, and Devin The Dude to name a few. His sound is an amalgam of some of the best the south has to offer. You can hear everything from Pimp C's inflections, T.I.'s arrogance, Juicy J's production, David Banner's hometown pride, and Outkast's state of mind in the budding new jack.

Sha Money XL, VP of A&R for Def Jam Records signed Big K.R.I.T. after hearing his mixtape K.R.I.T. Wuz Here.

"After meeting Big K.R.I.T. and hearing his mixtape K.R.I.T Wuz Here in the studio I knew without a doubt that this kid was a star and hitmaker,” Sha Money XL told AllHipHop.com. “I knew hands down that he will provide Hip-Hop a sound really needed right now.”


Expect big things for the emcee/producer in the coming months with a machine like Def Jam behind his sound.

In the meantime, see what has the 825 8th Avenue offices buzzing by clicking on the mixtape cover below to download.




Bonus:
Below, D. Banner shows love to the newest act to rep the 'Sip.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Nike Zoom N7 BB II Low "Trash Talk"


Nike's N7 program was created to promote health and wellness "and all of its benefits to Native American and Aboriginal communities in the USA and Canada". The N7 collection takes part in being for a good cause by having all of it's shoes constructed with recycled materials.

The first shoe from the collection, the Nike Zoom N7 BB II Low "Trash Talk" (whew! that was a mouthful) are available starting today (June 23, 2010) for a cool hund (or as Plies would say "one hundid dahlas"). Get you a pair at the NikeStore.

"Dear Mama" is inducted into the Library of Congress


This year Tupac Shakur's "Dear Mama" will be among the 25 recordings that will be inducted into the Library of Congress' Recording Registry, which preserves "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant" works.

The Library of Congress called Tupac's "Dear Mama" "a moving and eloquent homage to both the murdered rapper's own mother and all mothers struggling to maintain a family in the face of addiction, poverty and societal indifference." "Dear Mama" marks only the third hip-hop recording to gain entry into the Library of Congress following Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five's "The Message" and Public Enemy's Fear of a Black Planet. 1995's "Dear Mama" also becomes the Recording Registry's most recent entrant, coming four years after Nirvana's Nevermind, which was previously the "youngest" Library of Congress inductee. (via Rolling Stone)

J. Cole - "Who Dat"



"I think it was an excellent reception," Cole told SOHH. "I just wish I would've explained to people more that it was a one shot, that we shot on film and even when you watch it in HD version it looks incredible because it was on 35mm film which is what they use to shoot movies with. Even with that said I think people respect the fact that I went home [to Fayetteville, NC]. I didn't come out with a whole bunch of jewelry, a whole bunch of light skinned girls with short shorts on. It's a real organic feeling video. I really wish I would've explained more to people but you know in time people will get it. They'll see all the imagery and all the little signs."

"I just do weird stuff. Even the fact, coming out with 'Who Dat.' It's not the typical song that's going to be on the radio, it's not the typical song that's going to play in the clubs but that's what it felt like," he added. "That was the feeling. It felt like the move so we moved. It's going to do it's job, it's going to do what it's supposed to do. I think the video was the same way. It was like, 'Yo, we love this idea. Let's do it.' Forget about the rules and what your first video is supposed to be. I'm supposed to [have] X amount of scenes and this amount of light skinned girls. I just like to do things my way."
(via SOHH)

Thank god.

J.Cole's Cole World is currently scheduled for an October release through RocNation/Columbia Records.

Recovery sells 615,000 albums in its first week


I love Drake and he sold very well for a debut but he's still not the #1 rapper. If Drake was going to open #1, he won't because he's been outsold by nearly 140,000 copies. Eminem’s ‘Recovery’ is on the road to having the biggest 1st week sales of the year thus far. The last time a rapper sold nearly that much was when Wayne dropped tha Carter III. The rapper’s LP is predicted to sell 590-615k, topping the 503k copies of Sade’s ‘Soldier of Love’ sold in February. With the massive success of his #1 single ‘Not Afraid’ and his new song, ‘Love The Way You Lie (Ft. Rihanna)’, already #1 on iTunes. Not bad for an album without too much promotion or buzz.

Rick Ross sues Rick Ross

Are you confused?



Today Freeway Ricky Ross official files a lawsuit against Rick Ross. After months of numerous complaints about Rick Ross using his name, the former drug kingpin known for making "2-3 million a week" at the height of his slanging days, made action against the M-I-Yayo's...wait for it...BAWSE.



Freeway Ricky’s attorney Melvin Sharpe Jr., ESQ., filed a trademark infringement lawsuit on Friday (June 18th) in U.S. District Court, Central District of California. Judge Percy Anderson will issue summonses to Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter and rapper Rick Ross who could both be called to testify during the discovery process. Additionally, Jay-Z, Maybach Music Group., Slip-N-Slide Records and UMG Recordings are named as defendants in the lawsuit. Jay-Z is named in the lawsuit because he signed Ross to Island Def Jam in 2006, while he was President of the legendary label, which Ross still calls home. Under his deal with Def Jam, Rick Ross has released three chart-topping albums: Port of Miami (2006), Trilla (2008) and Deeper Than Rap (2009).(via Allhiphop)



Yup, they have added Jay-Z to the infringement case as well.

Just imagine if Freeway Ricky Ross wins. This could possibly open a floodgate of infringement cases in the rap game the moment the original holder of the pseudonym feels their down on their luck. That goes for 50 Cent, AZ, Foxy Brown, Jim Jones, Capone, Irv Gotti, Yo Gotti, Kurupt Young Gotti, etc.

Speaking of 50 Cent, something tells me he pushed Freeway Ricky Ross to do this all along. Earlier this year, FRR was humming a different tune about Ross.

"[Rapper] Freeway reached out and told me anything I needed he had me but Rick Ross, he hasn't reached out to me as of yet. That's not saying he won't reach out one day. But as of right now, he hasn't reached out...I reached out to him and spoke to him a few times and I basically was just telling him that he could be who he is. So he didn't have to use my name, he could just build a friendship with me. When I was in prison, I wanted him to start coming and seeing me, you know, just getting to know each other. And I told him he could still get his street credibility instead of doing that. We had about three conversations. When we spoke on the phone for the first three times, he paid homage and said he owed me. He told me how he first got the name and the whole nine yards."
(via 100.3 The Beat)

"I mean most definitely," Ross said regarding a possible business relationship [sic](with Rick Ross). "You know I'm a business man so any business we could do, you know, it is most definitely something I look forward to doing. I mean a dude that just did a little time he could really reflect on different things, I don't know what kinda business ventures he know but me, we in to films and different things like that. You'll never know what a man is up to. Of course not , [I haven't met him.] But you know I been in the game a few years, shout-out to him, he's doing his thing. Do we have any business together? No we don't, but you know, we both hustlers. So I wish him the best, so you know, that's what I say on that."(via JennyBoomBoomtv/Hot 93.7)

"50 Cent called me the day I got out and let me know if there was anything I needed to just let him know," he explained in an interview. "I don't know how he got my cell but the morning I got out he called me and expressed his support...[Ross] abruptly stopped taking my phone calls. I didn't come with my hand out, I came with ideas that I thought could make their career better. I don't want to be around nobody where I am just getting fed, I want to be somebody that brings substance to the table."(via AllHipHop Radio)



Add it up.

It seems as though Rick Ross is already prepared for a name change in the event he loses the case. He recently opened a twitter account under the alias @RickyRozay.

Rick Ross or Ricky Rozay's Teflon Don is tentatively scheduled to drop July 20, 2010 on Maybach Music Group/Def Jam.