unsigned2dayandsigned2morrow

2009-02-06T08:02:00.001-08:00

ndrew Barber 0 Comments

Ivy League - "Music For Scholars"

The League sounds rejuvenated on this one. Here they swing their rags, Chi-City style.

From their upcoming mixtape, VarCity.

Ivy League - "Music For Scholars"

2009-02-06T07:59:00.002-08:00

Video: GLC Meets The Singing Smoker

The jury is still out on whether or not he's related to the Notorious B.U.M. or not. They would make a crucial duo, though.

2009-02-06T07:59:00.001-08:00

Count (of L.E.P.) - "I'm ILL" [Snippet]

Here's the first official leak from DJ MoonDawg's Monstaz of the Midway Vol. 3: C[r]ook County, hosted by L.E.P. The track features a few bars from the Bogus Boys own, Count, and you can expect the mixtape to surface later this month.

The floating Blagojevich heads in the background were also a nice touch. I'm just sayin...

Count (of L.E.P.) - "Im ILL" [Snippet]

2009-02-06T07:58:00.001-08:00

Really Doe - "Psychotic"

Doe & Officer Rawse

It's been a while since we've heard from G.O.O.D. Music's Really Doe on FSD, but here he returns with the Dontae Winslow-produced, "Psychotic". This track can also be found on FSD Presents: The Chicagorilla Ape Tape Vol. 1. Which will be released sometime this decade. I promise.

Really Doe - "Psychotic"

2009-02-06T07:57:00.003-08:00

Vi - "Over Here"

I meant to post this the other day.

Vi's new single, tagged up by by man Jay iLLa [II]

Vi - "Over Here"

2009-02-06T07:57:00.001-08:00

Video: Rhymefest Interview with Loud.com Pt. 2

Spotted at Nah Right

2009-02-06T07:52:00.000-08:00

Block Xchange - BXC

I'm being told, that for legal reasons, Block Xchange has officially changed their name to BXC. Anyhoo, this is the intro/lead off track to their upcoming DTP release.

Courtesy of DJ MoonDawg and his newly launced website, Monstaz of the Midway

Block Xchange - "BXC"

2009-02-04T14:35:00.001-08:00

Syleena Johnson feat. Cold Hard (of Crucial Conflict) - "Maury Povich"

*blank stare*

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to hear what the F Cold Hard has to say on this one. Yakkadoshish!

Syleena Johnson feat. Cold Hard (of Crucial Conflict) - "Maury Povich"

via BFochs

2009-02-04T14:34:00.001-08:00

Video: Trailblazerz MPC Speak on B. King

Arlo, of the Trailblazerz MPC, dedicates this video to the memory of late Chicago Producer B. King.

2009-02-04T14:33:00.000-08:00

Que B.I.L.L.A.H. - "Put Me In The Game" x "Bang, Bang Boogie"

Two more joints (a.k.a the third installment) from Que B.I.L.L.A.H.'s Lost mixtape. The first is a track inspired by Blitz: The League II, where Que lends his voice as one of the quarterbacks (no, seriously. He's in the game).

Joint number two is the Que BILLAH x Scarface 'The World Is Yours' - "Bang, Bang Boogie", produced by Vernon Reid the lead quitarist from the 90s rock band Living Colour.

Hello!

Que B.I.L.L.A.H. - "Put Me In The Game"

Que B.I.L.L.A.H. - "Bang, Bang Boogie"

2009-02-04T14:32:00.002-08:00

Video: The Making of Mikkey Halsted's "Hello" (Prod. by Don Cannon)

Here ChiGroundTV catches up with Mikkey Halsted at Soundscape Studios hard at work on "Hello", the Don Cannon (*Cannon*)-produced track from Chicago: The Photo Album. This song is most definitely a monster.

It appears that Mikk has either moved in to Soundscape or has just leased the whole place out as every video I've seen of him recently has taken place there. Come to think of it, the last two times I've seen him have been there. Someone needs to take him to Six Flags, or something!

2009-02-04T14:32:00.001-08:00

Mixtape: RTC x SC - Guns 'N' Doe (Hosted by Just Blaze)

It's finally here. The RTC x SC mixtape, Guns 'N' Doe, hosted by Justin Blaze, featuring all tracks produced by S. Choir.

Bump J, GLC, Mikkey Halsted, Mobb Deep, Young Buck, Mick Luter and Mic Terror all make appearances. Quality stuff. Check the tracklist after the jump.

RTC x SC - Guns 'N' Doe (Hosted by Just Blaze)

Count (of L.E.P.) - "Out Here Bad" (Prod. by Boogz)

Here's a rare Count track from around 2000-01, which produced by Boogz. It also comes courtesy of his vault.

Count (of L.E.P.) - "Out Here Bad" (Prod. by Boogz)

2009-02-04T14:28:00.000-08:00

Illnature - "War" (Prod. by Prolyfic)

The much heralded collaboration between Illnature and Prolyfic that K-Rob's been telling me about. Here we go.

Illnature - "War" (Prod. by Prolyfic)

2009-02-03T19:35:00.000-08:00

Video: Mikkey Halsted - "I'm A Ryder" (Prod. by SC)

From the SC x RTC mixtape, Guns N' Doe, which drops tomorrow on RH and is hosted by Just Bleezy.

My only question is, when are we going to get the version of this with Mick Luter on it? Isn't this actually his song?

Mikkey Halsted - "I'm A Ryder" (Prod. by SC)

Video: Lupe Fiasco Chicago Public Schools PSA

2009-02-03T19:33:00.001-08:00

Video: Lupe Fiasco Chicago Public Schools PSA

And who says Wasalu isn't for the children?

"So be a part of The Cool, just go to school, but stay in school"

And if you know someone who doesn't? Drop a dime on them. Word to Chauncey.

via Sean

Cam'ron Spotted In Chicago

2009-02-03T19:31:00.000-08:00

"And you can ask George or Regina, the whole West Side I explored with the Beama"

As the quest for the whereabouts of Killa Cam heats up, we find Cam in an unsuspecting city, filming the latest of his four (yes, four) upcoming videos, the first of which dropped yesterday. Cam was just in the Chi filming scenes for his "Crime Pays" single from his upcoming album of the same name. And you know FSD got the drop on where to find Killa.

Here Cameron Giles was spotted on the streets of the South Side getting ~~his pool~~ the Sears Tower in the back.

Big shouts to Bang, who is directing all four clips and is also behind the lens for Killa Season 2. One of the Chi's finest!

2009-02-03T19:29:00.000-08:00

Video: Phil G Says Thank You

Phil G stops by to thank all of the fans and supporters from around the way.

Vote Here and Here.

Young Offishal - "Off the Chain" (Prod. by B. King)

2009-02-03T18:54:00.001-08:00

Young Offishal - "Off the Chain" (Prod. by B. King)
This was one of the last known productions from Chicago producer B. King who was tragically murdered last week in a Chicago nightclub. Although, I was unfamiliar with his work, the outpour of emotional emails, comments and dedications I received were overwhelming, and he obviously touched many people in his short life.

I wanted to post this song as a tribute and to also expose his production to a new audience, who may have been as in the dark as I was.

R.I.P.

Young Offishal - "Off the Chain" (Prod. by B. King)

Video: Rhymefest Interview with Loud.com

2009-02-03T18:53:00.001-08:00

Video: Rhymefest Interview with Loud.com

"Chicago '09" coming sooner than you think. You've been warned.

via Eskay

Video: The Legendary Traxster Interview with ChiGround

2009-02-03T18:50:00.000-08:00

Video: The Legendary Traxster Interview with ChiGround

Trax discusses his reunion with Twista after a decade, as well as his potential first single on Shawnna and Ludacris's upcoming collabo album.

via ChiGround

Lords Of The Underground Launch Tour Of Europe

2009-01-31T06:08:00.000-08:00

By Mike Winslow

Golden era Hip-Hop group Lord of the Underground have announced the 22-date Check The Rhyme Tour of Europe, which is slated to kick off February 1, in the Netherlands.

The group will hit major markets during the tour, which stops in the Netherlands, the UK, France, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Finland, as well several stops in major German cities like Vienna and Austria.

The Lords of The Underground consists rappers Do It All and Mr. Funke and DJ Lord.

The Lords are best known for their hit records “Chief Rocka” and “Funky Child.”

Group member “Do It All” Du Kelly is also the founder of Lord Gang Worldwide, which helps guide independent artists within the entertainment industry.

He is also the new host of Doitall Radio, which arist on Streetz 96.5 FM broadcasting in the New Jersey area and on the Internet on www.streetz96.com.

Tour dates are listed below:

1 FEB Effenaar / Eindhoven / Netherlands
2 FEB Indigo / London / Uk
3 FEB TRAVEL DAY >>>>>>
4 FEB Havana /Toulouse / France
5 FEB Tba /Bordeaux / France
6 FEB Transbordeur/ lyon / France
7 FEB Elesee mont mantre /Paris / France
8 FEB tba / Zurich / Switserland
9 FEB tba /Frankfurt / germany
10 FEB Vega /CopenHagen/ Denmark
11 FEB Sticky fingers/ Gothenburg / Sweden
12 FEB tba /Trondheim / Denmark
13 FEB Ra / Oslo / Norway
14 FEB tba/ Helsinki / Finland
15 FEB tba /Stockholm / Sweden
16 FEB tba /Hamburg / germany
17 FEB tba/ Cologne/ Germany
18 FEB tba/ berlin /Germany
19 FEB tba /Prague / CHech republic
20 FEB Backstage/ munich /Germany
21 FEB tba/ Stutgart / Germany
22 FEB tba /Vienna / Austria

Golden era Hip-Hop group Lord of the Underground have announced the 22-date Check The Rhyme Tour of Europe, which is slated to kick off February 1, in the Netherlands.

The Lords of The Underground consists rappers Do It All and Mr. Funke and DJ Lord.

The Lords are best known for their hit records “Chief Rocka” and “Funky Child.”

Group member “Do It All” Du Kelly is also the founder of Lord Gang Worldwide, which helps guide independent artists within the entertainment industry.

He is also the new host of Doitall Radio, which arist on Streetz 96.5 FM broadcasting in the New Jersey area and on the Internet on www.streetz96.com.

Tour dates are listed below:

Hollywood Holt Wins!

2009-01-31T06:03:00.000-08:00

Congratulations are most definitely in order to Hollywood Holt for winning MTVU's The Freshmen contest and getting his video for "Hollywood" (Prod. by Million $ Mano) added into rotation on MTVU. Here he thanks all of the fans, bloggers and supporters for helping him make it to the top. Big shout to Mano as well for killing the track.

Check the video here.

Chicago Producer Murdered In Nightclub

2009-01-31T06:01:00.000-08:00

This is tragic. I obviously hate reporting on this kind of stuff. I'm not familiar with dudes work, so if you guys know of anything, please drop it in the comments section.

Bryan King, of the 9700 block of South University, was shot inside Transit Nightclub at 1431 W. Lake St. about 2:30 a.m., police said. A second man also was shot.

King, 28, was a music producer who worked mostly with rap artists, said his mother, Connie Griffin-King. “He was loved by his family,’’ Griffin-King, 53, said of her only son...

...Bryan King was going to move to Atlanta Monday to continue pursuing his music career there, she said. He was out with friends Thursday night. She was not sure what led to the shooting.

Read the full report here.

50 Cent Launches Own Film Production Company

2009-01-20T11:35:00.000-08:00

50 Cent is a true business man at heart whether it's Hip-Hop, movies, clothing lines or books.

Now Yo! Raps has learned that 50 Cent is launching his own film production company called Cheetah Vision. According to Reuters, Fif is spending time at the Sundance Film Festival promoting his new venture.

"I don't think it will affect me as much as it will the other people that are out there because I'm not afraid to finance some of these things myself if I have to," 50 Cent said about the recession and his new company.

Cheetah Vision has bought 8 scripts and the first project is titled The Dance starring the G-Unit boss himself and Nicholas Cage.

"The script was previously passed around a little bit but both me and Nicolas Cage had an interest in the film so it will still happen. He plays the founder of a boxing program, and I play a fighter who goes to state prison," said 50.

"They are all different types of movies that I bought the rights to, and we're developing projects. You will see different things from me in the future," he continued.

But 50 is not only an actor, he also debuts as a director for the movie Before I Self Destruct that will be given out for free with his album of the same name.

"It's an opportunity to make sure my fans get to see my first piece," Fif said about Before I Self Destruct. "It actually allowed me to show cause and effect to some of the actions that I wrote about on the

Mos Def Gears Up For New Album, Hits The Big Screen

2009-01-20T11:34:00.000-08:00

Rapper and actor Mos Def will be releasing his fourth solo album Ecstatic next month.

Ecstatic is the follow-up project to his 2006 album True Magic and will be his first release in almost 3 years. The set will hit shelves on February 9 via Downtown Records and features guest appearances from Slick Rick, Black Thought and Jay Electronica.

Furthermore the award winning actor will grace the big screen this year with the comedy Next Day Air. The film centers on a UPS driver who delivers a package containing bricks of cocaine to the wrong address, it sets into motion a battle of wills and wits between the dealer, the intended recipients, and the people who have the drugs and plan to sell them off.

Mos Def will star alongside comedian Mike Epps, Donald Faison, Wood Harris and Lauren London.

Next Day Air will open in theatres on May 8.

The Economy Strikes Again! Andre 3000's Clothing Line Reportedly In Trouble

2009-01-20T11:32:00.000-08:00

Despite seeing some success and praise from the likes of GQ, word around town is that Andre 3000's clothing line is headed for trouble.

GQ magazine is set to line Dre up with Save Khaki, Robert Geller, Yigal Azrouel, Shipley & Halmos, and Rogues Gallery to see who will earn the honor of The Best New Designer In America.

Although the critics are in love, Whoohah.com recently reported that Barneys.com has cut the price tag on Dre's Benjamin Bixby by 50%.

"The problem is no one is buying the clothing line because of the high price point and no brand equity," Whoohah.com reported. "As a result, the Benjamin Bixby clothing line has had to dramatically drop prices in order to move inventory and prevent retailers from shipping it all back to Mr. Benjamin."

At press time, Dre had issued no comment on the apparent lack of sales.

- By Erin T. McMillon

Group Files Suit Against 50 Cent's Vitaminwater

2009-01-20T11:31:00.000-08:00

Coca-Cola, the company that purchased Vitaminwater, is being sued by a group that says they are misleading their customers about the drink's contents.

According to the suit filed by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), Coca-Cola purposely misinformed their customers by using words like "defense," "rescue," "energy," and "endurance" in the marketing of their product.

"It is really shocking that a company like Coca-Cola feels the need to market a soft drink as a vitamin pill to hide the fact that it is really sugar water," CPSI leader Steven Gardener said to Emax Health.

Despite the accusations, Coca-Cola maintains that consumers can refer to the product's label for the nutritional facts and ingredients.

50 Cent purchased his share of Vitaminwater in 2004.

In 2007, Coca-Cola purchased the franchise from Glaceau, earning him an estimated $400 million for his 10% stake.

At press time, 50 offered no comment on the lawsuit.

- By Erin T. McMillon

The Clipse's Label Debut In Trouble? Sony Music Laid Off Execs

2009-01-20T11:28:00.000-08:00

Last week, Sony Music laid off the two execs that brought The Clipse over to the label. It was rumoured that this could affect the release of the group's anticipated debut titled Till The Casket Drops. Now Pusha T revealed that their new album will definitely see the light of day.

"It's not gonna affect us. We're too far done with the album," Pusha explained to MTV News. "The thing about us, it was never lack of music. Our problems have been an executing and marketing issue. I think we got a pretty good stronghold on it. I heard about the Hip Hop and Al Branch situation. I'm sure all of that is going to work itself out in our favor."

The Virginia rapper also told MTV that Till The Casket Drops will feature production from The Neptunes, DJ Khalil and Swizz Beatz.

The first single is called Kinda Like A Big Deal but Pusha T refused to give more details.

"It's about being kinda like a big deal," Pusha explained. " The collabo on there, the record in general, it's kinda like a big deal."

Bow Wow Admits To Having Ghostwriters

2009-01-20T11:25:00.000-08:00

Ask the average hip hop fan and Bow Wow doesn't register on their proverbial "top five" list. Whether it be the child star stigma or rumors of having ghostwriters, hip-hop's lil'est one has had a hard time making it as an legitimate artist and recently spoke to HipHopDX on what remains unspoken between most rappers.

It has been long rumored that T.I. has been a ghostwriter for Bow Wow. During the DX interview, Bow not only confirmed the reports, but dished on just how much Tip has written for him.

"Even the best have had stuff written for them. [And] Tip only worked with me one time, and that was for the Unleashed album," Bow said. "And I actually wrote, I would say, 85 percent of that album. Tip probably wrote maybe like one [full] song, [and] he might have did like a verse [for a few songs] -- If it was a three-verse song, I might have did two verses [and] he might have wrote one. So it's not like he [was] in there just writing the whole album. [But] it's like, I [had] to learn eventually. And I [had] been writing for so long, it was that Jermaine just kept me sheltered and he didn't want me to go in, because he felt that it wasn't appropriate for my age."

Despite receiving help from "the king of the south," Bow maintains that he is still a dope rapper.

"I can easily get top four," he continued. "Because I feel like there are some artists out here who can't rap better than me. That's just what I feel. And I know that's the truth."

Bow also spoke on his new album, New Jack City Pt. II, and why he felt the name was appropriate.

"So So Def was our Carter," Bow Wow explained to DX. "That's how me and Jermaine got money. And it enabled us to feed our siblings, feed homeboys, buy homeboys cars, which was the same thing in New Jack [City]. But, after all the fun and splurging and money and getting women, when the business comes into play it kinda eliminates all the fun. See, then it gets serious. That's basically what happened in the movie... They was arguing about the girls, and then [Nino] end up killing his man off. And we [call the album] Pt. II, because if that never woulda happened they woulda still been here right now gettin' money - if they never had got caught, and they still woulda been doing they business. We taking off from where they would have continued."

New Jack City Pt. II is due in stores on March 31.

- By Erin T. McMillon

50 Cent Plans Zimbabwe Tour

2009-01-20T11:20:00.000-08:00

By Ismael AbduSalaam

Mogul 50 Cent is close to finalizing details that will landhim on an international tour of Zimbabwe.

Although the nation has been dealing with several severe crisis problems in the realms of public health and living standards,Zimbabwe's tourism department has made a concerted effort to woo popular artists such as 50 Cent and Beyonce in hopes on bolstering foreign tourism.

According to Tongai Mnangagwa, a representative of Longcash Entertainment, the rapper is himself planning to make the tour a tourist trip.

"He indicated to us that besides the show, he would love tovisit some of our top tourist destinations," Mnangagwa told the Herald newspaper. "He will spend at least three days in country."

Since his smash 2003 debut *Get Rich or Die Tryin'*, 50 Centhas made several trips to the African continent. In 2004, the Queens native toured Nigeria. Last year, 50 toured Tanzania, South Africa, and met with Nelson Mandela to discuss Apartheid and current issues facing Africa.

The proposed 2009 tour marks 50's second attempt to reach Zimbabwe. During his aforementioned Africa tour last year, 50 Cent was unable to fit in two last minute Zimbabwean dates.

If agreed upon, the tour will commence a little over one month after the release of 50's anticipated fourth studio album/film Before I Self-Destruct. At press time, the repeatedly delayed LP is due outFebruary 3.

Artists Talk Barack Obama's Inauguration As 44th President

2009-01-20T11:18:00.000-08:00

By Chris Richburg

As the nation prepares for the inauguration of Barack Obama today (January 20), hitmaking R&B crooner D’Angelo and a number of rappers are weighing in on the impact the soon-to-be President will have over the next four years.

The singer is among those who believe Obama's presidency will result in an upward swing for the country in light of current economic issues and negative perceptions among those living in and outside the U.S.

“Barack Obama is one of the most progressive and dynamic leaders in the world,” D’Angelo told AllHipHop.com via a statement. “I believe that even in the face of domestic and global adversity, he will bring about important change."

D’Angelo’s comments come on the eve of Obama’s swearing in as the nation’s 44th President.

An estimated 2 -3 million people are expected to attend the inauguration, which will feature Obama delivering a highly anticipated 18- to 20- minute speech before the country.

On Monday (January 19), the President-elect encouraged everyone to commemorate the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday by actively volunteering in a community service project.

A number of rappers have heeded President Obama’s call to action.

Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) honored rappers like Bow Wow, T.I. and Young Jeezy last night at the Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C.

Bow Wow, Young Jeezy, T.I. received awards for their efforts in encouraging youth to vote in the past election.

“We celebrated the outstanding contributions of Hip-Hop leaders to make this particular inauguration possible. We not only had the hottest Inaugural Ball, we had one of the most meaningful," HSAN Executive Director Valeisha Butterfield added. A new CNN poll finds that Obama's election has resulted in two thirds of African Americans believing that Dr. Martin Luther King's vision of race relations has been fulfilled in more than 45 years since the slain civil rights leader gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963. "I told my wife ten years ago that this day would happen and she didn't believe me," LL Cool J added. "Well, honey, I was right! This is an amazing time period for those who have to see in order to believe. Now you see." According to Dr. Benjamin Chavis, President and CEO of HSAN, the Hip-Hop community has helped bring about a change that will transform the entire country. “Barack Obama's inauguration and the evolution of Hip-Hop culture have a defining congruence and, as a result, America and the human family around the world will never be the same," Dr. Chavis stated.

Deal Of A Lifetime: Death Row Sold For $18 Million

2009-01-19T11:51:00.000-08:00

unreleased tracks from Tupac and Dr. Dre, hit the auction block yesterday (January 15) and was quickly snatched up for a cool $18 million, says Billboard.

The buyers, WIDEawake Entertainment Group were the luck bidders to acquire the coveted master recordings of Tupac, Snoop, Dr. Dre, and others.

"There's probably more that hasn't seen the light of day than has," said Lara Lavi, the founder and CEO of WIDEawake.

According to Lavi, the Ontario, Canada based company has been talking to U.S. based companies to figure out the best way to distribute the music. Lavi also says that they are planning to work closely with Tupac's estate to release his work.

"We have some ideas. We're very respectful of Death Row's legacy," Lavi said to the Los Angeles Times. "We've been very carefully building our bridges, and this is a strategic move for us as part of a 10-year plan. We kind of expected Warner to be a little more pricey, but the economic climate right now for everyone is very challenging."

- By Erin T. McMillon

Columbia Records drops Kyambo “Hip-Hop” Joshua

2009-01-19T11:47:00.000-08:00

On January 15th Columbia Records decided to drop eight staff members including president of urban music Kyambo "Hip Hop" Joshua. Kyambo is well known for his "Hip-Hop Since '78" management & production company which houses Kanye West, Lil' Wayne, Just Blaze, and Drake. The reason for the lay offs is not known but expected to be tied in with the recession.

PETA Goes After Beyonce After Reports Of Abandoned Dog

2009-01-19T11:44:00.000-08:00

After reports surfaced about Beyonce abandoning her Shih Tzu dog at a recording studio, PETA jumped on the case, launching an official investigation.

The original reports suggested that the Sasha Fierce singer left her 5-year-old dog at a New York record company last year and has not been back to claim the pup.

An source at Columbia reportedly let the "dog" out of the bag with claims that the staff have been tending to the abandoned dog ever since.

"They are taking turns to take Munchie for walks and take it home on the evenings and weekends," the source reportedly said. "Everyone realizes that Beyonce has been incredibly busy recently, recording and promoting her Sasha Fierce album. But the whole team will be glad when she eventually takes charge of the dog for herself again."

Animal rights group PETA has reportedly taken up the case by launching an investigation into the claims.

"We have an inquiry in with Columbia," a PETA spokesperson said.

At press time, Bey has issued no comment on her orphaned dog.

- By Erin T. McMillon

Chris Hicks Named Def Jam Vice President, Replaces The Late Shakir Stewart

2009-01-19T11:42:00.000-08:00

Chris Hicks, a former Atlanta Records and Warner Chappell Music executive, has been named executive vice president at Def Jam Records replacing Shakir Stewart who committed suicide back on November 1st.

The appointment, which was reported by the New York Daily News yesterday (January 16) and an official announcement, will be made as early as today. Hicks' has his own business, Noontime, which he founded in 1997; the company formed a joint venture with Warner/Chappell in 2000. Hicks has signed publishing deals with some of Hip Hop's biggest stars, including Dr. Dre, T.I., Lil Wayne, Timbaland, and many others.

Def Jam, known for having launched careers of such famous acts as LL Cool J and Public Enemy, has gone through several recent changes, including the departure of Jermaine Dupri who has yet to be replaced. Since Russell Simmons, Lyor Cohen and Kevin Liles left Def Jam there have been a number of high profile executives come and go with Hicks being the latest addition and Dupri, the latest to leave.

- By Tom Freeman

Max B's Girlfriend Admits To Deadly Robbery With Rapper

2009-01-19T11:39:00.000-08:00

Gina Conway, a woman labeled as Max B's girlfriend, has admitted to her role in a deadly 2006 robbery with the rapper.

Max B, his friend Kelvin Leerdam, and Conway were charged with murder after a robbery gone wrong resulted in the death of 29-year-old David Taylor at a New Jersey Holiday Inn.

According to NorthJersey, Conway admitted in a New Jersey courtroom that she told Max B that the victim carried a lot of cash and was seen in high end cars.

She then claimed that Max B bought Leerdam on board to rob Taylor and his companion, Allan Plowden.

Conway further stated that Max and Leerdam ran down on Plowden, duct taped him in his hotel room and demanded he give up the cash. Plowden, who was said to have $300,000 in cash in his room told his assailants that it was Taylor who had the money. He was instructed to call Taylor to his room, to which he obliged, and Taylor was shot in the head as he came in.

Conway's testimony came as part of a plea deal. Instead of the life sentence she was facing, she is now looking at 18 years in jail during her March sentencing hearing.

At press time, Max B and Leerdam's cases were still pending.

- By Erin T. McMillon

Calcutta Reveals Jay Stonez 'The Truth about Yung Berg'

2009-01-19T10:49:00.001-08:00

Video: Jay Stonez 'The Truth About Yung Berg'

Jay Stonez sits down with Calcutta and FGTV to discuss 'The Truth About Yung Berg', the twin brother comment and their history. They also discuss FSD as well as pop off a couple shots at Reno Chinati. Ruh-roh.

RESPONDS TO GAY STONEZ - RENO CHINATI

2009-01-19T10:47:00.001-08:00

Wow, this diss track and video were filmed/recorded in record time. If you have no idea what this is in regards to, you can check the post directly below this one. Reno's firing back at Jay Stonez for some shots Jay threw his way in an interview.

*The heat is on*

Reno Chinati - "Gay Stonez" (Jay Stonez Diss)

Reno Chinati - "Gay Stonez" (Jay Stonez Diss)

2009-01-19T10:38:00.000-08:00

Wow, this diss track recorded in record time. If you have no idea what this is in regards to, you can check the post directly below this one. Reno's firing back at Jay Stonez for some shots Jay threw his way in an interview.

*The heat is on*

Reno Chinati - "Gay Stonez" (Jay Stonez Diss)

Jay Stonez - "Seen It All (Reno Chinati Diss)"

2009-01-19T10:34:00.000-08:00

As we continue on, Jay Stonez is already back to respond to Reno Chinati's response from yesterday. They're churning out these diss tracks at an uncanny rate.

Jay Stonez - "Seen It All (Reno Chinati Diss)"

GLC - "Take It Off" [Original]

2009-01-19T10:32:00.000-08:00

Publish Post

Gangsta L. Crisis returns with the original version of his previously released remix for "Take It Off" a.k.a. his dedication to Chad Butler and the Underground Kingz. This one was produced by B. Crucial.

GLC - "Take It Off" [Original]

Related: I see the always entertaining hip hop chop shop, World Star Hip Hop, released a totally NSFW uncut video of UGK's "Take It Off" featuring some new footage. Well, I guess the footage of the female is new. Hit the jump for that after you tell your children to leave the room.

Notorious a Success With $21.5 Million Opening Weekend

2009-01-19T10:27:00.000-08:00

By Ismael AbduSalaam

Reports of violence weren't enough to keep moviegoers away this past weekend from seeing Notorious, the much anticipated biopic of slain Hip-Hop icon The Notorious B.I.G.

Released figures have confirmed the project grossed $21.5 million in its opening weekend.

This amount placed the film at number four behind My Bloody Valentine 3-D ($21.9 million), Gran Torino ($22.2 million), and Mall Cop ($33.8 million).

However, Notorious with its limited theater release of 1,638 still boasted the best per screen average at $13,126.

Mall Cop, this week's #1 movie, generated a screen average of $10,751 in 3,144 theaters.

Notorious' debut makes it the most successful opening weekend for Fox Searchlight, beating out the company's previously critically acclaimed projects such as Juno and Little Miss Sunshine.

"It's a very high quality film, and it's compelling look at a compelling cultural icon who, like many cultural icons, left way too early but left an indelible mark on society," explained Chris Aronson, senior vice president at 20th Century Fox to the Associated Press. "The estimated three-day gross for Notorious showed it was more popular than expected beyond African-American audiences. We crossed over, which speaks volumes about his impact as a cultural icon."

At press time figures are being recounted between Notorious and My Bloody Valentine 3-D, which may result in the former rising to the number 3 position.

T.I. Gives Shawty Lo A Late Jab

2009-01-18T20:46:00.001-08:00

Though T.I. and Shawty Lo have kept relatively quiet as of late about their dispute, neither man has taken direct action in burying the beef. Stopping by 103 Jamz radio in Norfolk, Virginia, T.I. attempted the task through dismissal of the situation, though his method worked in condescending jabs here and there.

Wanting to step back from the problem, T.I. put the “Bankhead” accusations into context, and then immediately refuted them. “I've been out for nine years, [Paper Trail] is my sixth album. If any of these claims had any validity to them, wouldn't it have been said by now? I mean, if he felt like this, why didn't he say this when he was promoting 'Laffy Taffy'?”

With “Laffy Taffy” and “Dey Know” as Shawty Lo’s high points in his career, T.I. clearly has the upper hand in the success category, to which he corresponds to certain characteristics in each rapper. “In life we all have positions to play, and I’ve accepted my position in life as a winner, as a leader, as the example. The one who sets the standard of how to do things, and how to do things correctly.” Coming full circle with his compare-contrast model, T.I. continued, “I’ve accepted his position as being a hater. And if I don’t win, he can’t hate. So I'ma do my job, so he can continue to do his.”
Summing up his status in the Shawty Lo beef, T.I. was calm and direct on his ending thought. “I’ve addressed it, I’ve acknowledged it, I’ve demolished it, and now I must dismiss it.”

Big Boi and Killer Mike Squash Beef

2009-01-18T20:45:00.001-08:00

After a three year feud [click to read] of not speaking, subliminal and overt insults and an alleged physical confrontation, Outkast's Big Boi and his former artist Killer Mike have reconciled. Atlanta's Maurice G. Garland, reported on the meeting firsthand [click to read]. It seems both artists were encouraged to resolve the simmering conflict at the urging of close family members and a nasty bout of Atlanta weather.

"A bad storm hit Atlanta and knocked the power out over a large portion of the city, including the studio where Mike planned to record [another 'Sunday Morning Massacre']," writes Garland. "Big Boi's uncle Darnell and Bear were encouraging Big to peace things up once and for all." Big's son Cross provided the additional prodding to bring Killer Mike and his father together after both men initially attempted to hide their strained relationship from their children. Later, both men spoke on the phone to resolve all of their underlying issues, and later met at an event yesterday, where the following photo was taken.

Ricky Ross Exposed Again! (MORE C.O PICS!)

2009-01-18T20:40:00.002-08:00

OK. I think It's a wrap for homies rap career. Last week the hip-hop world were all talks about Ricky Ross shaky background. Reports were coming out the woodworks that "The Boss" tales of drug dealings and criminal activities might have been nothing more then a rouse. A picture surfaced showing the Miami rap star in what appeared to be police clothing and Trick Daddy is already accusing Ricky of working as a correctional officer.

Ross went on record denying the rumors, but now even more evidence has emerged. Check it out below.

As you can see this picture is worth a thousand words. The people over at keepittrill.com scored this pictures of someone who appears to be Ricky RossAccording to wikepedia Rick Ross real name is Williams Roberts. And this is what they have tagged under his early life:

Rick Ross was born William Roberts in the lower-class Carol City in Florida.[1] At Carol City Senior High School, he played football, and he later attended the historically black Albany State University in Albany, Georgia on a football scholarship.[2] He began rapping around the mid-1990s, at which time he formed the five-man amateur group Carol City Cartel.

Ricky has gone on record as saying the following:

"My life is 100 per cent real. These online hackers putting a picture of my face when I was a teenager in high school on other peoples' body. If this s**t was real don't you think they would have more specifics, like dates and everything?"

I don't know it looks real to me.

BIZZY BONE BEATEN & ROBBED

2009-01-18T20:40:00.001-08:00

Los Angeles police identified the man who allegedly was robbed by a Los Angeles anti-gang worker as a member of the rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.

On Jan. 5, Byron McCane, also known as Bizzy Bone, had returned from a restaurant to his room at the Universal Hilton, where he was confronted by several men who beat and choked him before taking his jewelry, police said.
McCane was an original member of the group that began in Cleveland in 1991. He did not contribute to the group's last album, "Strength and Loyalty," which was released in 2007.

Police arrested Marlo “Bow Wow” Jones, 30, a contract employee for the anti-gang organization Unity One, which is hired for the city’s L.A. Bridges II gang-intervention program, according to the LAPD. LAPD officials said they are seeking other male and female suspects.

Jones was arrested Friday at 8:50 a.m. in South Los Angeles and is being held in lieu of $1.1 million bail at the Parker Center Jail downtown. An official with Unity One told The Times that Jones was terminated from his contract but that he could possibly be rehired if cleared in connection with the case.

Unity One was founded after the 1992 Los Angeles riots by Darren “Bo” Taylor, a former gang member who became a peacekeeper respected by street toughs as well as by law enforcement and community activists struggling to reduce inner-city violence. Taylor died in August.

Lawyers Pursue Rich Boy For $300k Judgment From Shooting

2009-01-18T20:37:00.000-08:00

A 2005 road rage incident may cost Alabama rapper Rich Boy several high-priced liens on any of his available property.

According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, a tax accountant from Mobile, Alabama is seeking liens against the rapper to collect of a $337,500 winning lawsuit.

The accountant, Chaz Mosley, successfully sued Rich Boy, real name Marece Richards, and his brother Irvin O. Richards for shooting at him with an assault rifle in 2005.

The lawsuit alleges that Rich Boy’s brother fired at least 10 bullets into the victim’s vehicle.

Despite the barrage, Mosley escaped unscathed. Irvin O. Richards plead guilty to assault, and is now serving a 10 year prison sentence.

Rich Boy received probation for his role in the crime. Since Rich Boy spends much of his time in Atlanta, lawyers for Mosley have filed suit in Fulton County Superior Court.

If Rich Boy does have assets or attempts to buy property in the county, his holdings will be subject to liens.

At press time, Rich Boy is alleged to still owe $312,500 on the debt.

Greg Miller, the rapper’s publicist, could not confirm if his client will make arrangements to satisfy the remaining debt.

Rich Boy is currently working on 5 Million, his sophomore follow up his 2007 self-titled debut. That album spanned the platinum, breakout single “Throw Some D’s.”

DMX Adopts Pink Prison Wardrobe

2009-01-18T20:33:00.001-08:00

"Looks like Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio has come up with the cure for DMX's addiction to jail. The hip-hop star and repeat offender, like all of Arpaio's other inmates in the Maricopa country jail, must wear pink t-shirts, underwear and socks.

The girlie wardrobe colors caught DMX by surprise. "This is ridiculous, this is disrespectful," DMX said with a laugh during an interview with My Fox Phoenix. "Why the pink?"

Arpaio told Fox & Friends he has had the pink policy in place for 10 years with success. He said the inmates were stealing the white underwear so he died them pink. "

According to Arpaio, DMX is serving time for charges of animal cruelty, drugs and fraud. Arpaio did not express any sympathy for the hardcore rapper, adding, that jail was not supposed to be fun.

DMX misses the good ole days. "This is not where I want to be man," DMX said. "It used to be, I'll go there, I'll be the life of the party, and ... it's nothing."

Requiring male prisoners to wear pink undergarments is emasculating, but listening to DMX talk about going to jail as if it is a hangout spot is not fine either.

Maybe Cam'ron can give X a pep talk. Cam'ron and other Harlem MCs have always been fine with the springtime pastel color.

Joe Budden, Saigon Conflict Continues With New Track

2009-01-18T20:31:00.000-08:00

The on and off beef between rappers Saigon and Joe Budden has reached new heights with the recent leak of Joe Budden's "Letter to Saigon," [click to read] a diss track from the rappers upcoming album, Padded Room.

Since last summer, the two rappers have been taking shots at each other with "Letter to Saigon" being the latest exchange. The falling out between the two artists began when Joe Budden mentioned Saigon in a freestyle.

"I ain't really mean nothing by the line," Joe Budden explained of the freestyle [click to view]. "I didn't say it to purposely ruffle his feathers, but yeah, he caught offense to it. He got sensitive over it like a lot of emcees do."

Saigon, who was offended by the freestyle mention, responded via a video posted on WorldStarHipHop, stating that if he ever saw Joe Budden there would be a physical altercation.

Saigon's video was then followed by Joe Budden's "Letter to Saigon."

"Speak my mind, and niggas start feeling a way / Say what I feel, it ain't my fault they feel what I say / Seem like in every interview, niggas wanna mention dude / He took my good punch line and got it misconstrued, ain't diss you then, but now I will / Just saying how I feel," Joe Budden raps.

Only a day after the "Letter to Saigon" leak, Saigon has already responded.

"Lil homosexual nigga made a diss record. He want me to bite his head off," Saigon explained in a video featured on LOUD.com. "I'm not a battle rapper, but I'll take this razor and run this sh*t across your fu*kin' Adam's Apple. But, I'm gonna battle this nigga, just to show him that, lyrically, he's not in my league. Never been, never will be."

Saigon also went on to explain that if he were to see Joe Budden in the street he's beating him up "on site." Joe Budden's Padded Room will be released on February 24.

Rick Ross Departs From Slip-N-Slide, Promises Diss Track On New Album That Will Cause 'Problems'

2009-01-18T20:28:00.000-08:00

Rick Ross Departs From Slip-N-Slide, Promises Diss Track On New Album That Will Cause 'Problems'

Rick Ross recently revealed that he has cut ties with his long-time label Slip-N-Slide Records and he will be releasing his next effort via his own imprint, Maybach Music Group. Ross' upcoming third solo album is titled Deeper Than Rap and the rapper revealed he will be releasing two singles off the projects in the coming weeks, "Mafia Music" and "I'm The Magnificent" featuring R&B crooner John Legend.

Ross divulged to MTV that "Mafia Music” will cause a stir because he targets certain individuals on the song.

"[Mafia Music] is gonna cause a lot of problems," Ross explained. "It's a scathing four-and-half-minute nonstop flow, me being autobiographical about my life and my come-up and my triumph. Of course, I had to address a few things, I had to address a few people. I love it. The thing is, some people are gonna be - um - they're gonna be f---ed up. That's the best way I can put it."

Deeper Than Rap is slated to hit shelves in April.

Ex-Girlfriend Implicates Max B In Murder Case

2009-01-18T20:10:00.001-08:00

By Ismael AbduSalaam

Gina Conway, the ex-girlfriend of rap star Max B., told authorities on Tuesday (January 13) that the former Dipset member masterminded a deadly 2006 robbery that left one man dead.

Conway was set to go on trial this week for her role in the shooting. Instead, she accepted a plea deal of manslaughter to avoid life imprisonment on a murder conviction.

At her March 21 sentencing, she faces a maximum of 18 years in prison on the admitted armed robbery and manslaughter charges.

The September 2006 armed robbery took place at the Fort Lee Holiday Inn along New Jersey's Route 4.

In her deal, Conway stated she was recruited by her ex-boyfriend Max. B (Charly Wingate) to rob David Taylor and Allan "Jay" Plowden.

The plot was allegedly hatched after Conway informed Max that the two men kept high amounts of cash on them.

Later, the rapper allegedly recruited a third conspirator in Kelvin Leerdam.

The night of the robbery, prosecutors charge that the group subdued Plowden at gunpoint with duct-tape.

Although they were able to retrieve $30,000 from the hotel room, the trio allegedly waited until Taylor arrived in hopes of stealing more money.

Once David Taylor arrived, he was killed execution-style with a shot to the head.

Both Max B. and Kelvin are charged with murder and face 30 years to life imprisonment if convicted.

Since being released on a reputed $2 million dollar bail in July 2007, Max B. has recorded several mixtapes and worked on his long-awaited official debut.

Max B.'s murder trial will be tried in Superior Court in Hackensack, New Jersey.

At press time, a date has not been announced.

Rappers and DJs Honor Influential Composers During New Concert Series

2009-01-18T20:09:00.000-08:00

By Chris Richburg

A new take on the evolution of Hip-Hop will be explored as rappers and DJs combine talents for a four-part series of concerts, honoring arrangers/composers that have played an important role in influencing Hip-Hop music since the 1970s.

Presented by VTech Communications and music production company Mochilla, the Timeless concert series will kick off February 1 at the Harriet and Charles Luckman Fine Arts Complex in Los Angeles with a performance by Ethiopian composer Mulatu Astatke.

Former Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli DJ Cut Chemist will open the show along with Quantic and Egon. Regarded as the "father of Ethio-jazz," Astatke is credited with having introduced congas and bongos into popular Ethiopian music in an effort to create a new focus on instrumentation.

The composer/arranger/multi-instrumentalist has influenced various rappers and DJs, including Cut Chemist, Quantic, Madlib and Kanaan.

Full orchestra collaborations honoring a featured arranger/composer will be featured at theTimeless concerts.

The international headliners will perform their all-time hits plus an exclusive new piece, while revered turntablists will open each show with sets centering around the legacy and era of the highlighted composer.

"Today's Hip-Hop music revolves around beat-makers and producers who often take their cues and samples from compositions of different generations and countries," Mochilla founder Brian Cross said about the motivation behind the concert series. "Timeless brings these worlds together in Los Angeles – home to the world's greatest musicians and session artists. Only here can we bring together such a diversity of music in this grand scale."

A tribute to the late J. Dilla by chamber musicians Carlos Nino and Miguel Ferguson will follow the Astatke performance on February 22, along with an opening set by DJ House Shoes.

The remaining shows in the Timeless series will include Brazilian folk-jazz artist Arthur Verocai who will be honored with sets by Madlib and DJ Nuts on March 15 and legendary composer David Axelrod, who will share the stage with DJ J.Rocc on April 5.

Over the years, Axelrod’s music has been sampled by various Hip-Hop artists such as Lil Wayne, Dr. Dre, Madlib and Cypress Hill. Tickets for the Timeless concert series are available through Ticketmaster and the Luckman box office.

General admission prices start at $22.50. For details on the on the Timeless concert series, visit www.vtechphones.com/timeless.

Joaquin Phoenix Enlists Diddy for Debut Rap Album

2009-01-18T20:08:00.001-08:00

By Ismael AbduSalaam

Recently retired actor Joaquin Phoenix may be moving his talents into the world of music with a debut Hip-Hop album.

Last October, Phoenix officially announced his retirement from acting, after a 24-year career.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Phoenix's first Hip-Hop show will commence tonight at an undetermined Las Vegas club.

Chronicling Phoenix's music aspirations will be friend and To Die For co-star Casey Affleck.

The footage is expected to be compiled for a full length documentary detailing Phoenix's transition from actor to musician.

Sean "Diddy" Combs is rumored to be the executive producer for Phoenix's pending debut.

In the last month, Combs has been seen at parties with Phoenix, leading some to believe an unconfirmed album is being worked on.

In December, video surfaced of Phoenix freestyling at a bar in Culver City, California.

Joaquin is the second Phoenix sibling to pursue a career in music.

Older brother River Phoenix played in the rock band Aleka Attic until his untimely death in 1993.

Joaquin Phoenix is most well known for his work in the Academy Award winning film Gladiator, and his Oscar-nominated turn as Johnny Cash in the 2005 film Walk the Line.

His last movie appearance was the 2008 drama Two Lovers, co-starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Vinessa Shaw.

Shooting Erupts At N.C. 'Notorious' Opening With Star In Attendance

2009-01-18T20:06:00.000-08:00

By Chris Richburg

One person was shot and sustained minor injuries, after gunfire rang out at a Friday night (January 16) showing of the new Notorious B.I.G. biopic Notorious, in Greensboro, North Carolina.

The shooting victim, who was identified by authorities early Saturday morning (January 17) as Clive O’Connor, was shot twice in the abdomen.

The 32-year-old underwent surgery after being rushed to Moses Cone Hospital. His medical condition was not immediately available, according to The News and Record.

No suspects were in custody late Friday night. The shooting took place just after 9 p.m. at the Grand 18 at Four Seasons Station in Greensboro.

Moviegoers were waiting to see Notorious as the sound of a gunshot echoed throughout the theater’s lobby.

Police and witnesses who were at the theater at the time of the shooting noted that the movie’s star, Jamal "Gravy" Woolard, was in the Grand 18 at the time of the shooting.

Gravy was living in Charlotte, North Carolina, when he was cast for his role in Notorious.

No details were available in regards to Woolard’s visit, if it had any role in the shooting, or whether there was additional security at the theater.

"We can't say whether or not this shooting is in direct relationship to the movie Notorious… We just can't say," Greensboro police Lt. James Hinson told the News and Record.

Notorious centers on the life and music of B.I.G., who was fatally shot March 9, 1997 after leaving an after party in California. The murder continues to remain unsolved.

Notorious stars Woolard as B.I.G as well as Angela Bassett, Derek Luke, former 3LW member Naturi Naughton, Antonique Smith, and Anthony Mackie.

A spokeswoman for Southern Theaters, the parent company of the Grand 18, stated that the Grand 18 will honor tickets today (January 17) for customers whose movies were interrupted by the shooting Friday.

Despite this, the spokeswoman added that all showings of Notorious at the Grand 18 will be suspended indefinitely.

Juelz Talks New Album, Skull Gang

2009-01-18T20:05:00.001-08:00

By Ismael AbduSalaam

Newly freed from his previous album deal under Cam'Ron, Def Jam rapper Juelz Santana is looking forward to making up for lost time in 2009.

With four years passing since his 2005 debut What the Game's Been Missing!, Santana assures fans that they will see the release of his opt-delayed sophomore offering Built To Lose, Born To Win in 2009.

"I am just blessed to be able to finally put out an album," Santana told AllHipHop.com. "It was just time for me to move on and I am grateful for having my needs met and I'm excited about my album finally coming out this year. The Bird is still flying high. It's DipSet for life and Skull Gang forever."

Santana's newly formed Skull (Street Kids United by Loyalty and Loot) Gang has already secured album deal under Koch Records.

The six man team is hopeful to release their debut album this spring.

Besides his own team, Santana expressed happiness in sharing in the success of close friend Lil Wayne's chart-topping Tha Carter III.

Through Santana's spot on "You Ain't Got Nuthin," the Harlemite also earned Grammy recognition as a featured artist on the nominated Album of the Year.

"I'm blessed to have been a part of Wayne's album and I congratulate my brother for all his success," Santana added.

Last Friday (January 16), Juelz Santana joined Jim Jones in welcoming 300 friends and family members to the opening weekend screening of Notorious.

The event took place at NYC's Loews/AMC on 3rd Avenue, and drew such celebrities as Maino, Angie Martinez, Miss Info, and DJ Enuff.

Recalling the evening, Santana states that B.I.G. was given a fitting tribute on screen and by those in attendance.

"We had a blast," Santana exclaimed. "Not only was this my way of paying tribute to B.I.G., but it was also my way of saying thanks to all of the folks who have been supportive of me over the years."

Juelz Santana's next mixtape project is set to drop by the end of January.

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who that boy iz

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