Things have gotten more serious in regards to a reunion between B.G. and the rest of the Hot Boys.
Despite being sentenced to prison for gun possession in New York yesterday, Lil Wayne took to his twitter to confirm news of B.G.’s new label home before getting locked up.
“B.G. is signed to Cash Money Records,” Lil Wayne wrote.
Over the past two years there have been many talks about a reunion tour and album between Lil Wayne, B.G., Juvenile and Turk. Juvenile confirmed these talks with KeepItTrill last year [watch interview], but despite seeing B.G. photographed with the Cash Money crew during Lil Wayne’s superbowl party, we have yet to see any inclination that the rappers have been working together.
B.G.’s upcoming release under Cash Money, which is currently untitled, is said to be scheduled for release later this year and will be the twelfth solo album for the rappers distinguished career. Further details of B.G.’s new contract with Cash Money Records are currently unknown.
B.G.’s most recent record deal with Atlantic Records was short-lived and the rapper cut ties after the release of his last album, Too Hood 2 Be Hollywood. The album was released in December last year, after originally being slated for a February 2008 release. The album was plagued with push backs from the label that is home to T.I., who served as executive producer of the album.
B.G. is most known for his 1999 hit record “Bling Bling,” which he recorded with Big Tymers and fellow Hot Boyz members Lil Wayne, Juvenile and Turk. The record was the biggest of B.G.’s solo career and appeared his Chopper City in the Ghetto album.
KeepItTrill will keep you informed on further updates.
Thirteen years ago today (March 9), hip-hop lost one of its most beloved, charismatic and talented MCs to ever put rhymes to a beat.
The Notorious B.I.G. was gunned down in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997, as he left a Soul Train Music Awards afterparty. To date, the assailants remain at large.
Investigations into the murder of the Brooklyn rapper are ongoing, and a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by Biggie’s mother, Voletta Wallace, and others against the city of Los Angeles and other defendants is also pending.
The ongoing quest to punish the people behind Biggie’s death, however, continues to leave those involved frustrated.
Ms. Wallace declined to comment on the status of her lawsuit but issued a brief statement to MTV News: “I thank you for the opportunity to touch [my son's] fans and for the network’s continued support of me and the family, but it’s been 13 years, I miss my son, his children miss their father, and the murderer is still at large.”
Theories abound about the murder of the iconic rapper, which occurred only a short distance from the Petersen Automotive Museum where Biggie, Diddy and their entourage were celebrating just moments before. According to author Randall Sullivan’s book “LAbyrinth,” associates of Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight, who was embroiled in a feud with Diddy’s Bad Boy Records, conspired to kill Biggie. The book, based on extensive research conducted by Sullivan and interviews the writer held with former Los Angeles Police Department detective Russell Poole, an investigator into Biggie’s murder, those involved in the hit on Biggie were dirty cops.
“They say some cops become gangbangers; well, these guys were essentially gangbangers who became cops,” Poole told MTV News.
Rafael Perez and David Mack, Poole alleged, were just two of the many LAPD officers who were on the payroll of Death Row Records. According to Poole, the officers’ primary sense of duty and allegiance to the police force was tainted by their involvement with Death Row. The two eventually went to prison but on charges unrelated to the investigation into the Notorious B.I.G. murder.
Poole maintains there were clues that pointed to each man that should have been looked into further. “I’ve put away guys for life with less evidence [than I had on Perez and Mack],” Poole said.
Through a complex web of deceit intended to shield the LAPD from a controversial scandal, Poole said, members of the force, including the chief at the time, suppressed efforts to look into policemen who were connected to Suge Knight and Death Row.
Poole eventually resigned in protest, amid his frustrations that the investigation was being sabotaged.
A representative for the LAPD declined to comment when contacted by MTV News about the status of the rapper’s murder investigation. At one point, the FBI picked up the investigation but later announced it had stopped its pursuit. A representative for the FBI also declined to comment when contacted by MTV News.
Ms. Wallace’s wrongful-death lawsuit remains open. The case was brought to trial at one point, but days later it was declared a mistrial after it was discovered the detective who took over as lead investigator in Biggie’s murder hid evidence. The mistrial was announced July 7, 2005, however, no further advancements have been made since in pushing the case to trial again.
Poole alleged that police initially sought to slow down the investigation into Biggie’s murder in order to keep the lid on possible LAPD involvement in the crime. Now, he said, the new administration and Los Angeles’ power players are striving to keep the truth buried for fear that civil-lawsuit payouts could bankrupt the economically challenged city. In any event, the former detective said he’s ready to be a witness in Ms. Wallace’s case and will testify whenever he is called upon.
For now, Poole waits, haunted by a puzzling case in which he seems to have too many pieces gathered to not complete the full picture.
“I want this thing solved before I die,” he said. “Every detective has a case that they think about each and every day, and this is the case right there. This is the case I think about every single day before I go to bed. It never goes away. It’ll haunt me for the rest of my life. The day it’s solved, I’ll be able to relax.”
Katt Williams is being sued by a recording studio owner who claims the comedian stiffed him on a $28,600 bill.
When the owner attempted to collect from the funny man, things got nasty.
Merion Powers filed the lawsuit in Fulton County Superior Court, claiming Williams, of Detroit, used his studio to record his comedy routines.
Williams allegedly showed up to Powers’ studio in October 2009 with his “attack dog.”
Upon a verbal command from Williams, his dog pounced on a dog owned by Powers, causing an injury to the animal that required veterinary treatment.
In December, Williams asked Powers to meet him at the Four Seasons Hotel to discuss the incident.
When he arrived, he allegedly told Williams he was thinking of filing criminal charges over the dog attack.
Williams allegedly threatened to kill Powers in the hotel room, while his attack dog circled Powers snarling at the man.
One of Williams‘ bodyguards then restrained Powers from behind while Williams punched the man in the face, as the attack dog stood by, “apparently waiting for the attack signal.”
Powers seeks at least $1 million dollars in damages.
R&B singer D'Angelo's manager has released a statement addressing his arrest on a reported sexual solicitation charge over the weekend.
In the statement, D'Angelo manager Lindsay Guion addressed the reports.
"We know there is a lot of speculation in regard to the arrest of D'Angelo in New York City this past weekend. We would like his fans and the public at large to know that D'Angelo has pled not guilty -- and is contesting the allegations made against him. Also know that, he is in good health and extremely excited about his forthcoming new album. D'Angelo would like to personally thank all of his fans for the outpouring of concern, and appreciates if all would allow the American justice system to resolve the matter before jumping to any conclusions." (Statement)
Weekend reports stated the R&B veteran was busted Saturday (March 6) morning.
Grammy Award-winning R&B singer D'Angelo was arrested early yesterday after allegedly offering an undercover policewoman $40 for oral sex while cruising alone through the West Village -- with $12,000 stashed in his SUV. D'Angelo, 36, whose real name is Michael Archer, was in his top-of-the-line Range Rover at Greenwich and Horatio streets at about 2:30 a.m. when he spotted a woman he took to be a prostitute, sources said. He was arrested and charged with solicitation after asking the woman for sex, the sources said. His manager declined to comment. (New York Post)
He was previously arrested on a drug possession charge in 2005.
This isn't the first time he's been embarrassingly arrested, of course: In 2005, five years after his classic sophomore album Voodoo was released, he was detained on drug-possession and drunk-driving charges in his hometown of Richmond, Virginia. (National Ledger)
Speculation suggests D'Angelo will make a comeback onto the music scene this summer.
On January 29, 2010, an incomplete song named '1000 Deaths' was leaked on to the internet and uploaded to YouTube, it was said to possibly be from the James River album, however, after four days on February 3 it was deleted due to a copyright claim by D'Angelo. Also his official website went offline in November 2009, but now it links to D'Angelo's official Myspace page with a banner reading 'Album & Tour Summer 2010' and his manager's Myspace page also states: "D'Angelo's album is slated for release late summer 2010." (Guion Partners
Dipset's Juelz Santana has revealed his respect for Eminem and expressed his interest in linking with the Shady Records label head for a collaboration.
Aiming to increase his chances for a collabo, Santana said he may reach out to Lil Wayne to get a meeting with Em set-up.
"Eminem is my n*gga, seriously, that's what I been trying to get on the 'Rap Cemetery' with me and Weezy, Eminem," Santana said in a UStream broadcast. "Because he puts n*ggas in the rap cemetery for real. Em, holla at me, get at me, what's up? I'm here. That's the only n*gga I really, you know, that I'll get on a UStream or anywhere like, 'Yo, I need to holler at Em.' I f*cks with Em hardbody, matter of fact, I might have to call Weezy up and have him connect the dots for me. They just put that little nice f*cking 'Drop The World' on you..." (UStream TV)
Santana spoke with SOHH late last year about the status of his forthcoming Born To Lose, Built To Win album.
"Born To Lose, Built To Die, that's the name of my new album and I'm used to getting nothing and turning it into something," Santana explained. "It ain't no Def Jam delay, it ain't no delay, I'm just waiting day-to-day, watching the game and paying attention. I ain't wanna rush an album, I wanna keep it relevant, keep all the pieces right there. I'm just strategically doing things and I don't want to just 'drop' an album. In this day and age, it feels like you gotta give people more so I want them to want for Juelz Santana to over succeed and oversee everything else, I really need to be there." (SOHH)
As seen in his UStream broadcast, the rapper previously spoke on rappers not fully utilizing the benefits of online marketing.
"I've just been paying attention to the game, watching the changes, watching the things that are going on," Santana explained in an interview. "The Internet, I think is a beautiful thing. But like I tell people, life is a negative and a positive in itself and everything has a negative and a positive so just as much as we get to use it for free promotion -- sometimes it comes out negative, ya dig, but you got to take everything as it comes. I definitely feel the believing is not there no more, it definitely turned into a single game. People not really putting the work ethic in." ("The Round Table Show")
Aside from his own solo project, Santana said fans could still anticipate a joint Wayne album later on down the road.
"The sh*t with me and Weezy, bottom line is we still got records done, a bunch of records," Santana explained in an interview last summer. "We did a lot of records, a lot of politics and bullsh*t promotin' the album, promotin' the album. His album came out and he wound up going through the roof with everything so it's still a lot of politics. Couple records got leaked a few weeks ago, that just goes to show people we been had records already, those were like a year and a half old. We got about 25 records just sitting in the computer. Hopefully, we can put the album out the right way through a major label but if not, f*ck it, we gonna give the streets what they want. The music is done. So they gonna get it one way or another because it's not like we gotta go in the studio and record." (Forbez DVD)
Former Roc-A-Fella artist Memphis Bleek recently offered his opinion of Jay-Z's Mob Squad members Trey Songz and Young Jeezy.
Bleek talked about traveling with the threesome on Jay's Blueprint III tour.
"You know this dude Jay got an endless list of hits and that's what makes me say I need some new joints," Bleek said about Hov's touring gigs. "It's been cool, you know I knew Trey for a little while before when I was doing the club dates with him, now, to see him come and do his thing like he's doing now, it's just like come on, I'm always happy to see somebody gradually grow to a bigger success than they started, you know what I mean? Then Jeezy? Come on, that's the homie, He make me feel like, I left my team at home but like I got another rider out here on the road with me." ("Jenny Boom Boom")
Earlier this month, Jay confirmed speculation that a Mob Squad record is in the works.
"Yeah, the Mob Squad, I'm trying to put that together," Jay told radio personality Greg Street. "Trey made a song, I'm just trying to refine the hook so we can get our first song out there. I don't know if Jeezy heard it yet so I'm probably gonna surprise him with this but we got [it.] Mob Squad." (V-103 Atlanta)
Last January, Trey hinted at a possible collaboration with Jay and Jeezy being in the works.
"The way Jay explained it to me, he wanted to give people the best show possible," Songz said in an interview about the tour. "They could have easily done it by themselves and it'd be great. But [Jay] wanted to give the best show. All of us bring a separate aspect to the table, making it a great show all the way. I'm there for the ladies, of course. Then I bring an R&B soul vibe and my hip-hop. Jeezy got the streets. And Hov is Hov. It's definitely all in the talks [as far as collaborations.] It's the Mob Squad. Me, Jay, Jeezy, we plan on working together while we on this tour because the energy we have together when we get around each other is amazing. And like I said, all aspects like that on a record is amazing. Maybe while we out on the road we get it done." (MTV)
Trigger Trey recently discussed how large of an impact Hov has had on his life.
"Jay-Z is one of the biggest touring acts in the world, he sells out arenas in minutes and to be a part of that is amazing. Furthermore, Jay-Z is one of the most influential artists in my career as well as in my life. You know, seeing him go from artist to entrepreneur to businessman to multi-business owner, and to be that close to him is amazing. It's a pleasure. I go on right before Jay-Z, and [Young] Jeezy comes in within his set. So it's an honor that he would want me in that spot, so I am happy to be a part of it. And, I am here to step up to the plate and bring the best show I can to the table." (Essence)
Dipset's Jim Jones recently spoke on snagging Reverend Run for a "Sucker MC" collaboration and how much respect he has for the rap pioneer.
According to Jones, the record came together by coincidence.
"The way it all comes together is wild," Jones wrote in a blog posting. "I was in the Garden State Plaza Mall in New Jersey going to buy some sneakers, and I'd been 'Mr. Curse Somebody Out.' And I hear somebody telling me, 'What I told you about that, man? Stop cursing these people out.' I turned around and it was big bruh, Reverend Run. I'm like 'Man, what's poppin? You need to let me do one of them records over.' He was like, 'Get the record and send it to me.' ... The record is important, it was a dream come true. That's one of the first fly dudes I laid my eyes on coming up watching this rap game. That was Run DMC, 'whose house' and all that. They did damage. They are the main reason you wear Shelltoes. R.I.P Jam Master Jay, he'd always be up in Harlem. You'd catch him on 125th street all the time." (Global Grind)
Jones recently spoke on the status of his fragmented Dipset crew.
"Ain't no such thing as dipset west till they patch in I don't know yall man CAPO said it holla Shouts to west side piru," Jimmy wrote Friday (February 26). "Matter fact ain't no dipset until me cam juelz n zeke get back together n make tht powerful music Thts the Diplomats I know." (Jim Jones' Twitter)
He also had assault charges against him dropped in late February.
Battery charges against Harlem rapper Jim Jones were officially dropped by the Florida's Attorney's Office on Friday (Feb. 26). The charges stemmed from an incident on March 12, 2009, when the former Dipset capo and several members of his entourage allegedly assaulted a teenager in a parking lot after a show in Panama City, Fla. (The Boom Box)
Footage of the attack was released online last spring.
Posted on YouTube last March, the footage shows around three large men fighting with a smaller person wearing a black shirt while Jim Jones, wearing a white shirt, is standing in the back. Jones appeared to be walking away from the altercation, but returned to pull people away from the fight. With a crowd of people observing the incident including a security guard, Jones and his crew left the scene while being taunted by local residents. (YouTube)
Check out Jim Jones & Rev Run's "Wishing On A Sucker MC" below:
Diddy, Styles P, Swizz Beatz, Joell Ortiz and more have paid homage to the late Notorious B.I.G. who passed away 13 years ago today (March 9).
Writing via Twitter, Diddy reflected on the memory of his late Bad Boy artist.
"Name Ya Top 5 Biggie Tracks Of All-time," he wrote. "RT @2staxx100: @iamdiddy "today's agenda, got the suitcase up in the sentra, go to room 112 tellem blacko sent ya,"#RIPBIG CareyCJ @iamdiddy...the greatest of all-time died on march 9 RT @ikedot: Your mom's an actress didn't want to show me safe. It's OK, she was old anyway. #RIPBig cc @iamdiddy RT @EarlThe3rd: RT @2staxx100: @iamdiddy "today's agenda, got the suitcase up in the sentra, go to room 112 tellem blacko sent ya,"#RIPBIG" (Diddy's Twitter)
The LOX's Styles P told his Twitter followers Biggie was the greatest rapper ever.
"@Rosenbergradio QUICK FACT I NEVER SEEN BIGG ROLL A BLUNT OR DRIVE A CAR! AND HIS TOLERANCE FOR BACARDI LIMON WAS SOMETHING ELSE!," he wrote. "@Rosenbergradio I ACTUALLY REMEMBER WAKING UP IN STUDIO ONE NIGHT 4AM EVERYBODY IN A DRUNK HIGH STOOPER BIG BRIGHTEYED AS A MOTERF*CKER HE WAS IN THE ZONE LOOKED LIKE HE WAS GLOWING ! LONG KISS GOODNIGHT ! HE WAS MEANT 2 BE KING WORK ETHIC AND BARS WERE THE BEST THE GREATEST RAPPER DIED ON MARCH9TH ! BUT WILL BE THE KING 4EVA AND EVER AND EVER AND WILL ALWAYS LIVE AND BE KEPT ALIVE IN OUR HEARTS! IM OUT IT IS BIGGIE DAY IM GOING TO FLOAT AS HIGH AS I CAN 2 DAY!" (Styles P's Twitter)
Swizz Beatz posted TwitPics of the late rapper.
"http://twitpic.com/17jgpq - RIP BIG THE GREAT!!!!!!!! art work by BRAINWASH made by all records. http://twitpic.com/17jgpq - RIP BIG THE GREAT!!!!!!!! art work by BRAINWASH made by all records." (Swizz Beatz's Twitter)
Fellow Brooklyn, New York rapper Joell Ortiz also displayed today's importance.
"#RIPBIG#RIPBIG#RIPBIG#RIPBIG#RIPBIG#RIPBIG#RIPBIG#RIPBIG#RIPBIG#RIPBIG#RIPBIG#RIPBIG#RIPBIG#RIPBIG#RIPBIG#RIPBIG#RIPBIG#RIPBIG#RIPBIG "u shoulda been a cop/f*ck hip hop/with that freestyle, you bound to get shot" #RIPBIG "B*tches get strangled for they earrings & bangles & when I rock her & drop her I'm taking her door knockers....Gimme the loot!" #ripbig Girls pee pee when they see me Navajos creep me in they tee pee #ripbig" (Joell Ortiz's Twitter)
Talib Kweli used Twitter to recite some of Biggie's most famous lyrics.
"I got 7 mac 11s, about 8 48s 9 9s 10 mac 10s the sh*t never ends. U can't touch my riches. Even if u got @MCHammer & dem 357 b*tches #ripbig RT @butterandguns: @RealTalibKweli Isnt it "8 38s"? (Yes what did I wri- oh d*mn!) back in the days our parents took care of us. look at em now, they even f*ckin scared of us... #ripbig" (Talib Kweli's Twitter)
Jim Jones said he was grateful for Biggie leading the way for new rappers.
"Rip BIG just wanna thnk big for puttin us in the game even in heaven he still kept his word n gave us our 1rst deal thts wht I call a G." (Jim Jones' Twitter)
Brooklyn rapper Maino also reflected on the rapper's passing.
"Too bad I won't be able to make it to the Lab tonite. On my way to Cancun, woulda definitely waved my Black Flag for BIG. BK u already know!" (Maino's Twitter)
The rapper passed away 13 years ago from a fatal shooting.
In the early morning hours of March 9, 1997, the Notorious B.I.G. was leaving a party at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, thrown by Vibe magazine in celebration of the Soul Train Music Awards. He sat in the passenger side of his SUV, with his bodyguard in the driver's seat and Junior M.A.F.I.A. member Lil' Cease in the back. According to most witnesses, another vehicle pulled up on the right side of the SUV while it was stopped at a red light, and six to ten shots were fired. Biggie's bodyguard rushed him to the nearby Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, but it was already too late. (All Music)
: CNN's Capone On NY Rap Making Comeback, "New York Could Just Make One Super GroupCNN's Capone recently shared his thoughts on the status of New York rap and why artists from the Big Apple should place their egos aside and begin working more closely together.
Capone believes that his one-album deal with rapper Raekwon's IceH20 label could inspire other collaborations.
"You know, it's good for New York right now. Because if we can do it, a lot of other people can do it, man," 'pone said in an interview. "You never know, New York could just make one super group, you know what I'm saying? We just need to come together. And I think by IceH2O/Thugged-Out/Militainment coming together, that just shows that no matter how big of an artist you are, you can always merge with other big artists and make magic. And that's what we're doing, making magic." (Hip Hop DX)
Last month, New Jersey rapper Joe Budden gave Twitter suggestions on how New York rap could make a return.
"i really liked Loon btw.... he needs to come back," Joey wrote early Tuesday (February 23) morning. "& call me crazy, but Juelz [Santana], Jimmy [Jones] & Cam can bring New York back... I really believe that. The lox back on a major could bring NY back too.... A Rae & Ghost album... More $ behind Kiss... i'm tellin y'all, i know how 2 fix this sh*t !" (Joe Budden's Twitter)
Cam'ron recently applauded Jay-Z for the effect his Blueprint III release last fall had on the New York rap game.
"Jay-Z done made it look real good," Cam said in an interview. "Jay-Z just sold 530,000 so it's still looking good. Whenever there's ever anybody out in New York still doing over half a million in a week, it's still available. I don't really f*ck with Jay but I got mad respect for anybody who makes money and anybody who still sells that much records after having a lot of albums out. Jay-Z really definitely did help out New York a lot." (Hip Hop Beef)
Artists like 50 Cent have vowed to unite artists from the Big Apple with events including last October's This Is 50 Fest concert.
"I wanted to make a festival that didn't necessarily have to have an artist [who has a] single in rotation at the time," 50 explained in an interview last fall. "That doesn't directly reflect good hip-hop. It reflects marketing dollars spent by the major corporations, the companies. Tonight we have everybody that means something to us musically in one spot. When I bring Cory Gunz, Trav, Maino...Now we got Jadakiss out here. This is real! Tell me anywhere else you can go where you can see everybody. It represents different portions of hip-hop. You got the Lox, the new young gunners Cory Gunz, Trav, Maino. Jimmy [Jones] and Juelz [Santana] coming. They say New York City, we don't actually get along, that's not true. We could work together and get more money than we can get apart, and they gonna see us do it in the future." (MTV)
T.I. Producers Promise "Aggressive" Comeback Song, "It's Pretty Hard"The producers behind T.I.'s upcoming single "I'm Back" say the song is a throwback to the street-oriented sound the emcee had during his mid-2000's rise to popularity.
Produced by duo Trackslayerz, the track reminds fans of T.I.'s lyrical ability.
"This record right here kinda reminds me of the Urban Legend T.I.," said Trackslayerz's Price, referring to the rapper's 2004 album. "But it's from the point of when he got locked up. It's no fall off [with] the lyricism. It's like he's completely focused. T.I. went extremely hard. He went in." (VIBE)
It also showcases a more aggressive version of the rapper, according to Trackslayerz's Inf.
His production partner, Inf, added, "The track is hard. It brings you back to the old T.I. It's like a 'U Don't Know Me' type track. It's pretty hard. He's coming back with the aggressive, mean kind of swag. It's definitely a [street single]. It's a combination of things. He's kinda addressing that he's been on a little hiatus with the jail sentence and don't worry about that [because] he hasn't fallen off. [Some] people feel a certain way about his situation and his sentencing and that he may have gotten off easy, but really it's just the man saying don't even worry about that, he's the King of the South." (VIBE)
Based off a promotional Twitter account, the song is speculated to drop next Monday (March 8).
"major announcement coming Monday 3/8 @ 5pm EST on www.trapmuzik.com #kingsback," T.I. wrote around 9 PM EST. (T.I.'s Twitter)
T.I. is expected to be released from criminal confinement later this month.
The rapper announced new single "I'm Back" through a promotional Twitter account, and his lawyer confirmed to MTV News on Thursday (March 4) that Tip will be released from prison later this month. Federal Bureau of Prison records list the rapper's release date as March 26. "That date is correct," lawyer Steve Sadow said via e-mail. "T.I. is now serving the remainder of his sentence in home confinement under the supervision of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons." (MTV)
Drake, Nas & Big Boi To Invade May W/ New AlbumsRappers Drake, Nas and Big Boi will reportedly drop their long-awaited new albums during the month of May.
According to reports, Drizzy will also open up about his alleged romance with R&B singer Rihanna last year on his Thank Me Later debut.
Drake's LP is a reflection of how the upstart Toronto MC has become hip-hop's new leading man. "I tried to capture every great moment I've had in the last year," he says. "It's triumphant." To wit: He raps about a presumed love affair with Rihanna and his friendship with mentor Lil Wayne on "Fireworks." Drake mostly eschewed big names in favor of home-town producers (Boi-1da, Noah "40" Shebib) and a collaboration with New York indie rockers Francis and the Lights. "It's gonna be interesting," he says. "I hope it's pleasing to the ear." (Rolling Stone)
Both Boi's Sir Lucious Leftfoot and Nas' joint Damian Marley effort, Distant Relatives, will also take on May.
Drake released his debut album single, "Over," Thursday (March 4) night.
"This is my first song," he said in a radio interview. "This is still my first single off my first album. This is still the beginning, as great as everything has gone...I went with 'Over' as the first look because of the words in the hook...The hook being the most repetitive part. I got a lot of great songs on my album. I got songs for women who wanna feel special. I got songs for dudes -- if you ever thought my music was too soft, this is one you will enjoy. I got a lot of variety on there, but the biggest thing was that opening line on the hook." (MTV)
According to Boi, music videos are currently being filmed for his solo project.
"The album is done," says Big Boi. "Right now I'm just shooting videos. I'ma shoot a video for just about every song on the album. I shot like five videos so far, for the past three weeks. I've been editing those videos... it's coming man it's coming. I know everybody's been waiting and I'm anxious to give it to them. But it will be here soon. Trust me." (XXL Mag)
Exact May release dates have not yet been revealed.
Drake's "Over" producer Boi-1da has explained the process behind creating the Thank Me Later debut single and why there is such a large emphasis on Drizzy's high-paced life.
According to Boi, he co-produced the track with beatmaker Al-Khaaliq.
"He's a dude that makes sample quality music that people think it's a sample," Boi said in an interview. "Like 'Over' sounds like a sample but it's not a sample...That's the way Drake envisioned himself coming out, it described exactly how he was feeling at this moment. You know, the first line, the hook, he comes out saying 'I know way too many people in here that I didn't know last year.' It's explaining that his life, he has all these people around him now, but at the end of the day, he's going to prevail, it's not over yet. He has a lot more time to go, that's what it is you know. He felt like this is the moment that he wanted to capture for his first single." (The Source)
Drizzy's track landed online late Thursday (March 4) night.
"Bottles on me, long as someone drink it," the 23-year-old raps in a slow, aggressive flow. "Never drop the ball, f--- is y'all thinking?/ Making sure the Young Money ship is never sinking/ 'Bout to set it off in this bi---, Jada Pinkett/ You too fine to be laying down in bed alone/ I can teach you how to speak my language, Rosetta Stone..." 'Bout to go Thriller, Mike Jackson on these n---as," Drake later raps. "All I need is a f---ing red jacket with some zippers." ("Over")
He also spoke on the track's overall motivation in an interview last week.
"This is my first song," he told radio-show hosts Jus Red and Jwyze. "This is still my first single off my first album. This is still the beginning, as great as everything has gone...I went with 'Over' as the first look because of the words in the hook...The hook being the most repetitive part. I got a lot of great songs on my album. I got songs for women who wanna feel special. I got songs for dudes -- if you ever thought my music was too soft, this is one you will enjoy. I got a lot of variety on there, but the biggest thing was that opening line on the hook." (MTV)
Reports on the Canadian emcee's track landed online in late February.
The wait is almost over. Drake has selected the first single from his highly-anticipated debut album. The first offering from Thank Me Later will be called "Over." Drizzy exclusively tells Rap-Up.com that the track was produced by fellow Canadian Boi-1da, who is responsible for two of his biggest hits, "Best I Ever Had" and "Forever." The Young Money signee went through a painstaking process before choosing the right single. (Rap-Up)
Floyd Mayweather Blasts Diddy's Rick Ross Co-Sign, "He's Not The Next Biggie Smalls"
Boxing champion Floyd Mayweather has blasted Diddy's recent co-sign of Rick Ross as an artist capable of becoming the next Biggie Smalls.
While not dissing Ross, Mayweather said his former rap rival could not match the late rapper's legacy.
"I hear lately that Puff Daddy has been saying Rick Ross is the next Biggie Smalls. That's not true," Mayweather said in an interview. "He's a good artist but he's not the next Biggie Smalls. There's only one Biggie and there's only one Pac. The thing is this, rap is story telling. It's not true. If somebody had those many guns, done that much killing or sold that much work or hustled that much, of course they would be in prison." (All Hip Hop)
Last January, Puff described how Ross' rap flow reminded him of his late Bad Boy artist.
"Oh y'all ain't hear the second verse," Diddy said about Ross' 'Angels' collaboration. "Yo, y'all gonna peep that when we world premiere that. I don't know, I guess him and Biggie locked up in the room, even my man Hen Roc even said that. For my man Hen Roc to say that and co-sign it like 'Yo, my man right there sounding like our homie.' That right there is something special. That's a mean co-sign, that's a mean co-sign. I don't know what was going on in the studio, the spirits were connecting but it's official. It ain't bootleg, it ain't got no preservatives in it." (Spliff TV)
The "Boss" later responded to Diddy's comparison of himself to B.I.G.
"Yeah, that's big," Ross told DJ Envy referring to the co-sign. "That's most definitely big, but I want New York City, I'll never get it twisted, the magic that Notorious B.I.G. created could never be duplicated. That most definitely was my mentor, that's who music I wrote to the most. Hearing that come from Diddy himself is big and it's inspiration to keep making hot music." (Power 105.1)
Despite differences in the past, Ross recently said his beef with Mayweather was over.
"Yeah, bumped into Floyd Mayweather," Ross said. "Most definitely. We chopped it up like G's and after a discussion, we shook hands. So that's squashed. It's a new year, it's time to get new money. Y'all know what it is. I kept it 1,000." (MTV)
Check out past footage of Rick Ross speaking on Floyd Mayweather, Jr. below:
R&B singer D'Angelo was reportedly busted by police yesterday after he offered to perform a sexual act on an undercover policewoman.
According to reports, the arrest took place in New York CIty.
Grammy Award-winning R&B singer D'Angelo was arrested early yesterday after allegedly offering an undercover policewoman $40 for oral sex while cruising alone through the West Village -- with $12,000 stashed in his SUV. D'Angelo, 36, whose real name is Michael Archer, was in his top-of-the-line Range Rover at Greenwich and Horatio streets at about 2:30 a.m. when he spotted a woman he took to be a prostitute, sources said. He was arrested and charged with solicitation after asking the woman for sex, the sources said. His manager declined to comment. (New York Post)
Outside of legal matters, D'Angelo has not released a solo project in nearly ten years.
Finally, the special-guest-laden Voodoo was released in early 2000 and debuted at number one, an indication of just how large -- and devoted -- D'Angelo's fan base was. The extremely Prince-like lead single, "Untitled (How Does It Feel)," was a smash on the R&B charts and won a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal; likewise, Voodoo won for Best R&B Album. (All Music)
Speculation suggests the singer will make a comeback later this year.
On January 29, 2010, an incomplete song named '1000 Deaths' was leaked on to the internet and uploaded to YouTube, it was said to possibly be from the James River album, however, after four days on February 3 it was deleted due to a copyright claim by D'Angelo. Also his official website went offline in November 2009, but now it links to D'Angelo's official Myspace Page with a banner reading 'Album & Tour Summer 2010' and his manager's Myspace page also states: "D'Angelo's album is slated for release late summer 2010." (Guion Partners)
He is often compared to the late Marvin Gaye and singer Prince.
D'Angelo is known for his production and songwriting talents as much as for his vocal abilities, and often draws comparisons to his influencers, Marvin Gaye, and Prince. D'Angelo was one of the most influential artists during the rise of the neo-soul movement. (Wikipedia)
Young Money leader Lil Wayne has finally been sentenced to a year in jail after having his court appearance postponed twice.
The rapper appeared in a New York court when given his sentence Monday (March 8) afternoon.
Lil Wayne has been sentenced to a year in jail after pleading guilty in a New York City gun case. The Grammy Award-winning rapper was taken away in handcuffs to start serving his term immediately after his sentencing. He'll serve his sentence in city jails, not a state prison. He could be released in about eight months with good behavior. (CBS News)
Additional reports claim he will spend his time in protective custody.
Lil Wayne just got a judge to agree to place him in protective custody while he serves 1 year in jail for a gun conviction. The judge asked Wayne, before sentencing, if he wanted to make a statement but Lil just shook his head no. After he was sentenced, Lil Wayne was cuffed, turned to his fans in the courtroom and bowed his head. Lil Wayne also asked for special medical attention while in the pokey because of his dental problems. Lil Wayne's mentor, Birdman, was in court to bid his farewell. (TMZ)
Last night, Wayne bid farewell to fans for a final time via a UStream broadcast.
"Shout out my n---a Justin Bieber," he said, continuing his public conversation with the teen sensation. Wayne also revealed a new addition to his label of talented artists. "Shout out to my n---a Cory Gunz, about to be the newest member of the Young Money team." (MOG)
Last week, the rapper had his sentencing delayed due to an electrical accident.
A fire that shut Manhattan's main criminal courthouse for a second day - delaying a slew of cases, including the sentencing of Lil Wayne - was an electrical accident, officials said Wednesday. Cases from the massive 17-story complex at 100 Centre St. were jammed into the much smaller courthouse across the street, with some arriagnments being shifted to the Midtown Community Court. (New York Daily News)
Could Wyclef Jean be joining Tiger Woods in Sex Rehab? Well if not Clef sure hasn’t learned from him. The Daily News is reporting that, Wyclef’s wife allegedly found a butt naked photo of his manager, Lisa Ellis on his cell phone.Marie Claudinette, Clef’s wife promptly did her best Elin Woods impression minus the golf club and car accident. Needless to say Ellis has been reassigned to other duties and is no longer his manager.When asked about the incident by the Daily News, Ellis denied any alleged infidelity stating their relationship was strictly professional and she left on her own. According to a newpaper source she left because Wyclef “doesn’t listen” to her.
Explaining further how that photo made it onto Clef’s mobile Device, Ellis told the paper that “Photographer Marc Baptiste took a portrait of me in December 2008 for an art book. It was tastefully done. Someone leaked the photo. I don’t know who did it, but the photo had nothing to do with my resignation as Wyclef Jean’s manager.”
The incident ends a long career together and hopefully not a marriage as well.
I apologize to anyone if this is old news to you but there is an issue I’d like the Nation to take a look at and that’s the orientation of Nikki Minaj. Why is that an issue you ask? Because as an official Fat Back Award winner, I think we need to know what we are dealing with right?
So anyway, There is this video that surfaced back in like 2004 or 2005 where this butch gangsta lesbian chick is talking about how she had an affair with Remy Ma. She goes on about all the things her and Remy did and even goes on to call Remy and try to talk to her. Somewhat of an interesting story but fast forward to 2010 and people are saying that the butch lesbian in the video is none other than raunchy yet glamorous female emcee Nikki Minaj! Sounds crazy right? So I go back and look at the video in question and the person not only looks and sounds like Nikki Minaj but the person also establishes that they are from Nikki’s hometown of New York City. Supposedly someone asked Nikki about this video via Twitter and she just laughed it off. Also the guys from VladTV (who shot the video in question) say they contacted Nikki’s publicist who responded with “no comment”.
So I’ll let the Nation take a look at the evidence and decide if there is much more to this Nikki Minaj chick than one might think.
Exhibit A: This is the video with the butch chick people are saying is actually Remy…Exhibit B: Here’s a video where Nikki admits that she is bisexual (also filmed by VladTV). Compare the voice and mannerisms to the previous video.
I apologize to anyone if this is old news to you but there is an issue I’d like the Nation to take a look at and that’s the orientation of Nikki Minaj. Why is that an issue you ask? Because as an official Fat Back Award winner, I think we need to know what we are dealing with right?
So anyway, There is this video that surfaced back in like 2004 or 2005 where this butch gangsta lesbian chick is talking about how she had an affair with Remy Ma. She goes on about all the things her and Remy did and even goes on to call Remy and try to talk to her. Somewhat of an interesting story but fast forward to 2010 and people are saying that the butch lesbian in the video is none other than raunchy yet glamorous female emcee Nikki Minaj! Sounds crazy right? So I go back and look at the video in question and the person not only looks and sounds like Nikki Minaj but the person also establishes that they are from Nikki’s hometown of New York City. Supposedly someone asked Nikki about this video via Twitter and she just laughed it off. Also the guys from VladTV (who shot the video in question) say they contacted Nikki’s publicist who responded with “no comment”.
So I’ll let the Nation take a look at the evidence and decide if there is much more to this Nikki Minaj chick than one might think.
Exhibit A: This is the video with the butch chick people are saying is actually Remy…
Exhibit B: Here’s a video where Nikki admits that she is bisexual (also filmed by VladTV). Compare the voice and mannerisms to the previous video.
On the other side, Remy, who is current in jail, recently had this to say to Jenny Boom Boom about the video that supposedly outs her…
No, I never had sex with Nicki anybody. I’ve never done any girls in my life and I never would. But actually, that video came out years ago. I was home, actually, when it first surfaced. And um, I don’t know who that is. The crazy thing with me is that it’s been out for so long, I’ve been waiting for somebody to type on in the computer and something like ‘I know her, she lives next door to me, this is who it really is,’ but I never know. I don’t even know what the logic is behind that. But as far as Nicki, as a person, I’m cool with her. Like, when she was coming up, she used to go to my parties and I used to go to her parties and we was cool. I’ve never had a problem with her.”
One might say this creates more questions than answers as Remy admits to knowing Nikki for some time and brings to light the fact that if it is not Nikki in the video than why hasn’t someone explained who it is?
So I pass it off to you Nation. Is the Nikki Minaj in the video in question? Have her and Remy messed around? And whats up with Nikki’s wandering eye?
