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Thursday, August 12, 2010
Drake & Nicki Minaj Added to VMA Lineup
Young Money will take over MTV at this year’s Video Music Awards. Drake and Nicki Minaj have been added to the award show lineup.
MTV announced the first round of performers and presenters for the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. The 27th annual event will mark the first VMA performance by Drake, who is nominated for two awards including Best Male Video and Best Hip-Hop Video.
His Young Money cohort Nicki Minaj, a first-time nominee for Best New Artist, is set to present, along with Trey Songz, Ne-Yo, Emma Stone, Penn Badgley, and Selena Gomez.
The network also confirmed Kanye West’s return to the VMA stage following last year’s show-stealing moment. He will perform material from his fifth album, due November 16.
The 2010 MTV Video Music Awards will air live from Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 12, at 9 p.m. MTV will announce additional performers, presenters, and a host on a later date.
Bun B Calls On Drake For "Trill O.G." Promo, "It's Always A Good Thing When Me & The Young Boy Get Together"
UGK's Bun B recently talked about his chemistry with Drake and why he hopes to call in the Young Money rap star to help shoot visuals for their Trill O.G. collaboration, "Put It Down."
Bun said he was satisfied that their record was able to live up to the hype.
"Definitely look for some visuals for 'Put It Down' in the future," Bun said in an interview. "As well as 'It's Been a Pleasure.' We're gonna try to put out a visual for as much of Trill O.G. as we can...It's very hard to live up to the hype the people create for things nowadays; luckily, this song did. 'Cause a lot of time, people build something up, and it's almost impossible to match up to that. In this case, it matched up to it. And the fact that the other song, 'It's Been a Pleasure,' is on it, as well, you get two for two. It's always a good thing when me and the young boy get together. It's special music. That's how I feel, and I think that's how Drizzy feels."
The rapper's Trill O.G. debuted within the sales charts this week.
Bun B's Trill O.G. debuted on the chart this week at No. 4. After seven days in stores, the rapper's latest disc, which The Source rated classic (5-mics), has pushed out 40,800 records.
Bun's new album was recently awarded a five-mic classic by The Source magazine.
"For every album labeled a classic, there are dozens of others that people feel deserve the honor. So I realize that people now feel they have to place my album next to others that they feel were more impactful, and argue their case. With social networking being as prevalent as it is in our society, these arguments now take place in a very public arena, which in order to be heard, you often have to be very opinionated and abrasive to stand out. So people, while having no personal hate or malice towards me, will make very loud arguments about The Source's decision, and the loudest ones will probably get the most attention...Having said all this, it is with great honor and admiration that I humbly accept this esteemed declaration from the Source Magazine and it's staff for my album Trill OG, and for those that feel they need to sh*t on me to argue for another artist or album, don't worry. The Trill OGcan take it! UGK for life!"
Recently, Bun defended Drake's R&B talent and called it a gift, not a curse.
"I don't know what they are talking about personally because if you are saying that then that means you are trying to say that people like T.J. Swan, Slick Rick and Biz Markie are not hip-hop. Come on... all of those guys sung on their songs. Singing in hip-hop is nothing new. We've always had people that incorporated singing in their raps. And believe me, if MC's could sing, they wouldn't get singers to sing on their albums."
Listen to Bun B & Drake's "Put It Down" down below:
B.o.B. Defends Charles Hamilton's Mental Health, "He's Not Crazy"
Grand Hustle's B.o.B. has stepped forward to discuss the mental health of fellow rapper Charles Hamilton after his recent stay in a psychiatric facility.
According to B.o.B., all musicians are constantly exploring themselves and music.
"You have to understand... Charles Hamilton is not crazy," says B.o.B of his longtime ally. "He was in a place of extreme possibilities music-wise. He has not veered in on the reality that he wants to create. As with all artists, if we were astronauts we would be on Pluto [laughs]. We dance on the line of insanity. We really do. If you look at some of the greatest artists in history, they were really out there. It's like that movie Inception. If you don't keep something like a totem to keep you remembering who you are, you'll get lost...Charles and I are cool. I talk to him a lot. He's always discovering himself, putting his experiences into his music."
Last October, B.o.B. offered some words of encouragement to the troubled rapper.
"You know, he actually gave some good advice on ['Change Gon' Come]," B.o.B. said about their past collaboration. "He was like, 'How do you change what was written/Don't pull into mind what they mention,' and I would tell him that. I would just tell him to continue to be positive because positivity can override anything -- even the worse sh*t that happened -- even death. You know positivity is positive. You could make positive out of anything. Actually, when you think about the type of inspiration it takes to make a song, he's in a great position. Because as an artist, when everything is going great, then you're just on cruises, and you're on vacation, and you don't want to make a song. You just want to relax. It's always when something bad happens, that's when you're inspired. I definitely wouldn't be surprised to see Charles Hamilton coming out bangin'. [laughs]"
Prior to reportedly being released last week, Hamilton explained his decision to seek medical help in late July.
"Basically my stay here [NY Presbyterian Mental Hospital] is like identical to my stay in the industry. As far as being the new guy in here having to deal with politics & people trying to control you. The critics would have to be the doctors and the rounds [medicine guys]. So you can say this is like an experiment to see if the industry is really like an asylum or if I was the one bugging. Some say the Industry is like High School but it's just like a [mental hospital]."
Recently, the rapper spoke on finding new life and interest in music.
"While all this is going on, I'm on a very serious spiritual journey," Hamilton revealed in an interview. "Everything that is to come, is TBA (to be announced) because, like, what it all boils down to is, if I'm not satisfied with who I look at in the mirror, both as an artist and as a public figure, you're just not gonna see me. So interviews and everything, I love them, this is great, the spotlight is great...this time out, I'm letting everybody know, because I take music and art so serious, there's a chance I'll be scarce just to get music and I feel like I needed to say that now. The projects aren't TBA, it's just how long I'm gonna be in the limelight and this isn't to sound like I'm threatening to leave or trying to stay or anything like that, there's a bigger picture and a lot of artists hit this crossroads -- I'm so dedicated to my art that we'll talk about any project it's just that I need to make sure I'm right, within, first and that goes out to any and every aspiring artist or whatever it is that you do. Make sure you are right, within, before yougo out and say that music or your art form -- this experience is a lot bigger for me than selling some records and performing in front of a crowd."
Check out some recent Charles Hamilton footage down below:
YRB TV: Charles Hamilton (Part 1) from YRB Magazine on Vimeo.
Kanye West Confirms Amber Rose Break-Up, "That Was A One-Off" [Audio]
Grammy-winning rapper Kanye West has confirmed recent speculation that his relationship with girlfriend Amber Rose has finally come to an end.
Speaking with New York radio host Angie Martinez, West opened up about his two-year run with Rose.
"Yeah man, it was an amazing time and it came to an end," West said. "One of the greatest things that she showed me was just to be a nicer person because she was so disconnected from the concept of celebrity when I first met her...A celebrity could be talking to people crazy and everyone's used to it at the label like, 'He's wildin' out. It doesn't matter.' [Amber] be like, 'What?! You just talked to your fans so crazy right now. I'm not even talking to you right now.' ... I grew from that. I think that was the greatest growth that I got from that experience...My goal in life is to really have an amazing woman and have a family, but I think I had to go through these different things to grow...That was a one-off...I'm not trying to dive into anything unless I really, really think that I can marry this person. I look at this person and I say, 'This is how I want my daughter to be.'"
Details on their break-up hit the Internet in early July.
"They are still good friends," a source tells Us. "Kanye is consumed with recording his comeback record in Hawaii and had to shut it all off. When he's in work mode, he can't handle a relationship. He told Amber he needs to devote everything right now to his craft.... I wouldn't say it's over for good [for West and Rose.] It's always off-and-on when it's convenient for these two. He doesn't go out anymore and she loves it, so he lets her."
Rose is currently being linked with reality star Kim Kardashian's ex-boyfriend Reggie Bush.
Football star Reggie Bush reportedly has a new tight end. The Saints running back and ex-flame of Kim Kardashian was spotted getting cozy with Kanye West's former gal pal Amber Rose at AXE Lounge in Southampton over the weekend. "They even took bathroom breaks together," reported PerezHilton.com
Rose recently discussed her admiration for West.
"Honestly, Kanye saved my life, and I don't even think about what I would have been. I just think about what I'm going be,'" she said in an interview. "I don't look at myself as [a celebrity]. I'm just a dope chick from South Philly! I mean, it's crazy when fans come up to me and cry and just want a hug from me.'"
Check out Kanye West's interview with Angie Martinez down below:
Soulja Boy Breaks Lock Into Film Industry, "I Wanna Do A Movie That's My Legacy"
Rapper Soulja Boy Tell Em has announced plans to link with actor/rapper Nick Canon for an upcoming film and reasoned why he wants to make a run at Hollywood.
According to Soulja Boy, his life story is still awaiting a big screen release.
"Me and Nick Cannon have been talking back and forth for, like, the last year about a movie idea," Soulja Boy said in an interview. "I did a movie with him earlier this year with Justin Bieber ['School Gyrls'], and it went straight to Nickelodeon. It was a good movie, but it was mostly for kids. We were talking back and forth, and he wants me to star in a movie that he wrote when he was, like, 17...I want people to know my story. Because a lot of people know Soulja Boy and know my songs, but a lot of people don't know where I'm from or where I came from, how I did it. A lot of people do know, but a movie would paint the picture so much better. I wanna do a movie that's my story, my legacy; what got me here and why I'm still here."
Moving into films, Soulja Boy will face competition from rappers-turned-actors including Ice Cube, 50 Cent and T.I.
The rapper - who made his acting debut in teen drama ATL in 2006 - stars in new crime thriller Takers, which he also executive produced, but doesn't see other rapper-turned-actors such as 50 Cent and Ice Cube as rivals. TI said: "I don't feel any. I don't feel any competition. I don't feel like I'm competing with anyone but myself. If anyone else does feel like that, it must suck to be them. But I don't feel like that."
Earlier this month, Soulja Boy collaborator/friend Bow Wow announced being cast in a new Tyler Perry film.
Bow Wow and Loretta Devine, who are set to appear together in the Warner Bros. comedy, 'Lottery Ticket,' will team up again in Tyler Perry's next film, 'Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family.' Perry will reprise his signature role as Madea Simmons in the film, adapted from his new stage play 'Madea's Happy Family,' which is currently on tour in the U.S. Also added to the film is current 'It' guy and Old Spice commercial pitchman Isaiah Mustafa. Devine and Bow Wow will play mother and son, while Mustafa is cast as the brother-in-law.
As of late, Soulja Boy has been working on a new album called The DeAndre Way.
"Three [beats]," Soulja Boy told radio host Tim Westwood when asked about working with Kanye West on the new album. "They sounding awesome. This album, I'm mostly doing it myself but I got a lot of producers that I'm working with. I'm working with a lot of artists, like even onTwitter. I'll send out blasts like 'Send me beats.' I got a producer called Super Sed in the 'A' that did 'Pronto,' he did 'Pronto' for Snoop Dogg..."
Check out some recent Soulja Boy Tell Em footage down below:
Foxy Brown's Brother Flees From NY Cops, Arrested On Fake Credit Card Accusations
New York rapper Foxy Brown's brother, Gavin "Pretty Boy" Marchand, was reportedly arrested last weekend on accusations of credit card forgery.
According to reports, the bust took place in Manhattan.
Gavin Marchand was arrested last Saturday (August 7th) for allegedly possessing a forged American Express card to purchase almost $8,000 worth of clothes from the Hermes store on Madison Avenue. Police were inside the store conducting surveillance when Gavin, 35, and three associates arrived at the high-end boutique. A 31-year-old man named Warren David allegedly attempted to use the card. When the men attempted to leave the store, police approached them, but the driver, Derwin Benoit, led police on a 90-mph chase, before he finally pulled over and surrendered.
The news comes one day after Brown testified in a New York court for allegedly assaulting her neighbor last month.
She may call herself "Don Diva," but the singer intends to ditch her in-your-face attitude and tell jurors that she's really just a mama's girl who's been trying to exorcise the nasty demons of her bad-girl past and now lives in her Prospect Heights brownstone with her mother, a source said. The sassy singer, whose real name is Inga Marchand, will flatly deny that a stare-down with neighbor Arlene Raymond escalated into a profane tirade and ended with her provocatively mooning the woman, the sources said. She faces felony charges from the July 21 incident. The latest legal case against the platinum-selling singer has already taken its toll on her creative energies, a source close to Foxy said. "Foxy can't even sleep at night. This is truly a nightmare," said the source.
Following her testimony, Brown spoke with media about being honest.
"I'm happy to have a chance to tell the truth about what happened," Brown told reporters while leaving the courthouse. "Today my focus is on telling the truth. It feels so good to tell the truth. This thing has been such a nightmare." Currently there is no decision on whether Brown will face felony charges for violating a restraining order the woman, Arlene Raymond, had against her.
Aside from her brother and assault, Brown also reportedly got into a fight with her manager a few weeks ago.
New York's Daily News reported that the incident occurred after Brown was six hours late for an interview in which she was to discuss last week's arrest. The rapper reportedly became combative after building staffers asked her to be quiet, and then became combative with her manager and others. She reportedly fled the scene before police arrived. The paper's report was unconfirmed at press time.
Check out a past Foxy Brown interview down below:
Eve Looks To Cash-In On $2 Million Hollywood Crib
Ruff Ryders' Eve is reportedly looking to cash-in on her $2 million Hollywood Hills California home as reports suggest she has placed her residence on the market.
According to reports, she is looking to either sell or lease the home.
Rapper and actress Eve has listed her Hollywood Hills home at $2,045,000 or for lease at $15,000 a month, the Multiple Listing Service shows. The contemporary Mediterranean has large public rooms designed for entertaining and city light views. There are four bedrooms, 41/2 bathrooms and 4,297 square feet of living space. She purchased the gated house in 2005 for $1,775,000, public records indicate. The home originally came on the market a year ago at $2,395,000 and has been relisted this time with Joshua Altman and Matthew J. Altman of Hilton & Hyland, Beverly Hills, according to the MLS.
Last May, Grammy-winning rapper Kanye West also listed one of his Los Angeles homes for sale.
Kanye West is packing his Louis Vuitton trunks and moving out. The rapper has put his 3 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom Hollywood Hills home on the market for $3,995,000. The minimalistic, 4,214-square-foot residence features breathtaking views of Los Angeles, an aquarium in the bathtub, theater, closet akin to a designer boutique, and built-in computers to control the property. Kanye has decorated his West Coast crib with artwork from Andy Warhol, Takashi Murakami, and even a life-sized Buzz Lightyear. He still owns a place in New York City, but has been spending most of his time in Hawaii lately recording his fifth studio album.
After reports got out that Fat Joe was selling his Florida home due to financial problems, the rapper later came forward to deny the allegations.
"I'm selling my mansion, and I got a crib like everyone else in the world. I'm selling my home like everyone else in the world," Fat Joe joked. "Yea you know my wife she wants to move back towards the beach, we out a little west in the suburbs so you know. You know, a man just trying to live, just trying to survive man. (laughs)"
Working on a new album, Eve recently talked about being dropped from Interscope Records.
"[Interscope was] stupid because they didn't drop me at first, they [just shelfed me] and dropped the ball," Eve explained in an interview. "After 'Tambourine', they straight up were like, 'Umm, yeah, nah, we're not putting out the record.' After that I was like 'Y'all gotta let me go. I've been here 11 years and you're frontin on me?' It got to that point...They promised me the machine. The machine is basically the roll out. It's 'Yo, when ['Flirt'] comes out, we'll give you this, we'll give you that. And that's what made me mad. It'd be different if we didn't have a meeting where people promised me sh*t. If they were just like 'Oh we're going to put the album out and see what happens,' that would be one thing...But they were like 'No, we're making sure this happens, it's coming out on this date.' It was concrete. But it's all good, everything happens how it's supposed to, when it's supposed to."
Nelly Responds To Ex-St. Lunatic's Claims Of Being Shortchanged, "You Don't Write Or Rap!"
Grammy-winning rapper Nelly has responded to ex-St. Lunatic Slo' Down after the former associate publicly blasted him for allegedly not being paid fairly while a part of the crew.
Writing on Twitter, Nelly pointed to Slo''s limited contribution to the St. Lunatics.
"I wish I could have made ova a half a mill dollars for just wearing a mask on stage!!!!!loldammm," he wrote earlier this week.
"hate ungratefulness pimp!u don't write!don't rap!!u don't even stay in the studio till the song is done!still make a halfmil"
Slo' claimed Nelly received half of all St. Lunatics' profits and did not look out for him.
"I might f*ck around and get emotional talkin' about all how that money was getting' split up, sh*t was crazy," he said. "N*ggas was eatin' and I wasn't one of them n*ggas. I was snackin'... I was lunchin', havin' lunch every now and then, and n*ggas was havin' four course meals and ain't have sh*t to do with sh*t...Whatever we did Nelly got half of that sh*t, and the rest of the group split that up...And when it came to splitting the money I wasn't part of the rest of the group...I ain't write no lyrics or nuthin but...I brought more to the stage show, [and] to the image."
Slo' reportedly linked with St. Lunatics in the mid-1990's.
Having been friends and family for years the group formed collectively in 1993. The roster, which has been consistent since the group's inception, consists of Ali, Nelly, City Spud, Kyjuan and Murphy Lee. The group dubbed itself the St. Lunatics and began crafting the unique sound that would place St. Louis on hip-hop's world map. By 1996 the crew was ready to debut its new sound. The group picked up hypeman Slo' Down to add a visual element to the act, and hit the studio to record the single "Gimme What Ya Got."
The group gained fame around the time their debut album dropped in 2001.
The group was formed in 2000 and came out with their hit, "Gimmie What U Got" and "Thug Luv for the Homiez", in 2003. After the St. Lunatics got signed to Universal Records Nelly was the first member to go solo, and while Nelly was working on his solo album Country Grammar, City Spud was arrested and sentenced to 10 years in prison for robbery. After Nelly's breakthrough success in 2000, the St. Lunatics released their debut album Free City in 2001 with hits such as "Summer in the City" and "Midwest Swing". Ali released his solo album Heavy Starch in 2002 and Murphy Lee released his solo album Murphy's Law in 2003.
Check out Slo' Down calling out Nelly below:
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Nicki Minaj Loads Drake & Beyonce In iPod, Rapper Reveals Favorite Records
Young Money rapper Nicki Minaj has revealed what artists she loads up into her iPod which include labelmate Drake, Beyonce and Rihanna.
The rapper also said her Young Money boss' Rebirth rock album can be found on her portable device.
Drake - "Find Your Love" I love the entire album, but "Find Your Love" is like a movie. It reminds you of something, but you kind of don't know what. Lil Wayne - Rebirth I'm [a guest performer] on that one. And I just like that he was able to cross over into rock/pop a little bit. I'm a fan of when people do what you don't expect. Mariah Carey I always have Mariah for when I just feel like curling up in bed. On her last album, it's "H.A.T.E.U." Beyonce - "Poison" When I tell you it gives me life, like, it gives me life. Her voice is effortless. It's badass, like, "I know I'm the best." I love the melody, I love the cadence. It's playful, but it's just so in-your-face. It's dope and it's creative. Rihanna - Good Girl Gone Bad I love "Sell Me Candy." That's one of my freakin' favorites. Timbaland produced. I love that and "Rehab."
Aside from other artists' music, Minaj is currently prepping the release of her debut, Pink Friday.
"Things happen really quickly, and you should take a moment and absorb it," she says in a Live Q&A with Billboard.com on Friday (Aug 6). "To be honest, the last year of my life, I can't tell you where it began and ended, or what happened in between. I can't remember dates, I just keep going. I didn't realize things would move so quickly...Life is about growth and I don't want to remain the same my whole life -- I want to be able to change. I respect people that love '07 Nicki, and I'm definitely going to give you some stuff on 'Pink Friday,' I won't forget anybody. But I have to be true to me -- I started seeing different things, going to different places, eating different things. It would be fraudulent to rap the same way and look the same way, because I'm not the same. Period."
Earlier this month, Minaj said the debut has already surpassed her own expectations.
"The album is progressing miraculously, I would say," Minaj said in an interview. "It's coming out way better than I could even have imagined or dreamed or hoped for...It's been very exciting to finally just make music that I love and not really having to incorporate myself on someone else's record...I've been having a really great time...I have a record called 'Right Through Me' that I think will be a standout. It's not gonna come right now. It'll come closer to when the album drops, but it's a really, really pretty song. Everyone's gonna like it...It's just really insightful but in a very conversational kind of way."
Next month, Minaj will be competing at the annual Video Music Awards ceremony.
Best New Artist: Ke$ha, "Tik Tok" Jason Derulo, "In My Head" Justin Bieber featuring Ludacris, "Baby" Nicki Minaj featuring Sean Garrett, "Massive Attack" Broken Bells, "The Ghost Inside"
Check out some recent footage of Nicki Minaj down below:
Triple C's Torch Slams Young Jeezy, "Sneak Dissing The Only Way You Can Be Relevant"
Rick Ross' protege Torch has stepped forward to address recent diss speculation from Young Jeezy aimed toward his boss and publicly attacked his Def Jam labelmate.
Writing on Twitter, the Triple C's member questioned Jeezy's issues with Ross.
"SIN€E This Fagget ass Rap Nikka Sneak Dissing I Think Its Only Right We Start A Trending Topik Kalled #JeezyWhyUMad," he wrote late Monday (August 9) night.
"#JeezyWhyUMad Ross Repped Harder 4Ya Fallen Komrads More Than U Ever Did Or Ever Wud Have??."
"#JeezyWhyUMad Trying 2Steal Plies Swagg Aint Work 4U??"
"#JeezyWhyUMad BMF the Biggest Rekord in the Kountry & Even tho that's the name of Ya Krew Yo Lame a** Kouldnt kome up with That."
"#JeezyWhyUMad GU€€I went in Jail Hotter Than U Kame Home & He Still Hotter Than U & Now His lil Nikka Waka Hotter in the Streetz than U2."
"#JeezyWhyUMad Sneak Dissing the Only way U Kan Be Relevant out here?? #Hating4Sukka's!!!"
Ross recently said he was perplexed with Jeezy's decision to make "The Real Blowin' Money Fast" track after he already put out "B.M.F."
"I haven't had a chance to talk to the homie," Ross said. "I really don't know what the thought process was behind it. My record was called 'Blowin' Money Fast.' It confused me that if it was called 'The Real B.M.F.,' I would have called it 'The Black Mafia Family.' ... You know, you may have to ask him. Other than that, we still reppin', we still riding, and [my] record is getting love everywhere. So it's all good."
Since Jeezy's release, the Atlanta, Georiga emcee has now put out another possible subliminal track directed at Ross called "Death Before Dishonor (B.M.F. Remix)."
Released today, Jeezy's "Death Before Dishonor (B.M.F. Remix)" has the following verse. "How you blowin' money fast? You don't know the crew / Are you part of the fam? Sh*t, I never knew / Y'all was supposed to make it hard, this is easy, h*e / "Pull up in that triple white," I think I'm Jeezy, hoe." When leaked to media today, Def Jam employees referred to the song as "the most controversial record of this year," although no formal confirmation of the diss has been made. Although Ross' name is never mentioned, many speculate that Jeezy is confronting his Def Jam label-mate.
The record will reportedly be featured on Jeezy's upcoming 1000 Grams, Volume 1 mixtape.
Game's not the only one releasing two mixtapes before his studio album. Jeezy freestyles over his labelmate Rick Ross' "B.M.F. (Blowin' Money Fast)" for his new DJ Scream mixtape 1000 Grams, Vol. 1., dropping Thursday at 1:03 p.m.
Check out Young Jeezy's "Death Before Dishonor (B.M.F. Freestyle)" below:
Lil Wayne Puts Young Money Protege In Charge During Prison Stint
Young Money protege Lil Twist has come forward to take credit in helping keep Lil Wayne's Internet presence up through updates on Twitter and the rapper's WeezyThanxYou blog.
According to Twist, Wayne phones him and gives a run-down on what to make up-to-date.
"He calls me," Twist said . "He lets me know what he wants me to update from time and time. Every time he calls, I update everything he wants. That's my heavy connection to his blog site...That's a hard job. But I am that...Me and Wayne, we're like brothers. He really took me in. He taught me how to do everything, he taught me the music business," Twist added. "We got a strong brother bond."
Writing via his blog, Wayne has been able to keep fans in-tune to everything he is doing while awaiting a November 4th release from prison.
"So I've been writing and let me be the first to tell you that the lyrics that I'm writing are... well there's no word that I can think of that properly defines them. Amazing would be too typical and perfect would be unfair. I listen to the radio sometimes, emphasis on sometimes, and I hear the new music. I like some. I applaud my Young Money family for what they're doing. As I'm not surprised. This is what we're supposed to do. Congrats to Drake and Nicki for all their recent success. Those 2 are going to have me retiring early. I love my team. Much love to Tez and Mack. I know that people are inquisitive of what I do all day, so here goes. I wake up around 11AM. Have some coffee. Call my kids, and my wonderful mother. I then shower up. Read fan mail. Have lunch. Back on the phone. Read a book or write some thoughts down. Have dinner. Phone. Pushups. Then I listen to ESPN on the radio. Read the bible, then sleep. That's my day."
According to Wayne's co-manager and Young Money CEO Cortez Bryant, a new Wayne EP will hit stores before he is released.
"I'm putting out a [Wayne] album called I'm Not A Human Being and I'll probably drop it on his birthday, September 27...We not about to roll out no three month set up. I'm not even putting it out in stores. We just gonna put it out virally and maybe package it up for Christmas. Give 'em a hard copy later for fan appreciation."
Last March, Twist reportedly signed a record deal with Young Money.
Drake and Nicki Minaj aren't the only ones in Young Money creating industry buzz. Now teen rapper Lil Twist, who has long been associated with Young Money has officially signed his deal with rapper Lil Wayne's label Young Money Entertainment. Lil Twist has officially inked his contract with Universal/Young Money, with a rumored 1.3 million dollar signing bonus. Twist's debut album is set for release late this summer. His official single "Love Affair" is gaining lots of attention from the fans and he is shooting a video for that in the upcoming week.
Check out Baby giving an update on Lil Wayne down below:
Monday, August 2, 2010
Eminem Shares Fear Of Dying, "It Creeps Me The F*ck Out"
Grammy-winning rapper Eminem opens up and reveals his fear of dying in the new August/September VIBE.
In his cover feature, Em recalls being rushed to the hospital a few years ago after nearly overdosing from drugs.
"Yeah, I do," Em said when asked if he thinks about his own death. "A lot. I think about it a lot. I try not to think about it but I do and it creeps me the f*ck out. It creeps me out because they say that if I got to the hospital two hours later then I would be gone. I think about that a lot. When I lay in bed at night is when I think about it the most. It creeps me out man."
Em recently said he concealed drug addiction to save his rap image.
"It took me awhile to admit I actually did have a problem," the musician said. "In the hip-hop world that I live in, it can be mistaken for weakness and the last thing you want to do in hip-hop is admit that you're weak. But if I didn't admit I was weak with this certain thing I was going to die." When asked how close he was to death, the artist responded that he "was certainly a couple of hours away from death," adding that he "overdosed and almost died." But he pulled himself back from the brink and re-entered rehab with a more honest, committed attitude: "I had to admit I had a problem. I had to do it for myself," Eminem said.
Last January, music veteran Elton John revealed he was helping Em fight through drug addiction.
"I've been helping Eminem over the last 18 months and he's doing brilliantly," John says, reports the British Press Association. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 in the U.K. on Saturday, Sir Elton, 62, who has freely spoken about his own past issues with substance abuse, said: "I'm there if people want my help. If people ask for help you tell them where to go but there's no point advising people if they don't want to do it."
In a past interview, the rapper said drugs forced his transition into producing.
"I wasn't ready to give up drugs," Em explained. "I didn't really think I had a problem...I felt like I wanted to pull back, because my drug problem had got so bad. I felt like, maybe if I take a break, maybe this will help. I started to get into the producer role more."
The August/September VIBE drops Monday, August 16th.
Check out Eminem speaking on his past drug addiction down below:
Bun B Plans Hip-Hop Takeover, "It's Time For Texas To Move Back To The Top"
UGK's Bun B recently talked about the motivation behind his upcoming Trill OG album and said his homestate, Texas, is coming back for the top spot in hip-hop.
Bun believes his new solo effort will help motivate the Texas emcees to step up.
"Texas has had incredible moments in the history of hip-hop. But there is a misconception that because we aren't at the forefront that we aren't here at all. But we're still making music, going on tour and getting in front of and connecting with the people...It's time for Texas to move back to the top and in order for that to happen, someone has to take charge. Since I call myself the Trill OG, the first thing I have to do is round up the troops. That's what this album is -- to show that Texas is back. I'm just taking the lead and bringing everyone else with me."
Last year, Bun talked about the decline in music sales and which Texas artist would be next to reach mainstream fame.
"I wonder if people who ask Southern artists [about their past streaks also] ask West coast artists or Midwest artists or New York artists that, because all those regions are falling off," Bun said in an interview. "Hip-Hop, in general, doesn't have the demand power it used to in any region. We had a good run in Houston, but every region's in trouble. There are really only six people making money off rap music. Everybody knows that...I definitely think that Z-Ro is on the brink of becoming a national superstar. It's pretty much up to him to decide whether he goes as far as he wants to go. The only thing holding Z-Ro back is Z-Ro."
He recently shared his reaction to former Texas rap rivals Paul Wall and Chamillionaire reuniting after years of estrangement.
"I think it's a great thing for hip-hop in general," Bun explained in an interview. "When you have good people that make good music together come together and make great music, it's a great thing. We don't worry about circumstances; we just appreciate the opportunity to see great music being made again. It's definitely a resurgence of Houston music right now. The second wave is coming. This is just something to kick everybody in the nuts, like you better get it right because we trying to get it down here in the H."
Last year's UGK album landed on the sales charts and marked the final group project.
Southern rap group UGK released their final group album UGK 4 Life which opened at No. 6. With seven days under their belt, the late Pimp C and Bun B's final disc sold 76,600 discs.
Bun B's Trill OG drops Tuesday, August 3rd.
Check out some recent Bun B footage below:
Beanie Sigel To Jay-Z, "Stop Stalling, Let's Get It Already" [Video]
Former Roc-A-Fella artist Beanie Sigel has continued to taunt Jay-Z by blasting his former rap boss with a freestyle diss at a Maryland concert.
Reciting the same diss he performed at a Philadelphia concert last February, Beans and his entourage once again taunted Hov at Baltimore's Sonar nightclub this past weekend.
"Lost the Best of Both Worlds, you could of called R. Kelly," Beans rapped, "Mister 2-3, since he's got the arch already, you supposed to pass that Roc when the ball got heavy/Instead he's getting picked at half court already -- he 45 and playing for the Wizards already/Stop stalling, let's get it already/Number one rap recording would have spit it already/I'm a nightmare and will show up in your dreams like Freddy/Sigel, Desert Eagle Arc heavy, already/N*ggas is running scared already/Memph Bleek peed the sheets and leave the bed all wetty..."
Last month, Sigel talked about regretting his past loyalty to Jay during their beef with Ruff Ryders in 2001.
"Only thing I regret about that Roc-A-Fella sh*t was going at my n*gga Kiss," Beans said in an interview referencing his 2001 beef with Jadakiss. "I did that sh*t for you n*gga 'cause you were scared. You knew Kiss would have bit that a**. I should pull off my belt and whip that a**. You better watch who you worship, man...I know all that f*ggot sh*t you poppin' and the little slurs on Drake and them's records and I'ma tell y'all little motherf*ckers something, y'all keep letting that n*gga get on records and pop sh*t. I'ma start coming at cha'll little n*ggas. I'll smack the sh*t outta Drake b*tch a**. All y'all n*ggas, f*ck all y'all. This is Broad Street Bully, B. Sig, I have no problem seeing anybody on site."
In January, Jay said he was shocked at the disses Beans made toward him.
"This rap music and the competitive by nature, nothing really surprises me anymore but I'll honestly say, that was one that was like a shocker," Hov said in an interview. "When you from a certain place, cut from a certain cloth, there's certain things that's just off limits. When you cross that line, we put you in a different box. That one was a little surprising. The competitive nature of rap music dictates that's how it goes more times than it's not...I think everybody run outta ideas, it's all just marketing at this point. I don't even think it's competition anymore..."
Aside from rap beefs, Def Jam VP of A&R Sha Money XL recently said Sigel has been working on a follow-up to 2007's The Solution.
"Redman's getting ready to deliver. Method Man's getting ready to get started. Beanie Sigel, I had a conversation with him," Sha revealed in an interview. "Hopefully he'll get back over here. He's here, but, just really getting in the mind frame like he's getting ready to put an album out, getting right because he's the sh*t."
Check out Beanie Sigel's freestyle below:
Drake Introduces RapFix And Talks Thank Me Later Follow Up
Drizzy Drake held court in his hometown of Toronto over the weekend as he and his crew, October's Very Own, hosted the "OVO Fest," their own self-produced concert that featured the likes of Jay-Z and Eminem as guest performers.
But before the show, the Young Money MC took time out to speak to RapFix and open up about the direction he's hoping the take his sophomore set.
Drake said he felt that he had so much to say on his debut, Thank Me Later, that at times he was actually rapping too much.
Here, T.Dot's favorite son talks about what he plans to do different on the next one. (And it's RapFix.com, Drake!)
"What I was is just for the records to be enjoyed with out it being too complex," Drake explained. "I think rapping for 32 bars sometimes you lose a partial audience. The audience that sometimes wants to hear a great hook and feel good. Your lyrics, as long as their said clearly, they'll learn them. I take a lot of pride in my verse and I think on my last album and I think that I had so much to say that I felt like I had to rap for 32 bars on every single song. But this next album I'm going to challenge myself to put 32-bar thoughts into 16 bars, which is gonna be harder.
"Much like I did like on "The Resistance," I wanna do more songs like that," he added. "They're shorter and radio can play them; not that their radio records. But I wanna switch my format up a bit, just to challenge myself and try something new. Cause this album has to be better than So Far Gone and Thank Me Later put together."
Game to Drop ‘Brake Lights’ Mixtape on XXLMag.com at Midnight [Tracklisting Revealed]
Pump your breaks. Game is set to drop his newest mixtape, Brake Lights, exclusively on XXLMag.com at midnight for free download.
Hosted by DJ Skee, the project will feature appearances by Snoop Dogg, Nas, T.I., Akon, Rick Ross, Waka Flaka Flame, Busta Rhymes, Robin Thicke, Shawty Lo and more. DJ Toomp, JR Rotem and Rich Skillz are among those that will handle production duties.
“Brake Lights is like an appetizer to The R.E.D. Album,” Game told XXL. “I know a lot of people been waiting on R.E.D., so I wanted to put out something to hold my them over, while I finish up my album.”
Brake Lights follows up the Compton-bred MC’s last release, The Red Room, which was downloaded by upwards of 10,000 fans within the first hour that it was made available on XXLMag.com.
Be sure to come back at midnight to download Brake Lights for free, exclusively on XXLMag.com.
Tracklisting below:
-Brake Lights ft. Busta Rhymes
-Trading Places ft. Snoop Dogg
-Cold Blood ft. Busta Rhymes & Dre
-MIA (3 Heats: Lebron James, Bosh, Wade)
-Stop ft. Rick Ross
-Street Riders ft. Akon & Nas
-HaHaHaHaHa
-Pushin It ft. T.I. & Robin Thicke
-Thats The Way The Game Goes ft. Shawty Lo
-Ecstasy
-Phantom Of The Opera
-Do It B.I.G. ft. Yung Joc
-You Are The Blood
-Get’em ft. Waka Flocka Flame
-Cherry Koolaid
-Heels & Dresses (X.O. ft. T.Y Dolla Sign)
-Blackout
-Stadium Music
-Hustlin (Champions Anthem)
This Is Ku & All But Why Ain't Da Song With Lil Wayne On Here. SMH I Guess We Just Goin Have 2 Wait.
Nicki Minaj Vows To Reveal Album Title Tonight, "A Promise Is A Promise"
Young Money's Nicki Minaj has made a public promise to announce the title of her forthcoming debut album tonight.
Promising she would make a UStream broadcast once she reached over 1 million Twitter followers, the rapper met her goal over the weekend.
"WOW #TeamMinaj we did it!!! We really did it?!?!?! *pops champagne* 1 MILLION followers!!! Thank u to every single million of u! :-)," she wrote late Sunday (August 1) night.
"Ok u guyz. A promise is a promise. Ustream tomorrow. I'll be announcing the name of the album and much more :-) 11.23.10"
"Not sure of the time but it'll be late in the day. I'll keep u posted! I'm thinking maybe 8pm EST."
Last month, the rapper playfully suggested calling her debut, The Album.
Nicki's fans will be crying tears of joy when her long-anticipated debut album hits stores. She promises the project will be out before the end of the year, and she's focusing heavily on recording her own songs. "Maybe a few things cooking," Nicki answered with a smile when asked if she has any more guest appearances coming up. "But right now, it's all about the album. November 23. Nothing comes before that." Then Nicki contemplated the title of her project. "Maybe we should call it ...The Album," she ruminated. "Nicki Minaj: The Album," she continued before dismissing the idea. "I don't know, it'll come."
Last spring, Minaj hinted at linking with Grammy-winning producer/rapper Kanye West for the LP.
"I'm probably definitely going to work with Kanye," she revealed in an interview. "On my debut, I worked with Sean Garrett. And probably Swizz Beatz, he's gonna send me something. I like to work with unknown producers as well, so I accept beats from everybody."
She originally announced her debut album release via Twitter.
Barbie fans across the world can rejoice. Nicki Minaj's as-yet-untitled debut album will officially hit stores on November 23. The news comes just four days after the Jamaica, Queens rapper took to her twitter account to alert fans about the special day. "Yes. It's time. November 23rd," she wrote last Thursday afternoon. At the time, XXLMag.com spoke to reps for her label at Young Money/Cash Money, and they couldn't confirm the date. But today, they informed us that the date is indeed set in stone.
Check out a recent Nicki Minaj interview down below:
Eminem & Jay-Z Help Drake Put On For His City [Video]
Eminem and Jay-Z showed support for Drake on the last night of the OVO Festival in Toronto with surprise performances.
Both Em and Jay came out at around the end of Drake's concert.
The loudest cheers of the night by far, as Eminem joined Drake on stage for his verse on "Forever." Slim Shady kicked the rapid fire flow, decked out in all black everything. He disappeared as quickly as he arrived. But Toronto showed their appreciation for every second Em was on stage. Things are heating up. There's another surprise up next. Just when things couldn't climb another decibel, Drake takes it up one more level (on top of nose bleeds, as J.Cole would say) by bringing out Brooklyn's finest. Jay-Z joined the Toronto upstart on stage for "Run this Town."
The event also hosted guest performances from Def Jam's Rick Ross and Young Jeezy.
Other guests joining him included Rick Ross, Toronto's own Kardinall Offishall and opener Young Jeezy but it was the former star of Degrassi: The Next Generation who everyone - included the woman who had bedazzled Mrs. Drake on her t-shirt while others carried placards saying "I Love You Drake" - came to see. There was definitely a sense of hometown pride amongst the youth gathered at the lakeside shed. "This is home baby!" screamed an equally excited Drake to huge cheers.
Details on last night's Drake concert hit the Internet around mid-July.
It's called the OVO Festival, it'll be going down August 1 in Toronto, and it'll feature Drake alongside Young Jeezy, Bun B, Francis & the Lights, and artists to be named at a later date. Says Drake: "I truly believe this is entertainment at a level that the city has never seen before. I'm hoping that it is a safe and magical night and that OVO Festival becomes tradition every year." His very own music festival,already? Does Taylor Swift even have her own festival?
In February, Drake talked about the importance of representing for his city.
"Toronto is the biggest inspiration behind my music," he said in an interview. "I do everything I do for Toronto. It's a city I really believe in. It's got a bunch of great people. We got a lot of undiscovered things in Toronto, man: women, nightlife, restaurants, clubs and talent. Women, first. I just wanna bring the city to the forefront. I feel like every place needs an ambassador. They need somebody to show the rest of the world how magical that place can be. I think Jay[-Z] does it for New York, a lot of people do it for Atlanta, Kanye did it for Chicago. A lot of rappers take it upon themselves. So I just really wanna be that guy for Toronto."
Check out footage from the event down below:
Wale On Competing W/ Drake, Kid Cudi & Asher Roth, "One Of Us Got The Most Record Sales, The Other One Wants The Most Fame" [Video]
Roc Nation artist Wale recently talked about being in competition with rap newcomers like Kid Cudi, Drake and Asher Roth and how their aspirations are similar to athletes'.
Wale believes there is never any real satisfaction or sense of accomplishment for rappers.
"One of us got the most record sales, the other one wants the most fame," Wale explained when asked about competing with Drake, Asher Roth and Kid Cudi. "One of them has the most fame, the other one wants to have the credibility to be a true hip-hop person. One of them is more of a true hip-hop person but the other one is more record sales. It's just like in the NBA, one guy gets this kind of money but then there's another guy who plays in the West Coast that makes this kinda money and that sounds good but he wants as much money as him and now this guy wants the same money as LeBron [James] but then LeBron wants as much money as [New York Yankees'] A-Rod, from another sport. Nobody's ever really satisfied but that's just human nature though."
Last April, Lupe Fiasco talked about creating a rap supergroup called All City Chess Club which includes Wale, Charles Hamilton, J. Cole, Asher Roth and other relatively new mainstream emcees.
"It's kinda this new vanguard," Lupe explained in his interview. "The kids who wouldn't necessarily be the basketball team they would probably be the Chess Club if we was in high school. And I was like 'Yo, we all from different cities. We the All City Chess Club.' ... I just wanted it to be the collective of those dudes and put a name on it. Like they already kinda put us all in the same box. They kinda put us in the same family of MC's whether it be the hipster rappers or the nerd rappers...Since they putting us in a box, might as well own the box. And write our name on the box and paint it the color we want it."
Wale's debut album, Attention: Deficit, landed on the sales chart last November.
Rap newcomer Wale's long-awaited Attention: Deficit landed on the charts this week debuting at No. 21. After seven days on store shelves, the rapper's new album shelled out 28,300 copies.
Following its release, Wale's manager Daniel Weisman discussed his first-week sales.
"Wale's the type of artist who is bigger than the metrics say he is," Weisman said in an interview. "That puts the label in a tough position in terms of physical distribution and because of Twitter we are able to hear direct feedback from the fans about the problems they had actually finding the CD. But 64 percent of Wale's sales came from digital outlets which makes sense for Wale. It's a testament to Interscope and their confidence in Wale's brand that they put the record out without a big single."
Check out Wale speaking on rap competition below:
J. Cole Unzips Backpacker Misconceptions, "I Got Bigger Aspirations Than That" [Video] + Burned By Hometown Controversy
Roc Nation's J. Cole has revealed his biggest rap misconception and said people tend to believe he is solely a representative of backpack rappers.
Although he prides himself in making non-commerical rap records, Cole said people tend to box him into one category.
"Biggest misconception, [it's] that I'm a backpack rapper," Cole said in an interview when asked about the public's biggest misconception of himself. "I feel that people [assume that], which is cool, I represent the backpack kids but I feel like I got bigger aspirations than just that. I don't mean to break the hearts of all the backpackers out there but you can't box me in that small."
In a past interview, Cole said he found inspiration in rap icons like Nas and the late Tupac Shakur.
"The more lyrical rappers. I gravitate toward the classic and more lyrical rappers," he explaind in an interview. "Sometimes when I'm in the studio we spend an hour on YouTube watching old rap and freestyle. For a while there it was really lyrical and witty and was always personalized. I'm drawn toward storytellers like Nas and Tupac. I'm realizing my own work in this day is generally not something that is out there. There is a lot of talent, but they just aren't putting out what I am. The whole game is exciting but nobody in a long time has come out with the skills for lyrical writing that I am coming out with."
Speaking with radio personality Jenny Boom Boom earlier this summer, Cole opened up about reaching his debut album's completion.
"I'm practically, almost finished," he said laughing. "Every song that's on my album is there now. It's just about tying up the loose ends. One song needs like two verses, [another] song still needs some instruments. But I do finally have all the songs that are going to be on my album. I was missing, like, two songs before...[Jay-Z] is super impressed. I think he's more so impressed with the fact that I kind of just did this on my own. I got in [the studio] with No I.D., but a lot of the stuff has been coming from me. So I feel like [Jay] looks at me like, 'Yo, he can really produce.' ... [The label] says October 26th. I say it'll be before that."
Last June, Cole talked with SOHH about his new "Who Dat" music video.
"I think it was an excellent reception," Cole told SOHH. "I just wish I would've explained to people more that it was a one shot, that we shot on film and even when you watch it in HD version it looks incredible because it was on 35mm film which is what they use to shoot movies with. Even with that said I think people respect the fact that I went home [to Fayetteville, NC]. I didn't come out with a whole bunch of jewelry, a whole bunch of light skinned girls with short shorts on. It's a real organic feeling video. I really wish I would've explained more to people but you know in time people will get it. They'll see all the imagery and all the little signs."
Check out J. Cole's interview below:
What's The Biggest Misconception About J.Cole? from LowKey on Vimeo.
Roc Nation's J. Cole has addressed recent controversy surrounding his home state tribute "Who Dat" music video after Fayetteville State University administrators denounced the music for its "explicit content."
Cole believes the issues stemmed from the Chancellor James Anderson who could not see a positive message behind his rhymes.
"He pretty much had a problem with the cheerleaders appearing in the video," Cole said about Fayetteville State's issue with his viral video. "We had the cheerleaders from FSU, we had the highschool marching band from one of the local schools -- basically the chancellor of Fayetteville State was upset because of my language. He was upset that everything fell into place, the highschool had to say the same thing but I feel that's their age difference. That's that social, cultural difference in age. Like, they can't look past the curse words and see somebody from Fayetteville made it out and is actually doing something positive that they like and wants to come back and shine some light on the city and they can't look past the curse words. I understand but that's not how the city feels, it's how he feels."
Last month, administrators were trying to pull the video from media outlets.
Schools Superintendent Frank Till Jr. issued a statement Tuesday demanding the new J. Cole video "Who Dat" be pulled immediately from the Internet and TV. FSU Chancellor James Anderson apologized in a letter to alumni for Bronco cheerleaders who appear in the video. It was filmed this spring in Fayetteville, where J. Cole grew up.
They also denied having knowledge of the video containing explicit language.
"I think it shows the school and the city in a negative light," Till said. "I think it was a legitimate mistake on the school's part...We don't allow that kind of language in our school...Why would we allow our students to do something like this?" Till said the video was shot after school hours and that each student turned in a release form signed by a parent. School officials at the scene of the video shoot said they didn't hear profane lyrics.
Following its release, Cole talked with SOHH about shooting the clip in North Carolina.
"I think it was an excellent reception," Cole told SOHH. "I just wish I would've explained to people more that it was a one shot, that we shot on film and even when you watch it in HD version it looks incredible because it was on 35mm film which is what they use to shoot movies with. Even with that said I think people respect the fact that I went home [to Fayetteville, NC]. I didn't come out with a whole bunch of jewelry, a whole bunch of light skinned girls with short shorts on. It's a real organic feeling video. I really wish I would've explained more to people but you know in time people will get it. They'll see all the imagery and all the little signs."
Check out J. Cole speaking on the video down below:
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