Aesop Rock releasing instrumentals and acapellas to latest album None Shall Pass

Aesop Rock will be releasing the instrumentals and acapellas from None Shall Pass, his critically acclaimed LP of 2007. Available on June 2nd, this release will include a 17 page PDF book with full lyrics from the album paired with stunning photos by Chrissy Piper, making this a must-have for all Aesop fans. Definitive Jux will be the exclusive retailer for this digital-only release on their relaunched website and store, DefinitiveJux.net, aka The Pharmacy.


Blak Mic says - "My HipHop Heads will surely appreciate this. Get ready for the a season of remixes and production LP's!!"

Peedi Crakk dropping album called "Camel Face Hunting Season"

After five years, North Philly rapper Peedi Crakk has parted ways with Roc-A-Fella Records in favor of Amalgam Digital. His debut album “Camel Face Hunting Season,” will be released in September 2008.

A founding member of State Property, alongside Beanie Sigel, Freeway, and Young Gunz, Peedi Crakk has earned respect for his lyrical talent and rhythmic flow. “The Prince of State Property” created buzz with his single “One for Peedi” which was featured on the Paid in Full soundtrack. He has also made a name for himself by collaborating with the likes of Twista, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Ne-Yo on the singer’s hit “Stay”. He has showcased his versatility as a featured artist on two albums from Grammy award winners, The Roots, including his recent feature on their single “Get Busy.” Additionally, Peedi will be featured in the upcoming film Next Day Air, directed by Benny Boom.

Camel Face Hunting Season will hit retail stores and digital outlets in September 2008. The first single entitled “More Towels,” features production by Vinny Idol.


Blak Mic says - "Its about fucking time! I dont know how long I have been waiting for this. Was parting from Rocafella really a smart move though? You must remember thats still an owned label by Jay-z and still reps Kaney West..hmmmmm...Also whats up with the title of the album??

Common Launches The Corner Book Club

Chicago-based rapper/actor Common is spearheading a new effort to encourage youth to read.



The entertainer, who will soon be seen alongside Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman in the movie Wanted, is using his Common Ground Foundation to launch The Corner, a national online book club designed to develop critical thinking skills among participants while giving them a chance to discuss current reading selections.



The club, which is open to students age 13-18, will feature a list of recommended books that promote messages of tolerance, compassion and nonviolent expressions of achieving social justice.



In addition to reading The Corner’s book of the month, members can blog with each other about relevant topics and have a chance to participate in a live online chat with Common Ground Foundation staff.



The Corner will also feature interviews each month with celebrity artists who will talk about their favorite books and why reading is so important to them.



Book club members can participate in a national the Common Ground Challenge sponsored by the Foundation.



Winners will have their essay posted on the Common Ground Foundation website as well as a chance to meet Common.



The Corner’s launch comes amid news of Common being selected for the American Library Association (ALA) READ Campaign poster and National Young Adult Library Services Association ("YALSA") Teen Read Week initiative.



To sign up for The Corner book club, visit http://www.commongroundfoundation.org.


Blak Mic says - "This is definitly what i like to see."

Bobby Brown Accuses Usher of Thievery, Reveals Real Story Behind Scuffle

Give Bobby Brown credit. In the '80s, he was the man. Hit after hit and videos with dance moves everyone was doing to match. So it should come as no surprise that the self-proclaimed "King of Stage" was taken aback a bit when he recently saw Usher perform.

"I watched one of Usher's shows and he basically did my whole show," Brown wrote in his new tell-all autobiography Being Bobby Brown: The Truth and Nothing But..."It was as if it was me on stage."

Although he could’ve taken offense, Bobby was flattered by the homage, saying “It's a compliment to me as a performer."

I admit that that was real big of Bobby, who also revealed what really happened in the alleged "scuffle" some years ago at a birthday party. According to the singer, the whole thing was blown out of proportion as something it wasn’t as a drunken Usher put Brown in a playful chokehold and began squeezing after greeting him with a hug.

Needless to say, Brown had trouble breathing and told Usher to let up. But the intoxicated young singer couldn’t hear him with the loud music and continued to put the squeeze on Mr. “Don’t Be Cruel.” When the diplomatic approach, didn’t work because Usher couldn't hear him over the loud music, Bobby took it to the streets.

"I picked him up and held him over the DJ booth which had a nice little drop down below," the former New Edition member revealed. "When I did this, I guess his body guards felt like I was threatening his life so they came to his rescue. They came and pulled us apart which looked like a scuffle to the people around looking on."

So there you have it. Straight from the source. Shame on us media cats for sensationalizing something as trivial as this. I guess I can officially put that Bobby Brown obit in the shredder. No chance of him biting the dust anytime soon.


Blak Mic says - "Can we please stop giving bobby brown any type of publicity. This guy needs to crawl under a rock and stay there like all the other former members of New Edition. I cant stress more how this crack head pisses me off, He only wants beef with usher because he sees a vision of what he used to be like. Done...

Kid slaps his mom on Dr. Phil show....

Blak Mic says - "I dont really have much too say. How do you let your kid get to this point?

Serius Jones Off Ludacris' DTP Label..

New Jersey rapper Serius Jones has officially been released from his recording contract with Disturbing Tha Peace/Def Jam records, AllHipHop.com has learned.



The 2005 Fight Klub champion says that while the decision was made around the time of DTP’s renegotiation with Def Jam in March, he only recently received the official clearance to move forward.



Despite the label politics, the rapper is still planning to release his highly anticipated debut Life Is Serius by the end of the year.



“The scenario was built on the fact that I really had a large buzz and a lot of exposure online and throughout the media, exposure that I felt would be capitalized on,” Serius Jones told AllHIpHop.com.



Jones conceded that the initial support and excitement on the part of DTP execs was a determining factor in his signing to the label in late 2006.



“You expect people to pull you into a certain light that they have. [That] is the only reason why I allowed myself to be signed to another rapper essentially,” Serius Jones told AllHipHop.com, referring to DTP label head, Ludacris.



“I thought that they understood how big of a deal Serius Jones was,” the rapper lamented. “But when people are not doing what you think they should, the only option left is just to do it yourself or find another situation. If you can overcome situations like that, it becomes a blessing in disguise because it just makes you understand what a record label is really doing nowadays, which is nothing in terms of building…so it’s like the independent route winds up being the main route for artists these days because it’s these companies, either they don’t know what to do, they don’t wanna do it, or they don’t have the resources to do it the right way.”



Jones has decided to pursue the independent route himself.



He is currently on a promotional tour, prepping for the release of a new mixtape titled Serius Bizness.



The new release, which can be previewed at www.myspace.com/seriusjones, boasts production by Trackmasters and Kwame and appearances by former label mates Shareefa and Bobby Valentino.



The mixtape will serve as the first offering of new music his fans will be hearing since he was originally signed to DTP.



“A lot of the music that y’all have heard online from Serius Jones is three- and four-year-old s**t that other people leaked that they had. When you’re going through legal issues with a company, you can’t release music. Because it does nothing but hurt you. So I really had to kinda starve my audience and my fans by not releasing anything new. But the latest batch of music that I’m gonna put out, you’re gonna hear the difference in quality and my growth as an artist.”


Blak Mic says - "Well I guess being a top rated freestyle rapper doesnt necessarily mean you can make actual songs. I wonder if he gets to keep his advance."

Shakir Stewart replaces Jay-z at Def Jam.

Island Def Jam Music Group (IDJ) has announced that Shakir Stewart will effectively fill the vacancy left by rapper/mogul Jay-Z, who announced his resignation as President of Def Jam in December of 2007.



Stewart, who was senior VP of A&R, was named Executive Vice President of Def Jam Recordings Antonio “L.A.” Reid announced today (June 3.)



Stewart will report directly to Reid and Steve Bartels, Chief Operating Officer of IDJ and will be responsible for all day-to-day matters regarding Def Jam.



His responsibilities include signing new talent, overseeing producers and guiding the creative vision of the legendary label.



"The bold young management style that Shakir has established at Def Jam is one of the major reasons behind the label's success today," IDJ CEO L.A. Reid told AllHipHop.com in a statement. "From his solid roots in music publishing, he has grown to master the world of hip-hop and urban music."



Stewart has worked closely with Reid and Steve Bartels in the past and helped guide the label to win 26 Grammy nominations during 2007’s award ceremonies.



"The past four years have been an unforgettable experience for me," Stewart said. "Having the opportunity to work with a brilliant music man such as L.A. Reid, along with the most amazing team in the music business, has afforded me the knowledge and inspiration to take the next step in my career and continue to amplify and expand Def Jam's stellar reputation in the industry."



Stewart, an Oakland, California native, got his start in the music business promoting shows for a variety of artists, including Nas, Luke, Too $hort and others.



Shortly after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Stewart formed Noontime Music and landed a joint venture deal with Epic Records.



He later signed on as Creative Director for Hitco Music Publishing, a company owned by Reid.



Stewart has signed or worked with a number of influential artists, including Young Jeezy, Rick Ross Destiny’s Child, Ciara, Outkast, Usher and others.

NEW VIDEO: Killah Priest debuts "Hood Nursery"

Killah Priest has released the second video from his new album "Behind The Stained Glass." This time around it is for the track "Hood Nursery." The Video is a raw, unedited look at the streets from Priest's perspective. Watch below.

Blak Mic says - "I been waiting for killah Priest to come back with that raw shit!!! Enjoy."

50 Cent to have MTV reality show searching for next street smart mogul

A day after T.I's upcoming MTV reality show was announced, Variety is reporting that the netwrok will also be adding a reality show based around 50 Cent.

The yet to be titles program will be a search for the next street smart business mogul. Sixteen contestants will live in one house and be narrowed down weekly by 50.

Chris Lighty is also serving as an executive producer on the show along with 50 Cent and Ish Entertainment.


Blak Mic says - "Well this show should be interestin, who is willing to be 50's bitch!"

Suge Knight ordered to sale Death Row Records by judge.

A judge has ordered Suge Knight to auction off all of his assets for Death Row Records on June 24, TMZ.com is reporting.

Death Row filed for bankruptcy in 2006.

The court order reads that Suge must sell, "substantially all of the recorded music business assets of the estate, along with substantially all of the music publishing business assests of the bankruptcy estate of Marion 'Suge' Knight..."

Bidding starts at $24 Million


Blak Mic says - "Damn, Damn, Damn..."

50 Cent Releases Statement About Second Home Burning Down

50 Cent has issued a statement about the fire that demolished the Long Island home of his baby mama and their 10-year-old son earlier this morning.

"Informed this morning while filming a new motion picture on location in Louisiana, Curtis Jackson expressed deep concern over this fire at his property," his rep said. "He is extremely thankful that everyone including his son, Marquise, escaped the burning house safely.

"He is confident that authorities will be conducting a thorough investigation of the incident and is eager to review their findings."

_____________________

The roof—along with the rest of Fiddy's palatial Long Island house—was on fire.

The rapper's former girlfriend Shaniqua Tompkins and two of her children, including her son with the rapper, were among a half-dozen people hospitalized this morning after a raging blaze gutted the home. All six are in stable condition after being treated for smoke inhalation.

Authorities are already describing the fire, which was reported today at 5 a.m., as "suspicious" due to the intensity of the blaze, and an arson investigation squad has been called to the sooty scene to sniff out any potential materials used to jump-start the flames.

"I would say there is a strong—a strong, strong—possibility that it is suspicious," Dix Hills Fire Department Chief Larry Feld told Newsday. "The volume of the fire...It was engulfed."

Engulfed in flames as well as litigation.

Fiddy purchased the home in January 2007 for $1.4 million and last month attempted to evict Tompkins unless she ponied up $4,500 per month in rent. Tompkins, in turn, filed a breach of contract suit against the rapper, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, claiming he had promised to put the house in her name.

The fire also took place just days after a deposition with the twosome turned heated and spilled out onto the streets of Manhattan.

While the cause of the fire is currently under investigation, the rapper is not a suspect.

SOURCE: E! ONLINE



Blak Mic says - "Something sounds suspecious...I hope fifty aint tryin to collect no insurance cash, right now this shit is looking real obvious!"

Kimbo Slice....Is he really ready for MMA???

If you dont who kimbo slice is by now, you either dont own a computer and/or a tv. The Dade county brawler is known for his backyard fights that usually debut courtesy of Youtube.com. Many MMA fans and others say that Kimbo is all talk and doesnt posess the skills necessary to make it in the MMA. His fight last night against James (Glass Jaw) Thompson not only showed that Kimbo can still shake heads, but he does need to work on vital MMA skills like submissions. Tell me what you think, does Kimbo slice belong in the MMA? Or should the backyard strong man return to his habitat in the 305?

Scream at me people!!

Legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent dies at 71

Legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent, who reworked the rules of fashion by putting women into elegant pantsuits that came to define how modern women dressed, died Sunday evening, a longtime friend and associate said. He was 71.

Pierre Berge, Saint Laurent's business partner for four decades, said he had died at his Paris home following a long illness.

A towering figure of 20th century fashion, Saint Laurent was widely considered the last of a generation that included Christian Dior and Coco Chanel and made Paris the fashion capital of the world, with the Rive Gauche, or Left Bank, as its elegant headquarters.

In the fast-changing world of haute couture, Saint Laurent was hailed as the most influential and enduring designer of his time. From the first YSL tuxedo and his trim pantsuits to see-through blouses, safari jackets and glamorous gowns, Saint Laurent created instant classics that remain stylish decades later.



Blak Mic says - "Always wish i had enuff money to buy some of his shit."

T.I. closes the beef with Shorty Lo...

Blak Mic says - "Case closed."

Featured Producer...Truss One

Need I say more? This weeks featured producer is Tacoma vet Truss one. Dynamic sounds, untouchable soul samples and incredible bass lines makes up this hip-hop producers main ingredient to his master sounds. Formely known to have produced for artist such as Organik Produce and J.U.I., the tacoma native have broken from his slumber eager to show the industry why he qualifies to run with the best. Look out for future collab albums and mixtape features from Truss One. But for now, check out what his myspace player is pumping.


http://www.myspace.com/trussone

DMX Arrested For Drugs & Animal Cruelty In AZ

Rap star DMX was arrested on Friday on suspicion of drug possession and animal cruelty after two searches of his home allegedly turned up weapons, drugs, dog carcasses and abused pit bulls.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said DMX, 37, whose real name is Earl Simmons, initially barricaded himself in his bedroom when officers arrived at his home at 3 a.m. He eventually surrendered without offering further resistance.

"We are handling this case as we would any other incident of alleged animal cruelty," Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas said in a statement.

It was the second time this week DMX, who rose to fame with hard-core rap songs and hit albums like "It's Dark and Hell is Hot," has run afoul of Arizona authorities.

On Tuesday, state police arrested him for driving at speeds as high as 114 miles per hour (183 kph) on a freeway.

Police first raided his home in the Cave Creek community near Phoenix last August. They found 12 distressed pit bulls and three dead animals partially buried on the property as well as a number of firearms.

An indictment was issued on seven counts of animal cruelty after the August raid. Police staged Friday's raid to arrest DMX on charges from their initial investigation. This time, they also found unspecified illegal drugs and five more pit bull puppies, which they removed from the house.

Said Sheriff Joe Arpaio: "With all his money and fame, (DMX) has no excuse for not providing proper care for his animals."

DMX pleaded guilty in New Jersey to animal cruelty charges in 2002 for neglecting some 13 pit bulls, according to news reports. As part of his sentence, he was required to make a public service announcement against animal abuse.

He has also faced previous charges of possession of marijuana and assault.

The rapper has sold more than 20 million albums. The cover art for one of his recent CDs, "Year of the Dog ... Again" depicts him restraining a snarling pit bull on a chain.

While he is best known as a rapper, DMX also has acted in several movies including "Romeo Must Die" and "Exit Wounds."

SOURCE: REUTERS




Blak Mic says- "Alright X its time to give it up! This dumb ass driving at speeds of 114mph and more than likely he was high on coke. And i cant believe these cats are still fucking wit this pit bull shit. Who burry's the dead dogs on their own property!??!!I dont think we will be hearing much from Earl Simmons anymore.."

Saigon Leaves Atlantic Records!

After numerous delayed release dates for his debut album, rapper Saigon has officially departed Atlantic Records, to which he signed in 2004.

A lone single, "Pain in My Life," failed to take off, peaking at No. 91 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in 2007.

Saigon says he's in talks with several major labels as well as a non-traditional music company for his next artist deal. His latest single, "Believe It," was released today (May 21) via TheMegatrondon2.com. Saigon says he has seven viral videos ready to release but was waiting until his contract was resolved.

"I'm not that excited about going to a major label," Saigon says. "They would have to make it so I'm set for the rest of my life. They want too much for the little that they're giving."

"It's not like I didn't want to put out music," he continues. "But Atlantic wanted me to do ringtone songs but they didn't sign me as a ringtone artist."

Saigon adds that he was left "without much support" when the A&R rep who signed him, Kyambo "Hip-Hop" Joshua, left to join Columbia three months afterward.

"They gave me $18,000 to shoot the video for 'Pain In My Life' and I'm seeing Plies get $100,000 and Lupe [Fiasco] get $150,000," he says. "What the f*ck? Those artists are friends of mine, but now I'm happier than I've been in a minute."

Atlantic was unavailable for comment at deadline.

Meanwhile, Saigon says he may return this season to the HBO series "Entourage," on which he first appeared in 2006.

SOURCE: BILLBOARD.COM


Blak Mic Says - "Its about fucking time, I cant believe he waited almost 4 years to make this decision. I wouldnt extpect a label like Atlantic to treat an artist as such. If we the hardcore backing of one of the industries all time best producers, this dude still couldnt get his label to act right. I would like to see him go to either Def Jam or Geffen, please dont fucking go to KOCH!!! We will see....Talk to me people!!!