Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Rapper Andre 3000 Arrested For Driving Porshe 109 MPH
By Tai Saint Louis
Revered Atlanta rapper Andre 3000 was arrested outside of Atlanta on Saturday (March 28), for driving his 2007 Porsche Carrera at speeds so excessive police called him “an accident waiting to happen.”
According to a report by local ABC-affiliate WSB-TV Monday afternoon (March 30), the Grammy Award winning rapper/actor was arrested by a member of the Henry County Police Department’s Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic Team early Saturday morning.
The officer stated that he clocked Andre 3000, born Andre Benjamin, at 109 mph, 44 mph over the 65 mph speed limit along that stretch of I-75.
Benjamin was arrested for the danger he posed to other drivers.
“Traveling that fast along 75, you’re passing people as if they’re standing still,” explained Henry County Police Captain Jason Bolton. “It’s an accident waiting to happen.”
The arrest comes as State Representative Jim Cole is lobbying for a new Super Speeder Bill to be passed in the state of Georgia.
The law would impose an additional $200 fine for any driver stopped for driving at more than 85 miles an hour on highways and four-lane roads. Georgia Governor Sonny Purdue has indicated his support of the bill, which he intends to sign into law before summer.
Representative Cole stated that he hopes Benjamin will lend his support to the cause.
“He might be willing to help us market it,” Cole told WSB-TV.
The Outkast co-founder was released after posting an unspecified bond amount.
He is scheduled to appear in court to face charges associated with the incident on April 29.
At press time, representatives for Andre 3000 could not be reached for comment.
On Sunday (March 29), Benjamin wrapped up a live revival of his award-winning cartoon “Class of 3000,” which made a comeback as a stage play earlier this month.
The play, based on the short-live Cartoon Network Series’ pilot episode, “Life Without Music,” was presented for a month-long run as a partnership between Andre 3000 and the Alliance Theater in Atlanta.
According to Andre, who hopes to bring the play to schools around the country, he wanted to create an experience that would encourage kids to explore music beyond what is offered by the mainstream.
"I wanted to make sure it wasn't the teenybopper, kiddie sounds or stupid songs," he told the Associated Press. "I wanted to introduce them to different styles of music I was introduced to. From funk to jazz to calypso music, just to let them know there's a base from what they are hearing now."
Despite great critical acclaim and a 2007 Emmy Award for Individual Achievement in Animation, “Class of 3000” was cancelled in early 2008.
The decision to bring the show to live came shortly there after, at the request of the Alliance Theater’s director Rosemary Newcott, who told the Associate Press it was a “no-brainer” because of Benjamin’s impact through the show.
"The whole spirit of this show is infused with him, with his sense of humor and his love for music," she raved. "That's a valuable trait that draws people in." -AllHipHop.com
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Stones Throw USA & Canada DJ Tour
Fresh off a successful tour of Europe, Peanut Butter Wolf, Dam-Funk, Mayer Hawthorne & James Pants are now touring the states & Canada. This is not strictly a “DJ Tour” - James Pants is performing with his band Royal Zodiac, and Mayer Hawthorne will be performing a few songs as well.
Expect new singles from Dam-Funk & Mayer Hawthorne to drop around the time of this tour.
4/21: Los Angeles @ The Echoplex (Dam-Funk, Mayer Hawthorne, James Pants)
4/22: San Francisco @ Great American Music Hall
4/23: Portland @ Holocene
4/24: Seattle @ Chop Suey
4/28: Minneapolis @ Varsity Theater
4/29: Madison @ High Noon Saloon
4/30: Chicago @ The Abbey Pub
5/1: Toronto @ Revival Bar
5/2: Montreal @ Les Saints
5/3: Princeton NJ @ Terrace Club
5/4: Boston @ Paradise
5/5: Baltimore @ Sonar
5/6: Philly @ North Bowl
5/7: DC @ 930 Club
5/8: NYC @ Natural History Museum
5/9: NYC @ LPR
Stonesthrow.com
Del the Funky Homosapien announces new project for free download and Tour dates
Del is set to introduce his 13-point "Stimulus Package" to the masses through the saving grace of "Funkman" out on April 7th 2009. His plan is to revive "the public at large" that is "over the whole rap era", as Del puts it. Del is digging deep this time around and giving directly back to the people in order to make the future of hip hop a more prosperous place. His recovery effort will lend the entire album up for free for download to rescue those seeking salvation from these broken and misleading days of rap music - and more importantly, funk! Get your piece of the package at delthefunkyhomosapien.bandcamp.com on the release date. As an added bonus, Del has released the leak pack series volume's 1 & 2 (both available for free download on his site!) in the meantime, previewing his plan for the greater good of hip hop during this recession of funk.
Del's most recent album, "Eleventh Hour", ended a long absence for Del the Funky Homosapien, one of the world's most uniquely brilliant rap artists. It was classic material, full of lyrical twists and turns, forthright yet deeply subtle and metaphorical in its exploration of life in the Bay Area. It was a triumphant return for one of the pioneers of underground hip-hop culture. With "Funkman" Del takes his music theory and picks up where he left off in 2000 - but with more knowledge of technology and music. Del is taking his knowledge of hip hop and reworking music his way, because there really aren't too many people doing that these days according to Del. "It's going to be sometime before any sensation captures people's interest on a whole again like Hip Hop did," says Del, " I could be wrong, but I'm letting people know they need to mess with me in the meantime. People are jaded that's all, and I don't blame them - things come to the head, places switching, it's a crazy trip!"
Since 1990, when he made his auspicious debut on cousin Ice Cube's classic "Amerikkka's Most Wanted", Del the Funky Homosapien has set the benchmark for advanced rap lyricism. His output for Elektra Records --1990's "I Wish My Brother George Was Here", 1993's "No Need for Alarm", and "Future Development" (shelved at the time, and later released on Hiero Imperium) - was hugely influential, laying a foundation for countless other MCs to follow. At the dawn of the century, Del was incredibly active. His 1999 album, "Both Sides of the Brains", sold in excess of 100,000 copies. "Deltron 3030", a science-fiction adventure he orchestrated with producer/auteur Dan "the Automator" Nakamura (Dr. Octagon, Handsome Boy Modeling School) and visionary Canadian turntablist Kid Koala in 2000, also sold over 100,000 units and became a fan favorite. Catch the legendary emcee / producer on tour this spring. - HHG
"FUNKMAN TOUR"
4/08 San Luis Obispo, CA - SLO Brew
4/09 Pomona, CA - Glass House
4/10 San Diego, CA - Canes
4/11 Phoenix, AZ - Marquee
4/12 Tucson, AZ - Club Congress (early)
4/13 Flagstaff, AZ - Green Room
4/14 Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theater
4/16 San Antonio, TX - Warehouse Live
4/17 Dallas, TX - Granada
4/18 Austin, TX - Emo's Outside
4/20 Baton Rouge, LA - Spanish Moon
4/22 Athens, GA - Georgia Theater
4/24 Raleigh, NC - Lincoln Theater
4/25 Wilmington, NC - Soapbox
4/28 Boston, MA - Middle East
4/29 New York, NY - BB Kings
5/01 Baltimore, MD - Goucher College
5/03 Philadelphia, PA - First Utilitarian Church
5/05 Ann Arbor, MI - Blind Pig
5/06 Columbus, OH - Skullys (late show)
5/07 Lexington, KY - Dame
5/08 Chicago, IL - Reggies
5/09 Madison, WI - High Noon
5/11 Columbia, MO - Blue Note
5/12 Omaha, NE - Slowdown
5/14 Boulder, CO - Fox Theatre
5/15 Denver, CO - Bluebird
5/16 Colorado Springs, CO - Black Sheep
5/18 Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge
AND YES WASHINGTON ONCE AGAIN OUR PROMOTERS FAIL TO LOCK DOWN A VENUE FOR ANOTHER POPULAR UNDERGROUND ARTIST.
T-Pain looses teeth in freak golf cart accident
By Elle Castro
Singer/producer T-Pain was involved in a freak golf cart accident on Friday (March 27) that has left him with serious injuries.
According to reports, T-Pain suffered a number of cuts and abrasions on his face and he also lost four teeth in the accident.
As a result, T-Pain missed two high profile appearances this weekend with Lil Wayne and Lil Kim.
He missed his slot on the Lil Wayne "I Am Music Tour" stop in San Jose, California on Friday.
Thousands of disappointed fans were notified by signage that T-Pain would miss his appearance at the HP Pavilion.
HP Pavilion rep’s confirmed the golf cart accident incident, as did rapper Lil Kim, who revealed T-Pain also missed the shoot for their new single "Download."
According to HipHollywood.com, the Queen Bee insists that Pain will still be in the clip after he heals.
"He's gonna be in the video, but we have to wait until he heals and gets better,” Lil Kim stated. “So, to my boy T-Peezy, 'Get better baby. We can't wait to see you.'"
Saturday, March 28, 2009
REMEMBER THAT B-BOY BREAK??
B-BOYS YOU ARE NO STRANGER TO THE FUNKY BREAKS OF MR. DENNIS COFFEY. THE EARLY 70'S FUNK GUITAR LEGEND'S SOUNDS HAVE BEEN SAMPLED OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS BY COUNTLESS PRODUCERS AND WAS ONE OF THE BEST ARTIST TO SUSSEX RECORDS. BBOYS, DIGGERS AND FUNK CATS ALIKE ENJOY THE FAMOUS TRACK "SCORPIO" BY DENNIS COFFEY!
LISTEN:Dennis Coffey - Scorpio
Abstract Rude announces "Mike, Aaron & Eddie Tour"!
Abstract Rude has just announced his Mike, Aaron & Eddie Tour with friends Aceyalone & Myka 9, they'll also be joined by Nocando. The tour is in support of Ab's new record "Rejuvenation" which drops 05.05.09 the same day the tour kicks off! If you haven't grabbed it yet, make sure you download the free leaker track "Rejuvenation" (right click to download...) off his new album!
CAMRON SAYS NO TO DIPSET REUNION
We reported this week that Jim Jones reached out to Cam'ron on Funkmaster Flex' show, offering to squash their rivalry and hit the studio to record a follow up to their 2004 album, Diplomatic Immunity 2.
But Cam'ron is not interested in reviving the crew - and has ruled out any chance of collaborating with them ever again, urging fans to just "accept it" and "stop dreaming".
He says, "Look, I hear the deejays, I hear the fans, I hear everybody. I'm not doing a Diplomats album. I'm not rhyming with Jim or Juelz or nothing (sic).
"I wish them all the best of luck. Accept it people. The people don't wanna seem to accept it. I don't have time to do that, it's not happening, I'm not doing it... And hopefully the people will get it in their head. Cam is doing Cam. I'm not doing no Diplomat (sic) Immunity 3 album. I hope they'll do it and I wish them luck.
"Stop dreaming. Stop hoping. Stop wishing. Stop imagining. I'm not doing it. Official... That's it." - HipHopGame.com
Check out the video below:
But Cam'ron is not interested in reviving the crew - and has ruled out any chance of collaborating with them ever again, urging fans to just "accept it" and "stop dreaming".
He says, "Look, I hear the deejays, I hear the fans, I hear everybody. I'm not doing a Diplomats album. I'm not rhyming with Jim or Juelz or nothing (sic).
"I wish them all the best of luck. Accept it people. The people don't wanna seem to accept it. I don't have time to do that, it's not happening, I'm not doing it... And hopefully the people will get it in their head. Cam is doing Cam. I'm not doing no Diplomat (sic) Immunity 3 album. I hope they'll do it and I wish them luck.
"Stop dreaming. Stop hoping. Stop wishing. Stop imagining. I'm not doing it. Official... That's it." - HipHopGame.com
Check out the video below:
Friday, March 27, 2009
JansportJ Presents: "The Carry-On Experience" Album & "The 2 AM Tape"
Hitting you with his album as well as his most recent project "The 2AM Mixtape" is Covina's JansportJ. If your not too familiar with his soulful hip hop beats, well get familiar! I just finished listening to the California natives The Carry-On Experience Album and will be definitly moving onto the mixtape. Heres what he had to say about the new mixtape.
"This project is an instrumental concept album revolving around all of the common characters, events, and thoughts that take place in the middle of the night...2 AM. The album provides a soundtrack to these events, and takes the listener through a journey through the goings on of 2AM."
Alot of potential is building inside this young producer, so stay tuned for more. Download and enjoy both projects here!
Download: The Carry-On Experience
THE 2 AM TAPE OFFICIAL TRACKLISTING
1. The 2 AM
2. The Kickback
3. The Sweet Nothings
4. The Sex
5. The Munchies
6. The Grind
7. The Anxiety
8. The BreakUp
9. The OutLook
10. The Dippin Corners
11. The Pressure
12. The Wyno
13. The Shooter
14. The Get Her Back
15. The Prayer
16. The Death
17. The 6th Hour (6 AM)
All tracks produced by Jansport J
T.I. sentenced by ATL judge to 1 year on weapons charges
An Atlanta judge has sentenced T.I. to one year and a day behind bars on federal weapons charges.
He will have between 30 and 60 days to report to prison. He already has completed about 1,000 hours of community service and has warned youths about the pitfalls of guns, drugs, violence. He will need to complete 470 more hours.
T.I. pleaded guilty last March after he was arrested in 2007, attempting to buy unregistered machine guns and silencers. The arrest happened blocks away from where he was to headline the BET Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta hours later.
Here's what T.I. said about the sentence:
"It brings me great pleasure and honor to say to you today that I have begun to close this chapter in my life with, of course, the help and blessings of the U.S. attorneys and the courts of the U.S. government".
"Although I am not thrilled about my next year and a day, I am pleased that I am beginning the process of putting this all behind me. Thank you and I apologize to my family, to the young men, young women that I mentor. I hope that I can keep at least one, if not a million or more, from going down a similar path. I just want to say thank you."
Watch the video here
He will have between 30 and 60 days to report to prison. He already has completed about 1,000 hours of community service and has warned youths about the pitfalls of guns, drugs, violence. He will need to complete 470 more hours.
T.I. pleaded guilty last March after he was arrested in 2007, attempting to buy unregistered machine guns and silencers. The arrest happened blocks away from where he was to headline the BET Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta hours later.
Here's what T.I. said about the sentence:
"It brings me great pleasure and honor to say to you today that I have begun to close this chapter in my life with, of course, the help and blessings of the U.S. attorneys and the courts of the U.S. government".
"Although I am not thrilled about my next year and a day, I am pleased that I am beginning the process of putting this all behind me. Thank you and I apologize to my family, to the young men, young women that I mentor. I hope that I can keep at least one, if not a million or more, from going down a similar path. I just want to say thank you."
Watch the video here
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Aloe Blacc & Truth & Soul Working on the new album...
Aloe Blacc began work on his second album for Stones Throw. The album will be produced and recorded by Leon “El” Michels and Jeff Silverman, the production duo/label owners better known by the name of their imprint: Truth & Soul. Demos that Aloe recorded with the El Michels affair in January hint at an approach: think of Bill Wither’s darkest moments, with a splash of Bobby Womack’s whimsy and just a bit of R. Kelley. Aloe documented the first day, in the Truth & Soul studios in Brooklyn.
BLAK MIC SAYS: TRUTH & SOUL IS A GREAT PRODUCTION DUO, REAL MUSICIANS/PRODUCERS...MAN THIS IS GONNA BE SOME DOPE SHIT...
BLAK MIC SAYS: TRUTH & SOUL IS A GREAT PRODUCTION DUO, REAL MUSICIANS/PRODUCERS...MAN THIS IS GONNA BE SOME DOPE SHIT...
Suge Knight @ Akon Fued might be linked to Robbery...
TMZ reports that this morning's robbery at one of Akon's employees could be linked to a recent fight between Suge Knight and Akon's manager.
Check out the report below:
We've now spoken with one of the victims of the home invasion robbery early this morning -- a man who works for Detail, Akon's producer -- and he says Suge Knight and money are behind the incident.
Christopher Walker tells us at about 3:00 AM five men broke into his home with guns and said they were there to collect a debt on behalf of Suge Knight. They claimed Detail owed Suge money, and then proceeded to collect on the debt.
Walker says Detail was asleep in one of the bedrooms. The men entered the bedroom but did not get Detail out of bed. Instead, they stole $170,000 worth of jewelry from his room.
Walker adds they demanded a key to the safe and said they would kill all four people in the house if they didn't get it. The robbers didn't get the key -- instead, they took the 130 pound safe.
Walker says they also took stereo equipment and a key to a Mercedes. He claims the total heist was more than $200,000. A police source tells us it's more like $300,000.
Walker says the feud ignited in Arizona during NBA All-Star weekend when Suge got his face smashed in by two men who worked for Akon. Walker says that incident was over the same alleged debt that triggered this morning's home invasion.
Walker says the robbers put a gun to his head and forced him to the ground but he and the others were just scratched up. Walker's brother and a sound engineer were also in the house.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
ARTIST OF THE WEEK: KALEN [TACOMA]
Blak: I LIKE TO ALWAYS START MY INTERVIEWS WITH, WHAT WAS THE FIRST HIPHOP ALBUM
YOU PURCHASED?
Kalen:The Low End Theory by a Tribe Called Quest. I was 8 years old watching Yo! MTV raps. I saw the video for Jazz (we've got). I still listen to that album at least a couple times a month.
Blak: That’s def a classic. That would be a first, usually cats say pac or biggie, its good to see someone holla out Tribe.
Blak: NOT ALOT OF CATS KNOW WHO YOU ARE. YOU LET ME KNOW HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT LOCAL HIPHOP
AND WHY YOUR MUSIC DIFFERS FROM OTHER ARTIST IN THE AREA. TELL ME WHAT MAKES KALEN
SO DIFFERENT?
Kalen: To me hip hop is about having fun, making a crowd laugh, smile, or just have a good time. I'm burnt on "conscious" MCs that continuously rap about the struggles in their lives. Don't get me wrong, I have mad respect for all types of underground music, but most of it just doesn't spark my interest or keep my ears entertained. With that said, I feel like that sets me aside from a lot of the other cats in the scene. Secondly, the majority of what I listen to is east coast hip hop circa 1993 to 2000. Artists like A tribe Called Quest, Mos Def, De La Soul, Nas, Biggie, Jeru and of course the muthafuckin Wu-Tang Clan [currently reading the Wu Tang Manual written by the Rza]. And from what I've been told those influences are very visable in my music.
Blak: Its always good to get the crowd into your shows with a little comedy. Most of the shows I attend the MC’s are really serious about getting the point of each track over the audience, as I checked your show on Saturday you kind of had the crowd waiting to hear your next punch line. Dope.
Blak: AND NOT ALOT OF CATS KNOW THAT YOUR PASSION IS REALY WITH PRODUCING. DO YOU FEEL
THAT THE AREA DOESNT HAVE ENOUGH DEDICATED PRODUCERS?
Kalen: That's a hard question for a couple reasons. Firstly, I've been recording and making music since I was about 17, but not until recently have I exposed it to the local scene. (Kudos to myspace) Secondly, I feel like there could be hundreds of great producers in this city who are still sitting in front of computers in their mom’s basement. Who I think is tight though is Todd Sykes, he's on that J Dilla/MF Doom sampling tip that I love. He's the shit.
Blak: Mos def there is a lot of outlets for producers to get their music to the people, nearly more so than MC’s. I would personally like to see a lot more of the new generation get on the production tip.
Blak: IF YOU COULD CHOOSE TO DO MUSIC IN ANY OTHER CITY, WERE WOULD IT BE?
Kalen: New York City
Blak: A lot of competition in NY. Gotta come with your “A” game!
Blak: I KNOW LOCALLY I HAVE SEEN YOU PERFORM WITH NUMEROUS ARTIST AND BANDS, ANY PARTICULAR
ARTIST OR BAND YOU LOVE TO DO SHOWS WITH?
Kalen: Evergreen One
Blak: shot out to E1!
Blak: SO THAT LEADS ME TO THIS. WHO’S YOUR TOP 5 ARTIST IN THE NORTHWEST, NOT JUST TACOMA, THE NORTHWEST.
GO!
Kalen: I'm gonna have to pass on that question because I don't really listen to Northwest cats to have any favorites.
Blak: That’s interesting. We might have to talk off record about this one!
Blak: SO, WHATS IN THE FUTURE? ALBUMS, MIXTAPES, SHOWS. WHAT SHOULD WE BE LOOKING OUT FOR?
Kalen: Hopefully all three. I'm working on finishing a demo to turn into local labels just to see what happens. I love playing shows and it seems like I am getting opportunities for more of those which is cool. That's funny because I actually started thinking about making a mixtape yesterday!
Blak: I have yet to hear a Kalen mixtape, you gotta serve us with one soon.
Blak: WHAT ARTIST AND PRODUCERS ARE YOU GOING TO BE WORKING WITH ON THESE FUTURE PROJECTS?
Kalen: Someone who makes this all possible for me is my good friend/recording engineer, John Mcrae. He recently graduated from the Art Institute of Seattle with a recording degree, so he knows his shit. Once I make a beat I go to his studio and we make shit happen. He's like my right hand man. He also does live sound for me which is a definite plus as far as performing is concerned. Other than that, me and Glenn (Evergreen one) have a couple of joints that you may be hearing in the near future. One of which is up on my myspace right now called Bullshit. I didn't make that beat though it came from a MF Doom mixtape called Special Herbs.
Blak: No doubt. You don’t hear a lot of MC’s showing love to their engineers, we need more of that. That’s the man that makes your music sound beautiful. Shout out to all the engineers that don’t get no love!
Blak: ANY LAST WORDS?
Kalen: I keep my lump game strong.
Blak: Word. LOL
Listen to Kalen's latest single:Kalen - In Case You Didn't Know
Lupe Fiasco Tweets New Album Details
Grammy Award winning rapper Lupe Fiasco [click to read] has taken to the social networking microsite, Twitter, to announce some changes about his third album. After originally planning a three-disc work tentatively titled LupEND [click to read], Lupe has changed course and plans to name the upcoming album We Are Lasers.
"'We Are Lasers'...comes from some repressed high school outcast shit...blended amidst 'And He Gets The Girl' ambitions," Lupe tweeted over the weekend. Initial reports point to the album being a close-knit affair featuring the rest of his 1st & 15th family, with his longtime producer Soundtrakk handling most of the production.
Aside from name checking a few of his current favorites, including Kid Cudi and the aforementioned Soundtrakk, Lupe didn't provide any other musical details. Although he did add that he would not likely be continuing the string of successful mixtapes, stating, "I don't feel I have to do mixtapes anymore...I think that point was proven..."
Meth's Navigator Repoed by state officials...
The New York Post reported Sunday that Method Man's 2008 Lincoln Navigator was repossessed by state officials. Method Man [click to read] , whose real name is Clifford Smith, allegedly owes over $50,000 in income taxes. The vehicle was seized from his Staten Island home this past Wednesday.
Despite reports of financial troubles, this April, Meth and fellow rapper Redman are planning to collaborate on more than just Blackout 2 [click to read]. The duo is sponsoring a day of free haircuts for children at a Staten Island barbershop from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Blak Mic Says: Damn hasnt it seemed like the IRS is coming after the rap community blazzing!! Pay your fucking taxes MAN!!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Former madam says she has 'a connection' to A-Rod
BY ANTHONY RIEBER | anthony.rieber@newsday.com
March 23, 2009
TAMPA, Fla. - Was Alex Rodriguez client No. 13?
A high-priced former madam who used to provide prostitutes for former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer provided the same services for the Yankees' Alex Rodriguez and dated him, the Daily News reported yesterday.
Kristin Davis, who served three months in jail and is on five years' probation after pleading guilty to promoting prostitution, would speak only in generalities when reached by Newsday yesterday.
"All I can say is there is a connection," she said when asked about A-Rod. She declined to comment on the specific allegations, saying she does "not talk about my personal life or who I date."
Davis, who is peddling a memoir on her Web site, www.manhattanmadam.com, says on the Web site that her service had a "roster of 10,000 rich, powerful and famous clients."
In the Daily News story, she intimated that she was personally wooed by Rodriguez.
"Throughout the years, there were a number of clients that I befriended and it was not uncommon for them to want the women they can't have, whether it be the phone bookers or the madam," Davis said.
Rodriguez is divorced and has been linked romantically to pop icon Madonna. A-Rod and Madonna have denied they are or were romantically involved, but Rodriguez's former wife, Cynthia, cited A-Rod's "long period of infidelity" in her divorce papers.
The Daily News story also included steamy e-mails purportedly between Davis and Rodriguez. When confronted with the e-mails, Davis told the newspaper: "Other people have access to my client records as well as my personal information, and I can't control what has been released."
Rodriguez's stormy recent months have included a revelation by SI.com that he failed a steroid test; an interview with ESPN in which he admitted using a banned substance from 2001-2003; a news conference when he reported to spring training in which he fingered his cousin as his source for steroids; positive comments about Mets shortstop Jose Reyes that some interpreted as a slap at Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, and a hip injury that led him to have surgery.
Last week, pictures of Rodriguez from a Details magazine photo spread hit the Internet. In one photo, he appears to be kissing himself in a mirror. And next month, a tell-all biography by Sports Illustrated's Selena Roberts is scheduled to hit bookshelves. Roberts is one of the reporters who broke the story about the failed steroid test.
A Yankees spokesman said the team had no comment on the reports.
Rodriguez's agent, Scott Boras, did not return a request for comment.
Joe Budden - Padded Room Album Review
By Mr. Winslow
Joe Budden has his fans on the brink of insanity awaiting Padded Room. The composition had been pushed back from the fall of 2008 to the chagrin of his “internet soldiers,” loyalists that ride-n-die for the New Jersey rhyme animal. The Padded Room is here, but how crazy does Joe get with it?
“Now I Lay” provides a fast-paced intro to the album, but many will fast forward to the collaboration with The Game, “The Future.” The song presents an unholy alliance of sorts since these two were once embroiled in a huge rap beef. The results are impressive on a commercial level, but the core fan base may be disappointed. Both rappers are known to be lyrically superior to their peers so this euro-sounding song about girls may not bode well with the aggression-filled underground. However, with the right push, “The Future” could be a hit at radio – an issue that forecasts a creative dilemma for Budden.
This is Joe’s second release at retail in about six years, but it feels like a man that has an IV dripping success in the veins, not a pill-popping head case fit for a psychological examination. Joe has become a favorite of the hood paparazzi though the internet (joebuddentv.com), his voluptuous girlfriend and various social networks. Joe comes off like an exceptional talent in a pick up game on a court with lesser talent – it seems like he’s kind of toying around. There are a plethora of adequate songs (“In My Sleep,” “Don’t Make Me,” “Pray For Me”), but most don't make the neck snap like the Prodigy diss “Blood On The Wall” does.
“Happy Holidays” is a terrible attempt at a radio song, and “Adrenaline” rocks, but the heavy metal joint is sorely out of place here. “I Couldn't Help It” and “Do Tell” are very reminiscent of the Joe Budden that fans have rallied behind for the past six years. Certainly, a new song from Slaughterhouse (Joell Ortiz, Crooked I & Royce Da 5'9") would have been appropriate with the positive energy surrounding the super group.
The idea of Joe Budden in a padded mental ward evokes the physical and mental struggle that it took to produce a second anticipated album. Followers know the struggle is there, but vibes don’t translate clearly on Padded Room. When you get to the songs, you will likely feel the struggle of a person trying to convince mainstreams consumers he’s worth their money and appease his core audience, which are basically two warring factions. When his first, self-titled CD dropped in ’03, we knew that his potential was vast, but Joe might have to pick a side to solidify his spot somewhere.
Perhaps Budden should have called this album The Growth, like his official second Def Jam album was meant to be. Padded Room shows expansion, but doesn’t top his album-like mixtape Mood Muzik 2 and certainly demonstrates how sane he is.
Reviewer's Recommendation: scoop up the Halfway House, Joe Budden’s 2008 digital only album release. - Allhiphop.com
N.E.R.D. Detained In Malaysia, Cancels Shows In Indonesia
N.E.R.D. canceled shows this weekend in Indonesia after they were detained in Malaysia. According to reports, N.E.R.D. had just performed at the Sunburst KL International festival in Jakarta, Indonesia, when they left for Indonesia to play another concert. Shortly after the festival, the group was held by police for failing to get a permit from Malaysia's government. The Muslim country has strict guidelines for performing.
In addition, The Jakarta Post reports that N.E.R.D.'s Malaysian promoter had requested a permit for the group to perform in Malaysia twice. Authorities reportedly rejected both requests, saying the way the group members dressed was obscene. "Following investigations, we found that the group did not receive permission from the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry to perform at the concert," Immigration Director-General Datuk Mahmood Adam told local media. "After their statements were recorded, they were released with assurance from the concert organizer." According to reports, the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur tried to persuade the group's members, Pharell Williams, Chad Hugo and Shay Haley, to continue to Jakarta. The Embassy tried assuring them the Indonesian authorities would not treat them like the Malaysian authorities did.
Still, N.E.R.D. insisted on leaving and flying back to the U.S.
PIC OF THE DAY: EMINEM, 50CENT & DRE @ VIDEO SHOOT [NOT CRACK A BOTTLE]
AFTER ALL THE RUMORS AND BEEF BULLSHIT, ITS GOOD TO SEE THE TRIO BACK AT IT AGAIN. SHOULD BE A GOOD YEAR FOR HIPHOP.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Gunplay of Triple C's addresses the knockout video! HILARIOUS
BLAK MIC SAYS: NOT MUCH TO SAY HERE, BUT I KNOW WHOS WINNING THIS BEEF. PLEASE DONT TAKE IT TO VIOLENCE MY NIGGAS....
DeathRow Records Label resurfising April 18th!
By Chris Richburg
The record label formerly known as Koch Records is mounting its reemergence on the music scene by helping to relaunch former West Coast powerhouse Death Row Records.
The new Koch, now known as E1 Entertainment, is helping to re-launch Death Row with the release of new music on Record Store Day, which is a national event geared towards celebrating independent music and retailers on April 18.
The unreleased Death Row music will comprise a three-track exclusive sampler that will be available in stores next month.
Songs featured on the project include Crooked I’s “Hoodstar,” “Pay for the P***y” by Petey Pablo and “Do What You Do” from Danny Boy.
The Death Row sampler will be the first of more new music that will surface from the label this fall, sources told AllHipHop.com, adding that 90 percent of what was recorded for Death Row has never been released.
The Record Store Day promotion comes amid a crossroads for Death Row, which has sustained as many setbacks and milestones over the years.
Since its creation in 1991, the label has produced classic albums and songs from artists such as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur, Tha Dogg Pound and The Lady of Rage.
Death Row’s heyday in the ‘90s ended with the arrival of the new millennium as the company sustained constant legal troubles to go with its highly publicized defection of artists.
On January 15, WIDEawake Entertainment Group, Inc. purchased the label for $18 million.
That same month, items found in the Death Row office after the company filed for bankruptcy were auctioned off to the public.
Death Row is among a string of music labels and entertainment companies that have products distributed by E1, which is regarded as the largest independent record label in the United States.
Artists aligned with E1 include rappers Jim Jones, Fat Joe, Trick Trick and Keith Murray.
The Death Row Records unreleased music sampler is scheduled to arrive in stores on April 18. - ALLHIPHOP.COM
BLAK MIC SAYS: JUST LAST YEAR EVERY ASSET OF DEATHROW WAS AUCTION OFF. THE PREVIOUS YEAR AN L.A. JUDGE ORDERED THE LABEL TO PAY OVER 5 MILLION IN TAXES. NOW THE LABEL RESURFACES? WERE THE FUCK IS THIS MONEY COMING FROM? HMMMMMMM.....
Thursday, March 19, 2009
DjSemaj Presents: Raw Material [OneTrackClassics] Free Download!!
http://www.zshare.net/download/572959420d01859f/
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Ghostface Feat. MF Doom - Chinatown Wars (Prod. by Oh No)
I love this fucken track, so wu tang...Oh No has learned alot from big bro Madlib and looks like he is following in his steps. MF Doom just adds that grimey feel to the track bringin u back 2 Wu days...
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
SXSW MUSIC GETS UNDERWAY TOMORROW!!
Its definitely going to be a hot one this year. Going through the line up for the 5 days to come, those in attendance will not be disappointed. Aside from your commercial notaries such as Big Boi [outkast], Rick Ross and Killer Mike. Look out for the hip hop underground MC's to take the Festival by storm this year. Some of those acts will include Jean Grae, U-N-I, Blu, Seattle's Blue Scholars and Common Market and an exciting one for me is the re-link of Talib Kweli and Dj Hi-Tek as they present Reflection Eternal. Also look out for great performances from freshman Mickey Factz, Charles Hamilton and Asher Roth. If your not able to make it to the festival this year, stayfreshdaily will keep you up to date with pictures and videos as the Festival progress's.
**PRODUCERS CORNER**
Arturia Origin, Guest Review: From Soft Synth to Hard Synth, at a Price
Ever wished you could pack the sonic goodness and programming power of a soft synth into a hardware box? Dreamed of software that lived in a road case and had the stability and power-on capability of your outboard gear? You’re certainly not alone. That meant many of us were intrigued when soft synth emulator house Arturia showed off the Origin, a DSP-based hardware box that put their emulations in a box that wasn’t a PC.
There’s plenty to recommend this device, with an onboard step sequencer and terrific sounds. And then you hit the US$2500 street price - hardly recession-friendly, especially with Arturia’s much-cheaper and very-capable software synths.
Dave Dri knows touring with gear, as the founder of Seque and a live electronic festival vet. We got his impressions from across the Pacific in Australia. He’s upfront with everything he loves and everything that annoys. To bring a different perspective to Planet CDM here, I’m pleased to welcome Dave as a guest.
An Origin Of Sorts
Founded in France in 1999, Arturia has gained a solid reputation for the quality of its emulations of classic analogue synthesizers. If the soft synth emulations of the classic Moog Minimoog and Yamaha CS-80 have made Arturia a name in the industry, the news of its development of a hardware DSP system made for enjoyable speculation and furious Google searches for videos, news and reviews. While units in Australia are somewhat scarce at present, an Origin was supplied for review by Musiclab in Brisbane, Australia. Where the initial review was for music press print media, there is so much more to this module that we can take a deeper look and share with the CDM community some of the issues and notable features of the Arturia Origin.
Ever wished you could pack the sonic goodness and programming power of a soft synth into a hardware box? Dreamed of software that lived in a road case and had the stability and power-on capability of your outboard gear? You’re certainly not alone. That meant many of us were intrigued when soft synth emulator house Arturia showed off the Origin, a DSP-based hardware box that put their emulations in a box that wasn’t a PC.
There’s plenty to recommend this device, with an onboard step sequencer and terrific sounds. And then you hit the US$2500 street price - hardly recession-friendly, especially with Arturia’s much-cheaper and very-capable software synths.
Dave Dri knows touring with gear, as the founder of Seque and a live electronic festival vet. We got his impressions from across the Pacific in Australia. He’s upfront with everything he loves and everything that annoys. To bring a different perspective to Planet CDM here, I’m pleased to welcome Dave as a guest.
An Origin Of Sorts
Founded in France in 1999, Arturia has gained a solid reputation for the quality of its emulations of classic analogue synthesizers. If the soft synth emulations of the classic Moog Minimoog and Yamaha CS-80 have made Arturia a name in the industry, the news of its development of a hardware DSP system made for enjoyable speculation and furious Google searches for videos, news and reviews. While units in Australia are somewhat scarce at present, an Origin was supplied for review by Musiclab in Brisbane, Australia. Where the initial review was for music press print media, there is so much more to this module that we can take a deeper look and share with the CDM community some of the issues and notable features of the Arturia Origin.
Charles Herron Feat. Sonny Cheeba - Quarter 2 Eight Hoppa [Sampler]
Leading single off the North Carolinas new LP!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Yak Ballz and Kosha Dillz tour info
Kosha Dillz does not stop. Neither do his friends. His latest creation in "Freestyle vs Written"with C-Rayz Walz (released on the Modular Moods/Shemspeed label) proved to introduce his face in a genre that might not have been ready for the abnormal culture clash. Need not too worry.
After receiving countless press from the success including LA WEEKLY, Boston Herald,Time Out NY, SPIN magazine, URB Mag and appearances with people from Matisyahu to Aesop Rock in the past year, he has decided to take his show on the road for 2 months in over 40 cities, with dates still being added, in places from the peaks of Aspen Colorado all the way to SXSW Austin Texas.
With DIY attitude that you can only count on your friends,The Rapperfriends Tour features a multitude of artists. He is fortunate enough to be accompanied by recent MTVU star Yak Ballz from March on. Flex Mathews of DC him joins him until the end of February and Roebus One of NJ and Derill Pounds of Oshkosh Wisconsin will surely round off an already diverse line up of style and origin.
The Rapperfriends Show will help promote the release of Kosha Dillz' Freestyle vs Written and his upcoming sample free project with Belief, entitled Beverly Dillz.
The introduction of "Rapperfriends" creates new crowds of people at events and theatres around the country from unifiying artists in uncommon bonds, inviting people from all walks of life for a night of fun dance and adventure.
Tour Dates:
Mar 17 2009 9:00P
Zeppelin's El Paso, TX
Mar 18 2009 8:00P
SXSW March 18-22 Austin, TX
Mar 26 2009 8:00P
box awesome lincoln, Ne
Mar 28 2009 8:00P
highbury pub Milwaukee, Wi
Mar 29 2009 8:00P
dinkytowner (again!) Minneapolis, Mi
Mar 31 2009 9:00P
vaudeville mews Des Moines, Iowa
Apr 1 2009 9:00P
Yacht Club (gza after party) Iowa City, IA
Apr 2 2009 9:00P
The Bassment St Louis, M0
Apr 3 2009 8:00P
Abbey Pub Chicago, IL
April 5 2009 9 pm
Reptile Palace Oshkosh WI
April 6 2009
Columbus Oh TBA
April 7 2009
Shadow Lounge Pittsburgh PA
NO WA VENUES...DAMN
After receiving countless press from the success including LA WEEKLY, Boston Herald,Time Out NY, SPIN magazine, URB Mag and appearances with people from Matisyahu to Aesop Rock in the past year, he has decided to take his show on the road for 2 months in over 40 cities, with dates still being added, in places from the peaks of Aspen Colorado all the way to SXSW Austin Texas.
With DIY attitude that you can only count on your friends,The Rapperfriends Tour features a multitude of artists. He is fortunate enough to be accompanied by recent MTVU star Yak Ballz from March on. Flex Mathews of DC him joins him until the end of February and Roebus One of NJ and Derill Pounds of Oshkosh Wisconsin will surely round off an already diverse line up of style and origin.
The Rapperfriends Show will help promote the release of Kosha Dillz' Freestyle vs Written and his upcoming sample free project with Belief, entitled Beverly Dillz.
The introduction of "Rapperfriends" creates new crowds of people at events and theatres around the country from unifiying artists in uncommon bonds, inviting people from all walks of life for a night of fun dance and adventure.
Tour Dates:
Mar 17 2009 9:00P
Zeppelin's El Paso, TX
Mar 18 2009 8:00P
SXSW March 18-22 Austin, TX
Mar 26 2009 8:00P
box awesome lincoln, Ne
Mar 28 2009 8:00P
highbury pub Milwaukee, Wi
Mar 29 2009 8:00P
dinkytowner (again!) Minneapolis, Mi
Mar 31 2009 9:00P
vaudeville mews Des Moines, Iowa
Apr 1 2009 9:00P
Yacht Club (gza after party) Iowa City, IA
Apr 2 2009 9:00P
The Bassment St Louis, M0
Apr 3 2009 8:00P
Abbey Pub Chicago, IL
April 5 2009 9 pm
Reptile Palace Oshkosh WI
April 6 2009
Columbus Oh TBA
April 7 2009
Shadow Lounge Pittsburgh PA
NO WA VENUES...DAMN
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Pimpin’ Curly Presents Brooke’s (Ross’ Baby Mama) Sextape (Video) [18+]
Pimpin’ Curly narrates a sextape of one of Officer Ricky’s baby mamas, Brooke.…
Find more videos like this on Sabrina's Sin
This is getting real serious. Officer ricky might just pull the heat out on this one...damn
Find more videos like this on Sabrina's Sin
This is getting real serious. Officer ricky might just pull the heat out on this one...damn
Jim Jones Curses out Hotel Security!!
this shit was hilarious jim jones was going in on this guy..but it turns out that the only reason jim jones went in is because his credit card was declined! hmmmm, not a good look....
Weekend Mixtape: Capone-N-Noreaga: The CNN Channel 10 Mixtape
HipHop DX, Dj L-Gee, Dj EFn, & Dj K-N-S all collaborate on the latest Capone-N-Noreaga mixtape. The mixtape features classic tracks from CNN like, “L.A., L.A.” “Invincible,” “Blood Money,” and others. It also features new music from the duo in promotion for the upcoming studio album. Lately, Noreaga has been holding down his PR by getting very involved on the blogs, Twitter and doing video skits with ItsTheReal.com. He’s definitely making the right moves in my opinion as far as self-promotion goes. The mixtape is dope and gives a great summary of who CNN was and where CNN is going. Always a free mixtape download over here. Home of the free hiphop mixtape downloads. Tracklist and downloads after the break. Get Right…
http://www.zshare.net/download/56999717cbe293a5/#
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Rapper Big Pooh dropping new album Delightful Bars in April
Big Pooh’s latest vehicle is a street-LP entitled, Delightful Bars, and there will be four different versions of Delightful Bars made accessible, including a special iTunes only version (referred to as the Candy Apple version), which will be released on 3-24-09 and the North American retail version of Delightful Bars (referred to as the North American Pie Version) will be released on 4-21-09.
Tracklisting and credits for Big Pooh’s Delightful Bars:
1.) North American Pie Intro
2.) The Comeback (produced by Khrysis)
3.) Its A Go f/Torae (produced by Dae One)
4.) Nothing Less f/Ab Soul, Jay Rock & K Dot (produced by Young RJ)
5.) C.O.D. (produced by Mickey Free)
6.) Move f/ Darien Brockington (produced by Phonix)
7.) Something Like Stars f/ Big Treal (produced by Jake One)
8.) Step Up (produced by D.R.)
9.) Reality Check f/ Big Dho, D. Black & Mykestro (produced by Khrysis)
10.) Problems f/ Jozeemo (produced by Illmind)
11.) AMO A SU PAPI DE LA BARRA skit
12.) Roll Call f/ Jozeemo, Chaundon & Joe Scudda (produced by The Co-Op)
13.) The Life f/ Mushinah (produced by Khrysis)
14.) Rearview Mirror (produced by 9th Wonder)
15.) EMPANADA NORTE AMERICANA OUTRO
1.) Intro
2.) The Release (produced by Illmind)
3.) Power f/ O. Dash (produced by Khrysis)
4.) The Comeback (produced by Khrysis)
5.) Radio (produced by OhNo)
6.) Hands Up f/ Chaundon and Roc C (produced by Khrysis)
7.) On The Real f/ Jozeemo and E. Ness (produced by Khrysis)
8.) Nothing Less f/ Ab Soul, Jay Rock and K. Dot (produced by Young RJ)
9.) Move f/ Darien Brockington (produced by Phonix)
10.) Roll Call f/ Jozeemo, Chaundon, and Joe Scudda (produced by The Co-Op)
11.) The Life f/ Mushinah (produced by Khrysis)
12.) Rearview Mirror (produced by 9th Wonder)
13.) OUTRO
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Diddy chats with Ellen
Diddy speaks to Elen about how he feels about the RhiRhi and Brown situation..
B-boys request
Me and the homies get together every once in a while and speak on good hip hop cuts that are forgotten. I first heard this at a b boy battle sometime back when, thought i might let y'all true heads reminisce..
Chris Brown And Rihanna To Release Emotional Duet
TMZ learned that secret late-night recording sessions between Rihanna and Chris Brown happened and that a duet filled with emotion is in the works.
According a source, producer Polow Da Don convinced both Chris Brown and Rihanna to get in the studio and record a love song stat, stressing that timing was important because the heightened emotions would translate powerfully into the music.
Blak says: Publicity stunt?
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