Nicki Minaj owned this past weekend. Before releasing her second single, "Anaconda," on Sunday, Aug. 3, she surprised when appearing on the remix to Beyonce's "Flawless." Late Saturday, Beyonce dropped a remix to the Beyonce song without notice. While some outlets (HipHopWired, Miss Info) sensed a collaboration between the two superstars was coming, it was mostly kept under wraps until the week of. Photos Jay Z and Beyonce On the Run Tour Bows in Miami Minaj called into Hot 97 on Monday morning to share how the remix came to be: "A month or two ago, Gee [Roberson] called me when
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- 8/5/2014
- by Erika Ramirez, Billboard
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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The days are growing longer and the temperature is getting warmer, which can only mean one thing: festival season is upon us. It’s time to prepare for short shorts, flower crowns and ridiculous costumes music fans will try to justify wearing to outdoor concerts all summer long. The first weekend of Coachella gave celebrities a chance to connect with their inner Edm flower children, while the MTV Movie Awards posed the challenge of getting dressed up for a formal award ceremony, yet still looking “cool” and “hip” to the kids. Not as easy as it looks.
Kendall Jenner and her crew paraded a series of eye-catching outfits through Indio, most of which relied heavily on nose rings and ancient witchcraft. Former Nickelodeon star Victoria Justice went for a more adult look at the Movie Awards, but ended up looking like a tacky cocktail waitress. Or a human Peep.
The days are growing longer and the temperature is getting warmer, which can only mean one thing: festival season is upon us. It’s time to prepare for short shorts, flower crowns and ridiculous costumes music fans will try to justify wearing to outdoor concerts all summer long. The first weekend of Coachella gave celebrities a chance to connect with their inner Edm flower children, while the MTV Movie Awards posed the challenge of getting dressed up for a formal award ceremony, yet still looking “cool” and “hip” to the kids. Not as easy as it looks.
Kendall Jenner and her crew paraded a series of eye-catching outfits through Indio, most of which relied heavily on nose rings and ancient witchcraft. Former Nickelodeon star Victoria Justice went for a more adult look at the Movie Awards, but ended up looking like a tacky cocktail waitress. Or a human Peep.
- 4/18/2014
- by VH1
- TheFabLife - Movies
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Pharrell celebrated his birthday and Saturday Night Live gig with a star-studded soiree in New York City over the weekend. While his guests included everyone from Alicia Keys to Hot 97′s Miss Info, the real VIPs were Nickelodeon superstars SpongeBob and Patrick. Hey, with an upcoming role on NBC’s The Voice, he’s got to learn the ropes from TV veterans.
Kristen Stewart said goodbye to her brunette locks over the weekend, in preparation for her upcoming role in American Ultra. The Twilight star stopped by Maison de Cheveux in New Orleans, La., and walked out with an alluring strawberry blonde/orange shade. (Sigh. We wish we could blame our questionable hairstyles on work.) Kendall Jenner made the most of her family’s trip to Thailand by pushing any fear of heights to the wayside, while sister Kourtney Kardashian reminisced about the old days with partner...
Pharrell celebrated his birthday and Saturday Night Live gig with a star-studded soiree in New York City over the weekend. While his guests included everyone from Alicia Keys to Hot 97′s Miss Info, the real VIPs were Nickelodeon superstars SpongeBob and Patrick. Hey, with an upcoming role on NBC’s The Voice, he’s got to learn the ropes from TV veterans.
Kristen Stewart said goodbye to her brunette locks over the weekend, in preparation for her upcoming role in American Ultra. The Twilight star stopped by Maison de Cheveux in New Orleans, La., and walked out with an alluring strawberry blonde/orange shade. (Sigh. We wish we could blame our questionable hairstyles on work.) Kendall Jenner made the most of her family’s trip to Thailand by pushing any fear of heights to the wayside, while sister Kourtney Kardashian reminisced about the old days with partner...
- 4/7/2014
- by Emily Exton
- TheFabLife - Movies
Our four-part television event, The Tanning Of America: One Nation Under Hip Hop, concludes tonight at 11 Pm Et. We’ve spent this week catching up with some of the most influential people in media to find out how hip hop changed their lives, and extend the conversation that’s been sparked by the program. We already heard from Joe La Puma of Complex Media, Rafi D’Angelo of SoLetsTalkAbout.com, Hot 97′s Miss Info, MTV’s Rob Markman, and Revolt TV’s Sharon Carpenter. Now it’s time to discuss the culture’s impact with downtown NYC strategy director Grace Gordon.
Grace Gordon’s job is, in simplest terms, to make companies look cool. That involves being touch with what’s happening in pop culture, and, as we know, a lot of that stems directly from hip-hop. We sat down with Gordon to talk about how the genre influences her daily life,...
Grace Gordon’s job is, in simplest terms, to make companies look cool. That involves being touch with what’s happening in pop culture, and, as we know, a lot of that stems directly from hip-hop. We sat down with Gordon to talk about how the genre influences her daily life,...
- 2/27/2014
- by Ernest Baker
- TheFabLife - Movies
The four-part television event, The Tanning Of America: One Nation Under Hip Hop, has been enlightening VH1 viewers for two nights now, and it’s still running until Feb. 27, every night at 11 Pm Et. We caught up with some of the most important people in media to find out how hip hop changed their lives, and continue the discussion that’s being sparked by the program. We’ve already heard from Joe La Puma of Complex Media, Rafi D’Angelo of SoLetsTalkAbout.com, Hot 97′s Miss Info, and MTV’s Rob Markman. Now we’re breaking down the culture with Revolt TV’s Sharon Carpenter.
Sharon Carpenter spent her formative years growing up overseas in the United Kingdom. Hip-hop hadn’t fully exploded in the mainstream just yet, but it’s impact was still being felt by the British. In our video, Carpenter talks about what that experience was like for her,...
Sharon Carpenter spent her formative years growing up overseas in the United Kingdom. Hip-hop hadn’t fully exploded in the mainstream just yet, but it’s impact was still being felt by the British. In our video, Carpenter talks about what that experience was like for her,...
- 2/26/2014
- by Ernest Baker
- TheFabLife - Movies
Last night, The Tanning Of America: One Nation Under Hip Hop premiered on VH1, and it runs until Feb. 27, every night at 11 Pm Et. We sat down with some of the most influential people in media to find out how hip hop impacts their lives, and extend the discussion that’s being generated by the four-part television event. We’ve already heard from Joe La Puma of Complex Media, Rafi D’Angelo of SoLetsTalkAbout.com, and Hot 97′s Miss Info. Now it’s time for our conversation with MTV’s Rob Markman.
Rob Markman grew up at a time when people thought hip hop was a fad. “I remember being in school and teachers telling me, ‘You’re wasting your time listening to hip hop,’” he recalls. Regardless of detractors, his passion for the culture never faded. He spent his time watching Video Music Box and reading The Source, and...
Rob Markman grew up at a time when people thought hip hop was a fad. “I remember being in school and teachers telling me, ‘You’re wasting your time listening to hip hop,’” he recalls. Regardless of detractors, his passion for the culture never faded. He spent his time watching Video Music Box and reading The Source, and...
- 2/25/2014
- by Ernest Baker
- TheFabLife - Movies
Tonight, The Tanning Of America: One Nation Under Hip Hop premieres at 11 Pm Et on VH1! As part of the conversation surrounding the four-part television event, we hooked up with some of the most influential personalities in media to find out how hip hop impacts their lives, both personally and professional. We’ve already heard from Joe La Puma of Complex Media and Rafi D’Angelo of SoLetsTalkAbout.com; now we’re checking in with Miss Info, one of the best-known voices of NYC’s premier hip hop station, Hot 97.
From her iconic review of Illmatic in The Source to her current standing as trailblazer for scoops and breaking news, Miss Info is as familiar with hip hop as they come. From her Chicago roots, to her time at Columbia University, and now at Hot 97, the genre has been a guiding factor in her moves. Even as the daughter of Korean immigrants,...
From her iconic review of Illmatic in The Source to her current standing as trailblazer for scoops and breaking news, Miss Info is as familiar with hip hop as they come. From her Chicago roots, to her time at Columbia University, and now at Hot 97, the genre has been a guiding factor in her moves. Even as the daughter of Korean immigrants,...
- 2/24/2014
- by Ernest Baker
- TheFabLife - Movies
At long last, The Tanning Of America: One Nation Under Hip Hop gets its world premiere tonight at 11/10C on VH1! In anticipation of the four-part television event, we hooked up with some top tier media pros to learn how hip hop influenced their careers and lives. Last week we heard from Joe La Puma of Complex Media, and today we’re checking in with Rafi D’Angelo, the brains and voice behind SoLetsTalkAbout.com. So Let’s Talk About is, by D’Angelo’s estimation, a place where he can be outspoken about “Men, news, celebrities, politics, music, and all things noteworthy and interesting.” He cites hip hop as setting the example on how to comment on society and the struggles around him. “I knew from watching black art respond to these things that something wasn’t right,” D’Angelo says about the 1992 La riots that followed the controversial Rodney King verdict.
- 2/24/2014
- by VH1
- TheFabLife - Movies
Joe La Puma already has accolades and trophies and sneakers… lots of sneakers… lots of sneakers you can’t get, in fact. But offering laurels is an exercise in redundancy. Everyone already knows about his cover stories on Cudi, Bieber, A$AP, Jeremy Scott, Rozay, and Katy Perry. And how he helped turn Complex Media into a big-time digital content player. And everyone already knows, we don’t f-ck with you musically.
Fueled by an appreciation for 50 Cent, La Puma constructed a grade-a career in media. In many ways, his story supports the thesis of The Tanning of America: One Nation Under Hip Hop. VH1′s latest Rock Doc insists that “hip hop changed us” so we asked La Puma where he stands on the matter.
Airing February 24-27 at 11/10C each night, The Tanning of America explores how hip hop has dramatically changed American culture so that a career...
Fueled by an appreciation for 50 Cent, La Puma constructed a grade-a career in media. In many ways, his story supports the thesis of The Tanning of America: One Nation Under Hip Hop. VH1′s latest Rock Doc insists that “hip hop changed us” so we asked La Puma where he stands on the matter.
Airing February 24-27 at 11/10C each night, The Tanning of America explores how hip hop has dramatically changed American culture so that a career...
- 2/21/2014
- by VH1
- TheFabLife - Movies
Misst Elliott and Timbaland are finally willing to talk Drake. Specifically, Drake's producing a posthumous Aaliyah album without contacting either of the hip-hop artists.
Elliott and Timbaland stopped by Hot 97 to sit down with host Angie Martinez. The duo first debuted two new songs, "9th Inning" and "Triple Threat," reported Complex magazine, then started talking Aaliyah.
The two hip-hop heavyweights were professionally and personally close with the late singer, who died tragically in a plane crash in 2001. When news first spread of Drake releasing a posthumous Aaliyah album, fans thought Elliott and Timbaland would be in. However, neither has been contacted about or involved in the process.
When asked about Drake's Aaliyah album, Timbaland said, "I don’t even know if it’s an album, I don’t think that’s in the works. I don’t know, I think it’s blown out of proportion. I haven’t spoken to Drake yet.
Elliott and Timbaland stopped by Hot 97 to sit down with host Angie Martinez. The duo first debuted two new songs, "9th Inning" and "Triple Threat," reported Complex magazine, then started talking Aaliyah.
The two hip-hop heavyweights were professionally and personally close with the late singer, who died tragically in a plane crash in 2001. When news first spread of Drake releasing a posthumous Aaliyah album, fans thought Elliott and Timbaland would be in. However, neither has been contacted about or involved in the process.
When asked about Drake's Aaliyah album, Timbaland said, "I don’t even know if it’s an album, I don’t think that’s in the works. I don’t know, I think it’s blown out of proportion. I haven’t spoken to Drake yet.
- 9/18/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
Critics agree that rapper's new women's line is an improvement over last year's.
By Rob Markman
Kanye West greets the audience after his show at Paris Fashion Week.
Photo: Getty Images
There is no quit in Kanye West. After critics picked and prodded at the first showing of his women's wear line in October, Yeezy returned to the big stage on Tuesday night in France at the fall/winter ready-to-wear show with his new collection for Paris Fashion Week. Diddy, Kim Kardashian, Shyne and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour were all there as 'Ye offered up what many critics described as a Givenchy-inspired look. There were leathers, backless motorcycle jackets, inventive knee-high boots, furs and go-karts — yes, go-karts.
Comparisons to West's first showing are inevitable, even if the rapper/ producer/ overall creative spirit feels that he was unfairly judged during the first go-round. "I got treated unfairly by the press last time.
By Rob Markman
Kanye West greets the audience after his show at Paris Fashion Week.
Photo: Getty Images
There is no quit in Kanye West. After critics picked and prodded at the first showing of his women's wear line in October, Yeezy returned to the big stage on Tuesday night in France at the fall/winter ready-to-wear show with his new collection for Paris Fashion Week. Diddy, Kim Kardashian, Shyne and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour were all there as 'Ye offered up what many critics described as a Givenchy-inspired look. There were leathers, backless motorcycle jackets, inventive knee-high boots, furs and go-karts — yes, go-karts.
Comparisons to West's first showing are inevitable, even if the rapper/ producer/ overall creative spirit feels that he was unfairly judged during the first go-round. "I got treated unfairly by the press last time.
- 3/7/2012
- MTV Music News
Rumors abound that Chris Brown will pop into Rihanna's 'Birthday Cake' remix. Sweet surprise or shocking? On Valentine's Day, production duo Da Internz told MTV News that Rihanna's 'Birthday Cake' remix would have a cameo that would "shock the world." Naturally, the one shocker everyone looked to was bad boy Chris Brown, 22. Although Da Internz denied that it was the inked-out Grammy award winner, rumors spread like wildfire that he was indeed the cameo on the remix, especially after reports surfaced that Chris was at Rihanna's 23rd birthday party in Beverly Hills earlier this week. On top of that, Hot 97's Miss Info further fueled the flames on Feb. 18 when she claimed independent sources confirmed to her that Chris contributed a singing and rap verse on the remix. While it's unknown when 'Birthday Cake' will be released, we do know there's something fishy going on between Chris and RiRi, considering...
- 2/17/2012
- by HL Staff
- HollywoodLife
Ever since Sunday's Grammy Awards, the subject of Chris Brown's post-abuse repentance has been a hot topic from The View to Insider.com.
Chris Brown - An Insider.com Op-Ed
But all the debates return to the same central question: Has Chris reformed enough to earn our forgiveness?
While his "hacked" Twitter account would suggest otherwise, the person with the biggest say in the matter has apparently switched back over to Team Chris. And that's Rihanna.
Are Rihanna & Chris Brown Hooking Up?
Not only did Chris' rep confirm that he attended Rihanna's birthday party on Monday, but now, according to multiple sources, Rihanna and Chris have also reunited in the studio to record an expanded remix of Cake, a 78 second track on her latest CD, Talk That Talk.
The rumor was first floated earlier this week when the track's producers, Da Internz, told MTV News, "We got the Rihanna Birthday Cake coming out in a week...
Chris Brown - An Insider.com Op-Ed
But all the debates return to the same central question: Has Chris reformed enough to earn our forgiveness?
While his "hacked" Twitter account would suggest otherwise, the person with the biggest say in the matter has apparently switched back over to Team Chris. And that's Rihanna.
Are Rihanna & Chris Brown Hooking Up?
Not only did Chris' rep confirm that he attended Rihanna's birthday party on Monday, but now, according to multiple sources, Rihanna and Chris have also reunited in the studio to record an expanded remix of Cake, a 78 second track on her latest CD, Talk That Talk.
The rumor was first floated earlier this week when the track's producers, Da Internz, told MTV News, "We got the Rihanna Birthday Cake coming out in a week...
- 2/17/2012
- TheInsider.com
Reports alternately confirm and deny that Rihanna's ex will feature on the track.
By James Montgomery
Rihanna
Photo: Valerie Macon/Getty Images
It all began earlier this week, when the production duo known as Da Internz told MTV News that their upcoming remix of Rihanna's "Birthday Cake" featured a super-secret cameo that would "shock the world."
Almost immediately after they made that comment, speculation began to run rampant that it was Rihanna's ex, Chris Brown, who features on the track, and though there was no confirmation from any of the artists' reps, the rumors not only persisted but seemingly gained momentum — especially given reports that Brown attended Rihanna's birthday party earlier in the week.
On Thursday, Hot 97's Miss Info took things to the next level, writing on her blog that Brown does indeed feature on the "Cake" remix, citing a pair of "independent sources" who confirmed the news. She...
By James Montgomery
Rihanna
Photo: Valerie Macon/Getty Images
It all began earlier this week, when the production duo known as Da Internz told MTV News that their upcoming remix of Rihanna's "Birthday Cake" featured a super-secret cameo that would "shock the world."
Almost immediately after they made that comment, speculation began to run rampant that it was Rihanna's ex, Chris Brown, who features on the track, and though there was no confirmation from any of the artists' reps, the rumors not only persisted but seemingly gained momentum — especially given reports that Brown attended Rihanna's birthday party earlier in the week.
On Thursday, Hot 97's Miss Info took things to the next level, writing on her blog that Brown does indeed feature on the "Cake" remix, citing a pair of "independent sources" who confirmed the news. She...
- 2/17/2012
- MTV Music News
Say it ain't so.
After the producers of Rihanna's "Birthday Cake" remix promised a "shocking" addition to the track, and Miss Info is now reporting that the controversial addition is ... Chris Brown.
According to its producers, the song will be released this week.
While the news will come as good news to "Team Breezy" fans (Brown has nearly eight million followers on Twitter), many will be shocked to hear that the 24-year-old Barbadian singer would so publicly welcome Brown back into her life and career. Of course, rumors have long been swirling that Rihanna had already forgiven Brown, who viciously punched and bit her as she pleaded for mercy in a 2009 incident.
Brown has enraged his critics by acting in a manner that appears to show little remorse. Most recently, the R&B star and 2012 Grammy award winner tweeted that his detractors could "hate all [they] want" because he "has a...
After the producers of Rihanna's "Birthday Cake" remix promised a "shocking" addition to the track, and Miss Info is now reporting that the controversial addition is ... Chris Brown.
According to its producers, the song will be released this week.
While the news will come as good news to "Team Breezy" fans (Brown has nearly eight million followers on Twitter), many will be shocked to hear that the 24-year-old Barbadian singer would so publicly welcome Brown back into her life and career. Of course, rumors have long been swirling that Rihanna had already forgiven Brown, who viciously punched and bit her as she pleaded for mercy in a 2009 incident.
Brown has enraged his critics by acting in a manner that appears to show little remorse. Most recently, the R&B star and 2012 Grammy award winner tweeted that his detractors could "hate all [they] want" because he "has a...
- 2/17/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
Chris Brown will reportedly be the guest artist on a remix of Rihanna’s “Birthday Cake,” a very short, sexually provocative song on “Talk That Talk.” There had been speculation that he might show up on the track after Kosine from the production unit Da Interz told MTV that the cameo on the song is “gonna shock the world.” Today, Miss Info of New York radio station Hot97 added that Brown will also be in the video. He has reportedly recorded both a singing verse and a rap verse for the elongated version of the salacious tune. We have reached out to...
- 2/16/2012
- Hitfix
From Kim and Kris' monster-size rock to Beyoncé and Jay-z's 18-carat mega-sparkler, we dish on the diamonds.
By Jocelyn Vena
Jason Trawick and Britney Spears in Las Vegas. Inset: her Neil Lane enagement ring.
Photo: Denise Truscello/WireImage
After Britney Spears confirmed her engagement to longtime beau Jason Trawick last Friday, fans wanted to know everything about the ring, a four-carat diamond designed by Neil Lane.
Trawick — Brit's former agent — popped the question after working with famed jeweler Lane on the design, according to People.com. The site also reported that Trawick wanted a crown-like band. In addition to the mega-sparkler at the center of the tiara-style setting, the hubby-to-be also had 90 small round diamonds added around the band. Spears debuted the ring during a trip to Las Vegas over the weekend to celebrate her fiancé's birthday.
"Jason is a romantic and when I asked him to tell me...
By Jocelyn Vena
Jason Trawick and Britney Spears in Las Vegas. Inset: her Neil Lane enagement ring.
Photo: Denise Truscello/WireImage
After Britney Spears confirmed her engagement to longtime beau Jason Trawick last Friday, fans wanted to know everything about the ring, a four-carat diamond designed by Neil Lane.
Trawick — Brit's former agent — popped the question after working with famed jeweler Lane on the design, according to People.com. The site also reported that Trawick wanted a crown-like band. In addition to the mega-sparkler at the center of the tiara-style setting, the hubby-to-be also had 90 small round diamonds added around the band. Spears debuted the ring during a trip to Las Vegas over the weekend to celebrate her fiancé's birthday.
"Jason is a romantic and when I asked him to tell me...
- 12/19/2011
- MTV Music News
July 4 release will be called Independence Day, rapper tells Vibe.com.
By Alvin Blanco
The Diplomats' Jim Jones, Cam'ron and Juelz Santana
Photo: Johnny Nunez/ WireImage
Fans of the Diplomats (Cam'ron, Jim Jones, Juelz Santana and Freekey Zekey) are going to have to wait until the summer to hear new music from the Harlem rap conglomerate. Jones has revealed that the Dipset will be releasing a new Ep in July.
"The difference is the respect level that's there amongst all of us feels good, it feels hellified," Jones — whose latest album, Capo, was released Tuesday — told Vibe.com. "We plan on putting out an Ep on July 4th called Independence Day, so look forward to that."
Although various Dipset members have mentioned that the group is in the midst of securing a recording contract with Interscope Records, no deal has been confirmed yet. Jones' previous album, Pray IV Reign, was...
By Alvin Blanco
The Diplomats' Jim Jones, Cam'ron and Juelz Santana
Photo: Johnny Nunez/ WireImage
Fans of the Diplomats (Cam'ron, Jim Jones, Juelz Santana and Freekey Zekey) are going to have to wait until the summer to hear new music from the Harlem rap conglomerate. Jones has revealed that the Dipset will be releasing a new Ep in July.
"The difference is the respect level that's there amongst all of us feels good, it feels hellified," Jones — whose latest album, Capo, was released Tuesday — told Vibe.com. "We plan on putting out an Ep on July 4th called Independence Day, so look forward to that."
Although various Dipset members have mentioned that the group is in the midst of securing a recording contract with Interscope Records, no deal has been confirmed yet. Jones' previous album, Pray IV Reign, was...
- 4/8/2011
- MTV Music News
Mister Cee (left) and 50 Cent
In case you hadn't heard, Calvin Lebrun (a.k.a. influential hip hop producer and DJ Mister Cee) was arrested last week in a sex sting. The NYPD "Secret Fellatio Task Force" (plum assignment there!) caught him in the back seat of a parked car with twenty-year-old Brooke-Lynn Pinklady.
Mister Cee is a pretty big deal in the hip hop world. He worked as the deejay for Big Daddy Kane and he was a producer on Notoriious B.I.G.'s debut album. Currently, he's a radio DJ for NYC radio station Hot 97.
As you can probably imagine a lot of people in the notoriously homophobic rap community are taking pot shots at him.
Of course, if the married Mister Cee had been caught in a compromising position with a biological woman he probably would've gotten cheers, but getting caught with a guy? That's a...
In case you hadn't heard, Calvin Lebrun (a.k.a. influential hip hop producer and DJ Mister Cee) was arrested last week in a sex sting. The NYPD "Secret Fellatio Task Force" (plum assignment there!) caught him in the back seat of a parked car with twenty-year-old Brooke-Lynn Pinklady.
Mister Cee is a pretty big deal in the hip hop world. He worked as the deejay for Big Daddy Kane and he was a producer on Notoriious B.I.G.'s debut album. Currently, he's a radio DJ for NYC radio station Hot 97.
As you can probably imagine a lot of people in the notoriously homophobic rap community are taking pot shots at him.
Of course, if the married Mister Cee had been caught in a compromising position with a biological woman he probably would've gotten cheers, but getting caught with a guy? That's a...
- 4/7/2011
- by Dennis Ayers
- The Backlot
50 Cent has spoken out to defend Mister Cee after the hip-hop DJ and record producer was charged with public lewdness following an arrest in New York on Friday, April 1. Mister Cee, real name Calvin Lebrun, was caught performing a sex act with a 20-year-old male in a car in Manhattan.
The scandal has turned many rap fans against the producer, but 50 Cent insists he's still a fan. Opening up to Hot 97 radio personality Miss Info, 50 Cent says, "I'd make him my DJ any day... It's only entertaining because he (Mister Cee) means that much to hip-hop culture."
"I recognize Mister Cee as the guy who offered us Biggie, so he means that much to the culture. And a lot of the kids that hear the radio don't see him the same way."
50 admits he has played each of his albums for the DJ before they were released - because he values his critique.
The scandal has turned many rap fans against the producer, but 50 Cent insists he's still a fan. Opening up to Hot 97 radio personality Miss Info, 50 Cent says, "I'd make him my DJ any day... It's only entertaining because he (Mister Cee) means that much to hip-hop culture."
"I recognize Mister Cee as the guy who offered us Biggie, so he means that much to the culture. And a lot of the kids that hear the radio don't see him the same way."
50 admits he has played each of his albums for the DJ before they were released - because he values his critique.
- 4/7/2011
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
'It's ... dealing in my mind and everything that I been through, and dealing with the crew,' Rae tells MTV News of new solo LP.
By Paul Cantor
Raekwon
Photo: Roger Kisby/ Getty Images
Raekwon the Chef knows a thing or two about Shaolin and Wu-Tang. The title of the Mc's fifth solo album, Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang, represents the New York City borough he hails from, Staten Island — whose street name in rap circles is Shaolin — and, of course, the Mc has been a key member of the iconic Wu-Tang Clan since its founding in the early '90s.
Ultimately, though, Rae's album, which dropped on Tuesday (March 8), is inspired (like many things Wu-Tang) by the classic 1981 Gordon Liu film of the same name, about a rivalry between two schools of ancient martial arts.
"[The film is about] basically two schools fighting with one another," Raekwon told MTV News recently about the movie's plot.
By Paul Cantor
Raekwon
Photo: Roger Kisby/ Getty Images
Raekwon the Chef knows a thing or two about Shaolin and Wu-Tang. The title of the Mc's fifth solo album, Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang, represents the New York City borough he hails from, Staten Island — whose street name in rap circles is Shaolin — and, of course, the Mc has been a key member of the iconic Wu-Tang Clan since its founding in the early '90s.
Ultimately, though, Rae's album, which dropped on Tuesday (March 8), is inspired (like many things Wu-Tang) by the classic 1981 Gordon Liu film of the same name, about a rivalry between two schools of ancient martial arts.
"[The film is about] basically two schools fighting with one another," Raekwon told MTV News recently about the movie's plot.
- 3/8/2011
- MTV Music News
'Each piece of the performance tonight is slowly falling into place,' 'Ye tweets before Sunday night's show.
By Shaheem Reid
Kanye West
Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
It's several hours to showtime, but hundreds of people are already in place and ready to work the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. While many are looking forward to seeing acts such as Eminem, Nicki Minaj and Drake, Kanye West's history of delivering high-octane, unique Vma sets makes his one of the most highly anticipated appearances of the night
Two years ago he closed the VMAs with a tremendous bang (literally, on taiko drums), when he debuted "Love Lockdown." In 2007, he brought the ultimate party in Las Vegas, as he and everyone lucky enough to be in the room with him donned those unforgettable "Stronger" shades. Of course, there was his thumping collaboration of Gold Digger" with Jamie Foxx in '05. And...
By Shaheem Reid
Kanye West
Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
It's several hours to showtime, but hundreds of people are already in place and ready to work the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. While many are looking forward to seeing acts such as Eminem, Nicki Minaj and Drake, Kanye West's history of delivering high-octane, unique Vma sets makes his one of the most highly anticipated appearances of the night
Two years ago he closed the VMAs with a tremendous bang (literally, on taiko drums), when he debuted "Love Lockdown." In 2007, he brought the ultimate party in Las Vegas, as he and everyone lucky enough to be in the room with him donned those unforgettable "Stronger" shades. Of course, there was his thumping collaboration of Gold Digger" with Jamie Foxx in '05. And...
- 9/12/2010
- MTV Music News
MTV2 is set to celebrate hip-hop with their first ever "Sucker Free Summit," which will pay tribute to some of the genre's hitmakers that have created the hottest music throughout the past year. The Summit will air Sunday, July 25.
The event will be taking a fresh approach to honoring hip-hop music by bringing together a panel of industry insiders for a passionate debate about the artists nominated for the "Sucker Free" crown.
The panel will be discussing the nominated artists' continuous effort to take the genre to the next level. They will also decide which new music maker has the potential to be the next great hip-hop star.
Envy will lead the panel, which will be composed of Fat Joe, Ron Artest, Bun B, DJ Drama, Elliott Wilson, Miss Info, and Jermaine Hall. The "Sucker Free" crown winners will be determined by 57 music industry tastemakers representing North, South, East and West.
The event will be taking a fresh approach to honoring hip-hop music by bringing together a panel of industry insiders for a passionate debate about the artists nominated for the "Sucker Free" crown.
The panel will be discussing the nominated artists' continuous effort to take the genre to the next level. They will also decide which new music maker has the potential to be the next great hip-hop star.
Envy will lead the panel, which will be composed of Fat Joe, Ron Artest, Bun B, DJ Drama, Elliott Wilson, Miss Info, and Jermaine Hall. The "Sucker Free" crown winners will be determined by 57 music industry tastemakers representing North, South, East and West.
- 7/16/2010
- icelebz.com
MTV2 is set to celebrate hip-hop with their first ever "Sucker Free Summit," which will pay tribute to some of the genre's hitmakers that have created the hottest music throughout the past year. The Summit will air Sunday, July 25.
The event will be taking a fresh approach to honoring hip-hop music by bringing together a panel of industry insiders for a passionate debate about the artists nominated for the "Sucker Free" crown.
The panel will be discussing the nominated artists' continuous effort to take the genre to the next level. They will also decide which new music maker has the potential to be the next great hip-hop star.
Envy will lead the panel, which will be composed of Fat Joe, Ron Artest, Bun B, DJ Drama, Elliott Wilson, Miss Info, and Jermaine Hall. The "Sucker Free" crown winners will be determined by 57 music industry tastemakers representing North, South, East and West.
The event will be taking a fresh approach to honoring hip-hop music by bringing together a panel of industry insiders for a passionate debate about the artists nominated for the "Sucker Free" crown.
The panel will be discussing the nominated artists' continuous effort to take the genre to the next level. They will also decide which new music maker has the potential to be the next great hip-hop star.
Envy will lead the panel, which will be composed of Fat Joe, Ron Artest, Bun B, DJ Drama, Elliott Wilson, Miss Info, and Jermaine Hall. The "Sucker Free" crown winners will be determined by 57 music industry tastemakers representing North, South, East and West.
- 7/16/2010
- icelebz.com
Our experts also cite Taylor Swift, a posthumous Michael Jackson release, Lil Wayne again — or maybe no one.
By Shaheem Reid
Justin Bieber
Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/ Getty Images
While Drake's Thank Me Later didn't sell a million copies in the first week, the debut moved more than 460,000 units and landed at #1 on the Billboard albums chart. That's an amazing feat for any artist, let alone a rookie Mc.
Meanwhile, Hits Double Daily is projecting a monster launch for Eminem's Recovery, which was released Monday, selling between 590,000 and 615,000 copies by this time next week.
Drake and Em have proven that, despite an overall decline in record sales, artists who are able to engage fans and produce high-quality music will be rewarded on the charts. However, a huge question remains: Will anyone be able to knock Lil Wayne from his spot as the last artist to sell 1 million copies the first week of release?...
By Shaheem Reid
Justin Bieber
Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/ Getty Images
While Drake's Thank Me Later didn't sell a million copies in the first week, the debut moved more than 460,000 units and landed at #1 on the Billboard albums chart. That's an amazing feat for any artist, let alone a rookie Mc.
Meanwhile, Hits Double Daily is projecting a monster launch for Eminem's Recovery, which was released Monday, selling between 590,000 and 615,000 copies by this time next week.
Drake and Em have proven that, despite an overall decline in record sales, artists who are able to engage fans and produce high-quality music will be rewarded on the charts. However, a huge question remains: Will anyone be able to knock Lil Wayne from his spot as the last artist to sell 1 million copies the first week of release?...
- 6/23/2010
- MTV Music News
'Drake: Better Than Good Enough' airs Wednesday, June 23, at 10 p.m. on MTV.
By Shaheem Reid
Drake
Photo: MTV News
An early cut of the documentary "Drake: Better Than Good Enough," airing Wednesday at 10 p.m. on MTV, was screened for hip-hop journalists Thursday (June 17) at the MTV offices. The doc — which is still being shot — follows Drake on his Away From Home Tour, but also shows intimate moments with his family, vocal coach and inner circle and the recording of his just-released debut, Thank Me Later.
In the footage, we see Drizzy recording the song "Show Me a Good Time" and learn why Drake only writes his rhymes on a BlackBerry, among other intimate moments.
"What was interesting is that I didn't know Drake's mom was sick," The Source Executive Editor Amy Andrieux said shortly after the screening. "To see him going into his grind — knowing that now — is incredible.
By Shaheem Reid
Drake
Photo: MTV News
An early cut of the documentary "Drake: Better Than Good Enough," airing Wednesday at 10 p.m. on MTV, was screened for hip-hop journalists Thursday (June 17) at the MTV offices. The doc — which is still being shot — follows Drake on his Away From Home Tour, but also shows intimate moments with his family, vocal coach and inner circle and the recording of his just-released debut, Thank Me Later.
In the footage, we see Drizzy recording the song "Show Me a Good Time" and learn why Drake only writes his rhymes on a BlackBerry, among other intimate moments.
"What was interesting is that I didn't know Drake's mom was sick," The Source Executive Editor Amy Andrieux said shortly after the screening. "To see him going into his grind — knowing that now — is incredible.
- 6/17/2010
- MTV Music News
Lil Kim has claimed that rap newcomer Drake has "disrespected" her. Her allegations concern Drake's response to Lil Kim's comments about Nicki Minaj's recent success. In an interview with Miss Info.TV, Lil Kim said: "I used to really like Drake... for him to have the audacity to disrespect me? He's gonna shout me out, when Ray J the one who said (more)...
- 6/12/2010
- by By Marcell Minaya
- Digital Spy
Drake, Rick Ross, Diddy, Gucci Mane among rappers performing tributes on the show.
By Shaheem Reid
Rick Ross
Photo: Akshay Bhansali
"VH1 Hip Hop Honors: The Dirty South" promises fans energetic performances by some of rap's all-time greats, when the latest installment in the tribute series airs Monday night (June 7).
This year's show is dedicated to hip-hop originating from down bottom: Luther Campbell and his Miami group the 2 Live Crew; producers Jermaine Dupri, Organized Noize and Timbaland; J. Prince and the Houston-based Rap-a-Lot music empire; and Master P and the No Limit soldiers who turned New Orleans on its ear.
"Tonight is gonna be historical," DJ Khaled told MTV News last week as the show taped at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom. "To be a part of a historical moment like this ... I been with [Rick] Ross, I seen Bun B, I seen Luke. I seen Pitbull, Trina, Goodie Mob. Just the rehearsal alone,...
By Shaheem Reid
Rick Ross
Photo: Akshay Bhansali
"VH1 Hip Hop Honors: The Dirty South" promises fans energetic performances by some of rap's all-time greats, when the latest installment in the tribute series airs Monday night (June 7).
This year's show is dedicated to hip-hop originating from down bottom: Luther Campbell and his Miami group the 2 Live Crew; producers Jermaine Dupri, Organized Noize and Timbaland; J. Prince and the Houston-based Rap-a-Lot music empire; and Master P and the No Limit soldiers who turned New Orleans on its ear.
"Tonight is gonna be historical," DJ Khaled told MTV News last week as the show taped at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom. "To be a part of a historical moment like this ... I been with [Rick] Ross, I seen Bun B, I seen Luke. I seen Pitbull, Trina, Goodie Mob. Just the rehearsal alone,...
- 6/7/2010
- MTV Music News
Kanye's message is, 'I'm here to smack you,' RapRadar's Elliott Wilson says.
By MTV News Staff, with reporting by Akshay Bhansali
Kanye West
Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images
Kanye West returned with a bang on Friday when his new track "Power" leaked online, making it the first offering from his highly anticipated next album. The Mc has been keeping a relatively low profile in recent months, following his interruption of Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at last year's MTV Video Music Awards and subsequent apologies.
The Symbolyc One-produced "Power" finds West back in Mc mode, firing away at his detractors and giving fans a preview of what's to come on his next project, which he's been recording in Hawaii with a slew of other artists and producers.
"I'm living in the 21st century, doing something mean to it," West spits on the opening lines. "Do it better than...
By MTV News Staff, with reporting by Akshay Bhansali
Kanye West
Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images
Kanye West returned with a bang on Friday when his new track "Power" leaked online, making it the first offering from his highly anticipated next album. The Mc has been keeping a relatively low profile in recent months, following his interruption of Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at last year's MTV Video Music Awards and subsequent apologies.
The Symbolyc One-produced "Power" finds West back in Mc mode, firing away at his detractors and giving fans a preview of what's to come on his next project, which he's been recording in Hawaii with a slew of other artists and producers.
"I'm living in the 21st century, doing something mean to it," West spits on the opening lines. "Do it better than...
- 6/1/2010
- MTV Music News
As a reunion looms, MTV News charts the Dipset's path.
By Jayson Rodriguez
Jim Jones and Cam'ron
Photo: Def Jam
For Cam'ron and Jim Jones, their reunion has mirrored their falling-out: It's been a slow and deliberate process. The two Harlem rappers and onetime Dipset allies continued their reconciliation over the weekend — inching ever closer to a return to their flamboyant ways — when they joined forces at the Converse Band of Ballers event in Atlanta, taking the championship at the celebrity basketball tournament.
It's been a long road for Cam and Jones. Here, MTV News recounts the duo's path from breakup to makeup.
Jim Jones And Cam'rom: A Look Back
» In 2005, the duo were poised to take over the rap game when Cam'ron inked a deal with Asylum Records; Jones served in an executive role at Warner Music Group, of which Asylum was a subsidiary.
"We playing both sides of the fence,...
By Jayson Rodriguez
Jim Jones and Cam'ron
Photo: Def Jam
For Cam'ron and Jim Jones, their reunion has mirrored their falling-out: It's been a slow and deliberate process. The two Harlem rappers and onetime Dipset allies continued their reconciliation over the weekend — inching ever closer to a return to their flamboyant ways — when they joined forces at the Converse Band of Ballers event in Atlanta, taking the championship at the celebrity basketball tournament.
It's been a long road for Cam and Jones. Here, MTV News recounts the duo's path from breakup to makeup.
Jim Jones And Cam'rom: A Look Back
» In 2005, the duo were poised to take over the rap game when Cam'ron inked a deal with Asylum Records; Jones served in an executive role at Warner Music Group, of which Asylum was a subsidiary.
"We playing both sides of the fence,...
- 5/3/2010
- MTV Music News
'We speak a few times a week,' Cam says.
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Rahman Dukes
Cam'ron
Photo: Johnny Nunez/ WireImage
There's nothing official yet, but Diplomat fans can get ready to rejoice: Cam'ron says that he and Jim Jones are now in constant conversation and that a deal is being put together for a new Dip Set LP.
"Realistically, we working out business," Cam'ron told website Nowwut.com today. "Me and Jim are speaking. I don't want people to think me and Jim aren't speaking," Cam'ron said. "We speak a few times a week. Right now, we talking out the business. The deal is on the table. But until the business gets situated, it's [Cam's group], the U.N.; me and [protégé] Vado. We not about to stop. All the bosses meet at the roundtable. To be honest, we missed out on a lot of money on the Diplomat thing the first time.
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Rahman Dukes
Cam'ron
Photo: Johnny Nunez/ WireImage
There's nothing official yet, but Diplomat fans can get ready to rejoice: Cam'ron says that he and Jim Jones are now in constant conversation and that a deal is being put together for a new Dip Set LP.
"Realistically, we working out business," Cam'ron told website Nowwut.com today. "Me and Jim are speaking. I don't want people to think me and Jim aren't speaking," Cam'ron said. "We speak a few times a week. Right now, we talking out the business. The deal is on the table. But until the business gets situated, it's [Cam's group], the U.N.; me and [protégé] Vado. We not about to stop. All the bosses meet at the roundtable. To be honest, we missed out on a lot of money on the Diplomat thing the first time.
- 4/30/2010
- MTV Music News
'I looked at him as a brother,' Solar says; denies rumors of romantic relationship.
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Sway Calloway
Solar
Photo: MTV News
Simply known as Solar, the music-industry veteran knows when it comes to the hip-hop community, he's probably the most hated man on the Internet. It seems that everyone is questioning his relationship with Keith Elam — better known to millions of fans as Guru — who died on Monday. On Wednesday (April 21), RapRadar.com had Solar as the focus of their infamous "You Played Yourself" section and one of the blog's writers, Brian "B. Dot" Miller, referred to him as a "lying sack of sh--."
"This is one solar that needs to be eclipsed," B. Dot went on to write. And that may be one of the kindest things said about Solar, friend and confidant of the rap legend since 2002.
Twitter's list of trending...
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Sway Calloway
Solar
Photo: MTV News
Simply known as Solar, the music-industry veteran knows when it comes to the hip-hop community, he's probably the most hated man on the Internet. It seems that everyone is questioning his relationship with Keith Elam — better known to millions of fans as Guru — who died on Monday. On Wednesday (April 21), RapRadar.com had Solar as the focus of their infamous "You Played Yourself" section and one of the blog's writers, Brian "B. Dot" Miller, referred to him as a "lying sack of sh--."
"This is one solar that needs to be eclipsed," B. Dot went on to write. And that may be one of the kindest things said about Solar, friend and confidant of the rap legend since 2002.
Twitter's list of trending...
- 4/21/2010
- MTV Music News
'We knew there was going to have to be a statement,' Gang Starr Mc's associate says.
By Shaheem Reid
Guru and Solar
Photo: 4sightmedia
On a tremendously tough day for Gang Starr fans, the death of the duo's Mc, Guru (real name: Keith Elam), from cancer was announced by his associate Solar early Tuesday (April 20), and included a long "farewell" letter that Solar said was written by Guru in the weeks before his death. The tone of the letter was harsh toward DJ Premier, Guru's former partner in Gang Starr.
"I do not wish my ex-dj to have anything to do with my name, likeness, events, tributes etc. connected in anyway to my situation including any use of my name or circumstance for any reason and I have instructed my lawyers to enforce this," the letter reads in part. "I had nothing to do with him in life for...
By Shaheem Reid
Guru and Solar
Photo: 4sightmedia
On a tremendously tough day for Gang Starr fans, the death of the duo's Mc, Guru (real name: Keith Elam), from cancer was announced by his associate Solar early Tuesday (April 20), and included a long "farewell" letter that Solar said was written by Guru in the weeks before his death. The tone of the letter was harsh toward DJ Premier, Guru's former partner in Gang Starr.
"I do not wish my ex-dj to have anything to do with my name, likeness, events, tributes etc. connected in anyway to my situation including any use of my name or circumstance for any reason and I have instructed my lawyers to enforce this," the letter reads in part. "I had nothing to do with him in life for...
- 4/20/2010
- MTV Music News
'If it makes sense, it can happen,' Cam says of getting the Dipset back together.
By Steven Roberts
Diplomats
Photo: Diplomats
The Diplomats were a staple of New York hip-hop for much of the past decade. The group, formed by Cam'ron and Jim Jones, rose to prominence with the release of Cam's third album, Come Home With Me, and continued their momentum with the constant barrage of mixtapes, two compilation albums and various solo projects.
The collective, also known as the Dipset, hit a rocky patch in late 2007 after disagreements between Cam'ron and Jones. The various parties went their separate ways, due to what seemed like irreconcilable differences.
But a reunion looks to be on the horizon. Cam'ron and Jones phoned Miss Info last week to talk about their current relationship.
"It's 2010, and this is something I gotta get off my chest. ... You've known us from back when we...
By Steven Roberts
Diplomats
Photo: Diplomats
The Diplomats were a staple of New York hip-hop for much of the past decade. The group, formed by Cam'ron and Jim Jones, rose to prominence with the release of Cam's third album, Come Home With Me, and continued their momentum with the constant barrage of mixtapes, two compilation albums and various solo projects.
The collective, also known as the Dipset, hit a rocky patch in late 2007 after disagreements between Cam'ron and Jones. The various parties went their separate ways, due to what seemed like irreconcilable differences.
But a reunion looks to be on the horizon. Cam'ron and Jones phoned Miss Info last week to talk about their current relationship.
"It's 2010, and this is something I gotta get off my chest. ... You've known us from back when we...
- 4/20/2010
- MTV Music News
R&B singer and NBA-star fiancé Daniel Gibson welcome son Daniel Hiram Gibson Jr.
By Jocelyn Vena
Keyshia Cole
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images
Keyshia Cole and her fiancé, Cleveland Cavaliers player Daniel Gibson, have welcomed a baby boy, Daniel Hiram Gibson Jr., Us Weekly reports. He is the first child for the 28-year-old R&B singer.
Daniel was born Tuesday at 11:54 p.m., weighing 7 pounds, 3 ounces. "Both mother and baby are doing great," the singer's rep told the mag. "The proud couple would like to thank everyone for giving them privacy during this special time. Keyshia would also like to give a special thank you to her fans that have been with her since the beginning sharing in her growth as a woman and an artist."
The couple got engaged over New Year's with what her rep described as "an incredible ring. When he asked her to marry him,...
By Jocelyn Vena
Keyshia Cole
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images
Keyshia Cole and her fiancé, Cleveland Cavaliers player Daniel Gibson, have welcomed a baby boy, Daniel Hiram Gibson Jr., Us Weekly reports. He is the first child for the 28-year-old R&B singer.
Daniel was born Tuesday at 11:54 p.m., weighing 7 pounds, 3 ounces. "Both mother and baby are doing great," the singer's rep told the mag. "The proud couple would like to thank everyone for giving them privacy during this special time. Keyshia would also like to give a special thank you to her fans that have been with her since the beginning sharing in her growth as a woman and an artist."
The couple got engaged over New Year's with what her rep described as "an incredible ring. When he asked her to marry him,...
- 3/3/2010
- MTV Music News
Rapper's partner DJ Premier tweets, 'Keep sending him love,' after rapper reportedly suffered heart attack.
By Gil Kaufman, with additional reporting by Jayson Rodriguez
Gang Starr's Guru
Photo: Gregg Delman
Gang Starr Mc Guru underwent successful surgery on Monday, according to DJ Premier. Premier, Guru's partner in the long-running hip-hop outfit, tweeted the news Tuesday morning (March 2), writing, "Good news: Guru surgery was successful, keep sending him love." Premier did not specify what the surgery was for or what the Mc's current condition was, and spokespeople for Guru could not be reached at press time for further information on the rapper's medical condition.
Guru suffered what has been described as a massive heart attack over the weekend, and according to reports was in a coma as of Monday. Premier began offering updates on the surgery late Monday night, writing, "Guru still in surgery, keep on praying people, he will make it.
By Gil Kaufman, with additional reporting by Jayson Rodriguez
Gang Starr's Guru
Photo: Gregg Delman
Gang Starr Mc Guru underwent successful surgery on Monday, according to DJ Premier. Premier, Guru's partner in the long-running hip-hop outfit, tweeted the news Tuesday morning (March 2), writing, "Good news: Guru surgery was successful, keep sending him love." Premier did not specify what the surgery was for or what the Mc's current condition was, and spokespeople for Guru could not be reached at press time for further information on the rapper's medical condition.
Guru suffered what has been described as a massive heart attack over the weekend, and according to reports was in a coma as of Monday. Premier began offering updates on the surgery late Monday night, writing, "Guru still in surgery, keep on praying people, he will make it.
- 3/2/2010
- MTV Music News
Mc suffered heart attack over the weekend.
By Jayson Rodriguez
Guru
Photo: Virgin
Gang Starr Mc Guru suffered a cardiac episode over the weekend and is currently in a coma, according to multiple reports. Details were unavailable at press time about the rapper's condition and when the incident occurred.
Hot 97's news director Miss Info reported that Guru is currently in a New York-area hospital where he's expected to undergo surgery.
Gang Starr's DJ Premier was scheduled to appear on Sirius Xm's Hip-Hop Nation satellite radio station late Sunday night to speak about Guru's condition. However, Premier never called in: According to the producer's blog, the sensitivity of the situation prevented him from speaking publicly. In the same post, Guru was described as "fighting for his life."
Composed of Guru (born Keith Elam in Massachusetts) and Premier (born Christopher Martin in Texas), Gang Starr teamed together to help define...
By Jayson Rodriguez
Guru
Photo: Virgin
Gang Starr Mc Guru suffered a cardiac episode over the weekend and is currently in a coma, according to multiple reports. Details were unavailable at press time about the rapper's condition and when the incident occurred.
Hot 97's news director Miss Info reported that Guru is currently in a New York-area hospital where he's expected to undergo surgery.
Gang Starr's DJ Premier was scheduled to appear on Sirius Xm's Hip-Hop Nation satellite radio station late Sunday night to speak about Guru's condition. However, Premier never called in: According to the producer's blog, the sensitivity of the situation prevented him from speaking publicly. In the same post, Guru was described as "fighting for his life."
Composed of Guru (born Keith Elam in Massachusetts) and Premier (born Christopher Martin in Texas), Gang Starr teamed together to help define...
- 3/1/2010
- MTV Music News
Shyne has reportedly signed a seven-figure deal with Def Jam Records. According to Miss Info, the signing of Shyne to Def Jam has ended the "bidding war" between multiple label bosses to land the rapper first, since being released from prison and deported to Belize in October. The 31-year-old allegedly turned down offers from IGA chairman Jimmy Iovine and Aftermath Entertainment CEO Dr (more)...
- 2/20/2010
- by By Marcell Minaya
- Digital Spy
People in the hip-hop nation are wondering if the Grammy Awards are snubbing hip-hop.
At Sunday night's show, the only hip-hop award that was broadcast during the show was Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, which Jay-z, Kanye West and Rihanna won. The only hip-hop act to perform was the finale of Lil Wayne, Drake and Eminem performing "Drop the World" and "Forever" — and even with that coveted spot, the performance was mired in controversy due to network's overzealous muting of the song's lyrics. There was no moment in the spotlight for Eminem's two wins; no show-stopping performances like last year's "Swagga Like Us" tag-team of Jay-z, T.I., Lil Wayne and Kanye West with M.I.A., which killed it collectively and individually.
"CBS Does Not Care About Rap People!" fumed radio/blog and television personality Miss Info on her Twitter page.
"Looks like none of the hip-hop categories makin' it to TV,...
At Sunday night's show, the only hip-hop award that was broadcast during the show was Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, which Jay-z, Kanye West and Rihanna won. The only hip-hop act to perform was the finale of Lil Wayne, Drake and Eminem performing "Drop the World" and "Forever" — and even with that coveted spot, the performance was mired in controversy due to network's overzealous muting of the song's lyrics. There was no moment in the spotlight for Eminem's two wins; no show-stopping performances like last year's "Swagga Like Us" tag-team of Jay-z, T.I., Lil Wayne and Kanye West with M.I.A., which killed it collectively and individually.
"CBS Does Not Care About Rap People!" fumed radio/blog and television personality Miss Info on her Twitter page.
"Looks like none of the hip-hop categories makin' it to TV,...
- 2/2/2010
- by Shaheem Reid
- MTV Newsroom
'These songs weren't originally intended to be a mixtape,' Ugk rapper tells Mixtape Daily.
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Rahman Dukes
Bun B
Photo: Asylum
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Headliner: Bun B
Co-Starring: The hot hip-hop blogs
Songs We Can't Stop Playing: "Big Di-- Chaney," "2 Dope Boyz Freestyle" and "I Am"
Essential Info: Freeze, somebody bring him back the title please. Usually in this section, we shout out a particular mixtape. But as the great Bun B will tell you himself, there's a mixtape worth of new material from the Underground King floating around the Net, and he hasn't stopped rapping long enough to collect them all and put them out as one compilation.
"That's a curious thing," Bun said via phone from Houston last week when asked whether he's putting out a street CD. "The album is coming soon in April, Trill Og. The mixtape is apparently coming now.
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Rahman Dukes
Bun B
Photo: Asylum
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Headliner: Bun B
Co-Starring: The hot hip-hop blogs
Songs We Can't Stop Playing: "Big Di-- Chaney," "2 Dope Boyz Freestyle" and "I Am"
Essential Info: Freeze, somebody bring him back the title please. Usually in this section, we shout out a particular mixtape. But as the great Bun B will tell you himself, there's a mixtape worth of new material from the Underground King floating around the Net, and he hasn't stopped rapping long enough to collect them all and put them out as one compilation.
"That's a curious thing," Bun said via phone from Houston last week when asked whether he's putting out a street CD. "The album is coming soon in April, Trill Og. The mixtape is apparently coming now.
- 1/26/2010
- MTV Music News
'These songs weren't originally intended to be a mixtape,' Ugk rapper tells Mixtape Daily.
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Rahman Dukes
Bun B
Photo: Asylum
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Headliner: Bun B
Co-Starring: The hot hip-hop blogs
Songs We Can't Stop Playing: "Big Di-- Chaney," "2 Dope Boyz Freestyle" and "I Am"
Essential Info: Freeze, somebody bring him back the title please. Usually in this section, we shout out a particular mixtape. But as the great Bun B will tell you himself, there's a mixtape worth of new material from the Underground King floating around the Net, and he hasn't stopped rapping long enough to collect them all and put them out as one compilation.
"That's a curious thing," Bun said via phone from Houston last week when asked whether he's putting out a street CD. "The album is coming soon in April, Trill Og. The mixtape is apparently coming now.
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Rahman Dukes
Bun B
Photo: Asylum
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Headliner: Bun B
Co-Starring: The hot hip-hop blogs
Songs We Can't Stop Playing: "Big Di-- Chaney," "2 Dope Boyz Freestyle" and "I Am"
Essential Info: Freeze, somebody bring him back the title please. Usually in this section, we shout out a particular mixtape. But as the great Bun B will tell you himself, there's a mixtape worth of new material from the Underground King floating around the Net, and he hasn't stopped rapping long enough to collect them all and put them out as one compilation.
"That's a curious thing," Bun said via phone from Houston last week when asked whether he's putting out a street CD. "The album is coming soon in April, Trill Og. The mixtape is apparently coming now.
- 1/26/2010
- MTV Music News
Trio quash their differences in surprise interview on Atlanta's 107.9.
By Shaheem Reid
Young Jeezy
Photo: Ethan Miller/ Getty Images
They put on for the city: Three of Atlanta's biggest hip-hop stars got on the radio Thursday night and squashed their beefs and friction. Young Jeezy laid any problems he had with DJ Drama and Gucci Mane to rest.
The Snowman was a special guest on Drama's "Gangsta Grillz Radio" show on Atlanta's 107.9. Jeezy and Drama had been at odds for well over a year, and Jeezy yelled "F--- DJ Drama" during a New York show last fall promoting his Recession LP. Over the summer Jeezy told Xxl magazine that Dram wasn't loyal and their falling out — in part — had to do with the man behind the Gangsta Grillz mixtape series wanting to charge a member of Cte (Jeezy's clique and label) $20,000 to do a mixtape. Drama denied the allegations. The tension between the two,...
By Shaheem Reid
Young Jeezy
Photo: Ethan Miller/ Getty Images
They put on for the city: Three of Atlanta's biggest hip-hop stars got on the radio Thursday night and squashed their beefs and friction. Young Jeezy laid any problems he had with DJ Drama and Gucci Mane to rest.
The Snowman was a special guest on Drama's "Gangsta Grillz Radio" show on Atlanta's 107.9. Jeezy and Drama had been at odds for well over a year, and Jeezy yelled "F--- DJ Drama" during a New York show last fall promoting his Recession LP. Over the summer Jeezy told Xxl magazine that Dram wasn't loyal and their falling out — in part — had to do with the man behind the Gangsta Grillz mixtape series wanting to charge a member of Cte (Jeezy's clique and label) $20,000 to do a mixtape. Drama denied the allegations. The tension between the two,...
- 12/4/2009
- MTV Music News
Video hits Internet a day after Gucci was sentenced to 12 months in jail for parole violation.
By Shaheem Reid
Gucci Mane
One day after he was sentenced to 12 months in jail for violating his probation, Gucci Mane's video for "Worst Enemy" hit the Internet. The video is for the latest single from his forthcoming — and now all-too-appropriately titled — LP, The State vs. Radric Davis.
In the clip, Gucci wears all black and performs the pensive song. Special effects of television screens show various moments from Gucci's life, such as him on the mic early in his career, and his sentencing last year for probation violation.
"I'm my best friend and I'm my worst enemy," he raps on the record, which addresses both Young Jeezy and T.I. "And no one else can hurt me unless I let them/ Is you feelin' me?/ And misery loves company and I had my share of misery/ No mystery,...
By Shaheem Reid
Gucci Mane
One day after he was sentenced to 12 months in jail for violating his probation, Gucci Mane's video for "Worst Enemy" hit the Internet. The video is for the latest single from his forthcoming — and now all-too-appropriately titled — LP, The State vs. Radric Davis.
In the clip, Gucci wears all black and performs the pensive song. Special effects of television screens show various moments from Gucci's life, such as him on the mic early in his career, and his sentencing last year for probation violation.
"I'm my best friend and I'm my worst enemy," he raps on the record, which addresses both Young Jeezy and T.I. "And no one else can hurt me unless I let them/ Is you feelin' me?/ And misery loves company and I had my share of misery/ No mystery,...
- 11/13/2009
- MTV Music News
Comic moment occurs during screening when 50 cries onscreen.
By Shaheem Reid
50 Cent
Photo: Scott Gries/ Getty Images
New York — Thursday night was just a regular evening at the movies ... well, if you're used to seeing 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo at the theater! Fif held a screening of his film "Before I Self Destruct"; the movie shares a title with 50's new LP and they will be released together on November 16.
"I'm trying to be ahead of the curve because things are changing in music," 50 told the audience at the AMC Loews Kips Bay 15 theater in Manhattan on Thursday. Members of the audience included Red Café, Uncle Murda, radio personality Miss Info, DJ Jazzy Joyce and actor/Mc AlBe Back.
For Fif, the "Before I Self Destruct" film "was an opportunity to show the cause and effect" of a good guy gone bad. Fif also said making a 90-minute...
By Shaheem Reid
50 Cent
Photo: Scott Gries/ Getty Images
New York — Thursday night was just a regular evening at the movies ... well, if you're used to seeing 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo at the theater! Fif held a screening of his film "Before I Self Destruct"; the movie shares a title with 50's new LP and they will be released together on November 16.
"I'm trying to be ahead of the curve because things are changing in music," 50 told the audience at the AMC Loews Kips Bay 15 theater in Manhattan on Thursday. Members of the audience included Red Café, Uncle Murda, radio personality Miss Info, DJ Jazzy Joyce and actor/Mc AlBe Back.
For Fif, the "Before I Self Destruct" film "was an opportunity to show the cause and effect" of a good guy gone bad. Fif also said making a 90-minute...
- 11/6/2009
- MTV Movie News
Comic moment occurs during screening when 50 cries during film.
By Shaheem Reid
50 Cent
Photo: Scott Gries/ Getty Images
New York — Thursday night was just a regular evening at the movies ... well, if you're used to seeing 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo at the theater! Fif held a screening of his the movie shares a title with 50's new LP and they will be released together on November 16.
"I'm trying to be ahead of the curve because things are changing in music," 50 told the audience at the AMC Loews Kips Bay 15 theater in Manhattan last night. Members of the audience included Red Café, Uncle Murder, radio personality Miss Info, DJ Jazzy Joyce and actor/ Mc AlBe Back.
For Fif, the "Before I Self Destruct" film "was an opportunity to show the cause and effect" of a good guy gone bad. Fif also said making a 90-minute film presented an opportunity...
By Shaheem Reid
50 Cent
Photo: Scott Gries/ Getty Images
New York — Thursday night was just a regular evening at the movies ... well, if you're used to seeing 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo at the theater! Fif held a screening of his the movie shares a title with 50's new LP and they will be released together on November 16.
"I'm trying to be ahead of the curve because things are changing in music," 50 told the audience at the AMC Loews Kips Bay 15 theater in Manhattan last night. Members of the audience included Red Café, Uncle Murder, radio personality Miss Info, DJ Jazzy Joyce and actor/ Mc AlBe Back.
For Fif, the "Before I Self Destruct" film "was an opportunity to show the cause and effect" of a good guy gone bad. Fif also said making a 90-minute film presented an opportunity...
- 11/6/2009
- MTV Music News
Immigration officials detained the rapper immediately after his release from prison.
By Jayson Rodriguez
Shyne
Photo: MTV News
Shyne's deportation appears imminent, according to a conversation Hot 97's Angie Martinez recently had with the detained rapper off-air.
The Belize-born former Bad Boy recording artist has been held in custody by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement since completing his prison sentence on October 6 for his role in the infamous 1999 Club New York shooting also involving Diddy and his then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez.
Shyne served nearly nine years of a 10-year sentence after pleading guilty to first-degree assault among other charges in 2001.
Immigration officials detained the rapper, and members of his camp told MTV News at the time that Shyne's immigration status was being evaluated. Speculation about whether the rapper would be deported swirled; Shyne has been in a federal facility for weeks now in Buffalo, New York, awaiting his fate.
By Jayson Rodriguez
Shyne
Photo: MTV News
Shyne's deportation appears imminent, according to a conversation Hot 97's Angie Martinez recently had with the detained rapper off-air.
The Belize-born former Bad Boy recording artist has been held in custody by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement since completing his prison sentence on October 6 for his role in the infamous 1999 Club New York shooting also involving Diddy and his then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez.
Shyne served nearly nine years of a 10-year sentence after pleading guilty to first-degree assault among other charges in 2001.
Immigration officials detained the rapper, and members of his camp told MTV News at the time that Shyne's immigration status was being evaluated. Speculation about whether the rapper would be deported swirled; Shyne has been in a federal facility for weeks now in Buffalo, New York, awaiting his fate.
- 10/21/2009
- MTV Music News
Rapper will go up against a member of his management team for Alabama Pride event.
By Jayson Rodriguez
Dmx
Photo: Jason Kempin/FilmMagic
Throughout his career, Dmx has battled personal demons, rival rappers and label politics. His next fight, though, won't be anything like his previous challenges. And it's unclear whether that's a good thing or a bad thing.
The often-troubled rapper is scheduled to participate in an unregulated mixed martial arts fight on December 12 in Alabama's Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex as part of the "Alabama Pride" event. X will actually be pitted against a member of his new management team, according to Hot 97 news guru Miss Info. The rapper's opponent, Eric Martinez, is an Arizona entrepreneur and a onetime Mma competitor with a single win under his belt. Dmx has never appeared in a match of this kind before.
The puzzling move is the latest misstep in the rapper's...
By Jayson Rodriguez
Dmx
Photo: Jason Kempin/FilmMagic
Throughout his career, Dmx has battled personal demons, rival rappers and label politics. His next fight, though, won't be anything like his previous challenges. And it's unclear whether that's a good thing or a bad thing.
The often-troubled rapper is scheduled to participate in an unregulated mixed martial arts fight on December 12 in Alabama's Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex as part of the "Alabama Pride" event. X will actually be pitted against a member of his new management team, according to Hot 97 news guru Miss Info. The rapper's opponent, Eric Martinez, is an Arizona entrepreneur and a onetime Mma competitor with a single win under his belt. Dmx has never appeared in a match of this kind before.
The puzzling move is the latest misstep in the rapper's...
- 9/30/2009
- MTV Music News
'It's very much what it looks like,' Royce said of Slaughterhouse joining forces with Eminem.
By Shaheem Reid
Royce Da 5'9"
Photo: MTV News
It's what the fans want, it seems to be what the artists want, so will the world see the hip-hop supergroup Slaughterhouse join Eminem's Shady Records family?
The group — consisting of Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, Crooked I and Royce Da 5'9" — appeared in Em's performance scene for Drake's "Forever" video, and rumors of the affiliation started to spread. Then radio personality/ journalist Miss Info shed a little light on the situation with a rumor she heard: "That Slaughterhouse appearance in 'Forever' was indeed a non-verbal announcement of the contract negotiations going on behind the scenes. For the past month, both sides have been working towards bringing the group to the Shady label, and that the gathering of Em and the guys at the shoot is...
By Shaheem Reid
Royce Da 5'9"
Photo: MTV News
It's what the fans want, it seems to be what the artists want, so will the world see the hip-hop supergroup Slaughterhouse join Eminem's Shady Records family?
The group — consisting of Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, Crooked I and Royce Da 5'9" — appeared in Em's performance scene for Drake's "Forever" video, and rumors of the affiliation started to spread. Then radio personality/ journalist Miss Info shed a little light on the situation with a rumor she heard: "That Slaughterhouse appearance in 'Forever' was indeed a non-verbal announcement of the contract negotiations going on behind the scenes. For the past month, both sides have been working towards bringing the group to the Shady label, and that the gathering of Em and the guys at the shoot is...
- 9/28/2009
- MTV Music News
Lil Wayne tells fans at New Jersey show that Drizzy injured yet another ligament in his leg when he fell onstage.
By Shaheem Reid
Drake
Photo: MTV News
Will Drake return to Young Money Presents: The America's Most Wanted Music Festival?
The Lil Wayne protégé took a nasty spill onstage in Camden, New Jersey, on Friday night and had to be carried off. On Saturday night, the tour — which is headlined by Lil Wayne and features Young Jeezy, Soulja Boy Tell'em, Jeremih, Pleasure P and the Young Money family — rolled into the Nikon Theater.
Usually, Drake would lead off the Young Money musical parade, which takes place during Weezy's set. Instead, Jae Millz led off, followed by Lil Twist, Lil Chuckee, T-Streets, Tyga, Gudda Gudda and Nicki Minaj.
Wayne then announced that Drake would not be performing.
"I must let you know, we had a technical difficulty yesterday," Wayne said of Drake's status.
By Shaheem Reid
Drake
Photo: MTV News
Will Drake return to Young Money Presents: The America's Most Wanted Music Festival?
The Lil Wayne protégé took a nasty spill onstage in Camden, New Jersey, on Friday night and had to be carried off. On Saturday night, the tour — which is headlined by Lil Wayne and features Young Jeezy, Soulja Boy Tell'em, Jeremih, Pleasure P and the Young Money family — rolled into the Nikon Theater.
Usually, Drake would lead off the Young Money musical parade, which takes place during Weezy's set. Instead, Jae Millz led off, followed by Lil Twist, Lil Chuckee, T-Streets, Tyga, Gudda Gudda and Nicki Minaj.
Wayne then announced that Drake would not be performing.
"I must let you know, we had a technical difficulty yesterday," Wayne said of Drake's status.
- 8/2/2009
- MTV Music News
Mc tweets after fall, 'Getting surgery this week but I'm walking.'
By Shaheem Reid
Drake
Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images
Drake took a chance when he decided to perform on the America's Most Wanted tour with an injured knee, and that chance turned out badly on Friday night, when he had a nasty fall and had to be helped offstage at the Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden, New Jersey.
The up-and-coming rapper/singer tore his Acl several weeks ago and, up until just before the tour — which also features Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Soulja Boy and others — began, it was up in the air as to whether he would perform at all at all. However, he decided to take a risk and play a short set, coming onstage for three songs.
In footage of the fall on YouTube, Drake is seen walking past Lil Wayne (with whom he was performing) and suddenly slipping.
By Shaheem Reid
Drake
Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images
Drake took a chance when he decided to perform on the America's Most Wanted tour with an injured knee, and that chance turned out badly on Friday night, when he had a nasty fall and had to be helped offstage at the Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden, New Jersey.
The up-and-coming rapper/singer tore his Acl several weeks ago and, up until just before the tour — which also features Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Soulja Boy and others — began, it was up in the air as to whether he would perform at all at all. However, he decided to take a risk and play a short set, coming onstage for three songs.
In footage of the fall on YouTube, Drake is seen walking past Lil Wayne (with whom he was performing) and suddenly slipping.
- 8/1/2009
- MTV Music News
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