Baller Status

Baller Status is a real tight Hip Hop Culture website that features tons of breaking news stories, music videos, hip hop photo galleries, and killer contests in which, you, the user can win tons of cool prizes just to name a few. Baller Status Forums are a great place to go to network and discuss hip hop culture issues. The Baller Status Forum is currently a facebook forum, however in the past and most likely in the future the forum will be hosted on their website.

Baller Gear

Baller Status also brings you up to date hip hop fashion news like the info on a new line from Sedgwick & Cedar, New York based hip hop fashion company. Sedgwick & Cedar is an urban clothing brand founded by several of hip-hops pioneers and legends. Recently they announced a new line of graphic tees featuring images from legendary photographer Joe Conzo.

Baller Tunes

The list below is from one of Baller Status’ weekly “In Rotation” posts. These posts usually consist of fan/artist submitted songs and mixtapes. These are free for download and usually worth checking out. Featured below are Chali 2na from Jurasic 5, Homeboy Sandman, ROME (From Grind Time Fame) and a whole lot more. Baller Status doesn’t just release anybodies mixtape tracks, you gotta be fresh.

Homeboy Sandman ft. PackFM – “Bonkers”

Mike Schpitz – “Mike Is Like”

Stat Quo – “Ridin”

Chali 2na – “Step Yo Game Up”

Rahsaan – Popular Demand (Mixtape)

Darryl Moore – “She’s My Everything”

The Diaz Brothers ft. Soni – “Gone Too Soon”

ROME ft. Curta!n$ – “We Can’t Stop”

Piseas ft. Mistah F.A.B. – “I Do This

Kanary Diamonds – “It’s A Wrap”

Jazzy – Beauty And The Beast (Mixtape)

Don Cannon x Jeezy: Trap Or Die 2 (Mixtape)

Clinton Sparks ft. DJ Clue & Jermaine Dupri – “Favorite DJ

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SIXSHOT

SIXSHOT is an Electric HipHop Magazine and News Blog. They report daily with hip hop news from all over the spectrum from b-boy break dance videos to graffiti art, underground hip hop to mainstream news and gossip. The website looks really sick with a metal grunge background and an urban logo (as seen below) with an SS symbol that looks a lot like II Roman Numerals. Some of the most popular news topics on SIXSHOT are Lil Wayne, Eminem, Kanye West, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Ludacris and Bow Wow. It comes at no surprise that these are the most popular trending topics on the site. It is mostly a mainstream hip hop news and gossip site.

SIXSHOT Magazine

The SIXSHOT Magazine section of the website is broken up into a few different sections which makes it really easy to navigate. The different categories are Hip-Hop News, Interviews, Blogs & Columns, Album Reviews, Artists A-Z, Rap Lyrics, Event Dates, About Sixshot, Network, Sixshot Shop and Upcoming Albums. That alone makes for a huge website that is full of good content that is undeniably valuable. But wait there’s more. There is also a community section…

SIXSHOT Community

The Sixshot Community is broken up into eight categories, again to make it really easy to navigate. The Community categories are: Latest Topics, Crews, Images, Top 10, Search Forum Posts, Find Members, Invite Someone, Forum Help. So as you can see they have a forum and they allow members to create crews, they rank the top ten forum posters, profile views and a lot more. This brings a social media aspect to the website that I really like. Sixshot also allows for people to post images and vote on images which are ranked also. If all that wasn’t enough Sixshot also has a Multimedia Section…

SIXSHOT Multimedia

Sixshot Multimedia Section is my favorite part of the website. There are Audio Streams to listen to, Video Streams to watch, Artist Photos and Member Freestyles where forum members can post audio clips of their own “freestyles”. Speaking of freestyles, Sixshot also has a MC Battles section which allows emcees to upload audio clips of their battle verses and the community votes on who wins.

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2011 Ford Mustang GT by DUB Magazine

Just a few years ago Pontiac introduced a bright orange Corvette powered G8 GXP with rapper 50 cent behind the wheel and today we are seeing a brand new 2011 5.0 Liter Mustang GT modified by the big wheeled tuners from DUB Magazine to …

Rapper Nelly Shows Off New 2011 Mustang Customized By Ford Dub …

Rapper Nelly Shows Off New 2011 Mustang Customized By Ford Dub Edition Magazine.

First Look ~ DUB Magazine Issue 64 on Flickr – Photo Sharing!

Click this icon to see all public photos and videos tagged with dub magazine dub magazine · Click this icon to see all public photos and videos tagged with jae bueno jae bueno · Click this icon to see all public photos and videos tagged …

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Mainstream Hip-Hop News

Jay-Z in Politics?

What Harry Reid and the Democrats Can Learn from Jay-Z – This isn’t the first time I’ve tied Harry Reid to Jay-Z, and it probably won’t be the last. But hear me out … Read More…

Alicia Keys

Maybe it is because songs about New York never fail to get the sentimental juices going. Maybe it is because Jay-Z and Alicia are both New Yorkers and therefore brought so much emotion to their recording of the song. Whatever the reason, Empire State Of Mind has literally captured the imagination of many listeners who now find themselves suddenly bursting into New York New York and getting all dreamy about the Big Apple but without thinking of Frank Sinatra or Liza Minelli … Read More…

Jay-Z Holds Off on Next Album While on Tour

Now that the “BP3″ tour is underway Jay-Z plans to take his time with his next studio album, telling the Asssocited Press, “I’ll start another album, maybe at the end of the year. We’ll see if the inspiration hits me.” … Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

Underground Hip-Hop News

UNDERGROUND HIP HOP EXPLOSION – Underground Radio

DO YOU LOVE 80′S 90′S HIP HOP MAINSTREAM AND UNDERGROUND????? WELL I’M THE BROTHA GOIN’ IN WIT THAT ON SAT 2/6 AS I ALWAYS DO EVERY SAT. NITE CHATROOM AND LIVE AUDIO FEED AS ALWAYS IS AT WWW.THEHOLEUNDERGROUND …

DJ Fantastic Bringin You That Real Hip Hop

WBRU-FM: 360 on 95.5 -
The way I see it, most of the “rap” music on the radio these days does not deserve to be graced with the title of hip-hop; urban pop is a more appropriate description. What some may refer to as underground hip-hop is, in my opinion, the only real rap music floatin around. In hopes of overcoming the army of pop artists dominating the radio waves, I’ll be picking a hot new hip-hop song every week for the loyal listeners of 360. This week the song is “Get Started” by Strong Arm Steady featuring Talib Kweli with Madlib layin down the beat; sounds like a recipe for success to me. Keep it locked for my show with Miss AKW from 2-4. There have been rumors that radio pirates will be taking over the station sometime during those two hours to play the Strong Arm Steady track…

Northwest Underground Rap Video

Sandpeople

“Roll Call” Music Video

Hip Hop news brought to you by Bad Habitat of Surreal Music. Bad Habitat is Portland Hip Hop.

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Underground Fuzion: Bringing Underground HipHop To The Mainstream

Interview on Underground Fusion with Carnage45

UF: For the people who don’t know who you are, tell the people your name and where you from?
My name is Carnage45 and I represent the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

UF: How did you get started in music?
It was a process that evolved over time. I grew up listening to hip hop as a kid and grew a strong love for the art form. My homie Vega and Nas were my first influences to even write a rhyme down. As I got better at it I decided to test my skill in ciphers. The next step was writing songs. Once I felt like my song writing was strong enough I decided to start recording and distributing to the streets… Read More >>

Latest Jay-Z News

Beyonce & Jay-Z give Reef the crab cake stamp of approval

AP Photo/Evan Agostini Hip-hop singer and entrepreneur Jay-Z and his wife singer- actress Beyonce Knowles attend the premiere of ‘Cadillac Records’ on … Read More…

Jay-Z partnership with planned New York racino under federal investigation

For Jay-Z, the world doesn’t always come up smelling like roses. He might rock the mic and have a beautiful wife, but his latest business deal is under federal investigation for a somewhat shady selection process. Say it ain’t so, HOV!

Here’s how it all breakdowns: Last August, Jay-Z got somewhat friendly with New York Governor David Paterson. In the past, the two have been seen dining and spending time together in the Hamptons. In steps AEG (Aqueduct Entertainment Group), a group with plans to build a racino (that’s a racing track and casino) at Aqueduct Racetrack in New York. Paterson’s goal in tapping AEG was to turn the location into a glamorous, state-of-the-art gaming facility. And here’s where federal investigators are crying foul: According to investigators, AEG Chairman Richard Mays brought Jay in last September to cover 7% of the total venture, a deal Jay was given only because of his friendship with the governor and a falling out with Wynn Resorts Limited… Read More >>

Also check out the new website by Surreal Music and Bad Habitat Member, Mindskillz aka Samuel Miller Art.

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Rap News

DrewReports.com | Hip Hop News and Gossip the way you want it!

After he won for his work on Beyoncé’s single, his acceptance speech was cut short by the orchestra. All in all, the Grammy Awards are not for “music” they are for “music minus rap.” Email Dr. Drew your News, Tips, Rumours, Comments, …

Cali Stank (Official Music Video) by FREEZY

2 hours, 1 minute ago. SOLID TUNE! Video Details. Artist: FREEZY Video title: Cali Stank (Official Music Video) Category: Hip-Hop Views: 11. Submitted by: admin. Rating. Currently 0.00/5; 1; 2; 3; 4; 5. Rating: 0.0 out of 0 votes …

Allen, Texas Coach Cancels Hip Hop Artist | Allen, Texas LocalSpur …

Allen, Texas Coach Cancels Hip Hop Artist. Posted by on Feb 1st, 2010 and filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry …

Latest Jay-Z News

Jay-Z brings Brooklyn to a sell-out crowd at the Arena last night

NEW ORLEANS | In his first public return to the city since his 2008 performance with Mary J. Blige, Jay-Z stormed onstage at the New Orleans Arena last … Read More…

Jay-Z and the Post-Modern Man

Since this is my last weekend on the site until I return, begging for a job as James Del’s assistant, I’ve invited some friends to play with me. Matt Ealer is the proprietor of Rendit Dot Tumblr Dot Com. Matt?

I just drove from DC to Philly and listened to Jay-Z’s 2007 American Gangster about two and a half times. This is significant.

Sandwiched between two albums (comeback flop Kingdom Come, and 2009’s high-tech Blueprint 3) that are the rockcritical equivalent of Batman and Robin—so easily maligned by the type of press that values “authenticity” and “honesty” among all else such that it becomes cliche — it stood as a revelation at the time. Al Green, Marvin Gaye, vintage Beastie Boys, and Isley Brothers samples. Lyrical nods to classic Outkast, EPMD, Rakim, Biggie. The picture painting of Ghostface mixed with the lyrical dexterity of MF DOOM mixed with Biggie’s weird and halting virtuoso breath control. All the signifiers were correctly in place, and we ate it up. In spite of ourselves. … Read More…

Jay-Z runs this town with confidence, charisma

Jay Z kicked off his Monday night set at Toyota Center with the anthemic Run This Town — and it proved a fitting theme for the evening. … Read More…

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Call You Later Music Video

LOOK DAGGERS featering 2mex(Visionaries) and Ikey Owens (Mars Volta). This is the final release cut of the video taken from the original HD master.

Daily Hip-Hop News

The Grammy’s

First…know that Air Yeezy was not invited to the Grammy Awards and that 808s & Heartbreak did not receive any nominations.. although his single.

BOB & Asher Roth – F*ck the Money | Swagger.Biz

Los Angeles Leakers EXCLUSIVE! B.o.B. ft. Asher Roth, produced by kanYe West — F**k The Money! Download it here! B.o.B. ft. Asher Roth (produced by kanYe West) – F**k The Money

Rap-Up.com || Jay-Z & L.A. Reid’s Post-Grammy Dinner

Jay-Z and Island Def Jam Chairman Antonio “L.A.” Reid hosted a post-Grammy dinner at Italian eatery Cecconi’s in West Hollywood, Calif., on Sunday (Jan. 31). The guest list was packed with A-listers including Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Mary J. Blige, Ciara, Usher, and Justin Bieber.

Concert review: Jay-Z at American Airlines Center

Jay-Z commands a stage. The influential rapper performed for 12,000 fans Tuesday night at American Airlines Center, bringing with him a full band including a horn section, percussionist and DJ.

A skyscraper-like light display at the back of the stage immediately looked like the New York skyline, a nod to his hometown, of course. A variety of images were projected throughout the two-hour show, making it all the more striking.

Jay-Z had the lower platform to himself and he filled it up robustly. He’s tall, imposing, an intense presence. His rapping flow is fast but clear. He doesn’t chew his words. There’s an engulfing quality to his music, from the thunderous beats to the rhymes, which have messiah-like potency. Read More…

Read more about Northwest Hip-Hop and Underground Hip-Hop Concert Venues in and around Portland, Oregon like Salmon Street Studios.

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Latest Jay-Z News

Jay-Z To Begin Work On His New Album Later This Year

Jay-Z could be starting his next album later this year, once he has wrapped up the touring and promotion of his ‘Blueprint 3′ album in the winter. … Read More…

Alan Peppard: Jay-Z and Beyonce in Highland Park Village

When Jay-Z hit town for the NBA All-Star Game and stayed at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, he was flying solo without his superstar wife, Beyonce. … Read More…

DrewReports.com | Hip Hop News and Gossip the way you want it!

A while back, rumors started to circulate that West Coast rapper The Game (sorry you will always be THE Game to us bro), was romantically involved with former Murder Inc singer, Ashanti. Recent Game sat down with infamous gossip website TMZ for a live interview where he addressed the rumors.According to game, Ashanti has been at the recording studio with him and Dr Dre lately (she even tweeted a picture of them together, see below). “No, no man,” Game said when asked about being in a romantic relationship with the singer.

Mystikal Vows to Help C-Murder aka C Miller in Jail With Legal …

After serving six years in prison, New Orleans rapper Mystikal vows to help C-Murder (Corey Miller aka C. Miller) with his legal issues stemming from his 2009 murder conviction, saying, “I can’t let him sit in there like that.”

C-Murder was found guilty of 2nd degree murder for allegedly shooting and killing a sixteen year-old boy inside a New Orleans nightcub in 2002.

Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Celebration | Hip Hop News Daily

On the eve of music’s biggest night, the stars joined together for the annual Clive Davis Pre-Grammy party in Los Angeles on Saturday evening (January.

Blue Scholars

“HI 808″ Music Video

Blue Scholars HI 808 Music Video

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North By Northwest Live in Concert

Seattle rap group Blue Scholars perform hit song “North By Northwest” live in concert.

Daily Hip-Hop/Rap News

MTV Hip-Hop News

Bun B Talks Pimp C Tribute With Jay-Z

NEW YORK — Bun B gives all the credit to Jay-Z for their onstage tribute to Pimp C earlier this week in Houston. … Read More…

Jay-Z Music News

Hip-Hop Rumors: Jay-Z Lets Female Fan Perform And She Killed It…With A Twist!

FAN PERFORMS WITH JAY-Z AND TALKS SLICK TO BEY! “There was no Beyonce just me and you!?” Shout out to my homey Al from Mobile, AL, who hit me up with this … Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

Hip-Hop Beef

DrewReports.com | Hip Hop News and Gossip the way you want it!

Former G-Unit member Young Buck was recently in Detroit where he took time to diss his former camp and it’s leader, 50 Cent. During the concert (that took place over the weekend), Buck first told the crowd about himself. “I’m a real life n*gga,” Buck told Detroit fans. ”For real. I wanna clear this sh*t up real quick because I see a lot of real n*ggas in here, you understand me. Let me tell you something. I don’t f*ck with that n*gga 50 Cent for real. F*ck that n*gga.”

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“No Rest For The Weary” Music Video

Hip-Hop News

Latest Jay-Z News

Jay-Z’s Casino Deal Questioned by Simmons and Feds

Rapper Jay-Z’s business dealings with a New York-based promotion company are under federal investigation over possible ethics violations.

Aqueduct Entertainment Group was awarded a multi-million dollar contract in January to upgrade the Aqueduct Race Track and turn it into a racetrack and casino, or “racino”. It would be the only one of its kind in New York City… Read More>>

Jay-Z & Young Jeezy Sell Out Philips Arena Saturday

Hip hop icon Jay-Z brought his BP3 Tour to sold out Philips Arena Saturday night. Also performing were Young Jeezy, Trey Songz and Bridget Kelly. Opening songs in Jay-Z’s set included “Run This Town’, “Death of Auto-Tune” and a duet of “Empire State of Mind” with Bridget Kelly…Read More>>

Jay-Z Gets Robbed At The NAACP Awards

Jay-Z was not a happy camper after this year’s NAACP Awards which took place in LA last night.  Pop the top for the details.

Jay-Z was nominated for five NAACP awards last night and didn’t receive one.  Losing to artists such as Mary J Blige for Outstanding Album Of The Year, many Hov stans feel it was unfair and that he was robbed by the award show… Read More>>

Underground Hip-Hop News

She Say [Music Video] by Jola

“She Say” by Jola – This track is pretty tight, but the video really sells it. I would call it nerdy comedy rap. I was pleasantly surprised. Props to Front Page Hip Hop for the video.

UK Hip-Hop News

UK Hip Hop News, Reviews and Interviews – Certified Banger

“We make hip hop, it’s not local and the drums smack.” If you hadn’t heard, Diversion Tactics are back with their album ‘Careful on the Way Up’. Zygote, Jazz T and Chubby took time to answer my questions about the LP, the label and life …

[Video] Rosa Acosta – The Leak Show Interview « Grid The Kidd …

ROSA ACOSTA STOPPED THRU THE LEAK SHOW TO SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT HER NEW REALITY SHOW, LOVE LIFE & CAREER. THE LEAK SHOW EVERY THURSDAY 6-9PM LOG ON DTF RADIO.COM

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Lose Yourself Video

Eminem News

Eminem Nominated For Doobie Award

For High-Time’s “Pot Song Of The Year,” four hip-hop tracks were nominated including Kid Cudi’s “Day ‘N’ Night,” Eminem’s “Must Be the Ganja,” Meth & Red’s … Read More…

DrewReports.com | Hip Hop News and Gossip the way you want it!

The Detroit rapper not only took home the award for the “Best Rap Performance by A Group/Duo” for his “Crack A Bottle” single (with Dr Dre and 50 Cent) but Eminem also won the biggest “Hip Hop” award there is, “Best Rap Album” (Relapse) …

Front Page Hip Hop

Underground Rap Videos

Where The Haze Be At? by Sif.like.piff

Video title: Where The Haze Be At? Category: Hip-Hop Views: 9. Submitted by: admin. Rating. Currently 0.00/5; 1; 2; 3; 4; 5. Rating: 0.0 out of 0 votes. Related; Same Artist; Best in category. Demonstration Taxx & Reno Red Demonstration …

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2Pac and Notorious B.I.G

Murders Of Pac, B.I.G. Featured On ‘Famous Crime Scenes’ | Keep It …

Their murders have been extensively reported on and investigated, yet no one has ever been charged in the deaths of either superstar rapper, both of whom are among the top-selling Hip-Hop artists of all time. …

Bun B No Mixtape (FREE DOWNLOAD) | Keep It Trill Hip-Hop News …

Bun has been dropping freestyles for the past couple of weeks for his latest mixtape, but here is the finished product with a few added songs.

Hip-Hop Snubbed at Grammys

Did Hip-Hop Get Snubbed At The Grammys?

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… Read More…

Entertainment News

‘We Are the World’ Recording Session Kicked Off, Lady GaGa and Eminem Added

Lady GaGa, Eminem, Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake are the latest big names added to the star-studded ensemble. Justin Bieber, one of the singers involved in … Read More…

Also check out the new website by Surreal Music and Bad Habitat Member, Mindskillz aka Samuel Miller Art.

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Talent At Its Best

Produced by Soul Theory

Another dope track from Illmaculate produced by Soul Theory, a real dope hip hop producer from Oslo, Norway.

Soul Theory makes some really fresh beats. Check him out on Myspace.

Hip Hop News

The Oracle: Rapper still has respect

Eminem Wayne and Lil perform at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, on Sunday, January 31, 2010. … Read More…

All Hip Hop

Daily Hip Hop News

AllHipHop.com Daily News – : Naughty By Nature Preps New LP …

(AllHipHop News) Veteran New Jersey trio Naughty By Nature have mapped out a 2010 year that includes a new album and Treach-centered reality show. The group’s last full length offering IIcons was released in 2002. Because of the layoff, …

HHC Digital » All The Hip-Hop News That’s Fit To Link…

All The Hip-Hop News That’s Fit To Link… HHC Digital’s rap round-up… By Richard Watson. Never one to avoid either the spotlight or the caps lock button, Kanye West blogged against critics of the pelt-centric ensembles he and his lass …

Bad Credit (Miami Rapper) by DYE-RIS

This is a funny rap song that reminds me of those free credit report commercials. This dude has bad credit and all these fly honeys are laughing about how lame his gear is. All in all its a pretty funny rap video. Props to the dude for coming with a somewhat unique idea.

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Illmaculate vs The Saurus

Jump Off TV Presents Spin The Mic

Illmaculate wins this one. It could have gone either way in my opinion. These two have basically ran the west coast mc battle scene for a number of years. Another dope battle rap from two of the greatest battle mc’s alive.

Hip-Hop Videos

Young L.A

I Got Money [audio only] by Yung L.A

Home | Contact | Register | Go Up This site is powered by your mom © 2010 Frontpage Hip Hop – Lil Wayne, Drake, 50 Cent, Beanie Sigel, Jay-Z & Beyonce – Official Music Video Premieres & Hip Hop News. All rights reserved …

Big Law

Chicago Hip-Hop

We Go Make It by Big Law

Dir: Jordan Tower
Youtube: BIGLAWTV

BIG LAW STRAIGHT OUT OF CHICAGO!!!!! LAW AND ORDER MIXTAPE OUT NOW JORDAN TOWER FILMS

Gillie Da Kid

featuring J.I

Slide Off by Gillie Da Kid (Feat. J.I)

Gillie Da Kid “Slide Off” featuring J.I., with special appearances by Bump J, Cyssero, Mike Knox, E Ness, and Oschino.

Hip-Hop News

From HipHopDX

DX News Bits: BoB & Eminem, Z-Ro, Russell Simmons

It’s no secret that Eminem has showered BoB with praise and now it seems the two may collaborate on the up and comer’s debut album. … Read More…

DX News Bits: Eminem, SoleFresh, Gamble and Huff

With his first European concert in over five years, Eminem will first be performing at Scotland’s “T In The Park” Festival. He then will take the stage at … Read More…

Ranking the Decade 02.27.10 – 2002

Eminem’s The Eminem Show was the best-selling album, with Nelly’s Nellyville and April Lavigne’s Let Go rounding up the top 3. … Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

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Illmaculate vs Johnny Blaze

Headline slots will feature Muse and Eminem. Jay-Z, Biffy Clyro, and Emprire Of The Sun will also perform, as well as The Cribs, Florence And The Machine, … Read More…

Lil Wayne goes to jail, but leaves fans with new album, Eminem collaboration

AP photoLil Wayne performed ‘Drop the World’ and ‘Forever’ live at the Grammys with Eminem. There are rumors that the two … Read More…

Ezine featuring the news, rumors, promotional music, editorials, and columns. Defsounds also includes discussion sections and Hip Hop Honeys.

Demp Week 2010 [Atlanta] by Lo-Boy & St8 Drop Records

Hip hop recording artist Lo-Boy and Str8 Drop Records at Demp Week 201…

Finer Things by Triple C’s (Feat. Masspike Miles & Rick Ross)

Comments. Be the first to comment. Video Details. Artist: Triple C’s (Feat. Masspike Miles & Rick Ross) Video title: Finer Things Category: Hip-Hop Views: 9. Submitted by: admin …

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Off the heels of his Grammy performance of “Forever” with Eminem, Lil Wayne, Drake and Travis Barker, XXLMag had the chance to chop it up with The Alchemist about Em’s highly anticipated new disc, Relapse 2.

While the disc does not have a release date as of press time, ALC says Em is hard at work in the studio with DJ Khalil. The West Coast beatsmith has had a big year, producing standout joints for Drake (“Fear”), Clipse (“Kinda Like a Big Deal”) and Slaughterhouse (“Cuckoo”).

“Khalil—who I think is like the best producer right now to me—he had been sending records to Em for a while that wasn’t like, they weren’t like clicking in,” Alchemist told XXL. “Em knew he was dope but they haven’t found the right one. And I think they found a couple joints now… the joints they have are crazy. I can’t say 100 percent [that he made the album], but I have heard at least two joints Khalil did and they’re fuckin’ stupid.”

Al, who serves as the Detroit lyricist’s tour DJ, revealed that he has yet to score a beat on Em’s project. “I’m starting to be around Em and the camp more,” he said, “especially finishing these albums. Factor in Em’s sober Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. now, it’s like that’s my man, we chop it up a lot more now…it’s like little by little I’m figuring out what I have to do to create a sound that would be Alchemist/Eminem. I didn’t get it yet.”

One person that Em has been working a lot with is Just Blaze. Al gave XXL insight into their chemistry: “He clicked with Em,” he said. “It was really amazing, too. They really vibed and made some music, beyond like Just just sending him beats, it was nothing like that…I think it’s a perfect meshing of the two…If you could imagine what they could bring to the table at this point, it’s pretty close and maybe a little more.”

In fact, in ALC’s opinion, the whole album is a level above the first Relapse. “He’s doing things lyrically on this album that he hasn’t done before,” he shared. “The punchline game is really back.”

Eminem has responded to rumors sparked by a tabloid report that stated he had reunited and fathered a new child with his ex-wife, Kim Mathers.

Star Magazine claimed that Eminem and Kim Mathers had reunited for a third time and were expecting a child.

“Contrary to false rumors spread by unreliable tabloids, Marshall and Kim Mathers are not romantically reunited in any way, nor are they expecting a child together,” a representative for Eminem said in a statement. “They are a divorced couple who share custody of their daughter and maintain a friendly relationship.”

Eminem, born Marshall Mathers, originally married Kim in 1999.

The couple divorced in 2001, during the success of the rapper’s Marshall Mathers LP, which contained the scathing diss track “Kim,” which accused her of being unfaithful.

“I would rather have a baby through my penis than get married again,” Eminem told Rolling Stone in 2002.

In January of 2006, the couple remarried in a lavish ceremony, only to be divorced for a second time, just three months later.

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Mos Def, Jay Electronica, John Legend, Estelle and others help show why The Roots are the best jam band around.

Back in the mid ’90s when The Roots were unknowns on the national music scene but already buzzing in the underground, they were criticized in the pages of URB. Even though we had recently published a glowing multi-page feature on the band in 1994, another writer later ridiculed them for playing covers of classic hip-hop tracks in their live show. A Roots member by the name of Brother Question—soon to be known as ?uestlove, the de facto band leader and icon—took umbrage to say the least and wrote an angry letter to the editor which we published. 15 years later and The Roots are one of music’s most enduring hip-hop bands, precisely because of their chameleon-like musical artistry perfected over a decade and a half.

Saturday night, at the Sunset Strip’s Key Club, ?uestlove and co. proved once again why they are one of a kind in modern music, hip-hop or otherwise. The 6th Annual Roots Jam Session was absolutely on fire from midnight on. It hit me while watching from the crowd that, without any shade of gimmickry or second fiddling, The Roots are simply the best jam band around. And I don’t mean that in the Phish or even Grateful Dead sense, but in terms of amazing live collaborative improvisation and all around on-stage teamwork that stretches beyond into an industry family that runs the musical gamut. Last night’s line-up of wall-to-wall Grammy winners and nominees—from John Legend to Mos Def to Foreign Exchange—cut loose for three hours.

Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson, the Twitterati luminary with over a million followers barely put his drum sticks down the whole night, seemingly only to tweet a few updates. Meanwhile lyricist Black Thought paired with Mos Def and other MCs throughout the night, but this was far more than a hip-hop show. D. Woods from Diddy’s Danity Kane, after asking the crowd if she do some alternative rock, unleashed a stellar Linda Perry a la Four Non Blonde’s “What’s Up”. Big spending platinum producer and former Roots keyboardist Scott Storch joined his bandmates on stage with notes so perfect you forgot what a mess his life was a year ago. And even though previous Jam participants Erykah Badu and Jill Scott weren’t there, mainstays like neo-soul vocalist Bilal and Grammy nominee Estelle more than apply stole the night. Roots guitarist the virtuosic Captain Kirk Douglas absolutely channeled Hendrix while playing a solo through the legs of the Estelle at the close of her set. Or maybe he was just impressing audience member Slash Hudson, who ?uestlove tweeted the next morning after seeing his Facebook post, saying, “Dude, next time come onstage.”

The Roots are, in the simplest terms, glue to what is ordinarily a fragmented industry of competing artists, bands, MCs and musicians. As a backup group or even with just ?uestlove on drums, they give a continuity of sound and jam band camaraderie that hasn’t been heard in decades–all while never becoming background noise. When I tweeted last night asking what bands from the 60s and 70s were the equivalent to the Roots ambidextrous sound and spirit of outreach, the answers ranged from Parliament to the Allman Brothers. There’s no doubt this once hip-hop cover band sits in legendary company today.

Strong Arm Steady: The Post-Gangsta Era

Bringing back the West Coast Sound with two records in one year

Emerging from a time when West Coast rap went into deep hibernation, Strong Arm Steady has worked over the past seven years to help California not only reclaim its rightful title as the hip-hop capital of the world, but also to redefine its signature sound.  Krondon, Phil Da Agony, and Mitchy Slick, all witnesses to the rise and fall of Death Row, seek to breathe new life into the West Coast rap movement, infusing their creativity, open-mindedness, and musical prowess into the medium and refusing to fall prey to the unfortunate, ubiquitous “gangsta” stereotypes that have come to characterize the scene.  With two albums due out this year–the Madlib-produced In Search of Stoney Jackson and the decidedly more streamlined Arms & Hammers–Strong Arm Steady is set to remind music listeners that SoCal is just as musically vibrant as it was during the pre-Schwarzenegger days.

URB: What are the respective roles of each member of Strong Arm Steady?
KRONDON: There are so many people involved on-stage and behind the scenes.  I see us as a collective of seven team members.  Me and Phil [Da Agony] are the faces of the group and of the movement.  Creatively, Phil brings the will to be the best lyricists we could be.  He sets the bar for the quality of our rhymes and the tone for the depth of lyricism.  He writes with so many layers; that’s what he brings to the group.  We’re not surface writers in any way, and part of that is due to the standards that Phil holds us to. [Mitchy] Slick is the most worldly of the group, and he brings the world into perspective.  He’s sort of the mascot, fitting into the perception that most of the world has of rappers.  Not to sound facetious, but Slick’s our decoy, what people see as a stereotypical rapper, that draws people closer so that they could see how we are.  For instance, Young Jeezy might be someone’s favorite rapper, and that person won’t bring himself to listen to something that doesn’t bear that type of image.  Slick brings that accessibility, image-wise, not lyrically.  He’s going to manipulate our imagery to attract the laymen.  As for my role in Strong Arm Steady, every body needs a head and a heart to operate.  I function as both, along with Phil.

URB: Describe working with Madlib on In Search of Stoney Jackson.  What separates him from the other producers that you’ve worked with?
KRONDON: Working with Madlib was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.  We’ve done big records with Xzibit, and I’ve worked with just about everybody before, from Pete Rock to Outkast to Dr. Dre.  And this was, hands down, the most comfortable, most learning experience.  There was nothing involved but the music–it wasn’t about the label, the money, or ego.  I can’t give all the credit to Madlib though, since J-Rocc was the one that made sure we were able to be creative.  On this particular project, our role was just to rap.

When you enter this industry, you have an idea of how things should look or feel like, and inevitably, you realize that things aren’t never how you expect them to be.  You’re always running into disappointments.  But working with Madlib is everything you’d imagine it to be and then some.  This guy is like the Dr. Dre of independent rap music.  He’s the best at his craft and his genre.  There was an everyday need to meet the bar he set with all the amazing things he’s put out.

This record took about three or four months to record.  Madlib came in and brought 300 beats, exclusively for us.  On this project, our role was just to rap.  We took time everyday during those four months to sit down and just listen to the beats; it was such a joy witnessing his creativity throughout these sessions.  There were so many that we still haven’t heard all of them.  This was also the first time we let the music dictate what we talk about on the entirety of the record.  It was like working with a soul producer, a jazz producer, and a hip-hop producer, all at the same time.  It was like working with Herbie Hancock, Smokey Robinson, and Dr. Dre, but coming from a Stones Throw background.  I felt that throughout the making of this record, the group was able to grow together creatively.  I’m not a fan of making sequels, but with this project, I ask myself, “How can I not?”

URB: Who is Stoney Jackson, and why are you looking for him?
KRONDON: Look, we’re all stoners in the group, Madlib and J-Rocc included.  The album is out on Stones Throw, so that’s an obvious reference.  And if you know Madlib, he’s not shy to let people know that his name is Otis Jackson.  So his nickname is Stoney Jackson.  It sounds like a cliché, but it’s the truth.  In actuality though, Stoney Jackson was a low-level icon in the ‘80s.  He was like the Billy Dee Williams of the ‘80s.  He made the jheri curl popular.  Google the phrase “jheri curl,” and his name and face will come up.  He was in the “Thriller” video and was one of the main guys in Fame.  He was the man off some corny but fly shit.  He was Miami Vice before Miami Vice.  He was the coolest nigga of the ‘80s, and the cover of the album is a psychedelic picture of him.  Also, among Strong Arm, we’ve got our own language and slang.  One of our phrases is “Stone Cold Jackson” or “Stoney Jackson.” When a brother was some cool, suave, smoother player dude, that was his moniker.

Goodbye Def Jux

El-P Puts His Label On Hiatus, Focus On Def Jux “Brand”

Def Jux founder and artistic director El-P has announced that he will putting his classic indie hip-hop label (voted the #2 label of the decade by you) on hiatus, following the release of the late Camu Tao’s King of Hearts LP. El-P explains that this break will allow him to focus on being a producer and raper full-time in a statement on the Def Jux website. He also expect to continue Def Jux as a brand of some sort (sounds like a media company we know) just not releasing music in the traditional way.
In 2000 starting a traditional record label made a lot of sense. But now, in 2010, less so and I find myself yearning for something else to put my energy into. I also see newer, smarter, more interesting things on the horizon for the way art and commerce intersect, and as an artist and an entrepreneur, I’m eager to see them unfold. The evolution of this industry is, in my opinion, exciting, inevitable and it would be nice to see the DEFINITIVE JUX brand be a part of it. In other words, maybe we can turn this hoopty in to a hovercraft.

URB Magazine Reports – The Roots, Strong Arm Steady, Def Jux

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