Sunday, May 30, 2010

Kanye’s “Power”



“The way it came together, I work with Rhymefest,” S1 told MTV News about the song, referring to another Chicago MC. “I did like four joints on his album. And one day, out the blue, I got a text from Rhymefest that said, ‘Kanye is loving your stuff. He said he’s about to change your life.’ Two days later, I got an e-mail that said my flight to Hawaii [where West recorded much of the album] leaves in three hours! So I was on a flight, and it just happened like that. I went down and stayed for like two weeks, banged out some joints.

“The ‘Power’ joint that we did, it was actually a track that I already made and gave to Rhymefest, and he just so happened to play it for Kanye in the studio and he loved it. So when I got out to Hawaii, Kanye had already recorded to it.”

A month later, S1 returned to Hawaii and heard “Power” again, this time with more “polish” added by ‘Ye, who co-produced the song. However, S1 picked the sample that drives the record: a snippet of British progressive rock band King Crimson’s “21st Century Schizoid Man.”


Friday, May 28, 2010

Gary Coleman Dead At 42



Actor/comedian Gary Coleman has died at the age of 42. We reported early Friday morning that the former Diff’rent Strokes star was on Life Support in a intensive care unit at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center.

Kanye West – Power




Kanye West – Power

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Alicia Keys’ Pregnancy Confirmed!


After a few weeks of media speculation and questionable ‘baby hiding’ outfits, Alicia Keys’ rep has finally confirmed her pregnancy! Alicia and producer Swizz Beatz are expecting their first child together and are to be married later this year!

Congratulations to them both! I’m sure their baby is going to be absolutely adorable!

Rick Ross - Money Maker

Eminem – Recovery (Cover x Tracklist)



Tracklist

1. Cold Wind Blows
2. Talkin’ 2 Myself (feat. Kobe)
3. On Fire
4. Won’t Back Down (feat. Pink)
5. W.T.P.
6. Going Through Changes
7. Not Afraid
8. Seduction
9. No Love (feat. Lil Wayne)
10. Space Bound
11. Cinderella Man
12. 25 to Life
13. So Bad
14. Almost Famous
15. Love the Way You Lie (feat. Rihanna)
16. You’re Never Over

T.I. Interview With DJ Envy (Part 2)

Diddy, Dr. Dre & Jimmy Iovine Premiere “Diddybeats” Headphones

Rick Ross - The Albert Anastasia EP

Drake feat. Jay-Z - Light Up



Drake feat. Jay-Z - Light Up

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Drake – Fireworks (feat. Alicia Keys)



Drake – Fireworks (feat. Alicia Keys)

Rick Ross Ft. Styles P Blowing Money Fast B.M.F.



Rick Ross Ft. Styles P Blowing Money Fast B.M.F.

T.I. Feat. Keri Hilson - Got Your Back



T.I. Feat. Keri Hilson - Got Your Back

Ne-Yo - Beautiful Monster



Ne-Yo - Beautiful Monster

T.I. Interview With DJ Envy

Teaser for Dwele’s new album, W.ants W.orld W.omen.

teaser for Dwele’s new album, W.ants W.orld W.omen.

Kanye rumored to perform new single on June 8

Trey Songz feat. Keri Hilson - Yo Side of the Bed (video)









50 Cent dropped over 50 lbs in nine weeks!



50 Cent has been keeping a low profile lately, but the real reason was because he was losing weight for a movie role, and knew that the change in his looks would be so dramatic that fans may react with horror….Thisis50 posted an US Weekly story on the transformation, in which Fif says he dropped from 214lbs to 160lbs in 9 weeks….by basically starving himself. Now that he’s done with the film, and going back on tour, Fif will probably reunite with his trainer Jay and get back to fighting weight.

Now the movie, Things Fall Apart, called for 50 to play a football player who has cancer, but Hollywood has had other examples of extreme dieting….and it’s interesting because it always becomes the actor’s badge of “dedication to the craft.” See, below, Christian Bale’s scary skin over bone look in The Machinist, and Matt Damon’s turn in Courage Under Fire.



Big Boi - Shutterbug (Video Preview)

Rick Ross - Money Maker



Rick Ross - Money Maker

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Drake - Thank Me Later (Tracklist)



June 15th.

Tracklist:
1. Fireworks (feat. Alicia Keys)
2. Karaoke
3. The Resistance
4. Over
5. Show Me A Good Time
6. Up All Night (feat. Nicki Minaj)
7. Fancy (feat. T.I. & Swizz Beatz)
8. Shut It Down (feat. The Dream)
9. Unforgettable (feat. Young Jeezy)
10. Light Up (feat. Jay-Z)
11. Miss Me (feat. Lil Wayne)
12. Cece’s Interlude
13. Find Your Love
14. Thank Me Now

Drake - 9AM in Dallas (Freestyle)



Drake - 9AM in Dallas (Freestyle)

"Im Bleeding Out My F*ckin Balls"

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Nas Says Raekwon Collabo Is ‘Likely’ After Missing Out On Last Album


Nas calls Raekwon’s last album, OB4CL2 a classic and admits he lost for not being on it. He also reveals he’s working on a new record and that his Distant Relatives collaboration album with Damian Marley is going to push him further musically, as far as his solo projects are concerned.

Fabolous Interview With Tim Westwood

Complex – Wale’s 50 Favorite Sneakers



Complex has already highlighted some of Wale’s Best Footwear Moments as a part of their ongoing feature and now they’ve actually sat down with the Washington D.C. native to talk about his 50 Favorite Sneakers. Wale has always been known as a sneakerhead ever since his days of putting out mixtapes where he shouted out various sneakers ranging from Nike SB’s to the various Foamposites. Take a look at the rapper’s top 50 kicks.

Click Here

Nike Air Paul Rodriguez | Video

Mag Covers: Travis Mccoy Covers Honeymag

Gym Class Heroes front man Travis McCoy covers the new issue of Honey Magazine. He spoke about his breakup with singer Katy Perry, new solo album and more. Peep some snippets below:

On His New Album:

“A lot of the songs were really sad and somber, but that was a year ago. I had just got out of a hightly-publicized relationship. When I wrote ‘Billionaire’ with Bruno I was like, Okay, this is the lane I want to be in. I am a whole completely different person now - a lot happier. ‘Billionaire’ captures where I am now. Before the album comes out I have a mix tape dropping called Forgetting Katy Perry. That doesn’t mean I’m airing out my dirty laundy. It’s just stuff that didn’t fit on this album. Bruno produced another song called ‘Dr. Feel Good’ and we got Cee-lo to sing on it, which might be the second single. Lazarius is just an overall really great summertime record.”

On Katy Perry:

“There is no bad blood or hard feelings [with Katy Perry]. It happens and you move on. You live and you learn - it makes you a better person. It’s the moving on that builds character. People that dwell on old relationships tend to stay bitter. I’m not that type of person.”

Christina Aguilera - Bionic



Christina Aguilera - Bionic

(300th Post) Cam’ron x Vado - Throw It Up



Cam’ron x Vado - Throw It Up

Diddy & Rick Ross Confirm Their “Partnership”



For a couple weeks now, word has been that Diddy was taking over management responsibilities for Rick Ross (as well as Nicki Minaj) but with no official statement, they both now took this time out to announce their partnership via Diddy vlog. They have been spotted collaborating on various songs recently, so the announcement shouldn’t come off as a shock to anyone.

Waka Flocka Getting Punked By Some Crips

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Candids: Jay-Z Leaves Lunch & Meets Beyonce At A Baseball Game In Nyc



Rapper/Entrepreneur Jay-Z was spotted leaving the Bar Pitti restaurant in NYC and then met up with his wife Beyonce Knowles and his grandmother at the New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins game earlier this weekend.



Stacey Dash Speaks On Fame

The 44-year-old actress, whose career spans over two decades, is perhaps best known for her role in the movie Clueless as well as her reprisal in the television series of the same name. She explained that, “Being in the movie was an amazing experience. We were all at the right place at the right time, the stars lined up and as much fun as people had watching it, is as much fun we had making it!” Upon hearing about the death of Clueless co-star Brittany Murphy, Stacey said, “I was in a state of shock and filled with sadness. She was a sweet, funny girl with this incredible light around her. To have her leave us so soon is a great loss.”

Speaking on the price of fame and celebrities’ responsibility to the public, she added:

“I think at times celebrities can’t feel human or normal and experience the pressures of having to put on a show. I think that would wear anyone down and make them reach for things outside themselves to fulfill what they can’t seem to get from within.

We have access to millions of people. We have the power to encourage, inspire, and bring hope. Unfortunately, also have the power to discourage and destroy. It is very important for each individual to realize we can make a positive difference through the songs one chooses to write, a role one chooses to take or one’s everyday involvement through various charities and community projects.”

Stacey is currently creating her own reality series, “I want to make a difference and inspire! I would like to show that celebrities are not different than anyone else as it’s often assumed. We experience the same basic need for survival and the pressures every day can bring.”

Rick Ross - Super High (Teaser)

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Drake - Over [Spoof]

Cam'ron Still Putting Together U.N. Debut, "We Got An Album Coming Out In August"

According to Cam, the U.N. consists of himself and protege rapper, Vado.

"Let me break it down: We're the U.N. That's the name of the team," Cam described. "The U.N. is 'Us Now.' We got an album coming out in August that's gonna be stupid. Vado's solo joint, look towards December [for that one]. But I want everybody to be focused on that U.N. album, 'cause when that comes out, it's gonna be bananas. Stupid. This August. ['Speakin Tongues'], this is the first single off of it." As of now, the U.N. is officially just Killa and Vado; they have three other artists who are down with them but not signed. Cam and company have 10 videos coming to the Web in the next several days, including "Ooh Baby" "Large in the Streets" and "Stop It Five." (MTV)

Drake Reveals Alicia Keys' "Thank Me Later" Guest Appearance

Drake confirmed Alicia Keys will appear as a guest on his forthcoming debut album during the Los Angeles stop of his Away From Home tour on Thursday night. The Toronto MC broke the news to the crowd as the opening notes of"Fireworks," slated to be Thank Me Later's opening track, began to boom from the speakers. "This right here is the first song that you will here when you put that disk in," Drake said of Thank Me Later, due June 15. "It's a song with myself and Miss Alicia Keys, it's called "Fireworks." "Money just changed everything, I wonder how life without it would go," he rapped. "From the concrete, who knew that a flower would grow/ Looking down from the top and it's crowded below/ My 15 minutes started an hour ago." (MTV)

Behind The Scenes: Gucci Mane - Everybody Looking

Talib Kweli Speaks on Illuminati Theories



This recent rash of rumors about the alleged Illuminati ties of people like Jay-Z, Rihanna, Oprah and whoever else has got to be one of the corniest trends in rap ever. This is easily the corniest shit since the “Stop Snitching” debate. Are you all fucking serious with this shit? A Black man (or woman) rises to a certain level of success and the only way to explain that in ya’ll minds is that they must be in bed with some secret society? This mentality disgusts me. Shame on you morons who just discovered internet conspiracy theories last year and are now running around spouting these nonsensical tales to the babies.

Look, like Talib, I read all of the Behold A Pale Horse books when I was younger and I bought into a lot of it. And to this day I’m pretty certain that there are in fact wealthy and powerful people out there, that we’ve never heard of and probably never will, who orchestrate some of the major events that happen on this planet. Fucking duh.

Wow, what a fucking revelation: rich people run shit. Who knew. Seriously, who do you expect to be calling the shots, a bunch of poor, uneducated slobs? You mad? Well then I’d say stop wasting your time on the internet and get your fucking billions up and maybe one day you can be one of those people calling the shots.

Honestly, I think the most plausible explanation for the whole conspiracy theory movement/industry is that all of those wealthy shot caller types are planting these fantastic theories themselves so as to distract us from the much more pedestrian, but equally evil, shit that they’re really doing. Namely, keeping us poor and themselves rich. I don’t really see it being much deeper than that.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve argued with folks in the comments about this same topic. It’s like, so what if everything you guys are alledging is in fact true and the Illuminati is real and Jay and Oprah are conspirators? What the fuck are ya’ll gonna do about it? Start the revolution? You niggas can’t even get within 5 feet of Jay and O, much less the evil trillionaire overlord that is signing their paychecks.

The probability of me being labelled as Illuminati because of this post: 100%

Drake Interview w/ Box Kev



They talk about the pressure of dropping an album after dropping mixtapes, his loyalty to Lil Wayne/YM and if he’d prefer to win a Grammy or an Oscar.

Just Blaze Interview



Just says “Girls, Girls, Girls” was initially for Ghostface, and also talks about the difference between Jay and Eminem’s work ethic. He finishes off by saying that everything in the music business is 40% talent and 60% people skills.

Nike Air Trainer SC – White/Black/Varsity Red | Available Now



The Air Trainer SC is among many true old school sneaker fan’s favorite models. It’s sleek and futuristic design still feels modern. While the original colorway in orange and purple may be the most famous, its many panels lend themselves to some impressive colorways like this Black and Varsity model. The suede portion above the outsole is a nice counterpoint to the black hits on the lacelocks, on the toe, and the webbing near the lacelocks. The bright red hits give the sole a Jordan-esque feel as well. Eastbay is accepting pre-orders for this model, and the release day is not far behind–May 15th.

Common & Friends at the ‘Just Wright’ L.A. Party



Rapper/actor Common, rapper Big Sean and Ibn Jasper pose for a photo at the ‘Just Wright’ party earlier this week in Los Angeles. Shout out to J. Lorenzo for the photos and make sure to go see “Just Wright” this weekend.

Drake brings out Nicki Minaj, Soulja Boy, and Nipsey Hussle at LA concert

Juelz Santana on the Dipset truce


“At the end of the day I’m willing to be a big person and put whatever I got to put to the side, if the fans want an album, we could do that."















With Cam and Jimmy now on speaking terms, a full Dipset reunion seems more than likely. However, a key part of the equation has remained tight lipped about his feelings regarding the reunion rumors… until now.

On the Angie Martinez Show this afternoon, Juelz revealed that regardless of what happened in the past, he is also willing to put the BS to the side and make this Dipset thing happen again.


Juelz Santana Interview w/ Angie Martinez pt 1-2

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Travis McCoy On Drake's Buzz


"Actually, I did speak to him beforehand," Travie said about Wayne. "He was at Hit Factory grinding, like when he was making ten videos [during Super Bowl weekend]. I basically told him to keep his head up. I haven't had a chance to write him, but I just got his address...I met [Drake] in Toronto and we kicked it all day. He is such a humble and sweet dude. Super-talented. It was the same vibe I got when I met Bruno. I was like, "This dude is gonna be a star." You catch that vibe and here we are today and he is that dude. When you have that much hype behind you, there are gonna be a ton of people questioning you. I'm sure Wale and Asher went through it. People are gonna try and see what the hype is about and test it."

Common On Kanye West's New Album

"I been around Kanye for what he's been working on but I haven't worked on it. He can produce, write, he does it all so he doesn't need much help. I like when we're around each other creating because I think we inspire each other. Kanye is definitely going to come with something powerful and I'm definitely coming with something that's powerful and soulful, just the essence of what hip-hop feels like, just good music." (VIBE)

Roc Nation’s 2010 Roster



Roc Nation released this video showcasing Jay-Z’s roster of artists that he’s signed to his latest music venture(s):

J. Cole
Bridget Kelly
Rita Ora
Range (Star Roc)
Alexis Jordan (Star Roc)
Hugo

Nas, Erykah Badu & Talib Kweli on Jay Electronica

Gucci Mane Interview w/ Angie Martinez (Hot 97)



Along with his radio call-ins, Gucci shot a couple videos today in Atlanta.

Gucci Mane Interview w/ Angie Martinez (Hot 97)

Sean Levert (Son Of R&B Singer Eddie Levert) Screaming For Help As He Goes Through Drug Detoxic

HUF Footwear Commercial | Video



Designed for skaters by skaters, HUF has not only been a purveyor of fine skate gear for a while now, but is now venturing into the footwear side of things after its very successful apparel and accessories line. Set to launch this fall, HUF is gearing up to unveil their foray into kicks with style, and has just released a new commercial for the collection. The commercial comes in three parts, and features Keith Hufnagel weaving and pushing his way through the busy streets of New York, sharing lanes with cabs and doing tricks off sidewalks. Check out all three commercials, enjoy, and anticipate!

HUF Footwear Commercial | Video

Nike Air Max 24/7 – Neutral Grey/Neon



Nike Sportswear’s newest hybrid Air Max model, the Air Max 24/7, combines the Nike Air Max 95, Nike Air Max 97, and Nike Air Max 2009 all together. The shoe however most closely resembles the Air Max 95 and to pay homage to the original AM95, Nike will be releasing this OG Air Max 95 colorway of the 24/7 in Neutral Grey and Neon.

#Smart

Drake - July



Drake - July

Complex's 25 Favorite Kobe and LeBron Lyrical References



via Complex.com

Just Blaze Speaks On Blogs vs. Labels



Just Blaze sits down with Soul Culture to give his thoughts on the constant struggle between blogs and labels over unauthorized material that leaks through the internet. He gives arguments for both sides, and offers advice for aspiring bloggers who get their hands on unreleased material.

Lil Wayne Could Serve More Time Because Of MP3 Player



Long story short, Weezy got caught with an mp3 player and headphones in his watch (that’s gangsta) inside his cell. The source says the offense can be categorized as a Level 1 infraction (the worst) and he could possibly be terminated from the “Suicide Prevention” job he currently holds. They are waiting for the court to decide what will transpire from here on out.

Destiny's Child Reuniting



Destiny's Child may be reuniting for their swan song. D-Child fan sites are reporting that it's almost a done deal that every member ever in the group will all hit the stage for one last performance...after Kelly releases her next album.

Reportedly, Beyonce is still working on the best "mature" song/sound for the group to perform. And the only person they are worried about carrying out the reunion is Farrah.

OkayplayerTV: Lupe Fiasco Part I & II



Gucci Mane's First Radio Interview

Jay Z & Eminem Interview On ESPN

Big Sean Ft Drake - Made



Big Sean Ft Drake - Made

Rihanna Falls on Stage Again!



Rihanna FALLS during "Te Amo" - London O2 Arena , 10th May

Eminem’s “Not Afraid” Will Enter Hot 100 At #1

Via Billboard:

Eminem will join a very elite club tomorrow when the new Billboard Hot 100 singles chart is unveiled. The hip-hop king’s new single, “Not Afraid,” will be just the 16th to debut at No. 1 on the nearly 52-year old chart. Released digitally last Monday (May 3) just four days after its radio premiere, “Not Afraid” busts out of the gate with 380,000 first-week digital downloads, according to Nielsen SoundScan — the biggest sales week for a digital track this calendar year. The song also debuts at No. 24 on the radio-based Rap Songs chart, and is bubbling under the Radio Songs chart with 10.3 million listener impressions, according to Nielsen BDS.

Clash of the Kicks – Air Jordan 13 Flints Vs Air Jordan 11 Cool Grey

Big Sean – What U Doin? (Bullshitting)



Big Sean – What U Doin? (Bullshitting)

B.o.B – Nothing On You (feat. Bruno Mars) (Live On Jimmy Kimmel)

Strong Arm Steady – Cheeba Cheeba



Power 106’s DJ Vick One links up with Strong Arm Steady for a Public Service Announcement promoting SAS and their album In Search Of Stoney Jackson, out now.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Gucci Mane released from Fulton County Jail, Atlanta



Gucci Mane was released from Fulton County Jail at around 12:15am. He still has to fulfill the community service that he owes the state, but he was released much earlier than his one-year sentence dictated, presumably for good behavior. Now he’s free to perform at SummerJam here in NYC on June 6th, and there’s a couple other big appearances that we’ll see him at too ; )