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Busta Rhymes Adds Pharrell To Chemo

Faisal Hameed — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:22:53 +0000

Neptunes producing team leader Pharrell Williams has reportedly been added to the list of helpers for Busta Rhymes upcoming “Chemo” album by giving Busta an “incredible” beat. TheFlipmode Squad leader took to his twitter account to reveal the seriousness behind the new instrumental he just got. “Just 4 the twuckin’ record I got the most incredible beat frm Pharrel 2day…This CHEMO sh*t is becomining a real milestone album in hip hop!!!!,” Busta wrote Wednesday (February 17) morning. “2 all prod. Sendin’ beats 2 me u have 3 days left…I’m not happy about the shit yall been sendin’..We give a chance a and ur not goin’ in’!!! WORK!!!!”

In related news, Busta Rhymes was recently on CBS where he announced his new album’s summer release date. “First and foremost, the new album is coming the fourth of July,” Busta said in an interview. “The Chemo. I definitely felt it was necessary to find an antidote to cure the cancer in this industry. And last but not least, we gonna nose dive headfirst without a parachute to the big screen, get these movies popping again and have fun.”

Busta Rhymes Announces Album On CBS

Memphis Bleek Says Jay-Z Won’t Respond to Beanie Sigel

Faisal Hameed — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:05:53 +0000

MTV Shows

Memphis Bleek speaks on the Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel situation and says Jay will never respond him.

“Opportunity is worth more than any check. I can give you a check today, you could be broke tomorrow. If I give you opportunity you could be rich tomorrow!”

Speaking on the money Jay supposedly owes Beanie Sigel, Memphis Bleek goes on to say:

“He gave the opportunity to get rich, its not about the check he didn’t give you cause I didn’t get it either. The check you waiting for, I’m waiting for it too then! My check is the opportunity to be doing this interview with you, to still be relevant, still be on the stage with that man, even be a part of history and what we did. You can’t change that. That’s worth more than any dollar amount cause with that there ain’t no limit to it. You can push it however far you want to carry it.”

Bleek also states that he is open to talk to Beanie but Jay-Z is gone!

2009 NJ Music Conference To Occur Tomorrow

Faisal Hameed — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 13:15:27 +0000

Tomorrow the 2009 New Jersey Music Conference will happen at The Spot Bar & Lounge on Newark, NJ’s Commerce Street. Taking place from afternoon to evening, performances and panels will take place featuring executives from Def Jam, G-Unit, Asylum, Universal, AllHipHop.com, HipHopDX.com, PMP, Suburban Entertainment, VladTV.com and others.

The event has been described by organizers as a networking event, with opportunity to perform or play your work before top industry ears.

Additional information is available

The event has been described by organizers as a networking event, with opportunity to perform or play your work before top industry ears.

Additional information is available here

Hit Sarah J sarahjohnson@tmo.blackberry.net or 414 687 8552 for questions or to purchase tickets.

Nas’ “Legendary” To Be Considered For Academy Award

Faisal Hameed — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 13:08:50 +0000

Nas’ “Legendary” To Be Considered For Academy Award 12.18.09 | By Danielle Harling

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Nas’ song “Legendary” from Tyson, the Mike Tyson documentary, could possibly be up for an Academy Award next year.

According to Vibe.com, early next year the Academy will begin to screen about 63 songs for the category of Best Original Song. Nominees for the category will not be revealed until February 2, 2010.

Nas’ “Legendary” will be up against a number of worthy contenders including “Colorblind” (Invictus), “Cinema Italiano” (Nine), “Almost There” (The Princess And The Frog), and over 50 other songs.

Nas has yet to comment on the possibility of receiving an Academy Award nomination.

Released earlier this year, Tyson is a documentary that takes a deep look into the life of former undisputed heavy weight champion of the world boxer Mike Tyson. The film has received rave reviews and even won the Regard Knockout Award at the Cannes Film Festival.

Nas’ song “Legendary” from Tyson, the Mike Tyson documentary, could possibly be up for an Academy Award next year.

According to Vibe.com, early next year the Academy will begin to screen about 63 songs for the category of Best Original Song. Nominees for the category will not be revealed until February 2, 2010.

Nas‘ “Legendary” will be up against a number of worthy contenders including “Colorblind” (Invictus), “Cinema Italiano” (Nine), “Almost There” (The Princess And The Frog), and over 50 other songs.

Nas has yet to comment on the possibility of receiving an Academy Award nomination.

Released earlier this year, Tyson is a documentary that takes a deep look into the life of former undisputed heavy weight champion of the world boxer Mike Tyson. The film has received rave reviews and even won the Regard Knockout Award at the Cannes Film Festival.

Juelz Santana and Chris Brown – Back To The Crib (Video)

Faisal Hameed — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:59:01 +0000

Rihanna Plans To Go “Hard’ In New Video

Faisal Hameed — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 10:04:29 +0000

Rihanna was looking to add some swagger to her new “Rated R” album and it looks like she found it. “Funny enough, when I first heard the song, we were in Paris — they flew out there to play me some songs they had done for me, some ideas. And before they played ‘Hard,’ they were like, ‘We’re gonna play you the ghetto one first, and you have to do it, you have to do it,” Rihannalaughed. “They thought I wouldn’t like it, and when I heard it, I just loved it. It had such an attitude and a swagger … super cocky, and just a fun song. We just thought it was the perfect song for Jeezy [to do a verse on]. It was made for him to collaborate on it. And I think he did an amazing job.

“Hard” will now be the third single from Rihanna’s “Rated R” album and the singer recently visited Los Angeles where she shot the video for the song with director Melina Matsoukas. The theme basically being an over-the-top military exercise, only with a decidedly Rihanna touch. “It’s couture military,” Rihanna explained. “Everything is surrounded around the idea of something military. We have tanks, we have troops, we’ve got helicopters, we’ve got explosions. We’ve got lots of cute outfits, lots of bullets. It’s crazy.

Rihanna – Talks Concept Behind “Hard” Music Video

Rihanna – Performs “Hard” During Rehearsal

Reel To Reel: The Week Of 11/29 – 12/4/2009

Faisal Hameed — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 09:32:22 +0000

The Good: “Puffin’ On Blunts And Drankin’ Tanqueray” by Dr. Dre featuring Lady of Rage &Tha Dogg Pound

So much to say. When WIDE Awake purchased Death Row Records, I thought they paid for little more than 10 Realest albums, some shit that Daz Dillinger already bootlegged and maybe one of those cornball erased 2Pac tracks with a Snoop Dogg soundalike on there. Instead, the Ultimate Death Row box set has contents like this. Dr. Dre might be the greatest producer in Rap history, and while the TV networks will love to point to Eminem tracks andSnoop tracks and the usual suspects, this right here is why Andre Young is my favorite producer. The visual for this is a complete companion to the canon of videos from The Chronic. Morever, when I was on the come-up, this record, (originally a B-side to “Let Me Ride”) sold me on my favorite brand of gin, and my favorite method of burning one down. When Kurupt says, “I last did dirt the other day,” you can A) hear the Treach influence, B) remember why Tha Dogg Pound wasn’t just models for Dickies jackets, Daz and Kurupt were (and sometimes still are) ferocious on the mic. I promise to listen to The Chronic till the day that I die.

The Bad: “Shots After Shots” by Three 6 Mafia featuring Tech N9ne

What the hell is up with 2009’s push for “Frat Rap?” Asher Roth…Deuce Poppi…T-Pain, now this shit? I never thought these words would come from my mouth, but The Shop Boyz were pioneers. This whole presentation feels like low-carb attempt at recreating “Let’s Go” from LilJon and company a few years ago. I love the beat, and Tech N9ne’s verse, but this gimmick of white girl kissing needs to go. Not impressed. Instead of paying for this anything-but-Crunk-ass party, why not fly in Tech to do his verse? I hope this song translates to another hit for DJ Paul and Juicy J, but the video looks like a junior varsity Girls Gone Wild, with all the good stuff edited out. No thanks.

The Ugly: “German TVTotal Interview” by 50 Cent

Fif’s publicity run for Before I Self Destruct has been dry. I don’t think I’m alone in saying thatTyler Perry’s new show on TBS is more entertaining than this one-way sparring match withJay-Z. Leave it to the Germans though, to avoid all the flip-cam interview bullshit and actually make an interview so bad it’s worth talking about. Curtis says that his cologne (the interviewer keeps calling it “perfume”) “smells like success.” Priceless soundbyte that can only be topped by the interviewer using Power as Banaca. Strangely, this is the first time, maybe ever, that I’ve seen 50 Cent sincerely laugh. Oh well… it doesn’t sell me on the fragrance, but I’ve always believed that aside from Ralph Lauren and Davidoff, I spray nothing on myself that has another man’s name on it (Pause). But then again, I’m still adjusting to shoes without laces.

The Hilarious: “C’mon Son! pt. 7″ by Ed Lover

Once upon a time, MTV used to play actual music videos. And if it was Hip Hop you desired,Fab 5 Freddy, Ed Lover and Dr. Dre held down the hosting duties. Ed Lover can still be found on New York’s Power 105, but to catch him on these YouTube clips is a whole different experience. Gone is the affable, non-threatening dude who used to do his patented dance to45 King’s “The 900 Number.” The 21st Century Ed Lover drops the most f-bombs and real talk this side of Charles Barkley. Ed’s quote of the week comes courtesy of Tiger Woods‘ epic fail: “Tiger Woods, your wife fucked you up! A broke bitch, Tiger? You fuckin’ with a party hostess? You’d have been better off fuckin’ with Tahiry, dog.” Ouch. The OG said what we’ve all either been thinking or saying in our own circles all week. Here’s to hoping Ed moves to satellite radio, where the music and checks are better and censors and commercials don’t exist.

The Random: “Victoria’s Secret Performance” by the Black Eyed Peas

Jesus H. Tapdancing Christ, this was a head-scratcher. Glow sticks and a PG-rated rave vibe, the Black Eyed Peas, a bunch of half-naked dime-pieces and I think I even saw the tour guide chick from all those A Tribe Called Quest album covers. Hell, from the neck up, Fergie was giving a few of those lingerie models a run for their money. And how the hell did will, Apl andTaboo even remember their lyrics with all that scattered ass in front of them? If you’re going to put T and A in your video, this is how it should be done. This is so much better than all those cats with them busted ass, bullet scar and stab wound rocking strippers in their “made forWorld Star Hip Hop“ videos. Between the “Yes We Can” video, his SoundClash performance and this, I think will.i.am has officially atoned for his previous sins.

Felt (Slug & Murs) – Felt 3: A Tribute To Rosie Perez

Faisal Hameed — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:24:12 +0000

When Rosie Perez comes to mind, one thinks of the voice and the attitude that at one point defined what Puerto Rican woman stood for. White Men Can’t Jump soon follows in the thought process and then she disappears from the screen and our mind. Fans of Felt waited patiently for the duo to release the title of their latest project. When they settled on another niche actress in Rosie Perez, fans could officially direct their attention to release of the album. WithFelt 3: A Tribute to Rosie Perez, the underground giants of Slug and Murs finally drop their latest offering to fans. Similar to the album’s name sake the album possesses a lot of attitude with both emcees not afraid to speak their mind, even if it is just about good times and showcasing their immense abilities.

The album starts on a high note with “Protagonists”, a track that both Slug and Murs murder.Aseop Rock drops one of his better efforts and the listener is left eager to dive into the 20 remaining tracks on the album. Unfortunately, the production falters a bit throughout and Mursand Slug don’t seem as comfortable over Aesop production as they did over Ant and The Grouch beats. Every track is a sonic challenge to the emcees and though they never wander off beat or lose focus, the listener can’t help but reminisce on the groups past productions. If the duo attempted to challenge themselves with a producer outside of their comfort zone, they do indeed pass, but not with the high marks that the first two projects were given. They still are able to switch up their flows a dozen times throughout and take ordinary topics and flip them uniquely different, like “Bass For Your Truck.” They still have those moments when you come to the conclusion that they are still two of the best emcees doing it but at times the awkward mix of production and emcee prevent this album from ever being considered great.

With that said, Aesop’s command of drums and organic approach to music is admirable even if it doesn’t translate to perfection. He has his moments behind the boards, “Permanent Standby” could be taught to future producers on how to layer instruments successfully. Even the cowbell in the song has a purpose, and the cut up vocal sample is haunting, breathing even more life into an already great track. Murs and Slug drop arguably one of the best story tracks of the year over the production. Murs spit, “Rescued by two dudes who were suspect / but she was so goddamn gone she didn’t object / They messed around, she was down for the fun and the games / it doesn’t count when she can’t remember none of their names.” Slug continues the same story with the same intensity and personal narrative. It proves to be the best track on the album. Unfortunately this type of work, and chemistry between artist and producer is few and far between in the 21 tracks this album possesses.

Lyrically, the album doesn’t disappoint. Like any Felt effort, or Slug and Murs individual project, lyrics are always on point. There are massive amounts of quotable from both artists. The humor that has been a staple in their art is ever present and connects masterfully with wordplay and ill chemistry. They share the microphone as well as any duo, trading verses, finishing lines, and maintaining energy. This, however, isn’t anything new from the duo, and their inability to take that chemistry and create an album worth of classic cuts is frustrating.Murs brings up a valid point when he rhymes, “Your favorite group that wasn’t even a group to start.” Maybe he meant it in a braggadocios way, but the duo still exists on separate stages and worlds for most of the year. They have a natural connection on the microphone, but like any record, that connection needs to be polished, fine tuned and recreated several times before it becomes timeless.

The album doesn’t have many dull moments, mainly due to the duo’s energy (fitting considering it’s a tribute to high-strung Rosie Perez). With that said, the manic journey that is Felt 3: A Tribute to Rosie Perez leaves the listener a bit confused. There are gems that will be considered some of their best work, “Permanent Standby”, “Protagonists”, “Bass For Your Truck”, but it still fails to reach the plateau that the first few projects prompted. Murs and Slugare indeed felt. You can’t help imagine the studio sessions that the duo who make up Felt had with underground giant Aesop Rock as they created A Tribute To Rosie Perez. You can feel the fun and passion that exists in each track and you can sense each artist pushing their own envelope. When it succeeds, it’s fresh and when it fails, well, they at least had fun trying.

Shakira ft. Lil Wayne – Give It Up To Me [Official Video]

Faisal Hameed — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:25:48 +0000

Gucci Mane Sentenced To One Year

Faisal Hameed — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:11:57 +0000

Gucci Mane was sentenced to twelve months (six months with good behavior) in prison on Today (November 12th) for a probation violation. The rapper was taken away to prison in handcuffs according to a representative from his record label. The arrest couldn’t come at a worse time as the Atlanta rapper has his new “The State Vs. Radrick Davis” album coming out on December 8th.

Gucci Mane is arguably at the height of his career. He just put out a new video for “Spotlight” featuring none other than Usher. This isn’t the first time that Gucci Mane has served time behind bars. Back in September he went to jail until March and was sentenced to a year in prison for failing to fulfill his court-ordered 600 hours of community service, which was mandated in 2005.

Gucci Mane Says Im “My Own Worst Enemy”

Gucci Mane ft Usher – “Spotlight”