By: Mark DiSalvo Peedi Peedi aka Peedi Crakk is officially off Roc-a-Fella. Now comes the fall-out. "You won't hear no new diss records. I'm past that," Peedi stated in an interview with SOHH. He's claiming that Jay-Z chose not to promote Freeway or Beanie Siegel's new albums. "I'm happy he didn't put my sh*t out," Crakk said. "Jay-Z only knows how to do good for Jay-Z. As far as helping other artists career, he doesn't have a fucking clue. Neither does Def Jam."
According to Peedi, Jay-Z was not at the meeting in which Roc-a-Fella informed him of his future. Crakk also dropped a bomb, claiming that Freeway and Beanie Sigel were present and they were told they were no longer a part of the label either. No one has been able to confirm the status of Freeway or Sigel, however. Peedi went on to say that it's all about Peedi Crakk now, and no more Peedi Peedi, saying that Jay-Z urged him to tweak his sound while on Roc-A-Fella. Peedi said that he's not sure which label he may end up at, but has not ruled out releasing his solo debut independently. That album is almost finished.
First LL Cool J, now Peedi. Both claim Jay-Z takes his passive aggressive anger out on the Roc family by a lack of promotion. Conspiracy? Truth? We'll see.
Update: According to a report from Billboard.com,. "Beans and Freeway didn't get dropped," Beanie Sigel's manager, Mark Byers told Billboard. "I just got off the phone with L.A. Reid talking about the next video for "Rain" featuring Raheem DeVaughn that we're about to release. We're re-launching Beanie's project and releasing a "Rain" remix with State Property." An interesting note from the Billboard report though - an anonymous DefJam insider said the following about the future of the ROC: "I don't think there's going to be a Roc-A-Fella anymore, I do think each artist will have to go to the new people in charge and have a meeting separately. But the Roc artists aren't going to roll over and die."
Kanye West Announced Major US Tour w/ N.E.R.D., Lupe Fiasco, & More !
1/30/08
Glow In The Dark Tour
By: Lolly Kanye West formally announced today what is sure to be one of the year's biggest tours. The next wave of The Glow in the Dark Tour will feature Kanye West, Rihanna, and Lupe Fiasco. And just recently added, Pharrell and N.E.R.D. This is a smart move for the group that's been absent from the scene for the past four years; it'll help them promote their upcoming and third album N.3.R.D.. It's rumored that other G.O.O.D. Music artists like Common, Malik Yusef, and Consequence may also join the tour.There are no dates yet, just this Star Wars inspired poster that first appeared on Kanye West's blog.
By: Mark DiSalvo The Reflection Eternal rumors are no longers rumors: it's now official. Talib Kweli confirmed to HipHopDX that the reunion album with Hi-Tek will happen before the close of 2008. "People asked for it, so we got back together, and we're working on that." There are no other details known at this point. In other Kweli news, the Brooklyn MC just finished up shooting a video for "Hostile Gospel," in Nigeria.
Keywords: Reflection Eternal; Talib Kweli; DJ Hi-Tek
By: Lolly DJ Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo Green of Gnarls Barkley have confirmed via GnarlsBarkley.com that they've been in the studio working on their sophomore album, The Odd Couple. Although there's no set track list yet, the song "Run" recently hit file sharing sites. Yesterday, Atlantic confirmed with MTV News that the track is off the duo's new album. Gnarls is reportedly still putting the finishing touches on the album in Los Angeles. "We're going to do it at our pace," Danger Mouse, who's also been working with the Black Keys, the Shortwave Set, and Martina Topley-Bird, told MTV News. Gnarls Barkley's The Odd Couple is rumored to drop April 15th.
By: Lolly Rapster Records has announced that they will be releasing a new Prince tribute compilation called Controversy. The album will feature artists like Kode9 & the Spaceape, Soulwax, 7 Hurtz with Peaches, Blues States, Hefner, Susanna and the Magical Orchestra, D'Angelo and Stina Nordenstam. Controversy is set to drop on Monday, February 4th. The track listing is as follows:
1. D'Angelo: "She's Always in My Hair" 2. Stina Nordenstam: "Purple Rain" 3. Blue States: "Alphabet Street" 4. Susanna and the Magical Orchestra: "Condition of the Heart" 5. Osunlade: "Crazy You" 6. Hefner: "Controversy" 7. The Dynamics: "Girls & Boys" 8. Broadway Project [feat. Jeb Loy Nichols]: "The Ballad of Dorothy Parker" 9. 7 Hurtz with Peaches: "Sexy Dancer" 10. Soulwax: "Starfish & Coffee" 11. Rob Mello: "Critical" 12. LB: "The Future" 13. Kode9 & the Spaceape: "Sine of the Dub"
By: Mark DiSalvo One of the most respected veteran MCs is now confirming his latest album is complete and set for release. AZ's latest LP is set to be released Feb 5, via Koch Records. Among those featured on the new album are Ray J, Styles P and Jay Rush, with production by Fame, Large Professor, Nottz, Street Radio, and more. It's AZ's first album since 2005's "A.W.O.L." The album's lead title track, "Undeniable," is floating around the net and radio now.
Rising Down, New LP From The Roots In The Pipeline
1/29/08
The Roots
By: Trees I've been looking forward to the new Roots LP since the near-classic Game Theory dropped two years ago - we finally have a little bit of information about the release courtesy of a post on Okayplayer.com: "In a shift from their previous two releases, The Roots' Rising Down is STACKED with guest appearances. In addition to crew regulars Dice Raw, Truck North, P.O.R.N. and yes, Malik B, confirmed guests include: Mos Def, Common, Kweli, Peedi Peedi, Styles P, Wale, Patrick Stump, Mercedes Martinez, Chrisette Michelle. Also rumored to appear are Q-Tip, Lupe Fiasco, and Jay Electronica. Exciting stuff, indeed."
Brand New EP From Tame One / Parallel Thought Dropping
1/29/08
Tame One
By: Trees The legendary Weatherman and Slow Suicidal Stimuli, Tame One is back in the building with a new project dropping soon. Parallel Thought, the production crew most recently known for their work with C-Rayz Walz, as well as their tracks for Jean Grae, Pack FM, Pumpkinhead and more, handle all of the production. They are currently in the "finishing touches" stage of the EP, which is tentatively titled, The Ol' Jersey Bastard: Live N Uncut. Currently clocking in at a healthy 9 track length, the EP features only one special guest appearance, the one and only Sean Price. It is also reported that Tame has recently finished another full length project, which he is currently shopping to the highest bidder. So you indy labels better coin up for a certified future UGHH top seller.
Keywords: Tame One; Parallel Thought; The Weathermen
By: Trees One of the UGHH staff's favorite LPs from the 2K7 was definitely the Muggs vs. Sick Jacken LP. Peep the video from the making of the Land of Shadows Video. Ayyo Muggs, if you're reading this, send the UGHH familia a copy of this when it's finished so we can put it up.
By: Trees We all knew R.A. The Rugged Man was a creative fuck, but I had no idea he was into producing horror movies? Bad Biology is new b-movie style scary movie, directed by experienced independent filmmaker Frank Henenlotter. No word yet on when it will be released in the U.S. but the director recently announced the first screenings will take place February 8th in Berlin @ the European Film Market. In addition to being shot in 35mm film, the movie's score will be produced entirely by Prince Paul!! Check the news from the official press release; "Driven by biological excess, a young man and woman search for sexual fulfillment, unaware of each other's existence. Unfortunately, they eventually meet, and the bonding of these two very unusual human beings ends in an explosive and ultimately over-the-top sexual experience, resulting in a truly godawful love story.... With bizarre special effects by Gabe Bartalos, a hip-hop soundtrack from Prince Paul, and shot in glorious 35mm, BAD BIOLOGY is guaranteed to shock even the most desensitized of audiences, and sure to become a modern cult classic." It is also rumored the flick will feature cameos from a stable of indie artists including Prince Paul, J-Zone, R.A. himself, Vinnie Paz, and Reef the Lost Cauze.
Keywords: R.A. The Rugged Man; Prince Paul; Vinnie Paz
Baby Blue For Pink EP - First All-Digital QN5 Release
1/29/08
QN5
By: Trees Another contender for UGHH's Best Album of 2008? I guess we will have to wait and see. Here's the official press release from the Baby Blue Crew known as the almighty QN5.
"If you're a Hip Hop head who doesn't want to hear Michael Bolton bleeding out of his eyes while you're getting your groove on - QN5 Music has the perfect prescription for you. Baby Blue For Pink is QN5's first 'digital only' release, created especially for lovers on Valentine's Day. Five completely original songs (and 1 remix) were created from scratch for the special occasion where love, relationships and sex are on everyone's mind. Featuring PackFM, Tonedeff, Mr. SOS, Session, Substantial, CunninLynguists & SunnyStylez over production by the critically-acclaimed QN5 production team, this is a rare treat where Hip Hop gets unapologetically grown and sexy.
In typical QN5-form, the EP effortlessly straddles the line between cleverly romantic and lasciviously lewd. In a nutshell, this is music that will turn your girl on. "It's something the ladies will love and the dudes will respect," says Deacon The Villain, who produced two of the EP's cuts. "This EP came together really well with a nice sexy vibe the whole way through and people get a break from the typical approach to love songs," explains PackFM. "It's something you can get into on Valentine's Day, or on August 28th - it works anytime." Baby Blue For Pink will be released on Feb 12, 2008 via ALL PAY-DOWNLOAD DIGITAL SERVICES (ie. iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon, etc).
QN5 Music - Baby Blue For Pink [EP] Tracklisting: 1. PackFM - "Plucking Daisies" [Produced by Deacon The Villain] 2. Session - "The Letter" [Produced By Tonedeff] 3. Cashmere The Pro - "Know I Do (RMX)" [Produced By Kno] 4. Substantial - "R Love Songs Gay?" [Produced By Tonedeff] 5. Mr. SOS - "Digital Video (f/ CunninLynguists & SunnyStylez)" - [Produced By Deacon The Villain] 6. Tonedeff - "Close" [Produced By Domingo]
By: Trees Quick update from the scary and confusing world of hipster-rap. An eloquently written recap of the Kid Sister/ Cool Kids/ A-Trak/ Kanye West (Surprise Appearance)/ Planetarium super-show in N-Y-Ceezy. It's even a basic hipster-rap (wtf is the actual name for this sub-genre?) F.A.Q. Recap by Annie Fischer - Village Voice. Peep.
By: Trees In the age of .mp3s and Serato, it's nice to see some DJs still lugging the crates for the betterment of realness. The Hard Sell Tour, which features DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist on an all vinyl set list, are wrapping up the North American dates and preparing for the flight across the big pond. And if seeing Cut Chemist and Shadow rock side by side spinning nothing but the wax wasn't enough, the pair have officially added famed DJ Kid Koala to the mix. Here is the official statement: "After much success of Kid Koala's support for the Hard Sell in North America, DJ Shadow and I have decided to add him to our dates in Europe. It's the all vinyl tour. Sure to be nothing like it any where else on the planet. Three of your moms favorite DJs are "on a mission." Check us out....." If you're interested, here are the remaining dates below. Cop those tickets.
30 Jan Pheonix Concert Hall Toronto, Ontario 31 Jan HOUSE OF BLUES Cleveland, Ohio 1 Feb PARK WEST Chicago, Illinois 4 Feb FIRST AVENUE Minniapolis, Minnesota 5 Feb VOODOO LOUNGE Kansas City, Missouri 7 Feb OGDEN Denver, Colorado 10 Feb 2008 8:00 P SHOWBOX Seattle, Washington 11 Feb COMMODORE BALLROOM Vancouver, British Columbia 13 Feb Grand Ballroom @ The Regency Centre San Francisco, California 14 Feb HOUSE OF BLUES Anaheim, California 15 Feb WILTERN LOS ANGELES, California 13 Mar The Roundhouse London 14 Mar The Ambassador Dublin, Dublin 16 Mar Uebel & Gefahrlich Hmburg, Hamburg 17 Mar Vega Copenhagen 19 Mar Den Atelier Luxemborg 20 Mar Ancienne Belgique Brussels 21 Mar Paradiso Amsterdam 24 Mar La Riviera Madrid, Madrid 25 Mar Razzmatazz Barcelona 26 Mar Le Moulin Marseilles 27 Mar Caprices Festival Crans Montana 29 Mar Grand Rex Theatre Paris
By: Trees Blueprint dropped some knowledge about his whereabouts and his upcoming project via his myspace blog. Here it is verbatim; "Hello friends. It's been a minute since I've put something out, but it's that time again. I'm going to get 2008 started with an EP titled Blueprint vs Funkadelic. If you've ever heard of Parliment Funkadelic then you know that they're pioneers and their music from the 70s started a whole movement. I sat down with a bunch of their records and my MP2000 and came out with [it]. It's a short EP and something I had a lot of fun doing. It will be available in February on Weightless Recordings, probably for the low cost of $5. I will post more details after I confirm a release date.".
By: Trees Frequent Edan collaborator and Lewis Recordings labelmate, Dagha has wrapped up his new project and is looking to drop it in about a month. The release is called The Divorce and will be released on February 21. The bulk of the production is handled by DJ Real, with Insight getting in on a cut. Unfortunately, the album will only be available as a digital release on iTunes. (that's what happens when people stop buying music). No word on whether or not it will ever see a physical copy - one can only hope.
Here's the tracklisting: 1. The Setting (produced by DJ Real) 2. The Devil's Work (produced by Insight) 3. Changed Locks (produced by DJ Real) 4. My Luck (produced by DJ Real) 5. Cliche (produced by Shin-Ski) 6. Playhouse (produced by DJ Real) 7. Monogamy (produced by DJ Real) 8. A Man's Question (produced by DJ Real) 9. She Left (produced by DJ Real) 10. Whatever It May Be (Ft. Cloke) (produced by DJ Real) 11. Try (produced by DJ Real) 12. What I'mma Do? (Ft. Cloke) (produced by DJ Real) 13. Scat (produced by DJ Real) 14. Ashy Knees (Outro) (produced by L In Japanese)
By: Lolly According to Page Six of the New York Post, Snoop Dogg offered to write a theme song for ABC's "One Life to Live" soap opera. The Post reports that after Snoop heard Mary J. Blige had recently performed for a taping of the show, (which airs February 15th and 18th), he called up the soap's creators and offered to write and perform a new theme song for One Life. The Post reports that Paul Glass, the soap's supervising music director, has said of the possible project, "I'm a huge fan of Snoop and I'd love to hear what he'd come up with."
By: Lolly J2K and Autobot of the Chicago DJ duo Flosstradamus have been in the studio a lot lately working on their first LP. Guests on the record include other Chicago-based hip hoppers the Cool Kids and J2K's actual sister, Kid Sister, as well as Philly's Amanda Blank. Flosstradamus hopes to drop their record this summer.
Keywords: Flosstradamus; Kid Sister; The Cool Kids
By: Lolly According to a Myspace post and an OkayPlayer forum announcement, Los Angeles based group The Procussions has disbanded. The announcements explain that The Procussions' Mr. J.Medeiros, Stro and Rez have split up in order to pursue solo careers. J.Medeiros wrote, "At the risk of sounding arrogant, I do believe The Procussions were under- appreciated by our peers and the general Hip Hop public, in the very broad sense."
By: Mark DiSalvo What's an independent artist with a stable New York underground following doing with R Kelly, Jim Jones and Gucci Mane? He's building his name. Spot, an MC from Brooklyn rising in the big apple underground, is taking an approach not seen much in hip-hop these days. He's making the majors work for him. Spot is straddling a tough line, but it's been working for him. At 23, he's an underground independent artist collaborating with mainstream artists and was a part of the team that brought you the "Biggie Duets" album. He's turning into the jack-of-all-trades industry guy you've never heard of, unless you're in New York, and even then, that's not a sure bet. He's staying independent for now, as he's courted by major labels, to let the world know what he's about. After a few years hustling mix-tapes around New York, the Brooklyn MC has dropped a full length, independently released LP, A Breath Away. UGHH got a chance to have a quick conversation with Spot, so he could introduce himself the world. So take notes and visit kingspot.com or his myspace to check out the album.
Look forward to more UGHH MC Watch-List artist profiles, coming soon.
UGHH: Tell us about yourself, outside of New York, I don't think many people know the name.
S: I've been running the New York mix-tape thing the past 2 year. I dropped my first mixtape in December of 2005. I've been in the actual rap game for like 5 years. I started out writing for other artists and producing for other artists, but all I ghosted on everything. I didn't get a lot of credit on a lot of shit that I did. But I was able to build relationships with the people I worked with, and I got to make my entrance. I did the mixtape thing here to get my name up. I knew it would be a 2 or 3 year process because you have to build your fan base up. I'm as good as you can be good in New York. I've been working with pretty much any artist in New York.
I didn't really try to get nation wide with it yet, because I didn't want to shoot the gun too early. I just wanted to make sure home base was pretty much covered. That's when I pulled out A Breath Away, trying to build my national label a little more, and worked with guys from every coast- whether it be guys like Kels from the Midwest or Gucci in the South.
UGHH: Are you looking to keep it Indie?
S: I work with a lot of major artists on big projects so I'm in contact with the major labels like every single day. I'm moving in the major system, but I don't wanna sign somewhere and end up waiting. I'm 23 right now, but I don't want to be 27 when I drop. I put it out Indie to put it out. I was the first Independent artist to get on primetime MTV to promote an independent project.
UGHH: Is it difficult to straddle that line?
S: The funny thing is that I'm the big industry secret right now. Being that I'm not nationally known yet, and that I'm not competition to them yet, they're pretty cool. I can't say I've experienced too much resentment from anyone. I know the balance, and I know the balance that I want. They just want a hit single. I made a single with R Kelly, but it wasn't a girl, sappy single.
UGHH: What can we look forward to from Spot soon, and what do you want everyone to hear?
S: A Breath Away [the new LP], go check it at the MySpace or Kingspot.com. I'm in the process of signing to the biggest talent agency in the game. Once that happens, I'll be coming to a city near you. I'm just trying to build the empire, one thing at a time.
