News On Ghostface: Tony Yayo Can Suck A D*ck, New Wu-Tang is Trash & More
11/30/07
GFK vs. Yayo
By: Lolly During a recent video interview with XXL, Ghostface ragged on the new Wu Tang Album 8 Diagrams, saying that it was "bullshi*, I feel it's real bullshi*." He called the first batch of beats on the album "a no-no." Ghostface wasn't too happy with RZA, "to be so highly anticipated, he [RZA] should have waited and came with a mega-bomb." He continued to hate on the producer, saying "with RZA, he wants everything for himself. We told him to bring other people in…but he just like to do shi* for himself. If somebody did wanna bring in [other beats] he'd wanna try to co-produce it and fuc* up a nigga's track." You can watch the interview at http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=16812
Ghostface also recently commented on Tony Yayo's claims that Supreme Clientele was written by Raekwon's homey and American Cream Team affiliate, Superb. Sounding off on a rhapsody blog Tony Starks stated, ""Yeah, I was in Europe when I heard [Tony Yayo say] that. That's just nonsense. I still put mad shit out. ‘Perb was ‘Perb, Ghost was Ghost. ‘Perb is Rae's man. He been in the studio a few times while we're doing sh*t. He ain't write shit. All ‘Perb contributed was a couple of lines that you could put in the air. When we write, we all do that. "Say this one right here" or "Put this one right here." We all catch lines with each other ‘cause you in the studio. You got niggas around you that write. Even if he did write a verse, he could never make an album of mine. He couldn't make an album, you feel me? I made Supreme Clientele what it is. Those are my stories, based around whatever they're based upon. It's me...But, Yayo can suck a fat dick. Tell him I said that."
Finally, don't hold your breath for the Ghostface / MF DOOM collabo album that we've been eagerly anticipating for the last two years. Ghostface recently spoke with Billboard and they asked him if anything new was developing with the release of Swift & Changeable "Not as of right now," he reports. "I'm about to go on the road again and I gotta finish up (the sequel to 'Only Built 4 Cuban Linx') with Raekwon, so maybe when everything gets cleared out of the way, but we'll find a space."
Keywords: Ghostface Killah; Wu-Tang Clan; Tony Yayo; Beef
Weezy Of The Week: Beef Not Settled With The Clipse
11/30/07
Lil Weezy
By: Trees Our good homey Mark. DiSalvo isn't in this week, so I'm filling in to drop the ‘Weezy of the Week' for him. This week's Lil'Wayne quote comes from the latest issue of Complex magazine, where the "Jay Arrrrra" continues to sizzle the beef between him and them VA boys. "I thought the whole ‘Mr. Me Too' video was about me, to tell you the damn truth," Weezy says of the Clipse song. "They think I want to be like them. I'm on a million-dollar bus going around the world charging people from $50,000 to $150,000 for verses, and I got 77 songs in magazines and I got a billion more. Do the math; you think I'm trying to be like you? No sir."
By: Lolly 9th Wonder is preparing for next year's release of his new album The Wonder Years. In late October, 9th told UGHH that the new album is more parent-friendly and "caters more to cats my age." More recently, he told HipHopDX.com that "Sonically, people can expect bigger sounding beats, more expansion of my sound. There will be an element of classic, throwback R&B, but with a current twist." Further, XXLMag.com reports 9th saying, "my main demographic is women who have careers, women who like to sit in the house and relax as they listen to it. My album is not for the club. I want my album to be played in the beauty salon or a Coach bag store just as much as anywhere." I don't know if people who shop at Coach would necessarily appreciate the album…Anyways, The Wonder Years features artists Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Erykah Badu, Q-Tip, Teedra Moses, and a track from Little Brother. Look out for 9th's Asylum Records debut release on January 29. To view the expanded album cover click here
By: Lolly iCON the Mic King believes he will lead the "Third Renaissance" of hip hop. What does that entail? Recently, iCON told BallerStatus.com that the Third Renaissance would combine the lyrical based movement of the past with "actually making good music. Especially in the underground, there are a lot of dudes that can rap very well, but they don't make good music. So what's going to happen is a lot of people are going to start figuring out what is trash music...there's a lot of trash music in the commercial world. There's a lot of trash in the underground." He credits his first time working with DJ Chum as his first real testament to the renaissance. "He has a lot of influences, he doesn't just listen to hip-hop, but he does listen to all hip-hop. He has classical training as a regular musician as well. He has a better worldview than most." iCON's most recent release Rent Money Music II: C-Notes for the Car Note has quite a few collaborations, one of which is with Jus Allah from Jedi Mind Tricks. But don't worry, iCON reassures us that "there's also plenty of solo material." The album is in stores now.
Kanye Remixes Billie Jean / M.J. Reunites with Jackson 5 For Tour!!
11/30/07
The King
By: Trees Michael Jackson's Thriller album is getting the deluxe remix treatment. In celebration of the release's 25th anniversary, Epic/Legacy is revisiting the timeless album by dropping a new version containing unreleased bonus tracks mixed by or featuring Kanye West, Akon, Will.I.Am and Jackson himself. For those that can remember that far back, Thriller was originally released November 30, 1982, and the new 25th Anniversary Edition, dropping February 12, will have eight extra cuts including: A Kanye West Remix of "Billie Jean"; Akon and Will.I.Am's new take on "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' " "The Girl Is Mine" and "P.Y.T." remixes by Will.I.Am; the rare unissued song "For All Time," a track from the original recording sessions that has been newly mixed and mastered by MJ himself; "Someone in the Dark" "Carousel" and the original "Billie Jean" demo. The set will also house a DVD with Jackson's Thriller short films, which have been digitally remastered — "Thriller," "Beat It" and "Billie Jean" — as well as his Emmy-nominated performance of the latter song on 1983's "Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever" TV special. Finally, it will also have an exclusive Jackson-penned greeting to his fans. While the Thriller deluxe edition doesn't drop until February, the Jackson action actually starts in December when he releases a new single and launches a new global-marketing campaign.
In other news from the Jackson camp, MJ will be touring with the Jackson 5 again. Yep. Believe the hype: The Jackson 5 are reunited for 2008 and possibly recording an album, according to statements Jermaine made to the BBC. "He has to be" involved, Jermaine said. "He is a Jackson." The family had been trying to get it together for another reunion tour for years, but the possibility was delayed by Michael's 2005 legal woes. The Jacksons last toured in 1984, on the infamous Victory tour, just after M-Jack dropped Thriller.
Keywords: Michael Jackson; Kanye West; Will.I.Am.; Jackson 5
By: Lolly Bash Bros. and Afroclassics (Scarub of Living Legends and Very) teamed up with DJ Icewater for a new mixtape. Workaholics features collaborations with Living Legends (Grouch and Eligh), Planet Asia, and more. Click Here to download the FREE mixtape.
The tracklisting is as follows: 1. Workaholic intro 2. Pass the Blunt 3. Express 4. America 5. Rap Fanatic 6. Money over Gold 7. Keep on Stepping 8. Summer Rain 9. Everyday is a Struggle 10. G's and Hustlaz 11. Live from Los Angeles 12. Joy Riden 13. Golden 14. The Session 15. Road Rage 16. Ascension Equipment 17. One of a Kind 18. Ridah Don't Die
Keywords: Bash Bros.; Afroclassics; Scarub; Living Legends
By: Lolly Joell Ortiz generated a big buzz at the beginning of the year when he was signed to Aftermath. He dropped some mixtapes, but has yet to release an album on the label. During a recent video interview with XXL Magazine, Joell revealed his struggles with, and feelings about, the record label. First off, he claimed that Aftermath called him and said that Jimmy Iovine didn't want him on the label anymore and that they were thinking about letting him go. The information was coming from within Aftermath, but when someone approached him about it during the BET Hip-Hop Awards, he knew it was getting out of hand: the info had leaked. Joell's response? "Yo, if you don't want me there, let me go. Joell Ortiz worked too hard to sit around. I can't sit around. People are waiting on me. People want to know what's going on with Joell. They want to hear the next thing. I need to come out." Joell ended the interview with a promise: no matter what, he will drop a new album next year.
By: Lolly Producer/DJ Double-O and MC Naledge of Kidz in the Hall have recently signed a joint deal with Duck Down Records and Major League Entertainment. The two left former label Rawkus Records because they felt that Duck Down would help take them to the next level. Matty Marcus, the founder of Major League Entertainment, is excited about the new deal. "The loyalty the label has shown to their roster over the years was a definite selling point and Dru Ha and the Duck Down team are the perfect partners to elevate the Kidz In The Hall brand to the next level. This new exciting partnership is a welcomed change and a breath of fresh air for our entire team." Double-O agrees, ""I think that this deal is an excellent opportunity to spread our wings. Duck Down Records has proven that they can successfully promote independent acts on a major scale." Kidz in the Hall plans to release their sophomore album on the label: The In Crowd will drop March of next year.
Nicolay and Kay Jackson to Release Album Next Year
11/28/07
Nicolay
By: Lolly Nicolay, the producer behind The Foreign Exchange's Connected (2004), and Kay Jackson of the Foundation are working on TIME:LINE, a new concept album. Guest artists on the record include Myth and S1 of Strange Fruit Project, Oh No, Chip Fu of Fu Schnickens, Stokley Williams of Mint Condition, Nicole Hurst, The Luv Bugz, etc. TIME:LINE is set to drop on February 1st in Europe, Austrailia/NZ and February 12th in the US of A.
By: Lolly The release date for Rick Ross' sophomore album Trilla has been moved from December 18th, 2007 to February 19th, 2008. The first single off the album "Speedin" featuring R.Kelly isn't doin so hot on the charts. In fact, it hasn't made it past #76. So, Ross' label is giving him some more time to work on the album. Trilla includes guest performances by Jay-Z, Lil'Wayne, Trick Daddy, T-Pain, Akon, and Marsha Ambrosius of Floetry. Producers include Cool and Dre, The Runners, and DJ Toomp.
By: Mark DiSalvo The witness in the Jam Master Jay murder controversy has finally come forward to tell the press what happened the night the Run-DMC DJ was fatally shot. He's even alleging that Jay likely knew his killer. Uriel "Tony" Rincon, Jay's longtime friend who was present at the shooting, told the New York Daily News that Jay had a pistol with him the night of the shooting. Rincon said that he and Jay were at the DJ's recording studio on Merrick Blvd. in Queens, N.Y. when Jay had revealed he was carrying a gun, and set it down on the table. Jay's assistant was uncomfortable at the sight of the weapon, and Jay put the gun away, according to Rincon. After the two shared a game of Madden 2002, Rincon went to answer his cell phone, when he heard footsteps and Jay utter the words "Oh shit," before hearing two gun shots. One shot hit Rincon in the leg, the other fatally wounded Jay. Rincon told the Daily News that he did not see the killer, and has told the police everything he can remember, saying "I wish I could tell [the police] more." The most revealing part of the story however, is Rincon's assertion that Jay knew his killer. He told the Daily News that Jay would have defended himself if there was a real threat. "Had there been immediate animosity or if there was a problem, they wouldn't have been that close," Rincon said. Jay's friend is referring to reports in the Daily News earlier this month that Jay and his killer embraced before the rapper was shot.
By: Mark DiSalvo RZA has broken the silence over what many thought would be a civil war in the Wu-Tang Clan. RZA appeared on Tim Westwood's radio show and addressed the recent interview Raekwon the Chef did with Miss Info, saying that the whole thing was a simple disagreement that's since been settled. The Wu producer and leader said that Rae's biggest issue was with the group the new album targeted. Raekwon was looking for an album "for the hood," while RZA said that Wu is for everyone. RZA also noted that Only Built for Cuban Linxx Pt. 2 is finished, and hinted at its release following 8 Diagrams. He called Cuban Linxx "the punch in your face" album that Rae was looking for. Bobby Digital didn't turn over and completely ignore Raekwon's jabs. It's fine if Raekwon wants to go ahead with a "Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tang" album, RZA said, but he reminded the world that he's a master producer who's hard to compete with, if that's what they want to do. And as for allegations of unpaid tour dollars, RZA emphatically stated "I ain't never, EVER take no money from nobody, and I don't owe no money to anybody. I work hard and pay all my bills."
By: Mark DiSalvo DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist have announced they are teaming up for a tour in January and February. The two DJs are not strangers to each other, recording the renowned Brainfreeze mix-tape together, among other accomplishments. The "Hard Sell" tour is said to be an "expanded" version of the Hard Sell show the two did earlier this year. The confirmed dates are listed below.
1-18 Austin, TX - La Zona Rosa 1-19 Dallas, TX - House of Blues 1-21 Atlanta, GA - The Loft at Center Stage 1-23 Baltimore, MD - Sonar 1-24 Washington, DC - 9:30 Club 1-25 Philadelphia, PA - Theatre of Living Arts 1-26 New York, NY - Irving Plaza 1-27 New York, NY - Irving Plaza 1-29 Montreal, Quebec - Metropolis 1-30 Toronto, Ontario - Phoenix Concert Theatre 1-31 Cleveland, OH - House of Blues 2-01 Chicago, IL - Park West 2-04 Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue 2-05 Kansas City, MO - Harrah's Casino 2-07 Denver, CO - Ogden Theatre 2-10 Seattle, WA - Showbox 2-11 Vancouver, British Columbia - Commodore Ballroom 2-14 Anaheim, CA - House of Blues 2-15 Los Angeles, CA – Wiltern
By: Lolly The a cappella version of HOV's American Gangster is set to drop December 4th. Jay-Z's previous a cappella releases have led to the Linkin Park/HOV collaboration Collision Course and DJ Danger Mouse's The Grey Album, a Beatles/Jay-Z mash-up. Other December 4th releases include Ghostface's The Big Doe Rehab, Wyclef Jean's Carnival Vol. II: Memoirs of an Immigrant, and DJ Drama's Gangsta Grillz.
By: Lolly LL Cool J claims that his album Exit 13, which drops next year, is the best album he's made in almost a decade. Who does he owe for such success? "I have to give 50 props for that." LL told MTV News. LL says that after his last album dropped, 50 Cent called him up and told him the album was kinda slow and a little weak. LL thought that 50's response was great, "One of the most important things in making records, [is] you can't think you know everything in music. I'm humble. I'm confident, but I'm humble." LL continued, claiming 50 pushed him and helped him get his mojo back. "I didn't feel I fell off, but I felt I was a little bit out of touch with the things I should be thinking about. I needed to get a little more focused and close to my people and closer to the street."
Def Jam Compilation Album To Feature Unreleased/ Rare Tracks
11/27/07
DefJam
By: Lolly A special compilation album featuring previously unreleased tracks from Def Jam's artists hits stores December 18th. Def Jam Sessions Vol.1 features music from Fabolous, Ne-Yo, Nas, Rihanna, Method Man, Redman, and Bobby Valentino. The track listing is as follows:
Nas - 'The N…' Nas - 'Where Y'all At' Fabolous - 'I Shine, You Shine' Fabolous - 'Chirp Back' Ne-Yo - 'That's What It Does' Ne-Yo - 'Spotlight' Method Man - 'OD' Redman - 'Fuck Da Security' Redman - 'Let's Go' Rihanna - 'Haunted' Rihanna - 'Cry' Bobby Valentino - 'Wreck' Bobby Valentino - 'Let's Go'
By: Mark DiSalvo Style of Beyond, the group from Los Angeles that blessed the hip-hop world with underground classics like 2000 Fold, is back in the studio. The group is set to make their major label debut in 2008 on Machine Shop Recordings/Warner Brothers. The album will feature the full of roster of MCs Ryu and Takbir and producers DJ Cheapshot and Vin Skully. Takbir says the album "cleverly flirts with the concept of opposites - playful and militant, which is based upon everyday ironies." To hold you over, the group is keeping their MySpace page updated with new music, featuring a track titled "Hard," produced by the late J Dilla.
Head over to http://www.myspace.com/StylesofBeyond for more in the coming months.
By: Mark DiSalvo With the literary world about to be taken over by Ghostface, the only thing left for Tony Starks was the big screen. And what could be more fitting than the upcoming Iron Man movie? Ghostface Killah has been tapped to make a cameo in the new Iron Man film starring Robert Downey Jr, MTV is reporting. The Wu-Tang member has a long obsession and fascination with the comic franchise, so the marriage is more than fitting. Ghostface told MTV ""It was a good look for the kid because Robert Downey Jr. recognized me as soon as I seen him. He was like, 'Yo, Tony!' ... For him to recognize me, I was kinda surprised by that. I didn't know he even knew about the kid. ... We called each other Tony onscreen. I'm like, 'Tony Stark, I got your jet, I didn't mess it up.' He was like, 'I got the Bentley for you, I laced it up.' I had two girls with me, I was like, 'That's you [pointing toward the girls].' I sent two birds at him. It was a wrap for that scene. He's a cool dude and funny. Big up to Robert Downey Jr."
Pretty Toney is also featured in the new comedy Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. Is Ghostface going to be the next rapper-actor crossover? We wouldn't be against it.
By: Mark DiSalvo Company Flow headlines have been returning to the hip-hop world for the past month, and that's certainly a good thing for underground hip-hop heads. This one though, may not be so welcomed by the rest of Co. Flow, but it's certainly entertaining. El-P was recently filmed on what appears to be MTV U, looking a little… tipsy. He had some not so nice comments about Spank Rock. Check it out below...
By: Mark DiSalvo Depending on your beliefs, the latest news from the Notorious B.I.G. wrongful death suit may not surprise you. The lawsuit the Wallace family has filed that names LAPD Officers David Mack and Rafael Perez, may soon be amended, to include other names such as Suge Knight, the Associated Press reports. Knight has consistently denied any involvement in the murder of the Notorious BIG. There is allegedly new evidence surfacing that shows Perez as being on duty the night of the murder. Let's just hope all the confusion ends soon.
Keywords: Notorious B.I.G.; Suge Knight; LAPD; Da Rapsheet
By: Mark DiSalvo As Wu-Tang clashes over the release of 8-Diagrams, they've apparently been able to hold it together long enough for at least 10 tour dates. The whole Shaolin squad is hitting the road for 10 stops, with more likely to be added. We'll keep you posted, but in the meantime, check out the dates below.
Dec. 15 - Chicago, IL - Metro Dec. 16 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue Dec. 20 - Denver, CO - Fillmore Dec. 23 - Hollywood, CA - House of Blues Sunset Strip Dec. 30 - Seattle, WA - Showbox Jan. 3 - Las Vegas, NV - House of Blues Jan. 10 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory Jan. 12 - New York, NY - Hammerstein Ballroom Jan. 25 - Miami Beach, FL - Jackie Gleason Theater Jan. 26 - St. Petersburg, FL - Jannus Landing
