The Boombox Music Blog

Shawty Lo Reveals Lessons Learned From His 11 Kids, Talks 'Scarred Childhood,' New Mixtape

Nadine Graham — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 16:45:00 EST

Getty Images Shawty Lo knows that people are talking, but the recent backlash against his Oxygen reality show, "All My Baby Mamas," hasn't affected his momentum in the slightest. The G-Unit signee is tickled by all the whispering prompted by his everyday life, although contractually he can't go into detail about the specifics behind the show. "I can't talk about 'All My Babies' Mamas,'" he tells The BoomBox during the Atlanta video shoot for his single "New Money." "But I can talk about my family." ...

"Nine girls and two boys!," Lo announces proudly. "And 11 baby mamas," he adds with a boyish grin.

There's a petition currently circulating, which demands the show be shelved indefinitely, but Shawty Lo's taking advantage of the buzz as he preps for the release of his first G-Unit backed mixtape I'm the Man 4: Everything Lo. The lead street single from the project is entitled "Petition."

"It'll only be 14 songs on the mixtape," he shares. "Right now I'm at 120 songs so I don't know what's done ... I never know what's done until I'm through working. We're gonna listen to whatever. If it's 200, we're gonna listen to those 200 songs and my team will pick through those 200 to get 14."

There's also the matter of including other Atlanta rappers in the production of the tape. The camaraderie between A-Town rappers is more than just hype - a last-minute studio visit can lead to last-minute changes on a project.

"I'm real hands on with everybody when they come to the studio in the city or whatever," Lo shares. "A lot of artists will just stop through and we'll do songs like that together. It's hard to do a song by yourself, because you never know who's walking in like, 'Shawty let me get on that! Let's do this!'"

Watch Shawty Lo in Soulja Boy's "Gucci Bandanas" Video

Besides appearances from Ca$h Out and Freebandz' affiliate Young Scooter, Shawty Lo says he has some of the city's best beatsmiths on deck for I'm the Man 4, including Mike WiLL Made It, Zaytoven and DJ Spinz.

"If you listen to my mixtapes, my albums, I always have the best producers," Lo boasts. "Sometimes they're big producers, sometimes they're local producers but it's whoever drops the best beat."

The jury may still be out on the ethical value of his show, "All My Babies' Mamas," but Shawty Lo will continue to do his best to be there for his many children.

"I was scarred as a child," he reveals. "My mama wasn't there, my dad wasn't there. My grandma raised me and she died from cancer when I was 17. Two of my close cousins died, another one locked up for murder but the thing my kids taught me was how to love again."

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Inside the DJ Booth: DJ Princess Cut

Nadine Graham — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 13:48:00 EST

Brandon Wiggins Photography Princess Cut was a late bloomer in the DJ industry -- the Atlanta native already had a degree in psychology just after touching her first pair of Technics. "I was always influenced by a strong love and passion for good music period," she tells The BoomBox. "I loved that it's a unifying factor for people in the world." Princess Cut didn't think of spinning records for a living until she turned 20, and then it was still a matter of happenstance -- one night out at a local bar, Princess Cut decided to experiment with a pair of lonely turntables on stage and she hasn't stopped spinning since. ...

"About a year or so after I started, the game changed and DJs started playing CDs," she reveals. "A year or two after that, Serato came into play. I was just happy to be able to catch the end of the true vinyl era. There's nothing like the feel of vinyl."

Princess Cut took off immediately, indulging in her newest hobby with fervor. However, in her excitement to show off her skills, she had a couple of embarrassing mishaps.

"Within my trial period, I definitely was mixing records that weren't supposed to go together," she says with a laugh. "But it was something I was so hungry for."

Then there was the time Princess was hired to spin at a studio event. "That particular night I was so excited that I knocked the needle off the record," she recalls. "All I could do was smile because I was just so happy to be doing it, but everybody looked up at the booth like 'Ohhh!' But I kept the party going."

Her confidence level increased with every set thereafter, as she fought to prove her rightful spot as one of Atlanta's premiere DJs. The fact that she was only one of the few females doing it gave Princess an extra sparkle. Surprisingly in a male-dominated industry, she found that many of her peers welcomed her into the fold easily.

"A lot of promoters will hire a male DJ before they would a female DJ," she reveals. "It's just a comfort level that they have, but I just kind of had to show and prove. I was always at the record stores picking up vinyl.

"A majority of these [male DJs] tried at some point to take me under their wing," she continues. "They'd put me on label's music lists, or teach me about a blend or a cut. A lot of them were really welcoming to me."

It wasn't long before Princess Cut began to have some pretty extraordinary experiences while DJing. One of her favorite gigs was touring with the Dungeon Family.

"Being a female from Atlanta's younger generation, and being able to actually go out and tour with one of the most legendary groups from Atlanta, that's a stamp within itself," she recalls, fondly. "Goodie Mob and OutKast were my favorite groups while growing up."

2012 was a phenomenal year for DJ Princess Cut. She started off at full speed, fueled by her breakout performance on BET's "Master of the Mix," making huge strides while in the competition.

Since, she's been spinning all over the city in addition to landing a spot on Atlanta radio station Hot 107.9, making her the sole female mix show DJ in the city.

2013 holds nothing but promise for Princess Cut. "2013 will be such a great year," she says slowly. "Because 2012 was awesome. In 2013, I am going to the moon. Yeah."

Top 5 Songs of the Moment

"Don't You Worry Child," Swedish House Mafia
"No Worries," Lil Wayne feat. Detail
"We Are Young," Fun feat. Janelle Monae
"Starry Eyed," Ellie Goulding (Joker Bait Drum Remix)
"In My Mind," Ivan Gough & Feenixpawl feat. Georgi Kay (Axwell Mix)

Top 5 Songs to Rock the Party

"Before I Let Go," Frankie Beverly & Maze
"P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)," Michael Jackson
"Got to Be Real," Cheryl Lynn
"Candy," Cameo
"Raspberry Beret," Prince

Check Out Big Boi's Surprise Favorite Musicians

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Ca$h Out's Top 5 Expenses of 2012: Atlanta Rapper Cashes Out at Church, Buys Mom a Crib

Nadine Graham — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 17:10:00 EST

Noam Galai, AOL Ca$h Out has had an incredible year. Since dropping his debut mixtape, It's My Time, earlier this year, the Atlanta rapper has managed to mesmerize crowds nationwide, signed with Epic Records and held down a top ten spot on Billboard's hip-hop chart with his smash single, "Cashin' Out." "That's what LA Reid signed me for," he tells The BoomBox. "The music. When we first came it was for 'Cashin' Out' but when we played three more songs for him, he was like, 'We need to sign him for albums, as an artist.' I salute him for recognizing me as an artist and not just for one song." ...

On his latest project, Keisha, Ca$h Out is hoping to preview his growth, before releasing his debut LP next year, aptly entitled Patience.

"With Keisha, I feel like I have a bigger fanbase," he says excitedly. "I just sat down and chopped it up with the label like 'Let me just give one more back to the streets before I drop the album.'"

The Epic signee is right to be ecstatic, after all, 2013 presents another opportunity to top the charts.

"Every time I get ready to drop a project," he explains. "It's like, I just wanna do better, just like athletes. In NBA or NFL season, they just wanna do better than they did last year."

Watch Ca$h Out's "Cashin' Out" Video

Because 2012 has been so good to him, The BoomBox asked Ca$h Out to name five things he cashed out on this year.

Ca$h Out's Top 5 2012 Cash Outs

1. Daughter
"I definitely cashed out on her 'cause she's spoiled. Spoiled to death! She just turned four on November 23. As long as she's doing well in school, she can get whatever she wants from me. That's what it's all about. If you're doing well in school and staying respectful and not coming up how I came up ... I try and keep her away from that, and just stay focused. I treat her like a young lady because you know, these kids coming up these days are actually smarter than our generation. So yeah, she's spoiled, but I talk to her while she's a child so when she grows up, she already knows."

2. Mother
"I definitely got my mother a new crib this year."

3. Crib
"I took care of my crib and got a couple cars in the driveway for me, my mother, and my brother."

4. BMW X6
"I passed the [Chevy] Camaro down to my brother. I had that Camaro before things really took off, everything paid for. Now I'm in the new [BMW] X6, 2013. I like those trucks, they're really fast. Wale saw it and was like, 'Man! I gotta get one of those. It's so nice.' It's totally different from the X5. I don't even like those shapes, but the shape the put on the X6 ... I was like, 'I gotta get that right there.'"

5. Church
"When I go to church I pay my tithes! I give back to the Lord at the same time as buying everything else. I cash out at church. [laughs]"

See Photos of Ca$h Out's In House Visit With The BoomBox

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Styles P's Top 10 Tips for Weak Rappers: 'World's Most Hardest MC' Doles Out Pointers for Lames

Nadine Graham — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 15:30:00 EST

Facebook On his first solo album, the Yonkers-bred LOX emcee Styles P proclaimed himself both a gangster and a gentleman, and he stands by that notion. "I definitely am both," he tells The BoomBox. "To be one, you gotta be both to tell you the truth. Because the most gangster people in the world are gentlemen. You probably wouldn't even know they're gangsters. There's no reason to expose their hand." On his latest LP, The World's Most Hardest MC Project, released via E1 Music last month, Styles set out to prove yet another point about exactly who he is. ...

Known for his easy flow and sharp lyricism, the Ghost has never tried to be anything he's not. After nearly two decades in hip-hop, he's completely at ease with his position, but with The World's Most Hardest MC Project, he mixes things up a bit.

"I just wanted to make a project where even though it was toned down, it would still be aggressive," he explains. "But sometimes you just want to get off, as an emcee, on some different shit to the fact that you know people ain't really gon' play the music. Every song, I was just like 'This? There's no way they're gonna play this on the radio ... no way.' And even if a song felt like it wasn't extremely hard, it was still too hard for the radio. So I said, this was the project I wanted to do, just being me, on the hard emcee tip."

In an attempt to gain a better understanding of what it takes to be the hardest emcee, The BoomBox tapped Styles P for his top 10 tips for the weak MCs in the industry. Relax and take notes.

Styles P's Top 10 Tops for Weak MCs

1. Read more. For any emcee whether they're weak or whatever, you need to read. Read a lot. If you're not into fiction, non-fiction or science-fiction, read the paper or a magazine. Read something.

2. Watch plenty of movies. Watch different genres of movies. Action, drama, old school, black people shit, white people shit, Spanish shit. National Geographic, Animal Planet, all kinds of things. Try and absorb as much as you can.

3. Consider your peers as competition. You have to think of your peers, your folks, how they get it in. Try to listen to them as much as you can.

4. Consider the vets as competition. Listen to those who came before you. Learn from them -- but they're your competition too.

5. Pay homage to the vets. Listen to the artists that came before you, who you love, and who you're a fan of. Listen to their style and what you can take from it. See if you can use anything or learn anything from them.

6. Start feeling yourself. You have to have an attitude like you really are "that" person.

7. Hit the streets. This might not be for you, but you have to hit the streets. See what the streets like, what they do and what they're into.

8. Hit the "real" parts of the streets. Go where only the goons go. Go to certain events, places and spots where other the official, certified people can go! You gotta see what's on their mind and how they live. I don't suggest that for everybody though. That's not really a thing you should really have to do, or anything. I'm just saying, if you really wanna dive into the realm...

9. Stay hungry. Remain extremely competitive. You can respect those who came before you and those that come after you, but you're still competing. This is your craft. Be the best at what you do.

10. Commit to a lane. Know that when you claim to be large at something, that's your only lane. That's a solid lane. You gotta respect those dudes that step into the "I'm Hard" lane. You have to see if you fit in with it, and if you don't fit in with it, then don't even fucking try, and fall back. If you do, then you do what you have to do to become even harder than those that you think are hard. That's the key.

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Vinny Cha$e Discusses Building an Indie Empire, Befriending Marc Jacobs

Nadine Graham — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:17:00 EST

Vinny Chase There's no longer a stigma attached to developing a music career without major label backing in 2012; rappers are building fanbases from bedroom studios and promoting them via Twitter, and it's working. Harlem's Vinny Cha$e and the Cheers Club are a prime example of indie success. The recent release of Cha$e's new project, Golden Army, should solidify his standing as one of the next to watch, but according to Cha$e, it goes much farther than a dope track or two. With production from the crew's in-house team and the infallible Audio Dope, Cha$e and his crew hope to encourage a new lifestyle, celebrating the intersection of dreams, hard work and success. ...

The BoomBox spoke with Vinny Cha$e recently about the importance of autonomy, loyalty and maintaining the Harlem sound.

What was the mind set going into the production of 'Golden Army'?

Vinny Cha$e: When we went into it we really wanted to make something that was really New York and not sounding like anywhere else, you know what I mean? Because we just felt like everything that came out of here recently was more of like, it was Harlem but more like a Down South kinda Harlem [hybrid], and we just wanted to do something that was real original, to set us apart from everything else going on in this New Harlem here.

You said "New Harlem"?

Yeah, "new."

That's a phrase you've coined...

It's definitely something that I've coined. When I say New Harlem I mean like, this new generation of people like us. If you come uptown now, you see luxury buildings, you see money up here now. It's not the same Harlem as five years ago. There aren't devastated areas like there used to be and you know? It's a town on the rise and I feel like we represent that.

You took your name from the main character of the HBO show "Entourage," right? What was the significance of that?

I mean really it was because I came from an entourage. I just felt like, what better name? Like, I could take a white person's name and flip it into a cool black person's name, you know what I mean? I came up under the Dipset camp. I was with Juelz [Santana] filming his stuff for a few years, going on tour, going around the United States and stuff like that. But when I decided to do my own thing and take a stab at the game, I figured what's a better name than that?

What was the craziest experience that Cheers Club has had while putting the project together?

There've been a lot of things going on behind the scenes. There are a lot of emotionally taxing experiences because you make something and try and put it out exactly how you want it to be and sometimes you might think it's the best way but sometimes when you experiment with it, you find other ways to do things. So with this project, I really felt like I grew a lot.

What do you want people to take from Golden Army?

I just want people to take a creative look at it. When they try and create or become something, this is what they listen to because it's inspirational and it shows you that in this modern America right now, where Obama's still in charge, anything's possible. That's basically what we represent and we basically just try and keep it classy, keep it nice, and keep it original and in-house especially. As you know, we do everything ourselves. We do our own beats, we do our own videos, we make our own clothes so we're just trying to grow that and inspire other people to do the same.

Watch Listen to Vinny Cha$e's "Harlem Roses" Feat. Kid Art

Why is it important that you keep your circle so involved?

It's important because we grew up together and we really know each other before music. We've tried a lot of things so if these are the people that I trust and they trust me the same, there's no better way to come into the game than with your friends that you grew up with.

We hear you have a friendship with [fashion designer] Marc Jacobs. That's pretty unprecedented.

Yeah, it is. Because before music I was in fashion and did different showrooms and shit. Streetwear, that's how I got the chance to bump into him for the first time. I try and maintain some sort of relationship with him. He's a real cool dude. I respect him a lot. He's done a lot for the LVMH brand, like Louis Vuitton and all that besides Marc Jacobs. He has the Bookmarc store which I thought was a genius move to be doing fashion design and open a bookstore. It's just a lot of things that he does that I look up to.

So the appeal to you guys is having the ability to move in any desired direction at any time...

Exactly. We do what we wanna do when we wanna do it. That's the point and we're trying to show everyone that it's possible. Like, we don't have all the things that get in your way of making the music and getting in front of these people like we need to be. So we just do our own thing. We don't let nobody tell us what to do and that's pretty much it. We stay inside of our team. Our team is ill creative-wise and corporate-wise. Our corporate team is really experienced in what they do. We just make sure everybody's happy because if everybody on the team is happy then everybody wins.

Which are your two favorite tracks from Golden Army?

One of my favorite tracks is the one I just put out with Kid Art called "Biggie and Jordans," just because it personifies our culture so much, like, what we came up with, those were the things that were important. The second one is called, "Rep That Harlem," because I feel like that's what we doing better than anybody else in the game right now, so that song has yet to come out but I promise you that's something people will be talking about later on. Those songs were produced by the good people at Audio Dope.

Listen to Vinny Cha$e's "Biggie and Jordans" Feat. Kid Art

Explain Cheers Club. Is it just the name of your circle?

Nah, it's deeper than just the name of our crew. "Cheers" is a celebration. When you hear that [phrase] usually, good things are happening, so we wanted to envelop that feeling and spread it amongst our people and people who love this music. So Cheers Club is deeper than what we just call ourselves. It's a fashion house -- we create clothes, we create everything. We design videos, we do movies, editing. It's a big movement especially here in New York -- Harlem in particular. It's bigger than just "Yo. It's Vinny Cha$e and a bunch of guys." We really do this. We really move units and we do what we say. We're not just out here just saying we do this. Like, if you know us, we really actually do the things that we talk about.

Exactly who is a part of Cheers Club?

Creative-wise, it's me, Vinny Cha$e, Cartier and Kid Art. We have a bunch of people coming up, not to be mentioned yet, but the movement itself is pretty big. The company started with just three but corporate-wise, it's grown to be something fabulous. It's just a beautiful thing.

How do you feel about the scales tipping in favor of the indie imprint these days? Pretty encouraged?

Of course, because I'm not just an artist, I'm a business owner so it's like, I love it. This is the perfect climate [in which] to become a millionaire if you want to. We started this with nothing and now we're a real company that you have to take seriously, you know? We're worth over a quarter of a million dollars and it's something that we started grassroots, so that alone should tell you that anything's possible so over the next few years, we're gonna be doing this really, really big. Shout out to everybody doing this on an independent level. Macklemore especially, just came out and he's doing big units. Nobody knew he was gonna do that but look what he did. You know what I mean? And with these labels, it's hard to do that. So that alone should tell you: just be creative, keep your team and just keep it moving.

Do you guys even want to be signed to a major label at this point?

I mean, we definitely wanted to. It's not like it hasn't been on the table but I gotta stress that I'm not just an artist, you can't just come to me with an artist deal. If anything, you'd have to talk to my company as far as distribution and things like that but I'm not just gonna throw my soul away because you're a major label. Nah, we a little smarter than that.

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Inside the DJ Booth: DJ Don Cannon

Nadine Graham — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 16:15:00 EST

Getty Images DJ/producer Don Cannon has been rocking turntables since his uncle gave him his first set at the age of three. "I think I just watched my uncle pretty much," he tells The BoomBox. "He was a big DJ back in Philly. I was a prodigy, so I watched him do all this stuff, learned it and continued on through high school." By the age of eight, the West Philadelphia native had begun spinning at some pretty notable events, including his aunt's wedding reception. ...

Cannon was obsessed with music as a kid. He'd picked up a pen as well, and of course every rapper needs beats, so the multi-talented youngster started wearing both hats by age 11.

"My mom always looked at me like I was weird," he says with a laugh. "She's like, 'He never plays with toys. He never does anything but play these drums and play these records all day.' Even with her, I recorded over all her tapes, from James Brown to Barbra Streisand."

It wasn't until the late 1990s that Cannon put every bit of his focus into DJing, while attending Clark Atlanta University. He found himself mesmerized by what a great music set could do to party-goers. "It was just the way people were dancing in my student center," he recalls. "Then I started DJing the strip, which was just the area outside. That really made me want to pursue it because there were a lot of things going on out there and I was playing music, seeing the rush people would get from it, it gave me a rush too."

Cannon also was encouraged by the diversity of Atlanta's inner city, full of music lovers from all over. He says that the variety of tastes helped in his decision to make the Southern city a starting point for his career. "It gave me a chance to know what St. Louis, Minnesota, Chicago, Miami, Houston and Cali [natives] like," he explains. "Once you take all that in you get a good ear for what people like across the nation."

As Cannon's brand grew bigger within Atlanta circles, there were two other young DJs making quite a name for themselves; DJ Drama and DJ Sense. It wasn't long before Cannon became a part of a collective that grew to become widely respected in the hip-hop industry.

"Apphilliates started as a friendship first," he states. "I'm the youngest outta them ... They brought the idea to me like, 'Yo, you should be a part of this thing we're doing. It'd be good for you, you're young. You're probably the youngest dude doing it.' So we started our own thing from there, the three of us, me, Drama and Sense."

Watch Young Jeezy's "Go Crazy Remix" Video, Produced by Don Cannon

The Apphilliates became the go-to crew for breaking new records and introducing new artists to the industry. DJ Drama's Gangsta Grillz series was steadily becoming a prominent force in the mixtape world and DJ Sense was an even bigger force in Atlanta radio. "We pretty much hit the lid on breaking artists -- that's the next step for people, going forward as a DJ and producer, is to actually make brands from your brand. If you can do that in anything that you do, business-wise, you're most successful.

"When you build other brands, you are successful as a big brand," he continues. "So that's what we did, we broke T.I. Jeezy, Slim Thug, Paul Wall. Plies and Future came through that. A lot of these guys, we broke as artists. I'm not giving us 100 percent of it, but with most of those careers, we gave people a platform to speak to their culture and the crowd."

Sometimes though, things get complicated when working with friends. "I don't think the Apphilliates is any longer," Cannon says carefully. "I think it's just us as individuals, but the legacy of it ... We never officially called it quits. We went through our differences, but that wasn't a part of our friendship. It was some other people that came in and disrupted the business.

"We became cooler again on a friendship level," he reveals. "Dram had some stuff going on in his family life and needed a shoulder to lean on ... When we get bigger as brands and artists, people tend to look at us differently, as if we're not human beings. I can't make new friends and start talking to them and telling my business because they run off and do things. It's a protective thing."

Now, four years after disbanding the Apphilliates, Cannon says he's finally prepping to release his first official LP, in hopes that the move will inspire other DJs to push boundaries. He's stoking the fire he had when producing his first big hit, Young Jeezy's "Go Crazy."

"The point where I really, really felt like I knew what I was doing," he says, with a pause. "You know how you get to that point where you're like, 'Do I know what I'm doing?' Mine was when Jay-Z jumped on the record with Jeezy and did 64 bars. Then I kinda was like, 'Okay, I think I know what I'm doing.' Hearing Jay-Z say, 'Yo, that beat was amazing and I want more.' It was like, 'Yo, I made it.'"

Don Cannon's Top 5 Songs to Rock the Party

"P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)," Michael Jackson
"Poison," Bell Biv Devoe
"PSA (Public Service Announcement)," Jay-Z
"U Don't Know," Jay-Z
"Air Forces," Young Jeezy

Don Cannon's Top 5 Songs of the Moment

"Same Damn Time," Future
"Pop That," French Montana feat. Lil Wayne, Rick Ross & Drake
"I'm Different," 2 Chainz
"No Worries," Lil Wayne feat. Detail
"Function," E-40 feat. YG, IamSu & Problem

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Brandy's Best Kept Secrets: Singer Divulges Beauty, Business, Style & Food Tips

Nadine Graham — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:57:00 EST

Gino DePinto, AOL Though Brandy has been in the public eye since the early '90s, with the recent release of her sixth LP, Two Eleven, the singer is prepared to offer fans a deeper glimpse into herself as an artist. "I really feel like this album reawakened the artist in me," she tells The BoomBox. "It's been a while since I've had this much confidence and belief in what I've been doing. For a long time I didn't know what was gonna happen and what I was gonna do in music or if I even had a place still in it." Aided by songwriters like Sean Garrett, the songstress has returned after a four-year hiatus without breaking a sweat, reclaiming her spot without missing a beat. ...

"We definitely wanted to do something to get into the hearts and minds of people," she shares. "We wanted to do something timeless. That was definitely the goal, but when you experience the goal, it feels different. Like we never had a goal, and it just kinda happened.

"But, we really believed, and everybody that I worked with this time, everybody was really in sync. Everybody wanted the same thing."

She may be an open book these days, but we couldn't help but wonder if there's anything that she's managed to keep under wraps after all these years, so The BoomBox sat down with Brandy to ask dig up her best kept secrets, which you can read in full below.

See Photos of Brandy's In House Visit With The BoomBox

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Beauty Secret
I do the same thing that I've always done. I'll wash my face with Crème De La Mer face wash, I've been using that for years now, and it keeps my skin pretty fresh. Of course I go through my breakouts like everybody else, but I stick to that product. I'm a diehard fan.

Business Secret
You've gotta know everything! I don't want nothing to get past me. I wanna know everything even the things I don't need to know [laughs]!

Parenting Secret
Remember that you were once a child. You relate better that way. My daughter's 10 and she really likes me a lot, which is a really good thing [laughs]. She's a person! She's me on steroids. Her opinions are just so good, her logic is too good. I mean, this girl will fight you on anything, making sense while doing it. It frustrates me sometimes because her arguments are so good, but I love that because if she can stand on her own with me, then she can stand on her own with anybody, and I encourage that. I encourage her to voice her opinion and say what's on her mind because I never want her to hold things in. I teach her to always say how she feels and to always do it with love and even though sometimes she gets a little feisty, I know at the end of the day she has a great heart and that I can't teach her.

Style Secret
I don't have a top style secret. I mean, I'm clueless when it comes to fashion. I know when it's right and I know when it's wrong, but in my personal life I'm not really into fashion like that, and I need to be because the business I'm in that's what it's all about [laughter]. I guess my secret is my stylist. If you see me looking good, that's my stylist. Like, you'll know when I dress myself and when a stylist has dressed me. You can completely tell the difference. But I keep my hair done.

Secret Song She Wishes Was Part of Her Catalog
I hate to do this because I don't think that God blesses you with anybody else's stuff. I think that God really knows how to issue out people's stuff and never gives it to another person if it belongs to somebody else, but in saying that, there is a song that I wish was mine and that's Jordin Sparks "No Air." I just ... That song... I felt was my song [laughs]. I did! And she did such a good job with it with Chris Brown, but every time I hear it I just always say to myself 'If I could just do some of the background [vocals], Jordin. You do the lead, honey.' Because I knew that song, what I would've experienced if I did that song. I just love it.

Secret Favorite Artist
One of my favorite artists is Enya. She's unbelievable. Her harmonies, her voice is just impeccable. Everybody else I listen to is pretty much the obvious, but Enya would be the most eclectic and different person that people wouldn't think that I listened to, and loved. She's one of my favorite singers.

Secret Restaurant Favorite
My favorite restaurant is Houston's, and everybody knows it. I want everybody to go to Houston's.

Secret Friends
I think everyone knows my friends, but I've just recently reconnected with Countess Vaughn and Shar Jackson from "Moesha." I just reconnected with Alexis Fields, and these were like my childhood friends -- people I grew up with. I love them, I can't believe I haven't spoken with them in years, you know? My "Moesha" girls. It feels like there were things that we didn't understand about each other then. Things that we weren't mature enough to talk about, but as women we were able to get together and really apologize for some of the things we put each other through, and really be mature about it. We're all mothers now ... Well, Shar was a mother then, so she was already up on game, but now Countess, Alexis and I are mothers and we're able to just share our kids and just be women, which is great.

Acting Secret
Acting is not really about acting, it's really about finding the truth within your life and relating it to that character, and bringing that character to life. I would definitely suggest Tasha Smith as a coach and Ivana Chubbuck's book, The Power of the Actor. Aspiring actors should read these books and try and find Tasha Smith as soon as possible because she's an amazing coach, and she helps you find your truth and bring your truth to the character. The greatest actors make it look so easy but it's not as easy as it looks. There's a lot that goes into bringing a character to life. I can't wait until I get the chance to do something so complex where I really have to do a lot of inner work to bring a character to life. I can't wait for that moment, and I hope I get it.

Watch Brandy's "It All Belongs to Me" Video Feat. Monica

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Inside the DJ Booth: DJ Bobby Konders

Nadine Graham — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST

Bobby Konders More than 20 years ago, Bobby Konders was a Brooklyn boy with two loves -- basketball and music -- until he discovered his DJ skills to be more useful than his hoop dreams. "My jumpshot wasn't that good," he tells The Boombox with a laugh, "I played Division III basketball and I thought I had game, but obviously it wasn't that good. I was always known to play reggae though." Konders soon made his mark in New York City's music industry, and through the years he became the go-to dancehall DJ alongside his partner Jabba. Since the early 1990s, the two have specialized in playing music from the Caribbean on Hot 97, the biggest hip-hop radio station in the five boroughs and beyond. ...

The DJ and producer started off spinning wherever he could back in the late 1980s. He attended reggae and dancehall bashments, or parties, religiously, observing what the older DJs did.

"I remember being that young hungry dude on the come up," he explains. "Just getting in the game, like 'Can I get through the door?' and I saw older DJs that were miserable. I felt like they were drinking haterade. I never want to be that person, so hopefully I never come across as that."

It wasn't long before Konders learned all he needed, and founded his record label and entertainment firm, Massive B in 1991. The imprint is still going strong, becoming one of the most widely-respected labels in the reggae and dancehall business. Massive B hosts events in the New York City-area, which Konders says is always something special to see, because they mix things up.

"Times have changed from 1992 to 2002 to 2012," he continues. "Back in the 1990s it was more reggae, dancehall and a little hip-hop but now, within the Caribbean community, hip-hop has gotten so big, especially in Brooklyn, that you play your reggae and dancehall, but you also have to play hip-hop and R&B, as well as some soca."

Watch 'The Bobby Konders Story'

Konders and Jabba have also applied this perspective to their show on Hot 97 in an effort to remain current in the ever-changing climate of urban music. At the suggestion of Ebro Darden [Hot 97's Program Director], the pair have included a mix of genres in their slot.

"What makes our team so strong is that we move with the times, we don't get stuck in an era. I may love a certain era, as a DJ and as a fan but to stay hot with the kids, you have to move with the times and with any DJ you have to address the crowd that you're deejaying for.

"In 2012, the party crowd is different than it was in 1995," he continues. "The classics you play for crowds in 1995, you'd go back to the '70s and '80s, where in 2012, the classics may be from seven to ten years ago. You just have to move with the times, keeping it young and sexy and entertaining the people who are hiring you."

The Massive B brand has taken Konders everywhere from Europe to Asia. "I've practically deejayed in every country in Europe," he says. "I've played at venues for 10,000 to 20,000 people in Germany, Switzerland, Japan and all these places. Music let me see the world and I've made a little bit of money doing it, so I'm blessed, and I definitely have another 20 years in me."

The veteran DJ is satisfied by simply being a fan of the music and having the ability to experience things like hearing the first record he produced hit the airwaves, or becoming friends with legends like Gregory Issacs.

Above all, Bobby Konders is all about embracing change and remaining relevant while showing love to the culture that started it all. It's a winning combination that his fans, both young and older, can appreciate.

"I embrace the changes. I understand that it's a youth-generated movement or embrace the youth and love them or be phased out. Massive B? We stay booked up because the people love us."

Top 5 Songs of the Moment

"Pop That," French Montana
"Gyal A Bubble," Konshens
"Bruk It Down," Mr. Vegas
"Affairs of the Heart," Junior Gong
"Get Gully," Vybez Kartel

Top 5 Songs to Rock a Party

"Natural Mystic," Bob Marley
"Positive Vibration," Bob Marley
"One Blood," Junior Reid
"Welcome to Jamrock," Junior Gong
"Badda Dan Dem," Burro Banton

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'Get Stupid With It': Nicki Minaj, Brandy & Styles P Share Their Favorite Thanksgiving Memories

Nadine Graham — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 15:32:00 EST

Getty Images | FilmMagic As we flood the supermarkets today, preparing for Thanksgiving Day, many people are just trying to get home so they can join in the festivities with family, eat turkey and hibernate. In celebration of this day of thanks, family, and food, The BoomBox asked Nicki Minaj, Brandy and Styles P to share their favorite Thanksgiving memory and the first dish they reach for at the table. ...

Nicki Minaj
"Well, last year was kinda funny. We had absolutely no Thanksgiving and we were just looking around like, 'Wow guys, damn. The world's enjoying Thanksgiving dinner and we're just sitting here thinking about where we're gonna order food from.' We were so busy that we forgot it was about to be Thanksgiving and when Thanksgiving actually happened we were assed out. Maybe this year we can get some real food. We'll see.

"It depends on if it's an American Thanksgiving, then I'd love some collard greens, some mac and cheese, stuffing and turkey. But if it's a Trini[dadian] Thanksgiving, then I want the same thing I always want, which is curry chicken, roti, oxtails. The same old thing that we always eat."

Brandy
"I just love Thanksgiving. I love being with my family. I remember one Thanksgiving when my mom didn't want to cook. I didn't know her recipes at the time -- I still don't know them all the way -- but I hired a catering company to make the food for Thanksgiving. I set my house up really nice for my mom and my family. We all got together and everyone had a good time. I made sure that the house looked nice and everything.

"It was nothing like my mom's cooking but I just knew she didn't feel like cooking that year so I did something special for her and kinda gave her Thanksgiving off, even though I didn't cook none of the food [laughs]. She had a good time. When my mom cooks, we just all get together and hang out and just laugh and talk. It's just the best time. We're gonna go to Mississippi this year for Thanksgiving. I'm looking forward to that. Most of my family is out there and then my mom lights up like a tree when we get down there 'cause those are her stomping grounds.

"I love the dressing. They call it stuffing. I love my mom's dressing, and I love it with sweet potato pie. Dressing and sweet potato pie together. It's good! Trust me, I have the strangest taste buds in town and if I say it's good to me, it's gon' be good to all! It may have to just be my mom's though, my mom's sweet potato pie and dressing. I don't know that it works for everybody but my mom's sweet potato pie and dressing together? It's amazing!"

Styles P
"I can't remember any single memory in particular because Thanksgiving is usually just my whole family being there. It's really just the essence of seeing family and friends you don't usually get to see, just sitting down and seeing each other. Just relaxing and being humble about having the time to do that. We go big. I ain't gon' lie.

"We do Thanksgiving big and what I really love about it, it's hard to say because we do it at my house sometimes, or we'll go to my mom's house, then we go to my wife's mom's house, then we go to the sister-in law's house. My cousins, my other cousins' [house] ... We go to different houses, so that's dope too. Just to experience going to everybody's house every year. So yeah, it's always dope to see so much of your family and break bread.

"I love stuffing, cranberry sauce, turkey of course. My favorite, favorite are the yams with the marshmallows in 'em. Gotta do it with the marshmallows. I don't know, 'cause at my house it's always mad shit, it's everything. We do the Thanksgiving [turkey] then we do the fish, we do the steaks, all the meat, the lamb -- all that shit. But me? I'm mainly the turkey, stuffing, yams kinda guy. I ain't really that big on the macaroni and cheese, it fucks with my stomach, but I like it that day.

I love greens too, in all the different varieties. Cornbread of course, and the biscuits. It's like a battle between the cornbread and the biscuits. Then it's the apple pie, the sweet potato pie. The red velvet and the yellow cakes. So it's like, we get stupid with it."

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Joe Budden's 'Cuffing Season' Playlist: Slaughterhouse MC Lists Top Tracks for the Bedroom

Nadine Graham — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 18:17:00 EST

Getty Images If you follow hip-hop closely enough, every once in a while you can catch a rapper in love. Joe Budden is one MC who wears his heart openly on his sleeve. From Twitter to Instagram, he's offered up the most intimate moments of his personal life to the public. As the temperature drops and the rest of us work on finding a boo to hole up with through "cuffing season," Joe and his lady get cozier and cozier. "I have the big Bose box in my room," he tells The BoomBox, "There's another one directly next to my bed. The first five months of our relationship, we didn't even cut the TV on [laughs]. We went to bed with music, different playlists... I try to not deal with anybody who doesn't have a certain taste in music or doesn't appreciate good music. You don't have to be familiar with it but you do have to appreciate good music, especially being with a musician." ...After the release of Budden's Loose Quarter mixtape on Black Friday, which he declares to be "incredible," the New Jersey-bred Slaughterhouse member will be dropping his third solo LP through E1 Music, entitled 'No Love Lost.' The album features jazzy production from Cardiak, the SLV camp and others. Budden explains that he hoped to highlight his love for the live instrumentation that's made R&B great through generations. After all, Rhythm & Blues is the only genre Joe listens to religiously, claiming Sam Cooke, Anita Baker and Babyface to be a few of his favorites.

"It's sexy," Budden says of the LP, "You gon' see, you gon' see ... I still have songs on there where I'm tearing n---s' ass up, and doing what Joe Budden is known to do, but I definitely kept it sexy. I wanna encourage people to get out there and cuff something."

And what about the cynics who believe Joe Budden just loves to be in love? "I wouldn't say shit to 'em," he exclaims. "I'm of the belief that love is a lost concept. It's not something that many people believe in because it's not something that people see very often. It's not something people feel very often."

"We live in a world of hatred," he continues, "But for those of us who've actually been in love? Like, a real love before? It's a feeling that you wanna feel again. So for people to say that, it definitely doesn't strike as an insult to me. It more so speaks to them."

Here at The BoomBox, we thought it would be fitting to ask Joe Budden to give us his top 10 songs for cuffing season, so that maybe everyone can have a shot at making a love connection before the holidays are in full swing.

Joe Budden's Cuffing Season Playlist

1. "You," Jesse Powell: "Jesse Powell didn't have too many songs. I like another song of his, but that particular one is just a classic record. I'm not sure if some of the youngins would know about it, but he went there. He went there on that record. It's many people's wedding song."

2. "What It Gonna Be," En Vogue: "Classic! From "Set It Off" soundtrack, in the video they had all the makeup smeared and a lot of females question the men today, so that question is always prevalent."

3. "Sex Therapy," Robin Thicke: "It's just sexy. It's really just that sexy."

4. "What You Trying To Do," Jagged Edge: "Another real sexy record. Another classic record from Jermaine Dupri in his heyday. That record never fails."

5. "Ready For Love," India Arie: "This is another one that never fails! Every intense record, every graphic, every detail... That one I'm sure a lot of women relate to as well."

6. "Can You Handle It," Usher: "I'd be a fool not to go with this one. But I'd even add this one slash "Seduction.""

7. "Nice and Slow," Usher: "You can't play Usher's catalogue without playing those two I just mentioned, with this being the third."

8. "Signs of Lovemaking," Tyrese: "Only because my girl's a Scorpio and she gets really excited when he sings the Scorpio part [laughs]."

9. "Say Yes," Floetry: "This one we have to add! We just have to..."

10. "Would You Mind," Janet Jackson: "Ultimate sex song! Ultimate! Like, for people who actually know how to fuck. Fucking is a lost art nowadays [laughs]."

Fresco Kane Talks New Mixtape 'ESTL,' Signing with Jermaine Dupri

Nadine Graham — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 13:00:00 EST

Fresco Kane Fresco Kane effortlessly weaves melodic vocals and solid rapping over hard-hitting production, but be careful about comparing the St. Louis native to his fellow MCs. "I don't want people to put me in a box as just a rapper," the 26-year-old phenom tells The BoomBox, "No. I've literally been doing all of this stuff since I began doing music." Kane's been playing instruments since the fourth grade, starting with the clarinet and moving on to the saxophone, drums and the piano. Singing was second nature to the young musician and once he started rapping, he found that it would just be easy to implement the lessons learned in music class so he started creating his own beats. ...

Despite his considerable talents, the road was rough, and Kane entertained the idea of quitting quite a few times. "Hell yeah [I thought about it]!," he admits, "Every other week."

Earlier this year the rapper worked his way into the industry ranks, signing to the So So Def imprint under Epic Records. As he prepares to release his new mixtape ESTL in mid-December, Fresco Kane is set to prove that he's beyond compariso.

Kane met Jermaine Dupri while pushing a joint project with fellow St. Louis rapper Murphy Lee earlier this year. After playing Dupri a few tracks from the mixtape, Fresco says he saw an opportunity to promote his personal brand as well. "[JD] was like, 'Aiight, I gotta go,'" he recalls, "He was headed to the club or something, but I was like, 'Hold up! I wanna play you one record.' I played him one called, 'They Do.'"

According to Kane, that was all the motivation JD needed to offer him a spot on the roster a week later.

Watch Fresco Kane's "Loud Pack" Video Feat. Murphy Lee

ESTL is a banger, based on the tracks Kane played for The Boombox last week. The tape features the strip club anthems and hardbody, bass-heavy tracks for hardcore hip-hop fans.

"I'm the type of person that after I make the beat, I hop in the beat," Kane reveals. "I may not sound the same on this song as I sounded on that song, because I'm doing what the music tells me to do."

Kane even has a love song on ESTL, entitled "Righteous," on which he croons about travelling the world with a special lady for one night.

"I think it's just one of those 'notice me' kind of tapes," he shares, "I just wanted to touch every aspect of what I can do to show people that I can do it."

Drake's $7.7 Million Mansion

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F.L.Y. Street Gang Debut Auto-Tune-Laced Song, 'Knock It Out'

Nadine Graham — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:00:00 EST

TK Hip-hop fans can always depend on artists from the Bay Area to contribute tracks with club appeal. F.L.Y. Street Gang is the latest trio from East Oakland, Calif., to provide that groove with their newest single, "Knock It Out." Tah Streetz, Young Phantom and Jay West have been building their formula for success independently since 2008 and with their latest IAMSU!-produced release, they may have found it. The track is from their DJ Amen-hosted mixtape #ZEROGRAVITY, which dropped earlier this year. ...

Listen to F.L.Y. Street Gang's "Knock It Out"

"Knock It Out" is an upbeat ode to unhappy girlfriends who may need some outside attention every once in a while. The three young men toss flirty suggestions and overt pick up lines as they weave through the synth-heavy production. Their intent is obvious with simple quips like: "Baby girl I think it's time for a change of plans/ He don't do you right/ I can be that man..."

The Auto-Tune-tinged hook, sung by newcomer ROD, is perfectly forward and inhabits a smoothness not lost on the song's content: "Call my phone/ Hit me when your man ain't home/ I'ma come and knock it out..."

Though it may not be the sweetest love song hip-hop heads have heard this year, it's easily danceable and something to bump during a night out on the town. The fact that the track implements a sample from Slick Rick's "Children's Story" doesn't hurt matters either.

See 15 of the Best Hip-Hop & R&B Albums of 2012 (So Far)

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Download FLY Street Gang Songs

Nicki Minaj Opens Up on Recording 'I'm Legit' With 'Iconic' Ciara -- Exclusive

Nadine Graham — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 14:15:00 EST

JORDAN STRAUSS/INVISION/AP Nicki Minaj has never had much of an issue sharing the spotlight, although she could steal it all on her own. For the re-release of her second LP, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded -- The Re-Up, Minaj called on Atlanta-based chanteuse Ciara to lace one of the newer tracks, "I'm Legit." "My fans had been asking me to work with her for a long time so I thought it'd be kinda cute," Minaj tells The BoomBox. "I've always thought Ciara was so dope." Not only does Young Money's first lady admit that the One Woman Army creator was perfect for the song, she gives her quite an endorsement. "Let's face it," the 29-year-old starts, matter-of-factly, "She's probably one of the best dancers that we've had in our generation, you know what I mean. So that alone just makes her very iconic." ...

According to Minaj, she reached out to the "Got Me Good" singer, unsure that she would be willing to jump on the song. Ciara ended up smashing the hook on "I'm Legit" just in time to meet the staunch deadline for The Re-Up.

"When I heard how she did the hook of the record... ," Minaj says, still awestruck, "It's like she nailed it so crazy and we had been listening to the reference track. We were afraid that whoever would end up singing it wouldn't really sing it exactly how we wanted it to sound, but she nailed it times 10."

The double disc album will arrive during Thanksgiving week, just in time for the holidays. The Re-Up features tracks from the original release of Roman Reloaded in addition to eight new songs and several fresh guest appearances. Lil Wayne, Parker, Tyga, Cassie and Thomas Brinx all contribute to the revamped project. If all that music wasn't enough, The Re-Up will also be packaged with a 90-minute DVD showcasing behind-the-scenes footage from the MC's tours.

Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded -- The Re-Up is available Nov. 19.

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DJ Black Bill Gates: Inside the DJ Booth

Nadine Graham — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 19:35:00 EST

Nekarazzi DJ Black Bill Gates was content with deciphering computer codes for Fortune 500 companies up until a few years ago. Before he began spinning records, the East Atlanta native was prepared to dedicate his life to the IT world after college. "I came home [to Atlanta] and I worked for Coca-Cola, Norfolk Southern and the International Hotel Group," he tells The BoomBox. "I wasn't gonna leave what I was doing until I was convinced that deejaying would support me, my family and everything I had going on." Maybach Music Group's DJ Scream was the catalyst in getting Gates to make the switch. Scream was in the midst of creating his own company, HoodRich Entertainment, and hoped that he and his partner Marcus "RIP" Rippy could convince Black to become a part of the fledgling brand back in 2005. Since then, Black Bill Gates has become one of Atlanta's most recognizable figures behind the turntables. While he's still pretty good with a laptop, Black is far beyond where he thought he'd be when he started deejaying in college. ...

The concept of becoming a DJ was an abstract one when Gates was a teenager. He watched his uncle spin for years and music was always a major part of life as he grew up. He didn't touch the tables himself until 1999, when he enrolled at Georgia Southern University, taking on a position at the school's radio station.

"Really, the free format of college radio was new to me coming from Atlanta where the radio is pretty much the same programmed 20, 25 songs all day long," he explains. "When I heard college radio, I felt like that was what radio was supposed to really be."

As idealistic as the notion may sound, it's one that Gates has carried with him up until this point in his career. The HoodRich member is all about diversifying his efforts while maintaining integrity in hip-hop.

Gates is endlessly considering the next aspiration to conquer -- he's been that way long before his DJ career. While he was at Georgia Southern, he excelled within the school's baseball team until he broke his leg and was forced take a break for six months. It was during this period that he learned the technique behind spinning records from a close friend and he began to implement his skills on-air.

Years after graduation, he found himself going back to deejaying and experiencing some interesting nights while on the road. "I was 2 Chainz's DJ for awhile when he started out with [DTP's] Playaz Circle," Gates reveals, "We were in Pittsburgh one night and I'm deejaying when the whole fucking stage collapses. And 2 Chainz and Dolla [Boy] were the only ones left! They were still up there performing. That one experience was the best and the worst thing that's ever happened to me on the road."

His interests grew to include much more than rocking parties, breaking new artists and hosting mixtapes. He's still a major part of Scream's HoodRich collective, but he's also a member of the Coalition DJs circle, a brand that's become increasingly respected across the southern region.

The DJ is known to be more reserved than many of his counterparts in the city but he does cite some of his proudest moments as being televised. "Spinning onstage with [Lil] Wayne, Luda and 2 Chainz at the first BET Hip Hop Awards -- that was a pretty big moment. Whether it be that or [BET's] 'Rap City.' Actually, anytime I've been on TV was the best time for me," he admits, chuckling.

"Also, spinning on [Atlanta's] V103 for the first time. I don't get excited about much -- anybody'll tell you that -- but those are the three things I can remember being the most happy about."

In addition to his work as a DJ, Gates has recently taken on a contributing position with the hip-hop-foodie site ATLBiteLife.com. He's also been working on his management skills in helping push the careers of local up and comers such as Ra Ra, Scotty, Thomas Gilyard and Redcoat Da Poet. Gates has clocked hours with Nick Love -- the manager of the Coalition DJs -- assisting in the development of Atlanta's next wave of young rappers and he claims to have found his niche, even creating his own branding company, Exit 65.

When asked about his future goals, Black Bill Gates answers simply. "If you asked me that a year or two ago, I would've said, 'Spinning on the air and being an on-air personality,'" he continues. "But I've really fallen in love with working with these artists that are masters of their craft.

"They're not out here fucking around or playing, chasing a single or trying get on the radio and blow up real quick. I was trying to do that earlier in my career but now working with Ra Ra, Mighty Network and a lot of the other artists that me and Nick touched, they're doing some real music that I can believe in. They're not just talking about the same bullshit everybody else is talking about, so I don't know. It makes me feel a little bit better about doing my job."

Although Black Bill Gates is still very much a large part of Atlanta's DJ community -- with more than a few mixtape releases lined up -- he's intrigued by the idea of moving closer towards management as his next official career goal.

"I like the management aspect of it," he says with conviction. "I really do. I think I'm made for it. I think I'll be doing that for the remainder of my career. More so than the deejaying. Yeah. You'll see a switch from that."

Top 5 Songs of the Moment
"Pop That," French Montana
"No Worries," Lil' Wayne
"Columbia," Young Scooter
"Bitches Ain't Shit," Future
"Birthday Song," 2 Chainz

Top 5 Songs to Rock a Party
"Get It," A-Dam Shame
"Over Here," Young Jeezy feat. Bun B
"Fresh Out," Gucci Mane
"Ain't Gon' Let Up," Yola Da Great
"Damn," Youngbloodz feat. Lil Jon

Inside the DJ Booth: DJ Drama

See The BoomBox's Guide to Hip-Hop for Dummies

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Nicki Minaj Talks 'My Truth' Skepticism, 'Freedom' Video Details, Food Frustrations & More -- Exclusive

Nadine Graham — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 17:30:00 EST

Getty Images Nicki Minaj accepted the opportunity to film a special E! reality project as a way for her fans to learn more about how she operates. Little did she know, while shooting the first of three episodes for "Nicki Minaj: My Truth," she would be learning a bit about herself. "I curse a lot," Minaj tells The BoomBox after watching "My Truth." "That's the thing, when people edit your life down into 21 minutes, every little thing can seem like a bit much, you know. After I watched it, I definitely was like, 'I have to take that four-letter word out of my dictionary from now on. That one that begins with an 'f'? Yeah, I really shouldn't say it that much.'" ...

Straight out of the Southside of Jamaica, Queens, Nicki's fiery tongue couldn't have been that shocking to her family and friends back home in New York City. "It depends on where you grew up," she explains carefully. "I grew up in a household where... My father cursed and I think that kinda stuck with me but now looking at [the show], I was kinda cringing at times. It'll take a little bit of growth on my part."

She may have been a bit startled by her demeanor on the show but Minaj says that her closest friends supported her regardless. After all, she admits their opinions matter most. Two pals in particular called immediately after the special aired.

"My two best friends, Tyesha and Candice, were actually on the show last night," Minaj shares. "They both hit me and I was just asking them, like, 'Did I look horrible?' And they were like, 'Girl, you just seemed like you were on top of your business.' Their opinion means more to me than anyone in the spotlight."

As the animated MC prepares to drop her revamped sophomore project, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded -- The Re-Up, fans finally have the chance to get a closer look at her day-to-day schedule onscreen. Hip-hop's real life Barbie was initially hesitant at the idea of having cameras follow her every move, however, she's become more confident in inviting the public to witness her best and worst days.

"I was so skeptical," she admits. "I'm not gonna lie and say that I really wanted to bare everything but I also didn't wanna play myself and put out a show where I was fronting for the camera. But I figured, you know what, people gon' have to get the good and the bad.

"I know I'm a good person and I think that intelligent people, when they watch it, they'll understand that it's just that my life is so crazy [that] sometimes I'm in 'spaz out' mode. At the end of the day when I'm mellowed out and I have a moment to think and be calm, it's just genuine love for my fans that drives me to do everything I do and go this hard. I do have a friendly relationship with [my fans] and they push me to continue to create."

The part of the series that Minaj says her supporters should enjoy takes place in a personal setting that she hasn't revealed up until now.

"I'm watching the second episode now," the "Freedom" rapper discloses. "And the fans will get to see the inside of my house. I know my Barbz are gonna go crazy because they're always bugging me about it and I'm always promising them that they'll see it. So finally this time, they're gonna win the battle and see the house."

Young Money's first lady reveals the scene features herself and her crew in the kitchen, in which she's expressing her annoyance and frustration over not having a certain kind of food at her reach. "They're gonna be cracking up when they find out what kind of food it was," she says with a laugh.

Beyond the personal lessons learned and bursts of indignation, Minaj shares that the most touching part of the first episode was watching her Barbz react during the signing.

"I didn't realize how emotional it was," the 29-year-old states. "The camera guy told me, like, 'Do you realize a lot of your fans were crying?' And I said, 'No, really?' And when I watched it and saw their passion, when they were like, 'I love you so much!' I had a little bit of an emotional experience with that.

"I teared up last night. For me, I'm sitting there and I'm so busy... and I'm just trying to make sure that I make eye contact with them and give them a memorable experience. A lot of times I don't even realize how emotional they actually are, so when I got to see that I was very moved."

Minaj hopes to include one scene that hasn't made it off the cutting room floor -- she's working towards having it included in an upcoming episode.

"I'ma see if they can still get it in there somehow," she says excitedly. "I wish they were able to show the 'Freedom' video being recorded in London -- oh my goodness -- because it's definitely the most special video that I've ever shot and it just happened to be, like, five degrees out there.

"We went out to the outskirts of London and it was literally hailing and we had to get the video done because we had one day. It was so cold and I'm shooting in the cold rain and hail but it was just a very dope look."

As involved as Nicki Minaj is with her fans, one wonders whether or not she may feel as if she's giving too much of herself at times. What makes this the right time to document and share this part of her life with millions of viewers?

"To be honest, I don't know that this is the right time," the award-winning entertainer starts slowly. "But I think that every decision in my career is a decision that I make not fully knowing that it's the right time but just trusting that I'ma make it work regardless."

"Nicki Minaj: My Truth" airs Nov. 11 and 18 at 10:30PM on E!

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Swizz Beatz Talks Filming 'Everyday Birthday' in Cannes, Chris Brown and Ludacris Escaping Mobs

Nadine Graham — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 10:35:00 EST

Johnny Nunez, WireImage Swizz Beatz has been all about capturing moments since his Ruff Ryder days. With the release of his newest single, "Everyday Birthday," the artist and producer hopes to continue that tradition with the help of Chris Brown and Ludacris. After creating the beat, Swizz looked to the two established entertainers to bring a different element to the global-sounding dance track. "It was all about the energy in the track," he tells The BoomBox. "When I dissected the track [initially], it was like, 'Who do I put on this that people wouldn't really expect?' I don't think people would expect me, Chris Brown and Ludacris to be on a track together that feels like this." ...

The first audience to hear "Everyday Birthday" was an office full of industry heads who all had colorful suggestions as to who should be featured. "I opened the floor for discussion like, 'Who should be on the track?'" he recalls. "It'd be random people coming through the studio and they were saying Nicki Minaj, they were saying David Guetta, they were saying Gaga, they were saying Jay-[Z]... People were going everywhere. So I had to really clean off the table because people's imaginations run outta this world."

As great as those ideas were, Swizz, born Kasseem Dean, thought carefully about how the visuals would appear and what sort of feel he wanted the song to portray. It seemed that Luda and Breezy were the perfect fit.

The video for "Everyday Birthday," set to premiere Nov. 4 on MTV2, was filmed in Cannes, France about three months ago. Director Taj TPK had to rework storyboards quite a few times before Swizz was satisfied. "First it was gonna be a yacht party," Swizz explains. "Then we were like, 'Man, we got this amazing landscape in Cannes. We have access to everything. So if we had no boundaries, what would we do?'"

Listen to Swizz Beatz's "Everyday Birthday" Feat. Chris Brown & Ludacris

"So that's what we did," he continues. "We took you from the water to the air to the party. We just scraped up every iconic scene we could think of out there and the reason I love working with Taj [TPK] is because I'll just be running and running, but he never lets me down. All my last minute fiascos, he's always the person to come through so that's why I stick with him."

On days off from taping, the One Man Band Man creator walked the streets of Cannes, people watching and learning the way of life in the French Riviera. "We went on some amazing tours and yachts out there," the Bronx, N.Y., native shares. "We got to experience the culture. I remember one night we walked from the hotel to the club where we were shooting and seeing the people just enjoying themselves, looking at the stores.

"We just sat back saying, 'Wow. We in Cannes doing it real major.' We reminisced on how the industry used to be about this -- not worrying about no budgets, no labels, everybody just having fun and being treated the right way.'"

He also says there was a good time to be had watching Brown and Ludacris brave the Cannes crowds on their own. "I could always tell when either Luda or Chris was leaving the hotel," he says with a laugh. "'Cause I could just hear the people [imitates a roar]. They'd start making all this noise and I'd be like, 'Oh, somebody must've just went out.'" Then I look out and you'd see Luda or Breezy trying to be regular but they can't be regular over there 'cause the fans are too crazy."

"Everyday Birthday" is bound to be a big single, however, there isn't a particular spot for it on an upcoming LP -- at least not one that Swizz is willing to give details on.

"I have a lot of things in the chamber but one thing about moments is that there's a time and place for every moment," the 34-year-old states. "So depending on how 'Everyday Birthday' goes, whether I drop the remix or go to something else, I wanna have spontaneous moments. [Those moments] where people know... they have something to look forward to on the visual side...

"I'm just doing unconventional things and trying to bring back that big, big excitement for singles and great songs. Just expect the unexpected, all the time."

"Everyday Birthday" is available on iTunes today.

Watch the Trailer for Swizz Beatz's "Everyday Birthday" Video Feat, Chris Brown & Ludacris

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Mannie Fresh Revisits the Hot Boys' 'Get It How U Live!!' 15 Years Later, Track by Track

Nadine Graham — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 11:05:00 EST

Amazon In the mid to late 1990s, rap was beginning to grow past what fans had always known it to be. The genre had been dominated by either the East or the West Coast for years but things had begun to shift toward the bottom of the map. Hip-hop heads with a personal connection to the South were aware of the new music and movements building. Less than five years before Atlanta experienced a hip-hop run to the top of every chart, the outfit to check for below the Mason Dixon line was New Orleans' Hot Boys. "The thing about it is that it was more fun than anything," producer Mannie Fresh tells The BoomBox. "That's what made it great because it wasn't that much of a thinking process behind doing it. We were just doing it." Cash Money was only a fledgling label in 1997, when signees the Hot Boys -- comprised of rappers Turk, Juvenile, B.G. and Lil Wayne -- made their debut with the album, Get It How U Live!! The standout production, solely done by Mannie Fresh, brought the collective national attention. "I was still just a hound for knowledge," Mannie explains. "So I knew that we were entrepreneurs but I don't think nobody else understood that because it was just overwhelming to them to be like, 'Oh damn! This is moving us off the block!'" ...

Tracks like "We On Fire" and "I'm a Hot Boy" made rap fans take notice and pushed Cash Money and the Hot Boys into the spotlight. Although the rap group may not be as close-knit as they were in their humble beginnings, their debut LP, originally released Oct. 28, 1997, was successful as a result of their camaraderie, dedication to their craft and a desire to break new ground 15 years ago.

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Today, Mannie Fresh is following his own lead as part of Def Jam South and head of his own Chubby Boy Records imprint, working with everyone from Mos Def and Kanye West to fellow New Orleans natives Curren$y and Dee-1.

In honor of the 15-year anniversary of Get It How U Live!!, The BoomBox has Mannie Fresh share his memories, inspiration and personal stories behind the project's 15 featured tracks. Lil Wayne's songwriting skills, jailed "hot boys" and inspiration from Jay-Z included. Get into it.

"Big Tymers Intro"
"Pretty much what we did with all the intros back in the day was just spur-of-the-moment, just like, musicianship. People had gotten used to me doing crazy intros to albums and most people used to say that the intros could've been songs. So I would say the intro was probably just fueled by us being musicians."

"We On Fire"
"I mean, really the concept of that song was something I got from what Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five used to do. There were like, five MCs that would come in and out on songs or whatever and that was even the whole purpose of having the Hot Boys. We just wanted something that was so creative.

"None of them actually knew the old school rap or how it went but as we started doing more of those songs, I started thinking it would be crazy if MCs would come in and out on different verses. I was thinking that would be crazy because nobody had done it in so long. That's what made that song so crazy."

"50 Shots Sets It Off"
"Really this was Wayne's brainchild. He came in there with the hook and it was one of those songs that came together within like 15, 20 minutes. I guess somebody'll say something to you and you just start building something around it. I even remember this thing I got called Vintage Keys back in the day.

"It was basically a bunch of pre-set sounds and maybe the first two or three songs that I heard in it. I just sampled them and made something creative out of it."

"On Tha Porch (Parts 1 & 2)"
"[Laughs] That's me just being Mannie, you know what I'm saying. Just me and my humor. Just being me."

"Block Burner"
"That's a term we used to use in New Orleans and basically the definition of it is: You on fire. You pretty much the hottest dude on the block or whatever. That was one of those songs where we just used that New Orleans slang and taking chances on that new lingo that nobody had heard before. It was like, 'Let's go with this.'"

"Neighborhood Superstar"
"Definitely that one! Back then there was nothing better than being a neighborhood superstar. Like, you knew you were not trying to be that guy that was all over the place, even though... You know, we didn't even know that existed. We didn't even know that there was a whole world outside of New Orleans.

"We were satisfied with being neighborhood superstars. As long as the whole neighborhood knew about you and what you drove and everything you did, your music and all that, that was good enough for us."

"Take It Off Your Shoulder"
"That's just based on a term that means if you mess with me, I'ma have to deal with you. I'ma have to take it off your shoulder [laughs]."

"Dirty World"
"I still like that song. I really love that song. The lyrics, how it was put together and everything because it's timeless. Still, right now, it's still a dirty world, know what I'm saying. And that's another song that Wayne had the hook to. Even though we had this girl do some things or whatever but originally, it was Wayne's song.

"The whole song was his but we sort of split it up and made something creative out of it with everybody."

"I'm a Hot Boy"
"That's classic right there. That was basically our introduction to the world and what a 'hot boy' really is and what it means. That term came from some dudes that were way before us and what it actually meant was that you were pretty much the dude that everyone was looking for... As far as law enforcement, the girls and all that.

"So that's why the term 'hot boy' came from it. We used to always say that in a joking way like, 'Ah, dude, you a hot boy.' So we were like, 'That's kinda catchy, dude. Let's use that.' That was the whole way that we took it. We just decided to make it a household name. There are some dudes right now that are in jail and we would have to say that they're the original hot boys."

"Get It How U Live!!"
"That's self-explanatory and it's still being used right now. Like, basically, whatever you do, however you do it in life you gonna get it how you live. If you make donuts then that's how you get it. If you sell drugs then that's how you get it. But you'd better be good at how you get it.

"Get it how you live. Give me my space and I'll give you your space and how you get yours has nothing to do with how I get mine."

"I'm Comin'" Feat. Bun B
"If you heard Bun's verse on this [laughs]... Like, it was so crazy! I mean, he was an animal on that song! It was our way of telling the world like, 'We coming.' You know what's nuts? We never even thought that album would go as far as it went.

"Even though it just kind of circulated throughout the South... We were just doing this on some neighborhood superstars thing.We weren't really thinking like, 'We gon' be world superstars,' or nothing like that but it was really us being cocky and arrogant in saying, 'I'm coming.'"

"Infrared Dot"
"I want to say that we actually got that from Jay-Z. Some of the songs they were doing earlier and it was more of... If you're a hip-hop fan, and this was info that I was giving to [Birdman] and them, like, 'Dude they got these guns with the infrared beam on 'em. And if you have that red dot on you, that's where the bullet goes.'

"After time, rap educated you on so much stuff it was nuts. When you heard something, you were overwhelmed. So that was just me running back, going like, 'Dude, I just heard somebody say something about this red dot or whatever.' And that's how that whole song came to be."

"Blood Thicker" Feat. Birdman & Magnolia Shawty
"I mean... I wish all of us would've lived by that. That's all I can tell you, you know what I'm saying. Real talk, when you grow up with somebody and y'all have nothing, the only thing you have is each other. Blood is thicker than all of that, until you know, money came...

"But at the beginning of doing the Hot Boys and the original Cash Money Records, we really had nothing but each other. So truly, the songs we were making were from the heart. It was really going, 'Dude, I don't think money is ever gon' change us.' But you know, some things happen, some people change."

"Spit 'N Game" Feat. Bulletproof
"That's another New Orleans term but it's used widely in rap now. Like, basically, someone is all up on you, giving you game. That's the dude that can sell space heaters in hell [laughs]... That guy has a mouth piece. He can make you do anything that he want you to do.

"You know what I'm saying. Not just regular game, it's "spittin' game." So if he's spittin' game, he's going hard at you."

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Mase 'Harlem World' 15 Years Later: Stevie J, Monifah Remember Working on the Album

Nadine Graham — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 15:38:00 EST

Amazon In 1997, Bad Boy Records was experiencing a rebirth of sorts. In March of that year, the imprint had lost its anchor, The Notorious B.I.G. after the popular emcee was gunned down in Los Angeles. Diddy (or Puff Daddy, as he was then known) had momentarily lost his footing on the "street" side of rap, but the label was on the cusp of introducing a whole new style with the October release of Ma$e's Harlem World. The young rapper from uptown brought fun back to the genre with his playful lyrics, flashy aesthetic and toothy, child-like grin. Production from the Hitmen, Bad Boy's in-house team, made hip-hop fans want to dance again after the year's unexpected violence. Ma$e brought an undeniably sunny shine to the game, and although some may frown at the memory of the shiny suits and bad dancing, he brought humor when rap was in dire need of a smile. ...Harlem's son had dropped a debut album worthy of the hype. Harlem World produced hit singles "Lookin' At Me," "What You Want," and "Feel So Good," and Ma$e's achieved far more success than anyone could have expected, ushering in hip-hop's new sound.

In celebration of Harlem World's 15th anniversary, on Oct. 28, The BoomBox took a moment to former Hitmen producer Stevie J, of "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta" fame, and singer Monifah, who was featured on the track "I Need To Be." We learned about studio life during the Harlem World sessions, some potentially embarrassing antics that went on during the recording, and what Ma$e is up to lately.

See Stevie J and Monifah Reminisce on the 15th Anniversary of Harlem World

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SWV's 'It's About Time' 20 Years Later: K. Michelle, Tiny Talk Group's Influence

Nadine Graham — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 14:56:00 EST

YouTube On Oct. 27, 1992, three young ladies from New York City made their R&B debut with the classic album, It's About Time, released under RCA. The girl group called themselves SWV, or Sisters With Voices, and they instantly became the trio to fall in love with. Their honeyed vocals -clearly derived from years clocked in gospel choirs- gave new life to R&B in a time when rap was becoming increasingly popular. Leanne "Lelee" Lyons, Cheryl "Coko" Clemons, and Tamara "Taj" Johnson were the first R&B girl group of the 1990s who were capable of some serious harmonizing while proudly connecting to the youthful nature of hip-hop. Not only were these girls talented vocally but they had style -- sporting backwards caps and oversized jerseys in their videos. The LP signified a shift in R&B and it wasn't long before others picked up on the new direction the genre was headed in. It's About Time was so popular that it went triple platinum, producing four hit singles including "Weak," "Downtown," "So Into You," and "Right Here/Human Nature." In honor of It's About Time reaching its 20th anniversary this weekend (October 27), The BoomBox has spoken with K. Michelle of "Love and Hip Hop" fame, and Tameka "Tiny" Harris, one-fourth of the girl group Xscape -- who also debuted that year. The two ladies tell us about the impact SWV's debut LP has had on both R&B and their own careers. ...

See K. Michelle and Tiny Discuss SWV's Legacy

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The Firm's 'The Album' 15 Years Later: AZ Speaks on Group's First & Final Project

Nadine Graham — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 15:46:00 EST

YouTube Hip-hop heads refer to the mid-'90s with reverence. Rap producers had the Midas touch and MCs were steadily establishing a base in the commercial industry. Nas, AZ and a young Foxy Brown were all celebrating tremendous success as solo artists, so their natural inclination was to form a supergroup based on an idea Nas and AZ had been tossing back and forth for years, as heard on Nas' "Affirmative Action." With the inclusion of Fox Boogie and the honorary placement of Nature (replacing the ousted Cormega), in 1997 The Firm went on to record their first and only LP for Aftermath/Interscope, aptly titled The Album. In celebration of the 15th anniversary of The Album, which was originally released Oct. 21, 1997, The BoomBox spoke with AZ about his most memorable experience as part of The Firm, his favorite tracks and the possibility that we'll ever hear a follow-up from the group. ...

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"My most memorable experience while recording The Firm album was while doing 'Phone Tap,'" AZ explains. "Everybody was in the studio, and Dre was running through a couple of beats. That particular one he picked for 'Phone Tap,' I heard and started writing to it.

"I came up with the actual title, but I had no idea about making it sound like we were on the phone, so when Dre did that shit, that shit was just crazy to me. If you listen to it, it has the static just like it would be if you were on the phone. The beeping ... just like if you were on the phone. I thought that was kinda fitting, you know. We all were just vibing, so nobody knew what the next step was. It was just like, 'Yo, this is an idea to lay these verses down.' We did our part and Dre did his part."

Discussing his favorite tracks from the album, the Brooklyn MC names both singles, and one surprising cut. "I got like two or three favorite joints off the album. To me, 'Firm Biz' was my joint. The video made it exciting for me, and with Dawn [Robinson] from En Vogue? That made it live. Then, 'Phone Tap,' because Dre was involved, and the last song 'Throw Your Guns,' with me and my man Half-A-Mil. That was my joint. That was my dude, he passed away."

As for the group's genesis, AZ explains that the concept had been kicking around for a while before they decided to partner with Foxy. "It started with me and Nas talking about an idea, The Firm Volume 1- Mo Money, Mo Murder. It was always an idea, and then at that time, everybody popped off. You know, Nas had come out and he did what he did. Then I came out in '96, just before that, I had 'Sugar Hill' out and my album Doe or Die, so it was all good. Then Foxy [Brown] came out around the same time, so everybody was in their own zone.

"What's crazy is that in the beginning, it got a little hectic getting to the studio, because everybody was holding their own ground, doing their own thing. We were individuals trying to come together as a group when everybody was popping. So it was crazier than you could imagine," he continues. "I mean, [Foxy] was popping! So it was all good. The Nature and Cormega situation -- those were Nas' people that he was bringing to the table. I met them through him, so that was more of a problem than anything because they were both trying to be a part of what me and Nas had initially put together.

"We had all the managers involved, and we were all signed to different labels so it was label people involved. [Recording] was more hectic than anything. Then, Dre's schedule too, everybody was touring ... So, it woulda been live to do another album, but to get that one done ... It was hectic within itself."

Regarding the possibility of releasing a follow-up 15 years later, AZ says "everybody's cool," but focused on their projects.

"I just spoke to Foxy like two to three months ago. Everybody's cool. We all reach out, there's no bad blood. We all grown and what not, so it's cool," he revals. "She's trying to do her thing now. She told me that she's doing some work with Nicki Minaj and Nicki more or less... Well, I don't wanna let it out the bag [laughs]!

"I had to catch myself. But she's been working with Nicki which is a good look. You know Nas' album [Life Is Good], just came out and he's doing him. I'm trying to wrap up my Doe or Die 2 album, so I'm working. So hopefully, we can make it happen again -- one more time. But if not, it was a great experience."

Watch The Firm's "Firm Biz" Video

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Caskey Talks Birdman Signing Him, Orlando Hip-Hop and Being Afraid of Rap

Nadine Graham — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EST

Daniel Wilson Less than six months ago, Caskey was off the radar but a phone call from Cash Money mogul Birdman changed everything. The 20-year-old Orlando native is now in the position to make his city known for more than overpriced mouse ears. He has since signed with Young Money/Cash Money Records and building buzz around his latest mixtape project, No Complaints. As the industry clamors to know more about the MC, Caskey is confident in who he is: a heavy metal fan who fell in love with rap courtesy of Nas. Hip-hop has become increasingly accepting of fresh faces and new perspectives, placing Caskey front and center in the ever-changing rotation of "up and comers to watch." He's not feeling the pressure though. With his production team, The Avengerz, by his side, the "Words" creator keeps a crew around him that inspires greatness. He's currently prepping his YMCMB debut LP -- the title he can't release just yet but he promises it will be "alien-esque." For Caskey, outdoing Disney should be a small feat. Read on as the rising lyricist tells the story of Birdman signing him, reveals his choice to be a "trap rapper or underground nerd rapper," explains how his late father impacts his lyrics and why heavy metal was his lane way before rap. ...

You're actually a huge heavy metal fan right? How did you get introduced to rap?

I was always into more metal music. I like that kinda stuff. I'm big on instrumentation but my older sister's like, a thug, so she was always bumping N.W.A. and Three 6 Mafia and shit [laughs]. My first introduction wasn't a great introduction. I thought the music was bad and shit because I was like in third and fourth grade listening to "Fuck the Police" and shit. I wasn't a little bad ass kid.

It was traumatizing.

Yeah [laughs]. But as I got older she also put me on to a lot of good hip-hop too. She put me on to dead prez, Nas and Eminem. Once I started discovering that, that's when my interest in the game grew. But she was always a big Tupac, Biggie fan. She knew everything.

We also hear that you're a pretty big fan of Nas. He's had a long career where all of his work sounds like different chapters of his life. Which one pulled you in?

It's funny when I first heard Nas, it was "I Know I Can," and I thought he was dope then but I didn't dive into his shit. Then when I got older, I remember hearing about Nas all the time and being like, "Was that dude really that dope and shit?" That's when I just dove into his old albums and I was just like, "Jesus Christ. Yeah, he is." It Was Written is like my favorite album of all time.

I'm not sure how close you and Machine Gun Kelly are but it's cool because you're a heavy metal fan and he sort of has that influence too.

Yeah, I've seen MGK [live] and his show has the energy of a metal show. You know metal shows are super high energy and to bring that hip-hop element into it is dope. So yeah, the influence is there. I think that the coolest thing that metal music, and just music in general, offers [is] heavy emotional context and that's what I take away from it. That passion, you know.

How did you meet with your production team The Avengerz?

I was recording one of my first mixtapes [Homegrown Vol. 1] -- that was the one before No Complaints. I was recording that out of the house of one of my homeboys and he was really cool with the Avengerz. He was doing some work with them and he always told them, like, "I got this dude and he's dope." He finally got their manager Julio entrapped in the car one day, riding with him somewhere and he was like, "Man, you've got to listen to these two tracks we have." Julio was like, "Oh, the kid's dope." That's when I linked up with the producers and they ended up producing that whole mixtape I was recording at that kid's crib, and our relationship has just been building since then. We always had a lot of belief in each other just musically and we all ended up being real good friends from there.

Listen to Caskey's No Complaints Mixtape

We also hear that you've been rapping since the fifth grade. Is that true?

[Laughs] Nah, somebody asked me when I knew I wanted to be a rapper and I made a joke that it was when I heard Lil' Bow Wow's "Basketball" when I was in fourth or fifth grade. I thought it was possible then, like, I wanted to be a rapper then but I wrote other kinds of music. I started getting into writing raps in high school and shit.

For you to be so young and new to the rap industry, you seem to be extra careful about the music you make. I don't see you flooding the blogs with new tapes every month.

Yeah. And I feel like that works really well for certain people, so no knocks to anyone. Everybody has their own way to come up but my thing is that I just always wanted to make sure that whatever we drop is like the highest caliber that we can come up with. I spent a lot of time recording and stuff and I'm just now getting better at doing that faster. We spend a lot of time really catering to the songs and being attentive to everything.

How often do you think of your late father while making music?

All the time. I wish he was here. This is what he and I have dreamed of, you know. He woulda been blown away by something like this. I think about that a lot. Right now, when I write and stuff, I just try and dive into whatever the beat is calling out of me. Not every beat is something that makes me think of that but a lot of them do. I just try and be attentive to what the music calls out of me.

This whole year has been sort of a whirlwind for you. What's been the best part?

Shit, everything's been amazing. I think the best thing was showing my mom that check, letting her know that we good to go [laughs]. I think that was the shit. Seeing my mom's reaction, because she's gone through a lot of shit with our family. Not even just my dad but her whole upbringing has been rough. So just to give her the little bit of hope that life's gonna be awesome from now on is awesome to me. That's my biggest achievement.

What's the one thing you're looking forward to within the next year?

Man, touching the people. Reaching the people. I can't wait for that. I like connecting with people you know? I'm not the secluded artist. I like just meeting people and seeing what's out there in the world and I think that this music shit is just like my perfect avenue to discover things in the world and discover people. I'm ready for that network. That's exciting for me.

How long were labels chasing you before Birdman scooped you up for YMCMB?

[Laughs] Fucking probably not at all man. Bird found me before anybody. Bird found me in the rough and once I got in contact with him it was like a no-brainer.

What's the hip-hop scene like in Orlando?

In Orlando, it's diverse. You got everything out here, from a bunch of trap shit to real underground nerdy hip-hop. It's dope. There's everything you could look for out here.

So which one are you? Trap rapper or underground nerd rapper?

[Laughs] I'm a little in between. My whole team is thuggish, you know what I'm saying. But I'm, like Kendrick [Lamar] say, "Good kid, mad city..." I'm right in between, I'm riding with everybody.

How involved is Birdman on the creation of your debut LP?

I think that his involvement is more about getting my name out there and motivation. As far as the sound, he's really given me 110 percent creative control. It's to the point where I haven't even... Like, they have beats waiting for me over there and I haven't even looked at them because he wants me to spend more time vibing with our team and making the stuff that we've been making. That was the biggest plus with the signing was that the numbers can always be better or worse but creative control is important as an artist.

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DJ Drama: Inside the DJ Booth

Nadine Graham — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 18:10:00 EST

Getty Images for G-Shock All DJ Drama wanted as an aspiring turntablist was to see his name in print. "I used my lunch money to go buy records downtown," he tells The BoomBox. "And when I was in high school, they used to promote all the parties through flyers. I remember all the DJ's names being on them and I'd be like, 'Man, I've got to get my name on a flyer.' That was my goal." One could say he bypassed and smashed that goal years ago, since becoming one of hip-hop's most influential figures. "Really, it was the movie 'Juice' that inspired me to deejay," he recalls. "From there I was basically trying to convince my mom to buy me a turntable and a mixer. That's when I began to make little mixtapes." At age 13, Mr. Thanksgiving, as he calls himself, took cues from DJs like Miz, Jazzy Jeff, Ran and Cosmic Kev. Then, just a Philly-bred up-and-comer, he worked towards learning the fundamentals first, spinning for hours in his bedroom. Drama practiced on records like Heavy D's "Who's the Man?" and Brand Nubian's "Punks Jump Up." He studied tapes that featured sets from Invisibl Skratch Piklz and the X-Ecutioners. He also began sparring with local DJs -- Ghetto and Seoul, to name a few -- in order to keep his skills sharp. ...

Drama was hooked. When asked about the number of records accrued over the years, the Apphilliates founder says he isn't certain. "I haven't carried records around in a long time," he admits. "So truth be told I don't know. Maybe 30,000." So it's safe to assume there's no more crate carrying for DJ Drama? "Not at all. I'm not ashamed to say that," he says with a chuckle. "I've carried my crates. I've paid my dues."

Those dues were paid in the late 1990s, when Drama moved to Atlanta to attend the esteemed Clark Atlanta University. His stay lasted beyond graduation once he saw that he could make headway in the South's fledgling music industry. He became known for the smooth sounds of Electric Relaxation mixtapes. However, even with his growing success, he was having a rough time of it.

He was close to packing his bags and returning home to Philly feeling defeated until he finally made some impact with his Gangsta Grillz mixtape series. The project was built on the bars of two of Atlanta's hottest rappers, who were then lesser known acts. That's when Drama knew he had something special.

"I guess it was just before things really popped off," he explains. "I mean, I had been working at what I was doing for a long time so it wasn't until like, just before the [T.I.] and Young Jeezy tapes when I realized, 'I'm on to something. It's about to pop.'"

The DJ was absolutely right. The tapes -- T.I.'s Down With the King (2004) and Young Jeezy's Trap or Die (2005) -- flooded Atlanta streets and put Drama in the conscience of the commercial side of the industry. Here was a DJ based in the South who knew what a street banger sounded like.

Since then, the Gangsta Grillz brand has only grown immensely and Drama hosts tapes for everyone from dead prez and Jean Grae to Jeremih and Teairra Mari. He also has four studio albums, including his most recent release, Quality Street Music, through E1. The title is a phrase coined on one of his earliest mixtapes with Jeezy. Quality Street Music is a wink at his humble beginnings in Atlanta and a way to introduce the masses to artists he respects, whether they're "street" or not. The tracklisting includes Meek Mill, Fabolous, Cee Lo Green, Roscoe Dash and Travis Porter, among others.

"It all depends on how you define 'street,'" DJ Drama states. "'Street' could mean the opposite of radio so I don't look at it like everybody on the album has to come from, represent or make 'street music' per se.

"Quality Street Music is a brand in itself and I just wanted it to be a well-rounded album," he continues. "With that being said, I went for variety and a lot of artists that I really felt were the best in their craft and what they do. There are songs on there that don't necessarily have the most street artists on them, but with quality street music, you'll hear it on the streets before you hear it on the radio."

That's been Drama's motivation from the start -- giving the streets something fresh to bump. He does that consistently and has moved beyond local streets, spinning all over the world. He says that traveling is the best part of his job, naming Australia, Hawaii, France and Spain as his favorite spots. But South Africa holds a special place in his heart.

"I've been going there for 12 years," he reveals. "The first time I went was in 2000, which was before the 'DJ Drama fame.' And it's been a really good place for me. I just enjoy the culture and the people and even that music industry."

Although Drama's currently enjoying all that his career has to offer, there have been definitely been some difficult moments. Of course, there's the FBI raid that staggered the sales of mixtapes everywhere when he was arrested on Jan. 16, 2007.

"Everybody knows I had an M-16 pointed at my head and got locked up for selling mixtapes," he elaborates. "That turned into... I'm not gonna say 'a good thing' but it kinda worked in my favor and made me more famous than I already was."

More than anything though, DJ Drama's proudest achievement in his career is the very first one he earned. "I would have to say just, really, getting my name on the flyer," he says, still excited by the notion. "I mean, that was my goal and I accomplished it."

Top 5 Songs of the Moment
1. "My Moment," DJ Drama feat. 2 Chainz, Meek Mill and Jeremih
2. "Creepers," Kid Cudi
3. "Mula," Big Sean feat. French Montana
4. "Adorn," Miguel
5. "Crack," 2 Chainz

Top 5 Songs to Rock a Party
1. "All I Do," Stevie Wonder
2. "Whatchu Know 'Bout That," T.I.
3. "Golddigger," Kanye West feat. Jamie Foxx
4. "I Just Wanna Love U (Give It to Me)," Jay-Z feat. Pharrell Williams
5. "Flipside," Freeway feat. Peedi Crack

Paul Oakenfold: Inside the DJ Booth

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Hip-Hop for Dummies: 10 Basics to Make the Genre Easier to Understand

Nadine Graham — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST

Getty Images Hip-hop sort of stumbled into existence at 1520 Sedgwick Ave. in the Bronx, N.Y., during the 1970s. There was no blueprint of what the culture was going to look like nor were there boundaries restricting the sounds. What started as music that was built within black youth culture expanded to include fans around the world that respect the boom-bap. Hip-hop has elevated and graduated. There are 40-year-old rappers dropping full-length albums and pop stars moving the soundscape of rap into the mainstream by collaborating with power players in the genre. Within 40 years, DJ Kool Herc's hobby of spinning records in the rec room at 1520 Sedgwick Ave., became a full-blown, money-making enterprise. Whether fans are introduced to the culture through a television commercial or an older cousin, hip-hop gains a new supporter every day. The BoomBox highlights a few talking points newer hip-hop heads will want to keep close. Here's Hip-Hop for Dummies, a guide to fully understand this thing of ours. ...

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R&B for Dummies

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Skyzoo Reveals Why John Legend Is Missing From 'A Dream Deferred', Talks Jill Scott's Fandom

Nadine Graham — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:55:00 EST

Joey Amandola Skyzoo titled his second studio album, A Dream Deferred, based on a concept built on his 2009 debut, The Salvation. "If you're a Skyzoo fan and you have The Salvation, you know that album is about temptation," he tells The BoomBox. "Which way to go when you're tempted to go left or right and the pros and cons of those decisions... "This album, A Dream Deferred, picks up where that left off in the sense of what happens now. It's about what happens once you've made those decisions, once you gave into temptation or not." ...

While A Dream Deferred questions what happens next, Skyzoo is living in the present, basking in the results of years of hard work. He's consistently in awe of what's happening now.

While working on the album, Sky found that his fan base included artists he'd long admired. Fittingly, it was his earliest family connection that led him to Jill Scott who is featured on the LP.

"I was in L.A., with my manager to do some work on the album," the 29-year-old rapper recalls. "We found out that 9th Wonder and Phonte were having a show that night we landed. 9th is family so we went to show love and support. We're doing the 'fan thing' by VIP, then we look over and see Jill Scott doing the 'fan thing' also."

Mutual friends introduced the two and Skyzoo was shocked to find out that the singer is an avid listener of his music.

"When I met Jill and went to introduce myself, she's like, 'Nah, I know exactly who you are. I have all of your music on my computer. I think you're one of the dopest writers of our generation.' I'm like, 'Wow, that's amazing.' I was kinda floored."

That same evening, the chanteuse told the Brooklyn-based MC that she would be more than willing to contribute to a track whenever he was ready. Within a month, she laid vocals for the "Dreams in a Basement" cut.

Much of the recording process for A Dream Deferred went just as smoothly as Sky's first interaction with Jill Scott and everyone involved. From producer !llmind to Philly firestarter Freeway, he was dedicated to creating a lasting impression on the album. However, there was one hiccup, which caused Skyzoo to come up with an alternative in a hurry.

The song "Drew & Derwin" was originally meant to be performed by John Legend. Sky's close friend Jessy Wilson is a songwriter for Legend and helped contribute to A Dream Deferred. She suggested that Sky reach out to the R&B crooner in hopes that he would make an appearance on the album.

"A week later we're in the studio," Sky says. "Cameras are rolling, and me, John and Jessy are writing together, recording, and throwing ideas back and forth. It was just getting [his] management to OK it.

"We were having issues with paperwork and money and all those types of things," he shares. "At the last minute I called Raheem DeVaughn, who I've known for a while. I asked him to jump on the record and just re-sing it as-is and he knocked it out within two days."

Though Legend wasn't on the final track, the rhymer, born Gregory Skyler Taylor, praises him nonetheless. "John was awesome," Skyzoo explains. "He's a legend -- no pun intended -- and he was totally with the record. Shouts to Raheem DeVaughn though for coming through in the 25th hour and holding it down."

Skyzoo's vision for the album may have been altered a bit, but the end result was all a part of the process. "It kinda goes back to the title of A Dream Deferred when you go hard for whatever it is," Skyzoo states. "I got that on my own, organically."

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G-Eazy Talks Hyphy Beginnings, Hot Fans and 'Must Be Nice' Album

Nadine Graham — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 14:30:00 EST

TK G-Eazy has had his fair share of coffee-fueled studio sessions. The 23-year-old has a habit of dimming the lights in his shotgun house and tweaking his beats and lyrics to perfection. "I know my neighbors hate me," he tells The BoomBox with a laugh. "The walls in those houses are mighty thin and they just bang on those walls. I'm just like, 'Fuck it.'" The Oakland native knew this would be his path as a youngster. He chose a rap alias at 13 and patiently waited for the opportunity to share his music with the world. This is his time now, and the rapper-producer is finally seeing the fruit of his labor. As an independent artist, his third official project, Must Be Nice, peaked at No. 4 on the iTunes Hip-Hop charts after a late September release. He's been on the road for the better part of 2012, promoting songs off the effort. Must Be Nice, full of promise and a young man's bravado, is proof of his grind. The BoomBox spoke with the rising rhymer about his LP, craziest tour moment, hyphy beginnings and the perks of fame. ...

How has the tour with Hoodie Allen been for you?

It's been good. It's been exciting. I like to be on the road, you know. Whenever I'm at home, I always think of how bad I miss tour so as soon as we finished the Vans Warped Tour, I was like, 'Man I can't wait to get back out.' But really I'm looking forward to what's coming next. I'm doing my first headlining tour so it's like entering into a new chapter. For me as an artist, that's what I'm really excited about.

Define the ways you've grown since your beginnings in 2008.

I've definitely grown and evolved as a person, as an artist, you know. Just in terms of my style, my taste, my influences, everything... That's a part of being an artist I think. I feel like if you're stuck doing the same thing your whole career you've got to be doing something wrong. Unless you're getting great results from it or you're just comfortable in that spot. I think you should always push yourself to want to grow and learn more and be inspired and develop. It's just a process of where I've been and what I've been surrounded by. I've experienced a lot. I've been to a lot of places and it's been an exciting run.

So you're originally from Oakland and you actually have a personal connection to the hyphy movement out there, but your music sounds nothing...

Nothing like that! Yeah.

What was it that pushed you to go outside of what's expected from an Oakland artist so closely aligned with hyphy?

Well, I mean, it's just a changing process. When I was in high school, that's all I was around. And that was everything to me. We had a ton of pride being from the Bay and hearing our music on the radio and getting that national attention. When [E-40's] "Tell Me When to Go" came out and they played it on [BET's] "106 and Park" We were like, "Yo! That's us!" That was our shining moment! So there was a lot of pride in being from the Bay and that never left me.

I'm still every bit as much from there and a part of that as ever. It's just that my music has grown, my taste has changed and hyphy just really isn't me at the chapter that I'm in in my life. But if you listen closely, you can still hear the influence here and there because that's where I got my start. But it's like anything else. If you look at any creative person's work, you can see bits and pieces of their influences. That's what an artist does. They're inspired and influenced by different people's styles and when you mix all that together, it looks exactly like their work.

Did your family initially support your decision to become a rapper? You knew that you wanted to do this at a pretty young age.

Nah, not right away. I mean, my moms has always been my homie. I don't ever want to say anything to disrespect her or anything like that because she's always been down. But when I was in high school and I was telling her like, 'Nah, I'm not gonna go to college. I'm just gonna chill in the Bay and become a rapper.' She was not having it, you know what I'm saying. She was really the one that was like, "No. You gotta bust your ass and go out there and look at these schools. You gotta look for these scholarships and you gotta actually go get that degree." And in hindsight, I'm glad she did because it took me leaving the Bay to broaden my horizons and learn more about the world. Going to [Loyola University in] New Orleans and soaking up everything down there. She's definitely super proud of me and she's one of my biggest fans now too.

And you're still down there in New Orleans. Does being a resident of that city influence your music at all?

The biggest thing about New Orleans that hit me right off the bat was how big of a scene there is there for live music. Every night of the week there are bands playing... And what's really big out there are the brass bands. The thing about going to see a brass band play is that they really know how to put on a show and they know how to control a crowd, you know. I would watch that as a rapper and be like, "Man, rap shows are kinda weak..." Look at these guys up here killing it, totally commanding the crowd and I was like, "How can I make my show a show? And really learn how to perform and move a crowd?" I just went out there and experienced a bunch of people play live, that side of music, knowing that there's more than just MySpace plays -- at that time in high school -- or getting on the radio and selling CDs. There's the whole side of polishing your live show and turning it into an experience.

Some say that Must Be Nice is your seventh full-length project. Is that right?

Eh. It depends on how you're counting, because I would call it my third to be honest. I'd say The Outsider, Endless Summer and Must Be Nice. Everything before Must Be Nice, I would consider practice but I'll be generous and include those two from before.

In a trailer for the album, you sat there with a French press in a dark room making music on your desktop. It spoke to your dedication.

That's me! I wake up, make some coffee and I just sit there all day and just vibe.

Why title the new project Must Be Nice?

To be completely honest, I had about 75 to 80 percent of the music done and I didn't have a name for the album. I was scrambling. I had a couple of ideas but they were all weak. So I was like, "Yo, what am I gonna call this album? The deadline's coming and I gotta think of something."

I was on the Warped Tour and I was chilling on the bus, smoked out with a couple of friends and we were talking about the album. I was telling them that I didn't know what to call it. This one kid, Stoney Steve, was asking me what the album was about and I told him that it's a snapshot of where I am at this point in my life. The parties and the shows are getting bigger, the girls are getting prettier, everything is getting crazier. It's like a roller coaster but at the same time, I'm not there yet. It's like I'm looking through the glass at what this is gonna turn into. And he was just like, "Must be nice." And it just clicked like, 'Yo. That's it! No discussion.' I never even had another discussion about it.

Which track means the most to you and why?

Either "Plastic Dreams" or the title track. Because "Must Be Nice" is the explanation. I've been hungry for this for so long. I've worked for a long time, you know. And it's like, that's how I feel. It must be nice to get there and see it actually start to materialize. It's beautiful. Recording that track was the best experience because it was the last one -- literally the day before I left for tour. I was right up to the deadline when I had to turn in the album and we're leaving for tour so I had to get it done. I told everyone to leave and I was in the house by myself, drinking my whiskey and I just zoned out, wrote and recorded it right there. Right on the spot and it felt so natural, so genuine when I did it and it was just what it needed to be.

For those who aren't familiar with you, could you break down your musical influences?

My influences aren't necessarily from this time period. I always say John Lennon and the Beatles. Bob Marley, Nirvana, Tupac, Biggie, Nas... I just try and look at the greats to see what stories they told and what perspective they had on things and how they were able to connect with so many people. Kurt Cobain and Bob Marley said this, that they would try to write their songs almost like kids' songs. Just as simple as possible so that they could reach everybody. So that they could be accessible and people would listen to their stories and that's what I wanted to do with music is to make something that was universally accessible, that people can appreciate and identify with.

You've been touring for much of 2012. What's been the craziest experience while on the road?

Man, there are so many... We would do meet and greets every day on the Warped Tour. Most days it'd be really hot. I'm standing there sweating. Kids are standing there with the sun beating down and they're waiting in the meet and greet line for like an hour. This girl passes out in the line. They pull her under our tent and give her water. She wakes up and runs right back in the line [laughs]. It was wild! I didn't know what else to say other than, "That's love! I appreciate that."

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BET Hip Hop Awards 2012: 2 Chainz Reflects, Chris Lighty Lives On, Cyphers Thrive

Nadine Graham — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 13:35:00 EST

Rick Diamond, Getty Images The 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards saw the return of the imprint-driven super performance with one of the best presentations coming from Taylor Gang with Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J and Young Jeezy pitching in to open the show. The BoomBox was front and center at the event, taking in the full spectacle, which was taped Sept. 29. Their rendition of "Work Hard, Play Hard" included backing from a live band and a verse from Juicy's current smash "Bandz a Make Her Dance," to which the crowd exploded. Comedian Mike Epps returned to host the special in the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center. His first skit of the night centered on President Obama speaking directly to his Republican competitor Mitt Romney. "Heard you talking 'bout me, you ain't 'bout that life...," Epps said, emulating Obama's distinctive voice and cadence. ...

The cyphers are always an anticipated highlight at the awards. This year was no different with legends like Snoop Dogg and DJ Quik anchoring the younger MCs. Talib Kweli, Mystikal and T.I. were at the helm of their respective sequences. Kurupt, Jean Grae and E-40 made notable appearances as well but Kendrick Lamar had one of the best lines of the night.

"Snoop gave us the torch to burn these rappers with...," Lamar rapped. The most visited topic within the bars was Stevie J's infamous "rat face" expression made popular on VH1's "Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta."

Kanye West's "Mercy" scored the evening's first award for the Reese's Perfect Combo Award (Best Collabo). Pusha T and 2 Chainz, who also showed up on the song, were there to accept the win on West's behalf. Deuce would step up to the podium more than once throughout the night. He returned to accept the People's Champ Award Presented by Verizon for his "No Lie" record featuring Drake.

"Last year when I walked the red carpet, they was trying to put me on the other side of the ropes...," he explained while accepting his award. "This is just to let you know what can happen in a year, man."

Later, during 2 Chainz's performance, the self-proclaimed "Hair Weave Killer" leaped out of a white coffin as a small choir swayed in harmony. He jumped into "Birthday Song," featured on his debut LP, Based on a T.R.U. Story, with wild energy, hopping around the stage and flailing his arms as the choir broke their reverence, imitating his signature spastic dance with gusto.

Tip followed with his performance of "Go Get It," a single off his upcoming album, Trouble Man. He rapped under flashing green lights while a live band gave new life to the growing smash. The craziest performance of the evening though had to go to Diddy and the Bad Boy crew.

The set initially belonged to Future, who started strong with "Turn Off the Lights" and moved into the remix of "Same Damn Time." Diddy, who appears on the remix, elevated from beneath the stage and the audience screamed their approval. Before anyone could wonder why Ludacris wasn't there to perform his verse, it quickly became a Bad Boy takeover with Machine Gun Kelly being lowered from the rafters, swinging and kicking his legs the entire time. Then French Montana took the stage, keeping the flow going with his smash "Pop That."

Rakim graciously received the I Am Hip-Hop Icon award from T.I. and Kendrick Lamar. The rap legend spoke directly to DJ Red Alert from the stage, expressing his appreciation for the pioneer's guidance during the MC's early career.

The show had been running smoothly but the climate changed after Rick Ross' shirtless performance of "Can't Hold Me Back." When the Miami MC left the stage en route to his dressing room, an exchange occurred between him and longtime rival Jeezy. There was a brief shoving match and the two separated. Not long after that altercation, a melee between Maybach Music Group's Gunplay and members of 50 Cent's entourage erupted in the parking lot of the Civic Center. Gunplay found himself in the center of some rowdy G-Unit affiliates and fought his way through until the entire mob was pepper sprayed by Atlanta police.

While the MMG crew found themselves hashing out old beefs, inside, the show moved forward in preparation of the night's most touching segment, which was indisputably the tribute to music executive Chris Lighty, which brought many of his friends and colleagues to the stage. A Tribe Called Quest, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, Fat Joe and 50 Cent were among those honoring Lighty, who passed away Aug. 30, from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Fat Joe and Fif had a longstanding public beef that Lighty tirelessly tried to squash over the years. However, his passing finally brought the two together. Before the tribute, the lights dimmed in the Civic Center and a visibly shaken LL Cool J appeared onscreen. He kicked off the memorial, his voice cracking ever so slightly. "Without Chris Lighty there wouldn't be music like this...," he stated. Those onstage performed their biggest hits and by the end, attendees at the awards show were holding two fingers up for the Violator brand Lighty built.

The BET Hip Hop Awards have come to represent more than crowd favorites, infamous beefs or industry clout. In 2012, the event has grown into an annual celebration of a culture appreciating all elements of hip-hop. From highlights on past and present entertainers to fallen figures and those still thriving, the show gives fans a well-rounded look at hip-hop today.

Watch more winners accept their trophies when the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards air Tues., Oct. 9 at 8PM on BET.

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Jahlil Beats Touts Himself 'Best' Producer, Talks Success, Mentoring

Nadine Graham — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST

TK Producer Jahlil Beats believes he's the No. 1 producer in his city of Chester, Penn., at the moment. He's even serving as a mentor to those on the come-up. "I can definitely say I'm the best right now," he tells The BoomBox on the red carpet at the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards. "I got my little brother, the Beat Bully, who produced [Rick Ross'] 'So Sophisticated' and [Meek Mill's] 'House Party. He's got a couple joints under his belt too." Seems like it wasn't too long ago when hip-hop heads were saying the same thing about Jahlil. ...

The 24-year old has been caught up in a whirlwind of success ever since he produced Meek's "I'ma Boss," which hit the airwaves in 2011. A few months later, he signed with Roc Nation, accepting a publishing deal through the company.

One could say that Jahlil and Meek shared the grind since 2008, and now they're enjoying the spoils together. The beatsmith still reflects on his ride to present-day accomplishments from time to time.

"It's crazy because everything changed for me and Meek so fast," he says incredulously. "So it's just like, that wasn't my plan. I was just happy making music and hearing my stuff on the radio. Everything else is just a plus right now. It's just a blessing."

In the coming months, Jahlil can look forward to hearing even more of his work blasting from stereo speakers. The producer has scored placements on Meek's debut LP, Dreams and Nightmares, arriving Oct. 30. He's also mixing things up before 2012 comes to a close. Jahlil has paired up with Leona Lewis on her upcoming album, Glassheart, due Oct. 12, as well as worked with Rihanna, J. Cole, Big Sean, T.I. and French Montana on songs for their respective forthcoming albums.

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Driicky Graham Wants Fans to 'Laugh, Cry' With 'Success by the Graham' Album

Nadine Graham — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 11:45:00 EST

Getty Images for BET Driicky Graham wants to strike while the iron's hot. The 20-year-old rapper has been signed to the independent label, Nu World Era, for three years now and with the popularity of this year's "Snapbacks and Tattoos," he's leaving the fate of his follow-up single in the hands of his new label home, E1. At The Source's Power 30 Atlanta reception last week (Sept. 28), he explained that he's letting the powers that be decide his next move. "We're just trying to see which track we're gonna push next," Driicky told The BoomBox. "I'll let the label handle all that stuff though. Right now I'll just do the records. Whatever they choose as the best fit, is what they choose." ...

Although the ladies seem to love Driicky, 20, he hopes that his full LP, Success by the Graham, will show new fans of all walks of life his diversity. His Ya Gotta Start Somewhere mixtape, released earlier this year, has had a considerable number of downloads, however, Graham's album will have some surprises in store for those unfamiliar with him.

"I think the album should be crafted towards more of who you are," he shared. "Whereas the mixtape is just showing people what you can do and showcase your abilities, your rapping skills. I focused on my album a little bit differently from my mixtape. Overall, I still try and make all of my music still sound like me and be entertainment for my fans."

Success by the Graham is slated for an early 2013 release. The Oxford, N.C., native says that although he wants to introduce new elements into his music, his ultimate goal is to continue to make tracks that are just as relatable as "Snapbacks."

"I'm a balanced person first of all," he stated. "So that always affects my music. I think I'll definitely have a couple joints for the ladies but I'm gonna target a few hip-hop keys. I wanna be able to laugh and cry with people. Make the ladies fall in love, make people be like, 'Man I can't believe he said that!' I'm just trying to compile all my thoughts into one project."

Look for Success by the Graham early next year.

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Sonny Digital Avoids 'Drugged-Up' Rappers, Reveals New Production Work

Nadine Graham — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 12:05:00 EST

Thaddeus McAdams Producer Sonny Digital prefers to work alone. The Atlanta native, who's behind some of 2012's biggest hits including Future's "Same Damn Time" and 2 Chainz's "Birthday Song," says he'd rather produce records without rappers peering over his shoulder. "I'm not a big fan of rappers [on drugs] and I don't like being in the studio with them," he tells The BoomBox on the BET Hip Hop Awards red carpet. "A lot of them be drugged-up and they really can't function so I don't stick around too long." ...

The beatmaker is adamant about maintaining full sobriety in the studio. Depending on the artist's desire, Sonny has the ability to create a banger in as little as 10 minutes or the sessions could take 24 hours. But he has to have peace in order to build a masterpiece.

"All these different artists have so many different styles," he explains. "So I gotta adapt to each style every time. But making [a beat] with [the artist] in your face makes you kinda nervous, like having them on your back.

"For instance, if you're cooking for your mom and she's looking over your shoulder, you'll probably mess something up and she won't like the food."

Nonetheless, Sonny has continued to prove his talents behind the boards with the entire hip-hop world watching and he says he's not close to being done yet. He's got many forthcoming projects with big-name talent outside of his hometown.

"I got a lot of stuff coming next," he shares. "So much, like I send beats every day. You know I've got Atlanta already sewn up: Future, Gucci, all them... They're taken care of. But I have stuff with DJ Khaled, B.o.B., T.I., Rick Ross... Everybody, man. It's a long list."

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Childish Gambino Talks 'Boss' Status, Connecting With 'Black Kids'

Nadine Graham — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 16:40:00 EST

Getty Images for BET Childish Gambino's fledgling rap career is no longer under the radar in 2012. The Georgia native is actually beginning to build a solid fan base but the part that excites him most about his success is seeing familiar faces at his shows. "Man, going to places like Atlanta and Oakland, Washington D.C., and Houston, and seeing the black kids come out, and really represent..." he tells The BoomBox on the red carpet at the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards. "I saw a lot of kids like me and that just made me feel good." ...

"I just like to see that," he continues. "It's dope to sell out crowds and shit like that but it's also dope to see kids like you in the audience."

As time goes on for Childish, born Donald Glover, he finds comfort in all parts of himself and his creativity as an actor, comedian and rapper.

"I think [acting and rapping] definitely play off each other," Childish Gambino shares. "There's definitely a kinship. I don't know how it works honestly. I try and do it but I don't want them to [clash with] each other. But sometimes they do and you just have to do what's honest at the time."

His first studio album, Camp, was released in November 2011, through Glassnote Records. The project was met with favorable reviews considering his acting career was what got him noticed first. The character he plays on NBC's "Community" is so believable it's difficult to imagine that the rapper can play the role of lovable geek Troy Barnes and also be Childish Gambino without some overlap.

"I feel like both of them are just different parts of me," he explains. "I don't even think they're that different. I never looked at my acting and said, 'That dude would never rap like that.' It's just, whatever comes out, however it comes out...

"I know I'm growing. I feel like Childish Gambino is kind of a euphemism for a kid growing into a boss and I feel like that's what I'm trying to do. When I started it was a joke and I was just rapping about bullshit but now I feel like I'm growing and I feel like the sound's grown too."

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Sean Garrett Praises Brandy's 'Two Eleven' LP, Hates 'Our Generation'

Nadine Graham — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 14:05:00 EST

Getty Images for BET Sean Garrett has been praised as one of the best R&B songwriters of the past decade, but on Saturday (Sept. 29) in Atlanta, he preferred to take the conversation off of himself. He only wanted to talk about one singer: Brandy. "The Brandy album is all I'm talking about tonight," he told The BoomBox on the red carpet at the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards. "That album is nuts. I just feel like... I couldn't believe that people were really ready to discount her as an incredible artist." ...

"I just hate that about our generation; we're so quick to dismiss greatness," he stated. "When other people can tour until they're 70 years old and we don't even embrace our people enough to encourage them and lift them up."

Garrett is mainly excited about bringing Brandy's new sound to the masses because he says it's what R&B is in need of these days. He and producer Bangladesh, who crafted the beat for her Chris Brown-assisted "Put It Down," knocked out six songs on the chanteuse's sixth LP, entitled Two Eleven.

"It's amazing," Garrett continued. "I actually keep talking about it but it's really, really dope. If y'all love 'Put It Down,' if y'all love 'Wildest Dream,' just wait."

Two Eleven is slated for release Oct. 16.

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Stalley Scraps EP to Complete Debut Album, Promises 'Live Instrumentation'

Nadine Graham — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 13:15:00 EST

Gino DePinto, AOL Rick Ross has taught his Maybach Music Group artists well. The spirit of hard work is evident in each of them, in particular Stalley. The Massillon, Ohio native has been touring for much of 2012, promoting his Savage Journey to the American Dream project, both in the states as well as in Europe. While on tour, he told The BoomBox that he'd begun working on an EP for his fans. However, on the BET Hip Hop Awards red carpet Saturday (Sept. 29), the rapper retracted that statement. "Right now we put the EP to the side," he tells The BoomBox with a grin. "'Cause I've been working on the album. It's halfway done and should be coming at the top of next year." ...

The "Petrin Hill Peonies" creator is making a return to his roots on the as-yet-untitled LP and intends on officially introducing himself to the world the same way he did years ago with his very first mixtape, Goin Ape.

"I'm really excited about the live instrumentation," he reveals. "I got back to that. On my previous mixtapes and even while performing, I used to perform with a live band. So now I'm back to getting that live instrumentation back into the music with that big bass, 808-feel. It's something that hasn't been heard before."

He says that the album will teach new Stalley fans what he's all about, from his humble beginnings to his superstardom in Europe and now his success as part of MMG.

"What I wanted to do was to bring all the elements that made me the artist that I am right now," he shares. "I wanted to build off of them and put it into this album for the people so they don't get any missing elements. If they missed any of the previous mixtapes at least they'll get that sound on the album."

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Pusha T Says 2 Chainz Taught Him 'Best Lesson' This Year -- Exclusive

Nadine Graham — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 13:05:00 EST

Getty Images for BET Pusha T learned a valuable lesson that came from an individual he worked closely with this year. The Norfolk, Va., native, who's currently celebrating the G.O.O.D. Music release Cruel Summer, says the best direction he's received didn't come from his label head Kanye West. Instead, he reveals that G.O.O.D. Music affiliate 2 Chainz, who appears on the LP, inadvertently counseled him on what his career method should be. ...

"Aww man, I would have to say that the best lesson that I've learned thus far this year is just to work hard," he tells The BoomBox on the red carpet at the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards. "Grind hard and it'll pay off man. Look at 2 Chainz!"

It appears that Pusha's already begun applying the strategy. After being featured on some of the biggest street singles of the year including Chief Keef's "I Don't Like" and G.O.O.D. Music's own "Mercy," the former Clipse member has spent the past few months working on and promoting Cruel Summer.

Now he says it's time for him to focus on himself. "I'm actually already working on my solo album," he reveals with a smile. "It's still untitled but I'm putting that together now."

August marked the 10th anniversary of his rap debut as half of the Clipse. Their album, Lord Willin', was credited as one of the best releases of 2002. For Pusha T, it's clear that he shines as part of a collective and on his own.

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RZA, 'The Man With the Iron Fists': MC Speaks on 'Renaissance Man' Title, Costume Design

Nadine Graham — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 12:30:00 EST

Getty Images for BET RZA can't be satisfied with any one position for too long. The leader of the Wu-Tang Clan is known as a rapper, producer, author and actor. While he's no stranger to movie sets, on Nov. 2 he'll be able to tack on movie director and screenwriter to that laundry list of job titles. "Man! I'm the Renaissance Man," he tells The BoomBox on the red carpet at the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards. "I can do it all!" ...

The film, "The Man with the Iron Fists," which has been marketed as a Quentin Tarantino presentation and co-written by Eli Roth, is definitely RZA's vision.

"The best experience I had in production was seeing something of my imagination actually come to life," he shares. "So we made all these different weapons and costumes that I had envisioned in my head and I found the right people to bring it to life. That was a great feeling."

The "right people" include Russell Crowe and Lucy Liu as RZA's co-stars. The film, set in 19th century China, follows the life of The Blacksmith, played by RZA, who fights to defend his village against enemy infiltration.

Authenticity was a major part of the plan as the entire movie was filmed in China over the course of three months between December 2010 and March 2011. Hip-hop was also bound to be a major element within the score, which RZA also took responsibility for. The soundtrack is to feature original tracks from people like Kanye West, Ghostface Killah and My Chemical Romance, in addition to the reworking of a few Wu-Tang tracks.

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Paul Oakenfold: Inside the DJ Booth

Nadine Graham — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST

TK Paul Oakenfold doesn't seem to respect standards set by others; he creates his own. The London native has the unflappable confidence of an industry veteran. After working in the music business for over 20 years, he ought to. When asked to define his occupation, he jokingly challenges The BoomBox. "Wow, how long have you got?" he asks. Just this year, the multi-talented DJ has been on tour with Madonna and worked with some of music's hottest up-and-comers. In the past, Oakenfold has toured with U2, created the score for the film "Swordfish" and was the first DJ to headline the Glastonbury Festival. "What's wonderful about the world I live in, as far as music is that you can wear many different hats," he shares. "I produce, remix and release music under my own name and pseudonyms. I also deejay and run a small company with a team of people." ...

When he was a boy watching his father work as a musician, Oakenfold knew he'd take part in that industry as well. He just needed a way in. It wasn't long before the door cracked and he could shove his way through. Young and dedicated to winning, he took full advantage of the opportunity.

"I got to the age of having access to a recording studio," Oakenfold explains. "I would go in there and hang out and learn the craft. I was lucky enough to work with good people that I learned from. It's all about the team, really. Even now, I have a good engineer and programmer and a reliable person that I can just get on with it. I learned that from being around people who were just like-minded."

Those studio sessions led to Oakenfold fathering an entirely new sub-genre -- electronic dance music. Rihanna ought to cut him a massive check, as his inspiration influenced many of her electro-based hits. In fact, EDM has been trending in most urban music as of late. He's gracious though, in that regard.

"I think we're in a very healthy moment at the time. Everybody's trying to jump in this space," he says. "I don't think you should take every option that comes along. I think you should be very choosy in what you do but we're in a good place and we've all been working hard at it for a long, long time and finally it's come to fruition for a lot of people." Himself included.

Oakenfold was the head of an EDM supergroup called Planet Perfecto, under his Perfecto record label, and he's had a successful music career as a solo artist as well. Currently, he's readying his next studio LP, Pop Killer, for a 2013 release. The lead single will feature rap newcomer Azealia Banks.

"We just finished that," he states proudly. "The album will be melodic, house beats. We've got collaborations with people from different genres. I suppose now house is pop music, so it'll probably be classified as commercial." Oakenfold just has an ear for what sounds good and people are paying attention.

Back when hip-hop was a fledgling industry in the 1980s, Oakenfold was responsible for a couple of key signings: DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince and Salt-n-Pepa. "I know that world really well," he admits of hip-hop.

He likes to tell the story of Run-DMC's "It's Like That" and how, when remixed as a dance track by producer Jason Nevins in 1998, the record shot to No. 1 in Europe. "I used to run Def Jam in England," he reveals. "I worked head of A&R for Profile. Hip-hop has always been an important part of what I've done. I had Ice Cube on my first album and Grandmaster Flash and Pharrell Williams on my last album." These are the moments that Oakenfold seems to live for -- the melding of cultures to create something new.

One of his best experiences includes opening for U2 at Wembley Stadium in front of 100,000 people.

"The crowd response was good," he says. "It was different from the kind of crowd that I'm used to but I played a lot of tracks that they were familiar with and some that they weren't. They still had a lot of flavors from what I played."

There's no question as to whether or not Oakenfold is still excited by his work. He clearly is, with no truly horrific occurrences to reveal. But his worst ordeal is embarrassingly funny.

"I fell off the stage in New Zealand," he shares with a chuckle. "What happens is, when you're onstage, there are all these lights and you can't see sometimes. It was a small stage and they didn't put white tape around it -- when it's a black stage, you're to put white tape around it. They didn't do it and I fell off. I bounced back up. I was up in five minutes. The crowd noticed and people were definitely laughing."

Top Five Songs of the Moment
1. "Not Over Yet," Grace
2. "Come Together," Paul Oakenfold
3. "Synchronized," Federation
4. "Keep Me Alive," Richard Beynon feat. FTR3
5. "Rewind," Michael S.

Top Five Songs to Rock a Party
1. "Bullet In The Gun," Planet Perfecto
2. "Firestarter," The Prodigy
3. "Superstar DJ," Chemical Brothers
4. "Pump Up the Volume," M/A/R/R/S
5. "The Power," Snap!

Danny Masterson: Inside the DJ Booth

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R&B for Dummies: Guide to Understand Genre's Ups and Downs

Nadine Graham — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 12:15:00 EST

Getty Images It's been said that today's true R&B singers are the last of a dying breed. Longtime fans of the genre lament that it's not what it once was, having been diluted by dance and hip-hop influences as of late. Nonetheless, great R&B has flooded 2012, by the likes of newer artists like Miguel, Frank Ocean, Elle Varner and Emeli Sande. Fresh music garners new followers, which keeps the sounds alive. After all, veterans like Marvin Gaye, Mary J. Blige, Aretha Franklin and Prince moved mountains to get the genre here. For those fans who are just now waving the R&B flag, The BoomBox makes life a little easier with R&B for Dummies. How do these entertainers make it big -- positively or negatively? What have they done to get to where they're going? This guide isn't meant to insult. As a newbie on the scene, we're helping you get a grip on the culture. ...

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Dwele's Detroit Hangouts: Singer Recommends Five Hometown Favorites

Nadine Graham — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST

Getty Images Dwele can honestly say that he's exactly where he's supposed to be. The Detroit-based instrumentalist and singer started off on a different path back in the 1990s. "I was definitely rapping back then," he tells The BoomBox with a laugh. Today, he's known for his honeyed vocals and inspired production. He recently dropped his sixth LP, Greater Than One, on E1 Music, receiving tremendous acclaim as a result. The effort is his strongest body of work to date, with self-penned lyrics on love, loss and everything in between. The crooner's inclination to blend genres like funk, soul and hip-hop are in tune with his hometown's affinity for doing the same. Detroit is known for Motown soul as much as it is for Eminem and Big Sean. Folks like Dwele provide the balance between old and the new. As the rest of the nation speculates on Detroit's economic fate, the hometown heroes surely represent their city as best they can -- whether on or off wax. Dwele is no exception. After all, Detroit made him who he is -- greater than the norm. Here, the "Obey" singer tells The BoomBox why five of his favorite spots in Detroit hold a special place in his heart. ...

1. Saint Andrews Hall
431 E. Congress St.
Detroit, MI 48226

"It was called the Shelter on Friday nights and that was the place where everybody would go. It was a hip-hop spot and you would find Slum [Village] there, Eminem, Royce [Da 5'9"], Proof... That was where I first learned about [J] Dilla was by going to the Shelter. There was a guy named Houseshoes who used to deejay and he would always spin Dilla's records. So that was the place where all the people who are known from Detroit right now as far as the [music] business goes, they were all at Saint Andrews. They all kinda hung out there. That was the party spot."

2. Cafe Mahogany
2727 Russell St.
Detroit, MI 48207

"This was around the 'Love Jones' period. Everybody was really into the love poetry and that's where they would go. That was Detroit's premiere poetry spot. Cafe Mahogany is actually where I sold a lot of my first cassettes. They played the Rize album between a lot of the poets there, so that's kinda where people got their first listen to my music. That's actually where I met Baatin and T3 [of Slum Village]."

3. Bucharest Grill
2040 Park Ave.
Detroit, MI 48226

"They have the best chicken shawarma in the world pretty much! That's the place I've got to go to every time I get back off the road. I gotta go the Bucharest Grill."

4. Belle Isle Park
On the Detroit River
Detroit, MI

"Belle Isle is more chill now I guess than it was back in the day. Back in the day, it was like, the fashion show [or] car show. That's where everybody would go on a hot day and hang out. There used to be this saying like, if it was really hot outside then the island was gonna sink 'cause there were too many people on it. But that was just a place to party. All the Senior Skip Days in high school, everybody was going to Belle Isle. That was the place where you went through your rite of passage. Once you got your [driver's] license, you hit Belle Isle with your people."

5. The Riverwalk
Downtown Detroit
Detroit, MI 48243

"This is a new development as of the last two to three years. It's a dope place to just hang out with your significant other. It's a dope place to just go and sit. I like to go there and write. I take my dogs sometimes. It's just a nice place to go hang out. Of course, I've been out there, hanging out with a lady friend, definitely."

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Danny Masterson: Inside the DJ Booth

Nadine Graham — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 16:55:00 EST

TK In the mid-1990s, Danny Masterson went to parties in Los Angeles, heard the music being played and knew he could create a better soundtrack for the night. The actor, who's known in the music biz as DJ MomJeans, credits the bulk of his desire to DJ to the lack of uninspired record spinners playing in L.A. clubs 15 years ago. "I just started to play the smaller clubs, lounges and house parties," he tells The BoomBox. "Then I started doing an open format night on Wednesdays. It was 'anything goes.' I would play everything, going from LL [Cool J] to White Snake to Public Enemy to go-go and it was packed every Wednesday. From there people just started offering me gigs like, 'Can you do this birthday party? Can you do this event party?'" ...

Best known for his TV role as the cynical Steven Hyde on "That '70s Show," Masterson has effectively infiltrated the Hollywood music scene as well. His frustration with the tepid tunes at social events prodded the New York native to create mix CDs he would play at gatherings.

"We would just use those as the soundtrack, because you can't find a good radio station that's not playing commercials etc.," he explains. "So I was finally like, 'Shit. If I just grab some turntables, I can play all the records that I have, grab some new singles and just start [deejaying].'

"There was literally no inspiration at all except for rhe music at all of these parties generally sucks and when I play mix CDs they're really good so why don't I play these mix CDs that don't have a break between each song."

After about 18 months of rocking parties strictly off of pre-recorded mixes, Masterson had some technical help from DJ AM, a friend who showed him how to blend tracks and mix beats. The new tricks influenced the developing mixer to experiment even more. While AM helped him out, he recalls his mother's love for varied genres -- the reason he has a good ear for music.

"Literally, there was nothing but me, in my opinion, having good taste in music," he continues. "And growing up in a household where my mom was either playing all old Motown stuff or the Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Louie Blue's type of stuff. So basically all my memories as a kid growing up in New York is waking up and coming downstairs and my mom had a record going on the record player. She'd just be playing records all day long."

Even after more than a decade of spinning at everything from People and Vanity Fair parties to small lounges and bars, the "Men at Work" actor admits to having a few missteps here and there, technique-wise.

"Sometimes you have a fucking train wreck while mixing, it happens to everybody," he says with a sigh. "Sometimes you think you're in the right spot then the new verse cuts in before the old one was done. Then you just like, rip it off real quick and sometimes you apologize. Sometimes you don't."

But there are some really awe-inspiring moments while on the job as well. Masterson owns a bar in Park City, Utah, called The Downstairs. He shares one particular night that he maintains as being one of his best to date.

"One night I was playing and Matisyahu came in and hopped in my DJ booth like, 'Yo, play me some beats and I'll just start freestyling,'" Masterson shares. "I was like 'OK.' He literally got in the booth, stood on a table held onto the water pipes above him and I played 10 one-minute versions of '90s hip-hop instrumentals.

"Old Gheto Boys shit, just whatever, and he would just go for like a half hour. It was amazing. I felt like, 'Oh my God, this is like being a real DJ back in the early '90s, when people were just freestyling over DJs, break beats and what not.' The crowd was just... People were going apeshit."

Masterson prides himself on owning a 500 gigabyte laptop solely for his music and Serato application. In today's tech-dependent society, a system crash could ruin major plans. Thankfully, having no access to his music has never been an issue. Before Serato though, Masterson had his share of crate carrying, which led to some interesting sets while spinning out of town.

"I play for a bunch of corporations and they'll fly you places like Tokyo or a city in Norway," he reveals. "You get there and it's literally hundreds and hundreds of 50 to 60-year-olds, and you're like, 'Aww shit. What do I do now?'

"Once I figured out I could play some old disco and some old '50s pop songs, they were gonna be fine. But for the first couple years, I only carried crates full of rock, '80s and hip-hop. It was pretty rough."

In addition to maintaining his DJ career, Masterson's TBS show "Men at Work" has just been picked up for a second season. The comedy is currently in production during the week, set for an early 2013 arrival. While he may spin at weekday industry shindigs on occasion, most times Masterson leaves the partying for the weekend, heading to Chicago, Vegas or Toronto on a whim. He jokes that he'll "sleep when [he's] dead," because clearly there's no time for napping nowadays.

Top Five Songs of the Moment
1. "Big Bad Wolf," Duck Sauce
2. "212," Azealia Banks
3. "Two Points," Eight and a Half
4. "All 2 All (Momjeans Remix)," Broken Social Scene
5. "Thinking 'Bout You," Frank Ocean

Top Five Songs to Rock a Party
1. "Man of the Year," LEN
2. "Lava Lava," Boys Noize
3. "Gravity's Rainbow," Klaxons
4. "Silk and Venim," We Are Molecules
5. "Lindsay Lohan's Revenge," Pase Rock feat. Spank Rock

DJ Timbuck2: Inside the DJ Booth

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Big K.R.I.T., Killer Mike Celebrate Grandparents Day With Personal Memories -- Exclusive

Nadine Graham — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST

Getty Images Grandparents have a special place in the hearts of their family members. Many times they can be directly credited with stylistic influence, especially when it comes to an artist's signature sound. While many grannies may not understand the concept of hip-hop, the genre certainly tips its hat to the community elders from time to time. Whenever a blues sample is used for a track or a jazzy hook is looped, it's likely that a producer or rapper was inspired by their early introduction to music, whether it happened on a fishing boat with grandpa or in the living room with grandma. Music is universal, but as an artist, if you can get your grandmother to dance to a new school rap song, you know you've got a winner. In honor of Grandparents Day (Sept. 9), Big K.R.I.T. and Killer Mike spoke with The BoomBox about their respective relationships with their grandmothers and grandfathers. Here, they speak on their most cherished music memories surrounding the man and woman who helped influence their sound and spirit. ...

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School Daze: Artists' Surprising Studies Before They Were Stars

Nadine Graham — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 17:30:00 EST

Getty Images September is here, which marks the return to school for students everywhere. While some college kids look forward to hitting the books, there was one hip-hop kingpin who decided the teachers and homework wasn't for him. In 2004, Kanye West, who was then-famous for sporting a Louis Vuitton backpack and being shadowed by a teddy bear mascot, marked his entry into the rap world with a fittingly titled album, The College Dropout. The hip-hop world was transfixed by 'Ye's approach -- he not only wrote his lyrics but produced a majority of the effort. While embracing fans, new and old, the Chi-town native did it all in style. He dressed like the popular kids in school, donning pastels and monograms in a polished manner. And he painted a picture with his lyrics. Prior to rap induction, he was an art major, taking classes at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. Not a far cry from his current accomplishments, which include a clothing line, a film and the like. Yeezy never got an official degree but he still applied the fundamentals of what he learned in school to his current profession. The BoomBox found that many rappers and singers can attest to the My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy creator's academic frustrations -- though some stuck around for all four years of college rather than ditch class. Brandy, Redman, Chuck D and Erykah Badu are just a few of the entertainers that were set on scholastic achievement, however, their respective majors are a bit shocking. Check out 10 stars with surprising studies to see what they've done with what they've learned. ...

See 10 Artists' Surprising Studies Before They Were Stars

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