The Boombox Music Blog

Talib Kweli's Google Hangout -- LIVE!

Paul Cantor — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:20:00 EST

Gino DePinto, AOL Music Talib Kweli joins us here at AOL for an EXCLUSIVE Google Hangout. Topics covered include his new album Prisoner Of Conscious -- due out May 7 -- what Kanye West was like on tour, how he deals with Facebook commenters, the closing of his book store in Brooklyn and why it's okay to not take Waka Flocka's comments about white women that seriously. We also asked a bunch of your Facebook questions! ...

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Snoop Lion Talks 'Reincarnated,' No Guns Allowed Campaign and Sports Management Agency

Paul Cantor — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST

Jonathan Leibson, FilmMagic Snoop Lion's much-publicized reggae LP, Reincarnated, is finally in stores today. We're capping off our Snoop Lion 'takeover' of our site with an exclusive interview with the Doggfather. Read on to learn about what Snoop wants people to take from the album, what he thinks he needs to do to looked at as more than just a rapper, why he started the "No Guns Allowed" initiative, and how Jay-Z may find himself with some company in the sports management agency business soon. ...

Reincarnated is out today. What song are you most excited about on the record and why?

I don't think it's a particular song on the record that makes me excited as much as the whole record does, but I'm anxious to hear what people feel about a song called "Tired of Running." That's one of my favorite songs on the record because it's dealing with me being tired of running from the law and running from all the things that I come from and expressing it in this song.

"Murder Was The Case" dropped 20 years ago. Now you have this anti-gun initiative going on -- No Guns Allowed. What inspired this change and why put forth this message now?

Just tired of watching the news, disastrous situations with guns and people using guns for the wrong reasons and seeing innocent kids and people in general getting killed. And just getting tired of it and feeling like my voice is powerful. I have a lot of people who do what I say, who follow what I do, so why not put out some positive energy and try and reflect that negative before it happens?

Joe Scarnici, WireImage

On this album you're doing a bit of singing. You've always had a very harmonic quality to your voice. What was that experience like for you to go in there and work in that capacity?

It was always melodic and had a certain sing-a-long jingles to it so for me to drop the rap and go full speed into singing was something I've always wanted to do. But I had to do it where it wasn't too stressful on my voice or me. The reggae is just such a natural transformation from hip hop because it's so close to what the singing is [that] I'm doing. It's not so far-fetched from my vocal. It's actually in the same vein or same lane so it's good. I'm just anxious to see how people feel about it and how they're going to receive it.

It's said that life is like high school and rap reminds me of that sometimes -- everybody watching what everyone else is doing, who's sitting at the cool kid table -- what has the reaction in the community been to the name change and just the fact that you're doing this?

Well, a lot of people didn't understand the reason of the name change; they thought it was a gimmick. So when my movie came out people were able to see the whole journey documented, then it became a more understanding of why the name was changed. But I feel like my peers really receive it and appreciate it because they've seen my musical journey, they've seen me dominate hip hop for 20 plus years. So they're happy to see me gradually move on to something else and then be able to venture back into hip hop, not leave it entirely but to just leave it for the moment. Because the moment calls on me to speak to positivity, peace and what the world is dealing with right now.

Dustin Finkelstein, Getty Images

It seems like you're everywhere. What's an industry that you're not in right now that you would like to be in?

Maybe the sports marketing agency as far as getting players to sign with me as a sports agent -- and there's a lot of kids that come out of my football league that are venturing off into the NFL and different sports and they're going to need direction and management so that may be a field that I want to venture in.

Jay-Z just launched Roc Nation Sports.

I commend him for that, that's what we should do when we get to the certain point that we're at. We're influential to athletes and we're very business minded and savvy so what better way to do than our way?

Johnny Nunez, WireImage

A few years back you got into being a producer. Do you still find time for that?

I do. I actually did a whole project with a girl I met on the internet. Her name is IZA, she's from Poland. I put her on my label and we did over 150 songs, producing together. She has the theme song for One Life To Live. She also has a commercial for Belvedere and a movie coming out later this year. I produced [her] whole record.

You met her on the internet meaning what? She hit you on Twitter...

No, we had a contest on Soundcloud and I was putting up tracks and people were sending back vocals to the tracks and she was sending her tracks back and it sounded a little bit different than everybody else's. So I decided to just cut everybody off and deal with her one on one.

Joe Scarnici, WireImage

That's crazy.

So I just started sending her tracks and every time I'd send her a track it would come back the next day with a whole song on it and we got to the point where it was about 80 songs and I hadn't even seen her. So I went on Skype and saw her and she seen me, had my business people connect the dots, flew out to Poland, shot a movie with her, got her signed on my label, got her the theme song for One Life To Live, Belvedere commercial, and the movie and record is coming out in a couple of months.

You mentioned getting back to hip hop, is that something that you're anticipating happening soon? At what point does that aspect of your career step back into the front?

I always have different transformations and changes but I don't think I'll ever be able to just leave hip hop entirely. It's good to leave it alone for a minute to breathe and do other things but that's my heart and soul, that's my baby, that's what I do so I've got to go back to that.

Jason Merritt, Getty Images

Right.

But it's just right now I wanted to stop the party and speak to the issues that we're dealing with right now. Every day I look up some more violent shit is happening. It never fails, every other day it just keeps happening and happening and happening so I got tired of it and went to speak on it with a perspective of my music because I feel like my persona always represented peace and love but my music never did. So I wanted to put my music in the forefront and be able to have music out to speak to these issues so that the people who are dealing with these issues know that I care as well instead of just party songs and just partying my problems away. Nah, let's deal with the problem.

What do you think it will take for you to be respected as more than just a hip-hop artist?

As long as the music is good you can say what you want to say. But if that music is good, if it sounds good and it feels good it trumps everything, nothing else even matters. I learned that in my career early. You're going to have skepticism and you're going to have negativity but if you put out great music, it tends to overwhelm everything. The last stain on the brand is the music. I know we went in and made a great project and that at the end of the day I'm happy with it, I love it. I love listening to it and I'm pretty sure the whole world will as well.

Watch Snoop Lion's "No Guns Allowed" Video

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Snoop Lion 'Reincarnated' -- Full Album Stream (EXCLUSIVE)

Paul Cantor — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:24:00 EST

Soundcloud Snoop Lion's new LP Reincarnated is in stores today. But before you go ahead and buy it on iTunes, you may want to give it the once-over. Which you can do right here by listening to this EXCLUSIVE album stream via Soundcloud. The much-ballyhooed project is Snoop's foray into reggae, and as the story goes, he recorded the project on location in Jamaica. It's executive produced by Diplo and features a handful of notable artists -- Drake, Chris Brown, Akon, Mavado, Popcaan, Mr. Vegas and Miley Cyrus, among others -- if that sort of thing means anything to you. ...

For what it's worth, there are tons of album reviews already available online, and we won't bore you with our expansive mastery of the English language just to tell you something really simple.

Reincarnated is a good album and definitely worth some attention. Snoop seems to have stepped out of his comfort zone making a record like this and whether or not it's your flavor, he should be commended for doing something different. That it's unique and still enjoyable, makes it that much better.

Listen to Snoop Lion Reincarnated.

Watch Snoop Lion "No Guns Allowed" Video

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Amy Winehouse's Dad Slams Beyonce's 'Back To Black' Cover

Paul Cantor — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:39:00 EST

Keiny Andrade/STR, LatinContent WO Music fans are anxious to get a listen to the full version of Beyonce's cover of Amy Winehouse's "Back To Black," off The Great Gatsby soundtrack. But the anticipation is much ado about nothing, according to Winehouse's dad Mitch. "I don't think she brings anything to it,' he tells the Daily Mail. ...

Why did he allow Bey and Andre 3000 to cover it then? Well, money talks.

"For a price, of course," he explains. "They have got to pay for the privilege, which is what they are doing. I can't tell you how much it is but it's a lot of money."

Previously, he asked for £100,000.

Listen to Beyonce & Andre 3000 "Back To Black" (Snippet)

Watch Amy Winehouse "Back To Black" Video

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DMX on 'Iyanla: Fix My Life' -- 'She Can Suck My D**k'

Paul Cantor — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:11:00 EST

Mike Lawrie, Getty Images DMX wants to sue Oprah Winfrey's OWN network over his episode of Iyanla: Fix My Life. "Iyanla set the whole thing up to make me look bad for ratings," he tells TMZ. "That lady is toxic ... My last words to her were that she can suck my d**k and she still can." Previously, X's rep insisted that the footage used in the show was never cleared. "Iyanla did not 'fix' DMX's life," he explained. [She] just made his image worse, and does not have DMX's personal written consent to use the footage." ...

Watch DMX's "Ruff Ryders' Anthem" Video

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Amber Rose Tattoos Wiz Khalifa's Face on Her Arm

Paul Cantor — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 16:07:00 EST

Instagram People in love sometimes get their significant other's name tattooed somewhere on their body. Amber Rose went one step further, however, getting Wiz Khalifa's entire face inked right onto the inside of her forearm. "True Love Cam & Amb," she wrote along with a photo of the tattoo, which she shared on Instagram on Wednesday (April 17). The work was done by tattoo artist Bobby Serna, who also shared the photo in Instagram. "Khalifa Man @mistercap , Tattoed on my Homegirl @muvarosebud , thanks y'all for the opportunity and congrats to the both of you! #CamAndAmb#youngwildNFree#TGOD," he captioned along with the picture. ...

Do you think Amber Rose will live to regret that tattoo or will the pair be together forever?

Watch Wiz Khalifa "Let It Go" Feat. Akon Video

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Joey Bada$$ Thinks Boston Manhunt is a Conspiracy

Paul Cantor — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:36:00 EST

Tim Mosenfelder, Getty Images Leave it up to a 90s hip-hop revivalist to come up with a conspiracy theory to explain the manhunt going on in Boston right now. Joey Bada$$ thinks this is all an elaborate set-up. "They just gotta make it look like they catching the bad guys," he wrote on his Twitter account earlier this morning (April 19). "Don't be fooled." Joey seemed to think that it wouldn't be wise for someone who planted a bomb at the Boston Marathon to stay in the city after the attack. He's probably not the only person to have thought that. ...

"What type of fool bombs a place and stays in the same area after that?" he mused. "Unless he wanted to get caught. Otherwise, this shit dont add up."

He then insisted that this all media-fueled hype, an effort to make money on the drama.

"They tryna turn this into some type of hot pursuit for the media," he wrote. "So tomorrow's paper can be sold. These people gotta eat too don't forget."

While we certainly won't disagree with Mr. Bada$$ -- and we encourage everyone to question the information they're being given and not take things at face value -- the comments are perhaps ill-timed.

What do you think?

Ed note: Tweets have been lightly edited for spelling and punctuation.

Watch Joey Bada$$ "Waves" Video

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Marco Polo, 'G.U.R.U.' -- Producer Enlists Talib Kweli and DJ Premier to Honor MC's Passing

Paul Cantor — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 09:46:00 EST

Hulton Archive Today (April 19), marks three years since the passing of Keith Elam, better known to the world as Guru from Gangstarr. To honor the fallen rapper's legacy, producer Marco Polo recruited Talib Kweli and DJ Premier for a song named after him-- "G.U.R.U." Polo's new album, PA2: The Director's Cut, which will be released in July on SoulSpazm Records, and will feature the song. "This is one of the most important records I've ever been a part of" Polo said in a statement. "Please help share this record and celebrate the life of an artist who influenced myself and so many others in Hip-Hop and music period!" ...

Now usually tribute records have a tendency to fall short, as they get stuck in that gray area between paying homage and offering something of quality. This song does not suffer from that at all. It's really top notch.

Listen as Talib essentially raps out his entire history with Guru and Gangstarr, from the time he first saw them on "Video Music Box" to going on tour with the group as his career progressed with his own Gangstarr-like group Reflection Eternal, all the way up to Guru's death.

Also, unrelated, we'll be doing a live Google Hangout with Talib Kweli next week, where you'll be able to submit questions in advance. Stay tuned for information about that.

Listen to Marco Polo "G.U.R.U." Feat. Talib Kweli and DJ Premier

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Yuna 'I Wanna Go' -- Malaysian Singer Preps 'Sixth Street' EP on Verve Records

Paul Cantor — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:48:00 EST

Verve Yuna, the Malaysian-bred indie soul singer who dropped her critically-acclaimed self-titled debut LP on The Fader label last year -- and who we've covered extensively on our sister site Spinner -- is back with a new project. Sixth Street, an EP due out on Verve Records, will hit stores digitally on May 7th. "Sixth Street is probably a new chapter for me," she explained in a press release. "All of the songs were written in my apartment where I'm most comfortable, and at that point I understood who I was and knew what I was feeling about life." ...

To that end we've got the first single from the EP, "I Wanna Go." It's produced by Mike Einziger of Incubus fame (Ed note: rap fans, Google them), and she's been performing the cut in concert for some time.

"He's on in a million, I don't know when I'll be seeing him again/ He wants to live in a city, moved out there when he was just 17, just 17/ No I'm not prepared, my heart's beating really fast, really fast/ But I wanna go there, but I wanna go there, let's walk a little further/ you know I wanna be here...." she sings over a driving bass groove and airy pads. Then the guitars join the arrangement. There's even a great electric piano solo in the bridge.

Give "I Wanna Go" a listen. It's really enjoyable.

Also, to celebrate the EP's release, Yuna is hosting a release show of sorts. Here's the thing -- it's a virtual show, being livestreamed via Stageit. It's not free, though. Buy a ticket for $10 here. What does that get you? Access to the livestream, where Yuna will be performing new cuts from the EP as well as other songs from her catalog. Should be cool. And we can think of plenty of worse things you'll probably blow $10 on. So it's a good deal.

Listen to Yuna "I Wanna Go"

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Anthrax's Scott Ian on Public Enemy, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

Paul Cantor — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:51:00 EST

Scott Legato, Getty Images Public Enemy will be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this week and one person who definitely feels the group deserves the honor is Anthrax's Scott Ian. "In 1986, '87 and '88, Public Enemy was my favorite band on the planet," he says. "They changed music. [Their 1987 album] It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back, I compare that album to the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band or Guns 'N Roses' Appetite For Destruction or Led Zeppelin's IV. It you make a list of albums that changed the world, that changed the way we hear music, that album has to be on that list. It was so mind-blowingly sonically different from anything that anyone had ever heard. It was lyrically so strong. And scary - in a good way." ...

He thinks that helped the band a lot.

"I used to think that it was a great thing that people were afraid of Public Enemy," he explained. "A band could actually make people afraid! That's incredible that they could evoke that kind of emotion."

Still, Ian, whose band Anthrax famously collaborated and toured with Public Enemy, is not entirely sure the group deserves to be in the Hall before some other notable rock bands. Remember, a lot of people don't think hip-hop belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the first place.

"Do they deserve to be in before KISS and Deep Purple?" Ian asks. "No. I don't think Chuck D would argue that point, if he was asked. But they absolutely deserve to be in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. I'm happy for Chuck and [Flavor] Flav, they're two of my favorite artists and favorite people, and I love working with them. So yeah, I'm stoked for them."

Watch Public Enemy & Anthrax "Bring The Noise" Video

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Macklemore & Ryan Lewis 'Can't Hold Us' Feat. Ray Dalton [Video]

Paul Cantor — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:56:00 EST

Youtube Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have released the epic video for "Can't Hold Us" featuring Ray Dalton. We'd be lying if we said we can make sense of what's going on here-- the days of music videos making sense are long gone; now it's just about doing stuff that looks cool-- but the video finds the pair making their way through the snowy terrain of the arctic to the oceans of somewhere tropical to a city street where there's like, a camel. ...

Seriously, WTF is happening here? And yet somehow we can't stop watching.

Metaphorically, we get it. It's their way of saying, we've been all around the world and we're all together in this and hey, you can't stop us. Cool! No, seriously, that is cool.

Watch Macklemore & Ryan Lewis "Can't Hold Us" Feat. Ray Dalton Video

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Rita Ora, Cassie and Adrienne Bailon Pose with Gold Guns

Paul Cantor — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:40:00 EST

Instagram With the nation having something of a gun control cris, it probably wasn't wise for Rita Ora, Cassie and Adrienne Bailon to pose with guns in an Instagram photo. Even if they were just gold replicas. "#rockabyeangels @cassiesuper @adrienne_bailon #fakegoldguns of course!" Ora captioned with the photo, channeling "Charlie's Angels." The gold guns were presumably just going along with the theme of Cassie's new mixtape RockaByeBaby, wherein on the cover art she clutches a gold gun. The title itself is culled from a scene in the film New Jack City, which if you aren't familiar with, you should probably go watch. ...

But younger fans, less familiar with the film and not in on what the photo was all about, were less than enthused.

"Lets promote gun crime. #dickhead #stupid #dumb #unnecessary #notcool #thinkaboutwhatyouredoing #influential #useyourpowerwell," one commenter (angedee26) wrote. "Your sooooo cool, NOT! Stop trying to be a gangsta rita & most of all stop promoting gun crime."

"@ritaora you are an idiot," another (mitchacarter) wrote. "Young children look up to you. Fake or not, promoting guns to look 'cool' is totally out of order."

See Photos of Rita Ora's In House Visit With The BoomBox

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Watch Rita Ora's "R.I.P." Video Feat. Tinie Tempah

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Ghostface "Rise of the Ghostface Killah" Video

Paul Cantor — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:49:00 EST

Youtube Ghostface is back! By that we mean the Ghostface we met way back in 1993, a masked rapper with a chip on his shoulder. The Staten Island-bred MC has finally donned the mask again, this time in the crafty noir-inspired video for "Rise of the Ghostface Killah," off his incredible collabo album with producer Adrian Younge Twelve Reasons to Die. We have no idea what the heck is going on in this vid, but there's lots of blood and people presumably die. It's awesome. Watch it. ...

Definitely check out the full album, which hit stores yesterday. It's truly a return to the original dusty but soulful Wu-Tang sound. A welcome surprise. Seriously.

Watch Ghostface Killah and Adrian Young "Rise of the Ghostface Killah" Video

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Kid Rock Blasts the Price of Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake Concert Tickets

Paul Cantor — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:08:00 EST

Rick Diamond, Getty Images Tickets for Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake's "Legends of Summer" Tour aren't cheap. A quick search on Ticketmaster for their July 19 date at Yankee Stadium in New York reveals nosebleed seats as cheap as $49 and on-field seating as costly as $293, with varying prices between. But that's still too much for some people. "It's garbage," Kid Rock told Piers Morgan during an interview (via HipHopDX). "It's highway robbery. I don't care who you are. I would consider both of them in the circle of friends in the business, but I don't agree with it." ...

Rock is embarking on his own tour this summer, and is keeping tickets as cheap as $20. He'll reportedly lose out on an extra $50-100k in revenue as a result.

"It's gotten out of hand," Rock explained. "The price of concerts, the price of entertainment period. Whether it's a sporting event, going to the movies, buy a soda there, whatever...I've always tried to keep prices [to] what I think are fair. And I've always said I'm proud that I can walk around with my head held high and look someone in the eye knowing that I haven't taken an unhonest dollar from a working man."

Watch Kid Rock on Piers Morgan

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Coolio Allegedly Punched Girlfriend In The Face

Paul Cantor — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:02:00 EST

FilmMagic Coolio was reportedly arrested earlier in April as a result of a domestic dispute. According to TMZ, on April 1 he pushed his girlfriend/baby mother Anabella Chatman to the ground and punched her in the face, then grabbed his son (still a toddler) and drove away with another woman in tow. What's worse, he also hit Chatpman with the car, leaving tiring marks on her legs. Questioned by police, the "Gangsta's Paradise" rapper argued that it was his girlfriend who was attacking him, not the other way around. ...

He said she was jealous -- presumably of the other woman he'd brought home -- and scratched him in anger. The police, however, didn't believe his story and he was arrested.

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Drake "Girls Love Beyonce" Leads New Music Roundup

Paul Cantor — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 09:52:00 EST

WireImage There's so much music coming out on the day-to-day that it's hard to keep up. Here's what you've missed recently. Drake "Girls Love Beyonce" Feat. James Fauntleroy -- The Toronto-bred rapper/singer invokes Destiny's Child "Say My Name" for this whispery cut. 2 Chainz "Yuck" Feat. Lil Wayne -- It seems Tauheed Epps is still trying to wring some life from his Def Jam debut, Based on a T.R.U. Story. Watch him perform with an orchestra and burn a check from his label. Exciting. ...

Frank Ocean "Lost" -- Travel with Mr. Ocean as he makes his way across the globe, spreading his gospel. If you've ever wanted to see what life looks like from a musician's point of view, this might be the video for you.

Cris Cab Red Road [Mixtape] -- The Mercury Records signee drops his latest release, lead off by the island vibes of the Mike Posner-assisted "Colors."

will.i.am #willpower [Album] -- The BEP front man's entire album is streaming on his Youtube channel ahead of its proper release next week. Hate him or love him, this man makes hits.

Iggy Azalea "Work (Stripped)" -- Australia's finest gives her latest single the live orchestra treatment in this VEVO Lift performance. Dope.

Statik Selektah "Bird's Eye View" Feat. Raekwon, Joey Bada$$ and Black Thought -- If Wu-Tang has trouble finding beats for their new album, they might want to bring Statik in. Super soulful production here. Really worth a listen.

Major Lazer "Bubble Butt" Feat. Bruno Mars, Tyga and Mystic -- Synth blurps and a rhythmic 808 bump give this track the life it needs to rule the dancehall. DJs, you may want to get on this one if you're not already.

Watch Drake "Started From The Bottom" Video

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DJ Khaled Feat. Drake, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne "No New Friends"

Paul Cantor — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:23:00 EST

DJ Khaled DJ Khaled has released his new single, "No New Friends," featuring Drake, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne. And if anticipation for his forthcoming LP Suffering From Success seemed to be lukewarm thus far, it may heat up now. Because this joint is pretty crazy. Or is it? To some degree it sounds like DJ Khaled has been releasing the same song year after year. Swap out Drake and add Chris Brown and you've got last summer's "Take It To The Head." Then again, that song was rather enjoyable. So why not just keep remaking it, right? Who says you've got to reinvent the wheel. Last we checked, the wheel worked pretty nicely. ...

But whatever. Check out "No New Friends" and let us know what YOU think.

Also, if you have ten minutes and some brain cells to kill, watch Khaled's short film about the song HERE. You don't even need to tell us what you think of that, because we already know.

Watch DJ Khaled "No New Friends" Feat. Drake, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne Video

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Boston Marathon Bombing -- Hip-Hop Reacts

Paul Cantor — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:16:00 EST

Getty Images A pair of explosions occurred earlier today at the end of the Boston Marathon. While the total number of people injured and/or killed by the blasts isn't clear yet, there's been an outpouring of support on social media from the hip-hop and urban community. "Shaken," wrote Alicia Keys on her Twitter account. "My thoughts and prayers are with the city of Boston and those affected by this tragedy." ...

Justin Timberlake expressed similar feelings. "My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the city of Boston and all of those affected by this terrible incident," he tweeted.

Snoop Dogg was more to the point. "#prayforboston," he wrote.

"Prayers go to #Boston," tweeted Rick Ross, as did Lil Wayne, who wrote: "Prayers for Boston."

Producer Bryan-Michael Cox was much more blunt.

"For those that's not taking this serious, understand that things are REAL out here!" he wrote with a terrifying Instagram photo. "We must pay attention to all of the signs out here and current events. But most importantly continue to pray for our country & our loved ones. Let's not take this lightly."

"Very crazy world we live in," wrote Macklemore. "And we just touched down here like 2 hours ago."

Watch "Explosions Hit Boston Marathon" Video

DMX, 'Iyanla: Fix My Life' -- Rapper Says Show Made His Life Worse

Paul Cantor — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:05:00 EST

Mike Lawrie, Getty Images DMX made his much ballyhooed appearance on Iyanla: Fix My Life over the weekend and while the show seemed to draw a lot of eyeballs, the troubled rapper claims it did little to actually help him. "DMX agreed to be a guest on 'Iyanla: Fix My Life' with the understanding that she would be helping his relationships with his 10 children," his rep Domenick Nati of Nati Celebrity Services said in a statement (via AllHipHop). "When he arrived for the taping, most of the content was focused on his struggles with drugs and poor parenting. Iyanla did not 'fix' DMX's life just made his image worse, and does not have DMX's personal written consent to use the footage." The show aired anyway and largely depicted X as an drug-addicted lost cause. It can be viewed in full HERE. ...

"I know a lot of people like DMX," Bun B wrote on Twitter. "It's sad to watch someone so talented give his life over to demons. My heart breaks for his children man."

Watch DMX's "Ruff Ryders' Anthem" Video

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Wu-Tang Clan, Coachella 2013 -- Group Steals Show at Music Festival

Paul Cantor — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:56:00 EST

Frazer Harrison, Getty Images The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival saw a handful of amazing performances over the weekend, but few could top the Wu-Tang Clan, who reunited on stage last night at the festival's Outdoor Theatre. "No disrespect to none of y'all," Raekwon said on stage. "But we came to steal this shit tonight." And indeed they did, performing a variety of songs from their group catalog as well as a handful of solo hits. A tribute to Ol' Dirty Bastard included renditions of "Shimmy Shimmy Ya" and "Brooklyn Zoo," respectively. ...

The Clan was jovial on stage and the chemistry amongst the members seem to plainly evident. On Friday (April 12), they announced that their new LP, A Better Tomorrow, will be released in July. It's their first album as a complete group since 2007's poorly-received 8 Diagrams.

Ghostface's new album, Twelve Reasons to Die, is in stores tomorrow and the group will be back at Coachella for its second performance next weekend.

Watch Wu-Tang Clan "C.R.E.A.M." At Coachella 2013

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Rick Ross, Official Statement -- Apologizes Again for Rape Lyric

Paul Cantor — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:05:00 EST

Alexander Tamargo, Getty Images Rick Ross has released an official statement about the controversy surrounded his lyrics on Rocko's song "U.O.E.N.O.," which allegedly encouraged and condone rape. The statement says: "Before I am an artist, I am a father, a son, and a brother to some of the most cherished women in the world. So for me to suggest in any way that harm and violation be brought to a woman is one of my biggest mistakes and regrets. As an artist, one of the most liberating things is being able to paint pictures with my words. But with that comes a great responsibility. And most recently, my choice of words was not only offensive, it does not reflect my true heart. And for this, I apologize. To every woman that has felt the sting of abuse, I apologize. ...

I recognize that as an artist I have a voice and with that, the power of influence. To the young men who listen to my music, please know that using a substance to rob a woman of her right to make a choice is not only a crime, it's wrong and I do not encourage it. To my fans, I also apologize if I have disappointed you. I can only hope that this sparks a healthy dialogue and that I can contribute to it."

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LL Cool J, Brad Paisley -- Rapper Talks 'Accidental Racist' with Jay Leno

Paul Cantor — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:51:00 EST

Daily Motion LL Cool J and Brad Paisley are still dealing with the fallout from their song "Accidental Racist," which lit up the Internet earlier this week. The 45-year-old rapper appeared sat down with Jay Leno last night and addressed the controversy. "You can't fit 300 or 400 years of history into a 3-4 minute song," LL said. "In no way would I ever compare the history of the confederate flag with a du-rag. However, when you think about a kid like Trayvon Martin, and you think of some of the things that happened in society based on clothing, when you put it in its proper context, it makes sense." ...

He seemed visibly upset, as if shaken by the fact that what he thought was a good idea for race relations in America was taken the wrong way.

"I would never, ever, ever suggest to anyone that we should just forget slavery and act like that didn't happen," he said. "I understand the systemic racism that exists -- I get that -- but if the playing field is unlevel and you feel it's unfair, then maybe putting down some of that baggage will help you make it up that hill a little easier."

LL didn't try to defend the song itself, offering that opinions on art are subjective.

"As long as people are having a conversation, then the art has done its job," he said. "America as a whole, we need to come together. We don't need to be talking about tearing the fabric of society apart. We need to be connecting with each other and becoming closer as human beings and loving one another."

Watch "LL Cool J on Jay Leno" Video

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Looking Back At Kobe Bryant's Failed Rap Career

Paul Cantor — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:27:00 EST

Steve W. Grayson, Getty Images If you're a rap or basketball fan who came of age in the early aughts, you missed the beginning -- and ending -- of Kobe Bryant's rap career. Yes, his rap career. In the late 90s, Kobe Bryant was signed to Sony and the label had big plans for him to become a breakout star, pairing him with producers like The Trackmasters, and keeping him in the company of artists like Nas, Noreaga and 50 Cent. Grantland has just published an exhaustive but incredible look back at what went wrong with Kobe's rap career. It's definitely worth a read. ...

Spoiler alert -- Kobe was actually a good rapper but basically let his label make him go pop and everyone saw the basketball player as rapper thing as a gimmick.

The end result? He decided to focus on winning NBA championships instead. Not a bad move.

Watch Kobe Bryant "K.O.B.E." Feat. Tyra Banks Video

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Alicia Keys, DMX -- Rapper Crashes Singer's MSG Show

Paul Cantor — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:25:00 EST

FilmMagic DMX made a surprise appearance at Alicia Keys' concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City last night (April 11). Why is this important? Because Keys' husband Swizz Beats -- a star in his own right these days -- started his career as a producer for DMX and the Ruff Ryders. They had a little reunion on stage. Very cool. Watch the video and reminisce on when the dog ran rap. ...

Watch "DMX Surprises Alicia Keys at MSG" Video

Watch DMX's "Ruff Ryders' Anthem" Video

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Reebok, Rick Ross -- Shoe Company Ends Deal with Rapper Over Rape Lyric

Paul Cantor — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:24:00 EST

Alexander Tamargo, Getty Images Reebok has ended its business relationship with Rick Ross, according to TMZ. Ross continues to receive negative attention over the lyrics he contributed to Atlanta rapper Rocko's song "U.O.E.N.O." "Put Molly [Ecstasy] all in the champagne, she ain't even know it/ I took her home and I enjoy that, she ain't even know it," he spits on the track. Which was apparently enough for Reebok. ...

"Reebok holds our partners to a high standard, and we expect them to live up to the values of our brand," the brand said in a statement. "Unfortunately, Rick Ross has failed to do so. While we do not believe that Rick Ross condones sexual assault, we are very disappointed he has yet to display an understanding of the seriousness of this issue or an appropriate level of remorse."

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Lil Wayne and Trick Daddy Nearly Fight at Miami Strip Club

Paul Cantor — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:16:00 EST

Mark Davis, Getty Images Lil Wayne and Trick Daddy have been at odds since Weezy made disparaging comments about the Miami Heat at NBA All-Star Weekend in February. Now, according to TMZ, the pair almost got into a fight at King of Diamonds strip club in Miami last night. Sources inside the club say both Wayne and Trick were present and that there was a bad vibe brewing between each rapper's respective camps. ...

Wayne, sensing something amiss, decided to leave, but when he was walking out a lit cigarette was thrown at his head by one of Trick Daddy's cohorts.

Club security reportedly stepped in before things could spiral out of control. Thankfully.

Watch "Lil Wayne Talks Seizures, Miami Heat, Hottest MC List, New Album,TMZ & More" Video

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White House, Jay-Z -- Jay Carney Addresses 'Open Letter'

Paul Cantor — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:23:00 EST

BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI, AFP Jay-Z's new song "Open Letter" has the White House doing damage control. "Obama said, 'Chill you're going to get me impeached'/You don't need this shit anyway, chill with me on the beach,' Jay rhymes on the song. Questioned by Politico reporter Donovan Slack earlier today, Press Secretary Jay Carney offered this: "I guess nothing rhymes with Treasury, because Treasury offers and gives licenses for travel, as you know, and the White House has nothing to do with it." ...

Pressed for a more direct answer, Carney said: "I am absolutely saying that the White House, from the president on down, had nothing to do with anybody's personal -- anybody's travel to Cuba. That is something that Treasury handles.

Watch Jay Carney Address Jay-Z's "Open Letter"

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Gucci Mane Indicted on Assault Charge

Paul Cantor — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:04:00 EST

Prince Williams, FilmMagic Gucci Mane was in an Atlanta court yesterday (April 9), where he was indicted on one count of aggravated assault in an incident last month which saw him allegedly hit a man in the head with a champagne bottle. The victim, a soldier in the military, said Gucci struck him while he was trying to talk to a security guard, and that he'd received 10 stitches following the attack. Gucci was denied bond and had been behind bars for two weeks waiting on the court to decide whether they'd indict him or not. ...

In other Gucci news, we spoke to Waka Flocka Flame about his former mentor's incarceration -- check out the interview right here.

Gucci Mane Loses Court Case

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Cassie, Wiz Khalifa -- 'Paradise' Video

Paul Cantor — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:26:00 EST

Vimeo Cassie's dropping her mixtape RockaByeBaby tomorrow (April 11), but before she does that she's warming fans up with "Paradise," featuring Wiz Khalifa. Cassie being, well, Cassie... the visuals are stunning to say the least. The Left Coast-inspired video finds her rolling around in a lowrider, smoking weed with her homies and chilling outside of a liquor store. Edgy stuff. ...

"Just let me do whatever with you/ Give me some I'm not scared/ give it back and I'll share...." she coos sexily over an airy synth pad.

It's a pretty cool track, but let us know what you think.

Watch Cassie "Paradise" Feat. Wiz Khalifa Video

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Emeli Sande On Working with Kendrick Lamar, Possible EP, British Soul and More -- EXCLUSIVE Interview

Paul Cantor — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:18:00 EST

Getty Images Things have been moving fast for Emeli Sande. The English-bred singer has spent the past two years or so dominating in the European music scene -- she took home four Brit Awards this year, including best British Single of the Year ("Next To Me") and best British Album of the Year (Our Version of Events) -- and is slowly becoming familiar to American audiences. The aforementioned "Next To Me" received a healthy dose of attention when Kendrick Lamar hopped on the song's remix, boosting its profile exponentially stateside. While her summer tour plans are still being finalized, Emeli Sande will be in New York for a special performance at JetBlue's Terminal 5 at JFK Airport at 5 PM on April 26th. Ahead of that performance, we caught up with Mrs. Sande for an EXCLUSIVE interview. Here's how it went. ...

Getty Images

How did the "Next To Me (Remix)" come about?

I really wanted a feature on it, something that would give the perspective of the song. And I was so excited about Kendrick Lamar as an artist. He's really doing something that's so different and so honest. We approached him and asked him if it was something he'd be interested in doing and it worked out fantastic. I really love what he did on it and I'd love to work with him again.

There's been debate about who you're referring to in "Next To Me." What inspired the lyrics?

First of all I was thinking about my husband -- he wasn't at the time -- but I was thinking about having somebody strong beside you. Sometimes when I sing it I'm speaking about God. I'm just speaking about somebody or something that's with you all the time, that's constant in your life. So depending on my mood, depending on the day, I sing it about different.

Soul music isn't really popular in the United Statest anymore. You see Justin Timberlake doing it a little bit. Why do you think that sound is more embraced in the United States when it comes from the UK as opposed to here?

I'm not sure. I think sometimes you can see that our approach is quite different. It's this big kind of eclectic mix of a bunch of different genres over here. So I don't know. We've been inspired by so many soul artists from the US. When I say soul I mean [like] Lauryn Hill -- who is massive over there -- and those kind of people have inspired us. But from where we sit, we see there are so many massive soul artists over there. But maybe I'm wrong.

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British rap music has sort of started to cross over here. Tinie Tempah had a little run. Do you think UK rap will ever have the opportunity to really blow up in the United States?

I hope so. It's a very different and again it's a very different approach. And I think rap is so specific to people really relating to what they see around them and what they see in their community. I think it's difficult for a rapper to break through over there because rap is so massive over there. It's so big and there are people who are speaking about their communities already. I think that we have something different that could be offered but it would be very tough.

You're a songwriter who was able to transition into having a full-fledged singing career. What allowed you to do that?

I know it sounds a bit silly but being able to sing was a big thing. If you can deliver a song just as good or better than whoever [you] wanted to give it to, then that gives you literally a voice. It gives you a lot more power than if vocals aren't your main thing.

Our Version of Events came out in early 2012. Did you think you'd be promoting it this long when you made it?

I was always so focused on "what's it going to do?" "Am I going to get the chance to make another one?" So no, I don't think I ever imagined that it would be -- you'd sing these songs for this long. That's a big thing I've learned. On the next record make sure that you really, really love the songs in case you have to sing them for the next two years. But I definitely imagined a lot less.

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How do you find time to write while on the road?

I'm trying to find time to do that. But I've set up a portable studio on the road so I can put things down and try my best when I can. But it's difficult because you have snippets of ideas and you never really have time to complete them and develop them. So I'm really looking forward to having time.

Is there a plan in place yet for a new record?

I really want to create an EP, something to just bridge the gap between the first and second album. So I think that is my next plan, putting all these ideas I've had on the road into a project. And then after that I've got to start thinking about the second album. But I have no idea when it will be ready, when I'll feel inspired, all of that I'll kind of have to go with the flow.

Watch Emeli Sande "Next To Me (Remix) Feat. Kendrick Lamar Video

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'Accidental Racist' -- LL Cool J Opens Up About Controversial Brad Paisley Collaboration

Paul Cantor — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:37:00 EST

Getty Images "Accidental Racist," LL Cool J's racial tension-inspired collaboration with country star Brad Paisley, has caused controversy since its release, but we somehow suspect that the hip-hop legend didn't think it would amount to this much hubaloo. Still, he's got an album dropping in late April and if he was looking for some promotion, he certainly got it. "I needed to do something that was going to be interesting like that, and shake things up, and jump out of the box," he told CNN on Sunday (April 7) at the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas. "I'm really proud of it, and I hope the world hears it and enjoys it." ...

And while the song may have been poorly received in hip-hop circles, there's still something to be said for LL taking a stance while offering something unique and different. Most of all he should be commended for trying -- whether he succeeded or not -- to do something positive.

"Music is about, and art is about, connecting different people, and building bridges and breaking the rules," LL said. "If it's not compelling, and it's not complex and it's not interesting, then what are we doing it for? So I think that's the right move."

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Rihanna and Chris Brown Have Broken Up

Paul Cantor — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:10:00 EST

Christopher Polk, Getty Images Rihanna and Chris Brown have broken up. A source tells E! News that RiRi is choosing to focus on her career and business ventures for now, and was spotted smoking weed at Greystone Manor in Los Angeles last night. Meanwhile, the 'mystery blonde' that Chris Brown was spotted with over the weekend has been identified as Keisha Kimball, a 22-year-old waitress at L.A.'s Playhouse nightclub. ...

She denies that anything is going on with Breezy.

"I am always Chris' waitress," she tells TMZ. "I know him and I am friends with his friends. Nothing has ever happened. I just work there... I don't go for black guys."

Just last week, Chris Brown appeared on The Today Show and sung the praises of his renewed relationship with his embattled girlfriend.

"Everything's good," he told Matt Lauer. "We're fine."

As Jay-Z might say, it was all good just a week ago.

Watch Chris Brown's "Kiss Kiss" Video

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Sorry Republicans, Jay-Z and Beyonce's Cuba Trip Was Legit

Paul Cantor — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 10:02:00 EST

Larry Busacca, Getty Images According to a source familiar with their travel itinerary, Jay-Z and Beyonce's wedding anniversary trip last week to Havana, Cuba was legit and fully licensed by the U.S. Treasury Department. Three Republicans from Miami -- all Cuban-American -- had asked the Treasury Department to investigate whether the trip had been licensed or not. A U.S. trade embargo against Cuba prohibits Americans from traveling to the country with said license being granted by the U.S. government. ...

The source told Reuters that the couple's visit included meeting Cuban artists and musicians, eating at the city's best privately run restaurants and hitting up several nightclubs.

The trip was described as a "people to people" cultural visit and meetings with Cuban officials and trip to the beach were avoided.

They were led on a walk around the city by Miguel Coyula, one of the city's leading architects, and dined along with their mothers at La Guarida on their first night in town.

They'd arrived unannounced for their four-day visit on flight from Miami on Wednesday (April 3) and were instantly recognized.

Watch Jay-Z's "Change Clothes" Video

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Brad Paisley, LL Cool J -- Country Song 'Accidental Racist' Misses Its Mark

Paul Cantor — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:36:00 EST

Getty Images Country star Brad Paisley and LL Cool J probably had the best of intentions when going in to record "Accidental Racist," their ode to modern-day racism struggles in the South. Unfortunately, the tune misses its mark. The song tells the story about two men whose appearances throw one another off. First there's the man in Starbucks wearing a red shirt with the Confederate flag. Paisley sings: ...

I'm just a white man, coming to you from the South land,
Trying to understand what it's like not to be
I'm proud of where I'm from, but not everything we've done
and it ain't like you and me can rewrite history
Our generation didn't start this nation
we're still picking up the pieces, walking on eggshells fighting over yesterday
caught between Southern pride and Southern blame

Later, LL Cool J makes his case. He rhymes:

Dear Mr. White Man, I wish you understood
What the world is really like when you're livin' in the hood
Just because my pants are saggin' doesn't mean I'm up to no good
You should try to get to know me, I really wish you would
Now my chains are gold but I'm still misunderstood
I wasn't there when Sherman's March turned the south into firewood
I want you to get paid but be a slave I never could
Feel like a new fangled Django, dodgin' invisible white hoods
So when I see that white cowboy hat, I'm thinkin' it's not all good
I guess we're both guilty of judgin' the cover not the book
I'd love to buy you a beer, conversate and clear the air
But I see that red flag and I think you wish I wasn't here

The real problem is in the song's outro, where LL makes some incredible statements.

"If you don't judge my gold chains.... I'll forget the iron chains... The past is the past, you feel me... Let bygones be bygones... RIP Robert E. Lee but I've gotta thank Abraham Lincoln for freeing me."

We get the intended message -- don't blame one person for the sins of another -- but we'd like to think the relationship between blacks and whites in America can be boiled down to a bit more than just letting bygones be bygones. Not everything is that simple.

Watch Brad Paisley "Accidental Racist" Feat. LL Cool J Video

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Snoop Dogg Thinks Gay People Will Always Struggle in Hip-Hop

Paul Cantor — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:22:00 EST

Mark Davis, Getty Images Despite the growing popularity of gay and transgendered rappers -- not to mention Frank Ocean's bisexuality being accepted by the hip-hop largess -- Snoop Dogg Lion doesn't foresee a time when gay people will be widely embraced by the rap world. "Frank Ocean ain't no rapper," he tells The Guardian (via The Daily Swarm). "He's a singer. It's acceptable in the singing world, but in the rap world I don't know if it will ever be acceptable because rap is so masculine. He likens rap to a football team. ...

"You can't be in a locker room full of motherfucking tough-ass dudes, then all of a sudden say, 'Hey, man, I like you,'" he says. "You know, that's going to be tough."

Despite their challenges, Snoop himself has no issues with gay people.

"I don't have a problem with gay people," he explains. "I got some gay homies. Yeah, for real. People who were gay used to get beat up. It was cool to beat up on gay people back then. But in the 90s and 2000s, gay is a way of life. Just regular people with jobs. Now they are accepted, not classified. They just went through the same things we went through as black."

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Jay-Z's Roc Nation Partners with Universal Music Group

Paul Cantor — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:23:00 EST

Prince Williams, Getty Images Jay-Z's fledgling management firm/record label Roc Nation is partnering with Universal Music Group in a multi-year deal, it was announced today (April 8). "We are looking forward to working with Lucian [Grainge, Chairman and CEO of UMG] and the incredible team he's assembled at Universal," Jay-Z said in a statement. "We would like to applaud Lucian for collaborating with us to strike a new age deal." The partnership will likely allow Roc Nation to retain a great deal of autonomy while releasing album's and other projects through the largest of the three major record labels. ...
"This agreement presents a unique opportunity for Roc Nation's artists - being able to continue to operate as an independent label with the strength, power and reach of the best major. I look forward to a long and prosperous collaboration with UMG. It feels good to be home."

By home, Jay means Universal, the parent company of Def Jam, which he was once the President of and also signed to, by way of Roc-A-Fella Records. Jay's previous deals for Roc Nation, signed back in 2009, included distribution through both Sony and Atlantic Records, respectively.

Last week, Jay announced that Roc Nation was getting into the sports management business, setting up an agency in partnership with Hollywood powerhouse agency CAA. Its first confirmed client is Robinson Cano. Victor Cruz is allegedly also about to sign up as well.

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Ray J, 'I Hit It First' -- Singer Downplays Kim Kardashian-Inspired Song

Paul Cantor — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:41:00 EST

Randall Michelson, WireImage Ray J's new song, "I Hit It First," is not about Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, the singer insists. "It's a song, it's not about that, it's about a concept," he explained this morning (April 8) on New York's Hot 97 (via MTV News). "People going way too deep. They just gotta keep it on the surface. I'm not trying to create no war, it's all love; we're doing music." If it's not about Kim and Kanye, he sure is doing as much as he can to lead people on. "I hit it north, with her ass goin' south, but now baby chose to go west," he sings on the track. ...

"It's not a war, it's not a dis song, we're just having fun," he explained. "Bring it back to the song. That's all I'm on."

Listen to Ray J "I Hit It First"

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Kid Cudi Is No Longer Signed to G.O.O.D. Music

Paul Cantor — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 17:40:00 EST

Andrew H. Walker, Getty Images Kid Cudi has severed ties with G.O.O.D. Music, Kanye West's boutique label, which he signed with back in the fall of 2008. "Everything is cool, everything is peace with everyone on the label," he explained in an interview on Power 106 in Los Angeles earlier today (April 2). "There's never been any issues but I am announcing that I'm no longer on G.O.O.D. Music." Cudi, whose album Indicud drops April 23, explained that the separation came about very smoothly. ...

"Me and Kanye.... we were talking on the phone the other day," he said. "These are things I wanted to talk to him about, about me starting [on] my own direction. And he got it. Because he's trying to start his new path and try new things as an artist, as he was just like, 'You know, man, I feel you. It's cool.'"

He reiterated that there is no drama with anyone on G.O.O.D. Music.

"This is just from a business standpoint," he explained. "There's no beef. No problems with anybody on the label. It's all love... I wanna focus on Wicked Awesome. I wanna focus on [King] Chip. I don't wanna have like a full label of artists"

Kid Cudi Announced He's No Longer On G.O.O.D. Music

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Buy The Notorious B.I.G.'s Childhood Apartment

Paul Cantor — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST

Chris Walter, WireImage If you ever wanted to own the home of a hip-hop legend, now's your chance. The apartment at 226 St. James Place that The Notorious B.I.G. lived in as a child was listed for sale yesterday (April 1) at the low price of $725,000. Located in the Clinton Hill section of Brooklyn, New York, the condo apartment is 972 square feet and features three bedrooms with a den/office. ...

There are hardwood floors, crown moldings and granite countertops. The 8-unit building that the apartment is housed in also has laundry, storage rooms and bike storage.

Oddly enough, Biggie once referred to this apartment as a "one room shack" in his eponymous hit "Juicy." My, how times change.

Check out what the apartment looks like below and if you're feeling saucy head on over to StreetEasy.com and make an inquiry.

StreetEasy.com

Watch The Notorious B.I.G. "Juicy" Video

Read Artists Paying Tribute to Notorious B.I.G.

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Nicki Minaj Gets Freaky with Lil Wayne in 'High School' Video

Paul Cantor — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 10:56:00 EST

Telly Is there more to Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne's relationship? Potentially, if the former's new video for "High School," from Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded The Re-Up, is to be believed. The Benny Boom-directed clip has almost nothing to do with the actual song -- a back-and-forth between new lovers -- but instead finds Nicki and Wayne traveling to some distant island to do an illegal transaction of sorts. They wind up falling for each other there, embroiled in hot sweaty sex, then rob their hosts for everything before splitting off in a helicopter. If there's nothing between the two, they sure do fake it well. ...

Watch Nicki Minaj "High School" Feat. Lil Wayne Video

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