The Boombox Music Blog

Say What! -- Khia Says 'I Conquered Hip Hop' + More

Sharks — 2010-03-20T23:47:00+00:00

"My Neck, My Back" rapper Khia has announced plans to launch a singing career. "Hip Hop to me, it's gone," she said. "I mean, you have video vixens and porn stars and everybody just think they can rap now. So it's like, I don't wanna be attached to it any kind of way [anymore]. So, they can have it...I think I kinda conquered Hip Hop and now I'm trying to go on to bigger and better things." Yeah, she really killed em with all those classic, platinum-selling records she released. [HipHopWired]

Robert Meloni, attorney for the guy who is suing Lady Gaga for $30 million for getting rich without him, had some words for Gaga, aka Stefani Germanotta. "The claim filed by Lady Gaga does not pass the laugh test. I assume their strategy here in response to Fusari's complaint is 'the best defense is a good offense,' with their claim being the 'offense' but it really gives 'falling on your sword' an entirely new meaning. Ms. Germanotta really should not be playing with sharp objects." Good one, lawyer. [MTV]

Say What! -- Snoop Dogg Says 'Watch Out, Beyonce' + More

Sharks — 2010-03-19T23:09:00+00:00

Filed under: Say What!

Snoop Dogg discussed his upcoming tour with comedian Mike Epps. "Mike Epps is exceptional," Snoop said. "He's the equivalent to Snoop Dogg in comedy. People love him. They respect his comedy, his views, his vision...When you say Mike Epps, people laugh. They smile. They associate him with funny. When you say Snoop Dogg, people get excited and start singing songs...We said, 'Me and you onstage together is great, but if we're onstage together and doing a real show, where we're interacting with a big screen, where it's movie scenes we shot beforehand, where it intercuts onstage live - music, comedy - it'll just be a great show.' The way we putting it together, we'll be in Vegas one day getting paper. Watch out, Beyonce." When we hear Snoop Dogg, we think weed, but hey, watch out B. [MTV]

NBA star/gun fan Gilbert Arenas recently talked with Esquire about the circumstances that lead to him bringing 4 guns into the locker room and ~~threatening~~ playing a practical joke with them on teammate Javaris Crtittenton. "When I see him, my mind says, Boo yow! My guns, put them on the chair. That's where the problem came in - with the "boo yow!" I wasn't using longevity thinking." Longevity thinking. [Esquire]

T.I.'s Fiancee Talks 2010 Wedding Plans

Nadeska Alexis — 2010-03-19T19:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop News

T.I.'s fiancee Tameka "Tiny" Cottle is all a buzz with wedding plans now that Tip has returned home to complete his sentence in a ATL halfway house. Although the two have been engaged for nearly three years, they've made no pressing moves to tie the knot.

Cottle told Vibe that she was not worried about the length of time it takes before she walks down the aisle. "I don't really worry about what people say about what's taking so long," she said. "Like, it ain't none of your business what's taking so long. If we happy, why are you so concerned? We living, we're happy, we're in love."

The former Xscape singer, who also stars in her own BET reality TV show 'Tiny & Toya' said that the wedding would definitely take place in 2010. "There are wedding plans coming soon, sometime this year," she said. "Not too big, 'cause I want it to be as private as possible. There've been a million rumors about us getting married. It's taking away from the day that we really do get married, so I just want to kind of have that moment for myself."

Consequence Recruits Kanye West, Q-Tip for 'Cons TV'

Mikey Fresh — 2010-03-19T18:45:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop, Exclusive

Dexter Mills was first introduced to the hip-hop stage in the summer of '93 when his older cousin Q-Tip decided to put him on the remix to A Tribe Called Quest's 'The Chase, Pt. II.' The then sixteen-year-old rapper from Queens was just getting his feet wet as his alter ego, Consequence.

"It's always great to be on stage with Tribe, there's just a special kind of energy between us. When we did 'Beats, Rhymes, and Life' in '96, I had already been running with them since '94. The nostalgia will just never die with Tribe's music," Cons tells TheBoomBox.com about reuniting with the group last month in Brooklyn.

Exclusive: Eminem's 'Relapse 2' Almost Done; Jay Electronica on the Way

Carter Maness — 2010-03-19T17:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop News, Exclusive

It's been a bit of a wait, but Eminem's 'Relapse 2' is a pinch of salt away from completion. In an exclusive interview with The BoomBox, Just Blaze was in Detroit putting the final touches on the much-anticipated record. While there's still no concrete release date, recent verses by Eminem could easily lead you to believe that a true monster is on the way.

"I was just sitting with Em in the other room," Just told The BoomBox. "I'm out in Detroit and we're wrapping that ['Relapse 2'] up now."

As for Just Blaze's other big executive production project, he'll be heading back to New York City soon to finish up work on Jay Electronica's first full-length record. Yes, that's two of the most anticipated hip-hop records this year. Just explained how his work with Jay has been a prelude to this point. After the success of 'Exhibit C,' they're both ready to roll.

Young Jeezy Changes Alias

Nadeska Alexis — 2010-03-19T16:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop News

Jay-Z has done enough preaching about progression in the rap game, and it seems like some artists have been listening. Southern rapper, Young Jeezy has made moves to officially changes his rap alias -- perhaps to reflect a more serious image?

The rapper has dropped "Young" from his name, so that he can now simply be referred to as Jeezy. According to HipHopWired, the first signs of the name change appeared in the credits for Rihanna's song 'Hard,' but only became official following the release of his single 'Lose My Mind,' from his upcoming album 'Thug Motivation 103.' The rapper made sure that only "Jeezy" appeared on the album cover art. Jeezy is not the first rapper to amend his alias by losing a word or two. Bow Wow famously parted ways with his childhood rap name "Lil Bow Wow" before he grew up, started driving drunk and Tweeted about it.

The artist formerly known as Young Jeezy released his last studio album 'The Recession,' in 2008. His upcoming album, 'Thug Motivation 103' is slated for a June release. He recently explained that he was back in the studio, working hard to complete the record. "I'm thinking June," he said. "I wanna own the summer. If you coming out [with an album] in June, you might wanna think about that."

50 Cent Blames Sex Tape Lawsuit on Pimpin' Curly

Nadeska Alexis — 2010-03-19T15:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop News, What's Beef?

50 Cent's decision to release a sex tape of Rick Ross' ex in 2009 caught up to him when victim Lastonia Leviston filed a lawsuit against the Queens, N.Y., rapper in February. But still, Fifty doesn't seem to have any regrets.

In an interview with radio personality, Tim Westwood, Fifty finally addressed the sex tape, but didn't show much remorse about the situation. The G-Unit CEO decided to pin the blame on his alter ego Pimpin' Curly, whom he edited into the sex tape for the purposes of comical narration. "That wasn't me, that was Pimpin' Curly," 50 said. "When a person tries to say...you've done a mental harm to them, they might want to consider the recordings of Rick Ross saying that she's an actual call girl. Or the pamphlets that I'm showing in the tape, that's saying that she's available. So how distraught is she that a tape went out? They think I bought the tape, I didn't even buy it."

T-Pain, 'Reverse Cowgirl' -- Video

Tracey Ford — 2010-03-19T14:45:00+00:00

Filed under: Soul/R'n'B Videos

Artist: T-Pain
Song: 'Reverse Cowgirl'
Why You Should Watch: Looks like autotune-loving singer has moved on from the three ring circus and is now off to the rodeo on the latest single off his upcoming album RevolveR.

German Magazine Fires Writer for Fabricating Beyonce Interview

Nadeska Alexis — 2010-03-19T13:45:00+00:00

Filed under: R'n'B News, Busted

Earlier this week, the blog-o-sphere lit up with news that Beyonce had finally opened up about her marriage to Hov, admitting that she had a marriage contract with the Brooklyn rapper. The information was obtained from an interview in Neon Magazine, which the publication now claims was fabricated.

The German publication released a letter on Thursday (March 18), explaining that they had taken serious measures to verify the details of the interview, after it created such a buzz. "We do have serious doubts in the truth of many statements of the interview of Ms. Beyoncé Knowles published in Neon, Issue January/2010...The article was written by freelancer Ingo Mocek. The editors-in-chief have confronted Ingo Mocek with these doubts," they wrote. Mocek was apparently not able to confirm the statements. "Ingo Mocek was not able to verify certain statements, particularly the statements regarding a marriage contract of Ms. Knowles. Therefore, we assume that the interview did not take place as claimed by Ingo Mocek."

Alicia Keys, John Legend and the Black Eyed Peas to Kick Off World Cup

Sharks — 2010-03-19T12:45:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop News, Soul/R'n'B, R'n'B News, Tours and Concerts, Sports

Many of the world's most popular artists will be performing at the opening celebration for the 2010 Fifa World Cup, in Soweto/Johannesburg, South Africa. FIFA has confirmed that the lineup will include Alicia Keys, the Black Eyed Peas, John Legend and Shakira alongside African artists like Amadou & Mariam (!), Angelique Kidjo, BLK JKS, and a gang of soccer legends and stars.

"[It's] going to be insane," Keys, who works with the Keep a Child Alive foundation in Africa, told MTV. "I'm very excited about going to Africa, and the fact that the World Cup is in Africa is unbelievable for me! To be a part of that is incredible."

The celebration will be held on June 10, the night before the first World Cup match. Proceeds from the event will be donated to 20 Centres for 2010, a charity working to build soccer centers across Africa, as well as providing health-care and schooling to disadvantaged communities. Check out the Fifa site for more information.

Pharoahe Monch to Release 'W.A.R.' Album

Sharks — 2010-03-19T11:45:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop News

Queens, N.Y., legend Pharoahe Monch has announced that his forthcoming third solo album, 'W.A.R. (We Are Renegades)' will be released via Duck Down Records.

Pharoahe initially stated that the album would released on his own label, and distributed by SRC, who released his last record, 'Desire.' Instead, the Organized Konfusion MC/producer opted to go with indie Duck Down, claiming that they offered him more creative flexibility.

"I'm incredibly excited about my upcoming release W.A.R. (We Are Renegades) and my new partnership between my company W.A.R. Media, LLC, and Duck Down Music," Pharoahe said. "This album deals with conflicts and resolutions of the spirit, the soul, the government, and the industry among other things."

Talib Kweli Won't Drink Vodka at SXSW

Charley Rogulewski — 2010-03-19T10:45:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop, Tours and Concerts

People expecting to see Reflection Eternal perform tracks from their first album in a decade, 'Revolutions Per Minute' due April 20, only got one-half of the duo. Made up of producer/DJ Hi-Tek and Talib Kweli, only the latter showed up for their SXSW showcase at Austin's Aces Lounge late Thursday night (March 18).

"I wanna do some new s---" Kweli told the crowd. With DJ Chaps replacing an M.I.A. Hi-Tek, Kweli still spit out the new 'RPM' tracks 'Just Begun,' 'In This World' and 'Strangers.'

"It smells like weed in this mothaf---er," Kweli called out the crowd. "We got a song for that," he said before launching into his Kanye West 'College Dropout' collaboration 'Get 'Em High.' Kweli would also shout out his homey Mos Def during the Black Star track 'Definition,' and give a tip of the hat to KRS-One during 'The Perfect Beat,' off his '07 album 'Eardrum.' But it was, of course his radio-friendly closer and most popular track 'Get By' that had the venue heated up. The crowd screamed the chorus -- "Feeling my high's, and my low's/ In my soul, and my goals/Just to stop smoking, and stop drinking" -- in unison. Ironically earlier in the night Kweli had a drink in hand.

"I don't drink vodka." he told the crowd. "All the fellas in the crowd who drink dark liquor make some noise!"

Paul Wall Elected Texas Chapter President of Recording Academy

Sharks — 2010-03-19T09:45:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop News, Grammy Awards

Paul Wall for president! The Houston rapper was recently elected president of the Texas chapter of the Recording Academy, which organizes the Grammy Awards.

Paul Wall previously held the title of Governor of the Texas chapter, working alongside fellow Houston artists like saxophonist Joe Posada, bassist Chuck Rainey and industry veterans like Mathew Knowles.

"I've been a Governor on the board of the Texas chapter for a long time. There's a process on how you get nominated [for a Grammy] and it's done by voting," Wall said. "A lot of people don't know this and for me, I want to get our membership up in Texas."

Wall, who has been nominated for a Grammy in the past, but did not win, has always been a huge supporter of his fellow Texans, whether as a DJ, MC, jeweler or promoter. In his role as president of the Recording Academy, Wall said that he hopes to boost Grammy membership among local artists in his home state.

Say What! -- Jay Rock Calls Out Ice Cube Via Twitter + More

Sharks — 2010-03-18T22:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Say What!

Up-and-coming Cali rapper Jay Rock had some hard words for Ice Cube, after Cube recently called out the "new west" on his blog (lol). "Watts up wit Ice Cube talkin krazy about new west n---as. If he got a prob wit 1 of us he shud say r name n stop bn scared 2 call a n---a out," Jay Rock tweeted. "To me he talkin bout all of us if he didn't say a name. That's how the west got f---ed up in the first place. Yall know aint no n---a stamped me. I dont need no n---a. All I need is a mic my hood my fans and this big a$$ gun," he continued. We're fans. We're also fans of all threats, typed out like an IM conversation between 15-year old girls, sent via Twitter. [JayRock]

In a well-publicized move, Miley Cyrus deleted her Twitter account, and now she's warning kids about the negative effects of spending time on the net. "I just think it's kind of lame...I'm telling kids, don't go on the Internet, it's dangerous, it's not fun, it wastes your life," she said. "And you should be outside playing sports or something." Thanks dad. Also, she's kinda right. [MTV]

Ice Cube Feels 'Disrespected' by West Coast Rappers

Latifah Muhammad — 2010-03-18T19:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop, What's Beef?

Rapper-turned-actor, Ice Cube is waging a verbal war against his would be West Coast rap successors calling for his retirement. Cube, who is prepping the release his up-coming 'I Am The West' album used his blog to explode on other rappers that want him to bow out of the music game so that they can have their turn in the spotlight.

"What's up with these local MC's in L.A. who keep disrespecting me?" he pondered. "They're just mad cause I don't f--- with they wack-ass. They ain't on my level, why should I waste my time. I don't even remember ever meeting these clowns or even being in the same room with any of 'em. They can't make a name for themselves so they need help from the O/G's. I refuse the throw 'em a lifeline. F--- 'em. It ain't my job to make nobody famous. And for the record, I ain't scared of no n---. Especially, no rappers....seriously people."

Cube failed to name names but according to the rumor mill West Coast up-and-comers like Glasses Malone, Crooked I and Bishop Lamont are among his targets. The 40-year-old father of four also theorized that his age has something to do with the criticism. "Age-ism is everywhere folks. In the work place, in sports and of course in hip-hop. We are [an] out with the OLD in with the NEW world. But as we go through life we realize NEWER ain't always better. All young MC's should route for old MC's to have long careers. If you play us out, what kind of future do you have in hip-hop when you get 40?"

Mashonda Says Swizz, Alicia Keys Are 'Meant for Each Other'

Latifah Muhammad — 2010-03-18T18:15:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop News, Busted, What's Beef?

Just when it seemed like they called a truce, singer Mashonda isn't done slamming her ex-husband Swizz Beatz and his girlfriend, Alicia Keys. After a few months of silence and what seemed to be a public ceasefire, Mashonda has some leftover animosity towards her broken marriage and spoke with Bossip.com to give her side of the story.

Her first order of business was clarifying Swizzy's comments that their divorce was close to being finalized. "Unfortunately, my divorce is not final, the paperwork hasn't been signed by the judge, and so therefore, we are still legally married," she said. "Not that I'm proud of that, (this process has been hell on earth) but divorces take time."

Diddy Places Bid on London Soccer Team?

Nadeska Alexis — 2010-03-18T17:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop News, Side Gig

Diddy recently locked down a June 22 release date for his long-delayed album, 'Last Train to Paris,' but according to reports, the Bad Boy mogul has already set his sights on a new business venture in the UK. The Sun reported on Thursday (March 18) that Sean Combs was in talks to purchase an English soccer team.

They revealed that Diddy is allegedly leaning toward London's Cristal Palace Football Club, which currently faces bankruptcy. "Diddy was in London meeting football fixers a couple of weeks ago. The finance is in place, he's just deciding who he think he'll make a bid for," a source told the Sun. The source explained that the 40-year-old mogul had considered a few choices before settling on Palace. "Portsmouth were mentioned but he thought Palace were a better idea. He could cover their debt and bankroll a return to the Premier League. He liked the name as well." Combs will reportedly make a £360 million bid for the South London team.

While his soccer ambitions are unclear, the June 22 release date for Diddy's 'Last Train to Paris' still remains on track. The album has been delayed several times in the past few months.

Compilation Inspired by 'Jerkin' Dance 'Dips' on the 'Net

Latifah Muhammad — 2010-03-18T16:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop News

With the success of the West Coast dance craze known as "jerkin'" on the rise, Los Angeles based Arsenal Record decided to release an entire compilation album dedicated to the movement. 'Super Jerkin' Vol. 1,' features tracks from 12 different artists including female rap group Pink Dollaz, Def Jam artist YG, and rap ensemble JINC Ent. Those appearing on the compilation have collectively received over 25 million plays and views on social networking sites like MySpace and YouTube.

Jerkin' was born in the L.A. area and made famous by the rap duo New Boyz by way of their 2009 hit 'You're a Jerk.' The "geeked up" teenagers not only introduced dance moves like the "reject," "pin-drop" and "dip," but incorporated a hipster fashion statement with their skinny jeans and bright colored apparel. Their aptly titled debut 'Skinny Jeans and a Mic' last September.

'Super Jerkin Vol 1' is available for download Amazon.com.

Rap-Rave Trio Die Antwoord Sign Major Label Deal

Sharks — 2010-03-18T15:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop News, Say What!

According to reports, South African rap-rave group Die Antwoord are now labelmates with 50 Cent. The group, comprised of frontman Ninja, Yo-Landi Vi$$er and DJ Hi-Tek (not the Cincinnati-bred producer who's also one-half of Reflection Eternal) have announced their signing with Interscope Records, after being wooed by label owner Jimmy Iovine.

"I kissed him on each cheek, because we were making a deal like you do with the mafia. Die Antwoord is in business with Interscope now," Ninja said in a recent interview with Boing Boing. "I'm not skinny like this by choice. We had no money forever. Now, we're flying business class to America, and look at me, I'm eating berries and granola in Hollywood."

Die Antwoord's bizarre music videos became wildly popular online in the past two months, launching the group from South African unknowns to worldwide stars virtually out of nowhere. The "zef" rappers claim to be working with 'District 9' director Neill Blomkamp on their next video, and said to be making their first official concert appearance in the U.S. at Coachella music festival, in April.

"When we did the big meeting with Interscope, Jimmy Iovine was telling me all about how badly their business has been harmed by the Internet," Ninja continued. "I can understand that but I said, 'Jimmy, I want to give you a piece of samurai advice: Become the enemy."

Gucci Mane to Release 'Burrprint' Mixtape

Latifah Muhammad — 2010-03-18T14:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop News

Gucci Mane isn't letting his one-year prison bid stop him from releasing new music. The Atlanta native's label, Warner Bros. Records, just announced the upcoming release of the 'Burrprint 2' mixtape. Hosted by DJ Holiday, 'Burrprint 2' will be the first in a series of mixtapes all leading up to his post-prison album 'The Appeal' hitting stores this summer.

While the mixtape features songs made prior to his incarceration, Gucci recorded the lead track 'Live From Fulton County Jail' over the phone from prison. "Gucci called me from Fulton County and told me to start recording," DJ Holiday explained in a statement. "He busted a hot verse right there on the phone and that's what you hear on the record, with the 1-minute automated warning and all, 'you have one minute remaining', it's so real."