Go Hard Magazine

GO HARD MAGAZINE VOL. 35 - R.I.P. MICHEAL JACKSON

2009-07-04T09:18:00.001-07:00

R.I.P. MICHEAL JACKSON

Singer, songwriter. Jackson was born August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, to an African-American working-class family. His father, Joseph Jackson, had been a guitarist but had put aside his musical aspirations to provide for his family as a crane operator. Believing his sons had talent, he molded them into a musical group in the early 1960s. At first, the Jackson Family performers consisted of Michael's older brothers Tito, Jermaine, and Jackie. Michael joined his siblings when he was five, and emerged as the group's lead vocalist. He showed remarkable range and depth for such a young performer, impressing audiences with his ability to convey complex emotions. Older brother Marlon also became a member of the group, which evolved into the Jackson 5.

Behind the scenes, Joseph Jackson pushed his sons to succeed. He was also reportedly known to become violent with them. Michael and his brothers spent endless hours rehearsing and polishing up their act. At first, the Jackson 5 played local gigs and built a strong following. They recorded one single on their own, "Big Boy" with the b-side "You've Changed," but it failed to generate much interest.

The Jackson 5 moved on to working an opening act for such R&B artists as Gladys Knight and the Pips, James Brown, and Sam and Dave. Many of these performers were signed to the legendary Motown record label, and it has been reported that Gladys Knight may have been the one to tell Motown founder Berry Gordy about the Jackson 5. Impressed by the group, Gordy signed them to his label in 1968.

Relocating to Los Angeles, Michael and his brothers started work on their music and dancing with their father as their manager. They lived with Gordy and also with Supremes singer Diana Ross when they first arrived there. In August 1969, the Jackson 5 was introduced to the music industry at a special event, and later served as the opening act for the Supremes. Their first album, Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5, hit the charts in December of that year. It's first single, "I Want You Back," hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in January 1970.

More chart-topping singles quickly followed, such as "ABC," "The Love You Save," and "I'll Be There." At the age of 13, Jackson launched a solo career in addition to his work with the Jackson 5. He made the charts in 1971 with "Got to Be There" from the album of the same name. His 1972 album, Ben, featured the eponymous ballad about a rat. The song became Jackson's first solo No. 1 single.

For several years, Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 maintained a busy tour and recording schedule, under the supervision of Berry Gordy and his Motown staff. Gordy wrote many of the songs recorded by the group and by Michael Jackson as a solo artist. The group became so popular that they even had their own self-titled cartoon show, which ran from 1971 to 1973.

Despite Jackson's individual achievements and the group's great success, there was trouble between the Jacksons and their record company. Tensions mounted between Gordy and Joseph Jackson over the management of his children's careers, and their level of participation in making their music. The Jacksons wanted more control over their recordings, which led to most of the Jacksons breaking ties with Motown in 1975. Jermaine Jackson remained with the label and continued to pursue a solo career, having previously released several albums none of which had matched the success of his younger brother Michael.

SOME TIME WITH: ROCK THE BELLS 2009 ARTISTS
Salutations everybody this is Quentin M. Milroe, here to inform you, the reader, about the great time I had at Rock the Bells. In the midst of all the artists there (there were two stages) I got a chance to talk to a few folks. Some are up and comers, others are legends. So here is the rundown of individuals I spoke with along with their credentials.

NECRO: An individual whose one of the mainstays of the underground hip hop scene, it was an honor to talk to someone who clearly is one of the hardest working dudes in Hip Hop. His latest album entitled Death Rap is in stores now.

Quentin M. Milroe: What's good man. First of all how has Rock the Bells been treating you?

Necro: Mad love mad love.

Quentin M. Milroe: That's good man, real good. For years you've been on it with the rhymes and the boards too. You nasty on the boards! Just wanted to know do you have musical inspirations or favorite producers?

Necro: DJ Premier, Marley Marl, Pete Rock, Large Professor, you know.

Quentin M. Milroe: Yes sir, you named the kingpins right there. Yeah man so what you got going on right now?

Necro: Well I can't announce that yet.

Quentin M. Milroe: Oh okay that's cool. One last question. Who are some of your favorite live artists? Of all the live shows you ever been too, who are three of your favorites?

Necro: Live artists? Um, Slayer and Metallica.

Quentin M. Milroe: Oh okay yeah they go hard. Thank you for your time.

MICKEY FACTZ: A newcomer to the world of Hip Hop, Bronx native Mickey Factz has made quite an impact in a short amount of time. Gaining buzz with his series free mixtapes entitled The Leak, aswell his amazing freestyles all over the internet and an appearance on Rap City, Mickey Factz is making quite a name for himself.

Quentin M. Milroe: First of all how you doin' right now?

Mickey Factz: Good man, enjoying life, last year I was broke, this year I'm at Rock the Bells.

Quentin M. Milroe: Yeah man. I saw you on Rap City how was that?

Mickey Factz: Yeah that was with KRS. Yeah that was something I dreamed off for a very long time. Somebody I looked up too, withholding a legacy that's been started, is something I'm proud of.

Quentin M. Milroe: Cool cool. Is this your first time in Chicago?

Mickey Factz: Naw it's like my third or fourth time out here.

Quentin M. Milroe: How you like it?

Mickey Factz: Well, for the first time in a long time, I came out here and it's straight hot.

Quentin M. Milroe: Yeah, it's straight up sun today. Straight downsouth heat.

Mickey Factz: Yeah it's all good though it's all good.

Quentin M. Milroe: You got anything coming out, like any albums or anything like that?

Mickey Factz: Album's supposed to be droppin' later on this year, plus I got something going on with EA sports, I can't really speak too much about it...

Quentin M. Milroe: Right right.

Mickey Factz: It's gonna be crazy, comin' out probably October or November.

Quentin M. Milroe: Okay cool. Who are your three favorite live artists.

Mickey Factz: Chanel Monet, BOB...

Quentin M. Milroe: Aw yeah I saw BOB last year at Rock the Bells.

Mickey Factz: And I gotta say myself. If I had a band it would even be crazier, but I put on a pretty good live show.

KRS-ONE: What can I say about this man. He really does not need an introduction. MC, producer, author, over 20 years in the game, credentials for weeks, this is my interview with the icon, the legend, KRS-ONE.

KRS-ONE: Alright so what you sayin'?

Quentin M. Milroe: First of all man, it's an honor for me to do this interview.

KRS-ONE: No doubt.

Quentin M. Milroe: I've been liking you since I started listening to rap. Just two quick questions. First of all, where were you when you heard about Michael Jackson passing?

KRS-ONE: I was here, I was here in Chicago, I was on my way up to Chicago, on I-80West and the news came in. You know and anytime someone of popular stature, respect, and love even, passses, it's that hit, boom! Oh shit. What was that? You know you never thought Michael, death you know has no respect of people, kind of puts things into perspective.

Quentin M. Milroe: True indeed. You been in Chicago for a lot, and your live show is the best. What kind of preparation do you use?

KRS-ONE: Well you gotta use the right words, with your energy and stuff. I don't really ever go out there, I'm there now.

Quentin M. Milroe: Okay.

KRS-ONE: You know what it's like to give you a prime example, look at you hand, okay. Look at your palm, when you make a fist where does the palm go? Palm is still here but, it's gone, it's a fist. When you open your hand, where does the fist go? It's still here, but now you're with the palm, extended open hand, you're pointing, etc. But the fist is still here, you just chosen to manifest a certain thing. When I go on stage, right now, I'm on stage right now. I purposely stood there so the front row could see the side of my face. They're already getting prepped now, KRS is in their DNA, in the memory. So I just stand there first and communicate from the side of my head first. I'm rockin' the party right now, from the time the flyer comes, with my name on the flyer, you get hit in your head, 'oh shit', now when I come out there I use that energy to get the crowd stupid!

Quentin M. Milroe: Okay last question. The book, Temple of Hip Hop...

KRS: Gospel of Hip Hop is the book, available in September it's an 800 page book on the spiritual living of Hip Hop, uh it's too many people in urban areas that love God, that love spirituality. But are not apart of any specific church, temple, mosque, syangouge or any denomination, but they love God they love philosophical thought, and they want to be around people who are not afraid or ashamed to discuss...oh gotta go Buckshot's getting ready to go on, Temple of Hip Hop is like a think tank who could think beyond music, Hip Hop spiritual based. We're here today, you can go to...(KRS gets called to the stage) okay I gotta go.

Quentin M. Milroe: Thanks!

BILLY DANZE OF MOP

One half of the legendary rap duo MOP (along with Li'l Fame), Billy Danze has been in the game a little over 15 years. Known for their hardcore deliveries and energetic live shows, MOP are definitely Hip Hop mainstays. I had the privilege to have a few words with Billy Danze.

Quentin M. Milroe: First of all, how has Rock the Bells been treating you?

Billy Danze: Aw great, I mean this is first time we actually been on the bill, one of the guys that put us on is a good friend of ours. Main thing right now is that we're in Chi-town and Chi-town shows us tremendous love. And I am happy as fuck. And if I get another cold beer, I'll probably be lookin' for an apartment.

Quentin M. Milroe: Right right. Yeah man, that's good. You and Fame got anything new coming out?

Billy Danze: Well another MOP album coming out, after that my solo, Fame solo; first drop of the MOP album will be out soon.

Quentin M. Milroe: Okay cool cool. Oh one last question. Who are your favorite live performers?

Billy Danze: Bustah Rhymes, KRS-One, and I would have to say Cypress Hill.

Quentin M. Milroe: 'Ppreciate it man. Best luck on all your endeavors, peace.

GZA:
As part of the legendary and iconic Wu-Tang Clan, the GZA has truly made his presence felt on both solo and group outings. He's been doing his thing for quite a while now, and it was a great honor to talk to this legendary lyricist.

Quentin M. Milroe: First question I wanna ask you, how has Rock the Bells been treating you so far?

GZA: It's only been about two hours since I been here...

Quentin M. Milroe: True indeed.

GZA: It's only been about two hours but it's aiight, they gave me a few drinks, couple bottles of water, a beer or two, backstage passes.

Quentin M. Milroe: Cool. In terms of live shows/performances, you put on one of the best. I just need your opinion on something, who you think are three artists or groups that put on a great live show besides Wu-Tang.

GZA: As far as Hip Hop?

Quentin M. Milroe: Hip hop, or any other type of music.

GZA: You know I listen to more music than attend shows I actually haven't had a chance to see a lot of shows. We usually get there late or get there when it's time to perform.

Quentin M. Milroe: Right.

GZA: So I really can't say since we tend to miss a lot of performances, but I will say that KRS-One gives a good performance since I seen him over the years. I mean it's plenty artists out there that put a lot into their show, some that probably don't put that much time; enough to even practice or write down the songs they're gonna do. I can't really say.

Quentin M. Milroe: Like I say, that's great. One last question though. You're one of the best lyricists ever to hold the mic, but, besides yourself, who are your favorite lyricists?

GZA: GZA, Genius and Allah Justice. Naw, but I have some many I can't really start naming.

Quentin M. Milroe: Cool cool I understand. Really appreciate this.

GO HARD MAGAZINE VOL. 34 - KANYE THE LOUIE VUITTON DON!

2009-01-11T13:11:00.000-08:00

KANYE'S NEW KICKS!

As we previously reported, Kanye recently confirmed to he was designing new Louis Vuitton shoes when a paparazzi member caught him coming out of a Louis Vuitton store. Now Kanye is giving everyone a sneak peak at "one of six designs" he did for "Louie."

LUDACRIS GOES HD!

Ludacris has teamed up with Monster Cable to re-release his new album, Theater Of The Mind, this time in high-definition stereo surround sound. Mixed by Monster's head honcho Noel Lee, the album reportedly will make listeners feel as if they are in the studio with Luda.

Don't get too hyped, in order to truely listen in HD, you will need at least a surround sound system. Monster also plans to make the CD compatible with Dolby so fans can experience the new HD in their headphones.

Luda's standard-D version of "Theater Of The Mind" is close to reaching gold-status. To date the 7th album from cris' has sold over 470,000 copies in only six weeks. The High-D version of Luda's new album should hit stores next month.

JERMAINE DUPRI GETS DROPPED FROM ISLAND RECORDS!

Jermaine Dupri has been booted out of his President spot over at Island Records Ubran Music, according to AHH. JD held the position for less than two years where he oversaw the label's entire urban music operations, reporting directly to the label chairman Antonio "L.A." reid and Steve Bartells (President of Island Music and COO of the Island Def Jam Music Group).

Jermaine has had other problems lately. Back in August, it was reported that he closed his Atlanta restaurant [more here]. Jermaine Dupri says he closed "Cafe Dupri" because “The economy has changed dramatically and people just aren’t eating out as much anymore."

In related news, Jermaine Dupri recently appeared on Bow Wow's new single "Roc The Mic". The new video for the single features JD and Bow Wow hitting the road in a classic car, so make sure you watch it now!

NOTORIOUS K.I.M.

Biggie's mom is upset over the relationship Notorious had with Lil Kim. In a recent interview, Mrs Wallace is upset at how BIG treated Kim saying “I would love to speak to Lil’ Kim, because I need to ask more about this love relationship because I really didn’t like the way he treated her and I’m praying that that’s not it,” she continued. “Only she can answer those questions. She’s a sweet girl and I didn’t think she deserved to be treated the way he treated her, if that’s the case.”

Lil Kim recently announced she didn't approve of the way she was portrayed in the new "Notorious" film. Talking about Big's mom and Faith Evans, Kim said “I’m very disappointed in Faith,” she added. “There’s nothing Faith or Ms. Wallace could do to stop me from reppin’ B.I.G. all day. I’m gonna always do that … It’s time for Ms. Wallace to be exposed.”

WEEZY FLIPS FROM RAP TO ROCK & ROLL!

Lil Wayne is reportedly working on a complete Rock album and Canadian rapper Drake says he's on it. "Wayne's coming out with a new album, it's a rock album," Drake told MuchMusic, continuing "a complete rock album. I have a song on there." Wayne will join Kanye West as artists who put out albums in a complete different genre. "It’s something different in just that whole 808's and Hearbreaks, just throwing individuals off," Drake says.

Drake recently signed a management deal with Kyambo "Hip Hop" Joshua (who manages Kanye) and Cortez Bryant (who manages Lil Wayne). Drake will be joining Lil Wayne (along with T-Pain, Keri Hilson, Keyshia Cole and other) on the 'I Am Music' tour when it hits Canada.

VIDEO VIXENS GET TV SHOW ON E!

E! has given the green light to a new series called "," that will focus on the women in rap music videos, better known as video vixens. The 30-minute show (being pushed as a "docu-soap") centers around aspiring and established female actresses who work for an agency that casts them into videos.

"Candy Girls" will air on Sunday nights at 10:30 following the premeire of the third season of 'Keeping Up WIth The Kardashians." E! ordered 8 episodes of the series that E! says "In order to reach the career pinnacle of appearing in 'A-list' music videos and gain access to the world of superstars, private jets and exclusive parties, you need to be able to play the game as well as you look."

WEEZY & CLEF HELP ESPN ROCK THE SUPERBOWL!

Lil Wayne and Wyclef Jean will help ESPN kick off their "Big Weekend" event during Super Bowl weekend. Wyclef will perform for the ESPN "The Magazine's NEXT" party on January 30th at 9 PM next to DJ Samantha Ronson (better known as the girl f*cking Lindsay Lohan) on the 1s & 2s. Sean Kingston will rock a free concert the next day, titled the "NEXT Day Tailgate" from around noon to 5pm joined by the University of South Florida Marching Band.

Lil Wayne, who already blogs for ESPN, will be reporting from the event's red carpet. Weezy recently appeared on ESPN's "Sportaphile" [watch here] show where he took on Skip Bayless in a debate over sports. Check out Lil Wayne's three-part appearance on ESPN.

JIM JONES THE NEW VP OF URBAN A&R OF KOCH RECORDS!

Friday, Koch Records announced the addition of Jim Jones to its executive team. Earning the position of Vice President of Urban A&R, Jones will oversee the signing and development of new talent on the label’s urban roster. Boasting the title of largest independent record label in the United States, Koch Records hopes to gain even more clout with the appointment of the Dipset rapper.

Jones said, “It feels good to know that the hard work has been recognized by the same people that have helped me get to this point in my career. They recognize that I'm not only an artist but a person that can smell talent and be able to mold a superstar.”
Previously, in 2005 through 2007, Jim Jones held an executive job at Atlantic Records, before both parties agreed to cease the relationship over a year ago.
In addition to his selection as VP of A&R, Jones is also prepping for the release of his album Pray IV Reign, dropping next month.

KANYE WEST POSES NUDE!

After pushing the boundaries of what is considered “Hip Hop” with his latest album, "808s & Heartbreak", Kanye West wants to push the boundaries of what’s considered acceptable. The rapper/producer now wants to bare it all in a nude photo shoot.
Before Kanye takes it off for the camera, however, he wants to make sure he’s pleasing to the eye.
"I definitely feel, like, in the next however many years, if I work out for two months, that I'll pose naked,” West told Vibe.
West adds that he’s not necessarily looking for attention, but wants to challenge American and black culture norms.
“I break every rule and mentality of hip-hop, of black culture, of American culture.”
Though a potential nude spread from West would challenge norms, the star also knows it would dominate the headlines—more so than other celebrities who have done the same thing.
"If [Bjork] wanted to pose naked, you'd (public and media) be like, 'Oh, that's Bjork.' But if I wanted to pose naked, people would draw all type of things into it.”
If Kanye goes through with the photos, the Chicago representer will be following in the footsteps of several rappers. Big Daddy Kane jumped off the trend, posing with Madonna and Naomi Campbell.
Ice-T followed suit several years

DR.DRE PISSED WITH SONG LEAK!

To add to the pressure on Dr. Dre with his highly anticipated album Detox expected to be released this year, earlier this week a track titled, “Could Have Been You” was leaked.
The song was recorded during the Detox sessions and it was believed the song was meant to be on the album. Although Dre’s camp has not commented on the issues but sources state the legendary producer was not pleased with the un-mixed and un-mastered version hitting the net.
“Could Have Been You” featured R. Kelly, 50 Cent and Slim the Mobster discussing a troubled unsuccessful relationship with a girl.
On the hook Kelly sings, "The reason why you didn't get picked, 'cause you got your nose up your ass smelling your shit/ But tonight you met your match, 'cause I be smelling my shit too/ Now how you like that?"
50 opens the song chanting “It’s the D, R, E” and goes on to explain his own problems with woman.
Although the song was leaked, due to the quality and the respect for Dre most websites have pulled it or did not post the track altogether. A song called “Crack A Bottle” by 50, Eminem and Dre was also released this week yet it is still unclear if this is a track for Detox or Eminem’s new project Relapse.
No release date has been set for either album but Relapse is expected to be released this spring with Dre’s long awaited album following.

DEATH ROW RECORDS FINALLY DEAD!

After years of turbulence, Death Row Records is again being put on the auction block due to a Chapter 11 proceeding.
Founded by Suge Knight and Dr. Dre in 1991, Death Row Records filed for Chapter 11 protection in 2006, and only months later a bankruptcy trustee was ordered to take over the label. After being taken over by the bankruptcy trustee, Death Row Records received several bids but all of them fell through.
With the upcoming auction set for January 15, co-founder of Death Row Records, Lydia Harris spoke with Billboard regarding the label's recent misfortunes and why bidders have shied away from purchasing the label.

"Everybody wants to hide behind the fear of Suge Knight--the fear is something they are latching on to--but all them still do business with him," Harris told Billboard. "At the end of the day, he's still living, he made people a lot of money and opened doors for a lot of them. It isn't about them being scared. That's what people need to realize. These people still deal with Suge everyday. It's the money. It's the greed."
In 2005, Harris received a $105 million settlement after battling Knight for a share of the label she says she and her now incarcerated husband Michael "Harry-O" Harris helped launch.
Bidders have also expressed concern over the monetary value of the label as well; Koch Records backed out of a bid for Death Row two years ago, because it did not believe that the company was worth the $25 million bid they placed.
The auction on January 15 will include a large number of Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg recordings that were not included in the previous auction.

GO HARD MAGAZINE VOL. 33 - CHEERS TO THE NEW YEAR !!

2009-01-05T15:21:00.000-08:00

Jay-Z Mashes Up With Radiohead

Jay-Z was recently combined with Radiohead to create the "Jaydiohead" album. The new album from DJ Minty Fresh Beats combines Jay-Z's "Black" and "American Gangster" albums with multiple albums from Radiohead.
In related news, Jay-Z was also recently combined with Coldplay to create the top mixtape of 2007 titled "Viva La Hova." Other mash-up's from Jigga include the "White" album (Jay-Z combined with The Beatles) and the official album "Collision Course," a mash up with Linkin Park. You can download the new "Jaydiohead" mixtape at jaydiohead.com

50 Cent & Busta Rhymes

50 Cent and Busta Rhymes, Vodka and Cognac

50 Cent and Busta Rhymes have made recent deals between the rappers management company, Viloator Management, and Drinks Americas will have the rappers market a Leyrat Cognac and Sparkling Vodka brands.

Drinks Americas previously signed a deal with Dr Dre to help develop and market a series of premium alcolhol and non-alcoholic beverages, marking the first equal partnership between a music and beverage company. In August, Drinks Americas revealed it would introduce Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Cognac plus a sparkling vodka around the release of Dr Dre's highly anticipated Detox album.

Kanye West's New Louis Vuitton Shoe

Kanye gave a sneak peak of his new Louis Vuitton sneakers to the paparazzi recently. Kanye was spotted leaving a Louis Vuitton store by TMZ cameras and said "I was just showing them my new Louis. I can't show you too much of that, though. These aren't coming out until June." [watch here] Kanye already has a rumored shoe coming out through Nike.

Kanye also commented on his infamous incident with the paparazzi at the LAX airport saying "That airport thing didn't really happen," he jokingly confessed. "It was an optical allusion. That didn't really happen." [watch here] Kanye says he will be focusing on "clothes" in 2009. As previously reported, Kanye stated he plans to step away from music to become a fashion intern.

DMX Home Foreclosed

No it's not more legal trouble, but it isn't good news. DMX's home in Cave Creek, Arizona has been foreclosed. SWAT team raids destroyed the carpets and left windows and doors blown out allowing things to be stollen. "I think people showed up, walked the house and took what they wanted," says Andrew Wheeler, who is in charge of selling the home. The things left at the house were thrown into the pool, leaving the only sign of DMX being an old magazine cover hanging out of a car window.

According to the realtor, the quad-motorcycles DMX was often seen riding on the property, were stolen, along with almost everything else, leaving behind a damaged shell of a once-glamorous home. X paid around $600,000 for the house in 2003 and the bank set the sale price for $429,000. DMX is currently in jail, waiting to be sentenced on animal cruelty, theft and drug convictions.

Dre's Son Died Of Accidental Drug Overdose

Dr Dre's son died of an accidental drug overdose. A toxicology report shows that Andre R. Young Jr. died of "morphine and heroin intoxication" according to Ed Winter, assistant chief of the Los Angeles County coroner's office.

As previously reported, Dre's 20 year-old son was found dead in August at the family's Woodland Hills home. Young's mother found him dead at 10:24 a.m on August 23rd. An initial autopsy was completed a few days later but the results were delayed pending the outcome of a "gamut of tests, including toxicology," Winter said.

A publicist for Dr Dre, Lori Earl, stated "Dr. Dre is mourning the loss of his son. Please respect his family's grief and privacy at this time."

Lil Wayne Talks Acting, Says There Is No One Like Him

Lil Wayne plans on acting more. In a new interview the New Orleans rapper talks about his role in the upcoming movie "Hurricane Season." Co-Starring Forest Whitaker, Isaiah Washinton and fellow rapper Bow Wow, "Hurricane Season' is the true story of a Lousianna basketball team during the Katrina hurricane.

Weezy goes on to talk about recording his "Lollipop" hit, recording with T-Pain and even where he was at when he heard Barack Obama was elected. "I just feel like I'm different," Wayne says, "theres not anyone that does what I do, you don't have anyone to compare it to." Weezy finishes by saying "therefore everytime it comes out, it's new, because no one else does it."

Beyonce Starts 09 At Number One

Beyonce will kick off 2009 with her fourth week at number one. Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" sold another 382,000 downloads last week, up more than 157%. T.I. dropped one spot to number 3 with his Rihanna-backed "Live Your Life" song, while Kanye stays at number 4 with "Heartless."

Beyonce, T.I. and Kanye's other singles ("If I Were A Boy" , "Love Lockdown" and "Whatever You Like") round out the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Beyonce's new album "I Am... Sasha Fierce" was 2008's 10th highest selling album with just over 1.46 million copies sold.

GO HARD MAGAZINE VOL.32 - T-PAIN'S THREE RING CIRCUS

2008-10-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

T-Pain Track List And Album Cover

The much anticipated third studio album from T-Pain call "Thr33 Ringz" hits stores on November 11th but today the track list and album cover leaked (see below). T-Pain hopes to continue the success he had with his last album "Epiphany" last year. The first single from "Thr33 Ringz" is called "Can't Believe It" that features Lil Wayne has already achieved much success.

1. Welcome to Thr33 Ringz
2. Ringleader Man
3. Chopped N Skrewed (Feat. Ludacris)
4. Take a Ride (Skit)
5. Freeze (Feat. Chris Brown)
6. Blowing Up (Feat. Ciara)
7. Can’t Believe It (Feat. Lil Wayne)
8. It Ain’t Me (Feat. Akon & T.I.)
9. Feed the Lions (Skit)
10. Therapy (Feat. Kanye West)
11. Long Lap Dance
12. Reality Show (Feat. Musiq Soulchild, Raheem DeVaughn & Jay Lyriq)
13. Keep Going
14. Superstar Lady (Feat. Young Cash)
15. Change (Feat. Akon, Diddy & Mary J. Blige)
16. Digital (Feat. Tay Dizm)
17. Karaoke (Feat. DJ Khaled)

Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks
18. Distorted
19. Sweet
20. Bad Side
21. Phantom

T.I. Parties With Franz Ferdinand and Chaka Khan

It's not a normal thing to see T.I. on the same bill as say Franz Ferdinand or Chaka Khan but they were all party of Diesel's 30th Anniversary "Rock'N'Roll Circus" this past Saturday (10/11) in Brookly, New York. Famous artists with periods in their names , N.E.R.D. and M.I.A. (who is visably pregnant) [watch here], took the stage to perform songs include M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes"

Getting back to TIP, T.I. had the most explosive performance, getting the crowd waving their hands and peforming five of his hit songs. Opening up "Bring Em Out" then going into "Swing Ya Rag," T.I. continued with "What You Know" before he fnished up with his current smash hit "Whatever You Like." Plus M.I.A. even jumped on stage to do the back vocals for "Swagga Like Us."

C-Murder Seeks Delay In Trial Because Of The Elections

C-Murder has filed papers in court today seeking a postponement of his murder trial, as it's set to start on October 14th. Jury selection started today but C-Murder wants to delay it due to the upcoming elections and the fact that the judge overseeing his trial, is seeking re-election.

C-Murder is charged with the January 12, 2002 shooting death of a 16-year-od male Steve Thomas inside of Club Platinum. C-Murder was convicted for the charges in 2003 and sentenced to life in prison but months later the ruling was overturned because prosecutors withheld key evidence and expunged the criminal records of key witnesses.

Lil Wayne Leads American Music Awards Nominations

The American Music Awards takes place on November 23rd at 8pm on ABC and it looks like Lil Wayne will lead the nominees as he is nominated for 3 awards including "Artist Of The Year," "Favorite Male Artist" plus "Favorite Album-Rap/Hip-Hop" for his "Tha Carter III." In that last category, Weezy goes up against Kanye West ("Graduation") and Jay-Z ("American Gangster"). Kanye West and Lil Wayne will also go against eachvother in the "Favorite Male Artist" category.

View A Complete List Of The Nominee's - Click Here
The American Music Awards takes place on November 23rd at 8pm on ABC and it looks like Lil Wayne will lead the nominees as he is nominated for 3 awards including "Artist Of The Year," "Favorite Male Artist" plus "Favorite Album-Rap/Hip-Hop" for his "Tha Carter III." In that last category, Weezy goes up against Kanye West ("Graduation") and Jay-Z ("American Gangster"). Kanye West and Lil Wayne will also go against eachvother in the "Favorite Male Artist" category.

Joey Says You Cant Compare Wayne To Anyone

Although Fat Joe is busy working on his next new album, he took time out to talk to MTV News recently about another rapper's new album... Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter IV." Fat Joe told MTV “Lil Wayne, don’t bet against him right now!” continuing “Don’t bet against this guy ever right now. He calls me in the middle of the night: ‘Come to the studio.’ I get there, this nigga pressed play, and everything he played was super-duper phenomenal, number-one [smash]. He’s singing, ‘So I went to get her in my spaceship.’ Craziest thing you ever heard in your life.”

Joe ignored the comparisons to Jay-Z saying Lil Wayne will be in a class of his own with this new album. “They compared him a lot to Jay-Z, and you could see where he was influenced, but after this next album — I’m not saying he’s the best rapper of all time, [but] you can’t compare him to any rapper in the world. Because no rapper has done what he’s about to do. That’s crazy! He’s a rock star, man. Hit mania!”

In related news, meaning news that JOE wants you to KNOW (thats why you see rappers talking about other rappers that are currently "hot) is Joey's new album "Nino Dubs DeLuca" doesn't have a release date but it will feature Akon, Ron Brownz and Infamous.

DJ AM Becomes Jay-Zs DJ

As I'm sure everyone knows by now, DJ AM and Travis Barker were the two sole survivors of a plane crash that killed 4 people including Barker's assitant and security gaurd. Now after weeks in the hospital, DJ AM is coming back HARD. AM has been tapped to perform with Jay-Z in Hollywood this Wednesday night. DJ AM will be on the 1s & 2s for Jigga at the event marking the reopening of the Palladium Theater.

Wait, the news gets better...DJ AM's publicist, Jenni Weinman, also said that DJ AM will be Jay-Z's new DJ on his upcoming tour. Only 2 dates so far are scheduled for the tour (10/16-Houston, TX & 10/25-Charlottesville, VA). Calling Jay-Z "the greatest rapper in the world," AM described becoming Jiggas DJ as "the biggest thing that's happened in my career."

Tomorrow's show with Jay-Z at the Palladium Theater will be DJ AM's first since the plane crash. To help AM deal with it, his friends are throwing him a party. Mark Ronson, Steve Aoki, Mix Master Mike and other DJs are hosting a party for DJ AM Tuesday night (October 14), the proceeds of which will benefit the families of the accident's victims.

Aubrey O Day and D Woods kicked out of Danity Kane

Making the Band Live Finale was last night which we were told would find out the fate of Danity Kane.

Not short into the program you find out that Diddy kicks Aubrey O'Day and D. Woods out of Danity Kane. He says its because they were hard to work with and it showed them getting into a small arguement. Aubrey kept asking why she didnt have any communication with Bad Boy. Diddy than did what he always talks about and displayed total BITCHASSNESS and started cuttin contracts. Kicking Aubrey out than quickly firing D. Woods after.

But will this exit be for real? Or are they going to fix it or replace them?

After declaring, “I am not the bad guy,” Diddy was a bit non-committal. “If there was a situation where the Aubrey that I signed ever showed up, I don’t know what the future could hold,” he said in a live interview with MTV’s Sway. “That young lady that was in front of me, that wasn’t really respectful of me and respectful of everybody else, I didn’t have any interest of going forward and working with that person.”

O'Day arrived to the live show (Woods didnt show at all) and started talking about how she had left the building after hearing what Diddy had said about her. “This isn’t about me. This is about life. We’re all trying our best everyday. I know how many people are out there – people are criticizing you at your job, your friends are calling you things, people are telling you you’re something you’re not – and you fight those struggles every day to just prove who you are.”

Her confrontation (via satellite) with Diddy was also odd, as he told her she was heading to a cold and lonely place because of her attitude, and all she had to say back to him was a complimented about his “I Heart Michelle Obama” t-shirt.

Diddy than hinted that Making the Band is coming back for another season. Who knows if it will be with DK or not though. D. Woods will move on to work with her other group, The Girls Club, whereas the future is currently unclear for Aubrey.

Suge Knight Witness Goes Missing

The supposed girlfriend of Suge Knight who was alledgedly kicked and punched and left naked on the side of the road by Suge is missing.

TMZ has reported that the Las Vegas PD went to re-interview the victem, but their was no one of that name living in the apartment building where she claimed to live.

Even if she doesn't turn up, the D.A. can still go on with the case.

Baby Sued For A Cool 275,000

It looks like Bryan "Birdman" Williams (otherwise known as Baby) is being sued with accusations of fraud, breach of contract and money paid with no return. TMZ is reporting that promoter Jose Fernadez has filed the lawsuit against baby after paying over a quarter million dollards for a concert in November of last year that never took place. The show has been rescheduled twice and the suit reads "As a direct and proximate result of the the breach of contract, Plaintiffs have been damaged in a sum in excess of $275,000." Fernandez also says that Baby's promise to bring additional performers like Lil Wayne was a total lie.

In related news, Baby's financial seems great. He was recently photographed giving Lil Wayne a briefcase containing one million dollars as a surprize at Lil Waynes birthday party in Miami, Florida.

Kanye West Unveils Details Of New Album

Details about Kanye's new album "808's and Heartbreak" have now been unveiled. Kanye selected a few journalists and guests to attend a listening session, including getting Italian artist Vanessa Beecroft to set the stage for the guests. "After waiting in a loading area with an open bar and a DJ, we walked up a driveway illuminated by florescent lights to a darkened room where approximately forty nude women, most of them wearing face-obscuring masks seemingly made of faux lamb's wool, stood in the middle -- black girls in the front, white girls in the back," a Fader journalist wrote. "Mos Def sat down front-and-center, Michael Rapaport talked excitedly to the security guards, Will.i.am watched from one end of the U the audience formed around the women, Rick Ross watched from the other end."

Fader says there are only a few guests on Kanye's album, incluing the only rap verses coming from Young Jeezy on "Amazing" and a duet with Lil Wayne. More importantly Fader says what the album "West delivered a monologue about how this album is about the freedom to do what you want to do and that he used Auto-Tune because it is the most fun thing ever."

Kanye said "If I wanna rap, I'll rap," he said. "If I wanna sing, I'll sing. I told Jay, L.A Reid and everyone at my label that I needed to put this out right now, I'll have another album in June, but this has to come out right now. The way these songs connect with you, God uses me as a vessel- he puts me through pain so that I can go through it, and create..."

The album was put together in three weeks in the area code of 808 (hence the title), it will hit stores on November 25th.

Rick Ross Signs Memorabilia Deal, Remixes T.I.

Rick Ross continues to be a hustler as the rapper has signed an exclusive agreement with Hollywood Collectibles to offer fans the chance to buy personalized memorabilia, that’s right, Rick Ross memorabilia. The deal will bring custom framed autographed photos but will end up with sports jerseys, hats and concert-used items autographed by the Miami rapper. Currently, the company's custom framed photos will start at around $149.

In related news, Ricky Ross continues to do remixes of every song that comes out. This time he decided to remix T.I.'s "Live Your Life." [listen here] Like the original, the remix also features Rihanna, just Rick Ross is added.

Weezy Signs British R&B Star

British R&B artist Jay Sean announced last night that he just signed a deal with Lil Wayne's Cash Money Records. During a trip to Miami, Jay signed the deal with Cash Money and met Wayne and the rest of the family. As a result of the deal, Cash Money has exclusive rights to Sean's new album "My Own Way" for the United States. "My Own Way" will be released in the US during the spring of 2009.

"It's always been a dream for me to sign to an American label," Jay wrote in his blog. "And it's great to be accepted by the best in the game." Jay Sean has collabs with Weezy in the works and Wayne will also be droppin ga verse on the remix of his single "Tonight."

The Game Talks Life After The Math

The Game plans to release a DVD called "Life After The Math" next week. The DVD will feature Game's problems after his rise to success in hip-hop plus a lot of rare never-before-seen material from artists like Snoop Dogg, Kanye West and Katt Williams, not to mention Dr. Dre and 50 Cent. Produced by Black Wall Street, the DVD is expected to give fans a different way to look at the controversial rapper.

50 Cent To Host Hustler Reality Show

These days 50 Cent puts his name on and sells just about everything. From clothes to watches to even water, 50 has proved that he is the ultimate hustler. MTV is planning a new show called “50 Cent: The Money and the Power,” that 50 will host. Contestants will compete against eachother in a series of challenges and the winner will get seed money for their idea from 50. In the show the 14 contestants will share a house in "Camp Curtis" (a warehouse in Brooklyn) and will be judged by not only 50 but guests like LL Cool J, Danity Kane’s Aubrey O’Day, Lloyd Banks, and Hot 97’s Miss Info. G-Unit member Tony Yayo will serve as Fif’s “Underboss” on the show on the show that premieres on Thursday, November 6th at 10PM.

“If I was just my image,” 50 said in a statement. “I wouldn’t have made this much money.” 50 was recognized by Forbes as a big entrepreneur who manages a record company, clothing company, radio shows, stakes in Glaceau Vitaminwater and neeted around $100 million in profits alone.

Jay Z Uncle Murda diss track to Fat Joe and Khaled surfices

Thisis50.com leaked a major diss track that was given to them from DJ Kay Slay. The track is a Jay Z featuring Uncle Murda track produced by Pharell. Jay Z ends up going off on Fat Joe DJ Khaled and the whole Terror Squad.
"Your off beat DJ if he anything he play // sound familiar holla to pharrell say "blam" // now im gonna have to diss you joe// you can get a smack for that matter fact the gat will blow natural//"
However within a few hours of the track leaking people in the industry were already airing their opinions on it. Jus Blaze weighed in on the track on his blog themegatrondon2.com proclaiming that the track was recorded around the Blueprint 2 era and that it was 6-7 years old.
“So for some reason people think this "new" Jay/Uncle Murda thing is a Fat Joe Khaled dis. It’s not.
really..
It’s also like 8000 years old and somehow dude got his hands on it and put a verse on it. Now that I recall, it’s Blueprint 2 era.. I was going to use this verse for the S.Carter Remix CD but we couldn’t get the Pro Tools in time. The illest Rap Nerd moment was Sadat coming back in and doign the hook for us. Ahh the Good ‘Ol Days. Anyway I really have nothing to do with any of this, but it’s funny to see a 6 or 7 year old record that I wtinessed being made come back as a "new dis record" Or maybe Jay was just psychic and new that Khaled would be big one day and and decided to set away a dis verse just in case.. 6 or 7 years in advance. Uhh.. yeah Don’t fall for the Okeydoke folks..
Yours Truly,
King Bongo Beat.(Jus Blaze)“

DJ Quik says Dr Dre has 400 songs for Detox

West Coast producer DJ Quik who recently did the mixing for Snoop Dogg's Ego Trippin and Murs Murs for President.

DJ Quik spoke about working with West Coast legend Dr. Dre in a recent Loud.com interview.
“Nobody gets to say this, I’m gonna snitch. The man is getting piano lessons from Burt Bacharach and he’s reinterpreting [Frederic] Chopin symphony stuff. It’s crazy, he’s lost his mind. He’s got like 400 records. As a matter of a fact I was there for like four hours, and I think I only heard maybe 60 songs.” Honoring Dre’s work ethic, Quik continued, “This man’s got like six or seven Detox records if he wants, it’s just crazy.”
Quik than confirmed the latest rumor that Snoop Dogg is back in the studio with Dre
“Another cool thing too that some of y'all don’t know, Snoop is now back in the studio with Dr. Dre. It’s about to crazy!”

50 Cent unveils Before I Self Destruct Movie Trailer

50 Cent's new album and movie with the same name "Before i Self Destruct" is set to drop on December 9th.

Promising an action packed flick, the "Before I Self Destruct" trailer [watch here] hit the internet today, and shows a corn rowed Fifty pulling triggers. The trailer also debuted Fifty's newest single "Get Up" [listen here], a Scott Storch produced track, which you can listen to here.

And Fifty has a lot more on the line than with previous movies he has starred in, as "Before I Self Destruct" marks the rappers first step into the world of directing. Fifty is also not the only star in the line up, and the movie will feature Clifton Powell(Pinky in the Friday Series), video vixen Angel Lola Love as well as Treach from Naughty by Nature.

T.I. works with King and gets Political

The self proclaimed King himself T.I. will get a chance to at least work with King. As he becomes a guest editor for the mens magazine 'King' for the November issue.
"It's only right that King would indeed have a King as editor in chief," T.I. said in a statement. "I guess this is, indeed, my magazine. Understand that. ... Keep it pimpin'."

"We always intended to work with Tip on a bigger level," King's regular Editor In Chief, Jermaine Hall said. "He had done [the fashion section] Tag for us in the past and other sections of the magazine and always did a really good job. He was always thorough with it. So when we started the discussion for this issue, we saw he was taking it seriously. He really wanted to run the magazine for an issue. That was the deciding factor."
The King issue with Reagan Gomez-Preston, the co-star from Tip's current video Whatever you Like [watch video], as the cover girl — has a political theme. Besides his guest editing, some of T.I.'s thoughts show up in print, such as a dream collaboration with T-Pain and blunders made by President Bush over the past eight years. One of the mag's highlights is a roundtable discussion moderated by the Parker Report's Erik Parker. Tip and other notables, such as Kevin Powell and Yung Berg, discuss a myriad of topics, including voting.
"When I'm speaking to young people," T.I. said, "and they say, 'Who you voting for?' I say, 'Well, what you think's wrong with the country? What problems do you need to be fixed? OK, then cut your PlayStation off and turn to CNN and listen to these people. Listen to each of the candidates' platforms, and whoever you think is speaking passionately and intelligently and will do the things you think need changed, that's who you vote for.' It ain't as easy as saying, 'T.I., OK, tell me who to vote for.' "

"I got a phone call on my cell from Tip saying, 'Yo, I'm at the roundtable,' " Hall recalled. " 'I'm gonna hit this point, that point. What else do you need me to take care of for the issue?' It was his suggestion to grab Reagan for the cover. He went far and beyond really doing his job for the magazine. It reminded me when Bono had the guest-editor spot for Vanity Fair — dude went in. It was very important for me with this issue to be able to really reach the 18-, 19-, 20-, 21-year-olds, those people who weren't so politically aware in the past. With his reach and influence, it was really a no-brainer."

Lil Kim sued for 2.5 Million by Record Company

Just months after Lil Kim was last sued for failure to complete a book she is now getting sued again. Again for not deliverying content, this time its stated as "failure to deliver content". Seems Kim might need to do what her name spells out and Keep It Moving, get off her fat ass and do some work.

The lawsuit was filed in Manhattan’s State Supreme Court on Tuesday by Brookland Media, who say they spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on recordings, equipment and advance payments.

The suit says Lil' Kim, whose real name is Kimberly Denise Jones, tried to change the contract after signing and halted recording until Brookland agreed to her terms, reports the Associated Press.

Brookland wants the court to declare the contract valid and bar Lil' Kim from recording for another company.

Scarface calls Mccain a F'n Racist Redneck

As it gets closer to November 4th, Election Day, more and more rappers are getting political and talking and giving their opinions.

O.G. geto boy himself Scarface recently had an interview with Rolling Out TV [WATCH VIDEO HERE] discussing politics with endorsing Obama and tearing apart Mccain (or as we call him Mccant or Mcsame).

"I think Barack Obama has the right idea," he said. "I think he played his campaign very well. He didn't lean his meter 'either or,' he came right in dead center, and that's politics."

But than Face starts talking about Mccant and he doesnt hold back.

"If you've never in your life seen a nigga-hatin' motherf*cker that just hates niggas, look at that f*ckin pink ass white boy," Face bluntly states.

"At least he's real with himself. The whole time they had their debate, you know that motherfuckin' peckerwood would not look that nigga in his eyes. And that right there showed me the respect he had for niggas. John McCain man, I respect that."

"You fucking racist red neck piece of shit white boy, short arm no top-lip movin' brown teeth motherfucker. I love you dude."

Wu-Tang To Be On BET Awards

It wasn't too long ago Wu-Tang was having some problems as the group disagreed over production and songs for their new album but it seems they have worked that out as the New York group will appear at this years BET Hip-Hop Awards. This years awards will feature a tribute to "Iconic Woman In Hip-Hop," although no names have been given yet for this tribute.

Jadakiss will MC the eventby announcing the festivities as they take place while DJ Drama will be on the 1's & 2's. The 2008 BET Hip-Hop Awards take place in Atlanta, Georgia and will be hosted by Katt Williams. Airing on Thursday, October 23rd at 8pm on BET, the awards will also feature Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Common, Ludacris and T-Pain.

Ice Cube Dedicates Song & Video To Victims

Ice Cube is no stranger to sharing thes spotlight and in his new video "Why Me" [watch here] he shares camera time with dozens of victims of violent crimes. The video from his new album "Raw Foootage" finds cube dedicating lines of the song to senseless crimes.

The video for "Why Me" was release in September but it began to get headlines after the mother of Jamiel Shaw (a 17-year-old who was shot to death outside his home) pushed for legal and harder penalties to illegal immigrant gang members. For his part, Cube says the video isn't related to the legal battle "It ain't really a commentary on that," Cube says. "You've got a person being killed by a person he don't know for a reason he don't know ... Who cares if it was an immigrant or if it was a taxpaying citizen?"

Nelly Returns To TV, Finishes Tour

Although his new album, Brass Knuckles, continues to go down on the charts and is no where close to having a chance at being anything but a flop, Nelly is doing well in other aspects of entertainment.

Nelly will return to television with his recurring role on the CBS: CSI New York show tomorrow (October 7th). The St. Louis and head Lunitic will be playing a club owner who also serves as an informant for the CSI team. Make sure you check it out as it airs at 10pm on tonight.

In related news, Nelly will be wrapping up his 'Brass Knuckles' tour tonight in Minneapolis at club Myth. Listen to Nelly ft. Gucci Mane and R.Kelly in "U Can Get It" or Nelly featuring T.I. and LL Cool J in "Hold Up"

Lil Jon Finds A New Home, Plans New Album In 2009

Although its body is laying cold in the morge with a toe tag and funeral arrangements have already been made, Crunk Music isn't dead, according to Universal Republic. They announced today that they signed the Crunk King Lil Jon to a major label deal that will have Lil Jon as a producer and artist delivering solo albums plus even an A&R for the entire company.

“Lil Jon is a larger than life figure who casts a giant shadow over every facet of the entertainment business,” Universal Republic CEO Monte Lipman said. “His name is synonymous with brand-building and we want him plugged into multiple Universal Republic platforms for maximum results. I view him as our Urban Music Czar!" Lil Jon's very-long-delayed follow up to his 2005 Crunk Juice is set to release sometime early in 2009.

As everyone knows, Lil Jon was previously signed to TVT Records where he put out many albums including "Kings Of Crunk' and "Put Yo Hood Up," too bad TVT filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this year, although it's a good thing for the "YAAAAA" man as he became a free agent able to sign deals like the one mentioned above.

Jim Jones Makes His Own SLU, Talks Sh*t About T.I.

Jim Jones is pissed he wasn't on "Swagger Like Us" from T.I. Jones thinks it was on purpose, “I really do think it was deliberate; maybe in my sick twisted mind I’m a little crazy. People know who set the precedent as far as fashion in this industry and people know who damn near changed the world as far as fashion...in the past five years I stepped in and gave them a taste of what rock and roll looks like from my side. I guess people would say from an urban side, and it seemed to catch on like wildfire, to the point that people was going to stores and asking for that Jim Jones look.”

Jones is making his own version of the track called "Jackin Swagger From Us" that will feature Lil Wayne and Juelz Santana. Jones went on to talk about T.I. (who he has beef with) saying “I don’t feel like he possesses any swag. Not like that. It’s fabricated. They’re watching other people, then they try and do it. You know people that dress like T.I.? You know people that go out and say let me get a T.I. outfit or do you know people who say, 'Yo, you’re looking like Jim Jones?' Which one? Lemme hear it! When the bitches want to fuck you and the niggas want be like you, who got the swag? Niggas with money and fame always going to look like they doing something ’cause they got the camera in front of them. But the cool dudes always stick out no matter where they at.”

Previously this week, Clinton Sparks talked to T.I. [watch here], filled him in on the Jim Jones comments and TIP said “Well you know what, that's very funny that either one of you should mention that because my clothing line Akoo will be in stores in November and I believe there will be quite a few people going out to get it. So hopefully, I can step my swag up a little bit. Maybe I can meet his standards. I ain't trippin' over that, man.”

Beyonce And Mos Def Release Cadillac Records In December

The highly anticipated movie starring Jay-Z's girl, better known as Beyonce Knowles, and rapper Mos Def, will hit theatres on December 5th. Called "Cadillac Records," the movie is the story of legendary Chicago record label Chess Records, home to a number of artists include Etta James (played by Beyonce) and Chuck Berry (played by Mos Def). Set in Chicago in the 1950's the movie also details the story of Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf, Litter Walter and founders of Chess Records, Leonard and Phil Ches.

Besides the two music stars rounding out the cast will be Garielle Union (Bad Boys II, Martin's under cover cop sister), Emmanuelle-Chriqui (Entourage, E's girlfriend Sloan), Eamonn Walker (Lord Of War, Crazy African Leader), Tammy Blanchard (Stealing Harvard, Noreen Plummer) and of course Cedric The Entertainer.

Darnell Martin (known for his television directing on "Law & Order," "Greys Anatomy," "OZ," "ER" etc ) wrote and will direct the film while Beyonce will executive produce. Beyonce will also produce the films soundtrack that features classic Chess Records recordings plus new material from Beyoncé herself, plus Mos Def, Buddy Guy, Raphael Saddiq, Solange, and Q-Tip.

Cadillac Records hits theatres on December 5th while it's soundtrack hits stores on December 2nd.

50 Cent Says Get Up With His First Official Single From New Album

50 Cent's new album "Before I Self Destruct" is not scheduled to hit stores untill December 9th but his first single hit the internet just now! "Get Up" [listen here] is produced by Scott Storch and 50 said via his website, with the single people should "prepare for total domination."

So will this song help boost 50 and his new album back to the sales ranks he saw with "Get Rich Or Die Tryin" and help compete with his friends rumored albums (Eminem & Dr Dre)? No one knows yet but time will tell.

Kanye Debuts Love Lockdown Video On Ellen Show

Mr. West visted the Ellen DeGeneres show yesterday and opened up about the way he looks at life since his mother, Donda West, died last November from complications following a cosmetic-surgery procedure. Kanye says the new outlook on life is what made him decide to work with MTV again, after he said he would never do so following the 2007 Video Music Awards. "Well, a lot of things changed and, you know, with my mom passing ... one of her goals was, she really supported me and she always wanted me to be the best that I could be and not get hung up on the small things," Kanye told Ellen. "So, with her not being here to try and talk me into doing things, I ... just try do things she would want me to do," Kanye continued. Ellen even commented on Kanye's mom (who she actually met), saying "She was amazing. ... She was just lovely, and you were as close to her as I am with my mom."

Things did get more positive when Kanye started talking about fashion. West praised Ellen for her wardrove choices saying "You have really great style," and even admitted that he would "completely wear" her outfits. Kanye gave advice to viewers who don't know how to find their own style, saying "Seriously, [DeGeneres] is one of the people you should look at whenever you're trying to figure out how to put together an outfit — especially for guys."

The main reason for Kanye's visit to Ellen's show was to debut his new video which DeGeneres called "brilliant." Kanye West let Ellen debut his new video for "Love Lockdown" [watch here] on the show and her website. "Love Lockdown" is the first single from his new album 808s and Heartbreak, due in stores on November 25th.

Rick Ross Admits He Was A Correctional Officer

Rick Ross has finally given up the denial and is admitting to in fact being a Florida correctional officer for 18 months. Pictures first surfaced showing Ross in a correctional officer uniform then TheSmokingGun published actual documents proving that "William Leonard Roberts" (Rick Ross's real name) was in fact an officer. At first Rick Ross denied it telling AllHipHop that the photos were simply doctored, "Online hackers put my face when I was a teenager in high school on other peoples' body."

NOW Rick Ross has given up denying it. In the recent issue of Don Diva magazine, Rick Ross says "Yes, it's me." continuing "I never tried to hide my past. I put my name inside my CDs. My company has my [Social Security number]. I could've put a company name...I done been up and I done been down and that's what makes me what I am. I never ratted on a nigga. I never prosecuted a nigga. I never locked up a nigga, that's first and foremost. I always felt that me being the nigga that I am, I never owed a nigga an explanation. When I'm making my music and I'm talking about blow, it's because I did it. When I say that I'm rich off cocaine, it's because I did it. Those are the street principals that apply."

Jay-Z Cancels Show, Releases New Song

As we reported yesterday, Jay-Z planned to do a second free Obama concert last night but he ended up cancelling the show because he had throat problems. Organizers first tried to stall, saying Jay-Z was just late, but they eventually had to announce Jigga wasn't coming. Yesterday was the last day for eligible voters to register so organizers feel like it was a huge opportunity missed, although they should be greatful for the free show Jay-Z did the day before. Also scheduled to perform at the free show were Wyclef Jean and Rick Ross but the entire event ended up being cancelled after backlash from fans after Jay-Z pulled out.

In related news, Jay-Z recently put out a new song called "Lick A Shot For Obama" [listen here] The song is actualy an interlude from Green Lantern's upcoming "Yes We Can" mixtape, so make sure you check it out now!

R. Kelly Wins 3.4 Million, Ne-Yo Gets 700k

R. Kelly won another court case, this time it resulted in him getting close to $3.4 million dollars. A judge today awarded the R&B singer the money for unpaid touring fees. R Kelly's company filled paperwork in Los Angeles requesting a judge to review and confirm the money he was granted from an arbitrator last month.

In R. Kelly tour related news, Ne-Yo was recently given $700,320 last month when he sued the same company R. Kelly is waiting payment from. Ne-Yo claimed he was the opening act for R. Kelly and when he was kicked off, he wasn't paid for his work.

GO HARD MAGAZINE VOL. 31 - BARACK OBAMA ( VOTE 4 CHANGE )

2008-10-05T10:36:00.000-07:00

MEET THE CANDIDATE

Barack Obama was raised by a single mother and his grandparents. They didn't have much money, but they taught him values from the Kansas heartland where they grew up. He took out loans to put himself through school. After college, he worked for Christian churches in Chicago, helping communities devastated when steel plants closed. Obama turned down lucrative job oﬀers after law school to return to Chicago, leading a successful voter registration drive. He joined a small law ﬁrm, taught constitutional law and, guided by his Christian faith, stayed active in his community. Obama and his wife Michelle are proud parents of two daughters, Sasha and Malia.

Early Years
Barack Obama was born in Hawaii on August 4th, 1961. His father, Barack Obama Sr., was born and raised in a small village in Kenya, where he grew up herding goats with his own father, who was a domestic servant to the British.

Barack's mother, Ann Dunham, grew up in small-town Kansas. Her father worked on oil rigs during the Depression, and then signed up for World War II after Pearl Harbor, where he marched across Europe in Patton's army. Her mother went to work on a bomber assembly line, and after the war, they studied on the G.I. Bill, bought a house through the Federal Housing Program, and moved west to Hawaii.

It was there, at the University of Hawaii, where Barack's parents met. His mother was a student there, and his father had won a scholarship that allowed him to leave Kenya and pursue his dreams in America.

Barack's father eventually returned to Kenya, and Barack grew up with his mother in Hawaii, and for a few years in Indonesia. Later, he moved to New York, where he graduated from Columbia University in 1983.

The College Years
Remembering the values of empathy and service that his mother taught him, Barack put law school and corporate life on hold after college and moved to Chicago in 1985, where he became a community organizer with a church-based group seeking to improve living conditions in poor neighborhoods plagued with crime and high unemployment.

The group had some success, but Barack had come to realize that in order to truly improve the lives of people in that community and other communities, it would take not just a change at the local level, but a change in our laws and in our politics.

He went on to earn his law degree from Harvard in 1991, where he became the first African-American president of the Harvard Law Review. Soon after, he returned to Chicago to practice as a civil rights lawyer and teach constitutional law. Finally, his advocacy work led him to run for the Illinois State Senate, where he served for eight years. In 2004, he became the third African American since Reconstruction to be elected to the U.S. Senate.

Political Career
It has been the rich and varied experiences of Barack Obama's life - growing up in different places with people who had differing ideas - that have animated his political journey. Amid the partisanship and bickering of today's public debate, he still believes in the ability to unite people around a politics of purpose - a politics that puts solving the challenges of everyday Americans ahead of partisan calculation and political gain.

In the Illinois State Senate, this meant working with both Democrats and Republicans to help working families get ahead by creating programs like the state Earned Income Tax Credit, which in three years provided over $100 million in tax cuts to families across the state. He also pushed through an expansion of early childhood education, and after a number of inmates on death row were found innocent, Senator Obama worked with law enforcement officials to require the videotaping of interrogations and confessions in all capital cases.

In the U.S. Senate, he has focused on tackling the challenges of a globalized, 21st century world with fresh thinking and a politics that no longer settles for the lowest common denominator. His first law was passed with Republican Tom Coburn, a measure to rebuild trust in government by allowing every American to go online and see how and where every dime of their tax dollars is spent. He has also been the lead voice in championing ethics reform that would root out Jack Abramoff-style corruption in Congress.

As a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, Senator Obama has fought to help Illinois veterans get the disability pay they were promised, while working to prepare the VA for the return of the thousands of veterans who will need care after Iraq and Afghanistan. Recognizing the terrorist threat posed by weapons of mass destruction, he traveled to Russia with Republican Dick Lugar to begin a new generation of non-proliferation efforts designed to find and secure deadly weapons around the world. And knowing the threat we face to our economy and our security from America's addiction to oil, he's working to bring auto companies, unions, farmers, businesses and politicians of both parties together to promote the greater use of alternative fuels and higher fuel standards in our cars.

Whether it's the poverty exposed by Katrina, the genocide in Darfur, or the role of faith in our politics, Barack Obama continues to speak out on the issues that will define America in the 21st century. But above all his accomplishments and experiences, he is most proud and grateful for his family. His wife, Michelle, and his two daughters, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, live on Chicago's South Side.

D12 And Fans Celebrate Proof Birthday With Free 2 Disc Mixtape

Yesterday fans of Deshaun Holton, better known as Proof from D12. celebrated his birthday. RapBasement got together with DJ Assassin to create free Proof mixtape entitled “Proof – Mayor Of Detroit.” The double disc compilation features many unheard songs & versus from the late rapper along with audio clips from interviews, home video footage and live shows. D12 members, along with other friends of Proof, add even more of a personal touch by telling stories about Proof and expressing how much he meant to them.

Lil Wayne To Be On New Fall Out Boy Album

MTV is reporting Lil Wayne will be on the new album from the rock group Fall Out Boy. "We got Wayne and Debbie Harry cameos done" Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy told MTV News. Wentz went on to say "I just think the record is going to be diverse," continuing "It goes all the way between [Blondie and Wayne]."

Pete Wentz did also mention a big name hip hop producer that will be included for Fall Out Boy's new album. "Pharrell produced a track too" he added when speaking about their new projet.

T.I. Prepares Book Line, Autobiography And New Movie

T.I. will become the next rapper with a line of books. TIP recently revealed to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he plans to release a line of non-fiction books. One of the many books the Atlanta rapper plans to put out will be an autobiography that he plans to later make into a movie. "We'’re working on it now," T.I. told the paper, "We're [also] working on a few different types of books. All nonfiction."

In related news, T.I. recently released his sixth solo album called "Paper Trail" this past Tuesday (9/30). The new album features fellow rapper slash actor Ludacris and many more. "Paper Trail" is expected to sell close to 500,000 copies in it's first week of release. T.I. is currently filming a new crime movie called "Bone Dee" that also features Chris Brown and Idris Elba.

Eminems New Book

Eminem will have a new book coming out on October 21st called "The Way I am." According to Paul Rosenberg, Eminem's Manager, the first printing of the book will include a DVD with Eminem's personally shot video footage and unreleased interviews.

The lyrics sheets we mentioned before will be detachable while the cover is a "red acetate film that slides over the book print," you might have seen this with Jay-Z's "Kingdom Come" CD. The red jacket masks the collage of Eminem's handwritten lyrics on top of the photo underneath.

Sarah Palin Scares Diddy

Diddy continues to voice his thoughts via his video blog, the latest of which [watch here] he is all about the Republican VP nominee Sarah Palin. Getting all Blair Witch on us, Diddy's in a dark room with a flashlight talking before he cuts to an interview with Palin where she seems to not be able to answer the easiest questions. "Boys and girls, boys and girls. Did you hear her," he asked the camera. "I'm scared. She scares me. She scares me. I'm hiding under the covers. She's worse than the boogeyman."

Diddy continues by saying "Sarah Palin, you scare me. You could become the president of the United States ." Diddy finishes by saying "Did you hear the answer to that question? Did you hear? [Republican presidential nominee] John McCain is 72. Sarah Palin could be the president. Boys and girls vote. Please. Please, I beg you. I'm not coming out the covers."

iTunes to Stay Open

iTunes was threatening to shut down with a court hearing coming up that would raise the royalty rate, causing iTunes to raise prices, something they have always said they would never do. Well, the Copyright Royalty Board ruled against raising the fee, so iTunes will stay open!

The proposed raise was from 9 cents per song to 15. An iTunes spokesman said that raise would cause iTunes to operate in a negative financial state and they weren't going to ever do that.

50 Cent Records New Dre Produced Songs At Eminems House

50 Cent recently spent time with Eminem to record new songs for his upcoming album. 50 Cent told Blender "Dre sent over a bunch of beats, and we're just going through them all, picking out who wants what." 50, who was speaking from Eminem's house in Detroit (where he was staying the night, finished by saying "We already finished one joint"--the Slim Shady-starring "Norman Bates Motel"--"and just started vocals on another. It's gonna blow you away, I guarantee."

Chamillionaire Says Unity Is Making Houston Artists Lazy

Chamillionaire recently talked to XXL Magazine about the situation in Houston . After competition between himself, Paul Wall, Slim Thug and Mike Jones helped get them all major deals and blow Houston up, it seems Cham thinks now thet their are all cool, its actually hurting them. "I feel like [the unity right now] has got us a little bit lazy. Everywhere I go, they like, 'What happened to Houston ?' And that's a problem for me."

Chamillionaire says "It makes me look weak if everywhere I'm going, they think that just everybody from Texas fell off. It's easy to put out an album and put out a hit, but after that, what do you do?" After pausing for a minute, Cham expressed his frustration saying "Maybe they're right. Maybe Texas is dead."

Chamillionaire recently put out the 4th edition in his Mixtape Messiah series and now is working on his highly anticipated third album with Universal. When talking about his new album Cham says "I want to help everybody else and motivate them to be like, 'Look man, we need to get up off of our you-know-whats and go out there and get it."

Kanye West TV Show Too Hardcore For HBO

Kanye West has had a rumored show coming to HBO for a while now but one of its producers Larry Charles says for now, it seems like HBO is changing their mind. "It was really good, but ... I think it was too hardcore for HBO." Charles went on to say "People gave it a very good response and it seems to be on the shelf right now. The management has shifted at HBO so we're waiting to see."

Charles did give us a little insight into what the show actually is. He says it's Kanye's version of Larry Davids "Curb Your Enthusiam" (a hit currently on HBO). "What Kanye West said to me the first time, he said, 'I'm the black Larry David.' That's the first thing he said to me. So it's like a Kanye-and-'Curb' show, it's kind of improvised about the situations and stuff."

Larry Charles, who has been involved with many hit shows including Seinfeld, says of Kanye "He's so much funnier than people realize," Charles continued. "Even the whole being-full-of-himself stuff is a joke to him and he likes to play that of being like, you know, Kanye. And he's kind of a brilliant guy actually."

DJ AM Doing Good Says Hilton Sisters

DJ AM is back home after his involvement in the plane crash with Travis Barker that killed four. AM suffered second and third degree burns in the accident. Now his friends are coming forward to talk about AM. Nicky Hilton told US Magazine that she saw him two days ago and "he looks just fine" while her sister, Paris, told Ryan Seacrest "I feel like God really did save him" going on to say "He's just so lucky to be alive."

AM recently was seen in the public as he attended the memorial service for Travis Barker's assistant Chris Baker who was killed in the crash.

Jay-Z To Go On Broadway?

The New York Post is reporting that Jay-Z is showing interest in being involved with a musical based on the life and music of Fela Kuti, an iconic African composer and human rights activist. ?uestlove of The Roots who recommended the show to Jigga, has special interest in the event as it features music with drum beats. As far as what exactly Jay-Z might do, no one knows yet.

Celebs like Alicia Keys, Toni Morrison, Lue Reed, Fiona Apple, Charlize Theron, Paul McCartney, plus of course Beyonce, have all shown interest in the musical. "Fela Kuti’s band is the best band I’ve ever seen,” McCartney said in a statement. “When Fela and his band eventually began to play, after a long, crazy build-up, I just couldn’t stop weeping with joy. It was a very moving experience.”

T.I. Holds Top Spot On Two Charts

.I. remains on top of the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songs charts with "Whatever You Like." This marks the second straight week and fifth total week T.I. has held the top spot. TIP also has two other songs on the charts that include "Ready For Whatever" at 57 and "Live Your Life" at number 80. As we reported yesterday. T.I.'s new album "Paper Trail" is expected to sell over 500,000 copies in its first week of sales.

As for the rest of the chart, Pink holds the number 2 spot with "So What" but Kanye is right behind her with "Love Lockdown" while Rihanna comes in number 4 with "Disturbia." M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes" moved up from 6 to 5, Katy Perry's "Hot N Cold" jumped 3 spots to number 6. T-Pain traded spots with Ne-Yo
The show was set to end on September 21st but due to being so well received it has been extended and sold out through October 5th, when it might shift stages to Broadway.

Diddy Employee Stalks Pharrell

The new TV show "I want to work for Diddy" might have more problems on it's hand then it thinks. Apparently an employee of Diddy, and want-to-be music start, stole Pharrell Williams contact from Diddy and has since sent multiple emails begging the super producer to work with him. A source close to the incident says...
“A Sean John employee got his hands on Pharrell Williams' e-mail address somehow. He e-mailed Pharrell so many times asking if they could work together, but Pharrell had no idea who the person writing to him was."

We heard that the employee has since been "disciplined" over the matter and it seems business is going as usual. Diddy of course had no idea any of this was going on.

Ludacris Designs His Own Hat

Ludacris has already taken over the music industry, he's got his own restaurants, and he's currently working on his acting career, but Luda isn't stopping there. Luda will become the first southern artist to release his own limited edition New Era fitted hat. Luda personally designed the new hat for New Era's Capture The Flag line.

The hat will feature Luda 's hometown Atlanta Braves "A" along with red piping, his "Disturbing Tha Peace" logo plus the "Just Gettign Started" logo on the back. Only 200 of the hats will be available for $125 on October 17th. Fabolous, Cam'ron, Fat Joe and The Game have also designed hats.

Register To Vote, See Jay-Z For Free

Jay-Z is joining Barack Obama's "Obama For America" campaign by headlining concerts in Detroit and Miami to encourage voter registration. The show in Detroit will be this Saturday (10/4) and the deadline for voter registration in Michigan is on Monday (10/6). Anyone who registers to vote will receive a free ticket to the Jay-Z show at 7PM at the Cobo Arena.

Jigga will also headline another similar type event in Miami . Jay-Z is set to headline a free concert on Sunday (10/5) for people who register to vote, as the deadline for registration is also on Monday for Florida.

The Game Ordered To Anger Management

The Game will have to attend 36 anger management courses over the next five months, a judge ruled today. Charged with criminal battery, the sentence comes from an altercation between The Game and his cousin Robert “Kirky” Kirkwood at a funeral for Kirkwood ’s sister. Games cousin says Game promised to pay half the $14,000 funeral bill and the two got into a fight over it.

When this story first broke The Game said not only did he offer to pay for the casket and flowers but his cousin and family wanted him to pay for everything. “They aint never been a real family,” The Game said after the incident. “I already know what their motivation is and it’s money. It’s really not my obligation and I felt like they were trying to play me.”

Big Boi Lands Deal With Coca-Cola

As Big Boi prepares his solo album, "Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty," he isn't missing a chance to make other moves in business. Big Boi recently signed a deal with Coca-Cola for their "Full Throttle" energy drink. Big's campaign will help relaunch the drink complete with a new look.

Big Boi's second single from his new album apparently isn't doing very well and rumor has it this could push the release date for the much anticipated album back even more.

Meth And Red Are Still High On Tour

Method Man and Red Man are back. Red & Meth are hitting the road to headline a new tour called "Still High" in the United States and Canada . "Still High" kicks off on today (10/1) in Nova Scotia before hitting cities like Detroit, New York, Seattle, San Francisco, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Denver and Norfolk, ending in November.

Termanology, who joins Red & Meth on the tour, says “I’ve been listening to Method Man and Redman my whole life and it’s an honor to tour with them." Termanology finished by saying “I look forward to tearing it down for the fans.”

Possible Jay-Z Blueprint 3 Track List

DefSounds released a possible track list for Jigga's new Blueprint 3 album.

The rumored track list includes features from Eminem, Scarface, Nas, Andre 3000, Young Jeezy and Coldplay's Chris Martin. Rumor has it all the tracks are produced by Kanye West with the exceptions noted in the list. Real? Only time will tell. CHECK IT OUT BELOW!

UPDATE: An exec close to Jay Z said that none of these songs except Swagga Like Us remix will be on the album.
01. Wake Up New York (Intro)
02. Most Kings
03. Hades (Lucifer Pt. II)
04. Eternal Jewels ( ft. Jay Electronica) [prod. by Jay Electronica]
05. Blueprint 3
06. Lucy (ft. Chris Martin)
07. The Audacity of Dope
08. S.L.U. Pt. 2 ( ft. Nas , Andre 3000, and Young Jeezy)
09. Election Night (We believe in Obama)
10. Just Memories
11. Apostate ( ft. Eminem ) [prod. by Eminem]
12. Oasis
13. My Brothers Keeper ( ft. Scarface )
14. Brooklyn Lost
15. Weeds & Concrete
16. Without Rain

Janet Jackson Released From Hospital

Janet Jackson is out of the hospital after only two-hours. Her rep for the Royal Victoria Hospital confirmed that Jermaine Dupri's girl was treated and released from the hospital last night after she had "fallen ill" during a soundcheck.

No other information is available, still but Janet is due to perform tomorrow night in Boston for her next tour stop. Only time will tell how JD's woman handles everything.

BUSTA’S BACK ON HIS BULLSHIT

Busta Rhymes was out on the town last night and got interviewed by a TMZ cameraman, who by the way seem to be everywhere (if I was a celebrity I would move to Montana ). Anyway back to the story, Busta talked about loving the title of his new album (B.O.M.B. or "Back On My Bullshit" as Busta says) plus his new single "Arab Money" [listen here]. Busta joked with the crowd then picked up some chicks before leaving.

Jadakiss Prepares To Kiss My Ass

Jadakiss is still “a few joints away” from fnishing his new album, Kiss My Ass. In a huge ironic twist, Jada's label, Def Jam/Roc-A-Fella are actually trying to push the album out as soon as possible. “They rolling the ball a little quicker than me,” Kiss told XXLmag.com about his Roc-A-Fella debut. That’s why it’s going down [like that.] “I still got my mixtape I got to finish, then the album,” he added.

Jadakiss will have Young Jeezy, Lil Wayne (“Death Wish”) on the album plus he's working on stuff with Ghostface and Raekwon. No release for the album has been given out.

Travis Barker Released From Hospital

Travis Barker has been released from the Georgia hospital he was at after he survived the deadly plane crash he was in last week that killed four people. People magazine says Travis spent nine days at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center and has been cleared to leave. “Travis is in good condition and was discharged this morning,” Burn Center spokesperson Beth Frits told People. “He has left Augusta .”

As we reported last week, DJ AM was previously released from the same hospital after getting burns on his face and arm.

New Death Row Lawsuit Emerges

Venture capitalist Ron Goldberg officially filed suit Tuesday (September 30) against several former business partners, alleging they conspired with new Death Row owners Global Music Group to cut him out of the winning June $24 million dollar bid.
In the lawsuit, Goldberg claims that several investors he recruited, including the financing institution MicroBanc, LLC, conspired with other “unknown parties” to close the deal without his knowledge.

P. Miller Sued By Pepe Jeans; Counter-Sues

P. Miller and his newly launched P. Miller Designs have become the targets of a lawsuit from Pepe Jeans, who alleges the mogul is committing trademark infringement. Pepe’s lawsuit centers on Miller’s logo which encompasses the letter “P” encircled with wings.
According to P. Miller, formerly Master P, the US Patent and Trademark Office has his first use date recorded in public record as April 1, 2003, while Pepe’s registered mark falls on June 1, 2003.
“I went to the website of PepeJeans.com and couldn’t find a circled-P anywhere, on their clothing, or the brand advertising within the site,” Miller explained to AllHipHop.com. “I’m the future of affordable fashion and big brands will always hate me, but they shouldn’t throw stones if they live in a glass house!”

Since he’s revamped his image from gangsta rapper to community-conscious businessman, Miller further argues he’s become the target for frivolous lawsuits.
“I make clothes for underprivileged and underserved families. P. Miller designs is about diversity. We cater to the African-American and Latino customer,” Miller elaborated. “I’m doing something positive for the community and I’m giving back. What are they (Pepe) doing? Hating? I thought this kind of thing only happened in the rap game. I put out a charitable rap album last year, made no money on it, tried to send a message to the kids about taking profanity out of their music, and because it came through Wal-Mart I was targeted with a lawsuit.”
Despite the lawsuit coming just as Miller has finalized a partnership with Wal-Mart to carry his brand, he plans to not only fight the allegations but will also counter-sue on the ground of malicious interference with his company.
“I’m the brand of the community. I sell jeans for $20 and t-shirts for $10. People don’t buy my clothes for the logo. They buy them because it’s high-fashion at an affordable price,” Miller reasoned. “I guess they didn’t do their homework. I am also filing a countersuit against Nitin, Arun, Milan Shah and Pepe Jeans London, LLC for tortious interference with my business and future business with Wal-Mart. And since they saw fit to go after my retailer, I will return the favor and file suit against several of their retailers like Macy’s, Dr. Jay’s, Nordstrom, and Eastbay.”
At press time, Pepe Jeans has not released any public comments on their pending lawsuit.

Rapper Buckshot Dances Out Of NY Hospital

Duck Down Co-CEO and rapper Buckshot was released from a New York area hospital after an eight-day.
The rapper was hospitalized after suffering a series of seizures last week, when he returned home from a three-week tour of Europe .
According to representatives for the rapper, he suffered nine seizures in one day, which doctors believe was brought on by physical exhaustion and dehydration. Buckshot has made a full recovery and even left the hospital in good spirits, by reportedly doing the "Macarena" dance upon his discharge.
"I want to thank all the fans who called and wrote emails extending their well wishes and prayers," Buckshot said. "All the support helped me recover that much quicker."
Now, Buckshot will head back to work, as he prepares a group project with KRS-One, a new third album with producer 9th Wonder and a fourth studio album from his own group, Black Moon.

United Nations Present Jay-Z with Humanitarian Award

Earlier this week Jay-Z’s philanthropic efforts were recognized in a private New York ceremony, as the mogul received a special humanitarian award from the United Nations.
The esteemed distinction was bestowed by actor and host Michael Douglas for the rapper’s extensive work over the past two years raising funds and organizing awareness of the world water crisis.
According to reports, a child dies every 15 seconds from not having adequate drinking water.
In 2006, Jay embarked on a worldwide tour to bring awareness to the water epidemic.
The effort culminated with a MTV diary chronicling the tour and the mogul creating over 1,000 water pumps in African communities.
Now a staple contributor to social issues in his veteran Hip-Hop years, Jay reasons that as a worldwide human family people have to stop looking to others for community responsibility and take initiative to combat societal issues.
“If you bring awareness to young people, they’re going to see and want to be involved,” Jay-Z stated. “I’m not a politician; I’m just a regular person with a heart. If you see a problem like that and do nothing about it, there’s something wrong with you.”
At press time Jay-Z is prepping his final Def Jam and eleventh studio album Blueprint 3 for a December 2 release.

Lil Scrappy Returns With Of 'Silence & Secrecy'

Atlanta rapper Lil Scrappy and his group G’$ Up have teamed up with Philadelphia-based record label Good Hands Records to release a new album titled Silence and Secrecy (Black Rag Gang).
The album is the first official release on Scrappy’s own record label, G’$ Up Records.
Silence and Secrecy features appearances by former Crime Mob member Diamond, Atlanta native Jo Dolla and Memphis rappers/producers SMG.
"SMG have their own sound. Memphis has it's own sound, Atlanta has it's own sound, when you put them together, that s**t is bomb, it's gonna explode,” Lil Scrappy promised. “That's what this Lil Scrappy & G'$ Up is on.”
"We are beyond excited to be working with Scrappy on Silence and Secrecy, added Good Hands Records president DJ Truth. "This is the start of a huge 2009 for Scrappy."

BET Cancels Rap City

BET network has confirmed plans to cancel its long-running Hip-Hop series Rap City, effective by the end of this month.
Created by broadcasting veteran Alvin Jones in 1989, the video series chronicled Hip-Hop’s growing video music market, competing directly with Yo! MTV Raps.
The fledgling series was able to distinguish itself from its larger MTV competitor by not just focusing on mainstream rappers, but also championing videos and interviews from underground and up and coming artists.
Originally hosted by “The Mayor of Rap City” Chris Thomas for its first several years, Rap City’s “golden age” was 1994-1999, when the program was hosted by the colorful and knowledgeable duo of Joe Clair and Leslie Segar AKA Big Lez.
In 1999, the two hour slot was repackaged as Rap City: Tha Basement and christened with new host Big Tigger.
Tigger’s run birthed the popular Freestyle Booth session, where MCs would feature their best rhymes or freestyles following their interviews.
After completing their verses, many times with Tigger joining in, the MC(s) would traditionally sign the booh’s wall.
These freestyle sessions produced memorable performances from artists such as Ludacris, The Roots, Killer Mike, Chamillionaire, Jay-Z, Jadakiss, Obie Trice, Xzibit, Cassidy and numerous others.
Since Tigger’s 2005 departure, the show failed to establish a concise direction, running through a myriad of hosts and focusing on commercial artists, which failed to showcase Hip-Hop’s diverse talent pool as done years before.
Consequently, the show was reduced to a one hour time slot as rating suffered.The final Rap City episode will commence on October 29, making it the longest running Hip-Hop program at 19 years.
At press time, the show is scheduled to be replaced by The Deal, an hour long video series hosted by DJ Diamond Kutz on November 10.

Jay-Z and Rocawear Launch Cologne

Jay-Z and Rocawear have launched their first cologne brand entitled 9IX.

The cologne, which is described as having a fresh woody aromatic scent, with a sexy modern sensuality, is the first released by Rocawear which was founded in 1999.

The fragrance is expected to be available at retail soon with prices starting at $50. 9IX is currently available at the Rocawear website.

In other news, Jay-Z will release his new album "Blueprint 3" December 2nd.

Jim Jones Sounds Off On Jay-Z and T.I.

In a recent interview with Complex Magazine, Jim Jones says Jay-Z and T.I. don't have swagger and talks about his remake of "Swagger Like Us."

The original version of "Swagger Like Us" features Jay-Z, T.I., Lil' Wayne and Kanye West and appears on T.I.'s new album "Paper Trail."

Complex asked Jones what he thought of Jay-Z and T.I.'s swagger and he had this to say.

On T.I.

"I don’t feel like he possesses any swag. Not like that. It’s fabricated. They’re watching other people, then they try and do it. You know people that dress like T.I.? You know people that go out and say let me get a T.I. outfit or do you know people who say “yo, you’re looking like Jim Jones?” Which one? Lemme hear it! When the b*tches want to f*ck you and the n*ggas want be like you, who got the swag? N*ggas with money and fame always going to look like they doing something ’cause they got the camera in front of them. But the cool dudes always stick out no matter where they at."

On Jay-Z:

"...look at the Vibe cover. Tell me who Jay-Z looks like in there? Did you see the picture of him? With the Louis Vuitton scarf and all that. Who did that resemble? You can say it. But he did it wrong; he had a Gucci belt with a Louis Vuitton scarf. Who does that? You smell me? That’s like wearing one Nike and one Puma; how you going to get away with that? But I didn’t take the song as a shot, because I don’t feel like none [besides Weezy] of them possess any swag."

Jones remake of "Swagger Like Us" called "Jackin' Swagger From Us" featuring new verses from Lil' Wayne and Juelz Santana along with a reworked hook from M.I.A. is expected to appear on Jones new album "Pray For Rain."

Comedy Central To Premiere "Chocolate News"

Comedy Central will premiere a new sketch magazine series called "Chocolate News" starring David Alan Grier on October 15th at 10:30 p.m.

"Chocolate News" will take on a variety of contemporary topics from a decidedly African-American perspective and everyone and everything is fair game. The series stars David Alan Grier who, in addition to serving as the in-studio host, will also portray multiple characters within the series' investigative reports, which will be presented by a cast of three correspondents.

The debut episode features a story on platinum-selling rap artist Phat Man (portrayed by Grier) with a politically incorrect music video PSA promoting the “No Child Left Behind” act. The episode includes the recurring segment, "Can I Flow?" in which Grier presents a topical comedic editorial/rant. This episode’s “Can I Flow” focuses on the death of Hip Hop and Rap as Grier argues, “we should have seen the signs when Ice Cube went from “Kill at Will” to “Are We There Yet?” Also featured is a report on Poet Laureate Maya Angelou (played by Grier) reciting a poem she has composed to celebrate Obama’s nomination. The poem begins innocently enough and then takes a decidedly “Chocolate News” twist with lines such as, “You have a mocha choke hold on the American Dream...“

Other reports scheduled to be presented by Grier this season include: unmasking the shocking news that the super group KISS was originally black; “Fat Black Momma Syndrome,” an investigation into the recent trend in Hollywood films of excessive “fat black mama” characters; “Vitahood,” a report on Thelonias, founder of the “Jackie Robinson Empowerment Agency” who has devised a way to get drug addicts healthy by mixing vitamins in their illegal drugs; and “Tranny Wreck,” a report on Candelabra, a cross-dressing transsexual who was once an aspiring NBA player but now spends his time competing in transgender beauty pageants.

"Chocolate News" is executive produced by David Alan Grier, Robert Morton, Fax Bahr and Adam Small and independent production and management studio Generate's Peter Aronson and Jordan Levin.

Beyonce Releases Statement In Regards To New Album

Beyonce has released a statement through her label Columbia Records addressing the rumors swirling around her new album being delayed.

"I wanted to address my fans about my upcoming album.

I have worked on this album for close to one year. I have taken the time so I can create my sound. Something that says who I am at this stage in my life. I have poured my heart and soul into it. It is my baby. It is the most time I have spent on any project since my first records as a member of Destiny’s Child when I was 15 years old. I have recorded over 70 songs and have created a sound that reveals all of me. I am in a different place right now and I wanted people to see the many sides of me. The music is upbeat for the dance, fun side and it is reflective, passionate and serious for the personal side. I have taken risks here. I am not afraid and my music will explain it all. There is no label or tag on my sound. It’s me and I am so excited to share it with the world on November 18.

Love,

Beyoncé"

The still untitled new album is due in stores November 18th. The album features two lead singles titled "If I Were A Boy" and "Single Ladies" respectively, both of which are due to impact radio October 7th.

B.G. Talks Hot Boys Reunion

B.G. recently spoke to StreetCred.com about the much talked about and rumored Hot Boys reunion.

When asked about the possibility of the Boys getting back together, B.G. had this to say:

"My album that’s coming out in November “Too Hood to be Hollywood ”, the first single is featuring Lil Wayne, Juve, and Trey Songz. We were supposed to be shooting a video for it, but the hurricanes put a stop to that for the moment. So I’m getting a new date for that. We got a Hot Boyz reunion planned, we are waiting on Turk to come home. But we have a couple of songs that exist already. As for the song “Ya Heard Me”, it’s featuring Wayne and Juve, I have that on my album. I mean the streets want it and have been asking for it. We are a legendary group and I feel like a lot of these things that came out have been Hot Boys imitations. So we are going to come back out and make it happen again."

Young Jeezy Calls Phelps The Jeezy Of Swimming

In a recent interview with RollingStone, Young Jeezy gives props to Olympics world record holder Michael Phelps calling him "the Young Jeezy of the swim world."

"I’m a big fan of Michael Phelps!" Jeezy said. "He’s a great success. I like what he’s doing. He’s like the Young Jeezy of the swim world. I love it!"

And when the interviewer told Jeezy that Phelps used the rapper's song "Go Getta" as inspiration, Jeezy had a few other suggestions for him.

"“Soul Survivor,” “And Then What” and “Put On.” But really all my music is inspirational, motivational music. You just gotta listen to the words and get what you can get out of it."

Jeezy goes on to say that he has reached to Phelps people and he may perform for the Olympic swimmer in his hometown of Baltimore .

Young Jeezy's new album, "The Recession", hits stores Sept. 2.

Phelps recently set the record for most gold medals won at a single Olympics with eight.

Common Talks Movies; Working Less With Kanye

In a recent interview with MTV.com, Common talks about his deep love for acting and working less with Kanye on his new album "Universal Mind Control."

"I love acting," Common told MTV News. "I'm so new to it. I can do acting when I'm 70-something. Obviously, I say, 'Man, I wanna do hip-hop music like a jazz musician. I wanna be, like, 50-something doing hip-hop.' But man, I know I can act till I'm 70. And I have so much room to grow. I'm like, 'Man, I wanna do it.' "

The rapper/actor goes on to say that acting is enjoyable because when there is down time "you go and drink wine on the river in Prague ."

And when asked about his choice to work less with Kanye and more with Pharrell Williams on his new album, Common said that the change "came real natural" and that when he makes albums he likes to focus on one or two producers.

"I feel like me and 'Ye, we always gonna make music together," Common said. "It's a good change of pace for us. On the same token, you wanna keep people on their toes. I don't wanna be predictable."

"Universal Mind Control" is due in stores November 11 and Common will next appear in "Terminator: Salvation" hitting theaters summer 2009.

Promoters Angry At Lil' Wayne For Missing Show

Promoters in Nassau , Bahamas have issued a press release saying Lil' Wayne no-showed their concert Saturday night (September 27) even after requesting more money to perform.

Wayne, along with Reggae artist Buju Banton, were originally scheduled to perform Friday night (September 26) but according to the press release, promoters Red City Entertainment were having sound and lighting issues and asked both performers to switch the date to Saturday. Both artists are said to have agreed.

The following is a portion of the press release:

"During the day on Saturday, Lil Wayne’s management requested additional monies, separate from the original $210,000 fee, to secure Wayne to perform at the concert. Red City Entertainment agreed and provided the funds needed late Saturday afternoon.

We proceeded with the concert scheduled as planned. That evening, Red City Entertainment was informed Lil Wayne was on the way to the venue and set to perform after 2:00am. At no time was Red City Entertainment notified that Lil Wayne would NOT perform. We continued through the night to inform our hosts DJ Pencil and Empress that Wayne was coming because that is what we were being told by his management. Unable to locate him, we sent our team members to the Atlantis to discover he was partying at the nightclub there all night....even with all the issues, haters and sabotage attempts, we never imagined Lil Wayne would actually party all night at the Atlantis and not follow through with his promise to perform. "

Bow Wow Encourages Youth To Get Out and Vote

Bow Wow is launching the "Walk Across America" initiative to encourage voting in the up-coming Presidential election.

According to PRWeb, Bow Wow will launch the campaign October 1st in Atlanta , GA encouraging voter participation in the up-coming Presidential election and the overall political process.

"It's important for the youth to participate because we're tomorrow's leaders. We need to make sure that our voices are heard and have a say in the decisions that will affect our lives and our country for years to come," says Bow Wow in a press release.

The "Walk Across America" initiative will see the rapper and others travel by foot and bus through cities such as Philadelphia, PA, Washington, D.C. and New York City. Stops at colleges and radio stations will be included in each city's itinerary.

Bow Wow is working with two non-partisan organizations, Black Youth Vote and Declare Yourself, to handle actual voter registration in each city.

In other news, Bow Wow is wrapping up work on his sixth album "New Jack City Pt. II" due in stores this December.

Former Roc-A-Fella artist Peedi Crakk is going at Jay-Z in the video for his new song "Sweet Dreams (Jay-Z)."

The song is expected to appear on Peedi's new album "A Night In The Life" due March 2009 on Amalgam Digital. The album was originally titled "Camel Face Hunting Season" which was perceived to be a direct shot at Jay-Z.

Crakk has been very critical of his time at Roc-A-Fella under Jay-Z's leadership.

Watch the video for "Sweet Dreams (Jay-Z)" below:

UNK To Release Sophomore Album November 4th

UNK will release his sophomore album "Second Season" November 4th on KOCH Records.

The album is the follow-up to his debut album "Beat'n Down Yo Block" which featured the hit singles "Walk It Out" and "2 Step."

The first single from "Second Season" is a song called "Show Out" produced by DJ Montay.

"Show Out" was the #1 most added at urban and rhythmic radio this week.

KOCH Record’s President Bob Frank states, “UNK has delivered another great album filled with hits! We are thrilled to be partners with Big Oomp and UNK and look forward to working this project throughout 2009.”

UNK adds, “Second Season highlights the best beat makers in the country: Top Quality Productions, home of Big Oomp Records. We brought you the first album Beat’n Down Yo Block and its hits “Walk It Out” and “2 Step.” I’m back with my sophomore album Second Season. This album represents the world tour I’ve just come back from. I’ve been inspired by my fans and this record is for my fans.”

Q-Tip To Release New Album on Election Day

A Tribe Called Quest member Q-Tip will release his new solo album "The Renaissance" November 4th (election day in the US ).

The legendary MC has also taken the unique approach of putting the album's tracklisting on the cover as opposed to the back of the CD where the majority of tracklistings are printed.

GO HARD MAGAZINE VOL. 30 - TIP "T.I. " HARRIS (PAPER TRAIL)

2008-09-27T15:56:00.000-07:00

THE KING'S BACK!

Paper Trail is ATL born rapper T.I.'s sixth studio album from Grand Hustle/Atlantic Records. Paper Trail is scheduled to be released on Sept. 30, 2008 in North America. TI was originally set to release the album in early August and then early September, before settling on the September 30th release date. TI's Paper Trail album is scheduled to feature 14 tracks which TI wrote while locked down at his home under house arrest after being arrest for gun posession charges. The album's title comes from T.I.'s decision to write down his lyrics on paper, for the first time since his first album, instead of hitting the studio and coming up with rhymes off the top of his head.

Confirmed guests on TI's Paper Trail album are set to include: Kanye West, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Swizz Beatz, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Fall Out Boy and John Legend. Production is set to feature: DJ Troomp, Scott Storch, Kanye West, Swizz Beatz, Drumma Boy, Just Blaze and J.R. Rotem.

To date there have already been 3 singles released off Paper Trail before it's even been released. These singles, in order, are: No Matter What, Whatever You Like and Swagga' Like Us, the underground hit featuring Jay-Z, Kanye West and Lil Wayne. It's said that a music video for Swagga Like Us' is scheduled to appear in September or October. A song or music video is scheduled to be released every week, for 6 or 7 weeks, leading up to the release of Paper Trail, in what is known as the Countdown To Paper Trail.

Paper Trail is set to be one of the biggest hip-hop albums of 2008 and is predicted to sell around 400,000 copies in its first week of release. Whatever You Like sold 205,000 digital downloads in its first week.

T.I. is scheduled to start serving his one year sentence in jail at the end of 2008 or in early 2009.

JAY-Z IS SIGNING JANET JACKSON, BEYONCE & 50 CENT

According to reports, Jay-Z is setting himself up to cement his status as one of the best businessmen in the game.
Rumor has it that Jay is looking to create a super roster by signing Janet Jackson, Beyonce, and possible 50 Cent.

"Jay-Z approached 50 Cent [whose contract ends with Interscope in December] earlier this year and now he's talking to Janet [Jackson] and Jermaine Dupri..." a senior record executive allegedly told Mediatakeout.com. "It seems like a difficult task to get so many big artists under one roof, but I wouldn't put anything past [Jay-Z]."
"[Jay-Z] is probably the only person in music that could put together the financing to make [signing] talent of that caliber possible," the source continued.

LUDACRIS’ ATLANTA HOUSE GOES UP IN FLAMES

A fire broke out at rapper/actor Ludacris’ home just South of Atlanta Wednesday night. According to Fulton County Fire Department spokesman Gregory Chambers, the fire was first reported by a neighbor, even before the alarm system at the home was triggered. Authorities arrived at the scene on DeMooney Road near College Park around 11:30pm and were able to put out the fire within 30 minutes.
The fire, described by authorities as a “significant fire,” destroyed the residence’s pool house, but did not affect the main structure on the property. Ludacris was in New York at the time of the fire, where he is scheduled to host a private “screening” for his forthcoming album Theater of the Mind, which hits stores November 11.

KANYE HITS COMEDY CENTRAL

Kanye West has shot a half-hour pilot for Comedy Central called “Alligator Boots.” Described as “hip-hop meets the Muppets,” the project is being produced by Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Carolla’s Jackhole Productions, the production company behind Comedy Central’s “Crank Yankers.”
The show, which is under consideration for the network’s 2009 schedule, would feature music produced and performed by West and rapper Rhymefest. Watch a preview below.

I WILL NOT LOSE

Hip-Hop mogul Jay-Z and Iconix Brand Group, owner of Rocawear Clothing, are being sued in federal court on copyright infringement charges. The case was filed last Thursday (September 18) in Georgia Northern District Court by I Will Not Lose, LLC, a company claiming that Iconix Brand Group and Jay-Z, adopted the exact same “I Will Not Lose” trademark.

I Will Not Lose, LLC (www.iwillnotlose.net) CEO Reggie Tucker alleges in the lawsuit that his company trademarked the brand first and were subsequently ignored throughout 2007 after attempts were made to settle the matter out of court.

DR. DRE DETOX SINGLE IN NOVEMBER AND ALBUM IN DECEMBER!

Although albums from Jay-Z, Kanye West, 50 Cent and even Eminem are expected this year, the highest anticipated album of all seems to be Dr. Dre's "Detox." Bishop Lamont, the only other artist on Dre's Aftermath label besides Eminem (as Lamont says), recently released a video [watch here] where he says Dre is turning the album in soon, with a single coming in November and the album in December.

Dre previously told USA Today back in July that he was "shooting for a November or December release." Dre went on to talk about the album saying "We have an entirely new thing going with the drums that's incredible, and we're still developing that." Jay-Z, Lil Wayne and Nas are just some rappers who have been rumored to be on the album.

LEFT EYE IS BACK

'Left Eye' Lopes of TLC will have her last solo album released on November 11th on Mass Appeal Entertainment. The 12-song album called "Eye-Legacy" features Miss Elliot, Chamillionaire, Lil Mama, and Bobby Valentino. Missy Elliot is featured on the first single "Let's Just Do It" while the entire album will feature unreleased material from Lopes.

BUSTA CAN PLAY IN THE UK

Busta Rhymes has now been cleared to enter the UK. After being detained for serveral hours at London City Airport because of "unresolved convictions," a local court just issued an order giving Busta the right to enter the country.

TONY YAYO IS HELPING THE POLICE

G-Unit soldier Tony Yayo will host a special live edition of MTV's new show "Busted" next month from their studio in Times Square. "Busted" is the newest reality-type show that MTV has came up with to replace music related programs. Like FOX's "Cops," the show captures police officers corning criminals.

Isn't Tony Yayo supposed to be true Gangsta in rap, or at least G-Unit? I don't think it's Gangsta to host a show where police try to bust criminals. Either way, check out the Tony Yayo "Busted" show from 7-10pm ET on October 4th.

USHER LADIES ONLY TOUR

Usher is preparing to go on a tour that is set up for "ladies only." Today the R&B singer announced the dates, cities and venues for the tour sponsored by Sony Ericsson. The tour will start in Atlantic City on November 3rd and end in Dallas on the 25th.

“I’m so looking forward to getting out there and doing what I do best…up close and personal. I have a long-term partnership with Sony Ericsson that started back in March this year,” said Usher via a statement. “This tour is the next phase in our relationship - and I am delighted to have them out on the road with me as the headline sponsor of the 'One Night Stand Ladies Only' tour.”

November 2
Atlantic City
Borgata Event Center

November 3
New York
Hammerstein Ballroom

November 4
Washington, DC
Warner Theatre

November 5
Philadelphia
Electric Factory

November 7
Mashantucket, CT
MGM Grand Theatre at Foxwoods

November 8
Toronto, ON
Kool Haus

November 10
Atlanta, GA
The Tabernacle

November 12
Detroit, MI
The Fillmore

November 13
Chicago, IL
House of Blues

November 18
San Francisco, CA
The Warfield

November 21
Las Vegas, NV
The Pearl

November 24
Houston, TX
House of Blues

November 25
Dallas, TX
House of Blues

50 CENT IS A HATER

According to PR-Inside 50 Cent says that marrying Beyonce made Jigga famous. "I'm a big fan of Jay-Z, but outside of the States and Hip Hop circles, no one really knew who he was until he married Beyonce." When asked about Jay-Z's estimated worth of $1 billion dollars, 50 says "I don't believe he's worth that much! It's all been exaggerated. I'm comfortable. I don't want for anything so I'm not in a race."

In related news, 50 Cent was recently given his own day and a key to the city of Bridgeport, Connecticut. 50 not only lives in the state but also recently filmed the movie "Righteous Kill" there. October 12th will officially be Curtis Jackson Day and 50 says "I’d probably just have a nice picnic! But everybody should have a block party - with just my music being played!

AKON PLANS ON HIS FREEDOM

Akon is preparing to release his new album called 'Freedom' on November 25th. Previously titled "Acquitted," the new album from the R&B star will feature fellow singer T-Pain plus Lil Wayne will also make an appearance on a track called "I'm So Paid." The first single from Akon's third studio album "Right Now (Na Na Na)" is currently available on iTunes.

SEAN KINGSTON LOSES HIS $500,000 CHAIN!

Sean Kingston lost his $500,000 64 Crayon chain. Kingston was in New York when he had his sister FedEx his chain to him. The only thing is is that when he went to go pick it up the package was empty. But that’s not it tell me why Kingston sister only insured the chain for $500. I guess theres no getting that back.

WHOS MAKING TH BIG BUCKS

Beyonce has landed at the #2 spot on Forbes' annual "Worlds Best-Paid Music Stars" list. The former Destiny's Child singer comes in second, raking in $80 million during the 12-month period, thanks to her endorsement deals with L'Oreal, American Express and Armani.

Justin Timberlake comes in fourth with earnings of $44 million. Rounding out the top five is Madonna, who took home $40 million during the year.

WHAT WOMAN WILL DO

A woman who sued Diddy and Vibe after the magazine published a topless picture of her at a Hampton's party has had her $3 million lawsuit thrown out.
According to The New York Daily News, Maria Dominquez slapped Diddy and the mag with a $3 million lawsuit claiming they invaded her privacy when they ran her bare breasted photo, with the caption "Mermaids gone wild" in the November 2006 issue of Vibe.
"When that picture came out, she wasn't too happy about it, that's for sure," said Dominguez's lawyer, Albert Maimon.
Justice Doris Ling-Cohan, the judge who threw the case out, said that Dominguez's expectation of privacy was forfeited when she decided to take off her shirt at Diddy's 2003 East Hampton White Party.
"Sean Combs and his renowned annual White Party are subjects of tremendous public interest, attracting the steady attention of the public and many news organizations," Ling-Cohan wrote.
In the suit, however, Dominguez claimed that she was not told she was going to be photographed and did not give permission for her pic to be published.
But Vibe maintained that they did not need permission because it was a "newsworthy" event. The judge apparently agreed.
"If you need to call Mr. Gorbachev to ask permission, you'll never get anyting published," said David Korzenki, one of Vibe's lawyers.
"When you come to a party and you dress provocatively and you see a swarm of photographers there, you would know what you're getting yourself into," said Jonathan Davis, a lawyer for Diddy.

BEFORE I SELF DESTRUCT

50 Cent has just announced that he will be releasing a movie with the same name as his new album "Before I Self Destruct." But in a recent interview with Rolling Stone, the rapper says that he will be cutting Interscope out of the movie's profits.
"It's not 'Purple Rain'," 50 said about the movie. Instead, he says that the flick is "... inspired by the actual music" and shows the harsh realities of "urban life" in a new way.
"I showed characters under pressure in scenarios where they felt like there were no other options, even though there were," he added. "There are always options. People just usually start to see them while being incarcerated-for not seeing them in the first place."
50 said the movie will hit theatres around the same time as his new album (which will serve as his last under his current contract with Interscope) on December 9th.
But Fif says that he is not using any of the songs from "Before I Self Destruct" in the movie because he doesn't want the label's hand in his cookie jar. "Then Interscope would automaticall have the rights to it, when they had absolutely no ownership of the actual material," he said. Instead, 50 opted to write a separate score and get unsigned talent to record the vocals. By Erin T. McMillon OF YA RAPS

BIG BOI DROPS MANAGER, RUMORED TO BE JOINING GRAND HUSTLE

Big Boi, of OutKast fame, has reportedly decided to cut ties with Family Tree Entertainment, his long time manager.
According to reports, Big Boi has decided part ways from Family Tree (which is run by Blue Williams), leaving his branding and career in the hands of T.I.'s manager Jason Geter.
Although the reports have yet to be confirmed by either party, word on the street is that Williams had no idea this was taking place and is said to be "on his way back to the ATL to get sh*t straight."
In other Big Boi news, the rapper is set to release his new CD, "Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son Of Chico Dusty" on October 28. The 16-track album features "Something's Gotta Give" with Mary J. Blige and "Royal Flush" with Andre 3000 and Raekwon.

DID DMX OVER DOSE?

Reports from TMZ say that rapper DMX was rushed to a Florida hospital Monday, the 23rd for allegedly collapsing in an undisclosed location. Could it be that his collapsing was due to the fact that he was intoxicated. Come on now X didn’t you just come from court earlier this month where you plead guilty to drug charges.

GO HARD MAGAZINE VOL. 29 - SWAGGER LIKE US

2008-09-21T19:12:00.000-07:00

NO ONE ON THE CORNER HAS SWAGGER LIKE US!

"Swagger Like Us" was produced by Kanye West and features a sample of M.I.A.'s ubiquitous "Paper Planes," where she declares "No one on the corner got swagger like us." Kanye, who compares his swagger to singer Mick Jagger, starts off with punchlines aplenty: "I know I got it first/ I'm Christopher Columbus, y'all just the Pilgrims/ How it feel to wake up and be the sh--and the urine?/ Nah-na-na, trying to get that Kobe number, one over Jordan."

Jay follows -- "You can pay for school, but you can't buy class" -- Weezy bats third and Tip is the cleanup hitter. T.I. raps about his real-life controversies and how he doesn't worry about other rappers. "Sell a lot of records, I respect it and salute that/ But spitting real life on hot beats, I'm the truth at/ When you kick it like me, no exaggeration necessary."

Kanye commented about the track on his blog: "I already know what you [gonna] say ... we need Jeezy also ... I know ... I'm sure that's gonna be the official remix".

"I really appreciate it, man," Tip said humbly about the support he's gotten from his peers. "It's definitely an honor, man, to be among the elite in the game. To have as much respect from them as they have for me is also a privilege. I just wanna live up to all the expectations."by Shaheem Reid of MTV

BURNED FROM THE WAIST DOWN!

Travis Barker and DJ AM survived a deadly plane crash outside of Columbia, SC last night. The newly formed group, also known as TRVSDJAM, just got done performing a concert when they tried to leave the area right before midnight.

The plane crashed just after take off, reportedly hitting some lights on the runway and crashing through a gate. Four people were killed including Chris Barker (Travis Barker's assistant), the pilot & co-pilot, plus another passenger. Travis Barker and DJ AM reportedly survived by jumping out of the plane door almost immediately after it stopped. Travis Barker was burned from the waist down and DJ AM suffered burns to his face. Both artists were taken to a top burn center in Augusta, GA.

Travis Barker and DJ AM recently were the house band for the MTV Video Music Awards, both artists have solo albums due out later this year. The two artists recently released a new mixtape and video called "Fix Your Face."-Written by Jason of Rap Basement

WEEZY PARTIES IN THE BAHAMAS!

Lil Wayne is heading to the Bahamas to celebrate his 26th birthday. Wayne will be co-headling a party that will feature Bahamian artists like Daddy Whites, Golden Child, and Bobo Ken. Weezy will hold a pre-party on the 25th prior to the main concert and event on the 26th.Then Weezy will have a seperate birthday party on the 27th at the Marley Resort in Cable Beach.

50'S BLOOD ON THE SAND

Curtis is working on another video game, but it may never come out. 50's "Blood On The Sand" was set to be released November 4th, but the game's manufacturer, Vivendi, has reportedly suffered major losses in staff. So 50 what you gone do now?

Salt-N-Pepa

Having written a book about her experiences as one half of the 90s rap group Salt-N-Pepa, Pepa is now saying the duo may be bring their story to the silver screen.

"It's a story that needs to be told," Pep told WENN. "It's that girl-next-door story people would identify with it. It would make a great movie-very juicy."

Salt-N-Pepa rose to mainstream fame in the early 90s with their hits "Let's Talk About Sex" and "Shoop."

The duo parted ways in 2001, but enjoyed a recent reunion documented on their VH1 reality show "The Salt 'N' Pepa Show."

Pep said that she has even thought about the movie's casting and wants to see Meagan Good play her.

"Meagan Good could play me in my younger years. She reminds me of (myself)," Pep said. - By Erin T. McMillon of Yo Rap

NE-YO,FABOLOUS & JAMIE FOXX - SHES GOT HER OWN

Ne-Yo is back with the remix to “Miss Independence”. Video features Eve, Estelle, Jill Marie Jones, Keyshia Cole and more. They even brought out the inner sexy in Teyana Taylor. I’m glad he’s bringin’ Independent Women back in Style. Watch the video below.

BERG'S SIDE!

Yung Berg finally tells his side of the story about the beef between him and Trick Trick. A couple weeks ago Yung Berg got into a fight with the Trick Trick and his crew in a club. During the fight Berg's Transformer chain came up missing. A day later video's of Trick Trick wearing the chain popped up all over the internet. Trick Trick went on the radio and told jockey's that it wasnt him. Ever since no one heard Berg's side of the story until now. Watch the video below.

SWAGGER LIKE PUFF!

Can you imagine what it must be like to be Diddy? You can buy stores and get a show on MTV that basically amounts to making a television channel pick someone to work for you. You can have a rap career without being a rapper, and you can put a video out that, over the course of four minutes, not only convinces us that we wouldn't be against "Swagger Like Us" having a Puff verse, but is also really entertaining. Then you can put it on the internet yesterday and already have over 66,000 views.

RUN-DMC NOMINATED FOR ROCK N ROLL HALL OF FAME

RollingStone.com reports that the legendary Hip-Hop trio Run-DMC are beging nominated for the 2009 Rock N Roll Hall of Fame.If Run-DMC were voted in they would be only the second Hip-Hop group ever to be inducted to the Hall with the first being Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five in 2008.

The 2009 ceremony will be held April 4th at Cleveland's Public Hall in Cleveland, Ohio which is the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

NEW RICK ROSS & PLIES ALBUM

Ted Lucas told MTV that although Plies still has his recent gold album "Definition Of Real" in the promotion cycle, he feels the rapper is ready to release more music.

"December 16, Plies ain't gonna let you down...Plies is a hard worker. There's no need to hold him back. I heard the album, heard the music, and I feel he's ready. You gotta feed the fans. When you got a fanbase and you're growing and they like your music, give them what they want. Before, you had albums come out by, like, Michael Jackson — people be on that album for two years. Now, the way the business is, we have to make sure the fans are happy and continue to grow."

The first single from Plies up-coming album "Da Realist" is "Pants Hang Low" produced by Mannie Fresh.

Lucas also went on to talk about the new album "Deeper Than Rap" from platinum Slip-N-Slide act Rick Ross.

"When he says 'deeper than rap,' he's not joking," Lucas said. "I already knew he was ahead of his class five years ago. Now he's ready to spread it and show people what he can do — giving people good music. People ain't seen nothing yet. Ross is always in the studio putting in good work, and the music is incredible. They gonna be riding with Deeper Than Rap." "Deeper Than Rap" is due in stores early 2009.

JANET JACKSON LEAVES DEF JAM

Rodney Jerkins reveals that Janet Jackson has been released from Def Jam. According to Rodney, this is something she wanted and pushed for as she didn’t feel as though her album “Discipline” was pushed correctly. Although, the album debuted at #1, it sold less than her previous albums “20 Y.O” and “Damita Jo” did in their first week.

LUDACRIS INDUCTED INTO THE HALL OF FAME

Atlanta rapper Ludacris was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.According to The Associated Press, Luda was the first rapper to ever be inducted into the hall.

“And just to think 10 years ago I was trying to put pizzas through the oven at Pizza Hut to make sure I didn't get fired,” Ludacris said in a speech at the Georgia World Congress Centre. “Now the only way I'll get fired is if I fire myself, so that's a beautiful thing right now for sure.”

Luda will be releasing his latest album titled Theatre Of The Mind next month.

GO HARD MAGAZINE VOL. 28 - BUSTA'S AFTERMATH

2008-09-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

BUSTA'S AFTERMATH

Trevor Tahiem Smith, Jr., aka Busta Rhymes,signed with Aftermath Entertainment owned by Dr. Dre back in 2004.It is with Aftermath Entertainment that he produced his first number one album," The Big Bang," produced in 2006." The Big Bang" has sold over two million copies worldwide and features guest appearances from Nas, Kelis, Stevie Wonder and more.For the past couple of week rumors have been going around that Busta Rhymes was either being dropped or leaving his situation with Interscope Records and Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment.There have also been more rumors going around that Busta and Interscope's Jimmy Iovine have been beefing because, Busta submitted tracks to the label he's signed to, Interscope/Aftermath, and the word that is going around is that Mr. Iovine isn't impressed, and Busta of course got defensive. Reps from Motown have confirmed that Busta Rhymes has left Interscope/Aftermath and signed to Universal Motown. Busta was set to release album "Blessed" under Interscope/Aftermath a couple of months ago. I guess when he get around to it he'll drop it under Motown. Below is a recent interview with Busta about how the game works.

SEAN "JAY-Z" CARTER STARTS NEW LABEL!

Jigga Man, Jay-Z, Sean Carter is starting all over. Jay-Z recently has team up with hit producers Stargate to start a new label, Starroc. For those of you that dont know who Stargate is, they are 2 of the most talented producers in the world. The have produce and written hit songs for Chris Brown,Rihanna,Ne-Yo And even Jigga's wifey Beyonce. The duo will be packing there gear up and moving into Jay-Z's studio.

JIGGA RE-LAUNCHES ARTFUL DODGER
In other recent news Last week in New York Jay-Z re-launched the Artful Dodger clothing line that he purchased last year for $15 million.

According to wooha.com, the line was re-launched at a party at New York's Chelsea Art Museum hosted by Jay and GQ Magazine.

Jay told the crowd that the Artful Dodger line is “the alternative to everything that currently exists in the marketplace.”

Jay purchased the line from Scion, LLC last year for $15 million cash.

ASHANTI DROPS ANOTHER ONE!

October 14, Ashanti will be releasing a album intitled "The Vault". The album is composed of unreleased tracks Ashanti did back in the day. According to Billboard.com, the unreleased material was recorded for AJM Records prior to the label securing a joint venture deal with Murder Inc./Def Jam in 2002.The album's first single is a song called "Let's Do Something Crazy" featuring Flo-Rida.

P.MILLER'S PEACHES!

Master P's in the clothing line business again. This time hes has launched a new women's and girls' clothing line called "Peaches.The hot new line will retail for between $10 and $20 and will feature tops and bottoms specializing in stretch denim for women with curvier physiques. The line will also feature plus-sizes. Miller says, "This brand seeks to clothe the entire family from head to toe and target the African American and Hispanic minority customers and make history by being a quality, affordable, urban lifestyle brand for the community." As part of the new line, Miller will launch a nationwide search for "The Great American Girl" who will become the brand's model and spokesperson.

RAY J. LOVES THE KIDS!

Harmony4Kidz will hold their second annual New York City "Artists Who Care" benefit concert featuring Ray J this Sunday (September 21st).

The event will be held at New York's Highline Ballroom with all proceeds from ticket sales going to helping a homeless child find shelter immediately.

Harmony4Kidz describes itself as an organization committed to transforming the lives of homeless children by providing shelters, educational and developmental programs. The organization specializes in creating musical events to benefit children focusing on giving, peace and sharing through a message of hope.

THE FUNK MASTER

Flex is responded to Kelly's appearance on BET Tuesday night (September 16) where the R&B singer spoke on his recent trial where he was acquitted on child pornography charges.

"Let me tell you fam...with your funny lookin' Members Only jacket, your funny beard and your dumb Mel Brooks look you had on your face; there is an issue here 'cause we're talking about little children" Flex says to Kelly in the video. "The interview was a waste of time...I don't even understand 'cause you're on tape. We're not talking about hearsay."

OPRAH SETPS INTO THE MUSIC GAME!

Oprah Winfrey has agreed to manage the career of young rising Filipino singer Charice Pempengco.

According to Inquirer.net, Pempengco will remain signed to her label Star Records in the Phillipinnes and the company will guide her career in the country while Oprah manages her career in the US.

Fans of the "Oprah" show will remember the 16 year-old singer from her countless appearances on the show.

Reports say that Oprah will dedicate an entire up-coming episode of her program to the young singer and will also set-up several high profile Hollywood gigs.

MICROSOFT AND PHARRELL!

Although they were only on the air for less than two weeks, Microsoft has announced they are pulling their new advertisements with Jerry Seinfeld and replacing them with a new set of ads staring the hit producer and artist Pharrell Williams. This "second phase" of Microsofts campaign will feature Pharrell and the tagline: "Windows. Life without walls."

Pharrell has worked with Microsoft in the past as he helped launch the X-Box's Halo 3 game in the United Kingdom. It's not clear if Jerry Seinfeld will be featured in the print advertisements the company had planned for the fall. There will be a cast of other celebrities joining Pharrell for future ads for the $300 million dollar campaign with the softward giant.

REAL HIP HOP'S COMING BACK!

In a recent interview with RollingStone, Andre 3000 revealed that he will release his debut solo album sometime in 2009.

Dre told RollingStone, “It should be dropping by the end of this year or early next year. I’ve pretty much been working with myself,” 3000 explains. “I’ve never really been that big on collaboration. I have a concept, and all the soundscapes are already in my head, so I just have to figure out how to get there.”

GOTTI'S WAY!

VH1 has confirmed that The Inc. CEO Irv Gotti will be returning to the network for a second season of Gotti’s Way.

The new season’s theme is dubbed “breaking the cycle,” and will chronicle the fallout of Irv’s season one finale separation from long-time spouse Debbie Lorenzo.

“This is definitely not the Cosbys or Run’s House,” VH1 explained. “But it is clear that whatever way things turn out, they are going to be ‘Gotti’s Way.’”

Season Two of Gotti’s Way premiers Monday, November 3 at 10:30PM.

GO HARD MAGAZINE VOL. 27 - THE BET HIP HOP AWARDS 08 !! (AND THE NOMINESS ARE)

2008-09-16T10:25:00.000-07:00

THE BET HIP HOP AWARDS 08!

The BET Networks has announced the nominees for the Third Annual BET Hip Hop Awards. The award show which is hosted by comedian Katt Williams, will be taking place at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center on Saturday, October 18th.

I AM HIP HOP!

Lil Wayne the talk of the summer, leads this year awards with 12 nominations. Kanye West a.k.a Mr. West came in second with 7 nominations. With 6 nominations Ye's big brother Jay-Z comes in 3rd. Russell Simmons an individual who during his career has made exceptional contributions to the hip hop community, will be honored with the "I Am Hip Hop" Icon Award. Below is a list of all the nominees.

2008 BET Hip Hop Awards Nominees

Best Hip Hop Video
David Banner f/ Chris Brown and Yung Joc – Get Like Me
Common – I Want You
DJ Khaled f/ Young Jeezy, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Birdman and Rick Ross – I’m So Hood (The Remix)
Lil Wayne f/ Static – Lollipop
Snoop Dogg – Sensual Seduction
Kanye West f/ T-Pain – Good Life

Best Hip Hop Collabo
David Banner f/ Chris Brown and Yung Joc – Get Like Me
DJ Khaled f/ Young Jeezy, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Birdman and Rick Ross – I’m So Hood (The Remix)
Flo Rida f/ T-Pain – Low
Plies f/ Ne-Yo – Bust It Baby Pt. 2
Kanye West f/ T-Pain – Good Life

Best Live Performer
Busta Rhymes
Jay-Z
Lil Wayne
T.I.
Kanye West

Lyricist of the Year
Jay-Z
Lil Wayne
Nas
T.I.
Kanye West

Video Director of the Year
Gil Green
R. Malcolm Jones
Rage
Chris Robinson
Hype Williams

Producer of the Year
Akon
Bangladesh
David Banner
J.R. Rotem
The Runners

MVP of the Year
DJ Khaled
Jay-Z
Lil Wayne
T.I.
Kanye West

Track of the Year
A Milli – Lil Wayne produced by Bangladesh
Dey Know – Shawty Lo produced by Balis Beatz
Good Life – Kanye West f/ T-Pain produced by Kanye West and DJ Toomp
Lollipop – Lil Wayne f/ Static produced by Jim Jonsin & Deezle
Roc Boys (And the Winner Is) – Jay-Z produced by Sean Combs & The Hitmen

CD of the Year
Jay-Z – American Gangster
Lil Wayne – Tha Carter III
Lupe Fiasco – Lupe Fiasco’s “The Cool”
Nas – Untitled
Kanye West – Graduation

Rookie of the Year
Ace Hood
Flo Rida
Maino
Rocko
Shawty Lo

DJ of the Year
DJ Drama
DJ Felli Fel
DJ Khaled
DJ Tony Neal
DJ Greg Street

Hustler of the Year
50 Cent
DJ Khaled
Jay-Z
Lil Wayne
P. Diddy

Alltel Wireless People’s Champ Nominees
Lil Wayne – A Milli
Lupe Fiasco f/ Matthew Santos – Superstar
Plies f/ Ne-Yo – Bust It Baby Pt. 2
Rick Ross f/ Nelly and Avery Storm – Here I Am
Young Jeezy f/ Kanye West – Put On
Yung Berg f/ Casha – The Business

Hottest Hip Hop Ringtone of the Year
Flo Rida f/ T-Pain – Low
Lil Wayne f/ Static – Lollipop
Plies f/ Ne-Yo – Bust It Baby Pt. 2
Rocko – Umma Do Me
Yung Berg f/ Casha – The Business

Best UK Hip Hop Act
Chipmunk
Dizzee Rascal
Ghetto
Giggs
Skepta
Wiley

Blood In The Water!

KOCH Records announced that I-20 is about to release his album ""Disturbing Tha Peace Presents I-20: Blood In The Water." The album features Ludacris, Playaz Circle, Lil Keke and many more. " Blood In The Water is set to hit the streets October 14th.

Its still Dipset!

Juelz Santana recently did a interview with allhiphop.com to let the cat out of the bag about whats really going down between Camron & himself. He said, "I vowed not to say nothing bad about Cam cause I felt like he did al lot for me," he said. "But as far as him selling me, that sh*t just sound stupid. I'm the biggest artist in New York City right now, ain't came out with an album in three years. He would never sell me. It was bad business, and I had to get out my contract. It's so crazy to me that he's still trying to make himself look good."

"It's obvious what's going on," he added. "You see everybody that's a part of the movement still together but him."

Juelz said he respected Cam as capo. He then said, "It's a line between loyalty and stupidity man, bottom line," he said. "And it's gotta eb drawn sometimes. So as far as the fans, I hope they understand, that's the realest quote I could give them."

Nate Dogg Suffers Second Stroke

Sources have told Go Hard Magazine the West Coast rapper Nathaniel Hale a.k.a. Nate Dogg has suffered a second stroke. Nate Dogg had his first stroke back in December of last year were he was left partially paralyzed on the left side of his body. Reports say the rapper is in serious condition.

GO HARD MAGAZINE VOL. 26 - DJ KHALED (WE THE BEST) !!

2008-09-16T01:46:00.001-07:00

WE THE BEST! WE GLOBAL NOW!!

Khaled Khaled (born in New Orleans, Louisiana), better known by his stage name DJ Khaled is a Palestinian-American DJ, record producer, and radio personality for the South Florida radio station WEDR 99 Jamz . He was also member of the hip hop group Terror Squad, and was signed to Terror Squad Entertainment and Koch Records.
DJ Khaled released his third album today titled "We Global". DJ Khaled recently leaked "Go Hard" the 2nd single from the album. "Go Hard" is the biggest recored in music right now said, DJ Khaled. The song features hit artist T-Pain & Kanye West. Bet nominated DJ Khaled for Best Collabo for his hit song "I'm So Hood (Remix)" featuring Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Baby a.k.a. Birdman, Ludacris, Big Boi, T-Pain & Young Jeezy. Track listing for the album are below.

1 "Intro" Kane Beatz
2 "Get Somethin !" Fabolous, Fat Joe & Red Cafe The Alchemist
3 "Block Shit" Rick Ross, Plies & Triple C’s J Rock
4 "I’m On" Nas & Cool Cool & Dre 4:21
5 "Rep ’Til I Die" Plies, T.I., Big Kuntry King & Young Dro The Runners
6 "I Love My Hood" Lil Wayne, Birdman, Ace Hood & Chris Brown The Runners & Deezle
7 "Out Here Grindin" Akon, Plies, Young Jeezy, Lil Boosie, Trick Daddy, Ace Hood & Plies The Runners 4:21
8 "Body In The Trunk" The Game, Fat Joe, Lil Wayne & Bun B The Inkredibles
9 "Problems" Flo Rida, Plies, Fat Joe & Ace Hood Scott Storch
10 "Go Hard" Kanye West & T-Pain The Runners 3:37
11 "Broken Bones" Avant, Brisco, Jim Jones, Fat Joe, Birdman & Rick Ross The Runners
12 "Piano Bass (Interlude)" Nas Jay Electronica & The Runners
13. "She’s Fine" Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott & Sean Paul Danja 3:22
14 "F.U Pay Me" Plies, Juelz Santana, Chamillionaire & Ace Hood CHOPS
15 "Niggas Know" Twista, Ludacris, Rick Ross & Ace Hood The Runners
16 "Big Money (Outro)" Ace Hood Beat Novacaine

The Mixtape King is Back

The mixtape king is back. Dwayne "Lil Wayne" Carter planes on killing the mixtape scene again, with is 2 upcoming tapes "Tha Carter IV" & "The Dedication 3"."Tha Carter IV is nice," Wayne tells MTV, continuing "but you need to be looking out for The Dedication 3. DJ Drama & Lil Wayne are teaming up again. This time Lil Wayne will have the whole Young Money Family on the mixtape. Check out Weezy's On SNL below.

Nivea Pregnant By Lil Wayne??

Sassy Smith of Babble Wrote Lil' Wayne was performing at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis last weekend and a source claims that there was some lovey dovey action going on between the singer and R&B performer, Nivea. And that's not all - she was sporting a massive piece of bling on her ring finger and wearing a 'tent' style dress. And we all know what a tent style outfit means - PREGNANT!

The insider says, "My best friend and I flew from Oakland to STL for the Weezy concert on Saturday, and as we had VIP tickets, we were real real close to the stage... anyway, sitting on stage the whole time Wayne was performing was a lightskinned girl with a curly weave, dressed in all black with the biggest rock EVER on har [sic] marriage finger... so throughout Wayne's concert she's giggling at him and smiling and I knew she looked familiar, but it took me a second to realize that it was his old school boo Nivea looking very pale and simple with no makeup on... so I'm wondering if they are engaged and also if she might be pregnant because of the tent like black dress she had on that was covering all her limbs!"

And, Nivea has a song on her MySpace page called I Love My Man and is pictured with Weezy, so that's more 'proof' right there. Right on!

Also, during an interview with blueprint, Lil' Wayne alluded to the fact that he was still in love with Nivea. Nivea was married to music producer Terius "The Dream" Nash and they have one daughter together, Navy Talia, 3. Lil' Wayne also has a daughter, Reginae, 8.

Ciara Puts Her Goodies Away!

Next month Ciara will be on the cover of the new Maxim Magazine wearing a hot & sexy two piece swim suit. If you didnt know a while back Ciara posed nude for the cover of Vibe Magazine. But Ive got to say who doesnt want to see that body? Watch the interview on why Ciara posed nude.

50's a Hater!

Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson recently threw a concert in Albany,NY. During the show 50 announced that his new album "Before I Self Destruct" will be released December 9th. Then durning the concert 50 made fun of Kanye West by mimicking his performance of "Love Lockdown", Kanye's new single. After the show G-Unit member Tony Ya-Yo cracked some jokes on Ye and his recent problem with the paparazzi.

GO HARD MAGAZINE VOL. 25 - GUCCI GET'S A YEAR !!

2008-09-14T16:21:00.000-07:00

FREE GUCCI, FREE GUCCI

Roderick Davis better known as Gucci Mane, has been sentenced to one year in Fulton county jail. Gucci Mane appeared in court for a probation violation hearing, but left in handcuffs after the hearing.
Prosecutors said Davis used drugs and alcohol in violation of probation by even showing up drunk to a probation meeting. The probation officer told the court that he never completed any of his community service, where he was suppose to do 50 hours of month.
In Gucci defense he told the court "I was just trying to do something to keep myself out of trouble, it seem like it landed me in more trouble, it's like a gift & the curse". This is a setback to So Icey Ent, Gucci has the streets on lock with mixtapes out such as wilt Chamberlain, Gucci Sosa, & from zone 6 to duval (make sure u cop those).
With Gucci recording so many tracks before going in, i would not be surprise to still see a couple Gucci cd's come out before he is released. Look for artists such as oj DA juiceman & frenchie from So Icey Ent. to come out with some material while Gucci is incarcerated. Hold your head bro you will be home soon. Gucci Mane Laflare!!-Written By Eric Rance

Ne-Yo & Hennessy

The Hennssy's Artistry Concert Series will be heading Ne-Yo this tour. The Tour is set to start September 17th, in Los Angeles. Ne-Yo says that "Hennessy and I are a good mix". He will be promoting his new album Year Of The Gentleman. Special guests on the tour include Fat Joe, Musiq SoulChild, Eve, Ashanti & LL Cool J who is also promoting his new album Exit 13. Tour dates are listed below.

Wednesday, Sept. 17th, Los Angeles
Thursday, Sept. 25th, Chicago
Saturday, Sept. 27th, Detroit
Wednesday, Oct. 1st, Miami
Saturday, Oct. 4th, New Orleans

Baby Mama Drama!

Southern Rapper Tip "T.I." Harris's baby mama said she needs more money. Lashon Dixson mother of two of T.I.s children, said that the $2,000 a month ain't enough. She also stated that she needs to be receiving an amount that is more in the line with Tip's status. Is this because T.I. is about to drop his new album Paper Trail on the 30th? Maybe it because his hit single has sold over 300,000 units already.

The Nino Brown Story!

Dwayne "Lil Wayne" Carter is set to release a new documentary about his life. The documentary is called "The Nino Brown Story". It will have special apperances by Baby a.k.a. The Birdman, Kanye West, His big brother Jay-Z, Juelz Sanatana, Jae Millz & Freekey Zakey plus many more.

I Wanna Be Like Wayne!

In other news on Lil Wayne, It's a well known fact that alot of other music artist from Jay-Z, to Lil Mama, to even Ne-Yo have remixed Lil Wayne's songs before. Now hes got rock star artist gettin off on his tracks. Jonathan Davis (Korn) & Jim Root (SlipKnot) have remixed "Got Money" one of Lil Wayne's hottest songs out this year.

GO HARD MAGAZIN VOL. 24 - KANYE'S CASE !!

2008-09-11T22:44:00.000-07:00

Kanye West Square's Up Paparizzi!
Chicago rapper Kanye West, was arrested Thursday morning shortly before 8:00am at Los Angeles International Airport. The high tempered rapper was reported helping his manager, Don Crowley attack and smash a paparazzo's camera on the floor. West had no comments for reporters as he was released Thursday afternoon on a $20,000 bond. – Written By. Stu Phillips

Yung Berg You Gotta Get Ya Chain Back!!!

In recent news videos of Trick Trick's daugther, wearing Yung Berg's Transformer chain have been posted on World Star Hip Hip. Berg was recently in a club fight in Detroit, with rapper Trick Trick and members of his crew. Durning the brawl Berg's chain came up missing.In the video she looks hard as hell like she the one that took the $70,000 chain. She exzibits both sides of the chain like, yeah it's yours and I got it. A couple of days after the fight Yung Berg posted a video with him and Cap 1, at a Lenox Mall doing some shopping and showing everyone that he was good and that he still got money. While Berg, is no longer welcomed in that Detroit night club it doesnt stop the groupies from hanging all over him. Footage of him in a recent concert show him performing with all the groupies still grabbin. - Written by Mr. Watters

What's Up What's Happeing

THE KING IZ BACK, T.I HAS JUST RELEASED THE NEW VIDEO WHAT'S UP/ WHATS HAPPENING, WHERE IT IS CLASSIC VIDEO FOOTAGE
WITH T.I.P STANDING NEXT TO THE BOWEN HOMES SIGN IN BANKHEAD ATL. PERSONALLY I THINK T.I IS PLAYING CHESS WITH CHECKER PLAYING HATERS. IT IS CLEAR THAT T.I LYRICS IN THE SONG IS DIRECTED TO THE HATERS WITHOUT SAYIN NOYBODY NAME. (BUT WE KNOW SHAWTY LO LISTENING)! T.I IS SET TO RELEASE HIS ALBUM PAPER TRAIL WHICH WILL HITTING THE LAND ON SEPT. 30TH. WITH TALKS IN THE STREETS ABOUT THIS BEING A CLASSIC, WITH SONGS LIKE "WHATEVER U LIKE", SWAGGER LIKE MINES FT. LIL WAYNE, JAY-Z, & KANYE WEST WHO RECENTLY IN THE NEWS(READ GO HARD MAGAZINE VOL.24) & SWIZZ BEATS PRODUCED SWING YA RAG, (GUCCI OR LOUIE V PREFERRED). T.I SWAGG IS HEAVY & MAKING HIS CLAIM AS ONE OF THE BEST RAPPERS IN THE GAME. REMEMBER SEPT.30TH THE KING IZ BACK IN THE STREETS FROM BANKHEAD TO CHICAGO OR WHEREVER U AT. FOR DA HATERS, LIKE T.I. SAY KEEP IT PIMPING PIMPING!! -WRITTEN BY E.RANCE

GO HARD MAGAZIN VOL. 23 - JUELZ JEWELS !!

2008-09-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

Dipset rapper Juelz Santana has shot down rumors that he was robbed at a London hotel by a promoter and his entourage this past weekend.

Rumors had surfaced this past weekend that Juelz and his staff were robbed of their jewelry by the promoter because they had allegedly swindled him in an earlier visit to London.

The rumors also claimed that the robbery lead to the cancellation of Juelz' shows in London and his relocation to another hotel by police.

Juelz denied the rumors to Allhiphop yesterday (September 3) claiming he was not robbed. The rapper claimed that he was moved from the hotel along with his entourage because of making a commotion

“I was NOT robbed,” Juelz stressed.” My staff and I were kicked out of our original hotel for the commotion.”

Juelz also revealed that his London shows were cancelled by the police before show time because of the hotel commotion and their inability to handle the turn out. -Written by Jaymo of six shots

Hip Hop's Biggest Celebrities Robbed!
Young Buck former member of G-Unit was robbed out side of The Place in Nashville, Tennesse late last year.

According to reports the rapper was robbed at gunpoint for his diamond necklace,watch & Bentley. Later we learned it was just his diamond watch. Young Buck needs to start getting buck with these street thugs. - Written By Stu Phillips

50 Cent Boys Jack Ja Rule
Back In 2000 reports state that a couple of Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson boys robbed Ja Rule of his jewelry.

Where The Connection

In the Mid-90's B-Real of Cypress Hill was photographed wearing Ice Cube's West Side Connection chain. It was rumored that west coast rapper Kam, order his cousin to do his dirty work.

50 Cent Get His S*** Yanked

Last yeah in Angola, Curtis "50 Cent Jackon had to stop his concert because a crazed fan jumped onto the stage and grab his pricey piece of shine. Later 50's chain was returned,but if rumors posted on MediaTakeout.com are true, Curtis is definitely getting his money worth now that he is spending $50,000 a week on his security detail.

Family Robbing Family!

New member of Lil Waynes group Young Money, Tyga was robbed a couple of weeks again by a his own cousin. Then after the robbery G-Unit rapper 40 Glocc, appeared in a video wearing Tyga Young Money chain, he told the rapper to holla back if he wanted to get it back.

VOL. 22 - Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson heads to court again !!

2008-09-08T18:16:00.000-07:00

The $25,000 a month in child support and household expenses that rapper 50 Cent pays to the mother of his 10-year-old son is not enough, says the boy's mother, Shaniqua Tompkins.
The rapper is "worth tens and tens of millions of dollars," said her attorney, Raoul Felder.

The parents of young Marquise Jackson are wrangling over the issue in family court in this Long Island community, where 50 Cent arrived Friday in an armored SUV equipped with a satellite dish.

50 Cent no longer needs to worry about the choice he famously expressed on a 2004 album -- "Get Rich or Die Tryin'."

With his G-Unit record label, clothing line, ring tones and other enterprises, 50 Cent -- whose real name is Curtis Jackson -- reeled in an estimated $33 million in the past year, according to Forbes. - Written in the USA Today

50 Cent Says Lil Wayne Bit Him Off!

Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson says Lil Wayne and many others have ripped him off. In a recent interview with Rollingstone, 50 says that rappers have stolen his style to create their own songs, pointing out Lil Wayne for an example. “‘Lollipop’ is ‘lick lick lick lick it like a lollipop,’” 50 told Rollingstone, continuing “And ‘Candy Shop’ is ‘I’ll take you to the Candy Shop/ I’ll let you lick the lollipop.’”

Curtis, is currently working on his next album, Before I Self Destruct. The new album, due out late fourth quarter, will be 50's last album with under his current contract with Interscope Records. 50 said, that he has stopped listening to music to create a new song. “I’m not really listening to anyone else’s records,” 50 said. “I’m in another space where I gotta make what I’m excited about.”

50 voiced his opinion on the entire situation saying “[Other rappers] can take what I’ve done for the last five years and do their version of it and be successful with momentum,” he then stated. “Meanwhile, I have to reinvent the wheel.”

One day after performing and taking home a best Hip-Hop video honor at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards, Lil Wayne appeared in a New York courtroom to answer for a 2007 arrest on his tour bus.

Dwayne "Lil Wayne' Carter Day In Court.

The 25-year-old New Orleans rapper, born Dwayne Carter, was arrested last summer after the bus was stopped by authorities who searched the vehicle and found a .40-caliber pistol.

He was later charged with one count of criminal possession of a weapon.

According to The New York Post, Carter was present today (September 8) for a pre-trial hearing on the case.

Officer Diane Hornung testified that she boarded the bus after Carter performed at a concert at the Beacon Theater in Manhattan on July 22, 2007, when she saw and smelled marijuana smoke that wafted from the bus’ open door.

About 15 people boarded the bus around 11:30 p.m. after the show, said Hornung, who added that authorities pulled the bus over about 14 blocks away from the Theater after it loaded up with passengers.

When asked why she got on the bus, Hornung testified that she smelled "marijuana and I saw someone peeking through the curtain (over one of the windows on the bus)."

Hornung later ordered everyone off the bus, after which she said she headed to the rear of the vehicle, opened a bathroom door and saw a man trying to flush a sandwich bag of marijuana down a toilet.

At that point, Hornung said she confiscated the bag.

The officer then testified that she saw Carter in a bedroom at the back of the bus, sitting on a bed in his underwear and trying to hide a bag.

As the rapper was getting dressed, Hornung said she looked in the bag and found a loaded .9mm handgun.

Despite Hornung’s account of event, Carter’s lawyer Stacey Richman, got the officer to admit that she didn’t see anyone smoking marijuana when she went on the tour bus.

Richman furthered her case by arguing that the charge against her client should be dismissed on account of an illegal search of the bus conducted by the police stopping and boarding the bus without probable cause.

Carter was not charged with marijuana possession in the ordeal.
The rapper, who is free on $70,000 bail, pleaded not guilty to illegal gun possession. If convicted, Carter faces up to four years in prison.- Written By: Chris Richburg of Vibe

Is Dipset Dead?

In the wake of a recent incident in their hometown of London, rap duo S.A.S. is severing ties with Juelz Santana, effectively ending their professional relationship with the Dip Set, which they left a year ago.

According to the group member Mayhem, the decision came after Juelz made statements on camera that implied that his former labelmates in the U.K. did not intervene on his behalf during a verbal confrontation with a British promoter last week, over a scheduled appearance that never took place.

While Juelz maintained in a recent statement that he was unaware of any unfulfilled London appearances, S.A.S. states that they advised him of an escalating situation in the UK as early as the winter 2006.

“Shortly after we returned to the U.S., we got into a verbal and almost physical dispute with Juelz’ ex-manager Big Joe over money he [allegedly] stole from guys in our city,” Mayhem explained in an exclusive statement to AllHipHop.com. “Only then were the two shows and the £70,000 confiscated by Big Joe brought to Juelz’ attention and he was angry that he didn’t know about it. But no one got the money back or tried to contact the promoters in the U.K. but us, with no call back.”

As previously reported, the situation escalated on August 31, the day before Juelz was to close a two-week European tour in Wolverhampton, about two hours north of London.

S.A.S., who had performed with Juelz throughout the tour with stops in Amsterdam, Switzerland, Sweden and Norway, had not been booked for the last night, but met with Juelz at his hotel on the night in question.

“As we were upstairs, I get a call saying that the promoters are downstairs in the lobby and they have 30-40 people surrounding the hotel,” Mayhem told AllHipHop.com. “So being it is our city, Mega and I went down by ourselves to settle and hopefully resolve the situation. The promoters were livid, saying they didn’t wanna talk to us, only the Americans. I told them Juelz had no prior knowledge and that [the person with whom they had negotiated] wasn’t his manager anymore, but all they wanted was to all come up in Juelz room and get the [money] back.”

Following that exchange, Mayhem and Mega were able to convince the promoter to discuss the situation with a Dipset representative in private.

However, the two were unable to come to an agreement, and the promoter left irate.

Throughout the commotion, which culminated in hotel security calling the police, and Juelz being escorted out with his entourage several hours later, Mayhem says that he and his brother attempted to remain involved and provide any assistance necessary.

The last communication he had with Juelz and his camp was as the Skull Gang leader was leaving the hotel, when his brother Twin told that the situation “was getting sorted out.”

Juelz and his crew were then lead by a police convoy to another property, leaving S.A.S. at the site of the altercation.

“We didn’t hear anything from Juelz again till we seen the recent footage,” Mayhem added. “I don’t know what happened after he left [be]cause we didn’t know where he went in the first place. But any misunderstanding could have been handled on the phone. We’ve known him for five years, lived in his house, and know his mother very well, so we didn’t understand the subliminals on the footage.”

S.A.S. was introduced to most American audiences in 2004, when they were signed to Roc-A-Fella Records and made honorary members of the Dipset crew.

Sighting a lack of support following the break-up of the Roc-A-Fella roster, S.A.S. has spent the last two years branding their London-based imprint, Eurogang. - Written By Tai Saint Louis of Vibe

Ms. New York Get's Knocked Out After VMA's.

Somebody got in Tiffany "New York" Pollard's a**. According to one of MediaTakeOut.com's snitches, New York was attacked by a raging lunatic while partying the night at the afterparty to the MTV Video Music Awards.

And it gets worse. MediaTakeOut.com's spy claims that the crazed woman beat on New York "in the middle of the dancefloor" while the entire club looked on.

DAMON DASH'S EX DEFIES COURT

Damon Dash's baby mama is snubbing court orders that say the boy should live with his father - and she could land behind bars if the hip-hop mogul isn't reunited with him by tomorrow.

Linda Williams ignored an order to appear in Manhattan Family Court yesterday with her son, Damon Dash Jr., and Judge Susan Knipp said if she doesn't show for a hearing tomorrow, she'll issue a warrant for her arrest.

The 16-year-old Dash Jr. went to visit his mom at her Long Island home last week, and hasn't returned to his father's Manhattan digs. Dash has sole legal custody of the boy, and he and Williams have been embroiled in an ugly custody battle for the past five years.

The boy's court-appointed lawyer, Glenn Mitch-Ampel, told Knipp that Williams said the boy wants to stay with her. - written by Reuven Fenton

Go Hard Magazine Vol. 21 - Remembering The Ones We Lost...(Bernie Mac,Bo Diddley,Ike Turner & Issac Hayes)

2008-09-06T23:53:00.000-07:00

Stand-up comic and actor Bernie Mac exploded onto the screen with “The Original Kings of Comedy” (2001) after years of working comedy stages in his native Chicago. His edgy and largely autobiographical material about his background and African-American culture fell in step with a new wave of high-profile black comedians like fellow “Kings,” D.L. Hughley and Steve Harvey. And like his “Comedy Kings” co-stars, his hilariously frank material led to Mac’s own successful sitcom, “The Bernie Mac Show” (Fox, 2001-06). An increasing presence on the big screen as well, Mac’s sometimes gruff but always memorable character roles began to give way to more challenging dramatic work. With the feature film, “Pride” (2007), it was clear Mac as artist had the depth and humanity to bring to the table, and was intent on raising the bar of what audiences and critics had come to expect from run-of-the-mill stand-ups-turned-actors. At the same time, Mac was promoting “Pride,” he shocked the comedy world by announcing his retirement from stand-up, devoting himself to screen acting and producing after years of success on the comedy club circuit.

Bernie Mac was born Bernard McCullough on Oct. 5, 1957, in Chicago’s south side neighborhood. He grew up with an extended family — an environment that would provide endless material for his future career as a stand-up comic. Early on, his funny voices and vivid imagination earned him the reputation as the family clown, so under the guidance of a supportive school teacher, Mac started channeling his energy by acting in school plays in fourth grade. Before long, he was soon staging his own productions for neighborhood kids. His first lesson in the controversial nature of comedy came after he performed a dead-on impression of his grandmother for a church audience, receiving a great reception from the audience but punishment at home. When he was not entertaining the south side, the powerful young kid – he would grow to six feet three inches – was hanging out at the recreation center, boxing and playing sports; thriving under an especially encouraging group of coaches and leaders he credited for his drive to succeed. His most inspirational force, his mother, died of cancer when Mac was he was only 16 years old.

Mac took some vocational career training after high school, working as a delivery driver and furniture mover, before returning to the South Central Community center as its athletic director. After hours, he honed his comedy act on the platforms of the El train and at local parks, launching his own weekly variety show at Chicago’s Regal Theater. In 1977, he began hitting the stages on the local comedy circuit, unknowingly beginning a 30-year career as a stand-up comic. For over a decade, Mac developed his edgy style of commentary and endured the grueling lifestyle of the wannabe comic – being away from home and his new wife for nights at a time, performing for little or no money to gain exposure, and dodging the arrows of fickle late night audiences.

Finally, in 1990, Mac started seeing rewards for all of his hard work when he won the Miller Lite Comedy Search. The honor led to unimaginable opportunities, like opening for headliners Dionne Warwick, Redd Foxx and Natalie Cole. He made his feature debut as a club doorman in "Mo' Money" (1992), and guested on the HBO specials, "Rosie Perez Presents Society's Ride" (1993) and "Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam" (HBO 1992-97; 2006- ). In 1994, he snared a bit as the ribald Uncle Vester in “House Party 3” and also put together his own "Who Ya Wit Tour," which included a 10-piece band and the five “Mac-A-Roni Dancers.” The following year, HBO thought Mac’s in-your-face persona lent itself to late night programming, but after a month of the network taming down his material, “Midnight Mac” (1995) was cancelled. He knew he wanted to return to TV with a series of his own someday, but he turned his attention back to film work, bulking up his acting resume with appearances as a preacher in "Friday" (1995) and one of the funnier members of the ensemble cast of Spike Lee's "Get on the Bus" (1996). A recurring role in the popular UPN series "Moesha" (UPN, 1996-2001) earned him even more mainstream recognition.

The year 2000 had audiences finally asking, “Who IS this guy?” The hulking frame and bulging-eyed funnyman who had been popping up everywhere, knocked it out of the park, comedically speaking, as part of the “Kings of Comedy” tour. Starring alongside fellow African-American stand-ups Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer and D.L. Hughley, the tour was captured by director Spike Lee and released as the documentary "The Original Kings Of Comedy" (2000). For the first time, millions of viewers got to see what Bernie Mac was all about – hilarious tales of self-deprecation, family life, tough love, and the etymology of his favorite curse word. The documentary was a smash, earning over $38 million at the box office, and Mac seemed closer than ever to his dream of landing his own show. He had been developing a sitcom idea based on the real life experience of raising his sister’s three children while she was in rehab. His re-telling of the tale in “Kings of Comedy” was enough to convince producers at Fox, who signed on for "The Bernie Mac Show" in 2001.

In his self-titled sitcom, Mac played the husband of a professional, childless couple who suddenly become guardians of his sister's three children. Risky and outrageously funny for Mac’s often politically incorrect ideas of child rearing, the show also incorporated a creative twist – Mac regularly breaking the fourth wall and addressing the audience directly. These pieces were a way to incorporate his material into the show, and his character’s career as a stand-up comic was also a way to incorporate real life comedians and actors into the show as guests. The show earned a Peabody Award, an Emmy for writing, and honored Mac’s acting with several Golden Globe nominations and four NAACP Image Awards. The departure of key creative personnel and Mac's burgeoning film career caused “The Bernie Mac Show” to recede into the background – to say nothing of moving the series into no less than 12 different timeslots, vexing even the most loyal viewers – and production was slowed when Mac came down with a bout of double pneumonia. The show was finally cancelled in 2006.

During the lifespan of "The Bernie Mac Show," Mac made regular appearances on the big screen, stating in interviews that he held classic films and classic values seriously; that he did not want to take part in films with gratuitous sex and violence, preferring more quality, offbeat, films. In 2001, he co-starred as one of the 11 casino robbers in "Ocean's Eleven" (2001), bringing comic relief to Steven Soderbergh's crime caper piece and the subsequent sequels, “Ocean’s Twelve” (2004) and “Ocean’s 13” (2007). He supported fellow comedian Chris Rock in the misguided flop, "Head of State," (2003) and stepped into the role of TV’s Bosley in "Charlie's Angels 2" (2003), before taking on the weirdly hilarious role of a chain-smoking, vitamin C-craving, department store detective in the cynical Christmas comedy "Bad Santa" (2003). After supporting a number of A-listers, Mac took on his first starring role with the well-received "Mr. 3000" (2004), playing an aging major leaguer whose hit record is revoked after retirement, inspiring him to return to the game to reclaim his title. He teamed with Ashton Kutcher in "Guess Who?" (2005), a broad-comedy reversal of "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" but threw critics for a loop with his impressive turn in the drama “Pride.” In the “Rocky”-like (1976) take on swim meets, Mac revisited his past by playing a municipal worker at a recreation center that housed an inspirational sports program.

While promoting “Pride” in March of 2007, Mac appeared on “Late Night With David Letterman” (CBS, 1993- ) and announced that he would retire from doing stand-up comedy after he completed filming “The Whole Truth, Nothing But the Truth, So Help Me Mac” in the fall of that year. His announcement was met by saddened fans who had hoped to still catch him on a stage or cable special in the future. But Mac insisted he needed a “real life,” choosing instead, to focus on films and producing TV programs.

Part of the pull toward retirement was due to wanting to spend time with his family. Married to wife Rhonda McCullough since 1970, the couple had one daughter, Je’Niece, who was earning a Masters degree in mental health counseling. On his own health front, Mac suffered from a tissue inflammation disease called sarcoidosis, which thankfully did not affect his daily life. In addition to his work onscreen, Mac was also a successful author, with his tomes I Ain't Scared of You: Bernie Mac on How Life Is (2001) and the memoir Maybe You Never Cry Again (2003) to his credit.

Also Credited As: Bernard Jeffery McCulloughBorn: October 5, 1958 in Chicago, IllinoisJob Titles: Actor, Comedian, UPS agent, Bread delivery sales rep, Furniture moverFamily
Daughter: Je'Niece McCullough. born c. 1978; has a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling
Significant Others
Wife: Rhonda McCullough. married c. 1977
Wife: . married in 1974
Education
Chicago Vocational High School, Chicago, Illinois, 1976
Milestones
-1990 Won the Miller Lite Comedy Search
-1992 Feature film debut, bit part in "Mo' Money"
-1994 Produced and starred in the comedy act, "Who Ya Wit Tour"
-1995 Appeared in a supporting role in the feature "Friday"
-1995 Had one-month comedy series on HBO, "Midnight Mac"
-1996 Played recurring role on the UPN comedy series "Moesha"
-1996 Was in ensemble cast of Spike Lee's "Get on the Bus"
-1997 Had supporting roles in "B.A.P.S" and "How to Be a Player"
-2000 Was featured in Spike Lee's documentary film "The Original Kings of Comedy"
-2001 Headlined own TV sitcom "The Bernie Mac Show"; earned Emmy (2002, 2003), Golden Globe (2003, 2004) and SAG (2003) nominations for Best Actor in a Comedy
-2001 Acted in Steven Soderbergh's"Ocean's Eleven" a remake of the 1960 heist film
-2001 Co-starred as a fence in the Martin Lawrence-Danny DeVito comedy "What's the Worst That Could Happen?"
-2003 Co-starred as Chris Rock's big brother and presidential running mate in " Head of State"
-2003 Played Bosley in the comedy sequel "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle"
-2004 Reunited with the original cast for "Ocean's Twelve" directed by Steven Soderbergh
-2004 Starred as an aging baseball star who retuns to baseball to reach his goal of 3,000 hits in "Mr. 3000"
-2005 Co-starred with Ashton Kutcher in the comedy "Guess Who," loosely based on the 1967 film "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
-2007 Announced retirement from standup comedy; will continue producing, and acting in films
-2007 Cast in director Michael Bay's live action film "Transformers"
-2007 Re-teamed with the original cast for "Ocean's 13"
Became opening act for Redd Foxx, Dionne Warwick and Natalie Cole, among others
Began appearing in nightclubs in the Chicago area
Participated in "The Kings of Comedy" tour.- Written By Yahoo

Bo Diddley (1928-2008)
He only had a few hits in the 1950s and early '60s, but as Bo Diddley sang, "You Can't Judge a Book by Its Cover." You can't judge an artist by his chart success, either, and

Diddley produced greater and more influential music than all but a handful of the best early rockers. The Bo Diddley beat -- bomp, ba-bomp-bomp, bomp-bomp -- is one of rock & roll's bedrock rhythms, showing up in the work of Buddy Holly, the Rolling Stones, and even pop-garage knock-offs like the Strangeloves' 1965 hit "I Want Candy." Diddley's hypnotic rhythmic attack and declamatory, boasting vocals stretched back as far as Africa for their roots, and looked as far into the future as rap. His trademark otherworldly vibrating, fuzzy guitar style did much to expand the instrument's power and range. But even more important, Bo's bounce was fun and irresistibly rocking, with a wisecracking, jiving tone that epitomized rock & roll at its most humorously outlandish and freewheeling. -Written by VH1

Ike Turner (1931-2008)

Ike Turner is certainly one of the most dehumanized figures in rock history. Mention his name and the first association that comes to most anyone's mind is "abusive husband," not "soul star" or "rock & roll pioneer." According to legend, Turner was a tyrannical ogre who used physical violence and psychological intimidation to control his infinitely more talented wife Tina, while indulging his own appetites for cocaine and women at every turn. That's not entirely accurate, although by most accounts Turner did quite a bit to earn that reputation; he spent time in prison due to his drug problems, and his own refutations of Tina's allegations of abuse have been inconsistent at best over the years. Still, this view of Turner as villain does a disservice to his very real musical legacy as an instrumentalist and bandleader. As a pianist in the early '50s, Turner helped lay the groundwork for rock & roll; he was also a distinctive guitarist with a biting, nasty tone, and was one of the first to make the whammy bar an integral part of his sound. It's true that he was nowhere near the singer Tina was, and it's probably also true that she was his ticket to stardom; moreover, his songwriting, while sometimes inspired, often possessed a generic quality that made consistent chart appearances difficult. But as a bandleader, his disciplinarian approach -- when it wasn't manifesting itself in darker fashion, that is -- resulted in undeniably tight, well-drilled ensembles and some of the most exhilarating live shows the R&B world ever saw -- centered around Tina, yes, but spectacles nonetheless. If Turner isn't exactly the most defensible character around, in the end his musical strengths and weaknesses deserve the same objective appraisal as anyone.
Izear Luster Turner, Jr. was born November 5, 1931, in Clarksdale, MS, the heart of the segregated South. His father was beaten to death by a mob of angry whites, and growing up in a hostile environment unquestionably hardened Turner. He found his calling in music from an early age; he learned boogie-woogie piano firsthand from his inspiration, Pinetop Perkins, and as a teenager talked himself into a DJ slot on the local radio station, where he played everything from the jump blues of Louis Jordan to country & western. He formed his first band while still in high school, and by the late '40s had assembled an outfit dubbed the Kings of Rhythm. In 1951, the Kings of Rhythm traveled to Memphis to record at Sam Phillips' Sun studio. Their original tune "Rocket 88" (actual authorship is still disputed) was recorded with a lead vocal by sax player Jackie Brenston, and as a result was released under the name Jackie Brenston & His Delta Cats, not Ike Turner & His Kings of Rhythm. "Rocket 88" zoomed to the top of the R&B charts and is today regarded by many critics as being quite possibly the first true rock & roll record. Brenston subsequently departed for an unsuccessful solo career, while Turner and his band became session regulars around Memphis; they went on to back legendary bluesmen like Howlin' Wolf ("How Many More Years"), Elmore James, Otis Rush ("Double Trouble," "All Your Love"), Robert Nighthawk, Buddy Guy, and Sonny Boy Williamson II, plus an assortment of Sun artists. During the early '50s, Turner switched from piano to guitar, and also doubled as a talent scout for the Bihari Brothers' Los Angeles-based Modern Records, where he helped get early breaks for artists like Howlin' Wolf and B.B. King.

During the mid-'50s, Turner moved the Kings of Rhythm to East St. Louis, where they rose to the top of the local R&B circuit; Brenston rejoined in 1955, and the group also continued its session activity. Turner sometimes issued records under his own name on labels like Flair, RPM, and Federal, also using the aliases Icky Renrut and Lover Boy. Adopting a revue format for their live performances, the Kings of Rhythm worked with a revolving group of vocalists during this period. One was a teenaged singer originally from Tennessee named Anna Mae Bullock, who met Turner in 1956. She joined the revue, and moved into Turner's house after becoming pregnant by the band's sax player; soon, she and Turner began their own relationship and had a child of their own, marrying in 1958.

Renamed Tina, Turner's new (and latest) wife got her first chance to sing lead on a recording in late 1959, cutting "A Fool in Love" for the Sue label. Released the following year, the song was a runaway smash on the R&B charts, peaking at number two. Turner realized he'd discovered a potential breakout star, and reshaped the band into the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, with Tina now the centerpiece of the act. It took a little time for all involved to get their bearings, but in the meantime, the hits kept coming; "I Idolize You," "It's Gonna Work Out Fine," "Poor Fool," and "Tra La La La La" all hit the R&B Top Ten, a string that ran through 1962. (All except "It's Gonna Work Out Fine" were written by Turner.) 1962 also saw the release of Dance With Ike & Tina Turner & Their Kings of Rhythm Band, an all-instrumental album that showcased Turner's unpredictable guitar work at its best. As Ike & Tina became one of the hardest-working, most popular acts on the so-called chitlin circuit, they recorded for a number of independent labels over the next few years; however, since Turner's original material was increasingly standard-issue, their chart fortunes declined somewhat.

At the same time, the temptations of fame were proving too much for Turner; he developed a severe addiction to cocaine that, when mixed with his dominant personality and quick temper, made for a volatile combination. According to Tina's autobiography, Turner grew increasingly violent, beating her frequently and even burning her with cigarettes and coffee if she got out of line. Turner himself disputes the severity of Tina's claims, but it's worth noting that he had a widespread reputation for being difficult. When producer Phil Spector attempted a commercial comeback around Tina in 1966, he struck a deal with Turner: in exchange for being allowed to record Tina, Ike would receive full credit and billing on the records, but Ike would also not be allowed to set foot in the studio or to meddle with the finished recordings. Spector's collaboration with Tina produced the epic "River Deep - Mountain High," still regarded by many as one of rock's greatest singles, and Ike's involvement was nil -- which, naturally, didn't sit well with him.

In 1969, Ike & Tina were invited to open for the Rolling Stones, and Turner realized that changing times had made the Revue's rough, nasty brand of soul music more palatable to white rock audiences. Accordingly, Turner incorporated contemporary rock & roll covers into the Revue's repertoire, giving them a whole new lease on life. Versions of "Come Together," "I Want to Take You Higher," and "Proud Mary" revived Ike & Tina's chart fortunes -- especially "Proud Mary," which became their first Top Five pop single in 1971 and also won a Grammy. However, Turner's off-stage problems were taking their toll on the act; 1973's "Nutbush City Limits," a song written by Tina, would be their last major hit, and Tina walked out on him in the middle of a 1975 tour.

The Turners' divorce was finalized the following year, and Ike never quite recovered from the loss. For a while, he quit touring to settle in and run the recording studio, Bolic, he'd opened in Los Angeles in 1970. He was too accustomed to life on the road, though, and formed a new outfit that, naturally, didn't measure up to his past success; he also released a couple of solo records on Red Lightnin'. Turner's cocaine addiction drained most of his finances, and his recording studio burned to the ground in 1982. He ran afoul of the law as well, and was arrested numerous times on mostly drug-related offenses. When he and Tina were jointly inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991, he was unable to attend the ceremony because he was serving prison time. When Tina's autobiography was adapted into the 1993 film What's Love Got to Do With It, Turner signed away all of his rights, allowing the filmmakers to take narrative liberties for dramatic effect if they chose. Turner attempted a comeback after being released from prison; he also remarried and finally overcame his addictions to live a clean, sober life. At first he tried to keep up with the times musically, but after touring with Joe Louis Walker as a pianist and guitarist, he realized there was more demand for his original style, and formed a new version of the Kings of Rhythm. His autobiography, Takin' Back My Name, was published by a U.K. company in 1999, and in 2001 he released a new album, Here and Now, which was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Traditional Blues Album category; it was also nominated for several W.C. Handy Awards (the blues equivalent of the Grammys) and took honors for Comeback Album of the Year. Risin' with the Blues, released five years later, was nominated for a Grammy in the same category. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide. -Written by Steve Huey

Issca Hayes (1942-2008)

Few figures exerted greater influence over the music of the 1960s and 1970s than Isaac Hayes; after laying the groundwork for the Memphis soul sound through his work with Stax-Volt Records, Hayes began a highly successful solo career which predated not only the disco movement but also the evolution of rap.
Hayes was born on August 20, 1942, in Covington, TN; his parents died during his infancy, and he was raised by his grandparents. After making his public debut singing in church at the age of five, he taught himself piano, organ and saxophone before moving to Memphis to perform on the city's club circuit in a series of short-lived groups like Sir Isaac and the Doo-Dads, the Teen Tones, and Sir Calvin and His Swinging Cats. In 1962, he began his recording career, cutting sides for a variety of local labels.

Two years later, Hayes began playing sax with the Mar-Keys, which resulted in the beginning of his long association with Stax Records. After playing on several sessions for Otis Redding, Hayes was tapped to play keyboards in the Stax house band, and eventually established a partnership with songwriter David Porter. Under the name the Soul Children, the Hayes-Porter duo composed some 200 songs, reeling off a string of hits for Stax luminaries like Sam & Dave (the brilliant "When Something Is Wrong With My Baby," "Soul Man," and "Hold On, I'm Comin'"), Carla Thomas ("B-A-B-Y,") and Johnnie Taylor ("I Got to Love Somebody's Baby," "I Had a Dream").

In 1967, Hayes issued his debut solo LP Presenting Isaac Hayes, a loose, jazz-flavored effort recorded in the early-morning hours following a raucous Stax party. With the release of 1969's landmark Hot Buttered Soul, he made his commercial breakthrough; the record's adventuresome structure (comprising four lengthy songs), ornate arrangements, and sensual grooves -- combined with the imposing figure cut by his shaven head, omnipresent sunglasses, and fondness for gold jewelry -- made Hayes one of the most distinctive figures in music.

After a pair of 1970 releases, The Isaac Hayes Movement and To Be Continued, he reached his commercial zenith in 1971 with the release of Shaft, the score from the Gordon Parks film of the same name. Not only did the album win Hayes an Academy Award for Best Score (the first African-American composer to garner such an honor), but the single "Theme From 'Shaft,'" a masterful blend of prime funk and pre-rap monologues, became a number one hit.

After 1971's superb Black Moses and 1973's Joy, Hayes composed two 1974 soundtracks, Tough Guys and Truck Turner (in which he also starred). By 1975, relations with Stax had disintegrated following a battle over royalties, and soon he severed his ties with the label to form his own Hot Buttered Soul imprint. Although both 1975's Chocolate Chip and 1976's Groove-a-Thon went gold, his records of the period attracted considerably less attention than prior efforts; combined with poor management and business associations, Hayes had no choice but to file for bankruptcy in 1976.

After the 1977 double-LP A Man and a Woman, recorded with Dionne Warwick, Hayes began a comeback on the strength of the hit singles "Zeke the Freak," "Don't Let Go" and "Do You Wanna Make Love." Following the success of his 1979 collection of duets with Millie Jackson titled Royal Rappins, he issued a pair of solo records, 1980's And Once Again and 1981's Lifetime Thing before retiring from music for five years. After returning in 1986 with the LP U Turn and the Top Ten R&B hit "Ike's Rap," Hayes surfaced two years later with Love Attack before again dropping out of music to focus on acting.

In 1995, fully enshrined as one of the forefathers of hip-hop and newly converted to Scientology, Hayes emerged with two concurrent releases, the vocal Branded and instrumental Raw and Refined. Under the official name Nene Katey Ocansey I, he also served as a member of the royal family of the African nation of Ghana while continuing simultaneous careers as an actor, composer, and humanitarian. In 1997, Hayes provided the voice of what was slated to be a one-time character on the animated series South Park -- Jerome "Chef" McElroy, the main characters' favorite school cafeteria worker. Hayes was an instant hit, and Chef became a regular character on the show, lending advice and, oftentimes, breaking into songs that gently sent up Hayes' image as one of R&B's ultimate love men.

South Park made Hayes more visible than ever and cemented his status as an icon with a whole new generation. He contributed the infamous "Chocolate Salty Balls" to the South Park tie-in album Chef Aid, and naturally appeared in the film South Park: Bigger, Longer, Uncut. In 2000, Hayes revisited his biggest triumph of the past by appearing in the remake of Shaft starring Samuel L. Jackson. The following year, he supported Alicia Keys as a musician and arranger on her acclaimed debut Songs in A Minor. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide.-Written by Jason Ankeny

Go Hard Magazine Vol. 20 - Where's Cam'ron?

2008-09-06T01:25:00.000-07:00

Harlem rapper Cam’ron recently made a special guest appearance on Dipset Radio to give fans an update on his current situation and announce the fall release of his next album, Crime Pays.

In a five-minute video clip with Miss Info, the former Roc-A-Fella artist calls Duke Da God to congratulate the Diplomat A&R on launching the station. Cam also explained why he’s been absent so long.

“I called to tell you congratulations on the station, you know I been running around and ain’t get the chance to call you up yet,” Cam said. “Right now, I’m in Switzerland buying watches. I always buy my watches from Switzerland—I’ll be back next week in the city.”

Not wasting any time, Cam revealed his plans to release the follow-up album to Killa Season.

“The album called Crime Pays will be out this November and when I get back I’mma come up to the station and f*ck with y’all.”

Cam recently ended his business relationship with protege Juelz Santana as he sold the Harlem rapper’s contract to Def Jam Recordings earlier this month.

According to Miss Info, Killa said he “sold Juelz’s contract to Def Jam for two million dollars” weeks before Juelz confirmed the sale by e-mail.

“Yeah, I’m free!! And ready to do me!! But it’s still Dipset 4 Life,” Juelz wrote. “I have a joint venture with Def Jam, a 50/50 deal…Yeah, it’s a new boss in town. Album is called Born to Lose, Built to Win!!!! (The rise of the skullgang). So just prepare for the future ‘cause I have.”

Later video footage featured Santana speaking on the difficulty of having Cam as a boss in recent years, and how he missed out on crucial guest appearances when Cam denied clearance. - Written By Cyrus Langhorne from Shh.com

Go Hard Magazine Vol. 19 - Rick Ross (Boss Or Boss?)

2008-09-05T15:27:00.000-07:00

While his only response thus far is a freestyle sent to MTV News saying he's "laughing at [the] blogs," Rick Ross is apparently standing by his denial that he previously worked as a prison guard — in the wake of documents posted on the TheSmokingGun. com that purportedly expose the MC's past employment as an officer for the Florida Department of Corrections.

The Smoking Gun's report claims that in 1995, at the age of 19, Ross (born William Leonard Roberts) started a career as a prison guard, earning a salary of $22,913.54. He reportedly held the position for 18 months. The rapper's Social Security number is the same as the one listed for the jail guard on documents given to the site by D.O.C. spokeswoman Jo Ellyn Rackleff. A photo of what looks likes a younger Ross in full uniform was also posted on the Web site and is said to have been taken at his graduation from the D.O.C. academy.

A few days ago, a videotaped interview of Ross was leaked to the Internet where a male voice confronted Mr. "M.I. Yayo" about what until then had been loose rumors and urban-legend-type talk among some music industry insiders.

"It's no truth to it," Ross flatly denied in the video.

Early Tuesday morning (July 22), someone going by the name "Mr. 305" released a video claiming that he was in possession of more photos from Ross' alleged security-guard days. The trailer included what appeared to be a D.O.C. class picture featuring a man who looks like Ross dressed in full prison-guard garb.

Neither Ross nor his rep were able to be reached for comment about the accusations. Late Monday night, however, a source within his camp told MTV News that he planned to respond with a song. Around 1 a.m., we received two new freestyles from Ross, though he barely touched on the controversy. Over Snoop Dogg's "Life of da Party," he rhymed, "B----, I'm the boss and I'm laughing at your blogs." Later he went on to brag, "I'm the glue in the streets, meaning I can get you stuck/ The world knows where the f--- I'm from/ Sell rock, 20 chains and I never lost one .../ Heavy on the block, never on the Net."

The other freestyle is over the instrumental to Alicia Keys' "Teenage Love Affair" and doesn't mention the rumors, but talks about hanging out with a close female friend.

After over a decade of having his music relegated to the underground scene in Florida, Ross finally broke through in 2006 with the monster street banger "Hustlin'." The song turned into a club anthem, easily making him a household name in the hip-hop community. That year, Ross released his debut LP, Port of Miami, which was filled with tales of his transition into a cartel kingpin. The record was #1 on the Billboard albums chart in its first week of release.

While records such as "Hustlin'," "Push It" and "Blow" were undeniable, the key to Ross' success and strong following were that the fans believed that he lived all, or at least most, of what he rapped. This year, Ross' second LP, Trilla, also bowed in the #1 spot, fueled by his hit "The Boss," featuring T-Pain. Ross' current single is "Here I Am" with Nelly. During his last sit-down with MTV News, the Miami native said he hoped to release another album later this year called Deeper Than Rap. - By Shaheem Reid

Go Hard Magazine Vol. 18 - Floyd Mayweather Jr. (Robbed Blind)

2008-09-04T00:32:00.000-07:00

Well surprise, surprise. Why am I hearing word that boxing champion Floyd Mayweather just got robbed?

Floyd, who's known for his flamboyant boxing style and even more flamboyant lifestyle is in the rumor mill. Apparently a couple of weeks ago someone broke into Floyd's Las Vegas home and snatched up all his personal jewelery. My source tells me that Floyd initially attempted to keep the matter private and launch a private investigation thinking someone in the home [security, cleaning service] may have been the culprit. However, now after no leads, Floyd is going public and is offering a reward for any information.

Mayweather confirmed that the jewelry is estimated to be valued at $7 million and was taken from one of his Las Vegas homes. The offense occurred on August 17, between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. The thieves apparently broke his bedroom window and entered while he was out of the house. Here's a picture of the assailant

What did the man expect? He went on national television and displayed to the world how he keeps upwards of a million dollars up under the bed. Did y'all see that? If not let me refresh your memoryCall me crazy, but if you put your business out there like that then don't u kind of get what you deserve? - Written By SOHH Streetz from Ya Heard Gossip Blog

Go Hard Magazine Vol. 17 - Young Jeezy (The Recession)

2008-09-03T04:57:00.000-07:00

As the eight-year nightmare known as George W. Bush comes to and end, plenty of Americans have placed their hopes on Senator Barak Obama to lead them out of dark times. In the near decade that “W” has served as commander in chief, the land of the free and the home of the brave has been plagued with everything from absurd gas prices, to home foreclosures, and a recession. One particular person that probably won’t feel the affects of a recession like the working class will is Atlanta adlib master, Young Jeezy.

Naming his third album after one of the most dreaded words in the English language, the owner of two platinum plaques courtesy of Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101 and The Inspiration takes aim at keeping his selling streak alive. Not recognized as lyrical genius in any sense of the word, the majority of Young Jeezy’s success has always been through his excellent choice of production, and this album follows suite.

The Recession gets underway with ‘The Recession’ intro produced by DJ Toomp. Going with theme of the title, Jeezy begins by discussing some financial woes, “Still tryin’ to sober up/wish I had me some money, I’d buy me some better luck.” On ‘By The Way,’ Jeezy takes more a stadium music approach as the production soun ds larger than life, while he does his best to keep up with lines like, “You n*ggas getting’ this sh*t, I talk any slower/any slower would be screwed, and that would be rude.”

Young Jeezy sounds right at home on the Drumma Boy-produced ‘Amazin.’’ The slow tempo of the beat matches perfectly with his long drawn out delivery as he talks about how great he is. Shawty Redd, the man responsible for Snoop Dogg’s 'Sexual Eruption', (both lyrics and production) loans his sound on ‘Who Dat.’ The beat itself is reminiscent of something out of Phantom Of The Opera, but Jeezy still gets a little clever with his wordplay, “I don’t chase no broads, I chase money and vodka/next time I re-up, I’m gonna buy me a chopper.” Don Cannon adds a little different flavor on the album via going away from the organs and keyboards that have surrounded the project thus far by deciding to sample Billy Paul’s ‘Let The Dollar Circulate’ and simply comes up with ‘Circulate.’ One of the better uses of samples in quite sometime, Young Jeezy actually gives the track all he can muster.

The production team, The J.U.S.T.C.E. League provides further soulfulness on ‘Word Play,’ and once again Jeezy picks up the slack on the lyrical end. Jeezy gives his gruff and raspy vocal tone a break from the spotlight and by bringing in Anthony Hamilton on ‘Everything’ and Trey Songz on ‘Takin’ It There.’ Kanye West is featured on ‘Put On,’ but his voice is the only contribution as Drumma Boy takes care of the production. The Louis Vuitton Don tries his hand at using the highly overused synthesizer talk box while speaking of those who owe him and the loss of his mother, “I feel like there’s still n*ggas that owe me checks/I feel like there’s still b*tches that owe me sex/I lost the only girl in the world that know me best.”

Young Jeezy wraps The Recession up with ‘My President’ (feat. Nas), ‘Get Allot,’ the tearful sounds of ‘Don’t Do It,’ and ‘Crazy World’. Every song is concrete, and it looks like this project won’t lead his bank account astray, and right into the very word he named the album after. The ex-hustler from Atlanta is one of those rare characters in a genre filled with copycats. His subject matter isn’t vast, and his material might seem a little too average at times, but there’s a reason why Hip-Hop has treated him so fairly, and that’s because he sticks to what he knows.

No over the top gimmicks, no army of guest appearances, and no risk taking. This album falls in the same vein as his previous projects, exceptional production mixed in with colorful adlibs from start to finish, and for any Jeezy fan—that’s all they can ask for. (YEEEAAAAHHHH!) -Serge Fleury

Go Hard Magazine Vol.16 - PATMAN

2008-09-01T22:13:00.001-07:00

PATMAN is bringing nothing but positive heat to the airwaves. He wants to prove to the world that you can sell CD’s without using profanity. Now that he has graduated High School this year Class of 2008 he’s ready to take on the music industry full-time.

Born Patrick Meighan, PATMAN a.k.a. Son of Chicago. He has already been linked with and embraced by several artist and celebrities such as Jay Z, Fat Joe, The Game, Young Jeezy, Irv Gotti, Ja Rule, Buffy The Body, Jadakiss, Junior Reid, Ben One, B Fats, Katt Williams, Ray J, Fonzworth Bentley, GLC and Debo, just to name a few.

PATMAN has a look that is undeniably appealing to the eye and a swagger that has already captured the attention of many. At the tender age of 18, this Chicagoan is looking to take the music, acting and model industry by storm. With a flow that seems too good to be true. He possesses the rare ability to write and perfect his own lyrics. PATMAN is what you get when you mix a commercial look with real talent.

Growing up Belizean in the rough streets of Chicago, PATMAN has gone from being known as a local artist to a nationwide fan favorite. With a fan base growing by the thousands he definitely will make a huge impact on today’s hip hop music industry. PATMAN has showcased his talent at several high schools throughout the Chicago area with his amazing stage performance. Not only has he blazed many stages in his hometown, The Son of Chicago has also had crowds jumping from the East all the way to the West coast. From performing at the Magic Show at the Convention Center in Las Vegas to being welcomed by Harlem’s, New York very own Rucker Park.

PATMAN has accomplished so much in a short period of time since joining VEN Holding, Inc. PATMAN already has several endorsement and sponsorship deals under his belt. His freshmen CD is scheduled to be release in the fall of 2008 titled “SON OF CHICAGO”. His debut album, Son of Chicago “C.H.I.C.A.G.O” will be ready to hit local radio stations in the Midwest soon. Other hits off the CD like Hotta Than Da Sun, That’s My Swagg, it won’t be long before this young hot prodigy will be rewarded for his hard work. Be one of the first ones on the scene to Soak It Up!

For Booking Shows

VEN Entertainment Group
Contact Person: Aston (708) 829-0556
Email: arneedham@gmail.com
Office No. (212) 631-8794
Check out www.youtube.com/PATMANTV

Go Hard Magazine: Vol. 15 - The Game Vs. Bow Wow ( The $100,000 Madden Challenge )

2008-08-31T10:40:00.000-07:00

Bow Wow ever has a rap beef, he can always call on his "big brother" the Game for some assistance. But the next time the two MCs meet in person, it might not be all love - at least for four quarters. The two are apparently going to face off in a game of "Madden NFL 09."

On Tuesday, Bow released a video on DimeWars.com challenging his friend to a $100,000 video game showdown.

"I seen you do your thing in 'Madden,' " Bow said. "I want to let you know I will bust your ass in that 'Madden.' We can get it poppin'.

"The winner can take the money, and we can donate it to charity," he added. "Donate it to a good cause."

A Game video blog started circulating Wednesday morning (August 20), in which the Compton concrete-smasher accepted the challenge. He crassly said he would up the stakes to 100 G's and sexual favors from Bow's ex-girlfriend Ciara.

" 'Madden' - I do this sh-- every day," Game said from his tour bus. "This is the 'Madden' bus, n---a. You can't f--- with me. I been playing this sh-- since you was in diapers. Since '89, 'Bill Walsh College Football.' You was 3 years old when 'Madden' came out." (Actually, Bow was 2 in 1989, and the first version of the game, "John Madden Football," dropped in 1988.)

No date was given for the face-off, but Bow Wow has offered to fly to where Game is or send a jet to pick him up. A spokesperson for EA Sports, which makes the popular sports game, says the company has no involvement in the showdown.

By Shaheem Reid

Go Hard Magazine: Vol. 14 - Yung Vs. Trick Trick (NIGGAS IN DETROIT DONE F*CKED UP!!!)

2008-08-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

As if there wasn’t already enough foolishness coming out of all these “Young” and “Lil” rappers’ mouths, this dude Young Berg thought it was kosher to talk ish on the radio recently about how black women, esp. those with a deep brown skin tone, aren’t dateable for him because they just don’t look good enough. He wants nobody darker than him. *going to check my calendar to make sure this is 2008* Check the audio:

How old is this dude and why is he allowed to speak? Where is his publicist? I suggest they cash in those wack ass hollow chains of his for the $200 they’re worth and buy his ass a class at the local community college. It really can’t hurt at this point. And I dare somebody to fix their fingers to type “What’s so wrong with what he said?” Because if you don’t get the problem with this ignorant mess, there’s nothing I can do for you. And did this negro say a “pool test”? B*tch please.

By the way, Young Berg has officially joined the ranks of Bobby Valentino and a couple others who will likely never see the light of day on YBF ever again for making degrading statements such as these. Now sip on that…

YUNG BERG'S PEOPLE HAVE RESPONDED, CHICAGO JUST AIN'T FULL OF PRETTY THANGZ,AND PRETTY
TOYS, THESE PEOPLE ARE IN THE STREETS, ANYONE OF YOU CATS FROM UP THERE CAN BE TOUCHED, DON'T GET IT TWISTED, WHAT YA'LL DID WAS BEYOND JUST RAPPING, BERG REALLY DOES HAVE STREET TIES, SO IF THE INCIDENT THAT HAPPEN WAS A SET-UP, WE WILL FIND OUT!

Go Hard Magazine Vol.10 - Yung Berg

2008-08-25T17:12:00.000-07:00

He has a style that is undeniably fresh, surrounded by a crew that emulates HBO's Entourage quad. At 21 years old, this Chi-town native is quietly plotting his take over of the phenomenon we know as Hip Hop. Possessing a flow that sounds as classic as a Marvin Gaye tune, with charisma more contagious then the common cold, Yung Berg is the definition of what happens when skills and swagger are pooled into one powerhouse. Previously signed to DMX's Bloodline Records, Yung Berg got his first taste of the music business at the age of 15. Unfortunately Yung Berg..s bite of success left a bad taste in his parent's mouths, which lead to a mandatory relocation to military school in 2001. This move would prove to be a blessing in disguise; with no television or radio available, it forced the budding lyricist to develop and hone a style all his own, free of the influences of the wave of hip hop that was popular at the time. Yung Berg decided to take a different road to stardom upon his return in 2003. Berg refocused his energy and decided that learning the "behind the scenes" aspect of the business was going to propel his career to the next level. So in 2005 he signed on as a hype man for Disturbing The Peace's first lady of rap, Shawnna. The entrepreneur in Berg was cultivated during this time. Embodying every quality of a true leader, Berg launched his own entertainment venture - the Yung Boss imprint - currently comprised of a roster of equally talented producers and emcees. "We're setting the standard for what's acceptable,"says Berg. Every other young dude was put on; we're putting ourselves on." Now a little older and a lot wiser, Yung Berg is signed to Epic Records, gearing up to release his debut album, Look What You Made Me. The record boasts a wide variety of material ranging from specially crafted songs for the ladies to street anthems made to resonate in anyone's hood. Look What You Made Me is Yung Berg's story in his own words and is poised to be one of the best new releases of 2007. Having snagged writing credits on albums for some of hip hop's elite including Shawnna and Eve and dropping verses on mixtapes for the likes of Clinton Sparks, Young Berg is guaranteed to bring that same spark and energy to his own project. With a solid music foundation, a powerhouse creative machine and an increasingly growing fan base, Yung Berg is well on his way to becoming the voice of hip hop's next generation.

Yung Berg feat. Casha - The Business
Music Video Codes at http://www.blastro.com/

Go Hard Magazine Vol.9 - BUMP J.

2008-08-25T13:39:00.000-07:00

After years of not getting the props it truly deserves Chicago’s hip-hop scene is enjoying enormous success. The windy city has produced yet another MC that will definitely have an impact on the game. In less than one year Bump J and his crew THE GOON SQUAD have managed to take over the streets of Chicago in a way not seen since the late Al Capone. The Goon Squad includes members Sly Polaroid, Point, Brainz Hustla and China Man.
With the help of his team Bump is set to leave his mark on the game before he is done. Bump did not always have aspirations of being in the rap game but people around him always told him he should take it more seriously. Although Bump realized he had the gift for quite some time he did not take things seriously until November 18th 2001. That day was a pivotal point in his life, which turned things around for him. It was the day his brother was gunned down and it was at that point that Bump decided to try and do something with his gift. In 2003 Chicago producer Xtreme Beats discovered Bump. Through that relationship manager Phil Edwards (Kanye West’s former manager) and industry executive Free Maiden came together with the hopes of taking Bump to the next level. Signed to Free’s production company Free 4 All, Bump J and his Goon Squad crew began appearing on mix tapes regularly and started to build a formidable following on the streets. Soon the hometown stations started to support Bump and his mix tape classics. All three hip-hop supporting stations in the market began showing Bump love. WGCI, WPWX & B96 have been major supporters. Both WGCI and WPWX have a Bump J hour in which DJ’s Vaughn Woods & Pharris Thomas blast off on the latest Bump J street classics. Bump has also been featured on mix tapes outside of his region, most notably on reigning mixtape DJ of the Year DJ Whoo Kid from New York. Whoo Kid has also supported Bump on his mixes on New York’s Hot 97.
After a fierce bidding war amongst several labels Bump J has decided to call Atlantic Records his home. He is currently hard at work on his debut album with the likes of Kanye West, Trackboyz and a host of other beat makers. Look for his album to drop in the first half of 2005.

Go Hard Magazine Vol.8 - L.E.P.

2008-08-25T12:41:00.000-07:00

Infared music would like to thank all of it's fans for continously supporting the L.E.P and Bogus Boys movement throughout the years. It is unfortunate that we must announce a recent loss to our family. As some of you may know, Lil Larro was shot and killed last week in Chicago, the details are yet to be identified, we will try to keep you all updated. Count, Larro's half brother, the other half of L.E.P. would like everyone to know that he is putting the whole Chi town on his back and continuing the L.E.P. movement and he is asking that everyone Please call up your local radio stations and support that song' Get it Like we Do' featuring Young Dro. Larro will not be forgotten, he will always live on overlooking the L.E.P. family from above. Infared Music would like to wish its hopes and prayers with Larro's family and freinds on thier loss of an extrordinarily talented individual. Larro was a leader and a good man, we shall always carry his torch as we ride off into the sunset. RIP Lil Larro. If you knew Larro and have anything worthy to say about him, or even if you want to wish his family well, please leave a comment. Thanks again for all your support, we will keep L.E.P alive!!! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS RELEASE: LOW END PROFESSIONALS SIGNED TO SONY BMG Low End Professionals also known as L.E.P. is the newest act signed to Infared Music/Sony BMG. Hailing from Chicago, L.E.P. has shown that gangbang music doesn’t always mean you promote violence. They do, however, maintain consistency in communicating through their lyrics that they are from the streets and have lived through the tough crime life which occurs in Chicago’s housing projects. L.E.P. exemplifies the fact that all regions of America have had their chance to shine; now it’s Chicago’s turn to make their mark in Hip Hop. The Low End Professionals consist of two talented emcees; Count and Larro. Larro is the street hustler with an intense and menacing swagger, while Count is the muscle and acts as the stick up man behind the duo. The streets consider them as the quintessence of what the hood represents in Chicago. L.E.P. has been included in various publications, which is understandable since they’ve been signed by a major music powerhouse. You can see them on Straight Hood, State to the Lake and Hood to Hood DVD magazines. L.E.P. has also had the opportunity to perform with acts like E-40, Young Drop and Rick Ross- which lead them to their contract with Infared Music Label at the end of 2005 with Sony BMG. “L.E.P. got this deal because of the originality they possess as individual artists as well as a group. The sound they have is very unique to their region and musically tasteful”, says Infared Music’s Eric Jones. Anton Marchond, L.E.P.’s A*R at Song BMG states that “they voiced the life and struggle of Chicago’s darker side, and when I saw their grind and dedication to their music I had to sign them”. L.E.P.’s debut album is currently in the works and the release date is slated to drop the first quarter in 2007. You can expect features from industry heavy hitters like Rick Ross, Bun B, Young Dro, Twista and Fabolous. The also have an all-star production roster handling the hit making process like Kanye West, Nottz, tha Heatmakerz, Hi-tek and other trailblazers. L.E.P. is set up for success and has shown that they deserve to be here. They are sure to take the Windy City and the entire world by storm!

Go Hard Magazine Vol.6 Chi Blizz

2008-08-24T16:25:00.001-07:00

Sean P-Diddy Combs said that if you make it in New York, you can make it anywhere. Ray Charles said that California is a place where a person could go and spread his wings. Somewhere in between these two states lays the heart of hustlers and the home of CHI-BLIZZ. Born Bruce Johnson, CHI-BLIZZ was raised on the south side of Chicago, in the infamous neighborhood of Englewood, seeing some of the worst that the south side has to offer and also some of the best. CHI-BLIZZ was always surrounded by music, growing up in a household where it seemed music was the only escape from the day to day violence and turmoil that life came with. CHI-BLIZZ starting rapping at the age of 13, but it wasnt until the age of 19 that CHI-BLIZZ knew that this was his calling.
As many rappers, CHI-BLIZZ, embodied the spirit of a street hustler, doing what he had to do to make ends meet and make the money he needed to start his rap career. However, he has always felt the tug of the love for his music. In 2001, CHI-BLIZZ sought out an opportunity to work for a local radio station that would be later known as POWER 92. Here CHI-BLIZZ would use his hard work ethics and excel from a board operator to being one of the top rated weekend personalities in the Chicago and Northwest Indiana area! Being put in this position, has learned from the best in both radio and in music. Because of this determination, CHI-BLIZZ has built an undeniable strong fan base, allowing him to gain the hearts of his listeners and the respect of the Chicago artists.
In 2004, CHI-BLIZZ teamed up with manager Maurice L. Dortch and producer Lenny Hooks to create Go-Town Entertainment Group, an entertainment company that promises to take the Chicago entertainment industry to the status of New York and California. In the same year, CHI-BLIZZ began working on what some have called a creative masterpiece, THE CHICAGO WAY, housing some impressive production courtesy of Chicagos hottest producers including SC (produced for The Game, Mobb Deep) and Vudu (produced for Ludacris, Chingy, Feva). Guest appearance include Chicagos hottest up and coming recording artist including Virgin Record Recording Artist, Mikkey, Spree Is Real, WGCI's Teefa, formally of Infamous Syndicate, and legendary Chicago crooner Johnny P.
This year, 2006, CHI-BLIZZ has stepped his game up working with new producers and old ones, putting more of his heart and soul in his music.
In an industry that seems to be polluted, CHI-BLIZZ is a breathe of fresh air for the rap game and is clearly on the road to being one of Chicagos legends. It finally looks like Chicago has a new back to rest on!

Go Hard Magazine Vol.7 - Marvo

2008-08-24T13:06:00.000-07:00

About Marvo ™/Supreme Money Makers, LLC ®

In many ways, MARVO aka MARVELOUS is the ideal Hip-Hop/Rap Male Solo Artist, loved by the Mid-West, the Dirty South, the East and the West Coasts. This 20-year-old rap phenomenon’s undeniable style, confident swagger and realism, epitomize the streets of Chicago. It is rare for a hardcore rapper to transcend the line between Hip-Hop and Rap, winning respect from hustlers and backpackers alike. There is substance behind his style, which is why he is loved by the streets, as well as the critics. His music explores the paradox of good and evil. Whether proclaiming himself “MARVO,” “MARVELOUS,” “VO” or “M-ELEVEN” (for his rapid fire flow!), his rhymes celebrate surviving the street life, the risks of hustling for cash, inevitable violent encounters, the temptation to deal drugs, mandatory boasting, the frustrations of struggling everyday just to survive, but still manages to convey his beliefs and values. He provides an introspective approach to the over-exploited “gangsta” theme, explaining the hood, instead of just exploiting it.
He overcame considerable obstacles during his extremely dramatic life, before exploding on to the scene with masterful delivery, unmatched lyricism and street savvy! Born, Ralph Metcalf, son of an ex-drug-dealer and raised by his young single black mother and her well known gangster “live-in” boyfriend, MARVO was unable to resist the lure of fast money, so he traded classrooms for the rough streets of Harvey World, an extension of the Wild 100’s area of Chicago. He spent most of his days soaking up the street ideology, stories and the life lessons of the drug dealers, killers and high-ranking members of organized crime characterized in his rhymes. One hot summer night an event occurred that would change MARVO’s life forever. After just barely escaping the bullets of a rival gang, still full of adrenaline, MARVO was accidentally shot by a member of his own crew. Less than a year later, MARVO awoke one morning to an empty house. His mother, his siblings, the furniture and all their belonging were gone. Like an eagle drops it’s young from the nest to either fly or perish, his mother packed up and moved while he slept, abandoning him and leaving a teenage MARVO to fend for his self. Shortly thereafter, MARVO’s star potential began to steer him away from the hood and into the studio.
MARVO has a very big buzz in Chicago right now! Shawnna's -"Damn" (Remix) featuring MARVO and 12 other exclusives and original songs have been in heavy rotation on WPWX Power 92 and 107.5 WGCI mix shows in Chicago for over a year now! He is getting major spins on XM Radio 66 RAW “Shine.” MARVO was featured on the 2007 VIBE/BET Hoops & Hip-Hop Tour (10 cities) with Fabolous, Lloyd, Monica & Cheri Dennis.
MARVO has teamed up with Multi-Platinum producer Buckwild (50 Cent, Jay-Z, Notorious B.I.G, The Game, etc.), Platinum producer Jamahl Rashid (Jay-Z, Diddy, Missy Elliott, Monica, etc.), SC (Game, Diddy, Mobb Deep) Herb Brasko (P.Diddy, Young Dro), Mush Millions (Terror Squad) and Kosine (Kanye West) to work on his debut album.
Although he experimented with street hustling and gang life, MARVO has earned his respect and street credibility by developing the gift of storytelling, crafting his own style, delivering hard-hitting urban commentary with street savvy beyond his years. His gritty narratives and cinematic rhymes about the violent life of organized crime communicate the dark side of Chicago made famous by Al Capone, Sam Giancana, Jeff Fort and Larry Hoover. The untold story of America’s “Second City,” Chicago and the chronicles of a young man struggling to survive with his “Back Against The Wall.”

Go Hard Magazine Vol.4 - Young Tech

2008-08-24T12:24:00.000-07:00

Young Tech started rapping in the 6th grade. He wasn't real big about doing music but always loved music. A friend was talkin bout how he was a rapper and his name was D'Lo. He got him to freestyle for da first time and he wasn't that bad. Ova the years he started writing and listen to other styles and flows of rapping. From West Coast , East Coast, to the Dirty South and Da Midwest. The more creative you are the more the ppl like you. Lil'Wanye is a big inspiration in his life. The way Wanye raps always encouaged him to rap. And now rappers are getting younger and younger. In 8th grade he was still doing music but he started making beats, writing for singers and rappers. While doing so he joined his first group. The group was called The Untouchables which consist of Young Thrillz, Young T.I.P., Young Tyi Light and his self(Young Tech). The three of them was commited making a mixtape but one of them just couldn't deal wit time frames. So his freshman year they changed the names 2 Blackout Boyz (Young Thrillz,Young Twi Light, and him Young Tech). They first started recording at Cisco's music room in Flossmor. With Eirk Hammon,and other producers always said they seen a great talent in him while he was younger. Blackout Boyz didn't last long either they made one mixtape and neva finshed their cd. In 2005 he went solo like the rest of the group and started workin more wit producers like Wysh Masters ,K9 , and more. Over the time period he got a manger and got signed to Krown Jewel Ent. He worked on his album and mixtape at the same time. His mixtape: Tekken would be the first mixtape he worked on solo. He did a muisc video before A Chris Brown concert at the Joe River Center. In the summer of 06 he went 2 Cali, for bizzness and hosted a T.V. show for Chicago Time T.V.. They sent him to the red carpet for Waist Deep on behalf of his cuzin, Jabari Ali. Then he did the after party for Bull Russell Simmon at The Forbidden Dragon. At the red carpet and in LA he meet The Game, T.I., Garilla Black, Black Tye, Brandy, Ray Jay , Megan Good, and many more. So now he workin on finshing his mixtape (Welcome to Conflication) and workin on a few current projects with other artist from Chicago.

Go Hard Magazine Vol.5 : Mello Tha Guddaman

2008-08-24T11:43:00.000-07:00

I'M MELLO THA GUDDAMANN...GUTTA MOB'S BOSS AND WE GUTTA MOB CRAZY(GMC) ROUND HERE..WHO SUCK COCK CAN NOW BE DOWNLOADED FROM TWISTA BLOG, SO DOWNLOAD IT AND COMMENT WHAT U THINK.OTHER MUSIC ON MY MUSIC BOX CAN BE DOWNLOADED FROM THA GUTTA MOB'S PAGE, WHICH IS ON MY TOP AS "GMC/GMG PRESENTS: MELLO THA GUDDAMANN" U CANNOT DOWNLOAD MUSIC FROM THA BOX ON MY PAGE...2 ALL THA HATERS I LOOOOVE YA'LL STAY ON YA JOB..NIGGAS OUT HERE MOUTHIN OFF BUT WHEN WE SEE'EM IT'S A WHOLE NOTHER BALL GAME..BUT THAT'S ANOTHA STORY..BAK 2 BIZNESS...I'M GUTTA MOB CRAZY/BOSS...GET MONEY GANG(GMG) IS THA LABEL SO SUPPORT THA MOVEMENT.WE GETTIN MONEY NIGGA..KNOW DAT UGGGHHHH!! FEEL FREE 2 DO WHATEVER U WANT ON MY PAGE..COMMENT AND LISTEN 2 EVERYTHING AIGHT, I'LL BE SURE 2 RETURN THA LUV AND NOT THA HATE..KNOW DAT UGGGHHHH

Go Hard Magazine Vol.1 Voyce

2008-08-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

Artist Biography: In an era where rap music is no longer about lyrical rhymes or positivity, but rather the marketing behind music emerges an artist whose confidence, style, and lyrical ability is a true code to hip hop and its original roots. Voyce G.I. Go breaks into the scene determined to take hip hop music back to where it started. His distinctive voice and signature catchphrases are certain to leave listeners wanting more. Voyce G.I. Go, born Anthony Daniels on December 11, 1982 spent the first portion of his life growing up in Gary, Indiana. He was the only child born to his parents before losing his father to a tragic work accident at the age of 3. Though he was an only child, Voyce never felt alone as he was quickly taken in and mentored by older cousins who introduced him to hip hop and influences such as Nas, Wu-Tang, 2-Pac, Common, Twista, Snoop Doggy Dog, Outkast, Eight ball and MJG, Jay-Z, and Biggie Smalls to name a few. In the early 1990’s, Voyce and his mother relocated to a Chicago suburb where he completed elementary and high school education. Although new in town, it was short time before he established himself as the little guy with the huge voice. Hip hop music remained one of his passions throughout his live; however it was until his junior year of high school before he started to put pen to paper musically speaking. During fall 2001 Voyce entered the University of Illinois where he quickly made a name for himself musically earning the respect and admiration of those on campus. Throughout his collegiate career Voyce decided to put aside many dreams of others which he had so adamantly worked towards and began pursuing those of his own. Needless to say he has not looked back since. Over the years, Voyce has developed into a truly talented and diversified artist. He has worked closely with several groups including Chicago’ Lockout, The Netwerk, The Lineup, and Atlanta’s Hoodlum before establishing his own brand, Voyce Speaks O’penion or VSOP. Additionally, Voyce has performed opening acts in past concerts for artists T.I., Bump J, Ludacris, Twista, and the Ying Yang Twins. He has recorded over 300 quality original solo songs to date, not to mention more than 150 other collaborative songs and tons of mix tape material. Those that have worked with Voyce can testify to his undying passion and dedication for his music. Worth mentioning, Voyce did go on to complete his bachelors degree, graduating from the University of Illinois in the spring of 2005 making him a pioneer in his own right and proving it can be done. He is no doubt a welcomed addition to the world of true hip hop and one can only be optimistic of what is to come from this artist.