HipHop Geek

Kanye West, Adele, Chris Brown, and More Winners of 54th Grammy Awards

2012-02-13T08:38:00.000-08:00

The 54th Annual Grammy Awards took place last night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA.
Big winners like Adele, Foo Fighters, and Kanye West took home multiple Awards. In case you missed the show, check out the artists who took home Grammys in major categories.
Winners
Album of the Year – Adele, 21
Record of the Year – Adele, “Rolling in the Deep”
Song of the Year – Adele, “Rolling in the Deep”
Best New Artist – Bon Iver
Best Pop Solo Performance – Adele, “Someone Like You”
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance – Tony Bennett & Amy Winehouse, “Body and Soul”
Best Pop Instrumental Album – Booker T. Jones, The Road From Memphis
Best Pop Vocal Album – Adele, 21
Best Dance Recording – Skrillex, “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites”
Best Dance/Electronica Album – Skrillex, Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album – Tony Bennett & Various Artists, Duets II
Best Rock Performance – Foo Fighters, “Walk”
Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance – Foo Fighters, “White Limo”
Best Rock Song – Foo Fighters, “Walk”
Best Rock Album – Foo Fighters, Wasting Light
Best Alternative Music Album – Bon Iver, Bon Iver
Best R&B Performance – Corinne Bailey Rae, “In This Love”
Best Traditional R&B Performance – Cee Lo Green & Melanie Fiona, “Fool For You”
Best R&B Song – “Fool For You” (Performed by Cee Lo Green & Melanie Fiona)
Best R&B Album – Chris Brown, F.A.M.E.
Best Rap Performance – Kanye West & Jay-Z, “Otis”
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration – Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi & Fergie, “All Of The Lights”
Best Rap Song – “All Of The Lights” (Performed by Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi & Fergie)
Best Rap Album – Kanye West, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Best Country Solo Performance – Taylor Swift, “Mean”
Best Country Duo/Group Performance – The Civil Wars, “Barton Hollow”
Best Country Song – Taylor Swift, “Mean”
Best Country Album – Lady Antebellum, Own The Night
Best Spoken Word Album – Betty White, If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won’t)
Best Comedy Album – Louis C.K., Hilarious
Best Musical Theater Album – The Book of Mormon
Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media – Boardwalk Empire: Volume 1
Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media – Alexandre Desplat, The King’s Speech
Best Song Written For Visual Media – Tangled, “I See The Light”
Best Historical Album – Paul McCartney, Band On The Run
Best Short Form Music Video – Adele, “Rolling in the Deep”
Best Long Form Music Video – Foo Fighters, Foo Fighters: Back And Forth

Hip-Hop Rumors: Lil’ Wayne Disses The Throne!

2012-02-13T08:31:00.000-08:00

Last night at the YMCMB pre-Grammy party in L.A., Lil’ Wayne took another swipe at Jay-Z. While addressing the crowd and showcasing his new sales plaque, as well as asking for a moment of silence for Whitney Houston, Lil’ Wayne rapped a line where he throws shade at The Throne.
Check out the 3:46 mark in the video below where Lil Wayne raps:
“I met a bad red bone/ I took the bitch home/ I asked her what she want to watch/ She said surely not, The Throne.”

Hip-Hop Rumors: Rihanna and Chris Brown Recording a Duet Together?

2012-02-13T08:26:00.000-08:00

Rihanna and Chris Brown were seen entering the same West Hollywood recording studio late last week. The two did not arrive together, but rumor has it that they were inside recording a duet! The song is reportedly about friendship and forgiveness, and Rihanna will reportedly release it later on this year.

What those two went through was really sad and unfortunate, but if they can forgive each other and get past it, I think we all should as well. Perhaps they should donate the proceeds to domestic violence awareness. I think that would minimize the scrutiny they will receive once it’s released. Do you think the duet is a bad idea?

Hip-Hop Rumors: Is Gucci Mane Signing Gorilla Zoe and Yung Joc?

2012-02-13T08:20:00.000-08:00

We’ve been hearing rumors that Gucci Mane has been looking to expand his 1017 Brick Squad Records, Inc. label with the additions of Yung Joc and Gorilla Zoe. Gucci recently sat down for an interview with HOT 107.9 in Atlanta and didn’t fully confirm the rumor, but he didn’t deny it either.
Check out the interview below. Do you think Yung Joc and Gorilla Zoe would be a good addition to Gucci’s label?

Gettin' It! 2 Chainz 11 Best Verses in Recent History

2012-02-04T04:21:00.000-08:00

Rick Ross feat. 2 Chainz & Wale “Fuck Em”

Off Ross’ mixtape Rich Forever, Ross nabs one of his MMG stars and 2 Chainz for the lone track that name drops Timothy Tebow. 2 Chainz offers punchline after punchline of expensive tastes and luxury jewels. 2 Chainz still reps his street beginnings, despite all this talk of wealth.
Hottest line: “Two forks, two pots, I could whip it both-handed/ My girl is bow-legged, just do it like Bo Jackson"

B.o.B. feat. 2 Chainz “Perfect Symmetry”

Epic is the word when you pair this unlikely duo. From EPIC: Every Play Is Crucial, “Perfect Symmetry” is 2 Chainz’s most lyrical effort. Out of all the standout lines, he concludes with a reminder of why two of everything is never a bad thing.
Hottest Line: "Still got 2 more garage spaces, Louies on I unlaced it/Every verse I'm going crazy, every girl it's going crazy/2 guns, 2 chains, 2 rings, 2 bracelets."

Young Jeezy feat. 2 Chainz “Supafreak”

The long-awaited TM103: Hustlerz Ambition ended up being a hustler’s handbook to Jeezy’s former past. What really added color to his narratives about drug trades was Jeezy getting fire verses from hip-hop’s luminaries. Fabolous, Andre 3000 and Jay-Z all made appearances, but its 2 Chainz who shines on “Supafreak.” A banger for Hotlanta women, 2 Chainz’s feature compliments Jeezy’s raps with some kinky lines that can’t go unnoticed.
Hottest line: "Rick James, super freak/She got that wet-wet: now that's a superleak"

Red Café feat. Diddy, French Montana & 2 Chainz “Let It Go” Remix

The remix to “Let It Go” landed on Red Café’s Hell’s Kitchen. Not only does this track have the Bad Boy mogul and his latest signee French Montana sharing baller status rhymes, it also has 2 Chainz’ bullet list of his gangster lifestyle. His verse is business as usual: drug dealing out the apartment, good greenery imported from afar, and keeps it so real that you’ll “catch a contact.”
Hottest line: "Slumber party in the apartment, I should win a drug dealer contest"

2 Chainz feat. Bun B & Big K.R.I.T. “Pimps”

This light, jazzy song brings together Bun B and Big K.R.I.T. and sounds reminiscent of the Naked Soul of Sweet Jones. 2 Chainz is both smooth and ridiculous, as he opens his verse about reppin’ the A and growing up on UGK classics. 2 Chainz’ attitude toward woman is all about getting those bragging rights. Only he can compare his groupies to a very large basketball team. Hottest line: “Came up off Ball and G, grown up off Bun and C/Got me a Chevy swapped feet twice the same week”

DJ Drama feat. Trey Songz, Big Sean and 2 Chainz “Oh My” (Remix)

This mega remix to DJ Drama’s “Oh My” features club all-stars Trey Songz, Big Sean and 2 Chainz. In keeping with the title track, this is strictly for the ladies. Perhaps the best part of all the verses is not the talks about bodacious figures, but 2 Chainz’s self-branded upholstery. A new business move, perhaps?
Hottest line: "I be all up in the cut, like some Neosporin/ Tity two chains, I got my name on my upholstery"

Travis Porter feat. Young Jeezy & 2 Chainz “Make It Rain” (Remix)

The trio Travis Porter dropped an incredible remix to their catchy single with a line-up that can’t be ignored. Jeezy adds a pretty straightforward verse that references money and high fashion. 2 Chainz sticks to consistency as well, adding some of that ATL style only he can dish out. The collaboration from the Porter House adds to the collection of southern bangers that are ripe for DJ spins.
Hottest line: “Tell me what you know about this/Choppa make a n*gga doing flips”

2 Chainz feat. T.I. "Spend It (Remix)"

The three titans of the south (Drumma Boy, 2 Chainz and T.I.) couldn't of made a better contender for anthem of the year. “Spend It (Remix)” features one of T.I.’s verses fresh from incarceration, but the absence from the mixtape circuit doesn't slow the Kang down. Together, 2 Chainz and TIP show us how to spend it in style. This is easily 2 Chainz's breakout single, gearing us up for an ATL takeover alongside T.I.'s Trouble Man, Soulja Boy's Promise, and his anticipated debut all releasing in 2012. Ignorance is bliss.
Hottest line: "I am smoking on exotic, my girl ain't got no stomach/Every time we have sex she always ask me for a hundred"

Gucci Mane feat. 2 Chainz “Okay With Me”

ATL native Gucci Mane checks into the strip club and takes along fellow connoisseur 2 Chainz with him. “Okay With Me” is on Gucci’s upcoming Trap Back mixtape dropping on February 5. The Mike Will-produced track hits all bombastic notes, giving 2 Chainz the right hypnotic backdrop to list his favorite reasons to swoon pole dancers.
Hottest line: "Yeah, I’m from Atlanta, but my jewelry from Alaska!”

Ludacris feat. 2 Chainz “I Ain’t The One”

On 1.21 Gigawatts: Back To The First Time, Luda teams up with his former protege turned trap star. Using OJ Da Juiceman's "Time Clock" instrumental, "I Ain't The One" is a statement of intimidation for the haters. 2 Chainz doesn't need to further explain why he feels unstoppable at the moment. But the blunt repetition of having too many cellphones, girlfriends and minks is all the reasons you need.
Hottest line: “Mink cap, mink coat, I’m feeling like King Kong/I ain’t the one b*itch, this my theme song/throwing blunts back and forth like ping pong.”

Eminem’s Grammy-Winning Album “Recovery” Goes 4x Platinum

2012-02-04T04:07:00.000-08:00

2011′s Grammy Award-winning album by Eminem, Recovery, was officially certified 4x platinum yesterday (February 2).

Recovery exploded on the charts in June of 2010 when it sold over 750,000 copies in its first week.

The album, which was executive produced by Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Paul Rosenberg, contained a wide range of tracks that made their way across both Urban and Pop radio for most of 2010 and 2011 off of the sound and success of the hit singles “Not Afraid,” the Rihanna-assisted “Love The Way You Lie,” and “No Love” which featured Lil Wayne.

In 2011, Eminem released Hell: The Sequel, a collaborative album between himself and Royce Da 5’9″. The two went under the monikers of Bad and Evil for the album, playing off of their acclaimed song from Em’s 1999 album The Slim Shady LP, which featured Royce on the song “Bad Meets Evil,” for which the newly released album was named.

Eminem is currently helping to put some finishing touches on the upcoming Slaughterhouse album, which is scheduled for release this May, as well as his own currently untitled ninth studio album.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Drake is Being Sued by His Ex-Girlfriend Over Marvin’s Room!

2012-02-04T04:02:00.000-08:00

File this one under ‘when drunk dialing goes wrong!’ Ericka Lee, Drake’s alleged ex-girlfriend and muse behind his hit song “Marvin’s Room“, is suing the rapper over her vocals being used on the smash hit record. Erika is the inspiration for the record and is the voice heard on the voice mail monologues. She was credited as a “vocalist” on the song under “Syren Lyric Muse” but has never received any compensation for her work.

She is claiming that Drake acknowledged her contributions via text messages, which she has saved. Reportedly, they read “U basically made that song” and “It’s sh*t without you.” Big mistake, Drake!

Lee filed a lawsuit against the rapper on July 11, claiming, “My works and voice are used on this work.” About six weeks later, Drake’s label, Cash Money Records made its own claim, saying that the song authored was an “employer for hire.” According to the complaint, Drake later sent a text message to Lee that offered her two percent of “publishing royalties.”

By November, Ericka claims that Drake agreed to meet up with her in Los Angeles to discuss, but when he didn’t keep his word, she hired a lawyer. When Drake found out, he allegedly spazzed out and started making threatening phone calls.

“What the f–k is your problem?” he said to her, according to the complaint, then offering her “4-5%” of publishing monies plus a $50,000 payout to go away.”

Lee is demanding that a judge declare her as co-writer of the song. She’s also seeking damages and disgorgement of profits on allegations of breach of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment. Lee is represented by Neville Johnson, who previously filed a lawsuit against Drake on behalf of a Playboy Enterprises for sampling an unauthorized sound recording it owned on “Best I Ever Had.”

It looks like Ms. Lee has a good lawsuit on her hands. Drake should have just paid her upfront. Now it looks like it’s going to cost him a lot more money. Crazy how the same lawyer who successfully sued Drake before is back at it. Hey, you know what they say, “Mo’ money Mo’ problems!”

TNT on lebrons hairline.

2012-02-04T03:52:00.000-08:00

Lil Wayne: 'I'm Not Bothered By Low Sales Of Drake's 'Take Care' Album'

2011-11-22T11:31:00.000-08:00

Drizzy has received mixed reviews for his second studio album, with critics slamming him for being too emotional on the LP. Now, the rapper's Young Money boss Weezy has stepped in to publicly defend Drizzy's poor album sales, saying they are not important.

"As far as expectations, we don't have those around here," Weezy told MTV News. "Expectations are a weakness in the music business because if you expect anything, 10 times out of 10 its not gonna happen, so we don't have expectations around here."

"What we do expect is... to work very hard and we expect people to respect our hard work and our effort. Now as far as going to buy the album, as far as going to get 750,000 copies, that's never a problem with us; that's never important to us."

Drizzy will be waiting to see if Take Care can top the US Billboard charts on Wednesday.

Can he do it? Should he and Wayne be worried by the low album sales predictions?

Hip-Hop Rumors: Diddy Dating Cameron Diaz!?!

2011-11-20T00:32:00.000-08:00

DIDDY AND…CAMERON DIAZ?

I know Diddy has a thing for the Latinas, but Cameron Diaz? US Weekly is reporting just that…a “new couple alert.” Man, this is definitely weird to me. The paper/mag is saying these guys are basically friends with benefits and they have been booty calling since 2008. They first met at the Oscars. Here is what US’s sources are saying:

“Since then, when she’s single, she’ll booty call him.”

At a restaurant in NYC, the pair were “inseparable – they had their hands all over each other.” They were also seen with each other at some event out there in Beverly Hills.

I have to wonder what Cassie thinks of this? Anyway, There’s not much more to be said. They are calling Diddy a “rebound” from A-Rod. She needed A new Rod. PAUSE!

Hip-Hop Rumors: Chris Brown’s Got A Sextape and MORE Twitter Temper!?!

2011-11-19T01:53:00.000-08:00

Breezy Gets Down on $50,000 Sex Tape with a “Basketball Wife”?!
MTO is reporting that there is a mystery person trying to shop a sex tape featuring Chris Brown and Draya Michele of “Basketball Wives” fame (if you even want to call it that). The seller is looking for around $50,000 as payment for the tape. MTO also has stated that they’ve seen the much talked about footage and decided to pass on purchasing it due to the seller’s asking price. Breezy’s team is denying all reports and told TMZ very adamantly, “The report is absolutely not true.” … Stay tuned for more…
This rumor comes on the heels of Brown’s explosive Twitter tirade yesterday: “Don’t say sh– to anybody and everyone feels its cool to attack me. GROWN ADULTS!!!! That sh– happened three years ago,” tweeted a frustrated Breezy. TWITTER GETS WACK REAL FAST! I LOVE ALL THE PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT MY MUSIC! i never said i was a LEGEND. people please grow up. Ive never dealt with so much negativity in my life! its to the point now that its just ridiculous! IM NOT A POLITICIAN! MY MUSIC DOESNT PROMOTE VIOLENCE nor will it ever! only thing it will increase is the pregnacy rate! I wake up thinking of living my life….. YOU wake up thinking of me! NOW I REALLY CANT WAIT FOR THE AMA’s! u dont have to respect me now… but u will. I know a lot of you wack ass (OLD) celebrities probably wanna f— my ex, but talking sh-t on me wont get you far! and to be REALLY HONEST, ya’ll wonder why ni— spazzes all the time?
It sounds like dude just needs a vacation or some time away from the outlets that instantly spread his word to millions of people across the world (cough Twitter cough). On the other side of things, tell the people how you really feel, Chris!

Eminem and Yelawolf Cover VIBE's Year End Issue

2011-11-19T01:39:00.000-08:00

Though Eminem and Yelawolf grew up on different sides of the country, the adversity they've overcome is their common bond. It took some close friends to push Marshall onto the music of Alabama's backwoods b-boy, but after one listen it became clear to him Yelawolf was destined for Shady. Now aligned on the same team at Em’s revamped Shady 2.0, Yela's debut LP, Radioactive, rests in their hands.

Crooked I Announces Digital EP Set For December

2011-11-17T09:45:00.000-08:00

Shady Records signee and Slaughterhouse member, Crooked I, announced his next project this week -- a forthcoming digital EP, titled In None We Trust - The Prelude.
The new project, dropping in December, will feature guest appearances from the likes of Jay Rock, Glasses Malone, Mistah FAB, and his Horseshoe Gang collective.
The EP will be released online via COB Music Group in a partnership with Empire Distribution.
In None We Trust - The Prelude will drop December 13th.
Further details regarding the EP were unknown at press time.

Is Ludacris Ready for War With Big Sean and Drake?

2011-11-17T09:31:00.000-08:00

On Ludacris newly released 1.21 Gigawatts mixtape, Atlanta rapper Ludacris raised some eyebrows with his track "“Bada Boom." It seems Luda isn’t holding back and throws some shade at a few rappers who he feels dissed him in interviews. Even though there were no names mentioned on the track, it sounds like Big Sean and Drake, who both has comments about Ludacris’ flow on “My Chick Bad," are being called out.

After Luda used the line “coming down the street like a parade Macy’s," Drake and Big Sean accused the Southern Hospitality rapper for abusing the“Supa Dupa” flow that they both have made popula. On “Badaboom,” Luda raps: “I'm the truth in this booth and you ni**** all h***/ Counterfeit rappers say I'm stealing their flows, but I can't steal what you never made up b****/ Y'all some duplicate rap cloning ni***/I manufacture you h*** put on your makeup b****."

Back in 2010 Drake gave an interview with AllHipHop on how certain "rappers" don't know how to use "Supa Dupa" flow correctly.

"I don't want to sound cocky, but the best way it's been used was on "Forever," those lines just all individually make so sense. They're all punchlines. Then a bunch of rappers started doing it and using the most terrible references in the world. I don t want to offend somebody. I hate that rappers picked that flow up. I wish they had left that for people that know how to use it. [They go like] ‘It's a parade! Macy's!'"

While MTV asked the Finally Famous rapper his thoughts on Luda's use of the Supa Dupa flow. He said: "Don't get it wrong I'm not trying to dis Ludacris or nothing. He's a great MC. But even though that that style that got so overused, there was a lot of people who did it great and there was a lot of people who didn't do it so great. People always ask me was you mad that people took that style from you. I'm like, ‘Nah, that went and shows me how far I can go as an artist.' I feel like I changed hip-hop. I haven't even dropped an album yet. So that goes to show me how powerful my mind is."

Do you think Luda was dissing Drizzy and Sean on Bada Boom

The 10 Smoothest Hip-Hop Executives in the Game

2011-11-17T09:23:00.000-08:00

Smoothest Hip Hop Execs 10

The Hip-Hop Executive: No I.D.

His Credentials: The superproducer has worked with everyone from Kanye West and Drake to Young Jeezy and Rihanna in recent years. He was recently named Vice President of Def Jam Recordings.

What Makes Him So Smooth: By all accounts, No I.D. doesn't have much experience as an executive. But, that seems to be alright. Def Jam thinks somuch of him as a producer that they tasked him with the job of running certain aspects of their label. No I.D. is no stranger to multi-tasking—he's been producing for dozens of artists at a time for years now—so we expect nothing but greatness for him moving forward. Just like all of the other hip-hop execs on this list, he's just that smooth.

Smoothest Hip Hop Execs 9

The Hip-Hop Executive: Todd Moscowitz

His Credentials: After serving in different executive capacities for Warner Music Group, Moscowitz was named the Co-President and CEO of WMG last year.

What Makes Him So Smooth: Although he has a wide range of artists on his label—everyone from Rick Ross to Waka Flocka to Cam'Ron reports to him—he has managed to keep track of all of their personalities and turn WMG into a really powerful record label over the course of the last few years. Case in point: He was instrumental in bringing Ross and his Maybach Music Group into the WMG fold in early 2011. You've gotta be smooth to do that!

Smoothest Hip Hop Execs 8

The Hip-Hop Executive: Lyor Cohen

His Credentials: After introducing the world to the Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Run-DMC, Nas, and countless others during his early years at Def Jam Recordings, Cohen jumped ship to Warner Music Group where he currently serves as North American Chairman and CEO of Recorded Music.

What Makes Him So Smooth: If you were starting a company tomorrow—no matter what kind of company it was—you'd want Mr. Cohen at the head of it. The guy exudes confidence and bravado without necessarily coming across as arrogant. That's an important trait in a leader and something that's made him so successful over the course of his career.

Smoothest Hip Hop Execs 7

The Hip-Hop Executive: Nick Cannon

His Credentials: Outside of doing music, acting, and hosting a daily radio show, he also serves as Chairman of TeenNick and heads up his own N'Credible Entertainment record label.

What Makes Him So Smooth: Why don't we ask Mariah Carey? (wink, wink!) Just kidding. He's smooth because he's managed to reinvent himself time and time again during his career. Not content with being known as "just a singer" or "just an actor," he's taken on a variety of different roles and he's now one of the hottest young execs in the game. Smooth, right?

Smoothest Hip Hop Execs 6

The Hip-Hop Executive: L.A. Reid

His Credentials: He currently serves as a judge for Simon Cowell's The X Factor, but he made a name for himself serving in executive positions for LaFace Records, Arista Records, and Def Jam Recordings.

What Makes Him So Smooth: Reid has signed some of the most important musical acts of the last 25 years and he's had no problem working his magic over and over and over again. From Mariah Carey and Kanye West to Rihanna and Justin Bieber, he's helped record labels sell millions upon millions of records over the years and he continues to show a great eye and ear for talent.

Smoothest Hip Hop Execs 5

The Hip-Hop Executive: Mike Kyser

His Credentials: A longtime exec who has worked alongside everyone from Jay-Z to Public Enemy to Warren G, he was named the first-ever President of Black Music for the Atlantic Records Group earlier this year.

What Makes Him So Smooth: Creating your own place in the world is smooth. And that's exactly what Kyser has done at Atlantic. He's done such a good job harvesting talent like T.I. and Trey Songz that the company entrusted him with a new title that he has more than earned through years of hard work.

Smoothest Hip Hop Execs 4

The Hip-Hop Executive: Steve Stoute

His Credentials: A former music executive at Interscope/Geffen/A&M Records, he founded the company Translation and currently serves as the CEO of it.

What Makes Him So Smooth: Want to know why Steve Stoute is smooth? Because he says so! Well, maybe those words have never came out of his mouth. But Stoute has done such a good job of showing the world that hip-hop can be used to sell just about anything, that he's subliminally told us all that he knows just how smooth he is—and he's not afraid to show it!

Smoothest Hip Hop Execs 3

The Hip-Hop Executive: Russell Simmons

His Credentials: The Def Jam Recordings co-founder has also founded a number of other companies, including Phat Farm, Rush Communications, Run Athletics, and Global Grind.

What Makes Him So Smooth: Even after more than 25 years in the game, Mr. Simmons still works harder than ever to get what he wants in life. That hard work is what has made him relevant for such a long time and what makes him the perfect candidate for the title "smooth."

Smoothest Hip Hop Execs 2

The Hip-Hop Executive: Kevin Liles

His Credentials: He served as the President at Def Jam Recordings in the late 1990s and early 2000s before becoming the Executive Vice President at Warner Music Group. He's currently pursuing a handful of different entrepreneurial endeavors.

What Makes Him So Smooth: At the height of Def Jam's popularity, Liles was the guy pressing the buttons and leading the show. In recent years, he revealed how he did it by writing a book and he's now setting his sights on establishing his own legacy. And nothing says "smooth" like refusing to rest on your laurels.

Smoothest Hip Hop Execs 1

The Hip-Hop Executive: Jay-Z

His Credentials: After discovering Roc-A-Fella Records in the late 1990s, he went on to serve as the President of Def Jam Recordings before eventually founding and helming his most recent venture, Roc Nation.

What Makes Him So Smooth: A better question: What isn't smooth about Jay-Z? From the clothes he wears to the songs he makes, Jay isn't just one of the smoothest executives in the game. He's one of the smoothest guys, period. And we dare you to say otherwise.

10 Things That Should Be on Drake's List of Dressing Room Demands

2011-11-17T08:47:00.000-08:00

In case you haven't noticed by now, Drake is a bona fide superstar. His first album, Thank Me Later, went platinum. His new album, Take Care, that just hit stores this week is bound to do the same. He's got a half-dozen singles that have hit the top of the Billboard charts. And, well, the guy is seeminglyeverywhere right now. From other artists' songs to stages across the country, Drizzy is doing it big these days.

So it should come as no surprise that Drake gets treated like a superstar everywhere he goes—even when he's simply going to his dressing room to get ready for a show. Late last week, a copy of Drake's dressing room rider(pictured above) made the rounds on the 'net. And, amongst the things Drakeneeds delivered to his dressing room every night? Chicken wings, a cheese tray, fresh fruit, sour gummy bears, large bottles of Hennessy, Grey Goose, and Patron, chapstick, electric fans, and—gulp—scented candles. Yeah, dude gets the superstar treatment.

But, after seeing the rider, we couldn't help wonder: Aren't there some other items you'd expect to see on Drake's list of dressing room demands? Like, with all of the emo content contained on his new album, wouldn't you expect scented candles to be just the start for Drake? We would. We love Drake and wish him nothing but the best. But, after hearing the sad substance contained on Take Care, we think that these 10 things should also be on his long list of dressing room demands. Because if he plans on performing some of the stuff on Take Care night in and night out, he's gonna need them

Busta Rhymes and Mystikal Sign to Cash Money Records

2011-11-17T08:44:00.000-08:00

Yesterday (Nov. 16), Hot97's Miss Info broke the news of Busta Rhymes and Mystikal signing to Cash Money Records. In celebration of the announcement Busta also premiered his new single, "Why Stop No," featuring Chris Brown.

Both MCs--who have spent time signed to major labels--plan to drop solo LPs in 2012. Busta's new album will be debuted exclusively through Google’s new venture, Google Music. E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event) 2: End Of The World will mark the rapper's 9th solo project.

Mystikal's last album, Tarantula, dropped in 2001. He was released from prison in January of 2010 after serving 6 years for sexual battery and extortion.

Listen to Busta's new single below.

New Music: Busta Rhymes Feat. Chris Brown - "Why Stop Now" (Co-written by Verse Simmonds)

Hip-Hop Rumors: Did Shaq Marry Hoopz Without A Prenup!?!

2011-11-17T08:27:00.000-08:00

Look what we spotted over at MediaTakeOut! Take it for what its worth!

MediaTakeOut.com just received some EARTH SHATTERING information. This weekend Shaquille O’Neal and his fiance Nikki “Hoopz” Alexander ELOPED.
A rock solid snitch told MediaTakeOut.com that the couple wed on a whim. The insider explained, “There was no planning or anything They just went and got married. [Shaq] didn’t talk to his accountants or lawyers . . . there’s no pre-nup.”
DAYUMMMMMM Hoopz you came up GIRRRRL!!! We can’t hate on you ONE BIT.
We told y’all that 2011 is the year of the HEAUX BE WINNING. All y’all women of LOOSE MORALS better step up your game. There’s less than TWO MONTHS left to 2011 . . . time is a wasting!!!

Let Shaq be happy!

5 Reasons Why Busta Signing To Cash Money Is Good

2011-11-17T08:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Busta Rhymes took control of the Internet conversation, as it was clear that he had signed to Cash Money. The revelation created a firestorm of discussion. Many people opposed the move, and others were all for seeing the New York Giant get down with the house that Baby, Slim, and Wayne built. I believe this is a great move for Busta Rhymes as long as he is able to remain “Busta Rhymes” as we know him along with the added the muscle of Cash Money. Here are the “5 Reasons Why Busta Signing To Cash Money Is Good.” Read it, then love it or hate it. Either or.

1) Access to the hottest talents in the game…for free. Up front, your hate or distaste for CMYM doesn’t matter. They have Nicki, Wayne, Drake, Baby, and a bunch of others. They are winning. Busta Rhymes has been a winner, but has seen a strain on his long career. Stop hating, and I mean hating. Those the balk at the signing said nothing when he was on Aftermath, under that umbrella. So, why care about this one? At least, he’ll get a release date and top-notch features.

2) Busta has done well with staying in the public eye. You have Jay-Z and a few other 90′s that are still playing in “the league,” but very few. This now gives him an opportunity to be re-introduced to the 14-year-olds that weren’t even alive when Busta killed “The Arsenio Hall Show” with A Tribe Called Quest. (Google that!)

3) Speaking of the youth, these days, they don’t get to enjoy the spoils of lyricism that some of us grew up with. Perhaps Busta Rhymes, with his CMYM pals, can help usher in a new appreciation for lyrics. Nobody, and I do mean nobody, is spitting like Busta on records like “Look At Me Now,” which was actually Chris Brown’s hit record.

4) Given the opportunity, you would sign to Cash Money, too. Don’t front.

5) Last, but not least, it’s just a good look for Busta Rhymes. Looking at the tweets, people act like this is the the mid-90s we’re talking about. The Flipmode Squad is gone. The Bushi clothing line is gone. Even the super expensive video budgets have dried up. But, Busta Rhymes is still here…and he’s an awesome lyricist. He’s a rapper that has done what only a few have done, and that’s stayed relevant in Hip-Hop for over 20 years. That’s right, Busta debuted with a group called Leaders of the New School in the late 80s/early 90s.

Some people plead that he’s a legend and shouldn’t be signing under another banner, especially one as commercially ubiquitous as Cash Money/Young Money. Busta is a grown man so why shouldn’t he – at this stage of his career – be making moves that further secure his family’s future? How many of you copped his last album in 2009? He’s never been a business man in the manner of a Jay-Z, so why pretend to be? He’s never once shown a penchant for the indie rapper life. So let Busta live. He’s an artist! He’s got the lyrics, he’s tenured in Hip-Hop and now he’s got the added industry clout to add nine more lives onto an already incredible career.

Long live Busta Rhymes.

What got Drizzy So Emotional on 'Take Care'

2011-11-11T00:05:00.000-08:00

Drizzy Drake is a true gentleman. Last night, when his sophomore album Take Care made an early arrival to listeners’ ears, Mr. “Headlines” gracefully urged his Twitter followers to take in his album at their will. With only 8 days before its official release date, Drake took the leak as a blessing. VIBE listened to Young Money’s latest project and in the process took note of the people, places, name drops and references made on the album. Read below for a breakdown of the references on Take Care.

Song: “Over My Dead Body”

References: “Don’t I got the shit people wanna hear again/ Don’t Michael Jordan still got his hoop earring in”

“My city love me like Mac Dre in the Bay/ The second album I’m back paving the way”

“Oh you wanna be a muthafuckin’ funny guy/Don’t make me break your Kevin Hart boy”

Song: “Shot For Me”

Reference: “It’s a shame you ain’t keep it/ Alicia, Kateya, I know you gonna hear this I’m the man”

Song: “Headlines”

Reference: “Soap opera rappers all these niggas sound like All My Children”

Song: “Marvin’s Room/Buried Alive (Interlude)”

Reference: Kendrick Lamar (Guest feature): “Bright lights and Rihanna has a lady friend” and “A Black Maybach, 40 pulled up, Jeep no doors, All that nigga was missin’ was Aaliyah”

Song: “Underground Kings”

Drake brings back Wayne’s hook on Baby’s “Neck of the Woods” and “Playaz Circle “Duffle Bag Boyz”

References: “Walkin like a man/Finger on the trigger got money in my pocket I'm a uptown Nigga”

“And If I don't do nothing I’m a ball/ I’m countin all day like a clock on the wall”

“Memphis Tennesse know, see I start to go deep back, in Ridgecrest with my see back with Yo Gotti and E-Mack”

Song: “We’ll Be Fine”

Reference: “Since I saw Aaliyah’s precious life go too soon/She deserve the credit for how I’m about to get it”

“Heard Nicki just bought a brand new crib/ Godamn man, She’s beauty and the beast”

Song: “Lord Knows”

Reference: “With my new bitch that’s living in Palm Springs

“But Weezy and Baby my only role models”

“I’m a descendent of either Marley or Hendrix”

Song: “Doing It Wrong”

Reference: Lil Wayne: (Guest Feature)Sometimes I Stevie Wonder about her” - Wayne

Song: “The Real Her” –

Reference: Andre 3000: "Sitting here sad as hell, listening to Adele, I feel you baby"

Song: Look What You’ve Done”

Reference: “It’s like 09 in your basement and I’m still in love with Nebbie”

“And tell me I’m just like my father, my one button you push me”

“And my father living in Memphis now he can’t come this way”

“Wayne called my phone/ conversation wasn’t that long”

Song: “Hell Yea Fuckin’ Right” -

Reference: “All my exes live in Texas like I’m George Strait or they go to Georgia State where tuition is handled my some random nigga that live in Atlanta”

Song: “Practice”

Drake rehashes Juvenile’s “Back That Azz Up” hook

Reference: "Girl, you looks good, won't you back that azz up/You'se a fine motherfucker, won't you back that azz up/ Call me Big Daddy when you back that azz up/ Girl, who is you playin wit? Back that azz up"

Amy Winehouse ft Nas - Like Smoke (Unreleased)

2011-11-03T07:01:00.000-07:00

(New Mixtape) Machine Gun Kelly Rage Page

2011-10-21T01:53:00.000-07:00

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD

Lupe Fiasco ft Ellie Goulding, Bassnectar - LightWork

2011-10-21T01:22:00.000-07:00

DRAKE RESPONDS TO JAY-Z and PUSHA T DISS

2011-10-15T03:37:00.000-07:00

Last night, Drake was on Funk Master Flex’s radio show and he did his fair share of responding to disses from Jay and Pusha-T. Obviously, Jay’s diss was towards Drake’s “brother” Lil Wayne. Anyway, he answered the questions pretty well, and Jay will still be his “mentor,”I bet. Scooped from MissInfo.tv.
Flex: Did you know that Wayne was going to go at Jay-Z on “It’s Good”…
Drake: I’m not gonna say that I didn’t hear the song before it went out….Wayne recently said I can never feel like I created a monster in Drake because I’m his boss….I’m a soldier for Wayne. I just did what I’m supposed to do, I delivered a verse. And he does with the song after that is completely up to him…
It’s silly to say that the initial jab wasn’t a jab, it’s silly to say that [Hov's] initial comment wasn’t completely directed at that situation….and Wayne is never afraid to step up to the plate, did what he did back and that’s what hip hop is about. I have the utmost respect for Jay, I’m not really involved in that situation. He’s been a great mentor in my career. And Wayne is a brother to me…
Flex: Miss Info had pointed it out that Pusha T’s did a freestyle that had some jabs. Did you take offense to it? Drake: Not really….I’ve never really had any interaction with Pusha T. So for him to diss me would be purely issues that he’s having with himself…We’ve met but we’ve always been cordial. I’m a fan of the Clipse, I say it in interviews….I’ve never really had an issue with him. But it’s a frustrating time for alot of people right now, I get it. So if it’s directed at me, just make it a little more direct next time. I’m up for whatever. I’m didn’t take offense…..

Rick Ross suffered another seizure!!!

2011-10-15T03:09:00.000-07:00

TMZ reports Rick Ross suffered another seizure.
Rick Ross' private jet made an emergency landing in Birmingham, Alabama, 2 hours ago, en route to his concert in Memphis ... and we found out he suffered another seizure.

It's the second time today where a plane in which the rapper was a passenger made an emergency landing. We broke the story ... Rick suffered a seizure this morning on a Delta flight that returned to the Ft. Lauderdale airport.

Rick went to the hospital, was released, and then took off at 5:07 PM ET from Ft. Lauderdale to make his concert tonight in Memphis. But at 5:44 PM CDT, the plane was diverted and landed in Birmingham after Rick had a seizure on board.

Rick is currently in a Birmingham hospital emergency room. We do not know his condition.

Before Rick took off from Ft. Lauderdale, he tweeted a video showing he was ok.
4:47 PM PST: We've just confirmed with the hospital that Rick is in STABLE condition.