THE REAL RAP GAME

New Video: Eminem – Space Bound

2011-06-25T00:22:00.001-04:00

@Eminem releases his long overdue video for Spacebound starring adult star Sasha Grey. Previously: Eminem & Royce Da 5’9′ – Fast Lane More here: New Video: Eminem – Space

White Girl Booty Shake

2011-02-08T15:18:00.002-05:00

Future - Dirty Sprite [TRRG MIXTAPES]

2011-02-07T18:53:00.000-05:00

Rocko - Rocko Dinero [TRRG MIXTAPES]

2011-02-07T18:49:00.000-05:00

Rick Ross - Ashes To Ashes [TRRG MIXTAPES]

2011-02-07T18:45:00.000-05:00

Juicy J & Lex Luger - Rubba Band Business

2011-02-07T18:16:00.000-05:00

The Game - Purp & Patron (2 Disc)

2011-02-07T18:04:00.000-05:00

Eminem Featured in $1M Claymation Super Bowl Ad

2011-02-07T17:26:00.000-05:00

While Christina Aguilera and the Black Eyed Peas took a hit with their musical performances during Super Bowl XLV, there was one performer who shined on the tube: Eminem.

The Detroit rapper appeared in two commercials during the weekend's big football game that saw the Green Bay Packers defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers for the national title. Both spots painted a tough guy image of the reclusive rapper. In the first clip, Em morphed into a claymated homie to plug Lipton Brisk Ice Teas and talked about why he doesn't do commercials. Ironically, during the second half of the game, Em appeared in another, more poetic spot for Chrysler. Check out Em's Super Bowl commercials below and after the jump.

Watch Eminem's Lipton Brisk Ice Tea Super Bowl Commercials

St. Louis Rapper Dutch Jackson Sues ESPN

2011-02-07T16:57:00.000-05:00

After using his song "I Am the Greatest," And1 and ESPN are being sued for allegedly using Dutch Jackson's song without permission.

Last Friday, St. Louis rapper Michael “Dutch” Jackson filed a 31-page complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District against ESPN, And1, Amazon.com and other companies. Jackson alleges the companies used his song, “I Am the Greatest,” for marketing purposes without his permission.

“Defendants and those acting by, through and under them have used the plaintiffs’ work to market and sell literally millions of dollars of products, without compensation to the plaintiff,” the complaint read.

Jackson stated that he wrote and recorded the song, but didn’t officially release it to the various companies who used the work without his permission. Jackson’s complaint seeks monetary damages, both compensatory and punitive, for “all sales, income and profit earned.” According to Jackson’s legal team, each company that used “I Am the Greatest” directly violated the Federal Copyright Act, Federal Lanham Act, and various state laws.

T-Pain Explains Leaking His "RevolveR" Album

2011-02-07T16:53:00.000-05:00

After joking that Drake was holding his album up, T-Pain says, "Nobody wants to respect this form of art," and begins leaking "RevolveR."

Monday afternoon, T-Pain leaked “Best Love Song,” the first of what may be many singles from his upcoming RevolveR album. Last week, T-Pain joked that Drake was holding up the release of the album, saying that the Drake collaboration would be the upcoming single.

But Sunday night, T-Pain took to his Twitter account and reversed course, calling out “leakers and hackers” and adding, “nobody wants to respect this form of art.”

Since nobody wants to respect this form of art that you all say we "love" so much, I'm just gonna go http://tl.gd/8li5gmabout 14 hours ago via TwitBirdT-Pain
NBTPAIN

“Since nobody wants to respect this form of art that you all say we ‘love’ so much, I'm just gonna go ahead and start leakin’ the album myself tonight. Well maybe I shouldn’t rant but everybody was lookin’ at me strange when I said I didn’t wanna drop my album, it’s not that album sales weren’t doin good for hip hop and rnb [sic], it just felt like no one respected “music” anymore. You know what, you guys enjoy the post game and I’ll find my own ways to take care of my family. Oh and bty the “I Am T-Pain” Toy Microphone is comin’ in June (google that). To all the hackers and leakers thanks for showin interest in my music but I feel like I've been taken advantage of when I’m just tryin’ to let ppl know what’s goin on with my music and then you audio highjack it for your own amusement I would have been happier if you would have just waited to get a better quality version of the song but it’s cool it’s pretty much my fault anyways, so for the most part y’all can suck a fart out of a homeless man’s ass. And to the fans, I know I talk a lot of shit but I’m a cool dude and I wanna say that without y’all and Tallahassee and Akon and Bu and the nappy headz and the team that I have now, I wouldn’t be half the guy I am today so thank you as well. Here we go again YASIMELIKE”

Since the release of 2008’s Thr33 Ringz, T-Pain released an animated musical with Cartoon Network and teamed up with Smule to release the “I Am T-Pain” smartphone application. In early January, T-Pain announced he was partnering with Jakks Pacific to release the “I Am T-Pain” microphone, which will be sold in Toys-R-Us and Best Buy for $39.99.

Birdman Tweets He "Cashed In A Milli" After Million-Dollar Super Bowl Bet

2011-02-07T16:49:00.000-05:00

UPDATE: If Baby's tweets are the truth, he made a million dollars off of Aaron Rodgers' arm last night.

Last week, Cash Money Records' superstar Lil Wayne released Green Bay Packers fight song "Green & Yellow" , a remixed version to Pittsburgh Steelers anthem "Black & Yellow" , made by the city's own Wiz Khalifa. In a new video interview, it appears that Cash Money's co-founder Bryan "Birdman" Williams (f/k/a Baby) agrees with his artist. Last week, Birdman appeared at Dallas, Texas' K104 FM station with DJ Khaled, and hinted that he's got a million dollars riding on tonight's Super Bowl XLV contest.
"If you listen to us, you'll feel us," said the former Big Tymers rapper. Continuously repeating the term "mill ticket," the executive-turned-rapper boasted that he and his associates live a life of grandeur. "A mill ticket, man, figure it out."
The official line on tonight's game has been reported to be 2 1/2 points, riding in Green Bay's favor.

Last year, Birdman made headlines for proclaiming publicly, his interest in purchasing a sports franchise. The Miami Dolphins' owner took umbrage with Birdman's statements.
Speaking of betting, Wayne also challenges Khalifa and Snoop Dogg, an avid Pittsburgh Steelers supporter, to a hair-cutting wager on ESPN on Friday. At present, neither rapper has accepted the offer.
(February 6)

UPDATE: After last night's Super Bowl victory by the Green Bay Packers, Birdman tweeted that he "just cashed in a milli," referring to earlier reports of a seven-figure bet. The rapper and executive has yet to expound on the statement.

LETS GO PAINT THE TOWN RED... JUST CASHED IN A MILLIless than a minute ago via webBIRDMAN
BIRDMAN5STAR

B.o.B Performs' 'Airplanes' on an Airplane

2011-02-07T16:44:00.000-05:00

On board a recent flight bound for Los Angeles, B.o.B treated passengers to an impromptu performance of his Grammy nominated hit 'Airplanes.'

After an official introduction from a Delta Airlines flight attendant -- who made mention of B.o.B's numerous Grammy nominations -- the Atlanta rapper took over the microphone to rap along to 'Airplanes,' which was queued on up a cell phone. B.o.B's in-flight performance comes three months after Kanye West pulled a similar stunt on a New York City-bound Delta flight, where he delivered snippets of his hits 'Gold Digger' and 'Good Life.'

Following the release of his debut album 'The Adventures of Bobby Ray' in May 2010, B.o.B has been nominated for five Grammy Awards including Record of the Year, Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and Best Rap Album. Watch B.o.B's in-flight performance after the jump.

Watch B.o.B Perform 'Airplanes' on an Airplane

Alicia Keys On Mommie Duty With Swizz Beatz Sons

2011-02-07T16:38:00.002-05:00

Tracklisting & Cover Art Revealed To Lupe Fiasco's "Lasers"

2011-02-07T02:28:00.000-05:00

UPDATE: XXLMag.com spoke to Lupe's camp, who will not confirm or deny this tracklist.

Today, the tracklisting to Lupe Fiasco's third solo album, Lasers, were revealed. The 1st & 15th/Atlantic Records release features longtime collaborator Sarah Green, along with top male R&B singers Trey Songz and John Legend. Earlier this week, "Words I Never Said" was released, featuring Skylar Grey, and produced by Alex da Kid.

The present tracklisting to Lasers is as follows:
01. Letting Go (Feat. Sarah Green)
02. Words I Never Said (Feat. Skylar Grey)
03. Till I Get There
04. I Don’t Wanna Care Right Now (Feat. MDMA)
05. Out Of My Head (Feat. Trey Songz)
06. The Show Goes On
07. Beautiful Lasers, (Two Ways) (Feat. MDMA)
08. Coming up (Feat. MDMA)
09. State Run Radio (Feat. Matt Mahaffey)
10. Break The Chain (Feat. Eric Turner & Sway)
11. All Black Everything
12. Never Forget You (Feat. John Legend)

UPDATE: XXLMag.com contacted unnamed Lupe Fiasco representatives, for verification of this list. They will not confirm it, but have yet to deny it. HipHopDX will keep you updated.

Snoop Dogg's Clothing Company Sues Knockoff Design Maker

2011-02-07T02:01:00.000-05:00

Snoop's Serious Pimp company takes action against someone selling oddly familiar sunglasses.

Snoop Dogg's clothing and sunglasses company Serious Pimp has filed a lawsuit against a man who has allegedly bitten the design of Snoop's OG Bandana sunglasses.
According to theboombox.com, the lawsuit claims that the company was solicited by Greg Stefanik, who stated he intended to manufacture and sell the OG Bandana sunglasses in 2007.
The deal never got any further than that, as Stefanik disappeared after he received the artwork for the sunglasses. It was discovered in 2009 that Stefanik had been selling knockoff OG Bandana sunglasses through Lowrider Magazine website.
In conjunction with entrepreneur Damian Kutzner and BIshop Don Magic Juan, Snoop founded Serious Pimp in 1999. "Serious Pimp is a high quality brand that markets high quality products worthy of the many celebrities who wear them. Our sunglasses have never been intended as a mass market product line and selling them at such low prices undermines the value of the products and our brand," said Kutzner in a statement. "The actions of this individual and his cohorts have diminished the value of our brand and negatively impacted our sales."
Stefanik has admitted selling the unauthorized merchandise, and ignored multiple cease-and-desist letters prior to the lawsuit's filing.

Snoop Dogg's Clothing Company Sues Knockoff Design Maker

2011-02-07T01:56:00.001-05:00

Diddy takes his acting skills to the small screen for a new Super Bowl ad.

As of late, Diddy has acted in film and broadway, but is now taking his talents back to commercials.
In typical Diddy fashion, however, only the largest stage for commercials would do: the Super Bowl.
The music artist and entrepreneur will star in a Mercedes-Benz Super Bowl ad, in which all the company's cars come alive to travel and acknowledge the latest and greatest models it has to offer.
Among the vehicles to come alive is Diddy's, who, understandably, goes chasing after his expensive investment.
Diddy isn't the only emcee set to make his mark during the Super Bowl ad campaigns, as Eminem will be getting in on the action himself with a Lipton Brisk ad.

Watch the ad below:

Will.i.am Directs Two Super Bowl Ads

2011-02-07T01:53:00.000-05:00

The Black Eyed Peas superproducer delves into directing.

Will.i.am's involvement with this year's Super Bowl will not be solely relegated to the halftime show with the Black Eyed Peas, as the hit-making producer will also direct two commercials for Chatter.com that will premier around the group's performance - adding him to the list of artists such as Eminem and Diddy who are also involved in the game's ad campaigns.
In an interview with AOL, will.i.am explained that, much of the time, the concepts for BEP's videos often come from him.
"When you say the word commercial, some groups don't get down with that. I don't mind being down with products, like launching iPhones and iTunes, that was awesome for us, 'Hey Mama' being in that commercial," he explains. "We've done a lot of things in that world, doing the NBA campaign during the playoffs, using 'Let's Get It Started,' that was fresh. So I learned a lot from agencies."
Will.i.am likened to the process to recording in the studio for the first time. "I feel like a kid again. I feel like I'm 18 years old and I want a record deal. I feel like it's my first time in the studio, creatively I feel alive, just like i did when I used to rap my first rhyme, when I made my first beat, or when I first learned how to go from writing raps to writing songs and choruses to the first time I wanted to go dance, when I just wanted to go battle people dancing in circles. I feel like that again and I haven't felt like this since I was 19."
Watch the behind-the-scenes footage of will.i,am directing below:

Yelawolf Explains Why He Refuses To Exploit Skateboarding In Hip Hop

2011-02-07T01:48:00.003-05:00

Shady Records' newest sensation breaks down why you saw him skating in the "I Wish" video, but you won't hear him make a song about his second love.

It widely known that Gasden, Alabama emcee Yelawolf is an avid skateboarder. In last year's video for the "I Wish (Remix)," the DXnext alum appeared alongside CyHi Da Prynce and Pill at a skate park, performing his hobby. However, those who heard Trunk Muzik and its retail version, Trunk Muzik 0-60 did not hear much content about the sport. In a new interview with Freddie B TV, Yela explained why he refuses to mix his passions.

Lil Wayne Pays Back $1.13 Million In Taxes

2011-02-07T01:47:00.000-05:00

Lil Wayne starts off 2011 on a positive note, making good on his tax debts.

The new year has started off well for Lil Wayne. Not only did the Green Bay Packers, the rapper's Super Bowl pick, secure a victory in last night's game, but the Young Money general has begun paying back his tax debt.
According to detnews.com, Wayne payed off a $1.13 million IRS tax lien.
The payment included taxes dating back to 2004, and included tax periods from 2005 and 2007.
As previously reported. the IRS filed a $1.1 million lien on Wayne in a Dade County, Florida court last June.
Other artists recently cited for failing to pay their taxes on time include Swizz Beatz, Xzibit, and Doug E. Fresh.

Wiz Khalifa Is Livin' the Good Life -- Video Interview

2011-02-03T18:52:00.002-05:00

With his hometown anthem 'Black and Yellow' powering the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Super Bowl and Kanye West's ex on his arm, Wiz Khalifa is having a banner year.

The smoked-out rapper, who was unsigned just a few short months ago, is currently riding a self-made wave into headlines, after inspiring a major label bidding war and a catfight between hip-hop honeys Amber Rose and Natalie Nunn. As he readies his Atlantic Records debut, 'Rolling Papers,' for a March 29 release, Khalifa is also prepping tracks for a weed-themed movie with Snoop Dogg.

We sat down with the 23-year-old phenom to discuss his rise to fame, hometown pride and how it feels to turn down both a recording contract from Rick Ross and the opportunity to open for Drake, in favor of headlining his own Waken Baken tour as he champions his Taylor Gang movement.

Lil' Kim is back to taking shots at Nicki Minaj

2011-02-03T18:48:00.002-05:00

Lil' Kim is back to taking shots at Nicki Minaj. After taking a few days off from her continuous tirade against the Young Money Barbie, Kim threw a few more jabs at Minaj during her guest spot on pop singer Angelica Salem's new song, 'Knockoff.'

Armed with a pretty heavy Auto-Tune overlay, the Queen Bee kicks the song off by addressing her beef, which is disguised in the song's premise. "That other chick's a knockoff, where you get that fake b----," Kim raps. "She's an imitation, Lil Kim's that real s---/ She's faker than a Louis bag fresh off of Canal Street/ I'm one of a kind, You will never find another me."

Although Kim's feature on the single is short and sweet, the messages she's been sending to Minaj for the last several months couldn't be clearer. The Brooklyn native has done just about everything to make sure the public knows that she is none too happy with what she sees as Minaj's "disrespect." Although Minaj has been less aggressive with her rebuttals, she has commented about the on-going battle in her music and during interviews.

Not to be out done by the success of Minaj's debut album 'Pink Friday,' Kim is set to release the mixtape 'Black Friday' on Feb. 14.

Nicki Minaj Outshines Kanye West in Album Sales

2011-02-03T18:46:00.001-05:00

After only 10 weeks on the charts, Nicki Minaj has passed Kanye West in total album sales.

Following her impressive appearance on 'Saturday Night Live' last week, the Young Money rapper's debut 'Pink Friday,' climbed six spots on Billboard's Top 200, reaching no. 3, with total sales of 989,300, 38,500 in the last week.

Both Nicki's 'Pink Friday' and Kanye's 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' were released on November 19, 2010, but Kanye debuted at no. 1, besting Nicki by over 120,000 units, with first week sales of 497,000 to her 376,000. However, Nicki's album was, as promised, a slow burner. While Nicki's star rose, Kanye's fell; his album dropped three places to no. 19 this week, selling only 18,800 units, with overall sales of 980,900. But no hard feelings, right? The two emcees join forces in West's forthcoming music video for 'Monster,' which features a guest verse from Minaj.

While 'Pink Friday' shows no sign of slowing down, another of the year's best-sellers, Eminem's 'Recovery,' holds steady at no. 16, with total sales of 3,510,500, a staggering amount in the current music economy.

Juelz Santana Arrested on Weapons and Drug Charges

2011-02-03T18:44:00.001-05:00

Juelz Santana was arrested in New Jersey Wednesday afternoon (Feb. 2), just two weeks after his studio was raided by authorities. Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli announced late Wednesday that Santana, born Laron James, was busted on four counts of narcotic and weapon offenses. The arrest comes as a result of a 10-month investigation of Santana and his cohorts, conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutorís Office Gang Unit.

According to a press release put out by the Bergen County Prosecutorís Office, Santana is believed to be a member of the Bloods street gang. He is also suspected to have founded the Skull Gang, which is said to be a subset of Santanaís rap crew, The Diplomats.

Following the raid on his New York studio, on January 20, authorities uncovered two loaded 9mm caliber handguns, several boxes of ammunition, and 17 small zip-lock bags of marijuana. The rapper's associate, Toby M. Raynor, was arrested at the scene. Raynor, 24, was busted for selling marijuana to undercover officers.

Despite the seriousness of the matter, Santana remained optimistic about the allegations and the raid. "They always picking on me, that's the best way I could put it," he said during an interview on Chicago radio station Power 92. "But by the graces of God, everything should be OK. I wasn't really caught with anything in my possession. They said they found some things in the studio, which I have no idea about. We'll see how everything pans out, man."

Santana is currently being held on $125,000 bail.

Usher to Perform With Black Eyed Peas at Super Bowl XLV?

2011-02-03T18:42:00.001-05:00

The cat's out of the bag. While the Black Eyed Peas are slated to perform during this Sunday's Super Bowl halftime show, organizers have a few more tricks up their sleeves, with inside sources claiming that R&B sensation Usher and former Guns 'N Roses guitarist Slash have been scheduled to make surprise appearances during the BEP show.

The surprise guests, which were not supposed to be announced, each have connections to the stars of the gig. Usher has previously collaborated with will.i.am on the international smash 'O.M.G.,' while the frizzy-haired guitarist laid down a track dubbed 'Beautiful Dangerous' last year with Fergie. This marks the first time that either artist has appeared during the prestigious Super Bowl halftime show.

The Black Eyed Peas previously announced that they would be keeping it clean during the performance, excluding 'My Humps' from their megamix. Fans can expect the quartet to perform 'I Gotta Feeling' during the show, set to air halfway through the Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game on Sunday beginning at 6:30PM.

Lil Wayne Reps for Green Bay Packers on 'Green & Yellow'

2011-02-03T18:39:00.003-05:00

With Super Bowl XLV only days away, Lil Wayne is showing love for his team of choice. The New Orleans native has released a freestyle over Wiz Khalifa's 'Black and Yellow,' renaming the song 'Green and Yellow' in honor of the Green Bay Packers who are set to go up against the Pittsburgh Steelers during this Sunday's big match.

The Young Money rapper, who is an avid sports fan, drops a few verses bigging up the Wisconsin team. "Money green, yellow broad/ Aaron Rodgers, MVP award/ This is Green Bay, bitch we go hard/ This is Packers country, where your green card?" he spits on the bouncy tune, adding, "I'm a cheesehead, y'all n----s Cheez Whiz."

Weezy spends the second verse calling out the Packers' linebacker and the Steelers' defensive back. "Long hair, don't care, Clay Matthews/ We shittin' on these fools, no bathroom/ Yeah, got a pocketful of big faces/ Throw it up, touchdown on IkeTaylor," he barks.

Wayne is the latest in a group of rappers to create a spin-off of Khalifa's tune to rep for their favorite teams. Compton's Game released a SKEETOX remix dubbed 'Purp and Yellow' featuring Snoop Dogg and YG in honor of the Los Angeles Lakers, while Fabolous released 'White and Navy' in honor of the New York Yankees and Paypa recorded 'Black and Red' to show love for the Chicago Bulls. To download Weezy's 'Green and Yellow' version head over to his blog WeezyThanxYou.com.