—William Roberts (a.k.a “Rick Ross”)

http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/05/10-other-rappers-apologizing-for-their-lyrics/

Birdman, Lil Wayne, Future, Mack Maine & Nicki Minaj were recently in Beverly Hills to shoot the video for their ‘Tapout’ single. Here is a behind the scenes look from the set. Look out for cameos from the YMCMB family, Christina Milian, Paris Hilton and Kimora Lee. The Rich Gang compilation album is supposedly going to be released on May 21st, stay in the Loop for the push back.

Exclusive in-depth interview with Iggy Azalea. In part 1 Iggy talks to Nick Huff Barili about race in hip hop and the comments that Scarface made in a recent Hard Knock Tv interview stating that hip hop is white now and is controlled by white executives that don’t care about the culture.

Joey Bada$$, Dyemond Lewis, Kirk Knight and Nyck Caution shoot a music video for their DeShay produced track titled ‘School High’. This appeared on their Pro Era mixtape ‘PEEP: The Aprocalypse’ which is available for download now.

Meek Mill’s ‘Dreams Come True’ tour stopped out in Los Angeles and he sat down with CivilTV for an interview. He revealed that his “Dreamchasers 3” mixtape has been pushed back and will not be dropping on May 6th but he will be releasing some new music to hold fans over. He also has some harsh words for Reebok after Rick Ross’ recent controversy with the company.

Kendrick Lamar brought out J.Cole to perform ‘Power Trip’ last night on his Verge Campus tour in Greensboro, NC. The TDE leader then went on to perform his hit ‘Swimming Pools (Drank)

Juicy J manages to the land the cover of FADER magazine issue #85, which is their annual Photo Issue. The issue is scheduled to be released on May 7th but the cover story can be read online here.

(AllHipHop News) As Jay-Z prepares to release the soundtrack to the upcoming film The Great Gatsby, the Hip-Hop mogul sat down with BlackTreeTV to discuss how he got involved with executive producing the project.
The Great Gatsby soundtrack will be released Tuesday, May 7th. The movie will hit theaters May 10th.
Watch the interview and a clip of The Great Gatsby trailer featuring Jay-Z’s “100$ Bill” The joint announcement was made by Warner Bros Pictures and Interscope Records. Included in the soundtrack are Will.I.Am, Q-Tip, breakout sensation Goteye and a vast array of notable musicians. Beyonce and Andre 3000′s cover of the late Amy Winehouse’s heart-wrenching classic “Back To Black” and a new Jay-Z song entitled “100$ Bill” are prominent highlights. Beyonce will not just be covering songs but having one of her own be repurposed for this soundtrack. Scottish singer songwriter Emile Sande and The Bryan Ferry Orchestra have covered Beyonce’s first solo hit, “Crazy In Love” for the soundtrack.
The first single for the soundtrack will be Lana Del Rey’s melodically dark track “Young and Beautiful” which will be released on April 23rd. The song’s music video is set to premiere on April 22nd.
The deluxe edition will add two extra songs to the 15 song tracklisting (which also includes The Throne’s “No Church In The Wild”). The album is available for digital pre-order on April 23rd and the deluxe version will be released on May 7th with Target and Target.com as its exclusive U.S. retailers. Internationally, all forms of the album will be released on May 6th.
Check below for the full track-listing as well as the new trailer for The Great Gatsby which contains a snippet of the Andre 3000 and Beyonce cover of “Back To Black”:
100$ Bill – JAY Z
Back To Black – Beyoncé x André 3000
Bang Bang – will.i.am
A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got) – Fergie + Q Tip +GoonRock
Young And Beautiful – Lana Del Rey
Love Is The Drug – Bryan Ferry with The Bryan Ferry Orchestra
Over The Love – Florence + The Machine
Where The Wind Blows – Coco O. of Quadron
Crazy in Love – Emeli Sandé and The Bryan Ferry Orchestra
Together – The xx
Hearts A Mess – Gotye
Love Is Blindness – Jack White
Into the Past – Nero
Kill and Run – Sia


http://allhiphop.com/2013/05/02/jay-z-talks-about-executive-producing-the-great-gatsby-soundtrack-video/

(AllHipHop News) Three-time Grammy Award winning artist Wyclef has released a 33 track mixtape called April Showers.

The lengthy mixtape which boasts features from T.I., Waka Flocka Flame, Mobb Deep, Trae Tha Truth, Kirko Bangz, King Los, Troy Ave, Maino, Haitian Fresh, Murda Mook and others releases at noon via DatPiff.com today (April 29).

On the project Wyclef introduces new talent signed to his Refugee La Republique Records label and features production from a host of upcoming talented producers including, Young Chop of Chief Keef’s camp.

Included on the project are the previously released tracks “Hip Hop” and “Mid Life Crisis” as well as other brand new music from Wyclef.

“With April Showers, I am going to show you where I feel the evolution and future of music is going. From this body of work you can expect a futuristic sonic eclectic sound,” Wyclef explained.  “April Showers promises a forecast that will help bring brighter days to Hip Hop fans across the globe.”

In addition to the mixtape release, Wyclef is releasing his video “Mid Life Crisis,” which was directed by his sister, Melky Jean.

The video features Wyclef in an insane asylum, addressing past events that have occurred in his career of music, philanthropy and politics. Playing off the title, the song and video both were created to let viewers know that Wyclef’s current priority is music.

Check below for the official artwork and track listing for April Showers.

Official April Showers Track Listing:

1.     Haitian V Intro

2.     Bugatti Freestyle

3.     Whitney Houston Dub Plate

4.     Hip Hop

5.     Kick Knowledge

6.     Bang Bang Bang ft. Jack Rd

7.     Glow of a Rose

8.     The Pullover by PoPo

9.     Dispensary ft. Mobb Deep & Ric Atari

10.  Trap N Roll ft. Waka Flocka Flame & Angelica Salem

11.  Open Letter Freestyle

12.  Pop Ya Belly Ring ft. U.M. & Hannah Eggen

13.  All Right Then ft. King Los

14.  April Showers ft. Troy Ave, Sedeck & B1

15.  Hope N Pray ft. Young Chop

16.  The Go Go ft. Kirko Bangz

17.  I Wish It Was Music ft. T.I. & Trae The Truth

18.  Stuntin’ Like My Daddy ft. Angelica Salem

19.  Mid Life Crisis ft. Maino

20.  The Shrine ft. Choppa Zoe

21.  Stay On My Jimi Hendrix Interlude

22.  HardTimes ft. G Fella

23.  Death Wish ft. Opium Black

24.  JackThriller Interlude ft. Jack Thriller & Rasheeda Wallace

25.  Started From The Bottom Interlude

26.  SosaInterlude ft. Haitian Fresh

27.  The Buzz ft. Trini

28.  MainDish ft. Jarina De Marco

29.  RealCity ft. Imposs

30.  Yacht Club ft. Skiff

31.  RealNiggaz Feel It by Jordan Blue

32. The Smack Movement Continues ft. Murda Mook, Loaded Lux & Smack White

33.  All Day All Night by Rick Atari

http://allhiphop.com/2013/04/29/wyclef-releases-april-showers-mixtape-enlists-t-i-waka-flocka-mobb-deep-and-more/

T.I. wasn’t lying earlier this month when he promised Grand Hustle’s Hustle Gang collective “G.D.O.D. (Get Dough Or Die)” mixtape within the next four weeks.

In a new interview with DJ Skee’s Skee.TV, T.I. spoke about his upcoming label effort from Grand Hustle Records’ roster. Known as The Hustle Gang, the collective is believed to be making a free project, due around the first of May. “Give me four weeks to put it together. And I’m speaking on behalf of all Hustle Gang affiliates and artists,” said T.I., while in Hollywood, California where he maintains a residence.

The veteran Atlantic Records artist and Grand Hustle founder continued, “That go for Shad Da God, that go for Trae Tha Truth, that go for B.o.B, that go for Iggy Azalea, that go for Travi$ Scott, and several, several others.” Noting later in the video that Hustle Gang also currently includes the O.G. Girls, which are managed by Tip’s wife, Tiny Harris, as well as one of Grand Hustle’s most senior acts, Young Dro, he continued, “The best thing about bein’ the Hustle Gang head honcho, is I ain’t gotta speak for them, they bosses on they own.”

 

UPDATE: A video posted at HotNewHipHop.com confirms T.I. explaining that the Hustle Gang G.D.O.D. mixtape will release on May 7.

(April 24)

UPDATE #2: XclusivesZone.net posted the artwork to Hustle Gang’s G.D.O.D. (Get Dough Or Die) mixtape, which is releasing May 7:

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.23475/title.hustle-gang-s-g-d-o-d-mixtape-release-date-cover-art

Wiz Khalifa is set to launch a new lifestyle brand FRESHKO with Taylor Gang’s Berner and clothing veteran Sketch.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native and Hip Hop star Wiz Khalifa along with fellow Taylor Gang member Berner and respected clothing designer Sketch recently announced the launch of FRESHKO; a brand that will include graffiti, music, art and fashion.

FRESHKO will be released on May 1. Products will be available online and at the in store event at Tradition, located inside the Beverly Center in Los Angeles, California. The pop-up store event starts at 4pm PST. Wiz Khalifa, Berner, and Sketch (Al Freshko) will be in the store showcasing the line. Taylor Gang rappers Wiz and Berner have always been involved with fashion; they will be using the experience for their new venture. Berner is well seasoned with his line “Cookies” and will bring his perspective to the FRESHKO brand. Sketch is known for designing and developing Diamond Supply Co.’s identity with Nick Tershay. Sketch started off from a respected graffiti crew out of San Francisco called ICP and he was one of the original designers for DGK in 2003.

FRESHKO believes they are more than just a clothing line. “Music, art, graffiti, skating and dancing all fall into the same category,” said Wiz Khalifa in a press statement. “Just like Taylor Gang has always done, the mission of FRESHKO is to give others a chance to be a part of something while expressing themselves individually through their own respective vision and knowledge.” FRESHKO’s icon, the elemonkey, symbolizes good luck, fortune, strength, courage, wisdom, intelligence, leadership, and career victory. The circle F represents a solid foundation and solidity, completion, infinite potential, and 360 degrees. The “F” represents fundamentals, focus, freedom, foundation, future, and family.

Wiz Khalifa recently released a collaborative work with Curren$y entitled Live In Concert on April 20.Khalifa is currently recording a 2013 album.

For more details on the in store event taking place on May 1 visit the FRESHKO website.

RELATED: Berner featuring Wiz Khalifa – “Paradise” [AUDIO]

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.23752/title.wiz-khalifa-berner-sketch-launch-new-clothing-line-freshko

UPDATE: Pusha T’s “My Name Is My Name” is indeed coming this summer, as recent reports indicated.

Earlier this week, Pusha T revealed that his solo debut on G.O.O.D. Music would be titled My Name is My Name.

In a recent interview with HipHopSince1987, Pusha explained his title choice. “Basically, I was trying to pick a title that embodied who I am as an artist…and I wanted people to understand that Pusha is everything that I really, really am.”

Pusha elaborated on the source of inspiration for his album title. “Actually, it’s a line in ‘Pain’ where I actually say ‘My name is my name.’ And of course, that line comes from Marlo Stanfield in the series ‘The Wire.’ It’s one of the more prominent catch phrases he said during the end of that series.”

“He was just basically saying, ‘I am who I am. This is what I got. I stand on my name. I live this,’” he explained. “And if you know anything about his character, he’s young, brash, amongst a lot of heavyweights. But he didn’t care about any of the past or history. He was like, ‘Man, I’m out here to get my money at all costs. No rules, no regulations. I’m here to compete.’ I just felt like that really embodied my presence in the Rap game.”

Pusha T talks “My Name Is My Name” Album, Production Credits and More with HHS1987 (Video) from RICK DANGE on Vimeo.

UPDATE: Nearly six months after Pusha T began the publicity campaign for his solo studio debut, My Name Is My Name, the Virginia Beach, Virginia emcee and Clipse co-founder unveiled a release date. Following his appearance on “106 & Park,” where the G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam Records artist announced to release date of July 16, he also tweeted the news to fans.

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22068/title.pusha-t-my-name-is-my-name-release-date

Snoop Lion reveals the last conversation he had with Tupac wasn’t a pleasant one.

Though Snoop Lion (then Snoop Dogg) and Tupac were known to be good friends, it turns out that Snoop’s final time speaking to his friend was a less-than-friendly conversation.

“Last time I saw him, he was laying in the bed,” recalled Snoop somberly in an interview with Sway Calloway. “Holding onto his last breath. I had seen him before that. We had just left New York. I had gotten off the radio station with Angie Martinez. That’s when me and him clashed, because she asked me on the air, ‘How do you feel about Puffy and Biggie?’ And I said what I felt. ‘They my homeboys. I love ‘em.’”

After Tupac perceived that Snoop had betrayed him by siding with Puffy and the Notorious B.I.G., with whom Tupac was beefing, Snoop’s interactions with Pac completely changed. “When I got back to the hotel, it was a whole ‘nother atmosphere, like he sent his homeboy to get the bud from me as opposed to him coming to get it from me. …So I felt funny… When I got on the plane to go to LA the next day, Suge didn’t let none of my security ride with me. I had to ride on the plane with him, his homies, and Pac. And it was the most uncomfortable ride I had in my life, because my nigga didn’t say nothin’ to me the whole ride. That’s a five-hour flight on a private plane.”

At one point, Snoop actually feared for his life on the flight. “I walk up to him, maybe three hours into the flight, sit next to him like, ‘Yo goin’ to Vegas, cuz?’ He turns [away from me], starts talkin’ to somebody else. I’m like, alright, go in the back, put the blanket on my head, knife in my hand, fork in my hand, and just sleep the rest of the ride, because I feel like they finna try to do something.”

“When we walk out…I’m like, ‘Cuz, you goin’ to Vegas?’ He do me like [dismissive gesture]. He went his way, I went my way. Next time I get a call, niggas like, ‘Turn on the news! Turn on the news!’”

Snoop’s interview did have some positive moments, as the rapper discussed his gun buyback program, a partnership with MTV that focuses on purchasing guns to get them off of the street. “The movement is for us to buy guns off of the street so that we can rid these communities of all this gun violence. We feel like… it’s just too much unnecessary violence going on. In Connecticut, it really touched my heart with those kids, man. It really touched me, man. I felt like I had to say something. I felt like, as a rapper, I’ve been given so much power and so much ability to control people’s minds and control people’s feelings. Why not put some positivity in they mind and walk away with that?”

The two living members of TLC will perform together first concert in almost two years, alongside Rev. Run and Hanson.

Following the 2002 death of Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes (l/k/a N.I.N.A.), multi-platinum 1990s R&B trio TLC has performed sporadically. The living members, T-Boz and Chili, released a new song (“Come Get Some”) on the group’s 2005 greatest hits compilation, Now & Forever: The Hits. Additionally, the pair starred in a reality television show, “R U The Girl?,” which aired that same year on UPN.

Performing at the 2008 BET Awards, as well as on an a 2011 episode of “American Idol,” the two founding members stated plans of releasing new music, with formal plans of a 2013 album.

The same year as the TLC network premiered “Totally T-Boz,” which included an appearance by Chili, the pair has already booked their first concert together in over a year.

According to Rap-Up.com, on July 26 and July 27, TLC will be among headliners at the 2013 Mixtape Festival. The event takes place in Hershey, Pennsylvania at the stadium named after the town and chocolate-maker. Run-DMC’s Rev Run, Hanson, The Jonas Brothers, One Republic, Boyz II Men and New Kids On The Block (a/k/a N.K.O.T.B.) are among other featured performers.

Tickets go on sale for the two-day event on May 10 via Ticketmaster.

A VH1 biopic on TLC starring Lil Mama, Keke Palmer and Drew Sidora is in production, allegedly to air later this year.

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.23757/title.t-boz-chili-to-perform-as-tlc-at-the-2013-mixtape-festival

After making music video classics such as Public Enemy’s “Fight The Power” and Naughty By Nature’s “Hip Hop Hooray,” Spike Lee and Big K.R.I.T. connect on Twitter with “Praying Man” plans.

Iconic filmmaker Spike Lee has become a household name for directing and writing films such as Do The Right Thing, Crooklyn and Summer Of Sam. Additionally, Lee has directed Hip Hop videos for artists such as Naughty By Nature, Arrested Development and the famed “Fight The Power” visual by Public Enemy. Yesterday, the Brooklyn, New Yorker announced that after a decade removed from a Hip Hop video credit, he hopes to collaborate with Meridian, Mississippi’s Big K.R.I.T.

As reported by SoulCulture, Lee took to Twitter this past weekend (April 26) to reveal that he will direct a short film inspired by K.R.I.T.’s 2012 Live From The Underground song, “Praying Man.” The self-produced effort boasted an appearance from Blues legend “B.B. King.”

The tweet followed a plea, also on Twitter, by K.R.I.T. a day earlier, hash-tagged #SpikeLee4PrayingMan. Spike instructed the Cinematic/Def Jam Records rapper on how to contact him.

Earlier this month, Big K.R.I.T. released a free mixtape project, King Remembered In Time.

http://www.power1051fm.com/pages/onair/breakfast-club/#23132388

https://xboxevent.com/

http://majornelson.com/2013/04/24/xboxreveal/

Expect a new Xbox: Microsoft set to unveil new games console at mysterious May 21st event

• Firm expect to unveil next generation Xbox 720 console
• Will take on PlayStation 4 – will both expected to be on sale in time for Christmas

By MARK PRIGG

PUBLISHED: 14:11 GMT, 25 April 2013 | UPDATED: 14:12 GMT, 25 April 2013

Microsoft is set to unveil its next generation Xbox games console on May 21st.

Expected to be called the Xbox 720 and go on sale in time for Christmas, the console will battle Sony’s PlayStation 4.

The consoles hope to fend off a growing threat from iPhone and iPad games, and become living room ‘hubs’ for everything from TV and music streaming to showing off Facebook photos on the big screen.

Microsoft this week sent out a teaser email for the May 21st event, which will be broadcast online

The event at its Redmond, Washington, headquarters that will likely shed light on its next video game console. 

Microsoft Corp. said Wednesday that the May 21 event will reveal a new generation of games, TV and entertainment.

Nineteen days later Microsoft plans to reveal more details about its games at the E3 video game expo in Los Angeles. 

Microsoft says the event will be broadcast on Xbox.com and on Xbox Live and on Spike TV in the U.S. and Canada. 

In February Sony Corp. gave some details about its next gaming machine, the PlayStation 4, at a New York event. Nintendo’s latest game console, the Wii U, launched last fall. 

All three are trying to position their devices as entertainment hubs. 

Sony unveiled some details of its PS4 console earlier this year – but not what the console will look like

The new console is also expected to include an undated version of Kinect, Microsoft’s motion sensing camera

Microsoft’s current Xbox. The next version is expected to have a radically different design

Writing on his official blog on Wednesday, Xbox spokesperson Major Nelson wrote, ‘On Tuesday May 21st, we’ll mark the beginning of a new generation of games, TV and entertainment.

‘On that day, we’ll be holding a special press event on the Xbox campus and we invite you to join us via the live global stream that will be available on Xbox.com, Xbox LIVE and broadcast on Spike TV if you are in the US or Canada.

‘On that day, we’ll share our vision for Xbox, and give you a real taste of the future.

‘Then, 19-days later at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles, we’ll continue the conversation and showcase our full lineup of blockbuster games.’

Little is know about the new console – not even its name, and Microsoft has gone to great lengths to keep details secret.

Gamers have been referring to it as the Xbox 720, although a codename, Project Durango, also surfaced last year on rumour sites.

The firm could also introduce a new payment system to allow users to easily buy games, films and music through the console.

BBC head of digital Robert Nashak recently told industry news site GamesIndustry.Biz, ‘I think they’re going to have a system when you get into Xbox Live that’s going to be very seamless; you’ll see more frictionless billing’.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2314706/Xbox-720-Microsoft-set-unveil-new-games-console-mysterious-May-21st-event.html#ixzz2RVAdcOZD
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

With New York City’s Mayor Michael Bloomberg writing about him, Jay-Z lands on the cover of Time Magazine’s “The 100 Most Influential People In The World” issue.

Jay-Z is on the cover of Time Magazine. The entrepreneurial emcee is on the cover of the publication’s “The 100 Most Influential People in the World” issue.

The article in the magazine was written by New York City, New York’s Mayor Michael Bloomberg. In the piece, Mayor Bloomberg writes that Jay-Z embodies the New York spirit and that he proves “the American Dream is alive and well.”

“Jay-Z embodies so much of what makes New York New York,” Bloomberg explains in the article, which can be found at Time. “A kid from a tough neighborhood who grows up in public housing, overcomes lots of bad influences on the street, never lets go of his dream, makes it to the top — and then keeps going, pursuing new outlets for his creativity and ambition.”

Bloomberg also praises Jay-Z for creating his own label and building “a music empire.” He recognizes Jay-Z’s business savvy with clothing lines, sports bars and his recent goal to ”represent professional athletes.” Later, he talks about New York, giving Jay-Z credit for never forgetting “his roots.”

“He’s an artist-entrepreneur who stands at the center of culture and commerce in 21st century America, and his influence stretches across races, religions and regions,” Bloomberg continues. ”He’s never forgotten his roots — “Empire State of Mind” was a love song to our city — and as a co-owner of the NBA Nets, he helped bring a major league sports team back to Brooklyn, not far from his old neighborhood.”

Bloomberg also congratulates Jay for his marriage with Beyonce before noting that he brings hope that the American Dream still exists.

“In nearly everything he’s tried, he’s found success. (He even put a ring on Beyoncé.) And in doing so, he’s proved that the American Dream is alive and well.”

The cover, shot by photographer Mark Seliger, can be viewed below. More from the article can be found at Time Magazine. Other influential people in the issue include Michelle Obama, Frank Ocean, LeBron James and Beyonce.

 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.23625/title.jay-z-covers-time-magazine-s-the-100-most-influential-people-in-the-world-issue

Madchild, Prevail and Rob The Viking are headed from British Columbia to Europe in the weeks ahead, and they’re taking their “Beautiful Death Machine” with them.

Vancouver, British Columbia veteran Hip Hop trio theSwollen Members are embarking on their latest European tour. As Madchild, Prevail and Rob The Viking conclude remaining British Columbia dates in the next week, the Suburban Noize/Battle Axe Records mainstays are headed to Europe for the month of May.

Yesterday, the trio premiered their video for “Death Warrant” on HipHopDX. The single is from the Top 200-debuting album, Beautiful Death Machine, which features Slaine and Vinnie Paz, among others.

The current Swollen Members tour dates are as follows:

Apr 19 – Port Alberni, BC – Argyle Showroom
Apr 20 – Whistler, Canada – World Ski Snowboard Festival
Apr 25 – Langley, BC – Jimmy Liks
Apr 26 – Victoria, BC – Club9one9 Nightclub
May 03 – Frankfurt am Main, Germany – Batschkapp
May 04 – Zurich, Switzerland – Stall6
May 06 – Munich, Germany – Backstage
May 07 – Linz, Austria – Stadtwerkstatt
May 08 – Vienna, Austria – B72
May 09 – Basel, Switzerland – Sommercasino
May 10 – Lyss, Switzerland – Kulturfabrik
May 11 – St. Gallen, Switzerland – Olma Areal
May 14 – Budapest, Hungary – Durer Kert
May 15 – Bodo, Norway – Sinus
May 16 – Trondheim, Norway – Familien
May 17 – Sofia, Bulgaria – Club MIXTAPE 5
May 18 – Krauchenwies, Germany – No Stress Festival
May 19 – Schaffhausen, Switzerland – StahlgieBerei

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.23643/title.swollen-members-announce-may-european-tour-dates

Kendrick Lamar will hit the road and the air this summer as he will travel across the world.

Kendrick Lamar is going around the world in 80 days, literally. Well, not literally but the Compton native will do 60 shows in 15 different countries for his good kid mAAd city album.

This summer, K.Dot will hit cities all across the world. Everything from Belle Vernon, PA to Paris, France will be on the docket for the Black Hippy member. All of his TDE counterparts will join him as ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul andJay Rock will accompany Kendrick for the U.S. leg of the tour.

The tour starts May 5 in West Palm Beach, FL and will end at the Hip Hop Kemp Festival in Hradec Kralove, CZ. Notable festivals that the tour will see include Bonnaroo, Wireless Festival, Lollapalooza, The Govenors Ball and inaugural BET Experience.

See the full tour schedule below:

Kendrick Lamar’s “good kid, m.A.A.d city” World Tour Dates:

May 5th – West Palm Beach, FL – SUNFEST
May 11 – Columbia, MD – Sweetlife Festival
May 17 – La Jolla, CA – Sungod Festival
May 18 – Gulf Shores, AL – Hangout Festival
May 22 – Las Vegas, – NV Cosmopolitan
May 23 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Great Saltair
May 29 – Portland, ME – The Waterfront At Ocean Gateway
May 30 – Albany, NY – Armory
June 1 – Junction, VT – Champion Valley Exposition
June 3 – Belle Vernon, PA – Ice Garden
June 4 – Cleveland, OH – Jacob Pavilion at Nautica
June 5 – Detroit, MI – Chene Park
June 6 – Indianapolis, IN – Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn
June 8 – Randall’s Island, NY – Govenors Ball
June 10 – Baton Rouge, LA – Baton Rouge River Center
June 11 – Houston, TX – Reliant Arena
June 12 – Grand Prairie, TX – Verizon Theatre
June 13 – New Braunfels, TX – Whitewater Amphitheatre
June 16 – Manchester, TN – Bonnaroo
June 19 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre
June 20 – Atlanta, GA – The Tabernacle
June 21 – Simpsonville, SC – Charter Amphitheatre
June 22 – Dover, DE – Firefly Music Festival
June 23 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheatre
June 26 – Mesa, AZ – Mesa Amphitheatre
June 28 – San Diego, CA – Del Mar Fair Festival
June 29 – Kansas City, KS – Kanrocksas Festival
June 29 – Los Angeles, CA – BET Experience
July 3 – Gdynia, PL – Heineken Open’er Festival
July 4 – Roskilde, DK – Roskilde Festival
July 5 – Zurich, SE – Touch the Lake Festival
July 6 – Haachtsesteenweg, BE – Rock Werchter Festival
July 7 – Arras, FR – Main Square Festival
July 8 – Birmingham, UK – Academy
July 9 – Manchester, UK – Apollo
July 10 – Leeds, UK – Academy
July 11 – Grafenhainichen, DE – Splash Festival
July 12 – Kinross-shire, UK – T in the Park Festival
July 13 – London, UK – Wireless Festival
July 14 – Rotterdam, NL – North Sea Jazz Festival
July 17 – Montreaux, CH – Montreaux Jazz Festival
July 18 – Molde, NO – Molde Jazz Festival
July 19 – Tonsberg, NO – Slottsfjell
July 20 – Pori, FI – Pori Jazz Festival
July 27 – Naeba, Japan – Fuji Rock Festival
Aug 2 – Toronto, Canada- Sound Academy
Aug 3 – Chicago, IL – Lollapalooza
Aug 4 – Montreal, Canada – Osheaga Music Festival
Aug 8 – Oslo, NO – Oya Festival
Aug 9 – Helsinki, FI – Flow Festival
Aug 10 – Gothenburg, SE – Way Out West Festival
Aug 15 – Hasselt, BE – Pukkelpop Festival
Aug 16 – Biddinghuizen, NL – Lowlands Festival
Aug 17 – Chelmsford, UK – V Festival
Aug 18 – South Staffordshire, UK – V Festival
Aug 20 – Glasgow, UK – Bellahouston Park
Aug 22 – Paris, FR – Stade de France
Aug 23 – Paris, FR – Rock En Seine Festival
Aug 24 – Hradec Kralove, CZ – Hip Hop Kemp Festival

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.23653/title.kendrick-lamar-announces-good-kid-m-a-a-d-city-world-tour

UPDATE: Wiz Khalifa & A$AP Rocky reveal the stop dates for their “Under The Influence” tour.

With 4/20 looming it was only appropriate that A$AP Rocky and Wiz Khalifa announce their “Under The Influence” tour for 2013.

No dates or locations have yet been announced but the duo is expected to put on quite a show. Last year Wiz hit the road with Mac Miller for the first edition of the “Under The Influence Tour.” With his love for the bud, Wiz may be a shoe-in for this tour every time for the coming years.

Wiz Khalifa and fellow smoker, Curren$y released their Live in Concert collaborative EP today and is available via iTunes.

The Harlem and Pittsburgh natives revealed that they would be doing the tour though a video, which can be seen below (via HNHH):

Wiz Khalifa and A$AP Rocky announce their “Under The Influence” tour dates.

Wiz Khalifa and A$AP Rocky will undergo a 20-stop tour this summer.

Beginning July 7 in San Francisco, CA, the duo will travel across the country until August 11 when they end the tour in Cincinnati.

They will make three stops in California, three in Texas and two in Canada. B.O.B., Trinidad James, Joey Bada$$ and Pro Era will join Wiz and Rocky on the tour. Berner, Chevy Woods and Smoke DZA are also expected to make special appearances.

See the full tour schedule below:

UPDATE: MGK releases his “Black Flag” mixtape soon and Juelz Santana reveals the release date of his “All We Got Is Us” tape.

Juelz Santana announced the release date of his newest upcoming mixtape. Speaking to Mina SayWhat after rocking Power99′s Springfest the Harlem native revealed that April 29 would be the drop date for his All We Got Is Us tape.

MGK will release his Black Flag mixtape Monday. The Cleveland native’s latest release will be available viaLiveMixtapes today and gives fans a tie over until his next album drop.

Joey Bada$$ revealed on Twitter this week that Capital STEEZ’ posthumous mixtape, King Capitalwould be released this summer. No specific date for the tape has been announced yet.

Hayze released his newest mixtape on Saturday. The recent Man Bites Dog singee appropriately chose 4/20 as the release date for his The Smoker’s Section tape. The New London, Connecticut rapper’s latest release is available for listen/download on 2DopeBoyz.

Gunplay’s upcoming mixtape release Bogota will be hosted by DJ Holiday and is set to drop viaHotNewHipHop. No specific release date has been set yet.

For album news, check out HipHopDX’s Release Dates.

April 22

Pizzle - Insomnia 2

April 23

K-Major – Turbulance

April 29

Juelz Santana – All We Got Is Us

April 30

Chance The Rapper – #AcidRap

Waka Flocka – DuFlocka Rant: Halftime Show

May 6

Meek Mill – Dreamchasers 3

Weapons of Audio – Girl Crazy EP

June 11

Ariez Onasis – Theme Music

June 25

Tony Touch - Piece Maker 3 (50 MC’s Reunion)

TBA

Capital STEEZ – King Capital

Chief Keef – Bang Pt. 2

C-Murder – Penitentiary Chances

Common – Untitled

DJ Smallz – Southern Smoke Radio (Civil War Vol. 7) [Hosted by Yung Gwapa]

DJ Smallz – This That Southern Smoke! R&B vol. 4 [Hosted by T.Rone]

Dorrough Music – Shut The City Down [Hosted by DJ Smallz, DJ Holiday & DJ Mr. Rogers]

Eddie B & Harry Fraud – Horsepower

Fredo Santana – Fredo Kruger

Frenchie – Long Over Due

Future – Super Future/Fire Marshall Future

Gunplay – Bogota

Hustle Gang - G.D.O.D: The Introduction

Jim Jones – The Ghost Of Rich Porter 2

Jim Jones – V3

Juelz Santana – Born To Lose, Built To Win

Juelz Santana – God Will’n Vol. 2

Kurupt – Money, Bitches, Power

Lloyd Banks – F.N.O. (Failure’s No Option)

Lola Monroe – Lipstick And Pistols

Los – Becoming King

Machine Gun Kelly – Black Flag

Meek Mill – Dreamchasers 3

Nino Bless – R.O.A.M. 3

Nipsey Hussle – TM3: Victory Lap

OJ Da Juiceman – 6 Ringz 2 (The Playoffs Edition)

OJ Da Juiceman – Juice World 2

Rocko – #Ignant

Rocko – Seeing Is Believing

Rolls Royce Rizzy – The Private Club

Ron Browz – King Of Autotune

Slim Thug – Boss Life

Soulja Boy – Foreign 2

Travis Porter – Let Me Borrow Dat

Wiz Khalifa & Curren$y – Live In Concert

Wooh Da Kid – Full Metal Jacket

YG & Nipsey Hussle – Two Of America’s Most Wanted

UPDATE: Reps for Machine Gun Kelly (a/k/a MGK) have denied that his Black Flag mixtape is releasing today. They said it will be announced soon.

 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.23659/title.mixtape-release-dates-juelz-santana-gunplay-machine-gun-kelly-hayze

Exclusive: Curren$y confirms that he and Ski Beatz are back in business, and encourages fans to take a closer look at “Pilot Talk” artwork progression.

Curren$y loves cashing in on his efforts and despite his modest mannerisms, the New Orleans, Louisiana native doesn’t hesitate when it comes to copping the fruits of his labor. An avid car collector, the “New Jet City” creator isn’t shy about sharing the rationale behind his big purchases. “I only bought one [Chevrolet El Camino],” he told HipHopDX after a recent set at BMI’s Urban Showcase in Atlanta. “I bought two [Chevrolet] Monte Carlos… I have three Impala SSes. Two burgandy and one green one.”

Curren$y Explains His Love Of Muscle Cars

“The reason I did this,” he adds, “Is because in about 30 years when I got silver hair, I’ll be at Barrett Jackson Auction and I’m gonna sell one of those for probably about 70 racks.”

With that said, perhaps a major part of his longevity is knowing what’s important, when and how to cash in and the significance of giving back. “I’m trying to plan it out,” he says slowly. “You’re older for longer than you’re younger so you gotta have that shit all planned out.”

Curren$y Discusses Pilot Talk III, Updates On Dame Dash Relationship
This thread of conscious is one that keeps the emcee grounded as he implements it in every aspect of his career—down to album artwork. With Pilot Talk III coming together alongside longtime collaborator Ski Beatz, Curren$y is prepared to give fans another body of work defining his thought process.

For the first two Pilot Talk projects, the emcee locked himself into the recording process. He and Ski slept in the studio. He took a substantial break from his beloved Playstation. Curren$y Spitta put every bit of his focus into the music and he says that he wanted to be able to do that again for Pilot Talk III. But his priority was wrapping up a few legalities surrounding his collaborative mixtape with Wiz Khalifa, Live in Concert.

Now that the joint retail digital EP is done, Curren$y can put all of his creativity into the third installment of the Pilot Talk series. He shrugs almost dismissively when asked about whether or not he already has a direction in mind. Then with a grin, he admits to having the entire project mentally mapped out. “It’s a feeling,” he shares, lighting another doobie. “Pilot Talk I and II is about that house, like if you look at the artwork, it’s about the things I was trying to assemble in my life. The material things I needed to get from the game, even though, it’s not about material shit but you have to look at it to know what you’re hustling for.”

“If you look at the artwork,” he continues, “You see the house with all the rooms, it was getting furnished, then with Pilot Talk II, you saw the driveway and all the cars and shit and that was all the actual shit that I had bought after the first Pilot Talk.”

“So now I’ve moved into another crib, got a whole grip of wheels and shit and I’ve hustled, done so much other shit, so now I can talk about it and we can go in again, so I can tell them how to get this new shit I got.”

Between Pilot Talks though, there was the matter of Muscle Car Chronicles being released by Damon Dash’s DD172 imprint, reportedly outside of Spitta’s approval, subsequently leading to a lawsuit against the rap mogul. When asked about his feelings on the finished product, the rapper says, “I don’t know.”

“I didn’t know it came out,” he says shortly. “I just smoked more weed.”

To his benefit, Spitta did search for his attorney backstage to ask whether or not he could respond to questions pertaining to the pending suit against Dash, but to no avail. His manager shut the question down near instantly. Curren$y chuckled at the staunch response of his right hand man, “I tried to get you the answer though. See?”

Regardless of shady dealings, temporary setbacks and the like, Spitta can’t be held down for too long. Perhaps one of the most commendable attributes about him is that he’s never too caught up in this rap star life to get too ahead of himself or too into himself. “I’m not stingy with the hustle at all,” he reveals, exhaling thick smoke. “Because I figure if everybody’s out here getting it then nobody’ll be hating.”

“There’s no reason to be pissed that dude got a Lambo if you’ve got a Ferrari. You know? I just want everybody to get along.”
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.23664/title.curren-y-explains-pilot-talk-iii-theme-breaks-down-his-muscle-car-collection

A man says A$AP Rocky beat him in a clothing store in July. Almost a year later, A$AP files that the fight was in self-defense.

A lawsuit claims that A$AP Rocky not only beat a man in a New York clothing store in July, but also did so while under the influence of illegal drugs.

Rocky was arrested in July after a fight between him and two photographers who had been filming the rapper while he was involved in an altercation with another person. That person, TMZ reports, claims that he saw the Harlem emcee get high in the clothing store, and Rocky began beating him, before turning his attention to the photographers.

Rocky has already struck a plea deal in the criminal case, pleading guilty to attempted grand larceny, with the assault and robbery charges being dropped.

(December 31, 2012)

UPDATE: A$AP Rocky has responded to his 2012 clothing boutique lawsuit. TMZ reports that the Polo Grounds/RCA Records star filed documents that say the attack was in self-defense of the owner. Rather than seeking damages, the Harlem, New York sensation is asking that the case be dropped.

Wiz Khalifa & Curren$y’s “Live In Concert” is available for stream and purchase.

Longtime collaborators Wiz Khalifa and Curren$y have publicly discussed a collaborative work since July 1, 2012. After reports that the project would be delayed last August, it has been quietly in the works. The project shifted between possible retail album, and mixtape over the last year. The “Rooftop” and “Jet Life” collaborators surprised fans this week, by confirming details on short notice.

Despite early reports, HotNewHipHop.com points out that iTunes has posted an alternate tracklist on Wiz Khalifa and Curren$y’s Live In Concert. Now at digital retail as well as free release, the EP is said to include the following songs, without guests listed:

01. Cabana

02. Landing

03. The Blend

04. Toast

05. Revenge and Cake

06. For Her

UPDATE #3: Atlantic Records has now confirmed the second tracklist, and revealed that Live In Concert will be a Saturday digital retail release.

(April 19)

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.23627/title.wiz-khalifa-curren-y-live-in-concert-cover-art-tracklist-ep-stream 

http://www.theboombox.com/2013/04/15…bum-interview/

will.i.am offers up a preview of his upcoming “#willpower” album before its April 23 release date.

will.i.am’s #willpower album may not be available for purchase until it’s released approximately a week from today, but fans of The Black Eyed Peas’ musician can preview the project thanks to individual streams of the close to 20 tracks featured on the album.

Well over a year in the making, #willpower boasts a number of notable guest appearances. Chris Brown, Miley Cyrus, and Juicy J are just a handful of artists who lend their talents on the album.

Prior to today’s stream of the album, the only glimpse of will.i.am’s latest solo effort came with the release of several singles including the Britney Spears-assisted “Scream & Shout” and “Fall Down.”

#willpower will be made available in stores and online on April 23. Streams of the individual tracks on#willpower can be found below.

UPDATE: A week early, Snoop Dogg’s first album as Snoop Lion, “Reincarnated,” gets a free stream.

Though some were skeptical of Snoop Dogg’s Snoop Lion persona, it appears that Snoop’s not turning back, as the tracklist for the project has been revealed.

As previously reported, the project features Drake, Busta Rhymes, Chris Brown, T.I., Akon, Rita Ora, Angela Hunte, Popcaan, Mavado, and others, including Snoop’s daughter Cori B.

Check the tracklist below (spotted at HHNM):

1. Rebel Way
2. Here Comes the King (Feat. Angela Hunte)
3. Lighters Up (Feat. Mavado & Popcaan)
4. So Long (Feat. Angela Hunte)
5. Get Away (Feat. Angela Hunte)
6. No Guns Allowed (Feat Drake & Cori B)
7. Fruit Juice (Feat. Mr. Vegas)
8. Smoke the Weed (Feat. Collie Budz)
9. Tired of Running (Feat. Akon)
10. The Good Good (Feat. Iza)
11. Torn Apart (Feat. Rita Ora)
12. Ashtrays & Heartbreaks (Feat. Miley Cyrus)
13. Boulevard (Feat. Jahdan Blakkamoore)
14. Remedy (Feat. Busta Rhymes & Chris Brown)
15. La La La
16. Harder Times (Feat. Jahdan Blakkamoore)

Reincarnated the album will be in stores April 23rd. The documentary of the same name will hit theaters March 15th.

(March 24)

UPDATE: Today, Noisey.com has an exclusive “listening party” stream of Snoop Lion’s Reincarnatedalbum. The Reincarnated film is available today (April 16) on iTunes. The DVD is a Best Buy exclusive, available the same day as the album of the same name, April 23.

Snoop Lion’s Reincarnated stream:

B-Real says his beef with Ice Cube started when the rapper used the “Throw Your Set” chorus for a record of his own.

When Cypress Hill rapper B-Real missed out on a role in the cult classic Friday due to a scheduling conflict he likely had no idea that the missed opportunity would play a small role in his beef with Friday star and rapper Ice Cube.

During an interview with Vlad TV, B-Real revealed that he was unable to star in the film due to a mistake made by his manager at the time and to make up for the mishap he offered to give Ice Cube a record for the movie.

“I wasn’t able to play that so to make it up to Cube because I looked at Cube like one of my fuckin’ homies… I felt bad about it so I said, ‘Aye, I can’t be in the fuckin’ movie. My manager fucked up. I apologize, but you know we’ll give you some music for the movie if you want.’ He was like ‘Oh hell yeah.’ So we made this joint called ‘Roll Em Up, Light Em Up’ and when we had finished the song—we squeezed it in between working on our albums,” B-Real explained. “So we kinda just took time to record that song. When we were done with it we asked Cube to come down and listen to it to make sure that he liked it before we submitted it.”

B-Real went on to explain that Ice Cube approved of “Roll Em Up, Light Em Up,” the song Cypress Hill submitted for the movie. Following Ice Cube’s approval of the song the group went on to play a few songs from the album they were working on at the time including their single “Throw Your Set.”

Ice Cube then asked if he could have the song, but was told the group couldn’t give it away since their label had already expressed interest in “Throw Your Set” as a single. This is ultimately where the groups beef with Ice Cube would begin.

“We took off on tour a number of months later and our homies were calling us from home letting us know, asking us actually, if we had given that ‘Throw Your Set’ song to Ice Cube,” said B-Real. “And we’re like ‘Nah, we didn’t give him that song. What are you talking about?’…We were confused so when we got home I finally heard the song and it was not the same subject matter. He didn’t write about what we wrote about, he wrote about something completely different. But what the chorus was was a variation of what our chorus was…A couple things happened and then eventually it all just snowballed into the beef.”

Tyga is signed to two labels who promote big spending and operating as a family.

But the Young Money/Cash Money recording artist – who released his second Cash Money album,Hotel California, April 9 – said he’s yet to get paid from the label home of Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Drake and others.

“I never got a check from Young Money or Cash Money,” Tyga said during an interview April 15 on New York radio station Power 105.1.

While on the surface those comments may seemingly be the cause of bad blood between Tyga and label heads Lil Wayne and Baby, he seemed to make the comments as a statement of fact rather than with any sort of animus in his voice.

Going against his previous statement, Tyga also said, “I got a signing bonus when I first signed, but that was it.”

The California rapper also said during the interview that the label pays for his videos and other things.

Tyga appeared at ease with the relationship because he said that he was never dependent on the label for his success.

“I’ve always treated my career like independent,” he said. “Everything that I got is because of myself, my own endorsements, my own touring myself.”

http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/stop-the-presses/tyga-says-cash-money-records-only-paid-him-224641365.html

Based on the set photos we’ve seen so far, Peter (Andrew Garfield) and Gwen (Emma Stone) don’t seem to look too much different in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 than they did in The Amazing Spider-Man, and MJ (Shailene Woodley) looks like a normal young woman. But one key character that’s been shrouded in mystery until now is the film’s big villain, Electro (Jamie Foxx).

Today we finally have our first peek at the character, and while he’s definitely an eyeful he doesn’t look anything like the traditional green-and-yellow version pictured above, either. Hit the jump to see what he does look like.

Photographers caught Foxx on the New York set this week.

[via Collider and Screen Crush]
Foxx previously revealed to press that his Electro wouldn’t be green and yellow, but even so the bright Otter Pop blue comes as a bit of a surprise. His outfit likely won’t look exactly like this onscreen; the lights around the face will probably be transformed into electrical bolts or something.

But it’s enough to give us an idea of the more grounded, simplified look they’re going for here. Electro has been around almost as long as Spider-Man himself (he was introduced in The Amazing Spider-Man #9) but Foxx’s version draws more from Ultimate incarnation of the character. (That, and Mr. Freeze. Or Tobias Funke.)

In the books, Electro is the supervillain identity of lineman Max Dillon, who’s transformed into a living electrical capacitor after a freak lightning strike. But based on Foxx’s comments here, it sounds like the Electro’s backstory in the movies may be slightly different, or at least that it’ll emphasize different points.

Directed by Marc Webb and also starring Dane DeHaan, Paul Giamatti, Colm Feore, Sally Field, and Felicity Jones, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 lands in theaters May 2.

In The Amazing Spider-Man 2, for Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield), life is busy – between taking out the bad guys as Spider-Man and spending time with the person he loves, Gwen (Emma Stone), high school graduation can’t come quickly enough. Peter hasn’t forgotten about the promise he made to Gwen’s father to protect her by staying away – but that’s a promise he just can’t keep. Things will change for Peter when a new villain, Electro (Jamie Foxx), emerges, an old friend, Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), returns, and Peter uncovers new clues about his past.

Talib Kweli – Prisoner Of Conscious (Album Cover & Tracklist) | KYITL

Quote:
Talib Kweli is almost ready to release his 5th solo studio album “Prisoner Of Conscious“. Today we get to look out at the official artwork and tracklist for this project. It features Kendrick Lamar, Miguel, Melanie Fiona, Curren$y, Nelly, Busta Rhymes, and more. “Prisoner Of Conscious” will be releasing on May 7th, since it was pushed back due to sample clearance issues.

Check out the tracklist below.

1. Intro
2. Human Mic
3. Turnt Up
4. Come Here (Ft. Miguel)
5. High Life (Ft. Rubix and Bajah)
6. Ready Set Go (Ft. Melanie Fiona)
7. Hold It Now
8. Push Thru (Ft. Curren$y, Kendrick Lamar and Glen “Grey” Reynolds)
9. Hamster Wheel
10. Delicate Flowers
11. Rocketships (Ft. Busta Rhymes)
12. Before He Walked (Ft. Nelly and Abby Dobson)
13. Upper Echelon
14. Favela Love (Ft. Seu Jorge)
15. Only Gets Better (Ft. Marsha Ambrosius)

Two days after we reacted to the music for Psy’s “Gangnam Style” follow-up “Gentleman,” the official music video has hit YouTube. Given that the utter ridiculousness of “Gangnam Style” is exactly what propelled the K-Popper to global fame, it’s natural to wonder whether the clip for “Gentleman” could possibly measure up. Judge for yourself below.

In what’s pretty much a rehash of “Gangnam,” Psy reprises his goofy dancing style and zany antics. Playing for laughs, his “Gentleman” makes like an elementary schooler on a playground and expresses his feelings for an incoming stream of sexy ladies by abusing them in various uncreative ways. Psy’s star-making hit had him saying “Heeeeey” to those sexy ladies; after this outing, they might be saying “buh-bye” to him.

What did you think, viral video fans? “Gentle,” man! Or “Gentle” meh?

Atlanta hip-hop artist Rocko has stepped up to address the controversy surrounding his original “U.E.O.N.O” record and, specfically, why Rick Ross should not have lost his Reebok endorsement deal.

In Rocko’s perspective, Reebok owes Ricky Rozay for all of the interest he sparked back into the brand in recent years.

“As far as the Reebok thing, I don’t think that was fair because what he brought to Reebok. People in my neighborhood, in my city, they’re back wearing Reeboks,” Rocko said about the sneaker giant and its popularity among rap fans. “It was a cardinal sin to wear Reebok before Ross started promoting ‘em. Ross stepped in and he branded ‘em and he got the urban market back in to ‘em.” (MTV)

Reebok issued a formal statement heading into the weekend about cutting its ties with Rozay.

Athletic goods retailer Reebok on Thursday terminated its relationship with rapper Rick Ross, whose song featuring lyrics that seem to boast about drugging and raping a woman has caused an uproar. ”While we do not believe that Rick Ross condones sexual assault, we are very disappointed he has yet to display an understanding of the seriousness of this issue or an appropriate level of remorse,” Reebok, a subsidiary of Germany company Adidas, said in a statement. “At this time, it is in everyone’s best interest for Reebok to end its partnership with Mr. Ross,” it said. Ross had an endorsement deal with the company and promoted its shoes in print and TV commercials. (Reuters)

Following the news, the “Boss” issued a statement on losing his endorsement.

“Before I am an artist, I am a father, a son, and a brother to some of the most cherished women in the world. So for me to suggest in any way that harm and violation be brought to a woman is one of my biggest mistakes and regrets. As an artist, one of the most liberating things is being able to paint pictures with my words. But with that comes a great responsibility. And most recently, my choice of words was not only offensive, it does not reflect my true heart. And for this, I apologize. To every woman that has felt the sting of abuse, I apologize. I recognize that as an artist I have a voice and with that, the power of influence. To the young men who listen to my music, please know that using a substance to rob a woman of her right to make a choice is not only a crime, it’s wrong and I do not encourage it. To my fans, I also apologize if I have disappointed you. I can only hope that this sparks a healthy dialogue and that I can contribute to it.” (Statement)

Much like the sneaker empire, Rocko also parted ways with Ross’ verse on the original “U.O.E.N.O.”

“I went in and did the record and it was from my mixtape, I knew it was a good song but I ain’t have a clue that the streets would be so receptive to it. I ‘ain’t’ even know it.’ [laughs] With that being said, the record instantly became a smash over the [NBA] All-Star Weekend and stuff like that and it just became a smash in the streets. With me, I feel like I’m a street artist, I feel the record with Ross, that’ll always be the original record but because of the type of traction that the record has as far as like radio and all over the country — it puts me in a position where I have to change it. Right now, at the present moment, I have six different verses from all types of very talented, multi-faceted artists – witih all respect to the homie Ross, because when I reached out to him about the record, I sent it to him and he sent it right back. You gotta salute that — it’s crazy because it’s a Catch-22, I don’t want to take him off but one thing for certain is it’s set in stone that he’s always going to be on that song. … It doesn’t matter who I put on the song, it’s always going to be the original version of it. It’s not like I can do another verse and say, ‘Okay, this is the original right here.’” (Hot 97)

http://www.sohh.com/2013/04/rocko_sa…s_he_bran.html

“I’m a musician. I play concerts. I’ve been very fortunate. I’ve always tried to keep prices what I think are fair,” he reveals. “I’ve always said I’m proud that I could walk around with my head held high and look someone in the eye, knowing that I haven’t taken an un-honest dollar from a working man.”

Coinciding with the release of Rock’s 10th album “Rebel Soul” the “$20 Best Night Ever” concert series comes in sharp contrast to some of the events being produced by his contemporaries:

“Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z, apparently their highest ticket prices for their shows are going for about $225 each,” begins the “Piers Morgan Live” host.

Rock jumps in:

“It’s garbage. It’s garbage. It’s highway robbery. I don’t care who you are, you know?,” says the five-time Grammy Award nominee. “I would consider both of them, you know – in a circle of friends in the business, but I don’t agree with it.”

Kid Rock on other artists charging up to $225 for a concert ticket: “It’s garbage…it’s highway robbery” – Piers Morgan – CNN.com Blogs

Tyler, The Creator’s “Wolf” out-sells “Goblin” by close to 50,000 units. Papoose’s heavily-delayed “Nacirema Dream” is approaching a benchmark, and Drake’s “Take Care” crosses 2 million.

Justin Timberlake and his 20/20 Experience will not budge. For a third straight week, the Tennessee native held the #1 spot, and not cult-followed Tyler, The Creator or even Lil Wayne could move him.

Tyler’s Wolf did however grab a Top 5 debut, this project fully on the Odd Future Records imprint. Also on the charts was Papoose, who despite not making last week’s HipHopDX charts coverage, is approaching 10,000 units sold on his heavily-delayed Nacirema Dream debut album.

As expected, Drake’s Take Care did cross the 2 million milestone. It is now the fourth Young Money Entertainment release to go multi-platinum, following Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III and Tha Carter IV, andNicki Minaj’s Pink Friday debut.

Tyler, The Creator Is A Wolf

Tyler, The Creator’s second label release, Wolf, sold just under 90,000 first-week units. The Odd Future front-man’s latest effort features some higher profile guest-work than 2011′s Goblin. Pharrell, Erykah Badu and former OFWGKTA member Casey Veggies all appear, as do the active members, including Frank Ocean. This is Tyler’s first release fully with the group’s own label, as Goblin was a one-album deal with XL Recordings. Wolf is distributed by Sony Red.

Wolf outsold Goblin‘s first-week by nearly 50,000 units. That effort also scored the Los Angeles, California native a #5 debut.

Papoose’s Dream Lives On

Following Papoose’s 2006 seven-figure contract with Jive Records, Nacirema Dream began its campaign. Six and a half years later, much of the album as recorded in the mid ’00s was released courtesy of Honor B4 Money/Empire Distribution. The Brooklyn, New York emcee and onetime Kool G Rap and DJ Kay Slay protege worked with East Coast Hip Hop luminaries such as DJ Premier andBuckwild, along with Heatmakerz and Dame Grease. Vocally, the album features Mobb Deep, Jadakiss,Jim Jones and Pap’s own wife, Remy Ma. One guest who later criticized the album for an authorized appearance is Erykah Badu. The 20-track effort notably features a sequel to Papoose’s early 2000s street hit and lyrical clinic, “Alphabetical Slaughter.”

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 4/7/2013

#1. Justin Timberlake - 20/20 Experience - 139,000 (1,426,000)

#3. Tyler, The Creator - Wolf - 89,000 (89,000)

#5. Lil Wayne - I Am Not A Human Being II - 68,000 (285,000)

#12. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - The Heist - 27,000 (553,000)

#36. Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d city - 13,000 (837,000)

#67. A$AP Rocky - Long.Live.A$AP - 7,400 (312,000)

#92. T.I. - Trouble Man: Heavy Is The Head - 5,300 (446,000)

#101. Drake - Take Care - 4,700 (2,003,000)

#119. 2 Chainz - Based On A T.R.U. Story - 3,900 (585,000)

#183. Papoose - Nacirema Dream - 2,900 (8,4000)

^{* data comes from Nielsen Soundscan, rounded to nearest thousandth for units above 10,000, nearest hundredth for units below 10,000. Each week, HipHopDX presents top albums in Hip Hop/related, and five notables.}

 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.23533/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-4-7-2013

Nas first appeared on the cover of Mass Appeal magazine in 2002. A decade later, he’s coming back—as an owner.

The Queens-born rapper tells FORBES that he has invested a “six-figure” sum in the publication, which re-emerged as a quarterly print product earlier this year after a five-year hiatus.

“I always liked what they represented,” says Nas. “They invested into the culture … I saw their vision for what they planned and I thought I could add value across the board.”

He will serve as Associate Publisher for Mass Appeal, which was originally founded in 1996 as a graffiti magazine and has since involved into a broader outfit spanning print, web, video and a monthly event series.

Nas explained that he’d been dismayed at the lack of options for readers interested in all aspects of hip-hop culture, particularly on the newsstands. He considered starting his own publication, as Jay-Z did, but figured he’d have better luck using an existing brand as a launching pad.

“Mass Appeal has a legacy and respect,” he says. “It already has a foundation … I just feel like I can add on because I can lend my kind of cultural expertise and my professional acumen, and develop the business.”

The move is indicative of a shift in the rapper’s priorities. Unlike some of his musical contemporaries, Nas wasn’t among the first wave of mainstream hip-hop entrepreneurs that sprang up in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

As a result, he wasn’t involved in megadeals like Jay-Z’s $204 million sale of clothing line Rocawear or 50 Cent’s $100 million windfall from VitaminWater, which placed the latter two amonghip-hop’s five wealthiest artists.

Lately, however, Nas has been spending more time thinking about business—it’s about the right time in his career, he figures.

“I knew that this was down the road,” he says. “I didn’t care to interrupt me being a creative musical artist … I said I’ll be more of a businessman down the road. I’m down the road now.”

He credits Magic Johnson as one of his inspirations to diversify his holdings. And like the former Lakers star, who now holds a small stake in the Los Angeles Dodgers alongside Guggenheim Partners, Nas is teaming up with more established investors.

On the Mass Appeal deal, he’s joined by creative firm Decon and White Owl Capital Partners, an early stage investment firm with interests in tech, media and energy in North America, Europe and China.

So what happens if Mass Appeal decides to write about Nas again? Journalistic integrity comes first.

“If that happens, I don’t want to see it until it’s out,” he says. “I won’t get involved with that at all … I won’t touch anything, they’re free to say whatever they want. They can say I’m a psychopath, they can say I’m a sweetheart … as long as it’s from their honest opinion, that’s all that matters to me.”

http://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2013/04/10/all-i-need-is-one-mag-nas-invests-in-mass-appeal-media/

Ray J says Kanye West shouldn’t be upset about “I Hit It First,” comments on the record being about his life.

R&B songster Ray J is continuing to address his much talked about, new record “I Hit It First.” The singer has yet to reveal who the record is about, but many feel that “I Hit It First”  alludes to Ray J’s former girlfriend Kim Kardashian.

While chopping it up earlier this week with Shade 45’s“The All Out Show,” Ray J again refused to speak on who exactly the song touches on and instead revealed that “I Hit It First” is more so about him.

“I mean a lot of people saying a lot of different things about the record. For me, the record is self-explanatory,” Ray J revealed. “Like I tell everybody, I’m not trying to put fuel on the fire. You know what I’m saying? We just want people to enjoy the record. It’s more so about me than anybody else.”

The topic of Kanye West, Kardashian’s current boyfriend, was even brought up during Ray J’s interview. When asked if West has a right to be angry, the crooner explained that no one has the right to be upset over something that happened in the past.

“I don’t think nobody should be upset about something that really happened,” said Ray J. “I think when people do music everybody talks about they life and what they go through. This just my chapter and I think people need to look at it like that and don’t look at it for nothing more than that.”

“I Hit It First” was released at the top of the week and also features an appearance from rapper Bobby Brackins.

Maybach Music Group’s Meek Mill is the latest hip-hop artist to speak up for Rick Ross after he received ample amounts of heat over perceived date rape lyrics on the analyzed “U.E.O.N.O” record these past few weeks.

In Meek’s perspective, too many people have access to social networking sites these days and fail to realize some of hip-hop’s biggest stars have made references to rape in their music.
I don’t even care about nobody criticizing no lyrics. People rap about killing stuff all day. Biggie said,

EDIT: Meek Dont Even Know The Damn, Lyrics…

Now you got all these weirdos on these social sites voicing their opinion about something anybody say. I don’t care, you know what I’m saying? I’m from the hood. I never really cared about what nobody say in no rap. Rap’s always been talking about killing, drugs, all types of stuff. You know what I’m saying?

So you can’t just criticize no one thing nobody say. It’s imaginary visual. If a writer write about somebody getting raped in a movie, that mean he a rapist or he want girls to get raped?

No, he just wrote about that in a movie. [Eminem talked about] you can kill your mom, kill your baby mom, rape her, tie her up. … It’s just different now. People can voice their opinion on a social site and become popular and people are turning it into any thing. Me? I don’t care about that. You can say whatever you want. I take care of my family, I’m getting money, I’m living my life and I’m being me.” (Urban Informer)

Cash Money/We The Best rapper Ace Hood recently defended Ross’ lyrics.
Ross ain’t that type of guy,” Ace said in an interview. “You know what I mean? I’ve known Ross since I jumped in this music industry, he ain’t mean it in no way that would be degrading to women or anything like that aura. [Why did he say it?] What they saying he said, he didn’t say. You know what I’m saying, what they’re saying. Bottle and champagne, something like that.” (“Jenny Boom Boom”)

Source:
Meek Mill Stands Up For Rick Ross: “Biggie Said, ‘Rape Your Kid, Throw Her Over The Bridge’” [Audio] | SOHH.COM

(AllHipHop News) Marcy projects bred rapper turned mogul, Jay-Z, has entered into a multi-year, worldwide partnership with his Roc Nation music label and Universal Music Group.

Under the new deal, Jay-Z will bring his Roc Nation artists, including Rihanna, and will operate as a standalone label within the UMG family, effective immediately.

Several other labels, including Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group, made moves to try to lock down Jay-Z and the Roc Nation imprint although Jay-Z ultimately picked UMG for an undisclosed amount.

“We are looking forward to working with Lucian and the incredible team he’s assembled at Universal. We would like to applaud Lucian for collaborating with us to strike a new age deal. This agreement presents a unique opportunity for Roc Nation’s artists-being able to continue to operate as an independent label with the strength, power and reach of the best major. I look forward to a long and prosperous collaboration with UMG. It feels good to be home.” Jay-Z said in a statement to the press.

While the terms of the agreement were not disclosed, sources say Warner executive Lyor Cohen made a play for Jay-Z as part of a deal that would sign the Brooklyn bred mogul to his own firm.

Jay-Z’s signing to the world’s largest music company, led by Lucian Grainge, comes on the heels of Jay-Z allowing his last long-term recording contract with Universal’s Def Jam to expire.

In making the announcement, Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of UMG, said, “In just five years, Roc Nation has established itself as one of the most successful brands in music with a reputation for developing some of today¹s most influential and popular talent. Not only does this agreement provide a dynamic platform for Roc Nation’s exciting emerging artists, it extends our relationship with the extraordinary Rihanna and represents a homecoming for JAY Z-a brilliant artist and entrepreneur, who has been a creative cornerstone of our company. All of us at UMG are thrilled that JAY and Roc Nation chose UMG as their partners, knowing we will support their artists with a level of resources, expertise and passion that is simply unmatched in the industry.”

Founded in 2008, Roc Nation is a full-service entertainment company, inclusive of artist, songwriter, producer and engineer management; music publishing; touring & merchandising; film & television; new business ventures; and a music label.

More news as details emerge.

http://allhiphop.com/2013/04/08/jay-zs-roc-nation-inks-partnership-with-universal-music-group/

(AllHipHop News) Fans are anxiously awaiting J. Cole’s return and now they have a date to latch onto for Born Sinner.
The rapper made the revelation on Twitter that his album would now drop in the summer.
“Said i would never announce on twitter, but damn, since i f**ked up that first one (but what a moment!),” he said. “Born Sinner June 25th. – Cole.”
A 5-song EP and “Power Trip” with Miguel have kept the rapper in the limelight after the original date for Born Sinner was pushed back.
The album was originally due on January 28.

http://allhiphop.com/2013/04/08/j-cole-gets-new-release-date-born-sinner/

2Pac Backlash? TYGA (@TYGA) can’t seem to catch a break lately, the Young Money rapper was set to perform at the Yardfest for Harvard University but apparently he’s not welcomed on their Campus. As it turns out that it isn’t even the faculty or parents calling for a cancellation, it’s the student body who are rallying against TYGA. Ouch. Read the petition circulating to halt the proceedings below. Hey, even we signed it.

http://www.ddotomen.com/2013/04/03/tyga-boycotted-by-harvard-students-petition-launched-to-cancel-show/

(AllHipHop News) It’s been a while Former Bad Boy artist Black Rob topped the charts with his smash hit “Whoa!” Recently, the rapper sat down with AllHipHop in8 and 9 Miami show room. He talks securing a new label with Universal/Fontana, prepping ‘Life Story 2′ and leaving New York.

“It was a no brainer. If you know Black Rob you know what I was coming with when I was on Life Story 1, The Black Rob, Report Game Tested Streets Approved, I never lost what a rapper needed to take it over the top.”

The Harlem native also revealed why he left NYC.

“I moved somewhere down south in a undisclosed location. I turn the radio on in New York, all I hear is 2 Chainz, T.I , Future…the list goes on. Why would I wanna be there, might as well come down here an enjoy the living and the music. This is the Mecca rite now as far as music is concerned  ”

Check Out the 1st Part of the Exclusive Interview with Black Rob Here :