Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
J. Cole Says His Roc Nation Debut Is 'Really Heavy' Thursday, April 28, 2011 12:16 PM | 12 comments By Mike Winslow
(AllHipHop News) J. Cole recently revealed that he was in the final stages of completing his highly anticipated debut album, which he has described as "really heavy" and "really emotional."
There is still no release date attached to the album, as J. Cole puts the finishing touches on the release, which will hit stores via Jay-Z's Roc Nation imprint.
"I know my fans are frustrated with me, because I won't give a date," J. Cole told The Press of Atlantic City. "I only gave a date one time in my career last year, and I smacked myself in the face because it was so unrealistic. Now I say it's coming soon, and it's really true, because we're in the final stages right now."
The rapper, who will make his performance debut tomorrow (April 29th) at The House of Blues inside the Showboat Casino-Hotel, said that his album will touch on his experiences growing up in Fayetteville, North Carolina, as well as various social issues.
"I don't worry about what the world wants me to do," the rapper said of his mentality while writing and recording the his album. "I'm worrying about meeting my expectations."
J. Cole's debut performance will take place tomorrow at the House of Blues at 8:00PM.
Ticket prices range from $25 - $35 dollars per ticket.
There is still no release date attached to the album, as J. Cole puts the finishing touches on the release, which will hit stores via Jay-Z's Roc Nation imprint.
"I know my fans are frustrated with me, because I won't give a date," J. Cole told The Press of Atlantic City. "I only gave a date one time in my career last year, and I smacked myself in the face because it was so unrealistic. Now I say it's coming soon, and it's really true, because we're in the final stages right now."
The rapper, who will make his performance debut tomorrow (April 29th) at The House of Blues inside the Showboat Casino-Hotel, said that his album will touch on his experiences growing up in Fayetteville, North Carolina, as well as various social issues.
"I don't worry about what the world wants me to do," the rapper said of his mentality while writing and recording the his album. "I'm worrying about meeting my expectations."
J. Cole's debut performance will take place tomorrow at the House of Blues at 8:00PM.
Ticket prices range from $25 - $35 dollars per ticket.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Lil Wayne’s Carter IV Coming on June 21
Earlier this week, rumors hit the ’net that Lil Wayne’s highly anticipated album, Tha Carter IV, was pushed back from May 16 until June. XXLMag.com has learned exclusively, that the claims are indeed true.
Young Money president, Mack Maine, informed XXL that Weezy’s follow up to 2008’s multi-platinum selling Carter III LP will be hitting shelves on June 21. We also confirmed that the graduation photo of a pre-teenage Wayne, sporting his signature facial tattoos that leaked online earlier this week, as well, is the official cover art to the disc.
Weezy F. Baby is currently on his I Am Still Music tour with label mate Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross (who appears in the video to his new single “If I Die Today [John]“), and Travis Barker. The crew’s next stop is at Los Angeles, CA’s Staples Center on Friday, April 22. —Jesse Gissen
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
#Winningthefuture: The Obama Administration's African-American Focus Monday, April 18, 2011 9:15 AM | 5 comments By Biba Adams
Never let it be said that the Obama White House hasn't done anything for the Black community. President Obama has created or saved 3 million jobs. He dedicated 800 million dollars to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's), he worked to alleviate some of the disparity in drug sentencing laws reducing the disparity in cocaine to crack sentencing from 100 to 1 to 18 to 1. Over 4 million minority businesses have benefited from tax credits, and programs like the Mortgage Forbearance program and income based student loan repayment benefit Black America.
Yet, consider Rev. Al Sharpton and Prof. Cornel West arguing on MSNBC, a community activist and an Ivy League professor, both of whom embrace the President, while still offering criticism of his perceived lack of policies that specifically seek to improve the lives of black Americans. It is an oft-heard refrain, that the “First Black President” hasn’t “done anything for Black folks.” Still, there exists within the Obama administration numerous African-Americans including Senior Advisor to the President, Valerie Jarrett, Michael Strautmanis, Counselor for Strategic Engagement and Assistant to the President, and Michael Blake, Director of African-American & Minority Business Outreach. The roles of Strautmanis and specifically Michael Blake are to labor for the concerns of minorities.
Why? Many African American still don't know what the White House is doing.
The office of African-American & Minority Business Outreach has created a series of community forums to discuss “Winning the Future,” the theme of President Obama’s new budget initiative. A recent meeting in Atlanta, at the Atlanta Life building, home of the first African-American life insurance company, was full of 30-somethings dressed in business attire and ready to work. The Obama Generation was in full effect ready to hear about how the administration can best serve local communities and how local residents can help their communities win the future. The 400-plus audience was largely young, eager, excited and most importantly, engaged in their communities.
Michael Strautmanis encouraged the audience reminding them that, "He (The President) is thinking about you. He is working for you. You are in his heart and on his mind." Strautmanis also thanked Atlanta's 41 year old Mayor, Kasim Reed, for his "friendship and model leadership." The President trusts and admires this young mayor," he expounded. Mayor Reed, who won his position by less than 800 votes stated, "If we miss this time, where the most influential African-American on the planet doesn't throw a ball, pitch a ball, or catch a ball, we will not be worthy of the people who made it possible for us to sit here right now."
Blake echoed the Mayor's sentiments calling the hallowed names of civil rights pioneers who hailed from Atlanta stating that the audience can not "mess up this opportunity."
One of the most interesting things about this Town Hall meeting, which almost had the feel of a pre-election rally, was that the representatives of the federal government and specifically the White House provided contact email addresses and phone numbers led by Michael Blake, Director of African-American & Minority Business Outreach. Blake, a New York native, provided his email addresses and asked members of the Minority Business Development Agency and General Services Administration to provide their contact information as well, implying that this White House is available to the public.
“We want to open the doors,” Blake stated, “We need to make it plain that a lot of things are happening.” Town hall events, like the one that took place in Atlanta, helps people become aware of what the federal government can do and recognize those who are already working. “We have to get out and talk to folks,” Blake reiterated, “Help us organize.”
The event closed with the opportunity for many to ask questions of the panel, and the lines were long. However, the key point was made by Mr. Blake who talked about the Winning the Future intitiative of the President, which is focused on "Out-educating, Out-building, and Out-innovating" the rest of the world. "When you go to sleep, someone else around the world is trying to beat you. If we stay focused, we can continue to win winning the future."
Yet, consider Rev. Al Sharpton and Prof. Cornel West arguing on MSNBC, a community activist and an Ivy League professor, both of whom embrace the President, while still offering criticism of his perceived lack of policies that specifically seek to improve the lives of black Americans. It is an oft-heard refrain, that the “First Black President” hasn’t “done anything for Black folks.” Still, there exists within the Obama administration numerous African-Americans including Senior Advisor to the President, Valerie Jarrett, Michael Strautmanis, Counselor for Strategic Engagement and Assistant to the President, and Michael Blake, Director of African-American & Minority Business Outreach. The roles of Strautmanis and specifically Michael Blake are to labor for the concerns of minorities.
Why? Many African American still don't know what the White House is doing.
The office of African-American & Minority Business Outreach has created a series of community forums to discuss “Winning the Future,” the theme of President Obama’s new budget initiative. A recent meeting in Atlanta, at the Atlanta Life building, home of the first African-American life insurance company, was full of 30-somethings dressed in business attire and ready to work. The Obama Generation was in full effect ready to hear about how the administration can best serve local communities and how local residents can help their communities win the future. The 400-plus audience was largely young, eager, excited and most importantly, engaged in their communities.
Michael Strautmanis encouraged the audience reminding them that, "He (The President) is thinking about you. He is working for you. You are in his heart and on his mind." Strautmanis also thanked Atlanta's 41 year old Mayor, Kasim Reed, for his "friendship and model leadership." The President trusts and admires this young mayor," he expounded. Mayor Reed, who won his position by less than 800 votes stated, "If we miss this time, where the most influential African-American on the planet doesn't throw a ball, pitch a ball, or catch a ball, we will not be worthy of the people who made it possible for us to sit here right now."
Blake echoed the Mayor's sentiments calling the hallowed names of civil rights pioneers who hailed from Atlanta stating that the audience can not "mess up this opportunity."
One of the most interesting things about this Town Hall meeting, which almost had the feel of a pre-election rally, was that the representatives of the federal government and specifically the White House provided contact email addresses and phone numbers led by Michael Blake, Director of African-American & Minority Business Outreach. Blake, a New York native, provided his email addresses and asked members of the Minority Business Development Agency and General Services Administration to provide their contact information as well, implying that this White House is available to the public.
“We want to open the doors,” Blake stated, “We need to make it plain that a lot of things are happening.” Town hall events, like the one that took place in Atlanta, helps people become aware of what the federal government can do and recognize those who are already working. “We have to get out and talk to folks,” Blake reiterated, “Help us organize.”
The event closed with the opportunity for many to ask questions of the panel, and the lines were long. However, the key point was made by Mr. Blake who talked about the Winning the Future intitiative of the President, which is focused on "Out-educating, Out-building, and Out-innovating" the rest of the world. "When you go to sleep, someone else around the world is trying to beat you. If we stay focused, we can continue to win winning the future."
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
CAROLINA HIP-HOP PT.3
The Temperature of Carolina Hip-Hop
Hot or Not…
STEVO BROWN HOW IS IT GOING DOWN HOME BOY I HEARD YOU WORKING ON AN ALBUM?
SHAWTY WHAT'S UP BIG HOMIE. MAN THINGS HAVE BEEN GOING GREAT FOR ME. FEELING GOOD ABOUT THE QUALITY OF MUSIC I HAVE BEEN MAKING. SO I GUESS YOU CAN SAY I AM WORKING ON AN ALBUM. IT'S BEEN LONG OVER DUE I BELIEVE, BUT I THINK IT'S TIME FOR ME TO GO A HEAD AND GET UP OFF OF THIS MUSIC. I'M 17 SONGS INTO THE ALBUM AND IT SOUNDS GREAT. MIGHT PUT 20 SONGS ON THE ALBUM I JUST GOT 3 NEW TRACKS FROM WEST WONDER AND THEY BANGING SHAWTY.
WHAT CAN YOU TELL THE READERS ABOUT HIP-HOP IN THE CAROLINA'S?.
AS AN ENGINEER WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP HEAT UP THE GAME EVEN MORE WITH THE ARTIST THAT YOU WORK WITH?
WHAT I CAN DO TO HELP THEM WOULD BE JUST CONSTANTLY HELP THEM FIND THEIR SOUND AND MAKE THEIR MUSIC WORTH LISTENING TOO. THAT'S ALL I CAN REALLY DO ON MY PART SHAWTY. IT'S REALLY UP TO THEM.
WHO’S THE MC THAT YOU THINK COULD PUT NC/SC ON THE MAP THAT YOU HAVE WORKED WITH?
WHAT IS IT THAT KEEPS YOU DRIVEN TO MIX AND MASTER HIT AFTER HIT IN YOUR STUDIO?
HOW MANY HOURS A DAY, WEEK AND MONTH DO YOU SPEND IN THE STEW? RATHER IT BE RECORDING MIXING OR MASTERING?
BOI STOP THAT’S #TEAMGRINDPAYS ALL DAY RIGHT THERE I’M GOING TO INDUCT YOU INTO #TEAMGRINDPAYS RIGHT NOW YOU READY.
ONE MORE QUESTION WHAT IS THE TEMPERATURE OF HIP-HOP IN THE CAROLINA’S
Hot or Not…
AFTER SPEAKING WITH TWO OF THE HOTTEST MC’S HEATING UP THE CAROLINA’S WEST WONDER AND JAI30 I HAD TO SIT DOWN WITH MY GUY STEVO BROWN. WHO IS STEVO BROWN YOU ASK? WELL IF YOU DON’T KNOW FIRST YOUR NOT RECORDING AT THE HOTTEST STUDIO IN THE CAROLINA’S AND SECOND YOUR MUSIC MUST SOUND LIKE YOU IN A PHONE BOOTH DURING LUNCH HOUR IN DOWNTOWN ATLANTA. STEVO BROWN IS THE HOTTEST STUDIO ENGINEER IN THE AREA. STILL YOUNG IN THE GAME HE’S RECORDED SUCH ARTISTS SUCH AS ANTHONY HAMILTON, FREEWAY, AND BLOOD RAW ON A NATIONAL LEVEL AND MANY UP INCOMING ARTISTS SUCH AS JAI30, WEST WONDER, NASSAU BEANS AND MANY MORE. SINCE IM LOOKING AT THE TEMPERATURE DAIL ON HIP-HOP IN THE CAROLINA’S STEVO BROWN IS THE PERFECT PERSON TO ASK ABOUT IT SINCE HE’S WORKING WITH THESE ARTIST ON A DAILY BASIS.
STEVO BROWN HOW IS IT GOING DOWN HOME BOY I HEARD YOU WORKING ON AN ALBUM?
SHAWTY WHAT'S UP BIG HOMIE. MAN THINGS HAVE BEEN GOING GREAT FOR ME. FEELING GOOD ABOUT THE QUALITY OF MUSIC I HAVE BEEN MAKING. SO I GUESS YOU CAN SAY I AM WORKING ON AN ALBUM. IT'S BEEN LONG OVER DUE I BELIEVE, BUT I THINK IT'S TIME FOR ME TO GO A HEAD AND GET UP OFF OF THIS MUSIC. I'M 17 SONGS INTO THE ALBUM AND IT SOUNDS GREAT. MIGHT PUT 20 SONGS ON THE ALBUM I JUST GOT 3 NEW TRACKS FROM WEST WONDER AND THEY BANGING SHAWTY.
WHAT CAN YOU TELL THE READERS ABOUT HIP-HOP IN THE CAROLINA'S?.
MAN THIS MUSIC HERE IS SOMETHING PEOPLE NEED TO HEAR SHAWTY. FROM WORKING WITH NORTH CAROLINA ARTIST TO WORKING WITH SOUTH CAROLINA ARTIST IT'S BEEN FUN AND INTERESTING. THEY REALLY DO HAVE THEIR OWN STYLES AND THEY PUT A LOT OF FEELINGS AND ENERGY INTO THEIR MUSIC, AND YOU KNOW ME SHAWTY BEING FROM ATL WEST-SIDE ZONE 4 THAT'S WHAT WE LOVE.
AS AN ENGINEER WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP HEAT UP THE GAME EVEN MORE WITH THE ARTIST THAT YOU WORK WITH?
WHAT I CAN DO TO HELP THEM WOULD BE JUST CONSTANTLY HELP THEM FIND THEIR SOUND AND MAKE THEIR MUSIC WORTH LISTENING TOO. THAT'S ALL I CAN REALLY DO ON MY PART SHAWTY. IT'S REALLY UP TO THEM.
WHO’S THE MC THAT YOU THINK COULD PUT NC/SC ON THE MAP THAT YOU HAVE WORKED WITH?
SHAWTY YOU GONE PUT ME ON THE SPOT LIKE THAT. HOLD UP REAL QUICK PUFF BREAK SHAWTY....... OK WELL IN NC IT WOULD BE JAI 30(SPITTER) AND WEST WONDER. I SAY THE BOTH OF THEM BECAUSE WHEN THEY MAKE MUSIC TOGETHER IT'S ALWAYS A BANGER, THEN WHEN I MIX, EDIT, AND MASTER IT WE BECOME THE TRIPLE THREAT. IN SC MAN JIT DA SHHH AND THIS YOUNG ARTIST WHO GOES BY LIL SKIPP. MAN THESE DUES ENERGY IS CRAZY.
WHAT IS IT THAT KEEPS YOU DRIVEN TO MIX AND MASTER HIT AFTER HIT IN YOUR STUDIO?
SHAWTY I LOVE THE WAY MUSIC SOUNDS WHEN IT IS DONE RIGHT. SEE WHEN MOST PEOPLE LISTEN TO A RECORD, THEY ARE JUST LISTENING TO THE ARTIST AND THE BEAT. WHEN I LISTEN TO A RECORD I'M LISTEN TO THE ENGINEERS WORK. WHAT TYPE OF REVERD, EQ, AND COMPRESSION HE USED. WHAT DOPE EFFECTS HE PUT ON THAT THANG SHAWTY TO MAKE THE WHOLE TRACK SOUND DOPE. THIS IS WHAT MAKES ME KEEP DOING WHAT I'M DOING SHAWTY.
OK THIS IS A #TEAMGRINDPAYS QUESTIONS FOR ALL MY #GRINDPAYS PEOPLE OUT THERE YOU READY? ALWAYS READY NEVER SLIPPIN SHAWTY. GO!!!
HOW MANY HOURS A DAY, WEEK AND MONTH DO YOU SPEND IN THE STEW? RATHER IT BE RECORDING MIXING OR MASTERING?
CUZ RIGHT NOW AS MUCH TIME I HAVE NOW YOU CAN'T EVEN KEEP ME OUT OF THE STUDIO BRUH. IT'S A 24/7 GRIND PLAYBOY AND I GOT TO GET IT SHAWTY. I LIKE STAYING IN THE STUDIO BECAUSE I'M REALLY NOT ONE OF THOSE ENGINEERS WHO JUST BE RECORDING DUDES AND THEN AFTER THEIR DONE RECORDING BOUNCE THEIR TRACK AND SEND IT TO BE MASTERED. NAH THAT AIN'T ME HOME BOY I LIKE PUTTING IN THE TIME THAT IS NEEDED FOR A GREAT FINISHED PRODUCT. I LOVE GOOD BUSINESS AND SATISFIED CLIENTS, THEY COME BACK AND REFER YOU TO ANOTHER CLIENTS. IT'S NOT THE FIRST SALE IT'S THE RESALE SHAWTY.
BOI STOP THAT’S #TEAMGRINDPAYS ALL DAY RIGHT THERE I’M GOING TO INDUCT YOU INTO #TEAMGRINDPAYS RIGHT NOW YOU READY.
SHAWTY I TOLD YOU I'M ALWYAS READY, AND NEVER SLIPPIN. GO!!!
ONE MORE QUESTION WHAT IS THE TEMPERATURE OF HIP-HOP IN THE CAROLINA’S
IF YALL DON'T KNOW YALL BETTER GET HERE AND SEE WHAT'S GOING ON CAUSE THIS TEMPERATURE BLOWING UP AND I'M STILL SOO KUUL THROUGH IT ALL SHAWTY!
WELL PEOPLE THERE YOU HAVE IT THANKS STEVO BROWN FOR COMING BY AND SHARING YA INPUT THANKS FOR JOINING THE #GRINDPAYS TEAM AND WHEN THE ALBUM DROP WE MUST DO THIS AGAIN. FROM YA HOST MARKIE "MILLIONDOLLAR" STACKS IM GONE…
YOU CAN REACH STEVO
TWITTER @SOOKUUL
GMAIL: SBROWN.BBE@GMAIL.COM
CRAFTING SOUND MUSIC GROUP
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
50 Tyson Album WOOOOOOOOOOOW
50 Tyson Announces Debut Album 'Rhythm of Autism'
Tuesday, April 12, 2011 12:16 PM | 27 commentsBy Nolan Strong and Grandmaster Grouchy
(AllHipHop News) Minneapolis, Minnesota rapper 50 Tyson is preparing to release his debut album, titled 50 Tyson Presents the Rhythm of Autism.
The 18-year-old autistic rapper will donate 20% of the sales from his debut release to help fund research for the disorder, which impacts 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys in the United States.
50 Tyson's album will be released on former NBA star Troy Hudson's Minneapolis-based independent record label, Hudson Records.
“Releasing my album debut album is a dream come true and I hope to provide inspiration to children and their families impacted by Autism that you too can achieve your goals," 50 Tyson told AllHipHop.com. "The support I’ve received so far has been great and I hope everyone who watched my videos will help my cause to raise money for Autism research and awareness.”
50 Tyson, whose moniker was given to him due to his resemblance to rapper 50 Cent and Mike Tyson, has received over 40 million YouTube views.
His 10-track debut will feature tracks like "Icey," "Don't Know How to Dougie" and several other of his Internet hits that have made him famous;
50 Tyson's debut album Rhythm of Autism is due in stores on April 15th.
The track list for the album is below:
1. I’m a Champion
2. Everybody Know Me
3. Icy
4. Tippy Toes
5. Can I be the One to Hold You Down?
6. Don’t Know How to Dougie
7. Turning Up
8. Girls Call me 50, Boys Call me Tyson
9. Put it on You Tube
10. I Ain’t Gonna Lie
Mental Health and Hip-Hop
Losing It: Rappers and Mental Health
Monday, April 11, 2011 1:26 PM | 11 commentsBy Seandra Sims
It seems rappers are losing it these days.
Over the past weeks and months, the news headlines have been flooded with stories of Hip-Hop artists receiving treatment for mental illness or impairment, including Gucci Mane, Charles Hamilton, and longtime troubled rapper DMX.
For the most part, this isn’t MC institutionalization Lindsay Lohan-style. Critics say the cries for help are publicity stunts or convenient ways to dodge jail time. In fact, Gucci Mane, two weeks off a psychiatric evaluation, tattooed an ice cream cone on his face while promoting his mixtape, 2 Time, with DJ Love Dinero.
Others say the recent meltdowns signal a bigger problem among scores of untreated people, especially Black men. In rap, crazy sometimes equals cool; still, experts agree that when mental illness goes unchecked, it can lead to all sort of issues, including depression, paranoia, violence, and suicide.
“When psychiatric disorders are not diagnosed and treated, they can have a significant impact on the individual, their family and friends, and society,” Dr. Colleen A. Ewing, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with F.A.C.E. Psychological Services, recently told AllHipHop.com. “Untreated mental illnesses can also be a burden on society, causing loss of work productivity, increased levels of homelessness, and interactions with the criminal justice system,” Dr. Ewing added.
Records show that in the past five years, Gucci Mane has been arrested and jailed five times in Georgia, for charges ranging from aggravated assault to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. In early January, his lawyer told an Atlanta judge his client was mentally incompetent to speak for himself during a probation violation hearing. The judge ordered Gucci to a nearby psychiatric and drug dependency hospital to undergo evaluation. Just last week, he was arrested again for pushing a woman out of a moving car, an incident that originally happened in January.
Gifted but tragic rapper DMX has a well-known history of drug abuse and brushes with the law. He has been incarcerated 13 times, including at least once each year for the past decade, for infractions from drug to guns to illegal pit bull possession. His December visit to an Arizona mental health unit was ordered after his most recent arrest for violating probation by drinking alcohol during a concert.
Theories over the years have said DMX suffers from bipolar disorder, in addition to his clear penchant for crack and liquor. His altered states of being might be the gift and the curse that lend brilliance and tragedy to his lyrics; a tortured soul often makes for the best material – think the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Presently, Dr. Ewing said there are more people experiencing mental health issues than ever – and many of them are functioning and sometimes excelling in traditional society.
“There are many more households led by single parents, and there is less of an extended family. As a result, many individuals do not have support systems in place that normally would have enabled them to cope with stress,” said Dr. Ewing. “They develop a maladaptive reaction to the stress, such as depression or anxiety. To help them manage these symptoms, many persons will turn to drugs and/or alcohol,“ she said.
“And not to mention the pushing and pulling that occurs with artists of various levels of popularity from sex and drugs being contextual staples, to the proverbial, fake ‘yes’ men and women who laugh at all of their jokes and look upon them as if they were living reflections of human perfection,” said Dr. James M. Ballard III. Dr. Ballard, a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in Maryland, presents on topics related to the mental health of performing artists, i.e., rappers, vocalists, and musicians, etc. at music conferences, workshops, and seminars, and works independently with artists and groups/bands.
Sometimes, with the help of people like Dr. Ballard or encouragement from others, rappers seek help voluntarily. This past summer rapper Charles Hamilton checked himself into New York Presbyterian Hospital, citing the need for “peace of mind” as the reason for his stay. From inside the hospital, he gave rambling but coherent press interviews comparing the music industry to a psych ward.
Dr. Ewing noted, “The music industry is in itself an arena that constantly exposes an individual to high levels of stress – these stressors can include ongoing ‘beefs’ with other artists, constantly being in the spotlight, your image and music constantly being scrutinized and criticized, people holding unrealistic role model expectations of you, and having to maintain a particular persona.”
“Additionally, a music artist has to continually produce new music and stay relevant as the music industry changes. Many artists have to deal with these stressors at young ages, when they have not developed adequate coping skills, do not have strong support systems in place, etc,” said Dr. Ewing.
“Artists’ time is no longer theirs; their issues are considered within the framework of the bottom line,” said Dr. Ballard. “Artists may be tired, have the flu, be anxious, be depressed, be hoarse, miss their families and/or children, be experiencing trouble recalling their lyrics, be high or drunk, doubt themselves as people, or be experiencing an assortment of other issues, but regardless, the show must go on,” he added.
To top it off, mental illness has a stigma, especially in the Black community where historically, seeking help for mental or emotional problems is seen as a sign of weakness. Dr. Yasser A. Payne, asst. professor of Black American Studies at University of Delaware, is not quick to write off rappers’ instability with the stigma. "’Mental illness’ is strong language – I would argue the mind is ‘challenged,’ and the mind and spirit have adapted to traumatic events,” he told AllHipHop.
“Also, it’s difficult to capture to what extent Black youth and, in particular, street life-oriented Black men are challenged with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), given that Black men have the highest turnover rate in therapy - something like a 90% turnover rate,” he noted. Dr. Payne, who has studied the complex lives of urban Black men, added that many rappers, like other Black men growing up in the streets, can suffer from the same PTSD effects as soldiers returning from a war-zone.
“PTSD is vastly unstudied in the context of street life-oriented Black men, and may be the way to understand mental health in this population,” he said. “Dr. Joy DeGruy Leary, a social work scholar is pretty popular for coining the term ‘Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome,’ which underscores how exposure to violence and other forms of urban stressors have deeply impacted the psyches, attitudes, and behaviors of Black youth.“
Whether it’s from industry pressure, an undiagnosed problem, or growing up fatherless in drug and crime-infested neighborhoods, something does seem to be going wrong in the minds of rappers at a higher rate these days. Awareness and therapy are keys to managing their issues. Ironically, in the zany world of Hip-Hop, rapper meltdowns sometimes lead to critically acclaimed, platinum-selling albums like Kanye’s Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.
Mental illness is no laughing matter. AllHipHop.com cares, and we offer the following resources for more information: National Alliance on Mental Illness (www.NAMI.org), the American Psychological Association (www.APA.org), and local community mental health centers.
Monday, April 11, 2011
NO FAKE ROCAWEAR
Rocawear Goes After Bootleggers In Fort Lauderdale Court
Monday, April 11, 2011 10:00 AM | 5 commentsBy Roman Wolfe and Grandmaster Grouchy
Rocawear and Rocawear Licensing LLC have filed a lawsuit against a Florida wholesale company that is allegedly selling bootleg wears by the Hip-Hop clothing company.
Lawyers for Rocawear filed the lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida in the Fort Lauderdale division.
According to the complaints, Bargain Wholesaler and Top Brand Wholesalers are two companies owned by Ahmad Jamhour.
Jamhour and his companies are accused of marketing counterfeit Rocawear products, specifically jean capris and ladies tops.
Rocawear is seeking a permanent injunction against Jamhour, barring him from selling, displaying, manufacturing or marketing any Rocawear products.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Ahmad Jamhour or one of his companies has been accused of bootlegging merchandise.
In December of 2009, Bravado International Group, which owns the rights to distribute Michael Jackson shirts, posters and other memorabilia, also sued Jamhour and his company Top Brands Wholesalers, for allegedly making phony Michael Jackson merchandise.
Rocawear is represented by Becker & Poliakoff, P.A., of Fort Lauderdale.
Nicki and Britney
Nicki Minaj Confirmed For Britney Spears Tour
Monday, April 11, 2011 8:27 AM | 4 commentsBy Roman Wolfe
(AllHipHop News) After weeks of negotiations, rapper Nicki Minaj has been confirmed as the opening act for Britney Spears' upcoming tour.
The rapper will perform on the Britney's opening date, which is June 17th in Sacramento, California.
Nicki
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Burrrrr
Gucci Mane Jailed For Pushing Woman Out of Moving Car
Friday, April 08, 2011 1:52 PM | 48 comments
By Nolan Strong
(AllHipHop News) Atlanta, Georgia rapper Gucci Mane is in trouble with the law again, after he was arrested today (April 8th) and charged with battery.
DeKalb County Police confirmed that Gucci, born Radric Davis, was arrested by the Dekalb County Fugitive Squad as he visited his probation officer.
The rapper is accused of pushing a woman out of a moving vehicle during a dispute with the woman, although the date of the alleged incident was not immediately known.
Gucci Mane is charged with a misdemeanor count of battery, but he could face a longer jail sentence for violating his previous probation.
The rapper spent time at the mental ward of Anchor Hospital in January, after he was accused of violating his probation for an incident in November of 2010.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
FBI Releases Documents On B.I.G. Murder; Rapper Killed With Rare Ammunition Tuesday, April 05, 2011 6:13 PM | 23 comments By Nolan Strong
(AllHipHop News) Rapper Christopher "Notorious B.I.G." Wallace was shot and killed with a very rare form of ammunition, according to new documents released by the FBI under the Freedom of Information act.
While most of the information is known, the FBI documents reveal details into what the agency knew about the case.
The FBI investigation also stated that a variety Los Angeles Police Department officers, both on and off duty - with gang ties - helped the shooter escape, in addition to stymying the investigation, by not following up on witness reports, or properly documenting witness statements.
At one point, at least 10 witnesses were ready to provide information, but refused to talk to the LAPD.
They were willing, however, to talk to the FBI about the murder. The FBI also has uncut video of the shooting
The documents states that while Death Row was making millions selling records by artists like Tupac, Snoop Dogg and Tha Dogg Pound, other associates working for the label were allegedly selling kilos of cocaine for $14,000, which were then re-sold on the East Coast, for $24,000.
According to the documents, B.I.G. was shot and killed with rounds of Gecko 9mm armor piercing ammunition, which is rarely found in the United States and made in Germany.
After an anonymous caller tipped other police that an unnamed Mob Piru Bloods gang member was involved, Los Angeles Police Department officers obtained a search warrant and found 9mm guns and more Gecko 9mm rounds.
The LAPD never conducted ballistic tests and according to documents, more officers were involved in thwarting the investigation, including two of former Chief Parks' "personal recruits."
Check out the documents here.
While most of the information is known, the FBI documents reveal details into what the agency knew about the case.
The FBI investigation also stated that a variety Los Angeles Police Department officers, both on and off duty - with gang ties - helped the shooter escape, in addition to stymying the investigation, by not following up on witness reports, or properly documenting witness statements.
At one point, at least 10 witnesses were ready to provide information, but refused to talk to the LAPD.
They were willing, however, to talk to the FBI about the murder. The FBI also has uncut video of the shooting
The documents states that while Death Row was making millions selling records by artists like Tupac, Snoop Dogg and Tha Dogg Pound, other associates working for the label were allegedly selling kilos of cocaine for $14,000, which were then re-sold on the East Coast, for $24,000.
According to the documents, B.I.G. was shot and killed with rounds of Gecko 9mm armor piercing ammunition, which is rarely found in the United States and made in Germany.
After an anonymous caller tipped other police that an unnamed Mob Piru Bloods gang member was involved, Los Angeles Police Department officers obtained a search warrant and found 9mm guns and more Gecko 9mm rounds.
The LAPD never conducted ballistic tests and according to documents, more officers were involved in thwarting the investigation, including two of former Chief Parks' "personal recruits."
Check out the documents here.
Young Rich T Interview
With the ability to merge machine-gun flow with razor-sharp wit and delivery, you can’t put Young Rich T in a box. Born and raised in Atlanta, he has the raw passion of a street poet, but the diction of one schooled in the devices of literature. Using many influences (Outkast, Goodie Mob and UGK being among them) as a spur, Young Rich T has built his own style by being the studio equivalent of a gymrat.
Young Rich T, who started rapping when he was 13, gained steam with successful showings at high school talent shows as a junior and senior. As a senior at Benjamin E. Mays High School, he formed the rap group ATM (About The Money) with Jayco and fellow classmate Win. The group hit the studio hard, gaining a reputation as hungry up-and-comers, eventually scoring notable success with the hit single, “Get Jiggy” and “Get Jiggy, remix” with Yung Ralph, Parlae and Shawty Lo. As a solo artist, Young Rich T doesn’t disappoint his fans. By dropping his first mixtape “BEST FRIENDS WITH THE BANK” (hosted by HOODRICH Dj Swamp Izzo) he proved he could hold his own both musically and artistically. His new single “I KNOW WHAT IM DOING” is sure to leave an everlasting impression in the ears of his fans. For Young Rich T, nothing is taken for granted, and with music, he doesn’t waste his listeners’ time. With a technique rooted in alliteration, conviction and depth, don’t call him a rapper. He’s an artist!
Im good! I cant even complain…just grinding musically.
I HEARD THE SINGLE AND I’M ON IT HEAVY. TELL ME WHAT WAS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND IT?
“I Know What I’m Doing” is a catchy record and really is self explanatory with what it stands for. It’s one of those songs that when people hear it, they repeat it and believe it. It allows the listeners to feel a since of power and unconsciously raises their self-confidence. It’s an anthem /feel record….and that’s what I want people to feel good when they hear it. FEEL GOOD about themselves.
COMING OUT OF ATLANTA, GA. WHAT MANY SAY IS THE NEW NYC WHEN IT COMES TO ARTISTS WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM THE REST?
I think I’m the total package! Not trying to brag but, I think I'm the hottest. I write and record all my songs myself. I don’t sing or really do the t-pain (auto-tune) but I make great music. Everything about me is original. I stay in my own lane and don’t follow shallow trends! Im not trying to be the next T.I., Jeezy or Kanye…. I want to be bigger and better than those guys honestly. Im Fly, Im Hot, Im one of the best if not THE best, Im T!
I HAVE TO TOUCH ON THIS SUBJECT JUST A LITTLE BIT I JUST WANT YOU TO TELL THE FANS OUT THERE THAT HAD BEEN FOLLOWING A.T.M WHAT HAPPEN? CAUSE I WAS A FAN MYSELF AND WHEN I GOT THE NEWS I WAS LIKE NAW APRIL FOOLS EARLY!!! SO IN YOUR OWN WORDS LET US KNOW WHAT HAPPEN?
Naw its no April Fools joke, its real. We are no longer doing the group. A lot of people assume that things ended on bad terms and it was tension, or beef involved, but honestly it was none of that. It was simply a mutual agreement between everyone to move on from the group. Things weren’t really going the way we had envisioned it and it didn’t seem like things weren’t going to get better anytime soon. It was hard! But at the end of the day we believed it was necessary, and ultimately we were making the right the decision.
OK SO DO YALL STILL STAY IN CONTACT WITH EACH OTHER?
HELL YEA…we are brothers! It was no love lost…at all! We still kick it, hang out and occasionally make music together.
LETS SWITCH LANES NOW AND TALK ABOUT YOUR SOLO PROJECT. HOWS THAT COMING SO FAR?
It’s a process! Right now Im working on my sophomore solo mixtape. Things are going well with this project. Im just recording my ass off right now. Im looking to drop the mixtape somewhere around the summer time maybe even early fall. I want it to be right. Im not like those artist that drop mixtapes every month. No disrespect but that aint me. I’ll take10 great songs over 100 ok songs any day. Its about the quality of the music with me not the quantity.
WHEN CAN WE EXPECT A MIXTAPE OR ARE YOU WORKING ON THE ALBUM?
Summer/ late fall
CAN WE EXPECT ANY FEATURES FROM ANYONE THAT’S HEAVY IN THE GAME RIGHT NOW?
Maybe??? That’s something you’ll have to find out for yourself. The element of surprise is very powerful! All I’m going to say is “You will not be disappointed”!
WHAT YOU GOT COMING UP FAR AS SHOWS?
Right now Im really just on concentrating recording. I still do shows here and their but nothing really major as of yet!
I appreciate it homie…much love!
www.YoungRichT.com
@youngricht #iknowwhatimdoing
Monday, April 4, 2011
Hulkshare.com 01 I Know What im Doing_Main.mp3
Check out the new single from Young Rich T. Formally of A.T.M (About The Money) a group based out of Atlanta Ga. that I had a chance to sit down and talk to about the groups decision to break up, his solo projects, and the future of Young Rich T.
Hulkshare.com 01 I Know What im Doing_Main.mp3
Hulkshare.com 01 I Know What im Doing_Main.mp3
Friday, April 1, 2011
CAROLINA HIP-HOP MOVEMENT PT.2
The Temperature of Carolina Hip-Hop
Hot or Not…
While the world of Hip-Hop continues to expand one can only wonder what happen to the Hungry Local Artist??? I remember when I used to read Word up, The Source, XXL, Next to Blow, and many other Urban Magazines and hear about the new cats outta NYC, Cali, TX, GA, and FL. But 15 years living in NC had me thinking are there any MC’S in the Carolinas there’s been a few but none really that big headline MC. And then I met this cat by the name of Jai30 smooth cat that had a crazy flow I began to think music like this doesn’t get heard anymore all I hear coming from the hood is 28 grams this or ounce of that and drug dealing music. Jai30’s flow took it back to classic BIGGIE with money, women, clothes and cars flow his rhymes took me out the trap and put me out on the town with the women of my choice. So I Called up Jai30 and asked him a few questions about music in NC/SC and here’s what he said.
WHATS UP MY MAN HOWS LIFE AFTER LL COOL JAI?
Man I tell u, when I dropped the LL Cool Jai project things went crazy for me. My fan base tripled, the Internet was buzzing and the A&R’s were going nuts!!! Since then I’ve just been promoting and networking and getting ready for the new project.
I SEE YA SWAF STILL ON A BILLION OR HAS IT GONE UP?
Swag game stupid, Fly stay stupid so my SWAF gonna always be stupid lol. Man, u know I been swaffin since I’ve known u. you know how they say, “give an inch and they’ll take a foot?” well they gave me a rope and now I want to be a damn Cowboy lol. You know u cant feed the pit bull once an expect him not to eat everyday. So to answer the question, you’re damn right it’s gone up!!!
WHAT NEW PROJECTS YOU WORKING ON?
I actually have a few new projects I’m working on. This will be the first time I’m releasing the names of them so this is truly exclusive!!! Me and West Wonder are working on the “Alter Ego” album, I’m working on the “Whole Hog” mix tape and “I’m N.I.C.E. (Never In Competition Ever)” Album. Haven’t set any release dates as of yet though.
WHAT NEW ARTIST ARE YOU WORKING WITH ON YOUR NEW PROJECT?
I’m gonna be working with Gastonia’s own Elite, Mike Eddy, Justyn Tyme. Those are a few of the “New” artist. I don’t think I’ll have a lot of features this time around though so if I get u on a track u better bring your whole ass!!
WHAT NEW PRODUCERS HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE STEW WITH?
Honestly a lot of producers don’t like me. I don’t know what the deal is. Every track I get on is going to be hot and they know that but I get no love! I might just do a Track called No Love and diss the producers from around here lol. West Wonder works with me hard, I got a few tracks from MusikMagik Studios but I haven’t got the clearance on them yet. Other than that I can’t get love around here. Maybe they just want to work with their homeboy’s lol. But you know me, Ill spit to the sounds of rain hitting the window. Beats don't make my songs lol.
WHAT DO YOU SAY TO THOSE PEOPLE THAT SAY JAI30 CAN’T RAP?
I would say since we are telling lies, their momma cant “YOU KNOW” lmao. Look man anybody that says I cant rap or don’t rock the mic or don’t rock the stage I’d say get on a track with me! Get on the stage with me and lets see how it turns out but YOU BETTER GO FIRST!!! I’ve been in this game for a minute and have had the pleasure to embarrass quite a few rappers on tracks and on stage! There’s a reason why I have NEVER been featured on anybody’s album or even mix tape and it’s not because I can’t rap. It’s because I make you work to damn hard to keep up lol. Damn I’m feeling like Kanye but the truth is like that sometimes lol.
ARE THEY THE REASON YOU CONTINUE TO GO HARD IN THE STEW?
Not really. There are only a few artists around me that motivate me to go directly to the lab when I hear their music. I go hard in the studio because that’s the only way I know how to do this. I didn’t start rapping at lunch room tables. I’ve been around dudes like Big Champ, Fran D, Phudd Butta, T-Dot, Carolina Slim, Absolute, etc. My crew in the ville (Fayetteville, NC) when I had to EARN a spot just to spit freestyle let alone record a 16. Most cats now just wake up and say “Today, I’m a rapper” and call their homeboy up and go record a lame ass track and all their friends say its hot lol. I started on the bench and earned a starting spot. Most cats now just Kwame Brown lol. They always say you’ll respect it more when you earn it!! THAT’S WHY I GO HARD IN THE STEW!!!
SO FAR HAS J. COLE LIVED UP TO THE CAROLINA’S EXPECTATIONS?
I think so. I’d like to see him get a little more shine. I think they gave Petey Pablo more shine than they given J. Cole. J. Cole is a lyricist. His whole delivery, word play, the way he rides a track, and hell that nigga gets it in!!
WHAT DO YOU THINK IT IS THAT’S KEEPING A MAJOR ARTIST FROM REALLY OWNING HIP-HOP OUTTA CAROLINA?
One word, SUPPORT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LAST QUESTION BEFORE I GO WHAT IS THE TEMPERATURE OF HIP-HOP IN THE CAROLINA’S?
Let’s say there’s a lot of room to get on. Carolina has a few people making noise but its not saturated. There’s enough room for a lot of people to eat around here. We just got to seize our opportunities and make there best of our situations and STOP HATING ON THE NEXT ARTIST. I feel like if NC stuck together we could compete with any other state with our music.
WELL PEOPLE THERE YOU HAVE IT JAI30 THANKS FOR COMING BY AND IM LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT NEW ALBUM FROM YA HOST MARKIE “MILLIONDOLLAR” STACKS IM GONE…
TO CONTACT JAI30 YOU CAN CATCH HIM ON
TWITTER @JUSJAI2
OR FACEBOOK JAI SO FLY IN YOUR SEARCH BOX
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