Last Night: Atmosphere At House Of Blues

Last Night: Atmosphere At House Of Blues
Mon Nov 10, 2008 at 11:27:34 AM
Atmosphere's Paint the Nation Tour
House of Blues
November 9, 2008

Better Than: Getting drunk, going into a trailer park and picking a fight.



Last time I checked, Atmosphere was a hip-hop duo. And when I listen to them in my headphones, I hear introspective rap with distinctive beats that make me nod my head.

So what was up at House of Blues last night?

Letís start with a venue that just doesnít cater to hip-hop. The Pontiac Garage at House of Blues makes for a nice, intimate hip-hop show but the main stage (where Atmosphere performed) stands too tall and too far behind a barricade. The room is wide and itís a long walk to the bar in the back. Throw in an excessive amount of drunk, tacky people and youíve got yourself one disconnected show.

It wasnít for lack of trying. Slug and Ant, the MC and producer respectively that make up Atmosphere, did what they came to do. They took the stage along with a live band and put on a powerful show from start to finish.

However, the decision to trade samples for gospel-infused vocals and even bring out an acoustic guitar for one track was a risky one. While the keyboards added some jazz and the guitarist proved he could shred, especially on intense tracks like ìGuarantees,î the complexity demanded a more in-tune audience that, sadly, was not the majority at this show.

Fights broke out on every side of me; people pushed, spilled beer on each other and screamed like little girls at a Jonas Brothers concert. Some guy in his mid-twenties tried to crowd surf, inevitably kicking a bunch of people in the back of the head and getting called out by Slug for acting like a 16-year-old at a Limp Bizkit show.

In fact, our MC had to stop several times to remind the crowd that we were there as a community, verbally breaking up fights and bringing a sense of humor back into the night. Slug definitely proved he can work a crowd but if he hadnít had to, maybe we could have all enjoyed his lyricism a little more.

Even more confusing is the fact that things started out relatively chill. Abstract Rude opened the show with west coast flows about getting high and other such fun. Same with Blueprint, who was just as clever as he was loud.

The crowd was sufficiently hyped by the time Atmosphere opened its set with the older/wiser ìLike the Rest of Us,î from its latest album.

And, for those of us who could stand upright long enough to enjoy them, there moments of collective bliss during ìGod Loves Uglyî and ìTrying to Find a Balance,î where everything seemed to work itself out. --Brittan Dunham

Criticís Notebook
Personal Bias: DJ Rare Groove, who spun for opening acts Abstract Rude and Blueprint was one of the more crowd-pleasing DJs Iíve seen lately. He kept the crowd so involved between sets that it never felt like the show paused even for a second.

Random Note: Slug made a reference to ìEllumentî which, truth be told, Iím only old enough to appreciate through stories. It made me think about how much better suited Deep Ellum was to this kind of show and has me wishing that my generation could have held on to some of that rather than just catching the tale end of it as we came of age.

By The Way: I wonder what happened to dude in the green shirt? The night could not have ended well for someone who punched a security guard in the face...

Atmosphere's Paint the Nation Tour

G-Unit Rookie Mazaradi Fox Talks Cam'ron, "It's All Just Competition, Not Beef"

In an exclusive interview, G-Unit affiliate Mazaradi Fox discusses his recent stint in prison, his new album and his opinion on Cam'ron and The Game.
After catching a case that landed Mazaradi Fox in prison for eight years from '97 to 2005, the South Jamaica, Queens native vowed to make good upon his release. Writing rhymes while incarcerated, joining 50 Cent's crew once he was freed was a no brainer for Fox.
"Me and Fif grew up together as kids. [Tony] Yayo is my pop's man, they hung together," says Fox of his ties to the Unit. " One day, my man said 'Fif been asking about you.' He said that he'd be back for me in five days and, five days later, I was G-Unit."
Since joining the unit, Mazaradi says his work ethic has been crazy, which he credits equally to his time in prison and his friend and mentor, Fif. The MC says that his debut album, which features appearances from Prodigy, 50 Cent, M.O.P., Young Buck and Tony Yayo, is already done but that has not slowed his hunger to continue on his grind.
"I stayed around 50 for like, four months straight, just watching him record. We didn't sleep, we just recorded from like 12 noon until like 5 in the morning," he explains of the making of his as-yet untitled debut. "I was watching 50 when I was locked up. [When you're in jail] it hurts to see people you came up with on TV. I have to take full advantage of this opportunity. I can remember doing diamond push ups in my cell until 6 in the morning. To this day, I ride in my whip and tears come to my eyes. I still can't believe this shit sometimes."
The rapper also understands that being down with the ever controversial G-Unit crew means possibly inheriting beef, something that he does not shy away from, taking the opportunity to address both Cam'ron and the Game.
"The Cam'ron situation just gave us more motivation," he says. "It's all just competition to me. It's not beef." He had somewhat other sentiments regarding The Game. " In jail, it's beef with every nigga until you out the door. I don't know him [Game] and I don't want to know him. If it's beef with 50, it's beef with me too. 50, that's the boss."
Fox, who will be releasing a handful of mixtapes in the coming weeks including "Dumb Out Season" with Cutmaster C and "Mazaradi Fox, Fresh Out The Body Shop," is also planning an international mixtape tour with DJ Whoo Kid, which is aiming to make stops in both Hong Kong and Belgium. But amidst all of his impending success, Fox is also hoping that his example will inspire others.
"I want people to know that if I can do it, anybody can do it. I got something for the streets. They ain't gonna believe it."

Jermaine Dupri, Remy Ma, R Kelly Hospitalized

Producer Jermaine Dupri has a new job as president over urban music at Island Records. Dupri will take the position after leaving his presidential role at Virgin Records supposedly due to low album sales of girlfriend Janet Jackson's disc 20 Y.O.
At the new position Dupri would oversee artists on the whole Island Def Jam label. He will also report to Chairman and former LaFace Records CEO Antonio "L.A." Reid.
"I'm so excited to be reunited with L.A. Reid because most of my biggest hits were when he and I worked together," Dupri said.
Dupri's history of making hit songs like Usher's "Burn," Mariah Carey's "Shake it Off" and "Don't forget About Us," also made him a shoe in for the job.
"Jermaine's career has grown from strength to strength over the years, as a producer and songwriter and recording artist in his own right, as a respected label executive and entrepreneur, and as a highly esteemed developer of new talent," Reid said.
Fans will now be able to see female rapper Remy Ma more often thanks to her own reality show set to debut at the end of the year.
"I'm just in the process of getting my build on," Remy Ma said. "I can't talk about yet but it's crazy and it's coming."
The show will go alongside her sophomore album, PunishHer, also due at the end of the year. The album will feature her female rap group made up of DTP's Shawnna and Jackie-O.
After her hits "Conceited" and "Whuteva," Rem is hitting harder with the new album which will talk about the things has went through over the years.
"The album and the title will reflect all of the struggles and hardships she's had to endure such as Big Pun dying, Loud folding, leaving Terror Squad, issues with Joe and Universal, and lack of label support on Something About Remy LP," Remy's management said.
R. Kelly's been hospitalized. The singer was admitted to a Miami hospital with appendicitis. His lawyers spoke to the press on Tuesday regarding R's recovery.
"He was admitted on the 4th of February, and he was operated on shortly after admission," Gillespie said to the Chicago Sun Times. "He's recuperating fine."
Unfortunately, this will cause legal problems as well. This will cause him to miss a status hearing at the Criminal Courthouse in Chicago.
That case has been highly publicized, The case stems from accusations that R. Kelly had sex with, taped and urinated on an under-aged girl.
In related news, The R is readying a new LP after working with Snoop Dogg on his latest single. Expect to hear more from R on various tracks, remixes, mixtapes and more.

Nas Speaks On "Where Are They Now"

The man who shook the world by claiming Hip-Hop is dead, also made a point to ask a question: Where are they now? Through rhymes, the man gave love to some forgotten rhymin' heroes.
What caused Nas to do this?

"The first and second VH1 Hip-Hop Honors was mind-blowing. The last one, it could have been tighter. When it comes to awards, we never get the love. All of us new artists — new compared to them — it never gets shown in the right light," Nas told MTV. "I love the '80s, especially because I'm a '80s baby. Them dudes made the '90s n---as wanna do it. Especially Shan, he was reppin' my 'hood before I could even stay out past 8 p.m. When I heard Sha Rock, I was blown out my socks. I love Sha Rock. I saw her in 'Beat Street' and started loving her. Then I found out about the Funky 4 + 1."

Nas also noted the importance of remembering those who paved the way, but are no longer in the spotlight.

"The people we hear from, we know where they at. The KRS Ones, people like that will pop up here and there. That wasn't the point of my song," Nas added. "The point of my song was about people who have not been talked about, that some people don't even know about, but were real serious on the scene. My team contacted them. I heard the verse of Redhead Kingpin, I was blown away. Das EFX? Blown away!"
Could this be something more than just a song?

"First we wanted to get it out to people and just enjoy it...Now we're thinking about going in on a TV show to find out where them n---as was at. I wanna see. These muthaf----s ain't old to me. And if they are old, that's nothing to take away from them. Man, these muthaf---s are interesting people. They're part of the whole foundation. They are the blocks, them big boulders underneath the pretty surfaces. They need to be looked at like that. Even if it's for a second, let's be real, you can't expect all these n---as to drop new albums, but it's good to see that they still here. They ain't gotta come out and go platinum, they can do different sh--. It's just good to show love."

Will he take the show on the road?
"So far it's tentatively titled 'Nas: One Man, One Mic, One Night.' It's in every city and every country in the world."

RIP Big Pun/Son Starts Rap Career, Ebro, Nelly/JD

Today marks the seven year anniversary of the death of Bronx, NY rapper Christopher "Big Punisher" Rios. Pun, born Nov. 10, 1971, died on Feb. 7, 2000 of a fatal heart attack. He is survived Liza Rios, his two daughters and his son, who now raps under the moniker "Baby Pun." Pun's son is signed to Foundation Records, the label Big Pun founded before he died, that is now headed up by his widow, Liza Rios. Tomorrow, (Feb. 8), a who's who in Hip-Hop will honor Big Pun's legacy at a tribute event taking place at club Duvet in New York. Rappers like Baby Pun, Cuban Link, Triple Seis, Remy Ma, Joell Ortiz and Capicu will give performances, while Hip-Hop royalty like Kool G Rap, the Beatnutz, Busta Rhymes and others are slated to attend. Assistant PD & Music Director Ebro Darden has been promoted to the top spot as Program Director at New York's Hot 97. Darden, 32, replaces John Dimick, who was Program Director of Hot 97 since November 2004. Dimick accepted a position as VP of Programming & Operations for Lincoln Financial. Darden, who also serves as host of MTV2's "Sucker Free" countdown, joined Hot 97 as Music Director and Assistant Program Director in 2003, after previous radio experience in Sacramento and Portland. "Ebro's involvement has been fundamental to the success of HOT 97," Emmis- New York Market Manager Dan Halyburton said. "His product knowledge, commitment and passion for winning make him the perfect person to lead HOT 97." Darden will begin his new duties in early March. Nelly and Jermaine Dupri will host the "So SoDerrty Experience" during the NBA's All Star weekend. The pair will host a series of exclusive events along with celebrities like Bow Wow, Pharrell, TI, Carmelo Anthony, Floyd Mayweather, Akon, Lil Wayne, Chingy, & Cedric The Entertainer and others. The festivities take place at the Aladdin/Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino starting on Feb. 15 with a "Tip Off Concert" that will feature Bow Wow, Akon, Chingy, Lil Wayne Ali+Gipp, St. Lunatics and The Clipse. On Friday, Feb. 16, the pair will host the "Poker with the Stars Tournament," which will feature poker pros and amatuers competing for a cash prize. The party continues later in the evening, when Nelly, Jermaine Dupri* and Pharrell host the "Rat Pack Party." On Saturday, the "Big Ticket Party" takes place and will be hosted by Nelly, Jermaine Dupri, TI, Lil Wayne, Carmelo Anthony and Floyd Mayweather. On Sunday, Cedric The Entertainer will headline the SoSo Derrty Celebrity Comedy Brunch. For ticket prices log on to www.sosoderrty.com.

N.O.R.E. Splits With Def Jam

Rapper N.O.R.E. has confirmed with AllHipHop.com that he has severed his ties with Def Jam and will no longer record for the label. The tumultuous relationship was marked by a studio album that was never released and in the past, N.O.R.E. voiced his displeasure about the lack of promotional support of his previous projects, including his Reggaeton album, Nore Y La Familia. The Queens native states that his decision to move on was purely business and there are no hard feelings. "I love Def Jam and every bit of history that we have together, but it's time to move on," N.O.R.E told AllHipHop.com. "I'm fully on my own and I want to be my own boss. There will not be a Jay-Z diss or an LA Reid diss record, because this is what I asked for." N.O.R.E. said executives granted him an early release from his contract. With his new found freedom, the rapper is free to explore his entrepreneurial side. "I've been in this game quite some time and it's time I own my material, as well as, ringtones and masters," N.O.R.E. continued. "I'm just grateful to have a chance to show my executive side. So it's about time and I'm very thankful to all of the Def Jam personnel and staff. I still have great relationships in the building." While N.O.R.E was coy about whether he's planning to re-sign with a major or go the independent route, he confirmed that he has several offers on the table. "I won't speak about my eggs before they hatch, but I will tell you the meetings have been going pretty good and I'm still weighing the independent distribution, route. So hanghang too all and too all a hanghang." In addition to keeping himself busy with a new untitled solo project, N.O.R.E is recording a new studio album with CNN (Capone-N-Noreaga) member Capone.

Rated X Vixens Team Up With Bumsquad DJ's To Expand Network

The Rated X Vixens, a group progressive women from across the country, have joined together to create a sisterhood for women making a name for themselves in all areas of entertainment. The group, founded in 2005 by XM radio's DJ Nina 9, represents a collective group of female managers, artists, DJ's, writers, on-air personalities, publicists, promoters, and more. "The best part of the being a Vixen is that it's a genuine network of help and support for one another," Nina 9 said. "We all have made some type of name for ourselves so we understand the struggle and are more than willing to give a fellow sister a hand up." The women are hand selected based on their accomplishments, and represent the best of the best in their fields. Named the official female squad of the Bumsquad DJ coalition, the Vixens are taking their network to another plateau. "I created the Bumsquad DJ's to create a family environment where we can grow and build together," says Universal/Motown VP Latin Prince, "Now that we have a squad of sister's whose grind is as major as the Bumsquad's the family is complete." A few notable Vixens Include. S.E.A"s 2006 #1 Female Air Personality, Cristal Bubblin, Radio One on-air personality April Watts, Infamous G-Unit's Gail Gotti, Fashion Designer/Rapper Big Chan (formerly Doggy's Angels) as well as Tour Manager/Mixshow coordinator and official Bum Squad Board member Cee Luv. Last years Bumsquad Family Reunion hosted over 150's DJ who came together to network in a family based atmosphere, building connections with artists and collaborating on projects. The combined squads are preparing for their second annual reunion to be held in Los Angeles this summer.

Nas "Carries On Tradition," Unleashes Two More Remixes

Nas has unveiled two more remixes of "Where Are They Now," from his Def Jam debut Hip Hop Is Dead featuring some of the 80's and the West Coast's most notable emcees.
The 80's remix of "Where Are They Now" features MC Shan, Dana Dane, Raheem of Furious Five, Kool Moe Dee , Grandmaster Caz of The Cold Crush Brothers , Doctor Ice of UTFO, Sha Rock of Funky Four +1, Pebblee Poo , Tito of Fearless Four, Lique of X Clan and Just Ice.
Nas's West Coast remix has verses from Breeze, Kam, King Tee, Candyman, Threat, Ice-T, Sir Mix-A-Lot and the Conscious Daughters, with scratches from DJ Bobcat.
The 90's remix of "Where Are They Now," which appeared on SOHH yesterday(January 31), featured appearances from Father MC, Monie Love, Positive K, Das Efx and Rob Base, among others.
In related news, Nas will be making an appearance on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel" on Saturday at 12 a.m. ET where he will perform Hip Hop Is Dead's second single, "Cant Forget About You."

RZA Speaks on New Bobby Digital Album, Afro Samurai Soundtrack

Anyone wondering whether Wu-Tang Clan rapper/producer RZA will resurrect his rhyming alter ego Bobby Digital for another musical run can rest easy.
The lyricist, recently entered the studio to lay down tracks for a new Digital album. RZA, born Robert Diggs, admits to having fun working on the project which is he said was tentatively titled DigiSnacks.
"Yeah yeah, I'm wilin' out," RZA told AllHipHop.com. "I just got serious about it for the last two months really. We buggin' out on there. We having a good time, Grizzly Adams style. It's grizzly."
While he prepares to unleash Bobby Digital, RZA can be heard on the score and soundtrack for the new film Afro-Samurai.
Composing the film's music proved to be a challenge for the versatile beatmaker as he found himself relying on other means in light of not receiving the film beforehand.
"The music was done before the animation. I had to work off of something called Animatics, it's just like storyboards, that moves," RZA explained. "It was kind of deep for my but I did it. A little harder than normal, but I did it."
Based on a graphic novel by Takashi Okazaki, Afro Samurai is an animated series starring Samuel L. Jackson as a black samurai who is out to avenge the death of his father by hunting for the gunman responsible.
The film's soundtrack, featuring Big Daddy Kane, GZA, Q-Tip, Talib Kweli and the extended Wu Tang Family, is in stores now.
The Afro Samurai show, which recently premiered on Spike TV, is scheduled to be released on DVD this spring.
The Wu-Tang Clan also recently announced a reunion album titled 8 Diagrams, the group's first album in over six years.

Man Who Shot Security Guards At Kanye Concert Gets Life

A man that shot two security guards during Kanye West's performance at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) Arena in the United Kingdom in Feb. of 2006 has been sentenced to life in prison for his role in the shooting.
Abidan Raphael, 27, was ejected from the NEC Arena with his girlfriend Joanne Bushell, 22, twice for attempting to enter the Kanye West concert, without a ticket.
The concert was the final date on West's five-date Touch The Sky Tour, which wrapped up at the NEC Arena. Over 12,000 people in attended the concert, which was in progress when the shooting occurred.
Prosecutors said Raphael and others had been found by security guards in an area of a bar that had been close and were promptly thrown out of the venue.
Later, security guards spotted Raphael and Bushell in the concert hall and escorted them out of the building a second time.
Raphael then produced a handgun and fired six bullets, four of which struck 46-year-old John Tough in the face, stomach and foot. Another guard was shot in the abdomen.
"My thoughts and prayers are with the two stewards who were injured last night," West said shortly after the shooting.
A jury found Raphael guilty of three charges of attempted murder and other firearms and assault violations.
Bushell was convicted of assisting Raphael and sentenced to three years in prison.

Kenneth 'Supreme' McGriff Found Guilty Of Murder Conspiracy

A jury has found Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff guilty of killing two rivals in 2001.
The jury reached a verdict today (Feb. 1) after five days of deliberation and found McGriff guilty of paying $50,000 to gun down rivals Troy Singleton and Eric "E Money Bags" Smith.
McGriff was convicted of murder conspiracy and drug dealing charges for masterminding the 2001 slayings of Smith and Troy Singleton, reputed rival drug dealers.
McGriff ordered surveillance of Smith, who was gunned down in his SUV in July 2001.
The government accuses McGriff of ordering the murder to avenge the death of Colbert "Black Just" Johnson and for allegedly assaulting Murder Inc. mogul Irv Gotti.
Singleton was murdered execution style in 2001. He was shot four times, in the body and head outside a sports bar, the Club Van Wyck in Queens.
Prosecutors allege McGriff ordered Singleton's slaying as revenge for an earlier double homicide Singleton allegedly committed.
Officials have claimed that McGriff secretly controlled rap label Murder Inc, which was founded by mogul Irv "Gotti" Lorenzo and is home to superstars like rapper Ja Rule and songstress Ashanti.
Gotti and his brother Christopher Lorenzo were acquitted of laundering millions of dollars in drug proceeds for McGriff in 2005.
McGriff was the founder of The Supreme Team, a Queens, NY based drug dealing organization that was chronicled in Ethan Brown's book Queen's Reign's Supreme: Fat Cat, 50 Cent and The Hip-Hop Hustler.
McGriff's attorneys maintain that he stopped dealing drugs in the 1980's to pursue a legitimate career in the music industry.
A jury will decide if McGriff will face the death penalty for his crime, although Federal Judge Frederic Block said that it was unlikely McGriff would get the death penalty.
"There's no chance in the world there would be a death-penalty verdict in this case," Judge Block wrote in a letter. "This is an absurd prosecution, based upon what I have heard...If I'm wrong, I will have egg on my face, but I will not be incorrect."
McGriff's attorneys maintain that he stopped dealing drugs in the 1980's to pursue a legitimate career in the music industry.

Popular Hampton Roads, Virginia DJ Dies

Styles P: I’m Not A Rapper Anymore, I'm an MC

After lukewarm sales of his latest album, Time Is Money, D-Block’s Styles P has officially left Ruff Ryders/ Interscope, however in an interview with MTV he was quick to point out that the LOX are still signed to Ruff Ryders as group. Styles expressed disdain for the label that delayed his LP several times over a three year period only to finally drop the project without support of a video or proper single upon it’s release in late 2006. Styles explained the split was amicable and he is currently fielding offers from several major and independent labels and is ready to immediately drop another album in 2007. "I guess it's hard to market me," he said. "I may rap one way one day and make 'I'm Black,' then another way another day and make 'Favorite Drug.' I had to spread my wings and do what I do. You can look to hear from me hard in March or April. I will be right back. I haven't thought of an album title yet. I'm still smoking and pondering on it. But I'm the Phantom now; the Ghost is over with. If you're my friend, you can call me the Ghost. But as far as MCing … and don't call me a rapper no more. Call me an MC."

Kanye Aiming At Grown And Sexy On New LP

Well we’re all getting older I guess. First Jay-Z drops his adult contemporary and now Kanyeezy. Truthfully, I thought I wouldn’t have to listen to anymore Coldplay after my ex-girlfriend split but guess what, wrong again. Kanye West has enlisted the help of Coldplay frontman Chris Martin for the first single off of his new LP Graduation. The LP is slated for a 2nd Quarter ’07 release on Def Jam. In other WTF news, Kanye is slated to remix a track for fellow Chi-City natives Fall Out Boy, who are also featuring Jay-Z and production from Babyface on their new LP.

Spend Valentines Day W/ DJ Neil Armstrong

DJ Neil Armstrong is no stranger to getting the ladies wet with his turntable skils. Oscillate Wildly is still the ultimate 80s banger for any boombox having party host. For Valentines Day though, Neil wanted to give you a chance to up your game a little. This is the Limited Edition Warmfuzzy gift set. Only 500 of them will be made, and the boxes will be hand numbered by Mr. Armstrong himself. Once they're gone, they gone. Included in each Boxset is a copy of Warmfuzzy - AOK Part 1 and a limited edition Warmfuzzy Ladies Thong, all housed in an ill jewelry gift box, with gold foil embedded printing to bring it all together in a nice little classy package. If your significant other is a music fan, then this is everything you need for Valentine's day. We’re going to try to convince Neil to let us carry a few of these when he comes up to Boston this weekend for UGHH.com’s Fresh Produce Party. The party goes down at the Goodlife Lounge, Saturday 1/27 @ 9PM. Of course it’s free, so get there early (it’s cold outside).

Twista Links With Lil' Wayne & Just Blaze For New CD

Twista is set to release his 7th studio album entitled Adrenaline Rush 2010 this summer.
The unnamed album, which is a follow-up to 2005's platinum-selling The Day After, features guest appearances from Lil' Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Pharell, Cee-Lo Green, Saigon and fellow Chicagoan R. Kelly. The disc is also rumored to include a collaboration between Twista and one-time rival act, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. The two have traded diss records in the past after both claiming to have originated the rapid-fire, staccato flow that they are known for, but have since squashed their beef.
The disc's production will be primarily handled by long time collaborator The Lengendary Traxter and will also feature production from Just Blaze and Toxic.

"Danger!" Mystikal Released From Prison

New Orleans rapper Mystikal was released from a Federal Prison in Louisiana last week, after serving close to three years behind bars.
As previously reported, Mystikal (born Michael L. Tyler) was sentenced to six years in prison in 2004, for forcing his hairstylist to perform oral sex on him as repayment for allegedly stealing $80,000 worth of checks from him. Last year Tyler was sentenced to an additional year in federal prison for tax evasion charges; that time was served concurrently with his previous sentence.
We have learned that the Grammy-nominated rapper was released from prison on January 11.
Mystikal began his career on Master P's No Limit Records in the mid 90's, but gained national attention in 2000, with his hit single "Shake That Ass." His last album, Tarantula, garnered him a nomination for Best Rap Album and Best Male Rap Solo performance in 2003.

Jermaine Dupri, Air Force 25, Turf Talk, C-Rayz Walz

Producer Jermaine Dupri is in negotiations with Universal Music Group (UMG) about joining the Island Def Jam label as an executive The New York Post reported today (Jan. 25). The deal would reunite Dupri with Island Def Jam's CEO/Chairman, Antonio "L.A." Reid. Reid enjoyed success distributing Dupri's So So Def label, when it was distributed by Arista from 2000-2005. Dupri stepped down as President of Urban Music at Virgin Records, after disappointing sales of various artists, including Janet Jackson's comeback album 20 Y.O.
Nike will celebrate launch of the Air Force 25 in its birth place of Baltimore, MD. tonight (Jan. 25) at the Downtown Locker Room in Mondawmin Hall at 7 p.m. The lavish event will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Air Force 1 and will unveil the new Air Force 25. The event, which is open to the public, will be hosted by Big Tigger and will feature performances by Juelz Santana and DJ Biz Markie. Cast Members for HBO's The Wire will also be in attendance.
West Coast rapper Turf Talk and Sick Wid It Records are set to release West Coast Vaccine (The Cure) April 3, an album the rapper hopes will be a revitalization for the entire west coast. The release follows Turf Talk's albums The Street Novelist and the Turf Talk Brings The Hood. Turf Talk's famed cousin and mentor, E-40, will appear on the album. E-40 plans to release Turf Talk's album and other artists under his Sick Wid It record label.
C-Rayz-Walz is releasing The Dropping featuring Rahzel, Breeze, Poison Pen, 4th Pyramid, The Blizzard and others. The album is Walz's first release on the underground indie label Urchin Studios and includes the track "Childhood" featuring Matisyahu and Kosha Dillz. Only crafting 3,000 copies of the album will be produced and distributed and there will be no reprints. Walz has gained famed as an artist on the Definitive Jux record label and has worked with notable artists like Aesop Rock, Immortal Technique and Ghostface Killah.

Jay-Z Stars In Bud Light Superbowl Commercial

While former rapper Kevin Federline may miss the chance to appear in a Superbowl XLI commercial this year due to the controversial content of his advertisement, fans of rap can take solace in seeing superstar Jay-Z instead.
Over 90 million viewers will see Jay-Z square off with former Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula in a new commercial for Bud Light. The two men engage in a chess-like high tech football game that uses holographic imagery.
The Bud spot is part of Jay-Z's new partnership with St. Louis-based brewer Anheuser-Busch, which was announced in Oct. 2006.
The rapper, born Shawn Carter, is co-brand director for Budweiser Select and works with the company on marketing programs and advertising development.
The NFL's Superbowl, which is the most watched media event of the year, will be broadcast on CBS on Feb. 4 at 6 p.m., live from Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL.
This year, the Indianapolis Colts will face the Chicago Bears in a landmark game, which will feature not just one, but two African-American head coaches competing for the NFL championship for the first time in history.
One of the coaches, either the Colts' Tony Dungy or the Chicago Bears' Lovie Smith, will also enter into the history books as the first African-American to win an NFL championship ring.
"Being the first black coach to lead this team, of course our players knew about it and they wanted to help us make history," Smith told NFL.com. "So I feel blessed to be in that position."
"It means a lot," Dungy said shortly after the Colts beat New England 38-34, in a classic hair raising AFC championship game. "I'm very proud of being an African-American. I'm very proud of Lovie [Smith]."
Meanwhile, Federline's hopes to appear in a Superbowl commercial may be spiked.
A new Nationwide Mutual Insurance ad which features Federline dreaming of being a rapper while working in a fast food restaurant may be boycotted by the National Restaurant Association.
Nationwide planned to unveil the ad during Super Bowl XLI, but may be forced to pull the advertisement, which the head of the National Restaurant Association labeled demeaning.
"Should an ad of this nature run during the Super Bowl, we will make sure that our membership -- many of whom are customers of Nationwide -- know the negative implications this ad portrays of the restaurant industry,” National Restaurant Association president and CEO Steven C. Anderson wrote in a letter.

Snoop Dogg Pleads Not Guilty To Weapons Charge

Rap star Snoop Dogg pleaded not guilty to various weapons charges in a Santa Ana, CA court through his attorney yesterday (Jan. 24).
Snoop Dogg was arrested on suspicion of weapons charges in Sept. 2006, when security guards found a collapsible, 53 inch baton in one of Snoop Dogg's carry on bags as the rapper was enroute to San Francisco.
Snoop Dogg told officers that the baton was a prop for a movie he was filming.
If convicted, the rapper faces up to three years in prison.
In Oct., the rapper was arrested at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, CA on suspicion of drug and gun possession, after police searched his car and recovered a small amount of marijuana and a loaded handgun.
In Nov., Snoop Dogg and two associates were was arrested yesterday in Burbank, CA, after a performance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Snoop, 35, was stopped by officers as he pulled out of NBC studios after the performance and arrested when police recovered a handgun and small amounts of marijuana and cocaine in the vehicle.
While police have yet to file charges in the Oct. and Nov. incidents, the cases are under review according to a spokesman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office.
If convicted, the rapper faces up to three years in prison. Snoop Dogg is currently touring Canada with rapper Ice Cube.

K-Fed Super Bowl Ad Offends National Restaurant Association

Kevin Federline can add another name to his list of detractors.
The 28-year-old rapper and former husband of pop singer Britney Spears has come under fire by the National Restaurant Association for his role in a new Nationwide Mutual Insurance ad, which seemingly paints a negative image of the restaurant industry and its workers.
The ad, which Nationwide plans to unveil a week before its official debut Feb. 4 during this year’s Super Bowl, features Federline rapping in a slick music video only to appear later daydreaming while working as a french-fry maker at a rundown fast-food restaurant.
News of the clip has drawn the ire of National Restaurant Association president and CEO Steven C. Anderson, who expressed “serious concerns” about the ad in a letter to Nationwide’s CEO, Jerry Jurgensen.
“We hope that these reports are inaccurate and that Nationwide will not be airing such an ad that would give the impression that working in a restaurant is demeaning and unpleasant,” Anderson wrote in his letter, dated Monday (Jan. 22). “An ad such as this would be a strong and a direct insult to the 12.8 million Americans who work in the restaurant industry.”
The Federline ad is the latest in a string of Nationwide "Life Comes at You Fast" promotions, which have debuted during the Super Bowl.
The company showed romance novel coverboy Fabio morphing into an old man in its 2006 Super Bowl, while spotlighting rapper MC Hammer in a 2005 regional ad that showed his belongings being repossessed after his real-life bankruptcy made headlines.
Despite the humorous tone of the ads, Anderson believes the Federline spot could damage the image of the country’s 935,000 restaurants.
“Developing creative concepts that accomplish the marketing strategies for a product should not require denigrating another industry” wrote Anderson, who hoped Nationwide would portray restaurants and its employees more accurately in the future.
“Should an ad of this nature run during the Super Bowl, we will make sure that our membership -- many of whom are customers of Nationwide -- know the negative implications this ad portrays of the restaurant industry,” Anderson said.
While the Association is seeing red, Federline is enjoying the chance to make light of his much talked-about persona.
"It's perfect for Nationwide, and it really works for me. I try not to take myself too seriously," he told USA Today.

Wu-Tang Clan Reunites, Preparing '8 Diagrams'

Wu-Tang Clan's reunion with Loud Records founder Steve Rifkind is official, as the group has announced a new album titled 8 Diagrams, which will hit stores this summer on Rifkind's SRC label, through Universal Records.
8 Diagrams, which is named after a Kung-Fu epic, is the the first new album from Wu-Tang Clan in six years.
The album will feature RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon the Chef, Ghostface Killah, Inspektah Deck, Masta Killa and U-God, all original members of the Wu-Tang Clan.
The new album will also contain an unreleased performance that will show fans why deceased group member Ol' Dirty Bastard "was considered one of the illest MCs ever," before dying of a heart attack in Nov. 2004.
“This is the perfect time for us to come back, the stars are aligned,” RZA said. “It’s like when we first started with Steve. We put out real hip-hop at a time when it was turning into pop or R&B. We brought the focus back to the music in its rawest form, without studio polish or radio hooks.”
RZA founded the group with GZA and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard, who is memorialized on the song “Life Changes."
The group has released several groundbreaking albums including Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993), Wu-Tang Forever (1997) and 2001's Iron Flag.
According to the RZA, the new album will be a "conjunction of creative and corporate thinking by the whole group.”
“People want something that gives them an adrenaline rush,” RZA continued. “We’re here to supply that fix. How could hip-hop be dead if Wu-Tang is forever? We’re here to revive the spirit and the economics and bring in a wave of energy that has lately dissipated.”
The reunion with Rifkind comes as the seasoned music industry veteran is enjoying a banter year.
Akon's SRC/Universal sophomore release Konvicted was recently certified platinum, after five weeks of being on the shelves.
“The energy is just like it was, and it’s needed in our industry same as back then,” Rifkind said. “Over the last few years, the group has developed a whole new fan base of 20-year-olds and even younger who’ve never even seen them play.”

Former President's Hometown Seeks To Ban Sagging Jeans, Shorts

Sagging may be the norm in the world of rap, but the trend may see an early end if some residents of a small southwest Georgia town have their way.
The Associated Press reports that people in Plains, GA., are up at arms over seeing the underwear of young people who are wearing their pants and shorts low.
So much so that members of the Plains City Council plan on asking the town’s attorney to look into whether they have the authority to regulate sagging.
Plains is best known as the hometown of former President Jimmy Carter, the nation’s 39th Commander in Chief.
Protesters of sagging believe those who engage in the trend could ward off some of the 68,000 tourists who visit Plains each year. The town boasts a population of 600,
“To have a lot of young men walking around like that it creates a bad image of the place," said Plains City Councilman and anti-sagging campaign leader Eugene Edge. "We don't want to infringe on anyone's rights, but ... nobody wants to look at your rear end. I don't think it's too much to ask for a person to wear their pants above their butts."
Sagging pants and shorts have become popular among rappers, who have advocated the trend in videos, concerts and public appearances. Rap fans soon followed suit as youth adapted the style and made it their own.
Nevertheless, officials have tried to ban sagging. Although attempts by schools in Columbus, OH, Kittery, ME, and Red Bluff, CA have been initiated, other efforts ban sagging have met with failure, according to the AP, which cited a case in which “droopy drawers” legislation won approval in the Virginia House in 2005.
Senators later rejected the proposal, saying international news reports on the bill had embarrassed the state.
A similar bill was turned down in 2004 by Louisiana lawmakers after warnings that the bill would make the state a laughing stock. The situation has yet to be addressed in Dallas, TX, where the city attorney was asked to look into a ban by city officials.
As for Plains, the town's attorney, Jimmy Skipper, revealed that he hasn't explored the legality of the ban.

Upcoming Producer Disco D Commits Suicide, Friends React

Upcoming producer David "Disco D" Shayman committed suicide today (Jan. 23) sources told AllHipHop.com.
The producer, who hailed from Ann Arbor MI, came to prominence as a DJ on the Detroit/Ann Arbor Hip-Hop/club scene.
Disco D was behind a number of Hip-Hop hits, including 50 Cent's "The Ski Mask Way" Nina Sky's "Turnin' Me On" and Kevin Federline's single "Papazao."
Additionally, he created music for commercials (Best Buy, Sprite) and awards shows (VH1's Hip Hop Honors, Nickelodeon's Kids Choice Awards).
He had recently launched a Brazilian urban label called Gringo Louco which counted rap group Braza as artists on the label.
"We were good friends," DJ Vlad told AllHipHop.com. "I lived with him in Brazil for a couple weeks. We both had a love for that place. I just talked to him a couple days ago. It tore me up when I heard he died."
DJ Vlad's sentiments were echoed by a number of DJ's, producers artists and journalists that knew the producer, who was just 27-years-old.
Houston, TX rapper Chamillionaire revealed that Disco D had just landed a track on his upcoming album Ultimate Victory as well.
"I saw that he sent a website message a couple days ago to me and I replied before I left for the studio," Chamillionaire told AllHipHop.com in a statement. "I got back late and saw that he was excited about the news that one of his tracks was making it on Ultimate Victory, considering the fact that he didn't make it on my first album. I told him that Lil Wayne was putting his verse on the song and sent him my number so that he could contact me directly if he needed to. We were in the process of negotiation with his management and lawyers but a situation as tragic as this makes me not even want to think about discussing any music or contracts. I send my condolences to his family and loved ones. I hope he rests in heavenly peace."
Journalist and Queens Reigns Supreme author Ethan Brown knew Disco D since the mid-1990's, when he was just a teen, at the beginning of his career
"He was a turntable prodigy and an up-and-coming producer in Detroit's 'ghetto-tech' scene," Brown told AllHipHop.com. "I was stunned by his talent and wrote a long piece about him--and the ghetto tech scene--for Details Magazine in 1998. I had huge hopes for Disco D and he fulfilled them in every way when he moved to New York and went on to produce tracks like 50 Cent's 'Ski Mask Way.' I'm stunned and incredibly saddened by the loss of a great friend--and an incredible producer who had such a promising future ahead of him."
West coast veteran DJ Warrior had also spoken to Disco D just prior to his death.
"I got a lot memories with that dude." DJ Warrior told AllHipHop.com. "He is the most genuine person I have met in this crazy music industry, he was going through a lot financial problems. A lot of people owed him money, and never paid him. We just talked about all these problems he was having. I was working helping him move which was planned for this spring. I guess once finances started hitting from every angle, it was really bothering him."
DJ Warrior revealed that the producer was also distraught over breaking up with his fiancee.
"I clearly remember telling him, 'Dogs, we go through things in life, just pray to God and things will get better, and you are gonna be in L.A. and we will get things going.' In New York City, he really didn't have many close friends that he trusted. God bless his soul, and condolences to his family. This is someone that I have the utmost respect for, he is one of my best friends and we had big plans we were working on, but we will miss him, I never thought I would lose another real friend I had in this business this soon. I am shocked."
Disco D. had recently been diagnosed as bi-polar and he was also suffering from depression.
According to statistics, those who suffer from the illness are 20 times more likely to commit suicide than then general population.
"I can't believe this has happened to such a high-energy forward moving person," DJ Strong added. "He had so much to look to in the future and I met him through his business and friendship with Warrior. I can remember him drinking tea all night when we all went to a white party in Hollywood. That's the kind of dude he is, just a simple and real human being. Disco D we will miss you. I hope this is a hoax."
According to family members, services for Disco D will be held later this week in Ann Arbor, MI.
To post your respects, visit http://www.myspace.com/gringolouco.

Rawkus, Naledge Team With Voxonic To Translate Single

As technology continues to play an increasing role in the way that music is delivered to consumers, technology Voxonic Inc. and Rawkus Records have announced that they will release a single from rap artist, Naledge, using software which transforms voices into foreign languages.The single will be selected from Naledge’s forthcoming album Naledge is Power which features production from Just Blaze, 9th Wonder and Pete Rock.“Voxonic’s ability to customize voice for web and mobile applications has a huge appeal and is certainly a great business in 2007,” said Brian Brater, Co-founder of Rawkus Records. “We anticipate Voxonic enabling Naledge to reach a wider audience than the typical artist can.”Naledge, born Jabari Evans, has been selected to serve as the test client for this new partnership and will have his entire album translated in various languages.Through Voxonic’s technology, Naledge’s album can be converted into more than 1,400 different languages with 99% accuracy of the original speaker’s voice. The new partnership is expected to provide significant exposure to audiences abroad for Rawkus, which is known for breaking many underground Hip-Hop acts including Talib Kweli, Mos Def and Common. “It’s exciting to see various music artists break international barriers, which can ultimately reverse the decline of record sales," stated Arie Deutsch, President of Voxonic Inc. “With Voxonic’s technology, record labels, independent artists and music franchises can expect to see a steady increase in sales.” Naledge is Power is set to hit stores later this year.

'Gayngsta' Rapper Deadlee Headlines Homo Hip-Hop Tour, Disses Eminem, DMX, 50 Cent

Popular Los Angeles based gay rapper Deadlee has announced that he will headline what is being billed as the first ever organized regional tour of gay, lesbian and bisexual rap & Hip-Hop artists.
Billed as the Homorevolution Tour 2007, the ten-city trek will feature a variety of popular gay and lesbian MC's, including Johnny Dangerous, Delacruz, Melange Lavonne, Salvimex, Bigg Nugg and JFP.
Covering five states, the tour is set to launch in San Diego in March.
"The HomoRevolution Tour is a direct challenge to the old status quo in Hip-Hop," Deadlee told AllHipHop.com. "Times are changing and if openly gay rappers aren't invited then we are kicking the door in - and inviting ourselves...we are taking the mic. It's our turn too."
Deadlee, born Joseph Lee, has grabbed headlines in publications like The New York Daily News, The Advocate, LA Weekly, Urb, instinct and others, with sexually charged music referred to as "Homohop"and "Gayngsta" rap.
The self-described "Queer Bastard Child of DMX & Lil Kim," has also contributed his music to a series of motion picture soundtracks including On the Down Low and Vengeance. He was also the focus of a reality show on LGBT television network Logo, called Hip-Hop Homos.
In the traditional nature of Hip-Hop, his music confronts some of the industry's biggest rappers, including Eminem, DMX, and 50 Cent.
"Eminem was called out for his juvenile, hateful approach to homosexuality, especially in his song 'Criminal,' [The Marshall Mathers LP]" Deadlee said. "He was the biggest rapper at the time and if he used the same song as a diss to Blacks or Latinos, he would probably be dead. Eminem likes to pick on the 'weak' but gay[z] aint weak and he might be a f*g himself. He knew all the subcultures in that song."
Deadlee, who was born in Denver but calls Los Angeles home, also has issues with DMX's constant use of the word fa**ot and his references to "homo thugs."
"I find it crazy when his videos are very homoerotic," Deadlee said. "All the guys kicking it with their shirts off!"
Deadlee saved his harshest criticism for rap's biggest superstar, Queens, NY rapper 50 Cent.
In April 2004, 50 Cent made international headlines when Playboy published an article with the rapper expressing his views on homosexuality.
"I ain't into fa**ots," 50 Cent told Playboy. "I don't like gay people around me, because I'm not comfortable with what their thoughts are. I'm not prejudiced. I just don't go with gay people and kick it - we don't have that much in common. I'd rather hang out with a straight dude. But women who like women, that's cool."
"F*ck him. I don't like ignorant b**ches around me, so he can suck my gun," Deadlee stated. "He is a classic man who had Homo-feelings and chooses to lash out because he is afraid he might act out on his true feelings. 50 Cent has deep rooted homosexual tendencies."
Deadlee will host Logo's NewNowNext, which airs Feb. 4.
Below are the tentative dates for the Homorevolution Tour 2007:
March 29: San Diego, CA
March 30: Los Angeles, CA
March 31: Las Vegas, NV
April 1: Phoenix, AZ
April 2: Albuquerque, NM
April 3: El Paso, TX
April 5: San Antonio, TX
April 6: Houston, TX
April 7: Austin, TX
April 8: Dallas, TX

Rap Group The Clipse Hits The Road To Support New Orleans Rebuilding Effort

Virginia-based rap duo The Clipse will take center stage at this year's Seagram's Live concert tour. The critically-acclaimed group is slated to appear Wednesday (Jan. 24) at the Seagram's Live preview in New York's Webster Hall, to perform songs from their latest album Hell Hath No Fury. The tour officially kicks off April 7 in Memphis, TN. The Clipse is the latest act to headline the tour, which has featured past performers such as Mary J. Blige, Jaheim, Jagged Edge, Lil' Mo, Cee-Lo Green and Tweet. Funds raised from the event, which is noted for supporting community issues such as housing, job training and adult education, will benefit the rebuilding efforts in New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Other stops include New Orleans, Atlanta, Birmingham, Jackson, Detroit, Washington, DC, New York, Fort Bragg and Tampa as the tour concludes April 29 in Miami.

Mele Mel Pursues WWE Career, Expanding Businesses

Although he is revered in Hip-Hop circles, Mele Mel is planning to make an impact of a different kind in the world of professional wrestling. The rapper, who was recently inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, will attempt to become the latest champion in Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Entertainment. "I'm going to try and get some of John Cena's money [current WWE champ] and get with the WWE to do my thing," Mele Mel told AllHipHop.com "I went to the wrestling school over the summer and picked up a little bit of moves. I wanted to see if it was something that I wanted to do, other than just dreaming of wanting to be a wrestler. It's a little rough, but it's something that can be done." The WWE venture is among a string of opportunities Mele Mel is capitalizing on. The rapper is currently involved in the creation of a children's book and fitness video, as well as a new album titled Muscles from his record label Big Guns Records. Mele Mel is also the co-owner of the Sedgwick & Cedar clothing line, which also counts pioneers like Afrika Bambaataa, Sha Rock, Grandmaster Caz, Busy Bee, Kool Herc and others as proprietors. "It's just another feather under the cap and putting as many companies and businesses under the umbrella because you have to forge an empire," Mele Mel said of the clothing line. "It's just another way of us expressing ourselves and getting by on a financial level. We don't do the big number as Phat Farm or Rocawear as of yet, but the impact is there." The Sedgwick and Cedar line represents one way for veteran Hip-Hop artists to remain relevant in a culture that caters to the young, according to Mele Mel. "Once people see us on the same playing field as everyone else, they don't look at us like we're a bunch of old guys," the rapper said. "It's like we're selling clothes over here, they're selling clothes over there, and they love us." Mele Mel is optimistic about the success of his ventures. Still, the rapper feels the current generation of emcees has already counted their predecessors out. "Younger cats try to put us in a has-been position. You can't turn a legend into a has-been because he has too many roots," Mele Mel said. "He might not be doing it now, but he's done it so long and so good that he is what he is. When Mele Mel walks in the room, or Kool Herc or Kurtis Blow or Doug E. Fresh, it's undeniable. It's just a certain vibe and certain respect that never goes nowhere. We need to [be more business minded] on our own so we'll have more respect from the industry as artists and businessmen instead of [people saying] them cats are from back in the day and they're bitter.' All that's corny anyway."

Florida Promoters Sue Lil' Wayne Over Missed Concert

Rapper Lil' Wayne has been hit with a lawsuit by a Tampa Bay based promotions company, claiming the rapper missed a concert date and has refused to reschedule the performance. The Associated Press reports that the lawsuit was filed Friday (Jan. 19) in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court. According to the lawsuit, Lil' Wayne, 24, signed a contract with Nunoise Entertainment and Jahfari Promotions to at a Tampa nightclub last October. The rapper missed the event and returned a $15,000 deposit, but the companies claim the rapper still owes $45,000 for canceling the show and is obligated to schedule another performance. The lawsuit also alleges that promoters lost more than $200,000 due to Lil' Wayne's cancellation of the show.Representatives for Lil' Wayne were not available to comment as of press time.

Paid Dues Lineup Confirmed!

Earlier this week, we reported that Paid Dues was returning. Now, it is official. Murs and Guerrilla Union have put together the independant Hip-Hop festival once again. On Thursday, the line up was finally unveiled.

Here are the acts set to take the stage at Paid Dues 2007.

FELT (Slug and Murs)
Pigeon John
Sage Francis
Cage
Mr. Lif
Evidence (of Dilated Peoples)
Devin The Dude
Los Nativos
Mr. Len
DJ Maji
However, that is not all. There are more artists that should be confirmed in the coming months. This will all lead up to the big event on March 24th. Pre-Sale tickets will be available February 2nd.

Q-Tip To Drop 2 Albums in '07

Former A Tribe Called Quest frontman Q-Tip has been quiet for too long, but 2007 should put an end to all that. Tip is gearing up for a pair of solo albums this year, leading with his Universal Motown release of The Renaissance.
You can expect another change in sound from Q-Tip, as he recorded the album with a “hip-hop band.” "I wanted a hip-hop sonic feel, something pure to the sound of hip-hop with real drums, real emotion and people taking solos," he told Billboard. "In that sense this record feels like we're moving in a new direction ... something hip-hop should do."
While it’s a safe bet that the album wasn’t complete, September saw a mysterious Tip album called Open leak on the Internet. Clearly backed by a band and featuring Andre 3000, Common and D’Angelo – the very same guests slated to appear on The Renaissance – it seems as if the cat is out of the bag.
Speaking of leaked, yet-to-be-released albums, his shelved 2001 album Kamaal The Abstract will get an official release this year, equipped with some bonus tracks. No release date for either has been given yet.

The Underground Report

Def Jux fans can take a sigh f relief. El-P’s new album is done. I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead is a project he has been blogging about for some time and it is highly anticipated by his fans. With some help from Mr. Dibbs and an appearance on MTV’s I’m From Rolling Stone, the buzz has grown and it’s sure to hit fans with what they have been waiting for. Recently, El-P spoke about it and let out a release date: March 20, 2007.

Sean Price also has a new album on its way. It’s coming sooner rather than later. Expect Jesus Price Supastar to land in store shelves January 30th. As expected, the album features about half of the production handled by 9th Wonder and Khrysis. Guests include Phonte, Sadat X and Buckshot. It will be released via Duckdown Records and a tour with Jedi Mind Tricks will be done to back this LP.

The Quannum Records family is getting ready for a big 2007. Lateef is working on a solo album which may get released late in ’07. He is also recording an LP with Blackalicious’ Gift of Gab. Their label mate Pigeon John is currently touring and will work on a new album soon. Lyrics Born is also working on a new album as we speak.

Enough of the future, though. It’s time for the present. Quannum act Lifesavas is releasing Gutterfly on April 24th. That album will include guest spots from Smif-N-Wessun, deadprez and Camp-Lo among others. So, get ready.

Finally, Rhymesayers Entertainment acts have a lot in store as well. Brother Ali’s album (featuring production from the ever clever Ant) is set to be unleashed to the public on April 10th. The album, which includes tracks such as Truth Is, Faheem and Freedom Ain’t Free, is a follow up to 2004’s The Champion EP and 2003’s critically acclaimed Shadows on the Sun.

Fellow RSE MC’s Mac Lethal and P.O.S. are currently on tour. They are scheduled to hit these venues through February 3, 2007.

1/25- Mesa, AZ @ Hollywood Alley1/26- Los Angeles, CA @ Knitting Factory1/27- San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill2/01- Madison, WI @ Annex2/02- Chicago, IL @ Abbey Pub2/03- Bloomington, IN @ Rhinos

More RSE news? Yes. Atmosphere will make an appearance on the aforementioned I’m From Rolling Stone show on MTV. The airdate is said to be February 4th.

The Game Cancels Shows In Canada, Africa

Superstar rapper The Game has canceled a series of concert dates in Luanda, Africa, according to local promoters.
The rapper was scheduled to land in the country today (Jan. 22) to perform at the Atlantico Cinema on Saturday (Jan. 27) and Sunday (Jan. 28), but the concerts have been postponed.
According to promoters with the Angola Show Agency, The Game, born Jayceon Taylor, but pulled out of the concerts at the last minute, allegedly due to scheduling conflicts.
Organizers said that they plans to bring the Compton, CA native back to Luanda at the end of January or in February and that refunds were available to fans who purchased tickets for the canceled show.
The cancellation comes on the heels of The Game postponing a tour of Canada, due to pending legal issues.
An arrest warrant was issued for the rapper in New York City on Jan. 16, after he failed to attend a court hearing related to an incident last November, when he was arrested and charged with impersonating a police officer.
Below are the remaining canceled Canadian shows:
Jan. 22: Corral Entertainment Complex in CalgaryJan. 23: Edmonton Events CentreJan. 25: Croatian Cultural Centre in VancouverJan. 25: Phish Night Club in Vancouver

Common To Launch Soji Hat Line In New York

Chicago rapper Common will officially launch his new Soji line of hats on Wednesday (Jan. 23) in New York.
Common, along with invited guests Jamie Foxx, Alicia Keys, Jeremy Piven and others, will preview the high-end hats, which will be sold exclusively at La Coppola Storta stores, a trendy retailer with locations in Palermo, Roma, Firenze, Bologna, and New York City's SOHO district.
“I love hats man, I been wearing them for so long and people always ask me where I get my hats from. So, why not just design something," Common told AllHipHop.com in a previous interview. "I want to keep it high-end and quality on the hat side.”
The rapper also explained how the high-end hat line received its unique name. "[Soji] is my next door neighbor’s name and I love that name,” Common revealed.
Common, born Lonnie Rashied Lynn, is also preparing for his first major theatrical release as the character "Sir Ivy" in the Mob movie Smokin Aces, which is due out Jan. 26 and stars Ray Liotta, Alicia Keys, Andy Garcia and Jeremy Piven.
In addition to finishing his seventh album Finding Forever, Common is also starring in the upcoming film, American Gangster, which stars Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, RZA, T.I., John Ortiz and others.
In related news, Common, Everclear and Satellite Party will give a free performance during ESPN's Winter X Games, which take Jan. 25-28 on Aspen Mountain in Aspen, CO.

Prodigy Links With The Alchemist For Koch Debut, Preps "H.N.I.C. 2"

Prodigy, one half of Queensbridge, NY duo Mobb Deep, is currently gearing for rthe release of his sophomore solo album Return Of The Mac.
Set for release via Koch Records this spring, the album will be produced entirely by The Alchemist. Return Of The Mac will then be followed by the release of the highly anticipated sequel to H.N.I.C. in late 2007.
"Alchemist and I put Return Of The Mac together to get people ready for H.N.I.C.2," Prodigy explained via a statement. "I'm 'bout to turn it up hot with H.N.I.C.2."
"I decided to ride with Koch Records cause I got a lot of shit to do and say, and I know Koch won't hold me back or censor my shit," he continued. "The entire company will push the CDs to the maximum because they truly love and respect my music. We're all very excited about the whole thing."
A video for Return Of The Mac's official single, "Stuck On You," will be shot soon.
Two underground videos for the singles "Mac 10 Handles" and "New York Shit," which will be on Return of The Mac, can currently be viewed at Prodigy's MySpace page.
Return Of The Mac hits shelves on March 27 while a release date for H.N.I.C.2 has yet to be determined.

Prodigy Links With The Alchemist For Koch Debut, Preps "H.N.I.C. 2"

Prodigy, one half of Queensbridge, NY duo Mobb Deep, is currently gearing for rthe release of his sophomore solo album Return Of The Mac.
Set for release via Koch Records this spring, the album will be produced entirely by The Alchemist. Return Of The Mac will then be followed by the release of the highly anticipated sequel to H.N.I.C. in late 2007.
"Alchemist and I put Return Of The Mac together to get people ready for H.N.I.C.2," Prodigy explained via a statement. "I'm 'bout to turn it up hot with H.N.I.C.2."
"I decided to ride with Koch Records cause I got a lot of shit to do and say, and I know Koch won't hold me back or censor my shit," he continued. "The entire company will push the CDs to the maximum because they truly love and respect my music. We're all very excited about the whole thing."
A video for Return Of The Mac's official single, "Stuck On You," will be shot soon.
Two underground videos for the singles "Mac 10 Handles" and "New York Shit," which will be on Return of The Mac, can currently be viewed at Prodigy's MySpace page.
Return Of The Mac hits shelves on March 27 while a release date for H.N.I.C.2 has yet to be determined.

Lil Wayne Weighs In On DJ Drama Raid

"Smarten up," That's what Lil Wayne told MTV news about mixtape DJs. He said of the Aphilliates arrests, "It's a bad thing, but you gotta play the game fair. If you don't play fair, all kind of things can happen. You gotta watch people like DJ Clue, watch people like DJ Khaled. They do it right."The advice from Lil Wayne seems a bit out of place since the two were planning the third album in the trio of Dedication albums that created most of the supreme buzz that Wayne rode through 2006. They had planned to release the third album early in 2007. Street CD's such as Drama's Gangsta Grillz albums have been integral to Weezy's success, especially his success in the mixtape circle.
"You gotta do it right," Wayne said, "It's gonna be a message. [The authorities] ain't playing. They gonna make an example. They gonna straighten the game out. A lot of companies take a fall with those mixtapes. Niggas be caking up off them mixtapes. The artists can drop his album — and everybody knows that hip-hop [album sales are in] decline — nobody ain't gonna buy the album, and everybody gets the mixtapes off of the Internet or whatever way they get it. The artists ain't caking, but the nigga you made the mixtape with is caking up. Thank God I ain't got that problem, but I know a lot of people who do."
A DJ who wished to remain anonymous in case the RIAA was listening or reading, "I think they got a snitch among them . Somebody snitched on them. Drama is working for the down South artists. I don't think he's bootlegging. He's really helping the movement and promoting, especially the new cats. I'm almost sure that 30,000 out of the 50,000 [CDs confiscated in the raid] were new cats that's next to come up. He uses his mixtapes as a promotional marketing tool that was looked at the wrong way. Drama and Cannon were two of the coolest motherfuckas to get ran through like that. They treated them like they was fucking drug kingpins. I was watching it on Fox News, that sh-- was like, 'Get out of there."
Interestingly enough, during the raid police found nothing in terms of drugs or weapons but stated that during confiscations of this variety, they usually find that type of "trouble".
Diplomats head of A&R, DukeDaGod said of the Aphilliates' drama, "This is like D-Day in hip-hop."
"DJ Drama is like our favorite mixtape DJ," he said. "Everybody loves Drama. It's crazy. It's like it's in your own backyard when it comes to Drama. He helps a lot of artists out. It's kinda messed up. I think they're trying to make hip-hop illegal or something. They're trying to make too many regulations on it. This is one of the worst days ever I can remember in hip-hop. I remember when Biggie got shot, when Pac got shot, it was crazy, but this right here is bad because it could determine the future of our music."
DukeDaGod says the fans will be the ones feeling this most, "Why are [the RIAA and FBI] getting involved?" Leave us alone. Let us make our hip-hop. Nobody is dying, nobody is killing nobody. It's just music being made. Everybody is gonna feel it whether you're on the radio, not on the radio. Even if you're a consumer, you gonna feel it, 'cause it's gonna be hard to find certain tapes. Certain people are not going to carry the mixtapes anymore because they know what could happen. It's so many people that wanna hear our stuff. We get e-mails from all over the world. They don't care about the RIAA, they wanna hear some Dipset, they wanna hear some Drama. So it's messed up for the whole world."

Snoop Launches Season 2 Of Hip-Hop Gaming League

Rapper Snoop Dogg and Global Gaming League (GGL) announced the official launch the Hip-Hop Gaming League's second season today (Jan. 18).
The online gaming tournament features 32 of the biggest names in Hip-Hop and professional sports competing for bragging rights and the chance to win the league's championship title.
Snoop Dogg, who is the commissioner of the league, hand picked season two's roster based on their video game skills.
This year newcomers like Lil' Wayne, Birdman, The Clipse, Hi Tek, Warren G., Aaron McGruder, Rick Ross, Lupe Fiasco and Yung Joc will compete against each other, as well as players from season one, which included rappers like David Banner, B-Real, Paul Wall, Murs, Krayzie Bone, producer Fredwreck and others.
Each HHGL player will receive an Xbox 360 and a copy of EA Sports' NCAA 07 Football. The players will battle each other for points to work their way up the tournament ladder.
As the commissioner, Snoop Dogg may add additional games like NBA 2K7, NFL 2K7, Madden NFL 07 or others to spice up the game play.
For the 2007 season, registered gamers with GGL can compete in a parallel league for the chance to compete against one of the rappers at the HHGL finals, which will take place Feb. 16 in Las Vegas.
"This time around, the fans are gonna get into the game, going up against superstars like my main man Eric V, B-Real, David Banner, Lupe Fiasco, Lil Wayne, Warren G, Cobi Jones and so many other brothas I can't even give 'em all shout-outs," Snoop said. "Just play the game, ya dig?"
Spike TV's Game Head television program will cover season two and will run on air specials leading up the HHGL finals in Las Vegas.
"If you want to compete against the best gamers in hip-hop and pro sports, you've got to bring your A-game or just go home," said Ted Owen, Chairman and Founder of the GGL. "Hip-hop music, celebrities, the Internet and gaming are driving and defining the alternative-to-mainstream culture for 14 to 34-year-olds today. It's tough to know which has more influence, but by bringing them all together, the GGL is at the epicenter of this cultural revolution."
The finals will be hosted by Snoop Dogg and will feature a VIP exhibition tournament, two HHGL semi-final matches and the championship match.
The finalists will party with Snoop at the season two wrap party, which will feature live performances by various rappers.
For more information log on: www.hhgl.com.

Ludacris, Mos Def, Kanye, Spoonie Gee

Ludacris, Christina Aguilera, Mary J. Blige, Justin Timberlake and Carrie Underwood have been added to the list of the 49th Annual Grammy Awards, organizers announced today (Jan. 18). Ludacris and company join previously announced performers that includes Gnarls Barkley, Beyonce, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Dixie Chicks and others. Presenters during the evening include The Black Eyed Peas, Nelly Furtado, Ciara, Terrence Howard and Samuel L. Jackson. Ludacris was nominated for four Grammy Awards, including Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Unpredictable" with Jamie Foxx, Best Rap Performance By A Duo or Group for "Georgia" (with Field Mob and featuring Jamie Foxx), Best Rap Album for Release Therapy and Best Rap Song for "Moneymaker." The 49th Annual Grammy Awards will air live on Sunday, Feb. 11, from the Staples Center in Los Angeles
Actor/rapper Mos Def has been tapped to serve as a juror for the U.S. dramatic film competition at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival. According to The Hollywood Reporter, MOs Def will join director Catherine Hardwicke, director Dawn Hudson, film editor Pamela Martin and actress-director Sarah Polley and others in judging entrees in the documentary competition of the festival, which kicked off yesterday (Jan. 17) in New York and runs until Jan. 28. Winning films in The Sundance Film Festival will be announced Jan. 27 at an awards ceremony at the Park City Racquet Club.
Kanye West, Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas and John Legend are among the artists who will be showcased in the NFL's Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Concert Series, which takes place Feb. 1-2 in South Florida. West, Legend and Fergie will open the two-day concert series on Feb. 1 at 7:00 pm. The evening will be hosted by actor Taye Diggs and taped for for airing on VH1 on Feb. 3. On Feb. 2 at 8:00 PM, latino artists Don Omar, Ivy Queen and Aventura will take to the stage for a concert that will be taped for airing on Telemundo on Feb. 3 as well. The concert series will take place at the Pepsi Smash Concert Arenta, which is next to Dolphin Stadium, where the 41st Annual Superbowl is taking place. Tickets for both concerts are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com.
Pioneering record label Tuff City recently launched a chat site, which will feature open dialog with the label's early roster of Hip-Hop artists, which includes Fearless Four, Lakim Shabazz, 45 King and others. The first chat will take place Jan. 22 at 2:00 PM with legendary rapper Spoonie Gee, who released such singles as "Spoonin' Rap" and "The Godfather." According to representatives for Tuff City, the label hopes the chat's will be a part of an ongoing program. The chat room will open 30 minutes early for participants to chat amongst themselves. To participate in the chat, log on to http://www.tuffcity.com/chat.