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Do you have LIYF in your life? Follow @locsinyaface on Twitter & Like them on Facebook . Contact Ms. Onyx Seven at 865-630-0358 or Pre-order LIYF at the links provided below images.
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Artist Driven Underground
No apps, No downloads, ...listen directly from your phone or computer.
Artist Driven Underground
No apps, No downloads, ...listen directly from your phone or computer.
Artist Driven Underground
No apps, No downloads, ...listen directly from your phone or computer.
Artist Driven Underground
No apps, No downloads, ...listen directly from your phone or computer.
Artist Driven Underground
No apps, No downloads, ...listen directly from your phone or computer.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Hefna Gwap - Trap Wit Me Ft. Jona Grizz
Interesting collaboration with Jona Grizz. As a bonus, here's a pretty awesome doc Hefna Gwap's film classmate Sebastian Sdaigui did on him for a course at NYU. I checked out this new premiere EPA mixtape too. Pretty sick for a free download. Anyways check out all this fine art and remember to consume only elegant caviar.
Another Hip Hop Suicide
| Image Credit: GetMyBuzzUp.com |
Madame Noire reports that Kayo Redd, the younger brother of rapper Waka Flacka has passed away just hours after releasing his new mixtape. Kayo and Waka’s mother, Deb Atney, also confirmed the family’s tragic loss via Twitter. Its hard to imagine what drives entertainers to such extremes; but my heart goes out to the family. Let's love each other more people. I you or someone you know is battling depression, feeling desperate, alone or hopeless, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
I just lost another son.
— Debra Antney (@debrantney) December 30, 2013
Monday, December 30, 2013
Update: Montgomery Police Arrest Doe B’s Alleged Killer
Montgomery Police have made an arrest in the death of Kimberle Johnson and Glenn Thomas, better known as Grand Hustle artist Doe B.
Via VIBE:
The man you see pictured above is 25-year-old Jason McWilliams, and late yesterday he turned himself in to the MPD for Saturday's shooting. Investigations indicate that the shooting was the result of an ongoing dispute between Thomas and McWilliams. Johnson was pronounced dead on the scene, while Thomas was rushed to the hospital and later died from gunshot wounds.
After his arrest, McWilliams was transferred to the Montgomery County Detention facility where he is being held without bond. No further information is available at this time as police continue their investigation.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Rapper Doe B killed in Alabama
The hip hop community is mourning another loss, that the Alabama native wordsmith and Grammy Winning rapper T.I.'s protégé , Doe B, who was also signed to the Hustle Gang imprint, was shot and killed last night.
Via CNN:
Bullets riddled a crowd at an Alabama nightclub over the weekend, according to police.
Rapper Doe B, 22, was killed, police said. So was Kimberle Johnson, 21. The barrage wounded six more people at the Centennial Hill Bar and Grill early Saturday.
Security guards at the club couldn't stop the shooting. Police are searching for suspects and asking for tips on Facebook to help them make arrests.
The mayor vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Doe B and gunshot wounds
Doe B was born Glenn Thomas, and is from Montgomery, his manager Frank White said.
Thomas had recently been on tour.
Colorful placards announcing his performances marked the path of his December concert rounds through his state and to Atlanta. He then returned to the club in his home town, where his life was taken.
It was not the first time he had been shot, Billboard Magazine reported. His eye was wounded in a previous shooting, and he wore an eye patch that had become his trademark.
On the cover of his new album Baby Jesus, a baby is pictured dressed like Doe B with the eye patch and with additional bullet wounds on the left arm.
Tough turf
The venue got a reputation with city officials after a shooting there last year, which local media reported. Back then it was called the Rose Supper Club, but it changed its name after the violence.
Some people vented their rage at the club over Doe B's killing Saturday in all caps on the venue's old, pre-name-change Facebook page.
"Y'all SHOULD BE CHARGED WITH MURDER," wrote Brandon King.
Montgomery's mayor shut the club down. The city had given Centennial Hill repeated warnings, Todd Strange said in a statement.
"I believe it is not a matter of 'if,' but 'when' the next tragic incident occurs at this business," he said. "That is unacceptable, and that is why we have ordered the business to be closed effective immediately."
Music of sorrow
Doe B's musician friends and compatriots poured out their hearts on Twitter.
"He was just getting started.... The future was so bright... I would have told you thank you. Rest in peace," manager White posted.
"Clubs keep lettin guns in the club as if that's not where we as artists work. We got families to go home to, f--- is wrong with y'all," said artist Machine Gun Kelly.
Friday, December 27, 2013
Google Punishes Rap Genius Website For Manipulative SEO Tactics
Google has removed Rap Genius from the top of its search results after it was discovered that the popular music lyrics website was trying to manipulate the tech giant into giving it better search rankings. See where lying will get cha, a damn shame...SMH!!!
Via LA Times:
Now, when users search for “Rap Genius” on Google they won’t find any direct links to the music website, which lets users and artists annotate song lyrics. Instead, the results point to news articles, social media accounts and Rap Genius’ Wikipedia page.
Google took down Rap Genius after it was revealed that the lyrics website, which received $15 million in funding from Andreessen Horowitz last year, was offering bloggers exposure through its social media accounts in exchange for links to its website on their music blogs.
One of the important factors in the algorithm used to determine Google’s search rankings is how many pages link to each website, so by asking bloggers to link to Rap Genius in exchange for the exposure, the lyrics website was taking the linking into its own hands.
Rap Genius’ tactics came to light after the website posted a status on Facebook asking bloggers to join its affiliate program. John Marbach, a tech entrepreneur, emailed Rap Genius for more details and later published the website’s response.
After the questionable tactics were revealed, the head of Google’s webspam team, Matt Cutts, announced on Hacker News that the company was investigating the music lyrics website.
Since then, Rap Genius has apologized for its affiliate program and has said that it is working with Google to make sure it complies with the tech giant’s policies. Rap Genius also said that its rival lyrics websites also practice the same types of strategies.
“We’re working on it as fast as we can, and expect to be back on Google very soon,” the company said in a statement to TechCrunch. “It sucks to be off Google for us and for the thousands of our community members who have worked so hard to create what’s often the best search result.” Being delisted by Google can be a death sentence for websites since they get the bulk of their traffic from the search engine. Users come to Rap Genius after searching for song lyrics and usually finding Rap Genius at the top of the page.
Unemployment Benefits to end Saturday for 1.3 million Jobless Americans
More than a million Americans who rely on federal unemployment will see their benefits dry up on Saturday.
Via WJLA 7
A bipartisan group of lawmakers has proposed a short-term extension to a 2008 law that extended unemployment benefits to millions of jobless people, but in the absence of that, about 1.3 million people will lose benefits over the weekend.
In addition to the 1.3 million, another 850,000 will lose their state unemployment over the net three months.
Congress extended or expanded federal aid to the long-term unemployed 11 times since the bill was originally passed, but that lifeline wasn't included in the latest budget deal. A two-year agreement was signed by President Barack Obama on Thursday.
The short-term extension will not be considered by the senate until Congress returns to work in January.
Tens of thousands of those who are losing long-term unemployment benefits live in the greater D.C. area, according to the House Ways and Means Committee.
State Cut off Dec. 28 Cut off June 2014
District of Columbia 4,600 6,800
Virginia 9,700 31,900
Maryland 22,900 28,500
The development entails potentially significant implications for the recovering U.S. economy and sets up a tense battle when Congress reconvenes in the new year.
For families dependent on cash assistance, the end of the federal government's "emergency unemployment compensation" will mean some difficult belt-tightening as enrollees lose their average monthly stipend of $1,166.
Jobless rates could drop.
But analysts say the economy may suffer with less money for consumers to spend on everything from clothes to cars. Having let the "emergency" program expire as part of a budget deal, it's unclear if Congress has the appetite to start it anew.
Jay Z's Untrustworthy Ways Hurting His Brand? "Is He Just The Face Of A Money-Making Empire?"
Jigga’s brand has taken a hard hit in 2013, which a new survey suggests despite Jay Z's massive popularity. The rap mogul business practices have come under scrutiny....
Reports Sohh:
According to reports, Young Hov’s power to persuade and influence lacks one key characteristic.
According to research from celebrity branding expert Jeetendr Sehdev, Jay Z’s partnership with Samsung was the second least popular celebrity marketing deal of 2013 among consumers aged 13-31 (Justin Bieber’s partnership with OPI was the most hated). In fact, the 1,000 millennials surveyed said the rapper himself was among the people least influential to their purchase decisions among the 80 celebrities Sehdev asked about, a group that included a range of personalities spanning from Tom Brady to Hillary Clinton. Sehdev said that while Jay Z remains popular with Americans of all ages, his brand is missing one crucial piece needed to persuade them to spend hard-earned money on the products he touts: authenticity. (Business Insider)
The survey also targets Jay’s unexpected Magna Carta Holy Grail summer album rollout and run with the Brooklyn Nets coming to a sudden end.
Despite the album’s strong sales, critics condemned it for being an uncreative endeavor motivated by commerce rather than artistic expression. “Millennials question the exact nature of Jay Z’s role in the artistic process,” Sehdev said. “Does he really write his own songs? Is he choosing the artists to collaborate with, or is he just the face of a money-making empire?” Further, Jay Z’s recent business decisions outside music are seen as lacking cohesion with the person he claims to be. After purchasing a stake in the NBA’s New Jersey Nets and serving as the public face of a contentious campaign to move the team to his home borough of Brooklyn, Jay sold his interests in the team less than a year after. (Business Insider)
Last month, the one-time Brooklyn Nets minority owner issued a public statement to the masses regarding his controversial choice to stay with clothing retailer Barneys despite multiple racial profiling accusations.
“In the past several weeks two separate investigations were launched as a result of the wrongful detention of Trayon Christian and Kayla Phillips. My team has been privy to the status of the Barneys third party consultant investigation. In continuing our research, we also contacted the New York State Attorney General’s office for the status of their investigation into both Barneys and Macy’s. Those findings are not yet available. While I await the findings of the Attorney General’s Office, I have agreed to move forward with the launch of BNY SCC collection under the condition that I have a leadership role and seat on a council specifically convened to deal with the issue of racial profiling. I am in a unique position to use my voice to affect change to this disturbing issue. The easy position would have been to walk away and leave policy making to others hoping that someone addresses the problem. I will not leave the outcome to others. I will take this into my own hands with full power to recommend, review and revise policies and guidelines moving forward. I am choosing to take this head on.” (Life & Times)
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Harn SOLO - Louis Armstrong (Official Video)
Harn SOLO performing the song "Louis Armstrong" in the Garden District and French Quarter of New Orleans. The Focus Cinema TV directed film is the third single from Harn SOLO's album, "Perfect Picture" released this Fall. http://Youtube.com/FocusCinemaTV
Paying tribute to his current city on "Louis Armstrong", it's obvious the Crescent Kingz produced song mirrors the unique spirit of a legendary music town. From the symbolism of the umbrella and second line style dancing, to the traditional New Orleans voodoo face paint and Mardi Gras beads.
New York City trend setting culture magazine IX Daily says, "SOLO is an artist who is ready to grab music by the reins and steer it in his winning direction. He is setting his place with a sound that is uniquely his by giving hip-hop the classic New Orleans twist."
For more about the artist visit http://HarnSOLO.com.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
The Best TV Set Ever: Samsung S9 Series OLED TV Samsung
Popular Science Writes:
Big-screen OLEDs promise the best picture—fast refresh rates, off-the-charts contrast levels. But you couldn’t get one, until now. The S9 Series is the first big-screen OLED on the market in the U.S. The 55-incher delivers all an OLED should, with a bonus. Curved glass further immerses the viewer—a feature that will be more important as screen sizes increase.$9,000
Raheem DeVaughn - Pink Crush Velvet (Video)
Fellas this that jawn right chere....DC R&B artist Raheem DeVaughn has released the video for, 'Pink Crush Velvet', from the album 'A Place Called Loveland'.
Beyonce - Yoncé (Video)
Beyonce is sexy as always in her video for the track Yoncé...The video is directed by Ricky Saiz.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Casey Veggies & Rockie Fresh - Fresh Veggies (Mixtape)
Here's the new collaboration mixtape from Rockie Fresh and Casey Veggies entitled "Fresh Veggies".
Late Three 6 Mafia Co-Founder's Cause Of Death Revealed
24 hours after reports of Three 6 Mafia co-founder Lord Infamous’ passing, new details surfaced on what caused his death....R.I.P. Lord Infamous!!!
Reports Sohh:
According to his half-brother and fellow member DJ Paul, medical complications contributed to Infamous’ untimely passing. Rapper Ricky Dunigan, known by the stage name Lord Infamous, died of a heart attack in Memphis at the age of 40, fellow members of Three 6 Mafia said. Dunigan, a founding member of the group, died in his sleep Friday night at his mother’s home, DJ Paul told The Hollywood Reporter. “He said he was tired, he wanted to sleep,” Paul said. “He sat down at the kitchen table, put his head in his arms to lay down … to get some sleep.” Paul said Dunigan’s mother was not home at the time and discovered her son dead at the table when she returned. (UPI)
Yesterday, reports claimed the late 40-year-old musician was discovered at his mother’s residence.
Three 6 Mafia founding member Ricky “Lord Infamous” Dunigan was found dead in his mother’s Memphis, Tennessee home on Friday night. The cause of death is currently unknown. He was 40 years old. Three 6 got their start in the mid-90s under the leadership of DJ Paul and Juicy J, and at one time or another included Koopsta Knicca, Crunchy Black, Gangsta Boo and Infamous. While Juicy is currently enjoying solo success, the remaining members of the group formed Da Mafia 6ix and earlier this year released their 6ix Commandments mixtape. (MTV)
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Friday, December 20, 2013
KKK branch plans meeting hoping to impeach Obama
RT News writes:
A Maryland branch of the Ku Klux Klan has announced that it plans to hold a meeting in a government building this month and begin formulating a plan to impeach US President Barack Obama.
The Confederate White Knights have reserved the Elk Room in the Cecil County Administration building for a 7:00 pm meeting on Friday. The group is only two years old, but its website makes clear that the members are affiliated with the KKK, the notorious white supremacist group that terrorized African-Americans throughout the US in the first half of the 20th Century.
Richard Preston, the imperial wizard of the group, told the Cecil Whig that the meeting will center on illegal immigration and Obama’s removal.
“Barack Hussein Obama is an illegal president,” he said. “He needs to be removed from office. We also want Obamacare shutdown. It’s against citizen’s rights.
“On top of that, we want the laws toughened on immigration,” he continued. “We’re flooded with illegal immigrants and our people can’t find jobs.”
The Knights make clear on their website that, in order to join, an applicant must “be of European heritage, be an American Citizen born and raised, cannot be a MUSLIM, cannot be a JEW,” among similar requirements.
“Always do your duty for the preservation of the white race,” the rules state. “Never for any reason have intimate relations outside of your race.”
Yet Preston insisted that Friday’s meeting, and his hatred of the first black US president, have nothing to do with skin color.
“It’s not about race. It’s about America. It’s time for the American people to stand up,” he said. “Just because we’re a certain way in our group doesn’t mean we hate other groups. I think the people that do come will be surprised.”
Maryland State Police 1st Sergeant Jimmy Russell said the local police have been warned about meeting from the FBI, although the meeting is not expected to lead to any serious problems. He said that a police presence will be on hand Friday night.
“They said to expect from 40 to 200 people,” Russell told the Cecil Whig. “They are not worried about [Preston]. They are more worried about the people that could show up.”
The Confederate White Knights previously tried to organize a rally at Gettysburg National Park, where one of the most important battles of the US Civil War took place, only to have that plan nixed by the federal government shutdown. A September rally that did happen took place at Antietam National Battlefield near Sharpsburg, Maryland, although only eight people showed up.
Al Wein, the director of administration for Cecil County, said that he granted the group access to the building because of the First Amendment.
“The First Amendment also prohibits local government from discriminating against an organization’s right of free speech and peaceable assembly on public property, no matter how offensive the message may be,” read a statement from the administration office.
MTV ‘RapFix Live’ End Of The Year Cyphers (Videos)
The good peoples over at MTV RapFix Live ended the show off for 2013 with a bang. The show which aired on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013 was all about bars. With over 25 rappers in the building both mainstream and up-and-coming accompanied by guest DJ Statik Selektah production you had to bring the skillz. The noteable emcees spittin' the hot 16s featured in the vids are Vado, Lantana, Oun-P, Ransom, Bizzy Crook, Andy Mineo, 360, Emilio Rojas, R-Mean, Locksmith, Dee-1, Ellis, Chris Webby, Troy Ave & BSM and other emcees from "The Get In The Game" segment.
Get More: Oun-P, Music News
Get More: Emilio Rojas, Music News
Get More: Dee-1, Music News
Get More: TROY AVE, Music News
Get More: Music News
Get More: Music News
Sareem Poems & Imperial - God Bless The Child
First single from Sareem Poems and Imperial. The duo is working on an EP together to be released on Illect Recordings in 2014. Both became Dad's for the first time, within about 4 months of each other. The instrumental version of "God Bless the Child" was originally released as a celebration to the birth of Imperial's son (March 2013) and has now been reworked into a vocal version.
STREAM/DOWNLOAD
KAi Sky Walker - Dead Saints ft. Rich Kidd & Moka Only
"Dead Saints" is the lead single from KAi Sky Walker off his upcoming release, New Mind | Old Soul: Chapter IV. The song features guest appearances by Rich Kidd and Moka Only, and with each of the trio at their finest.
STREAM/DOWNLOAD
Jay Z Launches Comador Cigar Lines
Cigar connoissuer Jay-Z is moving forward with his new Comador Cigar line, made by General Cigar Company and bearing the prestigious Cohiba label.
Via 4umf:
StupidDope.com reports that the cigar is made with a Connecticut broadleaf binder and Connecticut Havana wrapper, while the Comador website claims that the tobacco comes from a private plot of land in Farmington, CT. The leaves are transferred to the Dominican Republic and then said to undergo a four-year aging process, concluding with a year of finishing in Dominican rum barrels and then a six month resting period in a cedar lined room.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Obama frees 8 crack offenders, including Clarence Aaron
Article by: Adam Serwer
Clarence Aaron, a non-violent drug offender sentenced to three life terms when he was 24 years old, will finally be freed after twenty years behind bars.
Along with seven other people serving time for non-violent drug offenses, President Obama commuted Aaron’s sentence on Thursday, after a two-decade long imprisonment that might have ended sooner if not for a federal official mismanaging his case.
Aaron has been imprisoned since 1993 for his role in a crack cocaine deal. Though it was his first offense, and he was not the drug dealer, supplier or buyer, Aaron, who was 24 at the time, received a harsher sentence than anyone convicted in connection with the case. All eight individuals granted clemency were sentenced under drug laws the penalized crack cocaine offenses 100 times harsher than powder cocaine offenses. That disparity was narrowed in 2010, when Congress passed the Fair Sentencing Act, which reduced the ratio of crack to powder sentences to 18 to 1 instead of 100 to 1. All of the individuals granted clemency Thursday have served more than fifteen years in prison, according to the White House.
Read Full Story Here
Camden - What Do You Believe In (Official Video)
Video Filmed & Edited by John Greene/ Greene Films
Twitter- @GREENEFILMS
Email- JohnGreeneFilms@gmail.com
Assistant Camera- Rylee Nobre
Twitter- @TeamGREENEFILMS
Song- WDYB (What Do You Believe)
Artist- Camden
Twitter- @Camden_Killa
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Q-Tip & Busta Rhymes – The Abstract & The Dragon (Mixtape)
What we have here is a brotherhood. A friendship that extends past music, but also has an extensive musical history. The Abstract & The Dragon is more-so a compilation of their work over the years with new records sprinkled in. Another cool aspect about the mixtape is that both also add verses to classic records like Busta hops on A Tribe Called Quest’s “God Lives Through.” It’s a great example of what a mixtape represents. Features from Redman, Big Daddy Kane, Missy Elliott and more.
STREAM/DOWNLOAD
Pharrell Talks Scoring "Spider-Man 2" and Rapping (Video)
The multi-talented Pharell has done it again...While being interviewed by FUSE TV Pharrell talks about scoring "Spider-Man 2" for Hans Zimmer with Johnny Marr & Incubus' Mike Einziger, as well as his return to rapping.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Farrakhan to Kanye West: Don't Bow to Jewish Pressure! (Video)
During Pt. 49 of his weekly "Time and What Must Be Done Series" Minister Farrakhan commented on the harassment of Hip Hop artist Kanye West by the National Director of the ADL, Abraham Foxman.
Via AllHipHop:
Earlier this month the Jewish Anti-Defamation League released a statement asking Kanye West to apologize for comments he made during an interview with The Breakfast Club.
During the discussion, Kanye said, “Black people don’t have the same level of connections as Jewish people.” ADL’s National Director Abraham H. Foxman called the comments “classic anti-semitism” and said they reinforced the stereotype that Jews are “all-powerful and control the levers of power in government.”
While some in the Jewish community were offended by Kanye’s quote, Minister Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam has defended the rapper and his comments. According to Farrakhan, Kanye should not apologize because nothing that he said was untrue.
“Did he lie? No, he told the truth,” says Farrakhan in a video address.
He goes on to add:
You know what Mr. Foxman? I wish you and I could have a dialogue. You wouldn’t put that small time stuff over on me that you put on scared to death negroes, that if they mention Jew and you call them anti-semitic they start bowing to you and your pressure. Kanye West don’t bow to the pressure to apologize to anybody. You said nothing wrong.
Farrakhan and the NOI is preparing for their annual Saviours’ Day convention. The 2014 edition will be held February 21-23 at Detroit, Michigan’s Cobo Center.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Video: NOLA Hiphop Archive (Kickstarter Campaign)
There is a Kickstarter campaign aimed at supporting a digital archive for New Orleans hip-hop. New Orleans has been amongst the most fertile locations in producing hip-hop talent, including the Cash Money and No Limit movements and rappers ranging from Big Freedia to Jay Electronica.
The NOLA Hiphop Archive was founded in 2012 as an effort to collect, document, and make accessible to the public the oral histories of New Orleans’ influential rappers, producers and DJs who helped to create and popularize hiphop and bounce music traditions in the city and beyond. Founded in 2012 by Tulane graduate student, Holly Hobbs, the Archive currently holds more than 30 videotaped interviews with the city’s hiphop and bounce artists and pioneers.
The Kickstarter initiative will be used to assist in the collection of an additional 30 new videotaped oral histories, to be completed by the end of 2014, as well as the creation of a digital viewing station, housed in the Amistad Research Center at Tulane University. A donation of any amount toward our successful goal will help to further document and provide support and recognition for these important members of our creative community and beyond.
CLICK HERE: New Orleans Hip Hop Archive Kickstarter page
Kevin Durant has opened up his own restaurant: ‘Kd’s Southern Cuisine’
Not content to sit on the sidelines when it came to taking a swing at other business ventures, Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Kevin Durant has decided to open his own restaurant. “Kd’s Southern Cuisine” opened in Oklahoma City this month, though only time will tell if KD has thrown a gutter ball in his first toss into the ring, or if his restaurant will turn out to be a real “home run.”
Via Yahoo:
Unlike the menus at most other athlete-themed vanity restaurants, Kd’s Southern Cuisine doesn’t read as if it was attempting to secure a high-end sports bar clientele. There’s nary a chicken finger or tortilla wrap to be found, with fried green tomatoes, fried okra, grits and collard greens dotting entrees that include proteins like trout and catfish. Heartier types can go for the southern style meatloaf or smothered pork chop, alongside a selection of steaks. A lip-smackin’ touchdown!
Thankfully, though the menu and website is dotted with Oklahoma City Thunder colors, there’s not a lot of “Slam Dunk Salads!” or “Three-Point Dipping Sauces” to be found.
Until you get to the “Baller Menu.” Yeah, son.
The Baller Menu is where KD and his NBA mates will likely choose their entrees from the private room encased in glass that frosts at the flick of a switch for privacy. The Baller Menu offers prime beef in New York strip and Tomahawk rib-eye. It also includes tenderloin medallions with toast points and a collections of iced shellfish.
Complex Responds To Wale's Explosive Threats Says MMG Rapper Should Work Harder
A few days ago DMV emcee & Maybach Music Group’s Wale ignited the web by verbally attacking Complex Magazine's staff, to provide clarity into the situation Complex Associate Editor Insanul Ahmed states the company has no issues with the MMG emcee.
Via Sohh:
“Wale did not come to our office. We reached out to Wale’s publicist and management and offered that he could come to our office for a sit-down, on-camera interview where he could vent his frustrations to create a more constructive dialogue about our list. In the end, the camp declined our offer. Complex has no grudge against Wale or any other artist. Wale is an active, relevant artist and someone we have always covered and will continue to cover. He’s made many of our lists in the past. On a more personal note, I have advocated for his music many times in the office and outside. Funny thing is, Wale made this accusation before and back in 2011, I sat down with Wale and talked to him for several hours. I felt like we had worked out whatever issues it was back then.” (HHDX)
Ahmed also suggested Wale could learn from his Top 50 Albums of 2013 exclusion and work harder for future lists.
“Anyone who’s an artist and creates a piece of art wants recognition for what they create. So I totally understand someone’s frustrations for being left out of a list or an award shows nomination. But look at the way Lil Wayne–who also didn’t make our albums list–handled being left out of the BET and VMA nods earlier this year; he took it as a cue to work harder. There’s a lesson there.” (HHDX)
Friday, December 13, 2013
VladTV’s True Hip Hop Stories Starring: Nas, DJ Envy & A Pistol (Video)
Power 105.1's famed radio host DJ Envy speaks about randomly meeting Nas in Queens while he was on his mixtape grind. Envy explains how the meeting went from good to bad in a matter of minutes, and reveals the important lesson he learned that day....Funny Sh*t!!!
Erykah Badu Expands Career to Model for Givenchy
One of the most beautiful women in the world (my opinion), Erykah Badu has expanded her career by modeling for the fashion designer Givenchy.
Via WebPro News & FUSE
Erykah Badu is part of the new talent to join the Givenchy 2014 campaign with designs inspired by African and Japanese cultures. Designer Riccardo Tisci knew immediately that Badu was the person for the job. “She’s one of the most stylish women I’ve met in my life. She’s got such a good sense of proportion, of colors,” Tisci said during a recent phone interview with Style.com.
Tisci decided to promote only women of color (Erykah Badu, Maria Borges, Riley, and Asia Chow) for this new campaign. According to People the designer released the following statement. “My family portfolio concept is carrying on. This season, I decided to invite my dream icon, the respected Erykah Badu, to my stage, as well as the young beauty Asia Chow, talent of tomorrow. And my new discoveries: Black goddesses Maria Borges and Riley and model Dominik Bauer. I am very happy, we did our job while spending good family time.”
The designer spoke about wanting to create a modeling platform that is representative of the general population instead of merely depicting one group. “There was a lot of talk this season in fashion. Me, I was one of the persons who ended up not being touched by this. I discovered Joan Smalls, I discovered Maria [Borges]. I discovered a lot of black girls, and I’ve been always supporting them. For me, I grew up in a family and I grew up in a culture, an education, that we all are the same.” Tisci said before adding, “It’s 2013. Everybody’s being so cool about Instagram, about Facebook, any media, everybody’s being so open. At the end of the day, why are not so many black girls or Latin girls in shows? When you have an American president who is black! When I see this happening, it’s quite sad, I think. People can be so avant-garde, so advanced, but actually not, because people are still making differences between skin color.”
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Wyclef Jean - Nelson Mandela Tribute (Video)
To celebrate the life Nelson Mandela, Wyclef Jean performs his tribute.
Support the Nelson Mandela foundation: http://www.nelsonmandela.org/
What Would You Do? - Inter-racial Couple Faces Vicious Racist Attacks By A Black Woman!
About a week ago I viewed this segment of ABC News series "What Would You Do?"...We witness an inter-racial couple (White Girl and Black Man) enter a barbershop in Harlem, NY where a lone white girl is criticized and attacked by racist remarks by a black woman who cannot stand to see them together because she thinks it makes black girls feel degraded..and one woman at the end brings a whole new perspective that people should live by. View the video and feel free to leave a comment here on the blog page or at our Twitter page @Mixtape108.
***Thanks to mrduckbears24 for the video content via YouTube***
Monday, December 9, 2013
The FBI Can Activate Built-in Laptop Cameras Without Users Even Knowing
If you weren’t particularly worried about privacy before, it may be time for a little concern. An alarming new allegation brought forth by a Washington Post article about the search for a bomb suspect warns that the FBI has had the capacity to spy on people by turning on their built-in computer cameras “without triggering the light that lets users know it is recording” for years.
Via Complex:
According to Marcus Thomas, the former assistant director of the FBI’s Operational Technology Division, this kind of stealth spying is restricted to investigations that involve terrorism and/or the “most serious” criminal cases. But even if innocent civilians aren’t being targeted, just knowing that the agency has the technology to carry out this kind of spying is a terrifying prospect.
The newspaper also claims that the FBI uses malware to introduce surveillance software to targets’ computers. The practice was given the OK in at least one case by a federal magistrate. The same judge, however, nixed the use of sneaky camera spying on the grounds that it was “extremely intrusive” and could represent a violation of the Fourth Amendment.
VladTV’s True Hip Hop Stories: Pharoahe Monch Tells Crazy Kanye West Story (Video)
In this episode of VladTV's "True Hip Hop Stories," Pharoahe Monch shares a story of going to a party and feeling like he's looking fresh until he runs into Kanye West. This story is hilarious!!!
Drake - "We'll Be Fine" (Visual)
Here's the latest official visual presentation by Drake for the track entitled "We'll Be Fine" (Visual). The visual is directed by Mikael Colombu and the music is done by "Don Carlo" by Verdi.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Cham - "Fighter" ft. Damian "Jr Gong" Marley (Official Video)
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| Image Credit: Life + Times |
Cham and Jr Gong team up with Dave Kelly of Mad House Records to illustrate the effects of political corruption in Jamaica's inner city communities. Poverty stricken areas like Downtown Kingston, Vineyard Town, and New Kingston are showcased in an uplifting motivational light. These four minutes provide a vivid soundtrack to the lives of Jamaican youth, that mainstream society ignores. "Fighter" is available for download on iTunes.
An Indefinite Ban Has Been Issued On The Malcolm X Diary
The SOURCE Magazine Reports:
The Shabazz family has shut down publishing house’s plans to release unauthorized diary
The X Legacy organization, which is headed by the daughters of slain civil and human rights leader Malcolm X, has shut down the plans of Third World Press to publish the Diary of Malcolm X.
The family’s legal representation, L. Londell McMillian, who is also the owner of The Source and Jones Magazines, informed the court that the family owns the property rights to Malcolm X. Third World Press refused to get proper authorization or negotiate with the Shabazz family, therefore, violating a federal court order.
Even though there was at least one family member who supported the Third World release, no one family member has the legal right to grant authorization. This possibly could lead to other lawsuits of copyright violations against Third World Press and any others who may have contributed to the alleged infringement of the literary works, trademarks, and publicity rights of Malcolm X’s family.
According to McMillian, the Shabazz family has plans to release of literary works written by the former famed leader of the Nation Of Islam and facilitate events celebrating the life and legacy of Malcolm X in 2015, which will mark the 50th anniversary of X’s assassination.
Friday, December 6, 2013
World and South Africa mourn peace icon Mandela
JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - The world on Friday mourned South Africa's beloved Nelson Mandela, whose universal appeal was evident once again in a global outpouring of grief for the anti-apartheid hero hailed as an "incredible gift" to humanity.
Mandela's Rainbow Nation awoke to a future without its 95-year-old founding father after the country's first black president died late on Thursday at his Johannesburg home, surrounded by friends and family.
President Jacob Zuma said an official mourning ceremony would be held on December 10 in Soweto followed by a burial in Mandela's Eastern Cape hometown of Qunu on December 15.
His body will lie in state in the capital Pretoria from December 11-13.
As his compatriots paid lively tributes to the revered former statesman with flowers, songs and dance, admirers from all walks of life around the world joined in an outpouring of emotion, pondering Mandela's legacy and remembering key moments in the icon's life.
South Africa's archbishop emeritus Desmond Tutu -- and fellow Nobel prize winner -- praised Mandela as an "incredible gift that God gave us".
In an address where he fought to hold back the tears, Tutu said his old friend was "a unifier from the moment he walked out of prison".
Mandela spent 27 years in an apartheid prison before becoming president and unifying his country with a message of reconciliation after the end of white minority rule. He shared the Nobel Peace Prize with South Africa's last white president F.W. de Klerk in 1993.
Palestinians and Israelis, Beijing and the Dalai Lama, Washington and Tehran all paid heartfelt tribute to Mandela, describing him as one of the towering figures of the 20th century who inspired young and old with his fight for equality.
US leader Barack Obama, his country's own first black president led a global roll call of commemorations.
"We will not likely see the likes of Nelson Mandela again," he said. "He achieved more than could be expected of any man."
Flags flew at half-mast in numerous countries, including the United States, France and Britain and at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
In Paris, the Eiffel Tower lit up in green, red, yellow and blue to symbolise the South African flag while India declared five days of mourning for a man the premier labelled "a true Gandhian".
Mandela had waged a long battle against a recurring lung infection and had been receiving treatment at home since September following a lengthy hospital stay.
Outside his house in the upmarket Houghton suburb and at his former residence in the once blacks-only township of Soweto, scores of well-wishers danced and sang old songs of struggle to celebrate the man they lovingly call Madiba.
Some in Johannesburg rushed from their homes in their pyjamas after hearing of his passing, while many brought along children too young to have known the brutal and racist South Africa that Mandela fought to overcome.
"I did not come here to mourn. We are celebrating the life of a great man. A great unifier," said local resident Bobby Damon.
US Secretary of State John Kerry urged Israeli and Palestinian leaders to take inspiration from Mandela's struggle in the Middle East peace talks.
"The naysayers are wrong to call peace in this region an impossible goal," he told reporters in Israel, before quoting Mandela: "It always seems impossible until it's done."
Zuma said Mandela would be given a full state funeral expected to be attended by a slew of foreign leaders as well as celebrity and sports figures.
"We should all work together to organise the most befitting funeral for this outstanding son of our country and the father of our young nation," he said.
Mandela's body was taken to a military hospital in Pretoria in preparation for lying in state.
While the ailing former statesman's death had long been expected after a spate of hospitalisations, the announcement came as a shock nonetheless.
Mandela's two youngest daughters were in London watching the premiere of his biopic "Long Walk to Freedom" -- along with Britain's Prince William -- when they learned of his death.
British actor Idris Elba, who portrayed Mandela in the film, said: "We have lost one of the greatest human beings to have walked this Earth."
Mandela's eldest grandson expressed gratitude for the international outpouring of support.
"The messages we have received since last night have heartened and overwhelmed us," said Mandla Mandela.
'Terrorist' turned icon
Once considered a terrorist by the United States and Britain for his support of violence against the apartheid regime, at the time of his death he was an almost unimpeachable moral icon.
Mandela's extraordinary life story, quirky sense of humour and lack of bitterness towards his former oppressors ensured global appeal for the charismatic leader.
He spent 27 years behind bars before being freed in 1990 to lead the African National Congress (ANC) in negotiations with the white minority rulers, which culminated in the first multi-racial elections in 1994.
A victorious Mandela served a single term as president before taking up a new role as a roving elder statesman and leading AIDS campaigner. He retired from public life in 2004.
Born in 1918, Mandela started a career as a lawyer in Johannesburg in parallel with his political activism.
He became commander of the armed wing of the then-banned ANC and underwent military training in Algeria and Ethiopia in the early 1960s.
He was arrested and sentenced to life in jail for sabotage in 1964. At his trial, he delivered the speech that was to become the manifesto of the anti-apartheid movement.
"During my lifetime, I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society," he said from the dock. "It is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."
He served most of his sentence on Robben Island, where he was held in spartan conditions. When he was finally released on February 11, 1990, he walked out of prison with his fist raised alongside his then-wife Winnie.
Ex-prisoner 46664 then took on the task of persuading de Klerk to call time on the era of racist white minority rule.
'We can change the world'
After the ANC won the country's first multi-racial elections, Mandela declared his intention to establish "a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world".
Critics said his five-year presidency was marred by corruption and rising levels of crime. But his successors have never enjoyed the same levels of respect or affection.
Mandela divorced his second wife Winnie in 1996. He found new love in retirement with Graca Machel, the widow of the late Mozambican president Samora Machel, whom he married on his 80th birthday.
Myanmar's own democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi spoke of her "extreme grief" at the death of her fellow Nobel Peace Prize winner, who "made us understand that we can change the world".
The Dalai Lama said he would miss his "dear friend", whom he hailed as "a man of courage, principle and unquestionable integrity".
Mandela is survived by three daughters, 18 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. He had four step-children through his marriage to Machel.
His death has left his family divided over his wealth. Some of his children and grandchildren are locked in a legal feud with his close friends over alleged irregularities in his two companies.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Video: Voice Monet - CARTS b4 HORSES (aka "ROB")
New Orleans emcee Voice Monet presents the Go'Head Media-directed music video for "Carts b4 Horses (Rob)", her new single produced by Belgian DMC champion DJ Grazzhoppa. The video was conceptualized, shot and edited all in the space of two days as part of the 48Hour Music Video Project Challenge which was recently held in New Orleans.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Nathan "Bodie" Barksdale who claimed to inspire 'The Wire' charged in federal court
Nathan “Bodie” Barksdale, who claimed to inspire the character Avon Barksdale, a main character from HBO’s critically acclaimed series "The Wire" was arrested on November 29 on federal heroin and gun charges.
Via The Baltimore Sun
Barksdale, 52, is accused of taking part in a heroin conspiracy with alleged drug supplier Suraj Tairu, who is also charged in the case. The pair would meet to conduct deals at Rite Aid parking lots just north of downtown Baltimore, according to court documents.
Tairu’s lawyer said his client has pleaded not guilty, and he is reviewing the evidence ahead of a trial scheduled for next year. Barksdale’s attorney declined to comment on the case.
But his mother, Emma Grier, said she did not know anything about the charges and believed Barksdale’s life was back on track.
“He was working and everything,” she added. “He’s turned his life around.”
But the DEA’s Special Investigations Group, a team of federal agents and Baltimore police, has long been working to bring down top figures in the BGF, said DEA spokesman Edward Marcinko. The agency first named Barksdale as a BGF member in court documents in 2010.
At the time, Barksdale, who Marcinko said has been shot more than 20 times, denied having any link to the gang when asked about the claim by the Baltimore City Paper.
“I’m a filmmaker,” he said. “I’m pushing 50, man. I’m too old for that. That’s for teenagers.”
Shortly before that, Barksdale worked to develop a television series portraying himself as the “real Avon Barksdale.” He said his middle name was indeed Avon.
Barksdale was a notorious Baltimore criminal in the 1980s, and Simon detailed his violent heroin-dealing operation in the Murphy Homes, reporting that he counted Hitler and Machiavelli among his heroes.
But in an email, Simon said that while he had no problem with Barksdale marketing his own show, Nathan Barksdale and Avon Barksdale were not one and the same. Nor for that matter is the character Bodie on “The Wire” modeled on Nathan Barksdale, Simon added.
“There are some anecdotal connections between his story and a multitude of characters,” Simon said. “We mangled street and given names throughout ‘The Wire’ so that it was a general shout-out to the west-side players. But there is nothing that corresponds to a specific character.”
As in “The Wire,” authorities used a wiretap to help build the case against Barksdale. His calls were recorded after an informant provided officers with his number this past spring, according to court documents.
Adidas Officially Confirms Its Partnership With Kanye West
It's official, Kanye has taken his talents to Adidas!!!
Via Complex:
Before, the venture was all but official after Kanye went on Hot 97′s Angie Martinez show and said “I took the adidas deal because I have royalties and I have to provide for my family.”
But when Angie pressed on whether this deal was official, Ye replied with a vague, “Whatever is official, non-official, official—what y’all gonna see is I’m gonna be the Tupac of product.”
Well, now it is official. A statement from adidas outlines why Kanye was brought into the company’s family, and the big plans that will come to fruition in the next year. The full statement reads:
“For 2014, we welcome to the adidas family one of the most influential cultural icons of this generation, Kanye West. Well known for breaking boundaries across music, film and design and partnering with our history in street wear culture and leading innovations in sport, we look forward to creating a new chapter. Details to follow.”
Looks like Yeezy season will continue into the new year.
Kanye has touched on why he decided to sever ties with Nike, saying that his creative freedom was inhibited, and that he was refused royalties on the mega-popular Air Yeezy sneaker. But his recent “visionary streams of consciousness” have focused on the past and been vague on what’s next. With adidas making it official, and the deal reportedly erasing any financial concerns, it appears that the path is clear for Kanye to indulge his fans on what the future holds in terms of him achieving his designer aspirations.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Video: Ciel Rouge - Kids on Levees ft. Sasha Masakowski
New Orleans emcee Ciel Rouge releases his Green House Collective directed vid for "Kids on Levees" featuring Jazz vocalist Sasha Masakowski. The track is from the mixtape entitled Love, Rouge.
Logic - Like Me Ft. Casey Veggies
TeamVisionary sends the track entitled "Like Me" by Logic featuring Casey Veggies. Logic is currently working on his Def Jam debut which is scheduled to be released in 2014.
Kanye West, Eminem & Pusha T's Albums Make Rolling Stone's Top 50 LPs Of 2013 List
Grammy-winning emcee Kanye West along with fellow emcees Eminem and Pusha T solo albums are on the list of Rolling Stone’s Top 50 LPs of 2013. Kanye’s Yeezus and Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP 2 both has managed to land within the Top 25 on the list.
Via Sohh:
1. Vampire Weekend – Modern Vampires of the City 2. Kanye West – Yeezus 3. Daft Punk – Random Access Memories 4. Paul McCartney – New 5. Arcade Fire – Reflektor 6. Queens of the Stone Age – …Like Clockwork 7. Lorde – Pure Heroine 8. The National – Trouble Will Find Me 9. Arctic Monkeys – AM 10. John Fogerty – Wrote a Song for Everyone 11. Parquet Courts – Tally All the Things That You Broke 12. Jake Bugg – S/T 13. Disclosure – Settle 14. Drake – Nothing Was The Same 15. Atoms for Peace – AMOK 16. David Bowie – The Next Day 17. Danny Brown – Old 18. Ashley Monroe – Like a Rose 19. Nine Inch Nails – Hesitation Marks 20. Laura Marling – Once I Was an Eagle 21. Sky Ferreira – Night Time My Time 22. Phoenix – Entertainment 23. My Bloody Valentine – MBV 24. Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP 2 25. Elton John – The Diving Board (Brooklyn Vegan)
Pop star Miley Cyrus’ Bangerz and Roc Nation protégé J. Cole’s Born Sinner landed spots in the Top 50.
26. Chance the Rapper – Acid Rap 27. Miley Cyrus – Bangerz 28. Kacey Musgraves – Same Trailer Different Park 29. Bombino – Nomad 30. Tegan & Sara – Heartthrob 31. Haim – Days Are Gone 32. CHVRCHES – The Bones of What You Believe 33. Pusha T – My Name is My Name 34. Neko Case – The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love You 35. Best Coast – Fade Away EP 36. Waxahatchee – Cerulean Salt 37. The So-So Glos – Blowout 38. Kurt Vile – Walkin on a Pretty Daze 39. Keith Urban – Fuse 40. Pearl Jam – Lightning Bolt 41. J Cole – Born Sinner 42. Earl Sweatshirt – Doris 43. Savages – Silence Yourself 44. Valerie June – Pushin’ Against a Stone 45. Avicii – True 46. Franz Ferdinand – Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action 47. MIA – Matangi 48. Fuck Buttons – Slow Focus 49. The Flaming Lips – The Terror 50. Beck – Song Reader (Brooklyn Vegan)
A few months back, Bad Boy Records CEO Diddy highlighted the importance of Kanye’s Yeezus.
“I think that this Kanye album, the only way I can describe it, it’s art, it’s an emotion and it’s him at his realest in its rawest form. It’s a confidence level that I feel like, blackness especially; it needs to be a theme song for them. They need to believe that all that crazy sh*t that he’s saying is the truth and I stand by it and I stand by the emotions if that’s how he felt, then that’s how records should feel. If Revolt was on air right now we probably would be dedicating the next three days to the back stories to making sure that we are promoting and being a useful tool to get their message out to get back to the mainstream media who doesn’t understand at times that’s who we are and how powerful we are.” (VIBE)
