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May 31, 2006

Paris Hilton In Hip Hop?

Note to Paris Hilton: Before you do another magazine cover, record cover or any type of promotional material for yourself, please buy yourself a BODY, yes Lady Jane DJ said a Body. Get a nice back side and front side. I'm rather surprised You haven't already bought one for yourself after all the types of "video", shows and pictures you've been in. If your going to play a sexy role then get the body for it. - LJDJ

Excerpt:"Paris Hilton to Release Reggae/Hip Hop Album"

Pete Blackwell - May 31, 2006

And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, "Paris Hilton Plans Reggae, Hip Hop Album."

Millenialists, biblical numerologists, and assorted whackjobs are looking to June 6, 2006 (6/6/06) with a mix of anticipation and trepidation, hoping for and/or fearing the End of the World. Well, they're not looking for the right kind of signs. Paris Hilton's forthcoming reggae/hip hop album is the clearest indication we've had yet that God's wrath is upon us. What's worse, the album is said to include a cover version of "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" by Rod Stewart (one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, by the way). Adding insult to mortal (and quite possibly immortal) injury, "Hilton said she wrote the lyrics to seven of her songs." Seven songs … seven seals. Anybody?

Click here for the ful article 

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 10:58 AM | Posted to Hip Hop News

May 28, 2006

Memorial Day Weekend Party

Memorial Day Weekend Party at The Wildrose Bar featuring Lady Jane DJ. May 28th from 8:30P.M. until 1:00 AM with drink specials al night long. 1021 E. Pike St. Seattle, WA. 98103 206-324-9210

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 05:11 PM | Posted to Latest Events Featuring LJDJ

May 19, 2006

Jay-Z Radio

Jay Z Announces iTunes-Radio Stations Merger

Author: SoundSlam - New York, NY

Hip hop mogul Shawn "Jay Z" Carter announced yesterday that two U.S. radio stations have linked up with Apple iTunes to fully incorporate the online music store into their respective radio websites.

Los Angeles-based Power 106 (KPWR-FM) and New York City's Hot 97 (WQHT-FM) will be the first American radio stations to complement their sites with the extensive music library. In a statement, Jay Z said, "This is a BIG thing!" before adding a touch of humor by stating, "What I love about it is... 10-15 years ago, they said hip-hop was a fad." The rapper-turned-entrepreneur finished by commenting, "When you get something like this happening... It's an amazing thing!"

Both radio stations, which are owned by Emmis Communications in Indianapolis, will now include not only the listener's favorite songs for download, but will also include each station's countdowns, playlists, and even rare mixes.

Click here for the full article 

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 04:02 PM | Posted to Artist Jay-Z

Nas Hip Hop Rapper

Excerpt:"Nas: Hip-Hop Is Dead

By Jim Welte

The Illmatic rhyme-sayer and recent Def Jam signee tells a packed house at The Roots' Radio City Music Hall show that new album is on the way.

Nas, who recently squashed his long-standing beef with Jay-Z by signing to Jay-Z's Def Jam label, told a packed house last night at NYC's Radio City Music Hall that he will release his first Def Jam album in September.

The Queensbridge rapper made the announcement last night on stage as part of labelmates The Roots' two-night, star-studded show , capping off his 15-minute set by saying, "I'm working hard for y'all. I got an album coming out in September."

A Def Jam spokesperson told Billboard that the album is titled Hip-Hop Is Dead, and it will hit stores in September. The album will be jointly promoted by Def Jam and Nas' former label, Columbia Records, under a revenue-sharing agreement."

Click here for the full article 

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 03:32 PM | Posted to Artist Nas

Hip Hop Is Dead

Excerpt:"Nas Declares 'Hip Hop Is Dead'

First Def Jam Disc Due In September

Clover Hope, N.Y.

Recent Def Jam signee Nas will deliver his first album for the label in late September. The rapper made the announcement last night (May 18) while performing on the first leg of labelmates the Roots’ two-night stand at New York's Radio City Music Hall.

The album is titled "Hip-Hop Is Dead,” according to a Def Jam representative, who also confirmed the September release to Billboard.com.

Nas capped off his roughly 15-minute set by pronouncing, “I'm working hard for y’all. I got an album coming out in September.”  

Def Jam president Jay-Z added Nas to the label’s roster in January, two months after the pair mutually dissolved their longtime feud.

As previously reported, the new disc will be one of two albums to be jointly marketed by Def Jam and Columbia, Nas’ previous label."

Click here for the full article

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 12:01 PM | Posted to Artist Nas

Excerpt:"iTunes connects to hip-hop radio

By Macworld staff

Two US hip-hop radio channels have integrated the iTunes Music Store into their websites: Power 106 (KPWR-FM, Los Angeles) and HOT 97 (WQHT-FM, New York). Hip-hop legend Jay-Z called the move "a big thing", adding: "What I love about it is 10-15 years ago...they said hip hop was a fad. And when you get something like this happening... It's an amazing thing!"

Hot 97 vice president Jimmy Steal explained how the integration works: "Listeners now have the ability to search, browse and buy all of their favourite Power 106 and HOT 97 songs directly from the iTunes Music Stores featured on our websites."

Click here for the full article 

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 08:50 AM | Posted to Hip Hop Radio Shows

Excerpt:"Hip-Hop Rumors: Core DJ's, Roxanne Shante, Viv and Reg & More!!

The Core DJs Deny Banning Rumors

FROM TONY NEAL OF THE CORE DJ�S (I didn't touch the content): The Core DJs in no way supports a ban on TVT Recording Artist Yo Gotti's music explains Tony Neal, founder of The Core DJs. The coalition of DJs will not support, endorse or publicize ongoing personal disputes between individual DJs and recording artists. Although there may come a time to take such action, the unit would never do so without carefully examining all sides of the problem and trying to diffuse the situation internally. Since The Core DJs and The Core DJs Retreat, the group's semi-annual networking event for DJs is one of the best things to happen to DJs since the Technics, the group totally disapproves of any situation that will negatively portray their union. The Core DJs is a supporter of all DJ crews, that's why the semi-annual retreat is open and free of registration cost to all DJs regardless of affiliation. We felt it was important to the entire DJ community to clear up any rumors that exist between Yo Gotti and The Core DJs because the rumors are totally false said Tony Neal.

J-LO & LL COOL J?

Noooooo, of course not! But, I heard that J-Lo�s husband Marc Anthony is recording a new album in New York City at the same studio that Pac got shot many moon ago. Anyway, about halfway through the recording session Jenny From The Block showed up looking pretty as ever. Oh, and my people tell me there is no way she was giving any signs of pregnancy, As far as the LL Cool J part�He�s recording yeet another �Todd Smith� remix with 50 Cent. Why are they so friendly all of a sudden?"

Click here for the full article

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 07:05 AM | Posted to Hip Hop News

May 15, 2006

Jay-Z's Tour DJ

Excerpt:"DJ Scratch Revitalizes NY With Busta Rhymes New York Sh*t

DJ Scratch Brings New York Back With Busta Rhymes and Swizz Beatz -- Multi-talented Producer Working Several Projects, New Shows!

New York, NY (PRWEB) -- Super producer DJ Scratch is revitalizing the streets, clubs and radio with Busta Rhymes' smash hit "New York Sh*t." The track, which also features Swizz Beatz on vocals, is a testament to the classic, passionate lifestyle of New York Hip Hop. After holding down EPMD as their DJ in the Golden Era of Hip Hop, and later taking on the role of Jay-Z's tour DJ, Scratch exudes a creative energy that few can touch.

Bringing the edge back to the Northeast has become a priority for many artists. "I feel New York Hip Hop has been lacking the MC - the word play, song structure and the extended vocabulary," explains Scratch. "I want cats to spit about how nice they are on the mic again. 'New York Sh*t' proves once again that real Hip Hop outshines the gimmick records. Every region has their turn in Hip Hop, but it's always New York's turn."

As "New York Sh*t" is on the rise, DJ Scratch is preparing the release of his EPMD Special Edition Mixtape and his own DVD entitled So Wat Cha Sayin. He has been in the studio relentlessly, producing for the likes of Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Diddy, Maino, Cassidy, Game, Jazzy Jeff, Pete Rock, Mario, Mya, Beanie Sigel, Memphis Bleek and Bone Thugs & Harmony.

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Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 01:32 PM | Posted to Hip Hop DJs

May 13, 2006

Radio DJ out on Bail

Hip-Hop DJ Out On Bail, Facing Charges After On-Air Rant

NEW YORK — A syndicated hip-hop disc jockey arrested after making on-air racial and sexual rants about a rival radio personality's wife and young child has been released on bail.

DJ Star, whose real name is Troi Torain, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child after a broadcast on Power 105.1 FM.

Transcripts show he hurled racist insults, threatened to sexually abuse the 4-year-old daughter of his rival, Hot 97's DJ Envy, and offered $500 (euro387) for information about where she went to school.

"I will come for your kids," Torain said, according to a transcript provided by New York Councilman John C. Liu.

Torain was arraigned after 11 p.m. Friday and posted $2,000 (euro1,549) bail within an hour, authorities said.

Police originally had indicated he also would be charged with harassment, but prosecutors decided against it for now, district attorney's spokeswoman Barbara Thompson said.

Torain's lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, said his client's conduct was inappropriate but not criminal, and was "never intended to frighten the family."

Click here for the full article

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 02:20 PM | Posted to Hip Hop News

"Hip-Hop Culture Crosses Social Barriers

Musical artists tell America's story in rap

By Carol Walker - Washington File Staff Writer

Washington – African-American and Latino teens with a turntable and time on their hands in the 1970s invented hip-hop -- born in the USA and now the center of a mega music and fashion industry around the world.

Hip-hop began 30 years ago in the South Bronx, a borough of New York City, a neighborhood that seemed to exemplify the bleakness of poor urban places.

Using turntables to spin old, worn records, kids in the South Bronx began to talk over music, mostly on the streets and in basements in what were called block parties, creating an entirely new music genre and dance form. This "talking over," or MCing (rapping) or DJing (audio mixing or scratching), became the essence of rap music, break dance and graffiti art, according to Marvette Perez, curator at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History in Washington, which is planning a new exhibit on the history of hip-hop.

“Out of this forgotten, bleak place, an incredible tradition was born,” Perez said in a Washington File interview.

From the beginning, style has been a big element of hip-hop, Perez said. “Hip-hop tells the story of music but also of urban America and its style.”

“With the significant contributions from the hip-hop community, we will be able to place hip-hop in the continuum of American history and present a comprehensive exhibition,” Brent D. Glass, director of the museum, told the Washington File.

The museum’s multiyear project will trace hip-hop from its origins in the late 1970s, as an expression of urban black and Latino youth culture, to its status today as a $4 billion industry. Perez said the museum already has received collections from such hip-hop artists as Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, Kool Herc, Ice T, Fab 5 Freddy, Crazy Legs, and MC Lyte."

Click here for the full article 

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 09:38 AM | Posted to Hip Hop Radio Shows

Hip Hop Mass

Hip-hop Mass delivers an ancient message in a new vernacular

By JULIAN WALKER - Richmond Times-Dispatch

RICHMOND, Va. -- The solemnity of hymns played on an organ was replaced by thumping speakers that amplified a thick bass line.

Instead of a more traditional, staid sermon, listeners heard a hip-hop homily.

Mixing the motifs of hip-hop music and culture with Christian doctrine is all part of the HipHopEMass service.

The Rev. Timothy Holder, an Episcopal minister from New York City, created the HipHopEMass concept. He and his posse of musicians and religious rappers brought their in-your-face ministry to Richmond one recent night, holding a service at St. Peter's Episcopal Church.

Though the service has the look, feel and sound of a concert, its purpose is to be a vehicle to spread the gospel to a generation that has turned away from the church.

Click here for the full article 

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 07:49 AM | Posted to Hip Hop News

May 12, 2006

Excerpt:"Oprah Responds to Hip-Hop Criticism

By Chris Richburg and Clarence Burke Jr.

Talk show host Oprah Winfrey is speaking out about the recent criticism she has received from the Hip-Hop community.

In the past few weeks, rappers Ludacris and 50 Cent have openly condemned Winfrey, who appeared on Ed Lover's Power 105.1 radio show yesterday (May 11) to defend her side of the story.

"I listen to some Hip-Hop. I've been accused of not liking Hip-Hop and that's just not true," she said. "I got a little 50 [Cent] in my iPod. I really do. I like 'In Da Club.' Have you heard the beat to 'In Da Club'? Love that, love Jay-Z, love Kanye, love Mary J. Mary J. is one of my friends."

The backlash against Winfrey sparked last year after Ludacris appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show to promote his co-starring role in the film Crash.

While discussing the movie's racial subject matter with the other cast members, Winfrey interrogated Ludacris about his notoriously raunchy lyrics.

The rapper addressed the incident in the May issue of GQ Magazine, stating that Winfrey edited his comments out of the show.

He also revealed that he wasn't invited to appear on the show initially, and that he felt Winfrey's questioning was inappropriate considering the fact that he appeared on the show as an actor.

Click here for the full article

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 09:12 PM | Posted to Hip Hop News

Excerpt:"Hip-hop aside, killing pinpoints deeper cloud over young

He's the star of a recently released movie named for Atlanta, has one of the hottest-selling albums in the country and was born and raised in this city. Despite what you think of rapper T.I.'s art form or lifestyle, his actions are worthy of prominent news coverage.

Not so, said several readers I heard from this week. To them, T.I. is just another young thug who's a poor role model. His antics aren't news and stories about him have no place in the newspaper, much less on a Sunday front page, they argue.

"The AJC has played this up like he is a national leader," said Sandra Butler of Atlanta. "I'm sorry the man got killed, but look who he was and who he hung out with. How come this gets so much play?"

In the same day's newspaper, Butler said, she had to dig deep into the newspaper to learn what her congressman had to say about illegal immigration. She believes the newspaper spends too much time covering entertainers and musicians.

Such complaints aren't new to Sonia Murray, who has covered pop music for the AJC for more than 10 years. Hip-hop is a billion-dollar industry with a large contingent of artists and producers who call Atlanta home. To ignore the industry and its impact would be a huge mistake for this newspaper.

Click here for the full aritcle

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 08:31 PM | Posted to Hip Hop News

Busta's New Video

Lady Jane DJ thinks that Busta's new video is so funny! It's theme is like from the movie Mr. & Ms. Smith featuring Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Check It Out!

Excerpt:"Busta Loves His Bitch, Meth Disses Jay-Z's Chancletas?

Here's Busta's new video for the new single off his upcoming album, The Big Bang. The song features Kelis and was produced by Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas, and Gabrielle Union co-stars in the video.

Click here for Busta's New Video and full article

Method Man, who was at one point the most visible member of the Wu, has been relatively quiet over the last couple of years while fellow group members Ghostface and Raekwon have soaked up all the attention. Now it appears that Johnny Blaze is poised to make a comeback and two new songs hit the streets this week to get the ball rolling. The first track which I posted earlier this week, is an innocent enough collaboration withLauryn Hill called Things They Say.

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 09:03 AM | Posted to Hip Hop Videos

Pimp C Rapper

Hip Hop Rapper Pimp-C Ready To Drop "Pimpalation"

The listening party for Pimp-C's latest album will be heard by the media next Tuesday.

Posted by Dave - Rap News Network
 
Recently released Houston rapper Pimp C has just finished up his latest album Pimpalation that will be released on the Rap-a-Lot/Asylum label. Pimp C has a long list of guest artists who will appear on the release. Rap-a-Lot PR Guru Omar Wilson tells the Insite there will be a listening session for media and industry folk next Tuesday. Unfortunately, this listening session is not open to the general public so I can't disclose the secret location.

 

As you may already know Pimp C is a member of the highly respected Texas rap group U-G-K which also includes fellow Houston/Port Arthur rapper Bun B. Bun B dropped his album Trill last year and rung sales of a half million. Pimp C is hoping to do the same or better.

 

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 07:40 AM | Posted to Hip Hop News

Must Read!

Excerpt:"Hip-Hop Rumors: Star, Domestic Surveillance, DMX & More Rap Crap!

DESPITE GETTING FIRED - STAR’S A WINNER (BUT TROUBLE AWAITS)!

So, all of the comments people said regarding Star of the Star & Buc/Hot 97 were very passionate and I read a lot of them on my blog. But, from what I have heard, Star is a winner in losing. The shock jock, who was fired from Clear Channel, is still going to get his $5 million in yearly pay, I heard. Word has it, he’s guaranteed to get the cash, because it’s written in his contract. On the flip side, homeboy might have bigger problems if the State decides to press charges. According to the New York Times, the Manhattan district attorney's office has opened an investigation into Star’s sexually, racially and overall offensive tirade, which threatened a 4-year-old child. Read that full story here.

DOMESTIC SURVEILLANCE? F**K THAT!

While people are talking about Star and DJ Envy, the government has been spying on your calls for the last three years. Domestic surveillance? Yes! AT&T, Verizon and Bell South have all been working with the government to monitor the call patterns of ordinary people. You know, if you call your mother too many times, you just might be considered an Al Qaeda operative. This has been going on for three years, affecting (or not) 200 million people. Three years. Potential for abuse? HELLO, we are letting ourselves get screwed! I’m done, but I encourage you to read an impartial take on the matter. "

Click here for the full article 

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 07:32 AM | Posted to Hip Hop News

Excerpt:"Peas & karats

The Black Eyed Peas bring the hip-hop bling

GEOFF BOUCHER

SAN DIEGO -- The man they call Will.I.Am has one of the busiest hard drives in hip-hop these days, and he carries it with him in a case marked "Will's Travel Kit." Earlier this spring, the leader of the Black Eyed Peas slid behind the keyboard of a computer in the mobile music studio that follows him on tour, loaded up the drive and clicked through a directory of his dizzying workload. There were chunks of the new songs he's producing for Nas, Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg, Macy Gray and Diddy, as well as a theme song he's producing for the new film "Poseidon" and recent remixes he's done for the Rolling Stones, Michael Stipe of R.E.M. and Busta Rhymes.

But the hard drive is more than music projects. Will clicked on a video file: "This is the Adidas campaign I did for the World Cup," he said, bringing up an image of kids playing soccer on a dusty field with their kicks keyed to a pulsing, Latin-flavored soundtrack. "And this one is a short film I did with Snickers; they're doing films because TiVo is killing commercials." The vagaries of the advertising world are important to Will because the Black Eyed Peas, who play Sunday at Portland's Rose Garden arena, are corporate America's leading hip-hop partner and proud of it.

The Peas are now on the Honda Civic Tour, a 35-city tour, and they have done commercials for Verizon, Apple iTunes and Best Buy. They rewrote one of their songs to accommodate a major NBA advertising campaign. They also are characters in a video game and have performed at the Super Bowl."

Click here for the full article

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 07:01 AM | Posted to Artists Black Eyed Peas

May 11, 2006

Pharrell featuring Kanye West

2 of hip-hop's best add up to `Number 1'

What happens when two of hip-hop's hottest rapper-producers get together on the same track?

"Number 1"--a collaboration between Pharrell Williams and Kanye West.

The track will appear on Pharrell's debut solo album, "In My Mind," which has a tentative release date of July 25, Billboard.com reports.

Williams and West just finished shooting the video for the song in Miami.

On the down side for West, he and his production company have been named in a lawsuit filed in L.A. by a company that claims he did not return a Mercedes-Benz G500 after its lease expired in January. Phone messages left Wednesday for the rapper's publicist were not immediately returned."

Click here for the full article

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 05:35 PM | Posted to Artist Pharrell

Long Beach Super Star Snoop Dogg

Excerpt:"Hip-Hop Celebrity Snoop Dogg Takes Blame

by Robert

Long Beach California hip-hop star Snoop Dogg aka Calvin Broadus, after being banned from future travel on British Airways last month because of the braw he and his entourage were involved in last month at Heathrow Airport; has "accepted a caution for a Section Four Public Order Act matter, using threatening words or behavior," British police officials said today.

The American hip-hop star and five members of his entourage were arrested at Heathrow Airport last month when after being refused entrance into British Airways first class lounge, resulted in a free for all.

 

Several police officers were hurt with minor injuries in the brawl. The other 5 members of the rap artists entourage who were involved will appear later today to answer their charges. 

No future action will be sought again the hip-hop rapper British police officials said.

Click here for the full article 

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 12:55 PM | Posted to Artist Snoop Dog

Pharrell featuring Kanye West

2 of hip-hop's best add up to `Number 1'

What happens when two of hip-hop's hottest rapper-producers get together on the same track?

"Number 1"--a collaboration between Pharrell Williams and Kanye West.

The track will appear on Pharrell's debut solo album, "In My Mind," which has a tentative release date of July 25, Billboard.com reports.

Williams and West just finished shooting the video for the song in Miami.


On the down side for West, he and his production company have been named in a lawsuit filed in L.A. by a company that claims he did not return a Mercedes-Benz G500 after its lease expired in January. Phone messages left Wednesday for the rapper's publicist were not immediately returned.

Click here for the full article 

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 12:16 PM | Posted to Hip Hop News

Excerpt:"Hip Hop Congress

brings b-boy lessons to campus

By Evie Smith

Dancer Arison "Rewind" Ripoylas, from the break-dancing group Style Elements Crew, taught a workshop Tuesday from 6-9 p.m. in the Loma Prieta Room located in the Student Union.

The event was co-hosted by Hip Hop Congress and the Urban Arts Club. Wes Kuruhara, the founder and current treasurer of the San Jose State University Chapter of Hip Hop Congress, organized the event.
 

"Ever since I started Hip Hop Congress I wanted to bring out Rewind," Kuruhara said.

According to Kuruhara, Ripoylas had taken a hiatus from dancing to focus on his family.

Kuruhara said that members of the Style Elements Crew have been backup dancers for big name performers such as Christina Aguilera.

According to Kuruhara, Ripoylas, who is from Modesto, has been living on an American Indian reservation in Lamedeer, Montana.

The event cost students $4 to participate or watch. The cover charge was imposed in the hopes of helping to raise money to send Hip Hop Congress to their organization's national convention in Boulder, Colo.

Click here for the full article 

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 07:47 AM | Posted to B-Boying/Girl

UCLA's Hip-Hop Awareness Week

Excerpt:"Hip-hop off the top: The battle

With reputations on the line, rappers and break-dancers compete for bragging rights

By Richard Clough - DAILY BRUIN SENIOR STAFF

Usually quiet after dark, the heart of campus Wednesday night thumped to phat beats as some of UCLA's finest b-boys and MCs popped, flowed and spit their illest rhymes. As part of Hip-Hop Awareness Week, a coalition of campus groups held Mic Club, perhaps the only event on campus to be billed as "an evening of beat-boxing, freestyling and b-boying."

The event was organized by the Cultural Affairs Commission and the Student Committee for the Arts, in conjunction with the Majoring in Hip-Hop club. The club, for lovers of hip-hop music and culture, was founded in 2004 by second-year world arts and cultures student James Datu. 

"We started out as a breaking club, but we wanted to cover all the elements of hip-hop to build a community for the entire culture of hip-hop," said Datu, also known as "J-Boogie."

"Majoring in Hip-Hop is all about learning about yourself," he said."

Click here for the full article 

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 07:33 AM | Posted to Hip Hop News

May 10, 2006

Lady Sovereign Tour Dates

Excerpt:"Lady Sovereign Hits American Freeways

Feisty new U.K. MC teams up with the Streets for first-ever trek

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

After a successful performance to an overflow crowd at this year's Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in the California desert, hip-hop newcomer Lady Sovereign will kick off a round of U.S. tour next month, opening for fellow British MC the Streets (a.k.a. Mike Skinner). The trek comes in advance of her much-anticipated debut LP, Public Warning, due stateside in August, and includes stops at major festivals such as Intonation and Lollapalooza.

As for the tour, Sovereign -- complete with signature side-ponytail -- plays down the hype, saying backstage at Coachella, "I'm a special guest there, so nobody really knows I'm there." She looks forward to touring with Skinner, who she worked with on a remix of his song, "Fit But You Know It."

"He's a decent bloke," says Sovereign. "I'd love to work with him properly, rather than just doing a remix . . . I'd love to collaborate with him on something fresh."

Thanks to several EP releases, fans of Sovereign's rapid-fire flow already know her early singles, including the bonkers track "Random." But in recent live performances, the Lady's unveiled new material -- such as the furious "Tango." At Coachella, the rapper dedicated the angsty anthem to a "moldy bitch" who "disrespected" her."

Click here for the full article

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 09:24 PM | Posted to Artist Lady Sovereign

D-Roc from the Ying Yang Twins

Excerpt:"Da Muzicianz Ready Their Debut Hip Hop Album

D-Roc from the Ying Yang Twins and younger brothers make up Da Muzicianz who are dropping their self titled debut album.

Posted by Dave - Rap News Network

D-Roc, of the Ying Yang Twins (YYT), and his younger brothers, Mr. Ball and Da Birthday Boy are Da Muzicianz. Having pursued their obsessive love for music ­ southern hip-hop particularly ­ with songs like 'The Walk,' which appears on the YYT's platinum-selling (U.S.A.) United State of Atlanta and 'Get Yern,' the hard-hitting crunkadelic groove featured on Still United, the Twins' U.S.A. bridge CD/DVD release, these East Atlantans are prepared to release their self-titled debut album on May 23, 2006. The objective of the PUNNN!!! Entertainment/Collipark/TVT Records release is to keep people dancing and having fun while simultaneously morphing the hip-hop game into its next phase.

Quite naturally, Da Muzicianz have a unique proposition. 'You gonna have fun when you messin' wit us,' laughs Mr. Ball. 'We the people who liven up the party, you know. We ain't gonna tear da club up. Instead,' he continues, 'We gon' have fun in da club. We gonna go crazy in da club.' Lead by the Mr. Collipark produced single 'Camera Phone', Da Muzicianz take it back to the early 90's when girls were sweating in the club instead of snappin' their fingers. The companion video for 'Camera Phone' is in rotation at MTV Jams and a recent 'New Joint' on BET's 106 & Park. The group has performed on Showtime at the Apollo (aired 4/29 and re-airs 10/2), BET's Spring Bling (aired 4/15) and Direct TV's CD USA (aired 4/22). They will also grace the June 2006 cover of Ozone Magazine."

Click here for the full article 

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 03:29 PM | Posted to Hip Hop News

Bling Bling

Excerpt:"Rollin' On Ice

Earlier this year we brought you PimpStar wheels, which operate wirelessly using full color LEDs manufactured right into the wheels. If that wasn't crazy enough, Yokebir Rims has dropped their own line of blinged-out wheels, called the Ice Rim. Available in synthetic diamonds, genuine diamonds, and genuine birthstones, these decorated chrome wheels provide maximum bling that stops traffic.

Their original Ice Rim, the 924 "Shock & Awe Series" packs a stunning 4,281 carats on each wheel. They claim that is the most stones on a rim in the known world. Sadly, the Guinness Book of World Records could not accept the 924 series as a record setter or breaker, as no such category yet exists for wheel bling.

Prices range from $17,000 for a set of 18" wheels to $22,000 for a set of 28s. Note that a substantial deposit is required in order for Yokebir to begin production of your ice rims. In addition to the 924 series, Yokebir has announced four new designs. The additional 18 to 28-inch wheels feature fewer stones, but still help improve your street cred.

Click here for the full article

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 12:03 PM | Posted to Hip Hop News

May 09, 2006

Pharrell's In My Mind - July 25.

Excerpt:"It's About Time: Kanye And Pharrell Come Together For One Big 'Number 1'

Shaheem Reid

There are plenty of comparisons to be drawn between Kanye West and Pharrell Williams. They're two of the most acclaimed producers in hip-hop, for one thing. They both embarked on recording careers after establishing themselves behind the boards. And let's not forget their dapper fashion styles, either, which are noted at virtually every event they attend.

But if the two have been competing all this time, it's time to end the contest: The titans came together over the weekend in Miami to shoot Pharrell's new video, "Number 1."

The video is said to revolve in part around Pharrell's Billionaire Boys Club clothing line. The song was produced by Pharrell under his "Skateboard P" alter ego, while Kanye chipped in with guest raps.

"Number 1" is the next video from Pharrell's long-delayed In My Mind LP (see "Pharrell Says Delayed Solo Debut Is 'Finally Done' — LP Due This Spring"). Late last year, he had the banger "Can I Have It Like That" with Gwen Stefani (see "Gwen Cheats On Gavin To Make Family-Affair LP With Pharrell"), when his album was originally slated for a February 2006 release."

Click here for the full article 

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 07:28 AM | Posted to Hip Hop News

May 08, 2006

Excerpt:"Mary J. Blige Brings On The Bling

Win a diamond bracelet from Mary J. Blige & Wendy Wheaton.

By Krista Desens

NEW YORK, NY Monday May.8.2006 /netmusiccountdown.com/ -- Mary J. Blige is bringing on the bling.

Blige has teamed with celebrity entertainment reporter Wendy Wheaton to offer one lucky fan a diamond bracelet from the new "Wendy Wheaton Jewelry Collection," courtesy of Dolce Diamonte.

Along with the diamond bracelet, the lucky winner will also receive a signed copy of Mary J. Blige's platinum album "The Breakthrough," and Blige's new single, "Enough Cryin'."

Five runner-ups will also receive a copy of the "Enough Cryin'" single.

The Mary J. Blige diamond bracelet contest runs until June 10, 2006. For rules and to enter, visit http://contests.thinktankmktg.com/maryjblige.

Click here for the full article

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 09:40 PM | Posted to Hip Hop News

Lady Sovereign's New Single

The Ordinary Boys vs Lady Sovereign
"nine2five", the new single 22nd May, 2006

Lady Sovereign with the help of her good mates The Ordinary Boys are releasing a new single "Nine2Five" on May 22nd. It came about when Sov and the Ordinary Boys swapped songs to see what they could do with each others' music. The results were so good that both Sovereign's 'Girls Will Be Girls' remix which featured on the Ordinary Boys #1 single 'Boys Will Be Boys' and now "Nine2Five" which is the Ordinary Boys' remix of Sovereign's 2005 Top 30 single '9 to 5' have both found their way to the wider public ear. "Nine2Five" sees The Ordinary Boy's Preston singing Sovereign's classic lyrics about her lazy attitude to a new-found workload. click here to watch a clip of the video now.

Sovereign has just returned from 6 weeks in the US finishing her debut album (set for release at end of Summer 2006 - at last!!) and touring, including huge sold-out shows in Miami, SXSW and Coachella. She starts her North American tour with The Streets on June 7th.

Catch the full video for nine2five on the channels below:

The Box (Channel 349: selection line 09056 52 52 52)Selection #166
The Hits (Channel 358/Freeview 18: selection line 09056 525 777) Selection #148
Q (Channel 353: Non-selectable)
Chart Show
Flaunt
B4
MTV Spanking New
MTV Hits
TMF

www.ladysovereign.com

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 12:15 PM | Posted to Artist Lady Sovereign

Grillz

Bite into bling
By Steven Godfrey

Just what is that in your mouth? It was an underground trend, a bizarre stroke of fashion that, like so many other trappings of rap music, went from hip-hop culture to a shopping mall accessory.

Perhaps rapper Nelly brought the oral fashion to the mainstream in his 2005 hit song, "Grillz":

"Smile for me daddy, let me see your grills."

With that, thousands of mouths across America - and Mississippi - got a lot more bling-y. Grills, the nickname for jewel-encrusted designer mouthpieces, are the latest in hip-hop fashion.

In Hattiesburg you can get custom-made grills at Treasures, a jewelry stand in Turtle Creek Mall. Employee Affan Siddiqui estimates that Treasures outfits around 60 grills a week, with the busiest times of the year being Christmas and summer back-to-school season.

"Personally I wouldn't wear it," Siddiqui said. "It's come from the rappers themselves and the way they can influence the youth. If they see a rapper wearing the grill, they have to get one. We get a lot of young boys, 15- or 16-year-olds."

The process is fairly simple, but the decorating can become lavish. At Treasures, customers bite into a plaster mold (the average mold is six teeth per row), and then the plaster and the chosen jewelry are shipped to a company in Atlanta to be assembled. Some online stores require a pre-made dental mold taken by a dentist."

Click here for the full article

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 05:33 AM | Posted to Hip Hop News

May 07, 2006

Hip Hop Strip Clubs

Excerpt:"At strip clubs, hip-hop is big business

By Gail Mitchell - Reuters

NEW YORK (Billboard) - It's no longer just the hardworking women who make money at strip clubs. These late-night hangouts, with their booming sound systems and gender-mixed crowds, have become big business for the record industry, particularly for hip-hop labels.

"Strip clubs have become the main breaking place for records, especially in the South," says Jermaine Dupri, president of urban music for Virgin Records.

The music industry increasingly has embraced the strip club out of necessity and convenience. Tighter radio playlists mean it's harder than ever to break a track on the FM dial, and regular dance clubs -- where songs get played for a moment and then lost in a mix -- tend to play what's already on the radio. At strip joints, DJs are able to play full tracks and can take a chance on underground and unproven material.

Two principal DJ collectives have sprung up that target the strip club circuit -- the Hen House in Detroit and Atlanta-based Hittmenn DJs, a 72-DJ collective established three years ago by Robert "Kaspa" Smith, now president, and CEO Greg Street.

"Right now our DJs reach 32 million people in 29 markets," Smith says."

Click here for the full article

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 11:58 AM | Posted to Hip Hop News

50 Cent's Health Campaign

Excerpt:"50 Cent Launches Health Campaign for Kids

Cafeteria lunches – usually horrific in both taste and effect on the body – is at the center of a new contest from 50 Cent as part of his new campaign to encourage healthy eating habits among today’s youth.

50 is the spokesman and judge for a new nationwide cooking competition sponsored by Glaceau, which is partly owned by 50 and distributes his grape-flavored Vitamin Water drink, Formula 50.

The contest, aimed at preventing childhood obesity by improving eating habits, students in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Seattle are invited to create the most ’’nutrient-rich’’ cafeteria lunch recipe, with the winner receiving a $100,000 college scholarship. "

Click here for the full article

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 08:18 AM | Posted to Artist 50-Cent

May 06, 2006

50-Cent Makin' Movies Again!

Lady Jane DJ always said "50-Cent is a good actor". I was very saddened by the way movie critics bashed on 50's character in at "Get Rich ro Die Tryin". However, I knew that if filmmakers slept on him that they would be the ones loosing out. You go 50-Cent!

Excerpt:"Rapper 50 Cent hopes to expand movie cred in Irwin Winkler film

By JOHN K. WILEY - ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

SPOKANE, Wash. -- Hip-hop music superstar 50 Cent once sold crack and dodged bullets in New York. Today, he sells vitamins and dreams of making it big in the movies, playing a soldier ducking enemy ammunition in Iraq in a new film directed by legendary producer Irwin Winkler.

Starring Samuel L. Jackson with Jessica Biel, Brian Presley and Christina Ricci, the film offers another platform for 50 Cent, whose platinum-selling music career takes a slight diversion for another of his passions: action movies.

"Home of the Brave" is the first of several new films in the pipeline about the conflict in Iraq and the postwar lives of soldiers who served there. Scheduled for release late this year, it chronicles the lives of three soldiers and a military doctor trying to adjust after returning from a tour of duty in Iraq.

Winkler, who produced "Rocky," "Raging Bull," "The Right Stuff," and "Goodfellas," said he was leery at first about hiring the crack-dealer-turned-rap megastar.

50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson III, has sold millions of recordings flaunting his sordid past, with explicit lyrics and images of being shot and stabbed.

Billboards for his debut movie "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" showed 50 holding a gun and a microphone. The semi-autobiographical tale of a drug dealer trying to make a new life as a rapper failed to win over critics and flopped at the box office. 50 claims not to have heard the discouraging words. That might be because of his gangsta reputation; who's going to tell this imposing young man to his face that he should keep his day job in music?"

Click here for the full article

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 12:00 PM | | TrackBacks (0) Posted to Artist 50-Cent

May 05, 2006

Hip Hop Mass

"Priest brings 'hip-hop Mass' to Durham

By Rachel Bernstein : The Herald-Sun - abc@heraldsun.com

DURHAM -- Not many people would guess that rapper Tupac Shakur could serve as inspiration for a priest, but that's exactly the case for the Rev. Timothy Holder of Trinity Episcopal Church of Morrisania in the South Bronx.

"The Tupac song 'Dear Mama' made me a better human being and a better priest," said Holder, who is the founder of what he calls "hip hop Mass," a service that incorporates the standards of religious practice with the culture of hip-hop.

Holder is bringing his brand of Mass to the Triangle and will be leading the congregation at St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 403 E. Main St., in prayer at 11 a.m. today.

The service will feature the newly released "Hip Hop Prayer Book," and performances will include a band, rappers, and local step and breakdancers. An MTV crew will also be on hand filming the offbeat Mass."

Click here for the full article

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 09:19 PM | Posted to Hip Hop News

Scarface Video Game

Excerpt:"Scarface Set for Hip Hop Makeover
Melisa Tang

Ice-T, Noreaga, and half of Cypress Hill join the ranks of Hollywood superstar Al Pacino in the line-up for the Scarface video game set to drop this fall.

The next gangsta classic to get a video game remake, the game is entitled Scarface: The World Is Yours, and features the voices of some of Hollywood and hip hop’s biggest names.

Among the cast list are the aforementioned Ice-T, Nore, and B-Real and Sen Dog from Cypress Hill, alongside actors including: Anthony Anderson [Hustle & Flow, Cradle 2 The Grave], Robert Davi [007: Licence To Kill, Die Hard], James Woods [Any Given Sunday, True Crime], and Michael Rapaport [The 6th Day, Deep Blue Sea].

Al Pacino will also be lending his likeness for the lead character, Tony Montana, a role which Pacino made so famous when the movie was released in 1983. Several key lines will be taken from his original performance and incorporated into the game for all-round authentic gameplay."

Click here for the full article

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 04:03 PM | Posted to Hip Hop News

Excerpt:"Hip-Hop Mogul Suge Knight to Appear in Court

by Robert

Hip-hop culture icon and rap recording mogul, Marion ‘Suge’ Knight will be appearing in an L.A. bankruptcy court room today (Friday) to answer about his finances.

The hip-hop icon is in court to give answers on his finances to a bankruptcy trustee because he filed Chapter 11 to protect his empire of Death Row Records from being raped due to a lawsuit that was brought against him; where Lydia Harris and her ex-husband, an incarcerated drug dealer – Michael ‘Harry O’ Harris, had secured a judgment against the hip-hop / rap record mogul, Mr. Marion ‘Suge’ Knight, for $107 million dollars claiming that they helped Suge start the notorious gangsta rap label with ‘seed’ money.

After being treated as the ‘hood bank’ by many artists and anyone else who could figure a way into Suge Knights’ pockets, it is not hard to understand how this could happen."

Click here for the full article

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 10:17 AM | Posted to Hip Hop News

Free Hip Hop In Stores

Excerpt:"Hip-hop havens: Where rap flows freely - and for free
By Chris Faraone

On the Boston hip-hop scene, you don’t have to be of drinking age to catch a live show. You often don’t even have to come out after dark and there’s never a cover charge.
Massive Records in Cambridge and UndergroundHipHop.com in the Back Bay have spring calendars stacked with appearances by local and national rappers. Artists won’t be coming through just to sign autographs and give pounds: improvisation and exclusive material aren’t only appreciated at these events, they’re expected.

In-store performances are not unique to urban music. But like vinyl records, Adidas sneakers and Philly Blunts, live and uncut retail shop showcases have unique and integral roles in hip-hop culture."

Click here for the full article

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 08:10 AM | Posted to Hip Hop News

Hip Hop 101

Excerpt:"Events that shaped hip-hop
 Here's a look at some of the events that have shaped hip-hop music and culture:

1979: "Rapper's Delight" by the Sugarhill Gang becomes the first rap song to hit the charts several years after the streets gave birth to the musical style in the Bronx.

1980: Kurtis Blow is the first rapper to be signed to a major label and to have the first rap single, "The Breaks," to go gold.

1981: The Funky 4 Plus One becomes the first rap act to perform on U.S. TV on "Saturday Night Live."

1982: "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five marks the first time rap tackles social problems. Afrika Bambaataa's landmark album, "Planet Rock," fuses hip-hop with electronic music."

Click here for the full article

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 07:28 AM | Posted to Hip Hop News

Lil' Kim Videos

Lil' Kim has been on lock down for months now and while the clock is ticking Lady Jane DJ wants You to take a moment to watch some of Lil' Kim's phatest videos I especially like the video that utilizes Phil Collins' music.

Also please take a moment to read Lil' Kim's Letter to her fans.

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 02:48 AM | Posted to Hip Hop Videos

Excerpt:"Rapper T.I. loses assistant

in after-party shooting

Four members of Atlanta rapper T.I.'s entourage were shot early Wednesday in a gun battle that began at a Cincinnati after-hours club.

the rapper himself was not injured in the melee, a man described as his personal assistant was killed and three other associates were hospitalized with gunshot wounds.

According to police, the incident started at an after party following a performance by T.I. and fellow rapper Yung Joc on Tuesday night.

After the show, the rapper and his group travelled to an after-hours venue called Club Ritz, where a dispute erupted with others there. "

Click here for the full article

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 02:04 AM | Posted to Hip Hop News

May 04, 2006

Kings Night Out! May 11th

Wildrose's Kings Night Out is Thursday May 11th. A night full of Hip Hop, 80's and Drag Kings. Your Host, Frat Boy will be introducing the featured Kings Def Con, The Rough Riders, Katt and many more. Lady Jane DJ will be spinning from 8pm before the show and untill 12 midnight after the Kings Night Out show. Come out and support local artists and the Wildrose Bar.

The Wildrose Bar's specials are 2$ drinks.
1021 E. Pike St. and 11th Ave. in Capital Hill. Seattle, WA
206-324-9210

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 11:57 PM | Posted to Latest Events Featuring LJDJ

Jay-Z's Reggaeton Star

Excerpt:"Jay-Z Goes Reggaeton, Signs Hector Bambino

Def Jam President Jay-Z recently signed his first Reggaton artist Hector Bambino to his Roc La Familia imprint.

Bambino's La Familia debut, Roc La Familia & Hector Bambino "El Father" Present Los Rompe Discotekas, is set to drop on June 20. Besides featuring guest spots from the HNIC Jay-Z on the lead single "Here We Go Yo," Los Rompe Discotekas will also include appearances from Fat Joe, Memphis Bleek, and Freeway along with Reggaeton heavyweights Don Omar, Wisin Y Yandel, and Alexis Y Fido.

"Hector Bambino represents the ideal behind Roc La Famlilia," Jay said in a statement. "Roc La Familia exists because world music has evolved, it now blends contemporary styles such as hip-hop, rock and electronica with traditional and roots music. Hector blends genres and brings real stories and messages to the listener. His huge following and his passion for the music made us immediately realize that this is the right first release for Roc La Familia and we are in business with the right artist."

Bambino has been a major figure in the Reggaeton scene, first blessing the mic in the mid 90's. He is the first Reggaeton artist to sell out a stadium concert, has won 2 Billboard Latin Music Awards, and is credited for helping to pave the way for Daddy Yankee, Tego Calderon, and Don Omar."

Click here for the full article

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 10:36 PM | Posted to Artist Jay-Z

LADY JANE DJ GIVES E-40 AN "A"

EXCERPT:"E-40 earns average grade on 'Report Card'

Isiain Johnson-Marin

The self-proclaimed "Ambassador of the Bay," E-40 is back with his new album "Ghetto Report Card." As a Vallejo, Calif. native, E-40 brings you a full dose of the Bay Area and a snippet of the "hyphy movement."

This style of music, dance, fashion and culture started in Oakland, Calif. and spread throughout Northern California. According to National Public Radio, it's "defined by its fast pace and intricate wordplay." E-40 is one of the spokesmen for the "hyphy movement," along with Keak Da Sneak and the late great Mac Dre.

E-40 has been releasing albums since the late 1980s, so rap is nothing new to him. You may have heard him on the radio with songs like "Captain Save'em," "Sprinkle Me" or "Quarter Backing." His style is like no other. On songs like "White Gurl," he talks about cocaine distribution in a fancy way.

He has worked with big-named producers and artists, which is rare for a Bay Area rapper due to lack of coverage."

Click here for the full article

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 09:56 PM | Posted to Hip Hop News

In the place to be Magic Monday Atlanta

Excerpt:"Hip-hop hopefuls turn to adult-entertainment clubs

By Richard Fausset - Los Angeles Times

ATLANTA — It was “Magic Monday” at the Magic City strip club, a windowless brick building near the downtown Greyhound station.

Inside, 57 exotic dancers were shaking it, as the song goes, like a saltshaker. The soundtrack was Southern hip-hop — all simple synthesizer lines, raunchy party chants and gut-rattling bass.

Tax Holloway pressed close to the stage, sipping champagne and watching the women. But Holloway wasn’t really here for that.

The aspiring rap star knew that on Monday nights, Magic City was packed with Atlanta’s hip-hop cognoscenti, and he wanted to see how they responded when his new song played over the sound system. "

Click here for the full article

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 12:03 PM | Posted to Hip Hop News

Lil' Kim never “snitching”

Rap & Hip Hop Artist Lil Cease Sets The Record Staight
Lil Cease sets the record straight about his feud with Lil Kim on upcoming DVD release.

Posted by Dave - Rap News Network

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