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."

Continue reading "UCLA's Hip-Hop Awareness Week" »

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 07:33 AM | Direct Link

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.

Continue reading "D-Roc from the Ying Yang Twins" »

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 03:29 PM | Direct Link

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.

Continue reading "Bling Bling" »

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 12:03 PM | Direct Link

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."

Continue reading "Pharrell's In My Mind - July 25." »

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 07:28 AM | Direct Link

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.

Continue reading "Excerpt:"Mary J. Blige Brings On The Bling" »

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 09:40 PM | Direct Link

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.

Continue reading "Grillz" »

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 05:33 AM | Direct Link

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.

Continue reading "Hip Hop Strip Clubs" »

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 11:58 AM | Direct Link

"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.

Continue reading "Hip Hop Mass" »

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 09:19 PM | Direct Link

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.

Continue reading "Scarface Video Game" »

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 04:03 PM | Direct Link

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.

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

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 10:17 AM | Direct Link

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.

Continue reading "Free Hip Hop In Stores" »

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 08:10 AM | Direct Link

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.

Continue reading "Hip Hop 101" »

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 07:28 AM | Direct Link

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 | Direct Link

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.

Continue reading "LADY JANE DJ GIVES E-40 AN "A"" »

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 09:56 PM | Direct Link

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 | Direct Link

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

Artists related include Junior M.A.F.I.A., Lil Cease and Lil Kim. Other related topics include Rap, Hip Hop, Documentary, New Releases and Law.
One of the biggest feuds in hip hop history has been brewing, with all eyes and queries directed at one man - Lil’ Cease. On Reality Check: Junior M.A.F.I.A vs. Lil’ Kim (Phoenix Entertainment Group), Cease sets the record straight - separating fact from fiction and telling his side of the now infamous “snitching” controversy."

Clcik here for the full article

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 10:16 AM | Direct Link

Excerpt:"Jay-Z and R. Kelly, You sue me, I sue you

From Virginia Soto, Your Guide to Chicago.

A New York judge has thrown out rapper Jay-Z's countersuit against R. Kelly (born in 1969 in Chicago), ruling that the charges Jay-Z leveled against Kelly had no legal basis.

Jay-Z filed the suit in February, three months after he was sued by R. Kelly for "deliberately sabotaging" the two artists' Best of Both Worlds tour, which began in Chicago late last September and ended prematurely in New York at the end of October.

Continue reading "Jay-Z VS. R. Kelly" »

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 09:12 PM | Direct Link

By: Michael Ivey

Cam’ron and Diplomat Records show no signs of stopping on their quest for dominance in the rap business, as they prepare another Dipset release via JR Writer. Writer says everybody has a story and "History In The Making" is the tale that the streets have been asking about.

Continue reading "Excerpt:"Dipset Moves on JR Writer's Debut" »

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 07:20 PM | Direct Link

Excerpt:"Wall Unit
One of Houston's most prominent rappers gets his mind correct
By Mosi Reeves

"What you know about purple drank/What you know about poppin' trunk, neon lights, and candy paint," raps Paul Wall on "They Don't Know," his 2004 kaleidoscope of Houston's rap landscape. "What you know about white shirts, starched-down jeans with a razor crease/Platinum and gold on top our teeth/Big old chains with an iced-out piece?"

A small player on the national hip-hop scene for more than a decade, Houston came to prominence in the early Nineties for birthing the supergroups Geto Boys and UGK. But the pair's uncomfortably raw takes on gangsta rap — Geto Boys are notorious for insanely criminal nightmares like "Mind of a Lunatic" and "Mind Playing Tricks on Me" — masked the city's unique cultural traits.

Continue reading "Paul Wall's Story" »

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 07:03 PM | Direct Link

Excerpt:"Juelz Santana Breaks Down Beef with Jay-Z, 50 Cent, and The South

With Juelz Santana's sophomore album slowly but surely approaching platinum status, a film role under his belt, plans for a tour, and some big name collabos on the table it's shaping up to be a hot summer for the Dipset's youngest in charge. SOHH NYC recently caught up with Harlem's Human Crack in the Flesh and he gave us the inside scoop on some of the drama that himself and his crew always seem to find themselves in the middle of.

Boss beef:

After Cam'ron released his scathing dis record to Def Jam President Jay-Z earlier this year, fans were left wondering how the public air-out would affect Juelz' situation at the label. According to him, not at all:

Clcik here for the full article.

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 06:50 PM | Direct Link

Mobb Deep Squashes Beef With Jay-Z, Blood Money In Stores Today

By: Mark Lelinwalla

Hip hop fans may remember Jay-Z airing out Nas and Mobb Deep on the Summer Jam concert stage years ago. However, the Queensbridge-based duo has chosen to leave that incident in the past.

During a live, exclusive listening session of their new Blood Money album, on Monday (May 1) at New York's hip hop radio station, Hot 97, Prodigy and Havoc of the Infamous Mobb Deep, told radio host Angie Martinez that they have settled their differences with Def Jam President Jay-Z.

Continue reading "Blood Money by Mobb Deep" »

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 09:35 PM | Direct Link

Excerpt:"Hip Hop Station Too Hot For Landlord
Shootings, rowdy posses, threats trigger "Hot 97" eviction suit

MAY 2--A who's who of rap world luminaries has contributed to the wild west atmosphere at New York's leading hip hop radio station, according to a lawsuit filed today seeking the eviction of Hot 97 from its Manhattan offices. In a blistering State Supreme Court complaint, the District Council of Carpenters alleges that WQHT is responsible for a series of episodes "that have shocked, offended, repulsed, or threatened the safety of other tenants" in the 10-story West Village building. The lawsuit ticks off various shootings and other incidents involving stars like Jay-Z, P. Diddy, Busta Rhymes, Cam'ron, 50 Cent, The Game, and Lil' Kim, as well as assorted posse members. A typical incident, according to the complaint, occurred in January, when DMX confronted a security guard who had barred a pal of the rapper's from entering the building. "F*** you, $8.50 an hour f****t."

Click here for the full article.

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 05:42 PM | Direct Link

Excerpt:"Landlord moves to evict hip-hop station

By LARRY MCSHANE
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

NEW YORK -- The biggest names in hip-hop made their way to the studios of "Hot 97": Suge Knight, Lil' Kim, 50 Cent, Jay-Z. With them, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday, came a plethora of hangers-on and violence.

Now, the building owner says in a lawsuit, it's time for the radio station to find a new home.

Sparked by last week's shooting of a rapper just before an interview at WQHT-FM, the landlord filed legal papers demanding the radio station's eviction despite six years left on its lease. The landlord said it feared for the lives of other tenants or passers-by, and accused the station of promoting the violence."

Click here for the full article.

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 05:17 PM | Direct Link

"Another Fatal Hip Hop Murder Occurs, This Time In Houston
Author: SoundSlam - Houston, TX

Big Hawk, a Houston rapper and certified member of the Screwed Up Click, was shot to death late last night [May 1st] outside of a friend's house. Early reports suggest that John Edward "Big Hawk" Hawkins was meeting the associate there, but arrived early. Hawk then walked to the side of the house and was allegedly struck by several shots.

The police authorities have no suspects and only one witness who caught sight of a white compact vehicle in the vicinity of the crime shortly after the gunshots rang out.

Big Hawk's brother, rapper Fat Pat, was also shot to death in 1998. Hawk was featured on the 1999 hit single "Wanna Be A Baller" by Lil' Troy, and ... "

Click here for the full article.

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 03:48 PM | Direct Link

Excerpt:"JR Writer Prepares His Latest Hip Hop Release
The album titled "History in the Making" will be dropping June 27th.

Posted by Dave - Rap News Network

With Cam’ron, Juelz Santana and Jim Jones at the top of their game, the next generation of Diplomats is upon us. First up at bat will be JR Writer, the much talked about Dipset member who first caught Cam’ron’s ear years ago and who’s been spitting verses since the age of 16. His hunger and drive is second to none, earning him the nickname “the writer of writer’s.” JR’s finally ready for his shine on his much-anticipated debut album, History in the Making, which will be released on Tuesday, June 27th on Diplomat Records in conjunction with KOCH Records. The forthcoming release will also feature appearances from Paul Wall, Lil’ Wayne, Cam’ron, and of course, the rest of the Dipset crew.

Continue reading "“the writer of writer’s.”" »

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 10:51 AM | Direct Link

So, Cam wants Beyonce, well Lady Jane DJ says, "That's funny". LOL! ... LOL! ... LOL! ... LOL! ... LOL! I need some air! LOL! ... LOL! ... LOL!

Excerpt:"Friday Fire: Cam Texting Beyonce, LL-Lupe-50 Alliance And More
Friday - April 28, 2006

I'm not your fireman, I'm the Fire, maan. Let me handle this Fire, damn. Yessir, I had to recycle that line by popular demand. It's your boy W-W-W. because I have a way with words period and I'm back at, ready, willing and able to shut down April strong. You know what this is...the reigning hip-hop live wire...The Friday Fire.

I think Cam'ron catching pedophiles on DVD is entertaining, as well as simply a good deed. Months ago, "Dateline" aired this special in which they hired a staff to act as underage children on the Internet to lure grown adult men to their homes. However, when the grown ass pedophile men would arrive, they would find the damn-near entire "Dateline" crew waiting for them, with the police closely behind. Now the twist Killa put on it is, instead of "Dateline," the Harlemite and his manager would be waiting for these sick pedophiles. Cam is probably going to be brutal on these dudes and honestly, that serves them right.

In related Cam news, the New York Daily News reported Thursday that Killa has been text-messaging Beyonce "like crazy." I bet I know what he's writing to her if the report is indeed true:

"Baby girl you gonna touch it or not?"

"I ain't no sucka, mama. Come on, f--- the drama, pet kiss it then, a little puckerama."

"I'm so active, you being so drastic. I got something for your face, not Proactiv."

Killa Season does drop May 16, which means Cam only has a few moreweeks to pull enough stunts to make Jay-Z respond. Not happening, Cam. Hov is too smart. If anything, Hov will wait till all the hype for Killa Season dies down and then he'll address Cam. ..."

Click here for the full article.

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 01:20 PM | Direct Link

Excerpt:"Field Mob Clears The Air About Alleged New York Disses
Friday - April 28, 2006

Internet chat rooms have been buzzing over the past week about DTP latest signees, Field Mob. But, the topic is not about their music. Apparently, the duo made some not so flattering remarks about their New York counterparts.

In a chopped up video that has frequented many hip-hop messages boards as of late, Field Mob members, Smoke and Shawn Jay, are seen mockingly imitating the way many New York emcees talk, using slang phrases like "Yo B" and "You fire son." In addition, the duo comments on how they feel about the phrase, "I'm bringing New York back," which they feel is a subliminal diss toward the South.

Responding to the alleged comments made during the leaked internet video, both rappers claim that they had no intention of dissing New York. In fact, the pair says that the video was edited to look that way and it was actually just them "having fun."

"They done edited our sh-- up on the internet...edited it up real vicious, making it look like we right there dissing New York, manye. We didn't diss New York; we f--- with y'all," Shawn Jay told BallerStatus.net on Thursday (April 27) from Geffen Records offices in Los Angeles. "We were just being ourselves, just having fun."

"Both our managers are from Harlem," added Smoke with puzzled look on his face. "We got n----s out there -- Brooklyn, Queens...shoutout to the Dipset, Purple City, Cam..."'

Clcik here for the full article

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 12:55 PM | Direct Link

Lady Jane DJ says MC Gravy is a tough Man. He still made his interview appointment after he got shot. What a Man!

Excerpt:"Another Shooting Outside Hip Hop Radio Station Hot 97
Brooklyn rap artist was on his way to NY radio station Hot 97 when he was shot at and hit once.
Posted by Dave
Rap News Network
4/27/2006 10:05:30 AM

Rapper known as Gravy from Brooklyn was shot yesterday just outside the radio station Hot 97 in New York, just before a scheduled interview.

Born Jamal Wollard, 28, was injured after having a single bullet enter his buttocks after showing up around 9:30 last night.

According to police sources, the incident was executed by a group of men who exited a black colored Escalade and opened fire on the rapper.

Click here for the full article.

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 12:46 PM | Direct Link

"Hip-Hop Rules !3th Annual Hot 97 Summer Jam
4/27/2006 4:30:04 PM by Robert

The star-studded lineup of Hip-Hop, rap and R&B artists who are scheduled to perform at the HOT 97 FM (WQHT) 13th annual Summer Jam concert on Sunday, June 4th at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ., has been announced.

The Queen of R&B and Hip Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige along with Jamie Foxx, rap artist Busta Rhymes, reggatone rap aritist Sean Paul, Chris Brown, NeYO, T.I., Young Jeezy, Mobb Deep, Dem Franchize Boys, Jermaine Dupri, Three 6 Mafia, Remy Martin and The Dipset are among the star-studded lineup of Hip Hop, rap and R&B artists who are scheduled to perform (with additional performers to be announced shortly).

Now in its 13th year, Summer Jam has become the biggest Hip Hop concert in the world and the longest running urban radio station concert event. Since 1994, HOT 97's Summer Jam concert has grown by leaps and bounds, outgrowing the New York arenas and moving into the areas largest venue, Giants Stadium, for the fourth consecutive year to accommodate fans."

Click here for the full article.

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 12:40 PM | Direct Link

Excerpt:"SOHH Exclusive: Comedian Katt Williams Talks Signing with Cam'ron, Plans To Outsell "Qualified Rappers"
Thursday - April 27, 2006 by Janeé Bolden

Actor and comedian Katt Williams recently took some time to talk to SOHH about his newest venture - that of rap artist.

As SOHH previously reported, Williams recently signed with Cam'ron's Diplomat Records.

"It's official," Williams confirmed to SOHH exclusively. "My album is coming out this year. I had about three places that I decided would be a good look. I won't say who all I met and had discussions with but I had an offer from Universal. I'm not going to say the name of the second place and the last person was Cam. Me and Cam met for maybe an hour and at the end of the hour we both understood what it was gonna be."

The announcement came during the recent taping of Williams stand-up DVD in Atlanta, GA. "We taped my comedy special in Atlanta," Williams said. "It was crazy. At the end, in front of 4,000 people we made the Dipset announcement at the tail end of that. So yes, the revolution will be televised."

The album, which is titled It's Pimpin' is due out this summer. An actual release date has not yet been determined.

"It's a rap album, but it's funny," said Williams. "I got to deal with whoever I wanted to deal with. Snoop is on the album, Lil Jon, E-40, Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Suga Free, Lyfe Jennings, MC Lyte, Da Brat, Dipset of course.

"The first single will probably be hittin in the next 21 days," he added, although he has yet to choose what song will be the first released. "It's a battle between the song with me, Lil Jon and Ice Cube and another song with me, Paul Wall and Mike Jones."'

Click here for the full article.

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 08:06 PM | Direct Link

Excerpt:"Hip-hop dashes into D.M.
By KYLE MUNSON
RUNNING ON EMPTY

April 27, 2006

Bo James plans to collapse Sunday and, finally, sleep.

That's because the head of hip-hop entertainment group Launchpad DMI and a member of the Des Moines Music Commission will spend from today until late, late Saturday running a marathon of entertainment events themed to the Drake Relays.

His starting line tonight is at the House of Bricks, with loops through West Des Moines and Clive before he reaches the finish line.

"I like the fact it gives the nation a chance to come to Des Moines," James said of relays weekend. "Because when you're in Des Moines, there's not a lot on the club scene, especially if you're into the hip-hop demographic. We always have to travel to Minnesota, Kansas City, Chicago, Omaha to party. This is our chance for us to host those cities."

This year's relays hip-hop has a Southern, post-Katrina tinge. David Banner from Jackson, Miss., is the weekend's marquee name and helped fund hurricane-relief efforts through his own www.healthehood.com charity. New Orleans rapper Big Pick, who performs tonight, set up camp in Des Moines after he and his crew were scattered by the storm."

Click here for the full article.

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 03:01 PM | Direct Link

Excerpt:"Universal Records Signs Hip Hop Producer DJ Shadow
Born in San Jose, DJ Shadow has created his own hip hop style by blending genres.
Posted by Dave
Rap News Network
4/27/2006 11:16:10 AM

Topics - Rap, Hip Hop, Record Labels, New Releases. Find more related articles under the related topics section shown in the box to the right.

Universal Records has signed acclaimed hip hop stylist DJ Shadow, who is currently putting the finishing touches on a new album scheduled to be released later this summer. “I’m thrilled to join the team at Universal. Finally, after years of feeling like an orphan I feel like I finally have a home,” says DJ Shadow (Josh Davis.) “As someone who has been a fan of DJ Shadow for the past 10 years, it’s an honor to have him join the Universal Motown family. We are delighted that Josh feels comfortable enough with us to allow us to be his partner, and we are incredibly excited for the launch of his new album this summer,” countered Universal Motown Records General Manager, Andrew Kronfeld. Known for his experimental blend of styles and hip hop-tinged production innovation, the new solo disc will be Shadow’s third full length album, but the first to be produced under his own name featuring guest vocalists. "

Clcik here for the full article.

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 01:41 PM | Direct Link

Lady Jane DJ has always believed that Women deserve respect no matter what they are doing or do.

"Hip-Hop's Betrayal of Black Women
4/26/2006 10:01:59 AM by Jennifer McLune

Indeed, like rock & roll, hip-hop sometimes makes you think we men don't like women much at all, except to objectify them as trophy pieces or, as contemporary vernacular mandates, as baby mommas, chickenheads, or bitches. But just as it was unfair to demonize men of color in the 60s solely as wild-eyed radicals when what they wanted, amidst their fury, was a little freedom and a little power, today it is wrong to categorically dismiss hip-hop without taking into serious consideration the socioeconomic conditions (and the many record labels that eagerly exploit and benefit from the ignorance of many of these young artists) that have led to the current state of affairs. Or, to paraphrase the late Tupac Shakur, we were given this world, we did not make it. – Kevin Powell, Notes of a HipHop Head. [emphasis added]

Continue reading "Hip-Hop's Women" »

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 01:10 PM | Direct Link

"Hip-hop star Snoop turns novelist
Hip-hop star Snoop Dogg is working on his first novel.

The book - titled Love Don't Live Here No More - will be published in the US in October.

The book tells the story of a young man living the hard life in Southern California while struggling to make it in the world of hip-hop. "

Click here for the full article.

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 05:20 PM | Direct Link

Excerpt:"Michael Jackson’s comeback album to feature hip-hop stars
Asian News International
Washington, April 25, 2006

King of pop Michael Jackson’s first comeback song will be out within weeks and will feature hip-hop stars like 50 Cents and his G-Unit talent.

The song, Trial of Century, features 50 Cent, Lucy Diamonds and DJ Whoo Kid, whose mixtape ‘MJ Unit-The Takeover,’ will contain five unreleased Jackson songs, reports Ratethemusic."

Click here for the full article.

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 02:13 AM | Direct Link

So Lady Jane DJ has a soft spot for Soldiers, U.S. Soldiers. In the past few years our U.S. Soldiers have been dealing with situations that most people could not even imagine. I'm often curious about a soldier's out look on life. If you are as curious as I am, then we are about to get it tomorrow in the form of Real Hip Hop. Lady Jane DJ feels that this CD is going to be Real Intense! It's titled "Voices from the Frontline". Check It!

Excerpt:"Soldiers Share Battlefield Stories in Hip-Hop CD
By GITIKA AHUJA

When Marine Cpl. Mischelle Rae Johnston was deployed to Iraq, she was not prepared for how different her life would be from the way it was in slow paced eastern Montana where she was raised. She now says the seven months she spent in Iraq forever changed her perceptions of life, love and family.

Her detailed perceptions, along with those of a dozen of her military comrades are part of a new hip-hop CD called "Voices from the Frontline" due out Tuesday.

Continue reading "Rapping on Iraq" »

Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 09:44 PM | Direct Link

Excerpt:"Arts
Same Old Song: What’s holding back hip-hop?
By Andrew Bertell
April 24, 2006

Regardless of who you are or where you’re from, there’s a good chance that hip-hop has now become a recognizable and regular part of your daily life. Whether in movies or fashion, in clubs and on radio and television commercials, hip-hop has reached a nexus that few other movements in art have been able to reach. But what is holding it back? What about hip-hop’s coarse nature and undisguised counter-cultural assertiveness is keeping it from being considered a legitimate art form? The same thing that has propagated it and allowed it to reach nearly every facet of American life and culture: commercialism.

Hip-hop is a full-fledged and legitimate art form already and there is no way to reverse that or deny it.

Actual music aside, most hip-hop is a fair and genuine representation of the lives of many who do not have a voice and while many others have allowed that voice to shape their routine activities, it does not negate the fact that real artists are representing true sentiments. Couple this with the new and highbrow approach to beat-making, and you now have yourself a full and powerful movement in music, which, as we have already seen, is beginning to penetrate other genres and influence artistic movements.

A particular gripe of many is that any music rooted in sampling is disingenuous and lacks a basis in innovation that should be required of new art. However, sampling is not something limited to only the musical spectrum. Literature, for instance, is a widely respected and age-old part of earthly life. On numerous occasions, too many to list in fact, writers have borrowed themes and characters from other writers in order to mold them into a new creation. A famous example is the stellar work done by Michael Cunningham in his novel “The Hours.” He weaves the character of Mrs. Dalloway, a creation of Virginia Woolf more than fifty years prior, into his own dramatic prose. How is this creation any different from Lil’ Wayne borrowing a bass line from the Isley Brothers and weaving his own instrumentation and lyrical abilities around it?"

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Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 11:28 AM | Direct Link

Excerpt:"2 Hip-Hop Rap Groups Come Together on Collaboration
4/22/2006 11:20:58 AM by Robert

One of this summer's highly anticipated street collaboration of political rap duo, dead prez and hip-hop cultures late rap icon Tupac Shakur’s (2Pac) group, The Outlawz will be the first release from new created Affluent Records.

Formerly of Def Jam and Violator, Oscar Sanchez has launched his new imprint Affluent Records. Modeled in the same vain as hip-hop and rap labels Def Jam and Bad Boy, this NYC based hip-hop / rap label operates like a mini major and is distributed by Caroline/EMI.

The dead prez and Outlawz LP, ‘Can't Sell Dope Forever’, opens up a motivational dialogue, urging the streets to strive towards Unity, Power and Progression.

‘Can't Sell Dope Forever’ features a rare and emotional collaborative effort of musical brotherhood and political unity of two of "AMERIKKA'S MOST WANTED". The new record boasts a roster of guests including rap artists Layzie Bone and Messy Marv, in addition to new talents like hip-hop artists Stormey and Malachi. The set even includes a cameo from stic.man's mother, Nora, on the track "Believe," considered to be one of the album's hottest.

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Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 03:10 PM | Direct Link

Excerpt:'Singing new tune

Simmons' hip hop money summit hits NYC

BY PHYLLIS FURMAN
DAILY NEWS BUSINESS WRITER

The headliners include Alicia Keys, T.I., Nas, LL Cool J and Fabolous. But money - not music - will take center stage today as rap mogul Russell Simmons brings his Hip Hop Summit on Financial Empowerment to New York for the first time.

Some 2,200 people are expected to fill the Hammerstein Ballroom on West 34th Street starting at 1:30 p.m. to learn about saving, budgeting, credit cards, FICO scores and home and car ownership.

It's all part of Simmons' nationwide drive to harness the power of hip hop culture to teach money to young people.

While financial experts will be on hand to dole out hard-nosed information, Simmons is looking to his star presenters to rouse the crowd with their own rags to riches stories."

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Posted by Lady Jane DJ at 03:05 PM | Direct Link