Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Chance The Rapper On The Cover Of Dazed & Confused Magazine

Chance The Rapper graces the cover of the August issue of Dazed & Confused magazine, who were nice enough to post the cover story online for your reading pleasure. In the story, writer Phoebe Lovatt follows Chance to Venice Beach and then to The Temple, a mansion studio where he was hanging with Childish Gambino and putting the finishing touches on his album. Chance even comments on his stylistically polar opposite Chief Keef:
In that spirit, he refuses to diss Chicago’s other young rap upstart, Chief Keef. There is a clear disparity between Chance’s soulful, sophisticated storytelling (“He could write about a doorknob and make it fascinating,” notes Skrillex) and 17-year-old Keef’s rudimentary drill music, which celebrates the gun culture that Chance condemns. Still, Chance insists that Keef’s nihilistic tales of hittas and “snitch ni**as” – delivered over producer Young Chop’s menacing, trigger-happy beats – are just as valid as his own.
“Coming from my city, I can tell you he is not bullshitting about anything,” Chance insists. “He’s telling a story and he made a living off of it — a killing off of it — and I’m proud of him.” Chance rejects any comparison of their styles: “People want there to be two sides because they like the destruction of things, but we’re from the same place. Chief Keef is from Englewood, 69th and Normal. I’m from 79th and Princeton. We live 12 blocks from each other. It’s not like we’re coming from two different sides of the world at all. We’re just two different people.”

Drake Announces Ovo Fest 2013 LineUp

The lineup for Drake‘s 2013 OVO Fest have just been announced. The festival which will span two days, has Frank Ocean and James Blake performing on August 4th. The following day, Drake will hit the stage with various guests. Tickets go on sale May 24th.
Nothing Was The Same is coming soon.
Update: Unfortunate news for festival goers. Day 1 of the event has been cancelled as a result of Frank Ocean‘s recent vocal tear.

DMX Files For Bankruptcy [Update: DMX's Publicist Releases Statement]

DMX filed for bankruptcy on Monday.
Just days after DMX was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence, the rapper finds himself in more trouble, this time financial. Court records show that DMX filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection following his arrest in South Carolina.
The Wall Street Journal reports that DMX filed the documents Monday in the Manhattan bankruptcy court. His Chapter 11 petition apparently lists that his assets amount to less than $50,000 and he has $1 million to $10 million in debt. In his court papers the rapper said he filed in order "to enable me to reorganize my financial affairs."
Among his debts, X owes more than $1.24 million in child support and more than $21,000 on an auto lease.
DMX's dropped an album last September, Undisputed, which only sold 17,000 units in its opening week.
[UPDATE: DMX's Publicist Releases A Statement Concerning Bankruptcy] 
HHDX has received a statement regarding DMX filing for bankruptcy. His publicist says, 
"DMX's financial strains have been inhibiting his career for several years. Poor financial management by prior representation have caused him to be ineligible to retain a passport. The purpose of this bankruptcy filing is for reorganization so he can perform for his fans oversees. We are currently planning a tour in Europe and Africa for the fall of 2013."

Monday, July 29, 2013

First Look: Nicki Minaj's New Fragrance Coming

Check out the newly released photo above, revealing the bottle-design of Nicki Minaj's new fragrance scheduled to be released this fall!
"Minajesty" is described as a passionate love affair. Mysterious and sexy. An unforgettable and hypnotizing scent. It opens with juicy notes of peach, red currant, and lemon. Magnolia, pink frangipani and tiger orchid are in the heart, while the base consists of tonka, vanilla, and musk notes.

Rick Ross To Perform With "1500 Or Nothin" Band, Concert To Be Broadcasted Nationally

Rick Ross will be performing with the "1500 Or Nothin" band live from Club Nokia in August.
The promotion for Rick Ross' upcoming album, Mastermind, is about to begin. The rapper announced today that he'll be performing live with the "1500 Or Nothin" band on August 14th at Club Nokia for L.A. LIVE. 
The "1500 Or Nothin" band or "The Fifteen Hundreds" as they are often referred too, are an 8-piece band that have toured around the world with artists such as Snoop Dogg, Lupe Fiasco, and T.I. As the press release states, Ross has "prepared a brand new show with a look and sound unlike anything anybody has seen from him before."
Ricky Rozay commented on the upcoming one-night only event, saying, "It’s never been done like this… we’ll be performing everything from 'Tears of Joy' to 'Aston Martin Music,' all with a live band. It’s time to remind everyone what Maybach Music is all about."

Rihanna Fined $47K for Missing Depositions

Rihanna has been slapped with fine for skipping out on several depositions.
The "Diamonds" singer sued her ex-accountants at New York-based Berdon LLP 
back in 2012 accusing them of mismanaging her money. She alleged that she lost 
millions from four national and international tours and that the accountants 
managed to pocket 22% of the revenue while giving Rihanna only 6%.
Rihanna isn't seeing any of that money back anytime soon, because a judge has 
ordered the singer to pay the accountants $47,050 in attorney fees resulting from 
her failure to appear at scheduled talks. In addition to the fine, she is required to attend
 the deposition on Aug. 28 and faces her case being dismissed is she doesn't comply.
Luckily for the busy singer, her August is looking pretty empty. Apart from a one-off 
gig at the Singapore Grand Prix, RihRih doesn't have any other tour stops that month.

Trailer: Jay Z’s “Performance Art Film” Picasso Baby

Earlier this month, Jay Z (no hyphen) hung out with director Mark Romanek and an invited “cross section of the New York art and cultural world” to New York’s PACE Gallery. He performed new track “Picasso Baby” for six hours straight and went head to head with Marina Abramovic. Now HBO has announced they’ll air the “Performance Art Film” this Friday August 2nd at 11PM EST. (The network also aired Beyoncé’s self-directed documentary, Life Is but a Dream.) 






Kanye West Launching Writing & Production Program For Youth In Chicago

Kanye West is doing his part to provide a positive outlet for the youth in the Chi. Next month, West’s Donda’s House nonprofit organization will join forces with the ARK of St. Sabina community center to implement the “Got Bars” music writing and production program for at-risk teens and young adults. Fellow Chicago rapper and aspiring politician Rhymefest has been appointed as the program’s director. “My mom spent her life as an educator and I am happy that Donda’s House can pick up her torch and honor her life’s mission,” West recently said in a statement.
The program will be a 10-week course for teens and young adults ages 15-24. Fest, the co-founder and assistant director of Donda’s House, will head the music and production teaching courses while his wife, Donnie Smith, an English teacher, will reportedly serve as the executive director.
“I am so happy to launch “Got Bars” to honor Kanye West’s mother’s memory and to fulfill one of my Aldermanic campaign goals,” said Rhymefest. “Got Bars” will change our youth musically, get them healthy and keep them busy in a creative, peaceful environment. I know it will be an even stronger program because of our partnership with the ARK of St. Sabina.” As well as providing a musical education, the program will also preach the benefits of working out, having a sound diet and other applicable life skills.

Beyonce Announces Additional "Mrs. Carter World Show" Tour Date

Beyonce will continue her tour in August through til December.
Beyonce's "Mrs. Carter World Show" tour seems to have gone so well that she's announced a slew of new tour dates.
Queen Bey aka Mrs. Carter is staying on the road for 25 additional tour dates, which reach outside of North America. They kick off in August, running through til December 12th. Peep the complete tour dates below.


8-17  -  Chelmsford, England  -  V Festival
8-18  -  Staffordshire, England  -  V Festival
8-31  -  Philadelphia, PA  -  Made in America Festival
9-08  - Fortaleza, Brazil  -  Arena Castelao
9-11  -  Belo Horizonte, Brazil  -  Mineirao Stadium
9-13  -  Rio de Janeiro, Brazil  -  Rock in Rio
9-15  -  Sao Paulo, Brazil  -  Morumbi Stadium
9-17  -  Brasilia, Brazil  -  Estadio Nacional
9-20  - Caracas, Venezuela  -  Universidad Simon Bolivar
9-26  - Mexico City, Mexico  -  Palacio de los Deportes
9-28  - San Juan, Puerto Rico  -  Coliseo de Puerto Rico
11-30  -  Vancouver, BC  -  Rogers Arena
12-02  -  San Jose, CA  -  HP Pavilion at San Jose
12-03  -  Los Angeles, CA  -  Staples Center
12-06  -  Las Vegas, NV  -  MGM Grand Garden Arena
12-07  -  Phoenix, AZ  -  US Airways Center
12-09  -  Dallas, TX  -  American Airlines Center
12-10  -  Houston, TX  -  Toyota Center
12-12  -  Louisville, KY  -  KFC Yum! Center
12-13  -  Chicago, IL  -  United Center
12-14  -  St. Louis, MO  -  Scottrade Center
12-16  -  Toronto, ON  -  Air Canada Centre
12-18  -  Washington DC  -  Verizon Center
12-19  -  Brooklyn, NY  -  Barclays Center
12-20  - Boston, MA  -  TD Garden

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Nelly Hosts Kidnapping Victim Amanda Berry's First Public Appearance

Nelly honored Amanda Berry at a recent Cleveland performance, hosting her first public appearance since her escape.
After being held captive for ten years in Ariel Castro's Cleveland home, Amanda Berry was freed earlier this year, and has now made her very first public appearance, at a Nelly concert strangely enough. 
The St. Louis rapper brought Berry onstage, honoring the 27-year-old's bravery and perseverance through her horrible conditions. 
“I wanna make sure we get a chance to thank you cause I know it’s a long time,” Nelly told Berry. “I can’t even imagine the type of courage and strength it took to keep it going so, I commend you and thank you.”
The appearance comes one day after Amanda's captor, Ariel Castro, was sentenced to life plus 1,000 years in prison, after pleading guilty to 937 criminal charges.
Watch the footage below.


Harry Belafonte Requests Sit-Down With Jay Z & Beyoncé To Resolve Issues

Harry Belafonte clarified his comments and expressed interest in having a formal discussion with Jay Z and Beyonce.
Social activist Harry Belafonte criticized Jay Z and Beyonce last year, arguing that for a couple with so much influence, they have decidedly "turned their back on social responsibility."
Jay later addressed the criticism on record, responding to Belafonte onMagna Carta Holy Grail's "Nickels & Dimes". "I'm just trying to find common ground / 'fore Mr. Belafonte come and chop a nigga down / Mr. Day O, major fail / Respect these youngins boy, it's my time now / Hublot homie, two door homie / You don't know all the shit I do for the homies."
Belafonte has once again opened up the conversation on Jay and Beyonce's potential, detailing his position in a recent MSNBC interview.
“I would be hard pressed to tell Mr. Jay Z what to do with this time and his fortune. All I can be critical is of what he is not doing. This conflict that is emerging was not from me as a direct attack on Jay Z or Beyonce. I was at a press conference in Switzerland. Questions were raised by the international press. They asked about the artists and the social engagement of the past based on a film we were watching…and how artists responded earlier in my life and how they responded today."
The social worker explained that his comments were not meant as a personal attack.
“And I made the observation that the highly powerful voice that our community has – Black America has – there is so much celebrity power that it was sad to see that the collective of the celebrity power had not been applied to bring consciousness to the inequities that we face,” he said. “Artist that heard that responded in a very strong way. You’ll find that Jamie Foxx, you’ll find Chuck D [of Public Enemy]…you find that any number of highly profiled people have taken that critique and called for [a meeting]. We’ve sat. We’ve talked. And I will tell you now that these people that I’ve just mentioned are officially behind Dream Defenders. They are prepared to come down. They are prepared to perform. I would hope that Jay-Z would not take personally what was said because it was not said about him personally.”
Belafonte concluded by extending an invitation for a formal discussion between himself and the couple.
“Having said that, I would like to say to Jay-Z, to Beyonce: My heart is wide open and filled with nothing but hope and the promise that we can sit and have a one-on-one. And lets understand each other rather than try to answer these questions and these nuances in a public place.”
Hov and Bey have yet to respond to the offer.

Lady Gaga Reveals The First Single Cover From Artpop

                                             
Lady Gaga is ready to get back to the music
and reveals the first single cover from her upcoming album “Artpop“.

She revealed the single cover on Twitter.
“1ST SINGLE FROM ARTPOP COMES AUG.19 #24DAYS” she told her fans.












Check out the cover above and her tweet below.





LeBron James Most Popular Player In NBA, Kobe No. 2


Time heals all wounds, and in the case of NBA fans, it appears they have moved past "hating" on LeBron James for bolting Cleveland via a nationally televised event and then parading on stage in Miami before even winning anything.  A recent ESPN poll shows that LeBron James is the most popular player in the NBA for the first time since 2009 (pre The Decision).
Die-hard fans seem to like James even more than the casual fan, and becoming not only the consensus "greatest player alive," but also vying for a shot at being considered one of the Top 5 to ever play the game has helped his approval rating.  
Kobe Bryant comes in as the second most popular player, and his popularity is stronger with the older crowd.  Kevin Durant is the third most "favorited,"  and former MVP and self-professed "best player in the NBA" Derrick Rose is still the fourth most popular.  LeBron's teammate, Dwyane Wade cracked the top five.  

For the first time in four years, the Miami Heat forward is the most popular player in the NBA, according to the latest ESPN Sports Poll.
Nearly 13 percent (12.9) of NBA fans said James was their favorite player this season, allowing him to best Kobe Bryant (12.5) for the first time since the 2008-09 season. That was the only other season when James passed the Los Angeles Lakers star, the top pick by fans for five of six years from 2006-07 to 2011-12. [...] 
The numbers show that James separated himself from Bryant thanks to greater support of the African-American population. Twenty-four percent of African-Americans said James was their favorite player this season compared to only 16 percent mentioning Bryant. James also skewed younger, as 18 percent of kids 12-17 said they preferred him while only 15 percent preferred Bryant.
Rounding out the top five are Kevin Durant (3.6 percent), Derrick Rose (2.8) and Dwyane Wade (2.6)

Rhymefest & Kanye West Spearhead "Got Bars" Music Program For Chicago Youth


The Chicago natives are giving back to their community.
Kanye West and fellow Chicagoan emcee Rhymefest have teamed up to create a free music program for at-risk youth in their city. Titled "Got Bars", it's a collaborative effort with West’s non-profit organization, Donda’s House (named after his late mother) and the ARK of St. Sabina youth center. 
"My mom spent her life as an educator and I am happy that Donda’s House can pick up her torch and honor her life’s mission," said West of the initiative. 
Rhymefest, who is the co-founder and Assistant Director of Donda’s House, expressed similar sentiments. "I am so happy to launch Got Bars to honorKanye West’s mother’s memory and to fulfill one of my Aldermanic campaign goals... [it] will change our youth musically, get them healthy and keep them busy in a creative, peaceful environment." 
The "Got Bars" program is a 10-week music production course open to aspiring artists between the ages of 15 and 24. Rhymefest and his wife Donnie Smith (a high school English teacher) will oversee operations, with 'Fest working directly with students on the musical aspects. Each student will "learn life-lessons, improve their physical health and create an original written piece that will be recorded or published and performed". 
The initiative begins in August, and applications can either be submitted through the official Donda's Housewebsite or directly at the ARK of St. Sabina, located at 7800 S. Racine Avenue in Chicago.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Rick Ross Makes His Acting Debut As "Butterball" On Magic City































It was recently announced that Rick Ross will make his acting debut onStarz television show Magic City. Today more details were revealed aboutRicky Rozay‘s acting debut and when you can watch it. According to a new ad shared by Maybach Music Group on InstagramRick Ross is debuting in the TV series Magic City this Friday on season 2/ episode 6, playing a Bolitia boss named “Butterball.”

Rick Ross making his acting debut in “Magic City” on Starz.

Nas, Eminem, Jay-Z & Justin Timberlake "Sinatra In The Sands" Prod. By: Timbaland (Coming Soon)





















NasEminemJay-Z and Justin Timberlake collaborated on a new song for Nas‘ upcoming LP titled “Sinatra In The Sands.” In an interview withRevolt TVTimbaland broke the exciting news himself, revealing he produced the song. Let’s hope we hear this monstrous collaboration soon!

The Game Changes "Rolex Records" Label To "The Firm" After Obvious Legal Issues

Well no surprise here. The Game and Stat Quo recently announced their new label Rolex Records, but have quickly been forced to rename it due to issues with the luxury watch brand that just won a lengthy legal battle against the artists. It has now been announced that the new name of the label will be The Firm. Here is what The Game had to say about the situation:
“ATTENTION: All artist & producers !!!!!! So after a 6 long month legal battle with Rolex watches over the name “Rolex Records” we lost & had to fully change the name of the label & it’s logo away from the likeness of Rolex’s crown & stay away from any & everything resembling Rolex. Can’t use “Roley Boyz” or “Roley Records” either……. But today a new regime starts & I am officially the CEO of “The Firm” & we are looking for elite artists to be a part of a new movement. With that being said…. Upload your SOUNDCLOUD in my comments NOW !!! Me & @leauxsteez will be listening to your music all day today…. So FOLLOW @leauxsteez & upload your SOUNDCLOUD or Tag someone who will benefit from the start of my new label & have them upload the link to their music on mine & @leauxsteez page NOW. Thanks… & I’m looking forward to all the dope new music”
– The Game

Friday, July 26, 2013

Action Bronson Confirms "Blue Chips 2" Is On The Way
















Action Bronson says that "Blue Chips 2" may arrive in August or September.
Action Bronson seems to enjoy doing one-producer projects. Lately he's been busy touring in support of his recent EP with Harry Fraud, Saaab Stories, prior to that he dropped Rare Chandeliers which was produced entirely by The Alchemist, and he's also done Blue Chips with producer Party Supplies. He's not calling it quits just yet, in a new interview he revealed Blue Chips 2 should arrive by the end of the summer, and that yet another collaborative effort with The Alchemist is in the works.
Talking to NahRight, the New York native spoke on Blue Chips 2, confirming it's next up. "Blue Chips 2 is 100 percent next. I’m not really sure when, but I’m thinking end of August, September. But probably closer to September for it to drop. I’m probably gonna do another video for Saaab Stories, then drop this Blue Chips 2 shit. Then drop the actual ‘album’ album at the top of next year that’s going to be on a major fucking record label," Action said.
He continued to talk about his pattern of working with one producer, revealing he has another project with The Alchemist. "I was bullshitting [when I told Whoo Kid I was done with one producer projects]. I have another one coming with Alchemist, too," Action revealed. "Obviously I’m gonna do them. I love these guys, I could never not work with them. Alchemist, we already have another project to put out. Me and Party Supplies had another project to put out right after Blue Chips came out."
He added, "I’m very excited about it. I’m excited about all projects, but [the] Blue Chips [series] is definitely one of my favorite things to do. It’s actually what kind of popped me off."
Check out the full interview here, where Action discusses touring overseas, performing, Saaab Stories, what he packs in his suitcase, and more.

Lil Kim Announces New Mixtape "Hard Core: Back 2 Da Streetz"
















Lil Kim announces a new mixtape, "Hard Core: Back 2 Da Streetz."
Lil Kim has announced a new mixtape which shares it's name somewhat with her debut album, Hard Core. The cover art for the mixtape, titled Hard Core: Back 2 Da Streetz, also pays homage to her 1996 debut, but replacing Kim on the rug is a white tiger, who is apparently sipping on Ciroc and has a ton of cash.
Lil Kim released the artwork via her Twitter, tweeting, "#HARDCOREMIXTAPE BACK 2 DA STREETZ #TeamLilKim I love all my fans!!!!! ❤❤❤"

R. Kelly Announces New Single With 2 Chainz, Reveals Artwork














R. Kelly has announced a brand new single with 2 Chainz, titled "My Story".
R. Kelly has been re-establishing his presence in music with a guest appearance on YMCMB's Rich Gang compilation, and a huge headlining performance at last week's Pitchfork Music Festival. The legendary crooner has now announced plans to release a new single, which suggests their may be another full length project in the works.
Kellz' new track will touch down on Monday, and feature a guest appearance from the ever-prolific 2 Chainz. Kelly announced the single on twitter, with an accompanying photo of the R&B heavyweight smoking a cigar.