Grouchy Greg

Snoop Dogg Hit With Lawsuit On Stage

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: NewsAugust 13, 2004

A Norfolk, Virginia concert promoter hit Snoop Dogg with a $5 million dollar lawsuit, while the rapper was on stage during a performance at the Virginia Beach Amphitheater on Wednesday. The plaintiff, Patricia Richardson, claims that she was arrested on January 28th 1997, the night of a Snoop concert she was promoting at local Club Flava. Richardson said that Snoop ordered her to pick up three Fedex packages. Police stopped her, searched the packages, which were allegedly addressed to Snoop and found over 7 pounds of marijuana. "I was put in a situation that I never should have been put into," Richardson told WAVY News 10. "This is nothing about my character, not the type of activity I’m involved in, ever involved in or ever will be involved in." Richardson said that the request was not odd and that concert promoters frequently carried out such tasks. “That’s part of your responsibilities,” she said. “You don’t know what the packages were." Richardson is suing for pain and suffering due to the arrest. "I just hate that I had to suffer for someone else, what other people did," Richardson continued. "I don’t think that’s fair." Richardson’s attorney worked to keep the case alive and purposely arranged for an officer in the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Department to serve the rapper while he was on stage. Snoop now has 20 days to file a formal response in regards to the charges.

Whoo Kid On New Eazy E Song; 50 Cent/ Shyne Beef

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: NewsAugust 12, 2004

DJ Whoo Kid, G-Units in-house spin-doctor, recently took the liberty to rework an old Eazy-E verse and helped create Still Cruisin, a brand new song that features Compton native The Game. I got my hands on an Eazy-E accapella nobody ever heard before. I just did the same historical thing, called Red Spyda then – boom. Who else would you want to hear on a song with [Compton native] Eazy-E but Game? I flew to Compton and did the song out there. The s**t just came out of nowhere, Whoo Kid told AllHipHop.com. While he wasnt up on the late thugster when he was alive, Whoo Kid said this version is one for the masses. I was never an Eazy-E fan when I was young, but this verse sounds so good. Its really a verse thats really hot, he said. its not so simple like he used to rap. When you hear it, you are going to bug out. Just Cruisin is currently in rotation on the G-Unit Radio series. Meanwhile, Whoo Kid reservedly discussed incarcerated rapper Shynes beef with 50 Cent and the G-Unit chief’s uncharacteristic silence. The last thing we need is this fake Shyne beef s**t; were not worrying about that. From one line you think thats going to start a war? Its like society wants that. Who knows, maybe 50 will change his mind and come back at Shyne, he said. When I called him he said he doesnt have time for that because its bulls**t. 50 Cents unwillingness to battle might be because he is presently recording his the follow up to Get Rich Or Die Tryin, the multi-platinum album that dominated last year. [The album is] ridiculous you know. Hes been working with Dre all of last [month]. Hes working with Eminem too, he said concluding.

‘Method & Red’ Producers Scrap Episodes, Fight For Creative Freedom

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: NewsAugust 12, 2004

Producers of “Method & Red” have shelved an additional three episodes of the show, as Method Man, Redman and the show’s other producers fight for the show’s creative direction. According to high level executives involved with the production of the show, Fox completely changed the vision of the show, prompting Method Man to publicly complain that it did not reflect their original vision. “Creatively they are on a different page than the network,” the executive, who wished to remain anonymous, told AllHipHop.com. The executive revealed that once the show was given the greenlight, the vision changed from there. “This isn’t Meth and Red’s brand, this is some other stuff,” the source continued. “They want more creative input over the direction the show is taking.” In June, Method Man told the L.A.Times that he was perturbed by the writing of the show, which is about two rappers who move into a gated, white suburban community. “This is frustrating for me, and it’s not turning out for me as expected," Method Man lamented. “I know what I wanted this show to be, but there’s been too much compromise on our side and not enough on their side." “I know what I wanted this show to be, but there’s been too much compromise on our side and not enough on their side," Method Man said. The show made an impressive debut, drawing 8 million viewers. Still, Method Man said the creative rift between the two sides was too wide. The show is slated to return to Fox’s lineup on September 8 to finish the initial 13-episode run, while the future of the first comedy show starring two major Hip-Hop artists remains uncertain.

Nas: Street’s Disciple Pt. 1

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: FeaturesAugust 12, 2004

Since Stillmatic, Nas has been continuously beating life into heart of Hip-Hop. Recent tracks like “Get Down” and “Thief’s Theme” proof that rap courses through his veins. Known for his reserved ways, Nas rarely talks about the insides of the game, not to mention his life. Usually, it’s all business and music. But, Nas has opted to exercise his voice and it works out, as seen in this story. Nasir Jones evaluates the state of affairs. Nas discusses the criticism, the responsibility, and the task of bringing the real raw raps back. Nas drops science and its up for you to pick it up. AllHipHop.com: The staff talks about your entrance to the game a lot, with Main Source. With a reflective “throwback” album in the works, how much of you still plays into that hungry teenager? Nas: When I first got in the game on the two words, “Street Disciple” is what I called myself. The first two words in ‘91, on “Live at the Barbeque” on Main Source [Breaking Atoms] and that verse right there it just ripped through s**t. It was like everything jammed up in one verse, it was like the beginning of the new MC for me. Throughout the years I’ve just been trying to not even intentionally, but just trying to stay within the s**t I was kickin’ on that verse. And through the years I’ve been with all concepts, angles, changes, turns with making music so now this is like coming to that sound of like the Main Source kinda sound of ‘91. And at the same time, [I’m] talking about today and tomorrow and just things that I see in my world and my life. AllHipHop.com: How do you think this album is going to define your career against how critics have? Nas: Damn. Ya know, I’d like for the people to judge and let them figure out and however they define it it’s all up to them, it’s just another page in a book. AllHipHop.com: Why do people think you’re a contradiction from album to album? Nas: I don’t know really. I don’t really think they believe that really because that word is a contradiction, and I love to be Mr. Contradiction. The negative meaning behind that word it doesn’t apply to me. I think its obvious I think the artists that are inspired by me [and] the game that I’m helping to inspire. I really feel I’ve contributed more to the upliftment than anything so I’m not against any word that the fans use to describe cause that’s all love. AllHipHop.com: Do you feel like your under a lot of pressure to save Hip-Hop? Nas: It ain’t even a lot of pressure. I think at one point it may have been at some time I know it was a some point ya know what I mean, but not really sure, sometimes. I think I did my job with the last two years though. If you look and listen to what’s happening to the game today, job well done, if I had any contribution. I’m just happy about everybody keeping this s**t alive. I know I do wear that crown for doing that s**t and sometimes I step up and that is my job, and sometimes I fall back into my life because I’m not consumed with that s**t all day long. And I think that’s when my die hard fans get upset that I’m not carrying this s**t 24/7. Then, when I step back and I do me and I think a lot of them get upset that I’m not doing my job. It’s like on my “Made You Look” joint, they appointed me to bring rap justice and I’m proud to. But that’s not my job all day long, at least I don’t think it is. But if it is, that’s a blessing. That’s a beautiful thing too. AllHipHop.com: What do you say to people who feel you haven’t lived up to the potential your supposed to be? Nas: I feel it in a lot of ways. I don’t know, I do the s**t and then a lot of times m’f**kas is like no-go all the way, punish them, do this, do that, show ‘em how it’s done, you’re supposed to do that, no, and that’s cool too. And you know what’s cool for me is that I got those people and sometimes I am a soldier. Well, I’m a full time soldier but also a regular normal ass n*gga human being. AllHipHop.com: But what’s most important for you as far as what you feel your purpose is in Hip-Hop? Nas: I’m a serious die hard fan of the dope s**t, the so-so s**t, I’m a huge fan of it all. I just love to hear it when it’s good and sometimes I speak my mouth when its bad. That’s just cause I love this s**t so much. I spent hours and hours taping Mr. Magic on BLS and Red Alert on KISS and Bobbito and Stretch Armstrong on the other station and Teddy Ted and Special K so I just spent too many years listening and watching dudes careers come and go. So it’s a hobby to me, that’s become a worldwide powerful thing so I’m very boisterous about the s**t and I stand up for it when I’m in that environment of Hip-Hop. I’ll stand up and speak up for it when I can, because I’m such an old school die-hard fan of the s**t. That that’s just how it is I’m always gonna be bumpin’ my Mr. Scarface album, my Dana Dane classics, my Great Adventures of Slick Rick, my Paid in Full, my N.W.A. I’m always gonna be bumpin’ the classics. AllHipHop.com: That was actually my next question, who do you consider some of the greats of today? Nas: Aw man, Andre 3000, Dr. Dre, Scarface, n*ggas like that. Jadakiss. AllHipHop.com: So where do you see Hip-Hop going? Nas: Well it’s crazy. ‘Cause now with […]

Trillville: The Definition Of Crunk

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: FeaturesAugust 12, 2004

Trillville has become an entity all itself – a place, an attitude, and most notably, a person. As a result of Lil’ Jon’s stronghold in mainstream Hip-Hop, Crunk is finally getting its praises. A key architect in the last five years of Crunk, is Atlanta’s three man collective Trillville. Part of Jon’s BME Recordings Group, and partner to Lil’ Scrappy, Trillville got national acclaim this year in a variety of places. AllHipHop.com uses Trill’s expertise to get an advanced education on the history of Crunk, from a New York State of Mind. If you’ve ever doubted, now’s your chance to get a live explanation from the horse’s mouth! AllHipHop.com: I read somewhere that ya’ll said that Crunk in terms of music is not Hip-Hop. Trill: It’s not Hip-Hop! Crunk is a way of life, like you be bouted up all day, you got ya nine to five, you gotta go to school at a certain time, you gotta go the speed limit, you gotta do ya homework on time. Crunk is basically is away from all that, its like forget about that, just be free with yourself, and do whatever you want to do. If you wanna smoke weed, if you wanna drink everyday, its whatever you wanna do, and be free with it. No limits. Like a big stress reliever and I think that’s why it taken off so big, like the other genres that usually don’t make it across the nation like booty shake music, that’s why Crunk has made it, cause it’s a way of life. AllHipHop.com: You just said a whole bunch of good stuff about what Crunk is, but I wanna know why you don’t consider it Hip-Hop. Trill: Well, I’ll put it like this… Hip-Hop wouldn’t even accept Crunk. And Crunk been around for like five years and Hip-Hop is just now accepting Crunk. So they didn’t even consider it a part of Hip-Hop. AllHipHop.com: Who are “they”? Trill: The Hip-Hop community, matter fact we was at a Hip-Hop summit in Alabama, Birmingham, and we were talking about, it was Russell Simons, and the CEO of BME, and it was like Hip-Hop is not Crunk, because it was something about some history or something, it was a long discussion. But, Crunk is its own thing, and Hip-Hop is its own thing, but we come together and make hits. So, it really doesn’t matter. AllHipHop.com: It does matter I totally disagree with you, But ya’ll the ones who created it. Trill: Crunk is Crunk, Hip-Hop is Hip-Hop. We put Hip-Hop artists on Crunk music, just like Lil’ John did the Crunk song with Usher, but its like he a R&B artist, so he’s not a Crunk artist, he’s a R&B artist. AllHipHop.com: But he’s with a Crunk artist Trill: Exactly, it’s collaboration, just like a Rock and Rap song. AllHipHop.com: Does Crunk incite fighting? Are the two connected? Trill: Like I said before, it’s a stress reliever, if that’s the way you release your stress, a lot of people release their stress by fighting, so when the song come on in the club, they just wanna wild out, go crazy. Somebody might of stepped on their shoe a hour ago, and they just wanna release that stress. And they just remember that he had stepped on their shoe, and just buss his ass. AllHipHop.com: So do you see a problem with promoting that? Trill: We don’t promote that, when you listening to a Trillville album our hooks are not saying, “Bust a n*gga head up.” We got songs like “Get some Crunk in ya System”, “ Get on My level”, “ You the Weakest Link”, “ Run Around the Club” and some cuts talking ‘bout the bedroom AllHipHop.com: What interested me about it, is that, they have your show, and in between the show, they have random shots of people just fighting. Trill: They’re releasing their stress. That’s why it’s called The Fight Club DVD AllHipHop.com: I think a lot of people really think cats from the south are stupid, just because maybe cause ya’ll got gold in ya mouth or ya’ll just saying, “Yeah!” and “OK!” in a record, but set the record straight please for everyone who doubts your intelligence. Trill: I think a lot of people are stupid, especially if you call Crunk stupid, without knowing what the hell is going on. We just like to have fun, have a good time, shine, blind, and recline, Let the seat back, and relax and count my stakes. That’s how we do it man, we jump around, have a good time, I think that’s why everyone loving the Crunk right now, cause its just do whatever you want to do. AllHipHop.com: So now that ya’ll been out, Have things change in your friends and family? A good change a bad change? Are people wilding? People acting funny style? Trill: Ya’ll n*ggas just be having ya hands out like, “I was there all the time,” you was their all the time? Let me hold something AllHipHop.com: Now Dirty, you from the roughest part of Atlanta right? Trill: I’m straight from the West side, Zone 3 AllHipHop.com: You go back to your hood? Trill: All the time. See, we get to go back to our hood. We don’t wear bling bling and stuff like that. AllHipHop.com: Anytime I see women involved in Crunkness on like screen, video or stage, she shakin’ her ass, Is there any room for a queen of Crunk. Trill: Matter fact there is a queen of Crunk, AllHipHop.com: Word!! Trill: Rasheeda AllHipHop.com: Really? So why you think she’s not blowing up, like ya’ll. Do you think it has anything with her being a woman? Trill: She just got her deal, Her label has to push it out, make it real big for her. AllHipHop.com: Is she Crunk like ya’ll, or is she shaking her ass as well. Trill: She ain’t shaking no booty, she just keeping it real. AllHipHop.com: A lot of […]

Black Eyed Peas’ Studio Up In Flames

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: NewsAugust 12, 2004

A recording studio the Black Eyed Peas were working in went up in flames, after the group allegedly lit candles to create a mood while recording material for their new album. According officials, the group was recording material for their upcoming album Monkey Business inside the Glenwood Place Studios. The candles sparked the blaze around 3:00 am. Members of the group were in another part of the facility eating dinner during a break when they learned of the fire. Despite their attempts to extinguish the fire, the studio sustained an estimated $50,000 worth of damages. The group escaped with a tape of their recordings and some burnt guitars. "Guitars, drums, drum-kits, keyboards, microphones, classic instruments that we’ve collected with our worldly travels are now destroyed," will.i.am told local TV station KABC. “They evacuated the building (and) even tried using fire extinguishers prior to our arrival, but it was too late for fire extinguishers,” said Captain Ron Bell. “But they did a good job." Due to the Pea’s efforts, only about 20 percent of the studio was affected. The studio remained open and continued other recording sessions. The group is expected to continue recording at the facility.

AHH Stray News: Kevin Liles, Mobb Deep, Lil Kim, Hiero

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: NewsAugust 11, 2004

Mobb Deep celebrated the release of their sixth album Amerikaz Nightmare last night in New York at club Spirit. Raekwon the Chef, Black Thought, M.O.P., the Roots, Treach, Sean Price and Shyheim took to the stage and gave enthusiastic performances. Lil Jon, Talib Kweli, Buck Shot, Grand Master Caz, Styles P., Jadakiss and others were also present. It was also announced that Mobb Deep and M.O.P. would be collaborating on an upcoming untitled album. Kevin Liles, who recently resigned from his CEO position at Def Jam, has announced that he has accepted a position at Warner Music Group. Liles is reunited with former Island Def Jam CEO, Lyor Cohen. “Reuniting with Mr. Bronfman and my good friend Lyor sets the stage for one of the greatest shows on earth,” Liles said in a statement. “We all know how to win big and won’t accept anything less." As AllHipHop.com reported in June, Lil Kim is launching her own line of watches. It was recently announced that she will now extend her reach into the fashion world and will launch a line of perfume and a bag and clothing line. Kim’s scrapped the original plans to have replica diamonds and has teamed with Jacob Jacob the Jeweler" Arabo, who also did a deal with Kanye West to produce custom “Jesus Pieces.” Hieroglyphics will be dropping a new DVD titled “Full Circle.” In addition to the DVD, fans will receive a bonus CD of Hiero live. The Oakland, California vets are also preparing “Hieroglyphics Video Retrospective DVD” and Del The Funky Homosapien’s "Funk Em" 12." The DVD hits stores in October 2005.

Jim Jones: Diplomatic Immunity

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: FeaturesAugust 11, 2004

Whether he’s traveling the country, pent up in the studio, strategizing the next corporate hustle, or just out on the daily grind with his Dipset fam, Jim Jones knows that his role in the world doesn’t stop at ‘artist’. The capricious Capo of Harlem’s heavily hyped Diplomats crew never sleeps on opportunity, and he’ll be the first to admit that even with all eyes on him, there is definitely more to his game than industry sh*t. You can find him in the club, you can find him in the streets, and at times you’ll find him in places you might not expect, like the Hip Hop Political Convention in June, where he spoke on a panel for ‘The Criminalization Of Hip Hop’. The recent heated words between Jim, Dipset co-CEO Cam’Ron, and rapper-turned-reverend-turned-rapper Mase on Hot 97’s morning show left a lot of questions in people’s minds about the history behind the Harlem emcees’ rivalry. Regardless, Jim maintained in some brief statements with reporters after the incident that he doesn’t have any beef. This interview with AllHipHop.com took place in mid-July as Jim was doing some publicity for his upcoming album entitled On My Way To Church. While his single and video for “Certafied Gangsta” are in heavy rotation, Jim is already looking for the next task to take on – and it’s not always about being in the limelight. AllHipHop.com: Do you feel like you and the rest of the crew are unfairly criticized? Jim Jones: Oh yeah. We’re like public enemy number one for New York City. It’s the people that keep us afloat, to tell you the truth, and a couple of good relationships that we have in this game. They know that we do make good music. If you make the soundtrack for New York City, all the music we spit about is what New York City embodies. It’s our own little version of it. AllHipHop.com: Do you ever get tired of people asking you about beef between Dipset members and other emcees? JJ: [pause] I’m a true player of the game, understand? If I don’t want to hear it, you won’t see me. If I didn’t want a question to be asked, I wouldn’t be doing the interview. Who am I to get mad at a person for asking a question when I’m here to do an interview? Smell me? I’m a so-called public figure, so inquiring minds want to know. That’s some serious sh*t. Some people say they [want] privacy, but there is no more privacy. Not when they want to sell sex scenes of you on a DVD or all through the internet and sh*t like that. Your privacy is blown – paparazzi is out of hand. I ain’t trippin – if I don’t want to answer I just won’t answer, but I’m never mad at nobody. Ima ask all the questions I need to know. The only stupid question is the one not asked. I respect the next man’s views – I hope they respect mine. AllHipHop.com: Do you feel like artists have perpetuated beef to get more fame? JJ: Nowadays everybody caught the Tupac syndrome. It was there before them, but Tupac is the person that really started making real benefit – he stepped his whole game up and started making money from the whole feuding thing. Some people after him tried to use that as a way to get recognized, and for some people it do work – I ain’t mad at em for making money, understand? For some people sh*t just happens and happens to blow over like that. Sometimes people don’t really want that recognition, but it just so happens that you’re in a whole ‘nother position now of how people look at you – but you might not be that person. You might be a cool person deep down inside – you just happen to be in that corner with your back against the wall. AllHipHop.com: As much sh*t as people ever talk about Dipset, how many people have ever walked up to you and said to your face that you suck? JJ: Zero. You got people that will be across the street like ‘F*ck y’all!’, and when you look at them they be duckin’ and sh*t. But for the most part I don’t think they really want that in they’re life too much. I don’t take insult very easily. Most of the people that hate you, they love you for something – that’s one of the reasons they hate you so much. It burns them. They hate you and you’re doing something that they would love to do. You love it, you’re just a little bit p##### off with yourself that you ain’t in my position. AllHipHop.com: How do you feel about people saying that you aren’t doing anything to bring up other artists out of Harlem? JJ: There’s people that say that all the time, but that’s their views – I can’t get mad. The majority of people know that what I’m doing is a plus for Harlem in the whole light. I’m not shy about it, I shout that out every stitch of the way. AllHipHop.com: It was mentioned by someone at the Hip Hop Political Convention that basically the rap nation is a lot like the Black Panthers in the sense that they could have impact if they were able to operate. You’ve got this little group of Hip Hop Cops out here trying to shut everybody down, trying to censor what’s put out, and that type of thing. Do you feel like emcees could actually get something like that going without the government interfering or trying to shut it down? JJ: I mean, there’s legal ways to do everything. Everybody could try to become a senator, everybody could become political. We got influence – we got companies and labels, legitimate sh*t. We’re in the game – they can’t deny us. Everybody doesn’t have a felony. All you could probably do is bring […]

Masta Ace: Curtain Call

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: FeaturesAugust 11, 2004

Unlike so many, Masta Ace is arguably at his pinnacle as he leaves us. The Brownsville native made it so that AllHipHop.com was one of the first to know. While we all hope and fight to change the man’s mind, we joined Ace to remember a stellar career, preview an outstanding album, and look to a successful future. From his debut verse on Marley’s “Symphony” to his curtain call, “Revelations,” AllHipHop.com salutes the Hip-Hop heroes in a timeline of moments and actual facts. There’s been heavy speculation to whether or not Ace really admitted retirement to us. Read word for word, and you be the judge. Retire or not, Ace…we don’t want you to go. AllHipHop.com: MC’s lack vulnerability. You’ve started doing this late in your career, what role does that play on your record to admit day-jobs, thoughts of quitting, falling off…how do you make that such an effective tool? Masta Ace: The history of MC’s is that we’re the best, nobody can beat us. We don’t show any vulnerability. I just reached a point where I knew that that was all bullsh*t and let’s lay all the cards on the table. Let’s give people a little bit of a look into what goes through my head when I’m home alone, lookin’ in the mirror, by myself. In a certain way, those kind of lyrics are like therapy for me. To be able to say the things that I think people might be sayin’ or thinkin’, behind my back – the fact that I can verbalize that, and put it on record to say, “Look, I know what you’re saying. I know what you’re thinkin’, and I’m probably thinkin’ that too, sometimes.” People have no choice but to respect that you’re not so self-conscious that you’re afraid to let it be known. AllHipHop.com: The cover to Long Hot Summer is outstanding, and reflects the days of album covers. It portrays you writing on the stoop. How has your writing evolved in recent years? Masta Ace: I think when I first started out, my main goal in writing a rhyme was to prove to every other MC, that I was the best. I was in battle mode. As the years went on, I became more focused on expressing my creativity, but making songs. I guess most recently, it’s come full circle. Again, I’m trying to prove to other rappers that I can spit. It’s a little bit different than it was on the first album. I’m more mature, I’m older, and just look at life in a different light than when I was twenty years old. AllHipHop.com: But you say, “something to prove,” but I look at what you’ve done for Hip-Hop, you truly owe us nothing to prove. You enhanced that. Why is that? Masta Ace: Because once you’ve reached the point where you say, “I ain’t got nothin’ to prove,” you shouldn’t be [on] records no more. You’ve got to feel that, or else you out there going through the motions. So, I kinda put that chip on my shoulder every time [I do an album], because that’s what Rap is – every rapper against every rapper. AllHipHop.com: Besides from Dre’s cornered market and Cool J, Sermon, there’s very people who made great albums in the 80’s, and still do it. Your arguably “best” albums were your most recent. Is that very attitude that pushes you to still be a top shelf MC, defying the laws of time in Hip-Hop? Masta Ace: That’s definitely what it is. That, and feeding off fans and listeners that appreciate the music. When I hear those positive words from people, that puts fuel in my tank to wanna keep goin’ and do it better every time. AllHipHop.com: Disposable Arts was a concept album. Does Long Hot Summer have any real concept to it, or general theme? Masta Ace: It came to me very slowly and gradually. I was watching a lot of different movies. AllHipHop.com: Which? Masta Ace: One of the movies that got me goin’ was Thunderbolt & Lightfoot. Two guys partnerin’ up. My original story changed a lot. I [didn’t] share it. So I developed the story in my head. I don’t really have a concise answer. AllHipHop.com: That’s a classic! Who is Bridges and who is Eastwood? Masta Ace: Fats Belvedere is Bridges, and I’m Eastwood. Bridges is wild, no care in the world. Eastwood been through some stuff, grizzled, don’t trust nobody, like, “What do you want?” AllHipHop.com: You and 9th Wonder were just meant to happen. “Good Ole’ Love” was circulating through our tape decks months ago. Tell me how that joint came about, and how it’s setting off the album? Masta Ace: That beat came about from a beat CD that had a bunch of different producers. I didn’t know who did what, and at that point, I had never heard of 9th Wonder or Little Brother. Got the CD, immediately zeroed in on that beat, called in on this beat, “Oh 9th Wonder? North Carolina? I want this joint right here.” How I met him was, I was doing a show in his town of Raleigh-Durham. We linked up out there. He introduced me to another producer that ended up being on the album, Crisis. I recorded the joint, laid everything down. It wasn’t until after we had done that joint that he came to New York and collaborated with Jay. AllHipHop.com: I gave you a lot of credit for saying, “F*ck Fat Beats for puttin’ it on wax” in the Boogieman situation. That could’ve really hurt you, in terms of the biggest record store on the planet. That’s a bold move. Did that end up hurting you? Masta Ace: Nah, it actually helped me. They liked the record. The ironic thing is they distributed the vinyl [on my diss record]. Fat Beats is an entity and a company and all that. But behind that, there’s actual people. The people know me. DJ Eclipse is […]

An Open Letter to the Recording Industry

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: UncategorizedAugust 11, 2004

Respecting the Living Legacy of Def Jam: An Open Letter to the Recording Industry from Russell Simmons In a recent Newsweek article by Johnnie Roberts, appropriate questions were raised not only about the future of Def Jam, but also about the future of the recording industry’s relationship with the creative genius of hip-hop culture. The enduring legacy of Def Jam is that from the very beginning we were focused on building stability for the lives and careers of our artists as well as making hit music that authentically represented hip-hop culture. My quotes in the piece by Roberts were not aimed at disparaging or discounting the value and potential for L.A. Reid to profitably lead Def Jam. My concerns, however, are about the future of Def Jam and the industry as a whole as to whether the legacy that Def Jam established will be maintained to the benefit of the artists and the culture. Let¹s remember when LL Cool J first came to Def Jam, he was a runaway at the age of 15. Our first priority for LL was to work to nurture and sustain him as a gifted and talented young man. Now over 21 years later LL represents the best of what hip-hop can do for a young man coming out of struggle. He has become a beacon of light for families and communities out of the darkness of poverty. When artists face trying and difficult life circumstances, will the executives of the industry today care or give a damn about the actual lives of artists outside the studio? I told Chuck D that his mouth was his Uzi and his words of truth were his bullets. We defend Public Enemy’s rightful place in the genre. I would like to think we helped Chuck D define his career. During the time Slick Rick was unjustly incarcerated, Def Jam executives helped lead the national and international campaign with his devoted wife, Mandy, to secure his freedom from a Florida prison. Recently Kevin Liles, Rev Run and I visited Shyne in prison. Will the new transition team at Def Jam see Shyne for the potential he has to become a Spiritual Prophet as he defines himself or will he be reduced to the thug that the street is racing to define him as. Will Shyne become Tupac (a) or Tupac (b), dead or alive? The truth is Tupac was worth more alive than dead. But, my guess is there are some industry executives who are not too sure about that fact. As we worked to broker a peace between Ja Rule and 50 Cent, there were some who thought it was a fruitless exercise and even worked against the national television broadcast aimed at bringing the parties together for dialogue. Those in opposition felt that the broadcast might compromise the record selling potential of one or both of the artists. We prevailed and the broadcast was well received across the nation. It is important to me that today Chris Lighty is serving as a good role model who mentors young men and women whenever he gets a chance. Irv Gotti came to my house last Saturday night and when he saw Chris Lighty he gave him a hug. Irv thanked me for bringing them together and for nurturing their ongoing dialogue. Yet, the best thanks I can receive is the knowledge that Irv will continue to be a great teacher and mentor for the young millionaires he is developing. Almost all of the artists in hip-hop come from situations of extreme poverty and when money is put in their pockets, it is also important and responsible to help them erase the poverty of their mindsets. No one owes an artist anything but a fair record deal, marketing and promotions. But Def Jam always in the past worked hard to offer more. The question that I have for the industry is what will you do to support the evolution of the collective consciousness of hip-hop? Will you water the good seeds that have been planted? As you make future decisions, if you do not have P. Diddy, Master P, or Damon Dash at your table, who will you use to effectively mentor these up and coming young artists? If Damon Dash sells his company, who will be at Vivendi to show Kanye West the ropes? Who will look after Cam’ron and Beanie Sigel? How does Vivendi and the industry in general plan to maximize the gifts of an Irv Gotti? What about Earl Simmons (DMX)? I am asking these questions to hopefully further sensitize an industry that is contemplating its future. I wish nothing but success for L.A. Reid and Def Jam. This generation of today’s hip-hop artists are some of the most talented ever and most committed in their giving back to our communities. They all deserve our best guidance and support. What will Shyne come home to?

Diddy Snags Polo Exec, Building Womens Line

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: NewsAugust 11, 2004

Sean “P. Diddy” Combs continues to strengthen his Sean John label and snagged a former employee of Ralph Lauren’s to help build his women’s division. Max Wilson worked with Polo Ralph Lauren for 11 years until he resigned in February. As Vice President of the Sean John womenswear line, Wilson will report directly to Combs. "We’re talking about clothes that are really sexy, stylish and versatile," Wilson told Women’s Wear Daily. "Clothes that reflect my image of him. I see him as the new elegance. He represents a total lifestyle and women have been asking for these clothes for years." According to reports, Sean John womenswear will make up almost half of Combs’ autumn/winter fashion shows in 2005 and 2006. In April, Combs entered into a joint venture with Zac Posen, one of the fashion industry’s most sought after new talents. Sean John invested in Posen’s clothing label and the two companies became equal partners. Under the terms of the deal, Posen will continue to create designs and will build an accessory business. Sean John has annual retail sales of $450 million dollars in the United States.

Esquire Names Andre 3000 ‘World’s Best Dressed Man’

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: NewsAugust 11, 2004

Esquire magazine recognized the fashion sense of rapper Andre 3000 of Outkast by naming him 2004’s “World’s Best Dressed Man.” The list was gathered by top fashion experts and this year is the first to include people from around the world. “We scanned every square mile of the globe, from the tip of Africa to the beaches of Mexico," Esquire editors wrote of the search for the best dressed man. “What we found was a group of men who take getting dressed in the morning to another level, their individuality made manifest in everything from a luxurious bespoke suit to a basic pair of jeans. We can learn something about style from each of them, especially the one man who landed at the top of our list.” Andre beat out Prince Felipe of Spain, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, Pharrell Williams, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai and others. In the September issue of Esquire, Andre reveals that he is inspired by period flicks like “The Great Gatsby” and older men from his neighborhood. "They’re kind of like a uniform, which I’ve always been into," he says. "To me, that’s real style, anything that feels comfortable and expresses your personality and makes you stand a little taller." Last month, Andre’s keen sense of fashion landed him the title of “World’s Sexiest Vegetarian.” “Fashion isn’t about clothes making a man," says Esquire’s new fashion director, Nick Sullivan. "It’s about finding your own way to dress and making it work."

Rappers Talk About Their Rides At Dub Car Show

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: NewsAugust 11, 2004

DUB Magazine hosted a successful event last week, one of their many of their Super Series Celebrity Car Shows and Concerts. A slew of people turned out to Race Way Park in Englishtown, New Jersey along with an array of celebrities. Among those were model/rapper Gloria Velez, B.E.T.’s Big Tigger and Hot 97’s DJ Envy, who provided music. Noted Celebrities such as NBA stars Shaquille O’Neal and Latrell Sprewell as well as rapper Busta Rhymes loaned their cars for this event. Also showcased were the chromed out cars of those amongst the general public. "I drive a BMW X5," Gloria Velez joked. "Jay Z said, ‘The baby momma supposed to drive the X5.’” DJ Envy boasted about his collection of cars asking Allhiphop, "What day?" He later fessed up to driving a Range Rover. Bad Boy rapper Loon kicked off the concert. When asked what he was driving he said: "I’m blessed. Right now, I love my selfish mobile, the 350Z. But, I’m really gonna narrow it down soon to like one car. Maybe a Suburban or something. I’m a dead it out like one of those old Scooby Doo vans with the 20’s on the outside but real plush on the inside." The Clipse followed with a performance of their hit "Grindin" and a special appearance by fellow label mate Famlay, who drives a motorcycle. Pusha T (XL 500), one half of the Clipse explains, "The Clipse got caught up in that whole merger situation that was going on between the labels but we just doing our thing man. The new album drops some time this winter." The twin sisters in the duo Nina Sky are too young to drive, but they treated the crowd with a melody of Spanish Reggae tunes. Fat Joe and the Terror Squad rounded out the night with a Playlist like performance of past and present Terror Squad hits including the Terror Squads latest street anthem “Lean Back.” An ode to Big Pun, Notorious B.I.G, Freaky Ty, Big L and Tupac crowned their performance. When asked what kind of car he drove Fat Joe responded with two words: "A Phantom."

‘Girls Gone Wild Doggystyle’ Lawsuit Settled

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: NewsAugust 10, 2004

Two women who filed a lawsuit against Snoop Dogg after being featured on the front cover of Girls Gone Wild Doggy Style have settled out of court. Terms of the settlement were not immediately available and under the terms of the deal, attorneys were not available to comment. The two women claimed that Joseph Francis, owner of Mantra Films which distributed the Snoop episode along with other popular Girls Gone Wild Series, broke a promise that he would not use the picture with the video. The document was filed in connection with a criminal investigation of Francis, who faced charges that he and employees knowingly videotaped underage girls naked, provided cocaine and promoted prostitution while filming for various Girls Gone Wild episodes. The lawsuit said that Francis capitalized on Snoop Doggs notoriety and his financial success and frequently referred to the rapper as a b**ch magnet. In court proceedings, Snoop said that the women voluntarily exposed themselves and “voluntarily consumed alcohol and other intoxicants” during the filming. A few months after the lawsuits were filed against Francis, Snoop said that he was distancing himself from Mantra and the Girls Gone Wild Doggystyle series. “If you notice, there hasn’t been no girls of [color] at all on none of those tapes,” Snoop Dogg complained to the Associated Press. “No black girls, no Spanish girls–all white girls, and that [stuff] ain’t cool, because white girls ain’t the only hoes that get wild.”

Americaz Nightmare

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Reviews / MusicAugust 10, 2004

Artist: Mobb DeepTitle: Americaz NightmareRating: 4 StarsReviewed by: Matt Barone Weathering the hip-hop games always-turbulent storm for ten years, Queensbridge projects proud soldiers Mobb Deep return to their original grimy form on their sixth album, Amerikaz Nightmare (Jive). While many bickered about 2001s Infamy sounding slightly watered-down with its assists from Lil Mo and 112, this time around Havoc and Prodigy recapture the urban darkness and glorified thug music that made them one of raps most celebrated groups upon release of their classic 1995 opus The Infamous. No R&B hooks, no obvious radio single, and no weak filler are heard on Amerikaz Nightmare, as Hav and P deliver a record that easily holds its own as some of the tandems best work to date. Beginning with stormy electric guitars on the moody opener Amerikaz Nightmare, the hardcore sounds never let up. Lyrically, Hav and P remain consistently able to match the productions intensity, whether they are saluting their dogs on Real N##### or spitting violent narratives on the eerie On The Run. The Jadakiss-assisted heater One Of Ours Part II sports Havoc in top form, spitting graphic visuals like, Pick you up, off your feet like a fork lift/ But instead its the four-fifth, while Prodigy commends his Mobb music on Get Me with, Everytime they cop from somebody else, that s###s wack/ That s### there is doo doo, this s### here is crack. As far as production, Amerikaz Nightmare is one of the years most blazing audio experiences. Shorty Wop finds Havoc blasting bouncy synthesizers through the speakers, while Neva Change is an instant head-nodder courtesy of Havs frantic horns and pounding percussion. Kanye West serves his darkest instrumental in recent memory with the violin and guitar driven Throw Your Hands (In The Air), and Lil Jons abrasive crunk on Real Gangstaz fits the gully bars of Mobb Deep perfectly. Longtime Mobb collaborator Alchemist laces Amerikaz Nightmare with three incredible beats, most notably the alarming When U Hear The and the masterfully chopped-up vocal samples heard on the thumping Win or Lose. With Southern energy and soft rap ballads dominating the airwaves these days, Mobb Deep convincingly drives hip-hops flag through the concrete streets of New York City on with this collection of murda music. The careers of Havoc and Prodigy seem to have come full circle in 2004, with this scorcher of an album seeing release nearly a decade after their Infamous introduction to the world. Devoted Mobb fans will rejoice, while ignorant sleepers will wake up once Amerikaz Nightmare concludes. Dont get it twisted; the Mobb is stronger than ever.

Rick James Pt. 5: Farewell Rick

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: AlternativesAugust 10, 2004

AllHipHop.com: It’s really good to hear somebody like yourself say these things. It’s good for us to be able to talk like this and really be real and let people know that it’s not a joke. Rick: But you know what? It’s just that Black people are just taking the stance that they just don’t care. And, it’s scary. AllHipHop.com: I don’t understand how people can’t just care. My parents grew up really poor… Rick: People don’t know what they are about. There’s no more SNCC [Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee] and no more H. Rap Brown and no revolutionaries anymore. There are no people that will stand up anymore. AllHipHop.com: I couldn’t believe that Al Sharpton signed on for a reality show. Rick: Oh that freaks you out? AllHipHop.com: [Laughs] Rick: That freaks you out? Jesse Jackson will sign on for one. Come on lets talk about the Uncle Toms of the world. AllHipHop.com: I guess I’m and idealist. Rick: I’m an idealist, but I’m a realist too. I’m getting ready to do one of those reality shows too. Me and Jamie Fox. It’s going to be about getting Rick James back in shape, going out again. So, I’m going to be able to talk some good s**t and let people hear it. It’s not like music; I can say things and motherf***ers have to listen. AllHipHop.com: Is this in development now? Rick: Yeah, matter of fact; I have to call Jamie today. AllHipHop.com: I’m happy for you. Rick: Allah is blessing me. He ain’t blessing me to keep my mouth shut because I ain’t never did that. AllHipHop.com: Most people are scared to talk. Rick: They ain’t scared to talk, they ain’t got nothing to say! They are a bunch of knuckleheads. AllHipHop.com: I’m a tell you because it’s true, but it’s not true. I interviewed Lloyd Banks, 50 Cent’s boy, and he had a lot to say… Rick: All I know about 50 Cent’s is he got more bullets in him than Al Capone. He’s a player hater. He’s the only ni**a I saw sitting down at the f***in’ [BET] awards show not giving props. To say something, you have to have something to back it up. You better have knowledge. I don’t care what you talk about, whether its politics, theology or whatever. You better have your times and your dates together. When dealing with these fake a** people or these politicians, and I f**kin’ be blowing their minds [and they are like] “So, you never even finished high school?” No, but I did something else, I read and I studied – So lets talk motherf***er! AllHipHop.com: I think artists are scared. As much as gangsta rap is hardcore, they rarely upset the powers that be like Ice-T or somebody did. Rick: That’s their problem. I ain’t afraid of s**t. I’ll take a bullet for what I believe is right. I’ll die in the name of Allah at anytime. AllHipHop.com: That’s the thing with the war…it’s like they are fighting for their God. Rick: Muslims are fighting in the name of God; [the U.S.] is fighting in the name of dollars and cents. AllHipHop.com: When somebody is fighting in the name of God… Rick: …you can’t win, you cannot lose. AllHipHop.com: Wow. Rick, thanks a lot. I don’t really have anything else to say. Rick: Much love to you. I have a feeling that you will be blessed greatly. You have an open-heart and an open mind and you are willing to just talk about it. I can wait until one day we can meet eye-to-eye and just talk more. AllHipHop.com: I hope to meet you and your daughter. Rick: You all get together and you take care of her. Please look out for her. AllHipHop.com: It was such a pleasure. By the way, one thing about Hip-Hop is that, even though it’s based on sampling, it really allows some of us to appreciate people that they don’t promote anymore. AllHipHop.com: Rick: Nobody is trying to stop us from your memory. They’re trying to stop us from going forward. They are not even thinking about us much, so we have to give them something to think about. [Muhammad] Ali tells me, “Rick, keep saying what you are saying and keep it real.” I love him and he’s like my mentor. And I’m not going to stop.

The Hard Way

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Reviews / MusicAugust 9, 2004

Artist: 213Title: The Hard WayRating: 2 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Paine 213 has always been revered as the West Coast super-group that the public never got to hear. But the demo tapes and leaked basement sessions were always a tease to the fans of the braidless Snoop Dogg, the DJ Warren G, and the pre-fedora Nate Dogg. For the last five years, each of the aforementioned has promised this album on a list of different labels, different title and different themes. What it boiled down to was Snoop, Nate and Warren finding themselves with some spare time on their hands. The Hard Way portrays a crew of artists in search of the creative vigor they had a dozen plus years ago as the original 213. Warren G has trademarked himself as the laid back MC. From hits like This DJ, to the more recent, I Want it All, hes never been expected to raise his voice, or stray from his effortless flow. Snoop, on the other hand, was at one time an edgy MC with range and emotion. From his sharp and venomous verses on tracks like, Pump Pump and The Shiznit, Snoop was deft at sticking words up under your ribcage. Older tracks are reference points because those are the days that 213 hail from. It was not the overly laid back Snoop, the slightly less laid back Warren, and the impromptu Nate. That is exactly what were getting. A too smooth, thus energy-lacking effort, that sounds more like a Gap Band album than any Hip-Hop triad. The most blatant rap tracks like, 213 Tha Gangsta Clicc and MLK are dominated by aggressive synthesized beats. The softer side of things shine through because the better half of this album comes from smooth tracks like, Another Summer, Run On Up, and Lil Girl. Warren Gs cadences throughout the album are taking on an all-too close resemblance to his half-brother, Dr. Dres style of delivery. MLK and Absolutely are major proof of that. On the lyrical side of things, Nate steals the show. Mary Jane and So Fly are two of the albums more exciting cuts that reveal Nates fabulous quality. He doesnt stay boxed-in by hooks, but rather Nate Dogg dances around most verses of this album with that one-of-a-kind baritone croon. Luckily, Dave Chapelles Rick James persona is the only guest, lasting an interlude. But, in the wake of Ricks death, the humor is lost. While 213 didnt water-down their album with outsiders, much is to be desired considering the years of hype. One of the most disturbing facts of a 213 album is that it has no producer. Warren G has refused to produce anything since the lackluster sales of his last album. As a result, this album uses music supplied by producers who have no cognition of what the original 213 was, is or should sound like. The only reputable producer that fits the mold is DJ Pooh, who is responsible for Groupie Luv. While Nottz, Hi-Tek, and Kanye West are wonderful producers, this wasnt their place. The one effort that does seem to match an early vibe, is Joysticc. This track uses Juicy Fruit percussion, with thick synth tones and a new wave chorus. Another track that Nate dominates is So Fly. This outstanding soul chop (with vinyl hiss) is provided by none other than Missy Eliot. We can even forget that Smilez & Southstar tried this same beat before. Otherwise, this album barely separates itself from an Eastsidaz album. Perhaps the hardest reality of this album is the jaded element. Its hard to watch your heroes get so cocky they forget why theyre originally in it. It had been widely hoped that this album would be a return to the way things were. Instead, we have three aging stars in total ignorance of their history together, using their fame and wealth as large subject matter, over foreign production. After a dozen years of believing that 213 was the Wests super group, this album only affirms the fact that its truly Westside Connection who wears that crown.

Fire In The Hole

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Reviews / MusicAugust 9, 2004

Artist: Brand NubianTitle: Fire In The HoleRating: 3 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Mr. Opus After a six year layoff, the original members of Brand Nubian have returned with Fire In The Hole (Babygrande) their 3rd studio album as complete unitactually the 5th Brand Nu project for Sadat X and Lord Jamarwith mixed results. It seems clear that the long layoff has not worn on Jamars production talent (he handles most of the album’s production). But Grand Puba seems to have lost a bit of the edge that made him such a well respected MC over a decade ago since he doesn’t deliver the spark that one comes to expect from such a clever lyricist. However, Sadat X seems to be the one member of the group whose star has not diminished over time as he continues to deliver with what has long been one of the most distinctive voices in Hip-Hop history. The latest Brand Nubian project is not a bad one by any stretch of the imagination; just inconsistent. The lead single starts the album off on a bad note, as one gets the impression that the group is trying too hard to keep up with the current trends in Hip-Hopumm, Rap music, when any true fan of Brand Nubian knows that they are above this watered down commercial garbage. Tracks like the chord heavy Young Son, Still Livin in the Ghetto, and Coming Years quickly alleviate our fears by showing hints of their former selves but Momma finds them stumbling while trying to recapture that old soul. Overall, Fire in the Hole could have used a little more fire in the belly of its rhyming core.

Rick James Pt. 4: Politically Minded

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: AlternativesAugust 9, 2004

AllHipHop.com: Are you Muslim? Rick: I study Islam and prefer to call God, Allah. I have studied Islam for 7 years. I am a spiritualist, I believe in God but I prefer to call him Allah AllHipHop.com: What attracted you to Islam? Rick: Because Islam is one of the most powerful dedicated regimented religions that I have ever studied. And it opened up a whole new light for me. AllHipHop.com: Did you study this on your own, or did you have someone. Rick: Allah, or God, leads you towards what you are supposed to do, when I was thinking about my stroke, and my mother and stuff, the only person I could turn to was God. Christianity, I didnt believe in. Islam is not interested in what you wear, and it doesnt care for all of that. AllHipHop.com: I had expressed converting to Islam, with a girlfriend of mines Rick: When you convert to Islam you have to be ready, you have to pray five times a day. You have to know what you are getting into. AllHipHop.com: She was immediately turned off, now with mainstream and in accordance with situation in Iraq Rick: There has always been in every religion, warriors and soldiers, you have fanatics. Bin Laden, we are the Bin Laden terrorists of the world, we have killed more people than Bin Laden and Saddam put together with Adolf Hitler. We dropped bombs and killed millions of people in Japan. AllHipHop.com: Do you consider the current war, a holy war? Rick: No, it isnt a holy war, it is a war based on money. The only reason we went over there was to kill Saddam to get the oil. Its a shame, cause Bushs racist brother was stopping blacks from going to the polls. AllHipHop.com: Have you seen Fahrenheit 9/11? Rick: I loved it. What do you think? I mean, Republicans believe its not true, but it is fact based. The media seems to not be as critical of the President. The President does not have the ultimate power; the largest power seat in the US is Chairman of the House. Because you cant f**k with him. Thats what Arnold Schwartzenegger is going to run for. Louis Stokes is my first cousin and he has been a congressman for over 50 years. Me and him talk a lot, and he told me thats the most important position. People dont know that big brothers are going to be watching them. AllHipHop.com: I watched 1984 just the other day. I read the book when I was 15. I read the book and then saw the movie and thought this is so much of what is starting to happen today. Rick: Yes, I read it too. I never graduated from high school but I was damned if I was going to be dumb. Thats why in my songs, I used innuendos and stuff I gave them a glimpse of wordology, and I never lied to them. AllHipHop.com: Are you going to have these messages on your double album? Rick: They already have been. I had a song about nuclear warfare. Im trying to talk to our people. AllHipHop.com: A lotta people like Bill Cosby, Spike Lee Rick: Bill Cosby has no f**kin idea. Spike Lee is so self-f**king-indulgent. Danny Glover is the only person that makes any sense. And Colin Powell is a cracker cookie black killing piece of s**t. Bush is a f**kin maniac. AllHipHop.com: Wow. Have you heard of the possibility of a draft? Rick: Aint gonna be no f**kin draft. Soon as they do a draft, its gonna be a Third World War right here in the United States, because Black people aint going. AllHipHop.com: You aint lying. Rick: How is there gonna be a draft when there aint even a World War. The next world war is a button, man. And, Korea is gonna start that s**t up. Korea already told us, Kiss our ass! [Like a U.S. official] Wed like to take all of your weapons of mass destruction and destroy them. Korea said, Ill tell you what you do, bring ya a#### over here! And yall destroy them, motherf**kers! AllHipHop.com: [Laughs] Rick: And Revelations in the Bible says, the Dragon will rise so shall be the end of the times. The Red Dragon is Korea. Korea told us, Kiss our ass! Now come on over here! AllHipHop.com: I dont think well mess with Korea. Rick: We said, Ok, excuse me. Give me a f**kin break. Korea aint having it. I love Korea, man. Korea is a Muslim country. There are many MuslimsIts very deep. Just think how I feel. Most people walking around the street just dont give a f**k that any minute if they dont have money, they will have a number stamped on their ass. They dont give a f**k that money is going to be obsolete. AllHipHop.com: You are right. I cant seem to live without my ATM. Rick: Computers, man. You wont even need to type. AllHipHop.com: Im on the computer too much. Rick: All those computer are gonna be taken away and its going to be vocal. Anything you want the computer to do, you will talk to it. Its also going to watch youre a**. AllHipHop.com: In a way, they watch you now, because they can monitor your email, where you surf… Rick: No, the government is going to run computers and TVs. Eventually, there are things that you can say in the telephone and youll have helicopters over your f**kin house in five. AllHipHop.com: My whole thing is how do you prevent these things from happening? Rick: My whole thing is being conscious and not just running around here thinking everything is all right because it aint. And my whole thing is trying to teach other Blacks, whoever wants to listen, that there is a better way. We can run this s**t if we unify. All Spike Lee wants to do is talk about a bunch of […]

Pharrell Williams Launches Ice Cream Sneaker Collection

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: NewsAugust 9, 2004

Pharrell Williams of production duo The Neptunes has revealed the name of his signature sneaker collection with Reebok will be called Ice Cream. The Ice Cream footwear collection will drop next month and is part of a long term licensing deal between Williams and Reebok, the company that will also produce his Billionaire Boys Club clothing line. Both the sneakers and the clothing line will be available in limited runs at high end boutiques across the globe. "There is a tremendous opportunity for us to create a niche in the sneaker category that would set this collection apart from anything else that is out there," Williams said. "The Ice Cream collection is everything the sneaker enthusiast desires — it is fashionable, aspirational, and most of all it is limited." The sneakers come encased in packages that resemble ice cream cartons and according to Reebok, the first designs feature “sparkling images of diamonds and dollar bills.” Additional designs include images of radios, dice, pagers and money rolls. The sneakers will retail for $200 and will debut in three colors: black/red/blue, yellow/navy/blue and white/black/red.