The Lox Still Ruff Ryders
When Lox members Sheek Louch, Jadakiss and Styles P. formed their D-Block label and inked a deal with Universal, rumors swirled that there was a rift between the trio and the label that the group is signed to, Ruff Ryders. "I don’t know where the rumors come from, B," Jadakiss said while feasting on some watermelon. "It’s like one big fruit. It’s like one big watermelon. They made it all possible. We’re grown up and mature. It’s all beautiful. Those are the OG’s." The group, which was signed to P. Diddy’s Bad Boy imprint before hopping to Ruff Ryders/Universal, said they learned from being signed to both labels and decided to launch their own imprint. As a group, they are still signed to Ruff Ryders, but Sheek’s solo album is being released under the D-Block imprint, which fueled the rumor. "I don’t get into rumors. The Lox are still Ruff Ryders," Sheek added. "We all collectively watched Ruff Ryders, Bad Boy and all these other labels blow up and make their mistakes. That just gives us a lot of insight, we learned from them." The first artist signed to the D-Block label is J-Hood, who has made a name for himself on the mixtape circuit, the last Ruff Ryders compilation CD and is featured on Sheek’s current solo album, Walk Witt Me.
Sgt. Kevin Manning: Same Song
A memory. One evening when I was eighteen years old I came home after my night shift at McDonalds to a police officer standing in my driveway next to my second used car, a fly burgundy 78 Volvo. He informed me that my car had been seen leaving the scene of a crime. Allegedly someone had driven my car to break into another car in my neighborhood and steal an amplifier. Since I had walked to work that evening and had left my car at home I knew I hadnt committed the crime. So I turned to look at my younger, more criminally active brother who was standing on my front stoop and was welcomed by the guilt ridden expression on his face. It was then that Mr. Officer leaned over and whispered into my ear, I know your brother did this, just get him to say he did it. After the pig asked me to snitch on my own brother, I turned back around and stretched out both of my arms to be handcuffed. That evening cemented in my mind, along with years of personal experience and healthy doses of N.W.A., Geto Boys, and Eightball & MJG, that pigs have an ethical responsibility to be as unethical as possible in patrolling and controlling mine and your community. So when I got a chance to speak with the lead investigator in the Tupac Shakur murder case, Sgt. Kevin Manning, my level of trust in his integrity regarding this case was nil. Unfortunately, nothing Sgt. Manning had to say to me in our conversation reversed my initial wary feeling. You see, much like David Roger, the District Attorney in Vegas, Sgt. Kevin Manning just doesnt appear interested in this case. So if you feel the need to motivate Mr. Manning into submitting a case to the District Attorney for prosecution in the murder of Tupac Shakur, give him a call at (702) 229-3521 or send him a motivational message at: k2434m@lvmpd.com. Everyone needs motivation once in awhile. [The views expressed by this writer dont necessarily reflect the opinions of AllHipHop.com] Allhiphop.com: Who do you believe murdered Tupac Shakur? Kevin Manning: Who I personally believe (murdered him) doesnt matter. Its the evidence that matters, not my personal belief. Allhiphop: According to Det. Brent Becker in a statement he made to Primetime Live, in 1996 your department knew who murdered Tupac Shakur. So why then wasnt a report with recommendations for prosecution submitted to the District Attorney in this case? Kevin Manning: As of this date, and its been this way since day one, there is no evidence to submit to the District Attorney for a prosecution of anyone. Allhiphop: So that statement that he made to Primetime Live in 1996 we know who did this, we just dont have anyone willing to come forward was that accurate or inaccurate? Kevin Manning: He had his belief as to whos responsible; I have my belief as to whos responsible. And as I said from the beginning, my belief doesnt matter; its the evidence that matters. Allhiphop: Is there still a lack of witness issue, as he alluded to, with this investigation? Kevin Manning: When I say evidence, that includes direct evidence that would come from witnesses and any circumstantial evidence. And as of today we have no evidence that would implicate any individual. Allhiphop: So you dont even have a prime suspect? Kevin Manning: Once again, we have no evidence, circumstantial or direct, which would implicate any one or more individuals. Allhiphop: Was there any circumstantial evidence at any point to try and take this case to a grand jury? Kevin Manning: If we had that we would have done that. Allhiphop: In most gang killings there are no willing witnesses, so why couldnt this case have been proven without witness testimony? Kevin Manning: The only direct evidence that we have in this case is nothing that can connect to an individual, and so the only thing left is either circumstantial or witness testimony, and since we dont have any witnesses whove ever come forward to say that they recognized or saw anyone commit this crime theres nothing to submit to a grand jury or to the District Attorney for prosecution. Allhiphop: Do you believe that there were any eyewitnesses to the murder in addition to Yafeu Kadafi Fula? Kevin Manning: There was a bunch of eyewitnesses, including Suge Knight himself. Allhiphop: Do you believe Mr. Knight was deliberately uncooperative in the investigation? Kevin Manning: Youd have to ask him that question. Allhiphop: Why werent ballistics test done on the .40 caliber Glock that was believed to belong to Orlando Anderson to see if the gun matched the bullets found in Tupacs body? Kevin Manning: I dont know where youre getting your information from, but weve done testing on numerous weapons over the years. And Im not gonna get into specifics, whos weapons we have or have not tested. Allhiphop: There wasnt a .40 caliber Glock recovered from the house that Orlando Anderson was believed to reside in? Kevin Manning: I know for a fact that the information from the cartridge cases and the like has been entered into the national system and there has never been a match. Allhiphop: Why wasnt Tim Brennans affidavit (see Chuck Philips Me Against The World) enough circumstantial evidence to seek an indictment against Orlando Anderson for Tupacs murder? Kevin Manning: Because it has no evidence in it. Theres a lot of hearsay, and thats not sufficient for prosecution. Allhiphop: Can you tell me if the information in the affidavit was ever followed up, were those witnesses ever re-interviewed by your department? Kevin Manning: Weve talked to hundreds and hundreds of people over the years. And once again, as of today, no one has ever provided any evidence thats substantial and would be needed for an indictment. Allhiphop: According to a statement made by Orlando Anderson to Chuck Philips, as of October of 1996 your […]
Kadafi’s Mother Speaks
"We have to start with the truth…my son was murdered," said Yaasmyn Fula, mother of Kadafi Fula. There have been various accounts of how Kadafi, one of Tupac’s Outlawz, was slain. Some theories state that he was killed in a freak accident with a firearm and others still maintain that he was murdered because he was willing to testify to Pac’s murderers. Once known as Young Hollywood, Kadafi (real name: Yafeu A. Fula aka Yak) was instrumental in the formation of the Outlawz as he was featured on early Pac songs like "Flex," "Me Against The World" and "Outlaw." Tupac bestowed him with the name Kadafi, a moniker after former Libyan chief Mu’ammar al-Qadhafi. Later, as an Outlaw Kadafi was featured on classic Pac songs like "Hit Em Up." Maintaining she knows the reality surrounding her son’s death, Fulu said she has a perspective that no other can claim – that of a mother. "I have a totally different take on [my son’s death]," she told AllHipHop.com refuting most of the looming questions. She said that the media, rappers and the general population have forgotten much of Tupac’s roots in the Black Nationalist movement and much of the edutainment value of hip-hop culture. "What are we giving the youth? They have no concept of history," she said. "Tupac was the epitome of everything that is good in us." Nevertheless, she said she had no intention of dwelling on her son’s passing. "I am about moving forward," she said promising to discuss more about her son at a later date. At the time of his death Kadafi was 19 years old.
Chingy’s “Jackpot” Is Platinum, Philly Incident Explained
Saint Louis rapper Chingy’s debut album, Jackpot has reached platinum status off the strength of his hit single, "Right Thurr." The rapper, who recently bought a house in his hometown to celebrate hitting the jackpot, said that success is all it’s cracked up to be. "It’s a great thing, the first time around hitting big, just being blessed," Chingy told AllHipHop.com. "I appreciate the people and the support of the fans. Everything is good." Based on reports last week, fans may have been led to believe otherwise. The rapper made an appearance at Philadelphia’s Gallery Mall to give a free performance, but when more fans showed up than was anticipated, the mall was closed and evacuated. "It was a crowded show, like 4000 people and the kids loved it so much," Chingy continued. "I didn’t get robbed, but a girl did get my ring, but it was only worth $400 dollars. We didn’t get ambushed or anything like that. The people were just feeling us." The rapper, who just returned from the Roc The Mic tour, said that he is gearing up for another tour and doing spot dates to promote the latest single, "Holidae Inn," which features Snoop Dogg and fellow Disturbing Tha Peace click member, Ludacris. "I can’t wait to get back out on the road, I really am looking forward to the next tour. In the meantime, I am looking over some movie deals to see if I want to get into that." Chingy’s Jackpot is in stores now.
Baby Phat Launches Visa Card
Baby Phat’s Kimora Lee Simmons launched her new Baby Phat Prepaid Rush Visa Card, which sports the Baby Phat logo, is hot pink and offers card holders special discounts through the Baby Phat website. "I’m extremely excited to be partnering with my husband in introducing the new Baby Phat Card," said Kimora Lee said. "Through the card, we will be able to offer our most loyal customers special rebates and specialty items we know they will appreciate." Kimora Lee’s husband, Russell Simmons, said that he spent over two years developing the infrastructure for the financial company he heads up, UniRush, which is a joint venture between the mogul and Cincinnati-based Unifund Corporation. The Baby Phat card is the first in a new line of affinity branded Rush Cards, which will be released over the coming months, in an attempt to capture new niche markets. All of the Rush Cards are reloadable, prepaid Visa Cards. All Baby Phat customers will receive a 10 percent discount on all purchases made through the website. The card can be used where Visa is accepted. The card is available online at www.babyphat.com, and by calling 866-RUSHCARD. All new cardholders of the Baby Phat card will also receive a Baby Phat Welcome Pack, which includes a pink Baby Phat tee, an autographed photo and welcome letter from Kimora Lee and exclusive release details on her upcoming music CD.
Kanye West To Have Jaw Broken Again
According to rapper/producer Kanye West, his song "Through The Wire" is much more than a dedication to the accident that nearly cost him his life, because he is getting his jaw broken again. "I gotta get my jaw re-broken in a couple weeks. They didn’t put it in the right place," West told AllHipHop.com. "I’m going to have to go on tour with Twista with my mouth wired shut. Some of these performances are going to be through the wire for real." West broke his jaw in October of 2002, after a late night session with State Property. The accident happened just two weeks after he officially signed with Roc-A-Fella. "I got the wide ass cheeks right now," West said. "My friends look at me like a Cabbage Patch Kid." And despite having a potential career ending injury as a rapper, West maintained high spirits and said that he is actually using the ordeal to his benefit. "Just from a management side, I capitalized on [the accident]. I based a whole career off this accident," he joked. "I said ‘What, I almost died? I’m about to get famous off this sh*t. F*ck that." West is preparing to drop his solo album, College Dropout, slated for a February release date.
David Roger: White Man’z World
Grand jury. What is a grand jury? According to the American Bar Association (no liquor, but lots of drunk lawyers) "the primary function of the modern grand jury is to review the evidence presented by the prosecutor and determine whether there is probable cause to return an indictment." Basically, the grand jury was designed as a safeguard against tyrannical prosecutors, preventing them from prosecuting in their own interests and not the people’s. Unfortunately, the grand jury hears only cases brought to it by the prosecutor. And in the case of the murder of a hip-hop legend, one man, David Roger, has decided that the people don’t deserve to take a look. I had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Roger, the District Attorney of Clark County, Nevada, and absorbing some good ‘ole fashioned prejudicial gibberish. As you will read for yourself, selective prosecution was alive and well in this great land of ours long before 9/11. The man who decides which Vegas hookers go to jail and which get sent back to Hollywood seems a little apathetic about the Tupac Shakur murder case. He just doesn’t seem interested. Well, all public officials need to be encouraged once in awhile, prodded into actions deemed necessary by the people they’re sworn to serve. So if you feel the need to encourage Mr. Roger to have a grand jury convened to investigate the murder of Tupac Shakur, give him a call at (702) 455-4711 or send him an encouraging message at: rogerd@co.clark.nv.us and remind Mr. Roger that he can’t ignore this case any longer. 7 years is long enough! Allhiphop.com: Did the Las Vegas Metro Police submit a report to your office with recommendations as to what charges should be filed in the Tupac Shakur murder case? David Roger: Not that I’m aware of. I’m the present District Attorney, I took office January 6th, and so anything that happened in a prior administration would not be within my knowledge. But I don’t think they submitted a case to us. Allhiphop: Why then wasn’t a grand jury convened in this case to see if there was enough evidence to prosecute Orlando Anderson or anyone else for the murder of Tupac Shakur? David Roger: We use the grand jury primarily to present cases that we intend to seek indictments. The procedure is that the detectives present us with their reports when they believe that they have sufficient evidence to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. We review the case and if we agree with their statement that there is sufficient evidence, then we either file charges in Justice Court or we proceed to a grand jury and we present the case to them. And it’s my understanding that they did not present a case to us. There was no evidence to present to a grand jury. There are times when detectives will ask us to assist in the investigation and subpoena witnesses to testify before the grand jury in its capacity as an investigative division, but to my knowledge that did not occur. Allhiphop: Since you’ve been in the District Attorney’s office have you ever had a grand jury convened in a case where no suspect was clearly identified by the police? David Roger: No sir. Allhiphop: Have you ever prosecuted a murder case where there was no witness to the crime? David Roger: No witness to the crime? Allhiphop: No witness to the murder itself. Have you ever prosecuted a murder case where there was no witness to the murder? David Roger: If you’re asking me whether I have personally prosecuted a case where there are no eyewitnesses to the murder but instead strong circumstantial evidence which would suggest beyond a reasonable doubt that a person committed the crime, the answer is yes. If you’re asking me the broad question of whether I’ve prosecuted a case where there are no witnesses period, the answer is no. As prosecutors we have an ethical obligation to proceed only with those cases where we have an abiding conviction in the truth of the matter, and that we know that we can prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. When you have a case with no witnesses period, it’s obvious that you can’t prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt and therefore there’s no attempt to prosecute the case. Allhiphop: Have you ever been successful in a case like that, where there was no witness to the murder, have you ever obtained a conviction in such a case? David Roger: I guess you need to clarify what you mean by no witness. Allhiphop: Basically, you have circumstantial evidence, but you have no person, no witness to the actual murder itself that will get up in a court and testify. David Roger: You mean no eyewitness? Allhiphop: No eyewitness. David Roger: I have prosecuted many circumstantial evidence cases. Allhiphop: Have you been relatively successful? David Roger: Yes I have. Allhiphop: Did you personally ever review the initial police report or any case file on Tupac Shakur’s murder? David Roger: No. Allhiphop: Did anyone else to your knowledge within the DA’s office review this case? David Roger: Not to my knowledge. Allhiphop: Can your office choose to prosecute in a case without a specific recommendation from a police department? David Roger: It’s rare that we get involved in investigations that are initiated by our office. We rely on law enforcement to present complete, trial ready cases to us for prosecution. We file approximately 22,000 felony cases each year and we don’t have the manpower to have our own investigative branch of the District Attorney’s office. Allhiphop: So basically a majority of the time it is based on police recommendation? David Roger: Correct. Allhiphop: As I understand it you were Deputy District Attorney at the time of the Tupac Shakur murder correct? David Roger: Yes. Allhiphop: Were you involved in any investigative element of that case via your position at the time? David Roger: No. Allhiphop: Do you believe that […]
Music, Magic, Myth
Artist: The Last EmperorTitle: Music, Magic, MythRating: 3 1/2 StarsReviewed by: aqua boogie The Last Emperors career has been more stop and go (more on the stop side) than rush hour traffic. Never discouraged, his debut album Music, Magic, Myth is finally out on indie label Raptivism. Hailed as a champion lyricist since his origins in the Lyricist Lounge, open mic scene of the early nineties, the West Philadelphia native with the intellectual but street sweeping flow makes it clear that although he has been in label limbo for the better part of a decade, hes still worthy of his name and will finally be heard. Music, Magic, Myth stumbles out of the starting gate: the usually dependable Madsols beat contributions (Whos That, Some Love, Some Hate) that open the album (besides a funny medieval inspired intro courtesy of Prince Paul) start things off with dawdling and flat production that doesnt stand out. The same can be said of Ayatollahs Tiger Trail which wastes Emps adept lyrics with a key laden but dull track. Both beatmakers redeem themselves but not until the albums 5th track. Madsol provides a serene vocal loop and sublime keys for Last Emps introspective verses regarding the streets. Immediately following is the bobbing, Ayatollah produced strings of Repetition that finds Emp weaving vivid tales about aspirations of leaving the hood, poor relationship decisions and everlasting love. Its Emps storytelling abilities that set him apart as a superior emcee. On Animalistics he lyrically assumes the forms of different beasts of the animal kingdom: As you violate all my jungles laws, I become a Black Panther with paws and razor sharp claws/my cat form gives me the ability, to pounce with the grace and agility of a Tiger they fire shots its killin me/ Three emcees run in different directions and sections, I transform into a Cheetah I bet I can catch them in seconds. Emp’s intellect is apparent in his lyrics but is not too complex for someone who is not blessed with the same breadth of knowledge. And in case you think hes only an egghead with a mic, the vicious battle rap/freestyle flows of Meditation and The Block Party featuring Coco Brovas (a re-worked homage-not a bite-to Stetasonics Go Stetsa) will dismiss any doubts. Music, Magic, Myth falters because despite containing plenty of gems, it is also stocked with a numbers of songs that are just, okay. Cuts like The Incredible Man or The Underground would have been better off as B-sides and left off the album. You also cant help but wonder what if things ran smoothly and Emp would have dropped product in the late 90s like he was supposed to? But what matters is now and Music, Magic, Myth is a well-rounded album from a seasoned but under-appreciated wordsmith of superior skill. Thats not myth, but fact.
Comprehensive Review Guide For Hip-Hop Albums Drops
Hip-Hop journalist Oliver W### has assembled over two dozen hip-hop critics around the world and has released "Classic Material, The Hip-Hop Album Guide," the first comprehensive review guide for hip-hop albums. "At the beginning of the year, if you walked into any bookstore in the country and tried to find any books dedicated to reviewing hip-hop albums, you’d find at most, one book, if even that," W### told AllHipHop.com. "Compare that to the number of dedicated guides to everything from jazz to the blues to rock to reggae to world music, etc. It was a glaring omission to me that for whatever reason, publishers were not willing to give a music with a 25+ year history, arguably the most important and popular genre in the U.S. since the 1980s, a few books for readers to learn something about hip-hop that’s more than just another slang dictionary or set of artist profiles." The review guide tackles hip-hop’s history thought it’s most important albums and covers over seventy albums, from "pioneers to pimps, platinum to politics." The book features commentaries from Rolling Stone’s Kris Ex, LA Weekly’s Ernest Hardy, Vibe’s Serena Kim, former Source/XXL editor Reginald Dennis, Joseph Patel and Jon Caramanica. "Readers won’t agree with every opinion spoken in the book and that’s the point," W### continued. "’Classic Material’ taps into the conversations we have about hip-hop everyday and aspires to be a starting point, not an ending point." "Classic Material, The Hip-Hop Album Guide" is edited by W###, features a forward by legendary hip-hop A&R, Dante Ross and is in stores now.
Lance “Un” Rivera Directs New Latifah Flick
Lance "Un" Rivera has switched hats, from record label CEO to movie director, jumping behind the lens for the Queen Latifah penned "The Cookout." Rivera, who used to hustle on the streets of New York with rapper Notorious B.I.G., headed up the Undeas, which he founded with Biggie and Untertainment, which at one point had Cam’ron, Lil Kim & Junior Mafia and Charli Baltimore. Shooting in New Jersey, Rivera is directing "The Cookout" for Lions Gate Films. The movie includes an all-star cast of rappers including Latifah, Ja-Rule and Eve. The movie focuses on a local basketball star who becomes the N.B.A.’s number 1 draft pick and to celebrate, holds a cookout at his new mansion. Rivera, who made headlines when he was stabbed by Jay-Z for allegedly bootlegging the rapper’s music, has directed a number of music videos, including Biggie’s "Juicy," Cam and Mase’s "Horse and Carriage" Junior Mafia’s "Get Money" and "Players Anthem."
Divine Design
Artist: Jeru The DamajaTitle: Divine DesignRating: 3 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Damainion Ewell When the name Jeru The Damaja comes to mind, you usually think of the super-conscious lyricist, taking shots at pimps, players, hustlers and materialistic women. From humble beginnings as an aspiring Brooklyn, N.Y. rapper to becoming an internationally known talent, he has refused to change his formula. As a member (and eventual ex-member) of one of Hip-Hops all-time greatest collectives, The Gang Starr Foundation, to his 1994 debut, The Sun Rises In The East, to his latest opus, Divine Design, Jeru has dared to be different and not get caught up in the hype that Hip-Hop can drown an artist in. The self-proclaimed Dirty Rotten Scoundrel has returned to reclaim his place amongst Hip-Hop’s most lyrically fit, and has a track record to validate his place. Divine Design picks up the broken pieces that his previous album, Heroz4hire, left laying in the dirt. His debut single, “War,” is a classic “stand up and be counted” track, letting his opinions be known about R. Kelly’s current legal troubles and Ja Rule’s supposed jacking of his name. I cant trip, thats just a part of the game/like Ja Rule biting my name/like MJ going up in flames/like chickens sucking dick for fame/as things change I remain the same, Jeru proclaims, which further refutes the fact that hes going anywhere, despite venturing out on his own. On arguably the hottest single on the entire album, True Skillz, the Jeru of old makes a triumphant return, spitting venomous lyrics to a DJ Premier-like track: Throwing bolos at amateurs and pros/pastime converting hoes, putting MCs in choke holds/before it slips my mind shout out to all my bros/you couldnt count the mics I ripped on all your fingers and toes. Other tracks such as Praise Da Lord, The Queens (the B-side to his 1994 Da Bichez single), and Rasta Powers (the latest installation of his classic Prophet skits) prove that Jeru is still ahead of his time in the fine art of lyricism. When most thought that Jeru would wind up being another washed up MC without DJ Premier’s sphere of influence, he has set his sights on proving his critics wrong; Divine Design is a step in the right direction. Rookie producers Sabor and Edd Dantez have complete control behind the boards, although the beats are not quite as polished Premiers once offered. Jeru frequently outshines the music, which is apparent on tracks Dirty, and Murda 1. The beats are basic, flat, and do nothing to encompass Jerus gritty, yet versatile style of lyricism. Jeru The Damaja is in a constant battle to continuously show and prove that he’s one of the best at what he does. Although a step-up from his previous album, he still suffers from a huge case of Canibus Syndrome, dope lyrics overshadowed by a lack of complimentary beats. As Jeru pushes forward, lets hope that he finds the cure for this crippling disease and begins to walk in the upright position that the Hip-Hop community is accustomed to seeing him in.
State Ends Settlement Talks With Simmons
The New York State Lobbying Commission ended settlement talks with Russell Simmons and Benjamin Chavis, of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network. The settlement talks were in relation to a federal lawsuit Simmons and Chavis filed contesting the states rights to investigate whether or not Simmons, Chavis and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network were illegally lobbying to change the Rockefeller drug laws. The drug laws call for harsh sentencing for certain types of drug possession violations, which many feel target black and hispanic males.
Walk Witt Me
Artist: Sheek LouchTitle: Walk Witt MeRating: 3 StarsReviewed by: Toshi Kondo Very few groups have a strong enough fan base or the longevity for each member to release a solo effort. However, since their days of rebelling against Puffys platinum dreams, the LOX have built a reputation for delivering high-quality gun talk that has endeared them to the streets. With relatively successful solo efforts from Jadakiss and Styles P, its only appropriate that Sheek bless fans with his first solo release Walk Witt Me. Unlike his partners-in-rhyme though, Sheeks mixtape rhymes dont translate as smoothly to a full song and album format. In contrast to many other groups, each of the LOX members have very distinctive styles. Jadakiss has a raspy voice and cocky demeanor. While Styles P sounds very nonchalant and has an effortless flow. Lastly, Sheek has an aggressive, but simple and straightforward delivery. This delivery works best on tracks where he opens up and speaks to listeners about his life and experiences. I Aint Forget is a chronicle of his time as a Bad Boy in the industry and the reason behind the Lox jailbreak from the label, spitting: I knew it on when I got with Sean/ But I was caught up in the mix of some glittery s###/ 18, him and Mase making mils with it / Had to get up off that, jewelry and Cristal, couldnt talk that. He even acknowledges that the streets felt Jadas solo effort was moist and accuses Interscope of providing weak promotion for Styles album. The title track picks up where Styles Listen left off, envisioning a utopia without the numerous problems that Earths inhabitants confront on a daily basis. With soft humming and a slow, plodding piano, the track has a very ethereal feel. With the aforementioned tracks, Sheeks flow is beneficial. On the other hand, when it comes to matching his LOX partners rhyme-for-rhyme, it becomes an impediment. In/Out with Styles P, allows the listener to hear the two switch off every two bars and is damming evidence for why a Sheek solo had less anticipation than the other members of the LOX. The synthesized production on many tracks such as How Many Guns and the extremely disappointing Turn It Up, are reminiscent of how early Ruff Ryder releases sounded when produced solely by Swizz Beats. On the latter, Alchemist contributes a throwaway beat whose blandness is matched by Sheeks lazy bars. Although the whole album does not sound like this, these tracks give it a slightly amateurish undertone. Given the previous material that Sheek has put on wax through mixtapes and LOX projects, this album doesnt depart far from the expected street aesthetic. Some of his more personal and insightful songs showcase his versatility and ability to carry a project for dolo. But as unfair as it may be, when comparing Walk Witt Me to the high standards set by other LOX affiliated projects, one cant help but feel as if something is missing.
Sean Paul: Reggaes Rock
He is single-handedly one of the most popular dancehall artists to emerge from Jamaica. Many will remember him from his 1996 single, Deport Them which garnered much success in urban radio, especially Hot 97. He has been burning up the charts since last year with his successful crossover single, Give Me the Light. The man is Sean Paul. A man of humble beginnings has an open and honest conversation with allhiphop.com. Sean has had an interesting childhood upbringing. He considers himself to be an uptown kid. I grew up in a middle class to upper class society. I was provided for in terms of schooling, clothing, and certain societal privileges. I lived a suburban lifestyle, but I attended school with inner city children. Those are the things that make me an uptown kid. He informs allhiphop.com that growing up as the uptown kid made him more aware of his surroundings and others circumstances. I did not grow up in the inner city, but I understood the problems that one faced in that environment. Though Sean lived a life of privilege, he was faced with his share of struggles. My family had of encounters with obstacles as well, especially my mother. My father was jailed from the time that I was 13 to 19. He was on some radical stuff. Though both of my parents families were associated with wealth and power, I can recall a few times my mother would pick collard greens from the garden to feed us. I do not look upon my life with any regrets, and I feel that there are some things that you learn to accept. These are the cards I was dealt, and I must play my own hand. When Sean speaks of his homeland, Jamaica, he speaks with a sense of pride. I love the United States, but I prefer to stay in Jamaica. I have not been home for a consistent time for about a year and a half. I plan to stay there to help my family, especially my mother, who has done so much for me. Every country has their problems. Although Sean may love his homeland, he does not agree with his homelands strict laws on the use of profanity. Recently he was arrested for using profanity in one of his concerts, and he explains his disdain with the political system. I think that Jamaica has a huge emphasis on morals. However, they violate these morals every day by overtaxing people. Politicians are corrupt, and worried only about themselves and their own progression. People are dying everyday, people are missing everyday, but they are focused on the wrong things. People are so worried about me cursing that they fail to recognize that some of the things that I say are just as bad. I may not curse, but the things I say mean the same thing. Music has proven to be a major force in the life of Sean Paul. He cites Bob Marley, Super Cat, Lt. Stitchie, and Major Worries as his major musical influences. Super Cat is one of my greatest influences. I admire all of the dancehall and Jamaican artists, and learn from all of them. Dancehall music is becoming extremely popular, and has definitely made an impact on American music. It has been heard on almost every hot album of this past year. Some people believe that the dancehall popularity may cause the music to lose its meaning. Sean commented on the state of dancehall by stating, I am happy about the state of dancehall music. It is finally starting to emerge, and I know that it is making an impact. Gimme The Light was the first time that a riddim was getting constant play on MTV. Jamaican riddims take about two years to impact on the American market. I know that it is making an influence when kids in Idaho know my lyrics, and understand what I say. I think that things will only get better. Sean has had the privilege of appearing on a number of singles featuring dancehall riddims from likes of Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes, to Beyonce, Mya, and Blu Cantrell. He says, I am so glad to have been given the opportunity to work with such hard working individuals. They all work extremely hard in the studio, and I honestly admire their work ethic and drive. I also admire the fact that they give credit where it is due. They reach out to someone who is from the culture, and acknowledge the impact of the music. Sean may be very happy about the crossover success of dancehall music, but he plans to include more cultural lyrics on his upcoming project. I am working on something special, and I want to get back to the essence of the dancehall music. If Sean were to be granted his chance to collaborate with a person or group on his next album, it would be the Wu-Tang Clan. I really admire the Wu-Tang Clan. They are a group of artists comprised of so much creativity, and they help one another with their projects. I hope to work with them. Sean is a man of vision. Sean is a man of insight and wisdom. He is the epitome of a natural born star. Make sure to check out his album Dutty Rock in stores now, and look out for future projects.
Cathy Scott: Ambitionz Az A Ridah
Cathy Scott, the author of the bestseller The Killing of Tupac Shakur, as well as the jaw-dropping The Murder of Biggie Smalls is one ambitious lady. In addition to her teachings (journalism at UNLV) and her column ("Crime and Punishment" for Las Vegas CityLife), she even manages time to solve a murder or two. Her ambition as a writer (get it) is to always tell you, the reader, the truth. ALLHIPHOP.COM: Who do you believe murdered Tupac Shakur? CATHY SCOTT: It’s pretty common knowledge and widely believed that the Crips killed him, specifically the triggerman, Orlando Anderson. ALLHIPHOP: Are you 100% certain of that? CATHY SCOTT: I’m about as sure as you could be. ALLHIPHOP: Why do you think he did it? CATHY SCOTT: I don’t know if we’ll ever know why he did it. The motive is there obviously, he got beat up by Tupac and others and went and got his buddies, it wasn’t difficult to find Tupac that night, and shot him. Who knows if that’s what it was, because he was roughed up or if it’s just some bad blood. It’s just street justice that’s all it is, real simple. ALLHIPHOP: I don’t really want to cover too many details of the case that most of our readers already know, so is there any new piece of info regarding the shooting that you can divulge? CATHY SCOTT: I’ve included new interviews and that sort of thing in my book, but as far as anything new, it’s really just the same thing, the cops have not pursued this case actively for a very, very long time. And they’ve said themselves and I’ve got in on the record and in my book that they know who killed him, but they say they didn’t have the evidence to arrest him, and low and behold that person (Orlando Anderson) is dead now isn’t he? ALLHIPHOP: Yes, unfortunately. Now, let’s address a couple of the more shocking claims surrounding the shooting. First, Biggie Smalls is staying in a penthouse suite at the MGM Grand Hotel under a false name the night of Tupac’s murder, fact or fiction? CATHY SCOTT: Fiction. Absolutely fiction. You’re talking about Chuck Philips’ article in the L.A. Times right? ALLHIPHOP: Yes. What was your impression of that piece? CATHY SCOTT: I talked to a couple of gang cops there who’ve been in Compton for years and years on the streets, and they said they told Chuck Philips before he came out with the article, "you’re wrong, you’re dead wrong on this," and he came out with the article anyway. They told him, "you are wrong Chuck," and he came out with it anyway. His source was some gangbanger, some little kid who’s probably never left Compton and is probably laughing his head off right now and saying, "look what I just did." ALLHIPHOP: Here’s another one of the more shocking claims surrounding the shooting, Suge Knight is shot in the head, where the bullet remains logged to this day, fact or fiction? CATHY SCOTT: Fact. It’s actually shrapnel. He’s got some shrapnel at the base of his skull, top of his neck. ALLHIPHOP: So why do you believe Nick Broomfield said that he was only struck by flying glass in his Biggie & Tupac documentary? CATHY SCOTT: I don’t know why, he’s got Russell Poole for a source, a disgruntled cop who worked on the investigation for about five minutes. You know the cops here don’t elaborate about a lot and when something comes out on the details of a shooting, they’ll tell you who was shot, and Suge Knight was one of those who was shot. And yeah, he’s got some shrapnel stuck in his head. ALLHIPHOP: I basically wasn’t asking why he said what he said, but if he’s basing his claim on a medical report, do you know for a fact that Suge was struck by something other than glass? CATHY SCOTT: It’s based on the facts that came out early on in the case that were released from the hospital. The hospital released facts on the shooting, as far as the victims, which there were two victims, Suge and Tupac, and then the police initially on the condition of the victims, and Suge was one of those victims, and they gave out condition reports. ALLHIPHOP: During your research did you explore the theory that Suge orchestrated all of this? CATHY SCOTT: Yes I did explore it. There is absolutely not one shred of evidence that backs up that theory. And you know how badly the cops want him, if he did have something to do with Tupac’s shooting he’d be in prison for that right now, and not on some stupid parole violation. ALLHIPHOP: In the Biggie & Tupac documentary, Nick Broomfield seems to suggest that Orlando Anderson was merely a Lee Harvey Oswald-type patsy hired by either Suge or members of Suge’s crew to just be there in the casino that night. CATHY SCOTT: That’s absolutely fictional, and let me get this straight, Suge is a Blood, and Orlando is a Crip, yet Suge supposedly hired the Crips to do something for him, I mean they’re a rival gang, it’s just all a bunch of nonsense. It’s just people who don’t have anything better to do with their time and they’re trying to point fingers at people and it just didn’t happen that way. It’s a very simple shooting, it really is. ALLHIPHOP: Also from that film, Russell Poole says, "Suge’s people, people that Suge hired" were used in the shooting. In any of your research did you ever come across any other possible shooter than Orlando Anderson? CATHY SCOTT: No. Now, there were four people in the car, three others with Orlando, but all of the evidence, the gang sources, it all points to Orlando being the shooter. Plus, Orlando went back home to Compton and bragged about shooting him, plus he had a .40-caliber Glock, the same type of gun […]
Prosecutors: C-Murder Sought To Take Beating To “Next Level”
Prosecutors will argue that rapper Corey "C-Murder" Miller fatally shot a 16-year-old as he and a group of unidentified men beat the teenager in a Jefferson Parish, New Orleans nightclub. While a motive for the beating or murder has yet to be established, assistant District Attorney Douglas Freese said that prosecutors believe Miller decided to "take it to the next level," by pulling a gun and shooting. While both sides are still engaged in jury selection for the trial, prosecutors have not revealed what evidence they have linking Miller, who is charged with second-degree murder, because of a court imposed gag order. Police believe 16-year-old Steve Thomas snuck into the club using a fake I.D. the night he was fatally shot in the chest. Miller’s father, Percy Miller Sr. said the trial has put a lot of stress on the Miller family, but remains confident of his sons innocence. Miller Sr. said that his son was just a rapper and that C-Murder was simply a character he was playing.
Cigar Makers Go After P.Diddy
Sean "P.Diddy" Combs is being sued by cigar maker Moore & Bode, after featuring the pricey cigar maker’s product in the video for "Shake Ya Tail Feather." In legal papers filed last week, Moore & Bode claim that footage in the video features workers rolling the cigars and said that the rolling process involves secret combinations of tobacco, which were up until the video, carefully guarded. The lawsuit claims that Diddy’s crew entered and filmed the cigar rollers working without permission and claim that their secrets have been exposed. They are suing for "invasion of privacy and "theft of trade and business secrets." In related news, Diddy has revealed his charitable side and said that the entire proceeds from his highly anticipated dance album. "I’m not making this record for money. All the money will go to a charity," Diddy told Pacha Magazine. "I think I can help put the light onto dance culture but this isn’t about me. I don’t want the attention. I just want to make people dance."
Perfect Timing
Artist: Boo & GottiTitle: Perfect TimingRating: 3 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Ra’Chelle Rogers Boo and Gottis debut album, Perfect Timing would have been if it was released a few summers ago when they were first heard across radio airwaves alongside the Pied Piper of R&B (R. Kelly) on his Fiesta Remix single. Wisely, jumping from Rockland to Cash Money, Boo and Gotti are back with a debut album, and with the blingin popularity of their hood rich hierarchy the timing couldnt be better. Upon first notice, all the elements you would expect to find in a Chi-town hip-hop package are missing. Gone are the tricky Twista like flows, gold grills, Cadillacs, and mink and gator references. Yet it is immediately clear that Boo and Gotti are more than proud to be Chicagos ghetto children. This sense of pride is evident throughout the album and at times causes its overkill. Raw and gritty portraits of the Windy Citys perilous streets are drawn on the albums opener and title track, where they spit haunting depictions of the citys ill fated streets. A far cry from the Broadway musical, Boo and Gotti offer their own rendition of Chicago on a heartfelt ode to their troubled hometown with lyrics like: Chicago/Is the city well ride for/What you know about rivals/ Its all about survival/ In Chicago. Boo and Gottis thug mentality becomes annoyingly repetitious on Gangsta, lacking in originality despite the solid production of C-town neighbor Kayne West. Their former mentor R. Kelly offers indirect apologies to the fans who continue to support him on the symphonious Dear Ghetto. With the exception of Chi-town featuring Tateeze which sounds like the film score for Pootie Tang the Sequel, the production on this album is relatively tight. Fortunately, Boo and Gotti seem to have the support of some heavy hitting producers (Mannie Fresh, Jazze Pha). While their content is far too regional, the production adds the much-needed diversity to this otherwise tolerable rookie effort. With more exposure and a little more experience, Boo and Gotti have the potential to make a distinctive impression that will go beyond our demographical expectations. Of course, now all they need is a little more time.
Queen Latifah Tapped To Host Vibe Awards
Queen Latifah will host Vibe Magazine’s Vibe Awards, which are scheduled to take place November 21 and will be broadcast on UPN. The event, which has yet to release nominees, presenters, performances or even a location, will celebrate "innovation, cutting-edge presentation and genre expanding work in urban music. In related news, the ten year old magazine has made slight changes in their formatting starting with the October issue. A new feature, "Play," that focuses on artist’s lifestyles has been added, the "Start" section will be shorter and their will be more news and celebrity photo spreads.
E.D.I.: Life Of An Outlaw
E.D.I., so named for his physical semblance to former Ugandan President Idi Amin, may be an outlaw by moniker, but he’s a hustler by nature. The Co-CEO of One Nation Music Inc., along with his Outlaw partners, Young Noble and Kastro, has managed to triumph over tragedy and advance through adversity to become a major figga in the independent rap game, powerful and savvy enough to turn down numerous major label offers that would have stripped him of his independent hustle in favor of the one major (can’t spoil the surprise) that will finally bring the Outlawz to their well-deserved place on the world stage while allowing them to stay on their indie grind. Currently wrapping up his work for the soundtrack to this fall’s Tupac: Resurrection feature film documentary, a compilation album entitled Outlawz: Reloaded, as well as work for the major label debut from the Outlawz due next year, E.D.I. agreed to revisit the night that forever changed his life, offer some shocking insight into the murders of both his mentor, 2Pac, and his outlaw comrade, Kadafi, and shine a light on the darkness of a purposefully sabotaged police investigation. Allhiphop.com: Who do you believe murdered Tupac Shakur? E.D.I.: I don’t think it was one person, I think several people had something to do with it, several persons had something to do with it. I can’t point the finger at one individual person, I just feel it was more of a conspiracy type of thing, and you know conspiracies involve more than one person. Allhiphop: Is there any particular theory out there that you align yourself to? E.D.I.: No. Allhiphop: Where were you in that caravan of cars that night on the strip? E.D.I.: I was in the car behind Tupac. Allhiphop: Where in the vehicle were you? E.D.I.: I was in the back seat, passenger side. Allhiphop: What did you see? E.D.I.: I just seen a white Cadillac roll up and start shooting. Allhiphop: This has been reported different ways; did you happen to see if someone got out of that Cadillac? E.D.I.: No, nobody got out of the Cadillac. Allhiphop: And were you able to make out any type of description of the person who actually did the shooting? E.D.I.: No. Allhiphop: Did you happen to see how many people were actually in the shooter’s car? E.D.I.: I thought it was only three individuals, I’ve heard there was four, I heard there was only two, I thought I saw three. Allhiphop: Did the Las Vegas Metro Police interview you after the shooting? E.D.I.: No, they didn’t interview me that evening; they more or less sequestered us. They were more or less thinking that we had something to do with the shooting. Allhiphop: Were you actually placed into custody, were you put in handcuffs? E.D.I.: For a short period of time, then they took the handcuffs off of us and we just sat on the strip. Allhiphop: Did they order you to sit there? E.D.I.: Yes. Allhiphop: How long did all of this take place before they actually let you go? E.D.I.: It was about two, three hours, maybe even longer than that. Allhiphop: So they put you on the sidewalk, and then they take you to the station to interview you or they interview you there on the spot? E.D.I.: No, they just asked the questions, "what did we see," "did we see the vehicle," "did we see the shooters," and that was pretty much it, they just had us sitting there. And then they started getting into a whole bunch of other questions that didn’t even have anything to do with the shooting, like, "what gang are you from," "who got guns on ’em," "who got weed on ’em." Allhiphop: So they had automatically assumed this was gang related? E.D.I.: Yes, especially when they saw we had tattoos. When they saw our tattoos, they were like, "what Outlaw gang is in L.A., is it a Crip gang or a Blood gang?" Allhiphop: How would you categorize the overall treatment that you received from the police? E.D.I.: I’ll put it to you like this, anybody that’s been to Vegas know how Metro get down. Metro is basically the same as LAPD, probably even a little bit worse. When ‘Pac and Suge spun out we all ran up to the vehicle and the police immediately approached us with shotguns to our face and said, "don’t step an inch further." Allhiphop: Did the police ever follow-up with you after that night? E.D.I.: No. Allhiphop: They never called you up and asked you to come down to the station or anything like that? E.D.I.: No, not at all. Allhiphop: Were you ever shown any kind of photo lineup to identify anyone you may have seen in that car? E.D.I.: No. Allhiphop: What are your personal feelings overall about the police investigation? E.D.I.: I don’t wanna weird people out, but I really think they are under direct orders from some agency, somebody, someone not to really investigate this any further. It’s Las Vegas, nothing that big can happen on the strip without a whole lot of people being involved. I feel like it would behoove them not to pursue this anymore. Allhiphop: I interviewed Cathy Scott and she has spoken to cops who were close to the case and they said they didn’t pursue it because it was bad for tourism. E.D.I.: Right, there it is, money! There it is right there. And if it ever got out to the general public that something like this can happen in Las Vegas on the strip tourism goes down. And that goes all the way up to the origins of Las Vegas, the people that started Las Vegas, and even higher than that. Allhiphop: Do you believe Suge Knight had anything to do with Tupac’s murder? E.D.I.: I don’t really have an opinion on that, my opinion is time will tell, and that’s where I’ll leave that at. Allhiphop: Do you believe […]
