Joe Budden has always been a fixture on the internet with his personal blogs, but the New Jersey emcee upped the ante in 2009 with a very public breakup with longtime girlfriend Tahiry, and notable beefs with Saigon and the Wu-Tang Clan. In January 2009, Budden launched the first diss track entitled “Letter to Saigon” after more than a year’s worth of interview jabs with Saigon over a misunderstanding from a freestyle. Budden used the record to ridicule the pushbacks of Saigon’s debut LP, and derided him as a “insecure n#### trying to prove something/Getting desperate ‘cause his music don’t move nothing.” Saigon quickly issued a statement welcoming the battle, and promised to outclass Budden on a lyrical level. “The little homosexual n#### made a diss record, he want me to bite his head off,” he said. “I said I’m not a battle rapper, but I’ll take this razor and run this s### across your f###### Adam’s Apple. But I’m going to battle this n#### just to show him that lyrically, he’s not in my league. Never been, never will be.” Saigon’s first salvo was “Underachiever,” where he took aim at Budden’s long-time girlfriend Tahiry, who regularly appeared on the rapper’s Joe Budden TV web series. “He kissing the b#### knowing Fab was nutting in her mouth/Clue f##### her on the couch in the lounge of the Baseline studio/This booty hoe made her his spouse… Forget about Ransom, come and see me/I’ll lay your ass out on Joe Budden TV/They call this kid Mouse, ’cause he ran with the mice and the rats/ I was out with knifes and the gats.” Two more venomous disses would follow in Budden’s “Pain In His Life” and Saigon’s “Pushin’ Buddens” before the beef was squashed with the help of mutual friend Just Blaze. Budden chronicled the entire beef on Joe Budden TV, and the conflict held much media attention leading into the February release of his Padded Room album. In May, the Jersey City native used his video blog to single out Method Man and Melle Mel in his critique of Vibe’s 50 Greatest Emcees of All Time list.       Both veterans responded in interviews, but Budden chose to focus on Method Man after the Wu member received vocal support from Redman, Busta Rhymes, and Raekwon. Additionally, Wu member Inspectah Deck penned a diss called “House N####.” “Everybody took offense…you name it, they took offense to it,” Budden began. “Number one I’m entitled to my opinion. If a n*gga get offended at me having an opinion, suck a d*ck. Number two, what world are we in? [Are] we not rappers? We all rappers, some bigger than others. But we rap. Let’s rap. I want to rap, I want to always rap.” A truce between Budden and Meth brokered by Royce da 5’9 seemed complete before news hit that Budden was assaulted on August 9 by Raekwon’s entourage. The confrontation occurred backstage at a Rock the Bells tour stop, which featured both Wu-Tang and Slaughterhouse. A video feed shows Raekwon and his entourage enter Budden’s dressing room, where he was blogging with colleague Mickey Factz. The feed shut off, only to air again later with Budden holding an ice pack over his right eye. He explaining that he had been punched in a “f##### move” after being forced by Raekwon to issue an apology over his Wu-Tang comments. “Them n##### came in here with a goal. The goal was to catch the blog king slippin’ and have the big 6-foot-4, 300 pound n#### punch me in my eye,” Budden stated. “I guess it makes me look soft? I don’t really know. My thing is … no comment man. Maybe the n#### watches Joe Budden TV. But I’m all right, I’m safe, still sexy, I think. Eye is a little swollen…You guys think this was a tough-guy move? You guys think this was dope? I personally don’t. I think it was a f##### move, personally…This is what happens when people lack common sense.”     In October, Joe Budden and Tahiry confirmed their breakup after a 5 year relationship. Over the past year, their relationship details became very public courtesy of Joe Budden TV, Tahiry TV, and her KING Magazine spread. The Slaughterhouse member began the speculation of the split a full month before by leaking a heated breakup conversation. The former couple held a final public spat by arguing live on Shade 45 when Budden called into Tahiry’s scheduled interview.     To close out the year, Budden revealed a new girlfriend, rapper/model Somaya Reece, on Joe Budden TV. Next month, Joe Budden will release his third studio album, The Great Escape.  

  Rappers have always maintained contentious connection with law enforcement at best, but this year saw two emcees receive hefty sentences for their misdeeds.   C-Murder’s (Corey Miller) 9- year homicide case came to close in August when the rapper was sentenced to life in prison for the 2002 shooting of 16 year old Steven Thomas.   Miller was originally found guilty in 2003, but the verdict was overturned when evidence surfaced showing that prosecutors withheld the criminal records of several witnesses.   Miller’s retrial saw several twists, with an incarcerated friend in Georgia attempting to claim responsibility for the crime. In addition, an eyewitness bouncer claiming the New Orleans rapper killed the teen as he lay on the club’s floor following an assault from Miller’s entourage.   The jury reached the guilty verdict by a count of 10-2, and maintained that vote on a second deliberation after one juror claimed she was coerced to find C-Murder guilty.   The 38-year old emcee’s problems were compounded by a 10 year conviction for second-degree attempted murder in May. Footage surfaced showing Miller attempting to shoot a club owner and a bouncer in August 2001.   Currently, Miller is serving his life sentence without parole while attempting an appeal. video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsfree video player In September, Harlem’s Max B (Chrly Wingate) lost his freedom with a sentence of 75 years for his role in planning a robbery in a NJ hotel that resulted in a murder.   The conviction was secured heavily on the testimony of Max’s ex-girlfriend Gina Conway. According to her June testimony, Wingate masterminded to plot rob two men (David Taylor and Allan “Jay” Plowden) whom Conway had disclosed carried around excessive amounts of cash.   Wingate recruited a third conspirator in Kelvin Leerdam , who ambushed the targets with Conway at a Fort Lee, New Jersey Holiday Inn.   During the robbery, Plowden was duct-taped at gunpoint, and Taylor was shot execution-style in the head when he was lured to Plowden’s hotel room.   Leerdam was sentenced to life in prison, and Gina Conway received 18 years in prison despite her testimony.   Shortly after the verdict, Max B released a statement detailing his plans to appeal.   “Thank you to all my fans for the continuous love and support during my trial,” Max explained to AllHipHop.com. “With the advice of my attorney, family and friends I’ve decided to appeal my conviction, with full belief that I will be found innocent of all charges. This has been a long journey but, I have full faith that there will be a positive outcome and I will be cleared of all erroneous allegations.”  

It’s no secret by now that Hip-Hop music has evened out considerably since the Golden Era when the music was fundamentally trendsetting and impactful. 2009, was no different, and we have seen our fair share of disappointment in the music over the past year. While many have made AllHipHop.com’s Biggest Disappointment list, Dr. Dre’s default on releasing Detox takes the cake. We love the dude and his legacy, but we can’t even count how many Hip-Hop fans were crushed to learn that Detox was yet again pushed back another year. It makes you want to scream, “Arrrrrrrrrghhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!” We know in our hearts this will come out in 2010, but the wait and anticipation is murderous! Nevertheless, there are other disappointing moments. Nothing malicious, all love. Biggest Disappointments of 2009: Dr. Dre’s Detox (for not coming out again) Cam’Ron – Crime Pays Rakim – The Seventh Seal Havoc – Hidden Files Nas and Damian Marley’s Distant relatives (for not coming out as expected) Biggest Comebacks of 2009: We have to acknowledge a few heavy hitters that made some big comebacks, even though a lot of folks had them written off for dead. Raekwon’s OB4CL2 resurrected the Wu Tang Clan’s brand and topped off just about every 2009’s list. And Eminem came out of hiding and resurfaced with The Relapse. Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 was a nice bounce back from his last album, a bit of a disappointment. Peep the biggest comebacks. Raekwon Jay-Z Black Eyed Peas Eminem Slaughterhouse

  Part 1-King of the East   For part 2 of our 4-part series, we turned to the underrated Midwest..Detroit and Chicago continued their dominance of the regions’s Hip-Hop scene in 2009. Along with the usual suspects, vets like Twista (Category F5) and Royce da 5’9 (Street Hop) showed they were still sharp, and new faces like Finale (A Pipe Dream and a Promise) merged to gain national exposure. With other talents like Black Milk, Common, and Guilty Simpson on tap for new music in 2010, the Midwest will continue to be a region whose music will appeal to those who like their Hip-Hop eclectic.     Kanye West 2009 was another signature Kanye year filled with good music and over the top media moments.   Still basking in the success of 2008’s 808s and Heartbreaks, Kanye’s “Amazing” was picked by the NBA and made the official song of the playoffs.   He was able to keep his brand diversified by appearing on selections from an eclectic group of artists in Jamie Foxx (“Digital Girl Remix”), Twista (“Alright”), Beyonce (“Ego Remix”), and Rick Ross (“Maybach Music 2”)   The self-proclaimed Louis Vuitton Don stepped up his philanthropic efforts with the second annual Donda West Stay in School benefit concert in June for Chicago kids.   Kanye was also featured prominently on Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3, assisting both on production (“Already Home,” “A Star Is Born,” “Thank You”) and behind the mic (“Run This Town,” “Hate”).   Of course, much of his aforementioned accomplishments were eclipsed by the publicity stunt at the VMAs, where Kanye “interrupted” Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech. The move briefly made West a villain in mainstream media outlets, even prompting an offhand denouncement from the President.   For 2010, expect more off-color interview comments from Mr. West that’ll make you shake your head, and music that’ll make it nod.    Standout Songs: Clipse “Kinda Like a Big Deal,” “Flight School, Rick Ross’ “Maybach Music 2”     Eminem Marshall Mathers awakened from his 5 year solo album slumber to reaffirm his position as one of the game’s most technically proficient emcees.   Em revisited the sardonic, dark humor of The Marshall Mathers LP with Relapse. As one of ‘09’s few event albums, the 8 Mile product satisfied his casual fanbase with quirky tracks like “We Made You,” and showed his visual and lyrical creativity on the horror-core themed “3 AM.” The album debuted #1 on Billboard and has sold over 3 million copies worldwide, helping Slim Shady to secure Billboard’s honor as the Best-Selling Rapper of the Decade.   After being unable to get Relapse 2 out before the close of 2009, Eminem offered the special EP Relapse: Refill to hold over fans. It featured the all-star posse cut “Forever,” and two Top 10 iTunes charting tracks in “Hell Breaks Loose” and “Elevator.”   Up next for the Detroit lyricist in 2010 will be Relapse 2, which has confirmed production from Just Blaze, Dr. Dre, Denaun Porter, and Alchemist.   Standout Songs: “3AM,” “BET Cypher #3,” “Forever”     Kid Cudi Kid Cudi holds the distinction amongst his freshmen peers of dropping a debut that was both commercially viable and critically praised.   Man on the Moon offered a sound rooted in Hip-Hop with branches extending to Trip-Hop, R&B, Rock, and psychedelic elements. Even without immediately capitalizing on the Top 5 Billboard charting and million seller single “Day ‘n’ Nite,” the LP still debuted in the Top 5 in September, and is gradually pushing towards gold certification.   Cudi’s work earned him a spot on Blueprint 3 (“Already Home”), and acting duties on the new HBO, Mark Whalberg produced series How to Make It In America.   And to think, Cudi almost “retired” at the beginning on 2009 out of frustration with the industry.   Standout Songs: “Day ‘n’ Nite,” “Hyyerr,” “Make Her Say”     Naledge The Kidz in the Hall frontman has been criminally overlooked for most of his career and sadly 2009 was no different.   Naledge originally put together an all-star mixtape entitled Chicago Picasso, which was intended to be given away for free. However, label Duck Down recognized the project’s album quality and put up the funds to give it an official release. The tape presented a well-rounded perspective of Chi-town’s Hip-hop sound, and featured guest spots from Jay Electronica, Mickey Factz, Chip the Ripper, and Rhymefest.   In December, Naledge and partner in crime Double O reupped for the free, LRG-sponsored mixtape The Professional Leisure Tour. The concept album EP follows the pair through an important tour that puts an emotional strain on the relationships with their significant others.   This year, the Kidz in the Hall return with a new album in March (Land of Make Believe), and possibly Naledge’s long-awaited solo Naledge Is Power.   Standout Songs: “We Gone,” “Star Struck,” “Cool Relax”     Lupe Fiasco For Lupe, 2009 was not about the start, but how you finish.   The early part of ’09 was very quiet outside of the leak of “Shining Down.” The rapper made news mostly agreeing to scale Mount Kilimanjaro in an effort to bring awareness to the worldwide water crisis.   In October fans received an unexpected treat with the Jimi Hendrix-sampling joint “Fire.” Next came the Enemy of the State: A Love Story mixtape, showcasing Lupe in top form over tracks from Dirty Money (“Angels Remix”), Jay-Z (“Thank You”), and Slaughterhouse (“The One”).   His demand increased so much that his fans went into a uproar when he canceled December’s mixtape (Friend of the People) due to his Mount Kilimanjaro training. And much to the rapper’s dismay, another proposed Lasers track leaked “I’m Beaming” on Christmas Eve night.   Look for Lupe to wow critics and fans again when Lasers drops in the first quarter.   Standout Songs: “Fire,” “Thank You Freestyle,” “Shining Down”     Verdict Whether it was turning fellow elite emcees to mere sparring partners on “Forever,” or overkill on Mariah […]

There’s one life/One love/So there can only be one king –Nas “The Message”   Last year, AllHipHop.com held the first annual Kings of Hip-Hop. The purpose of the 4 part series was to select an artist from each region (East, West, South, and Midwest) that made the most lasting impact in 2009. While other factors such as business-savvy and promotional campaigns were considered, above all the quality of the music was the deciding factor for each winner. Without further adieu, let’s kick off matters with the region the originated the art form we all love, the East.   Inaugural 2008 Winner-Nas   As in 2008, it was the veterans who remained at the mainstream forefront of East Coast Hip-Hop. Jay-Z, Nas, and 50 Cent kept their names buzzing throughout the year; sometimes for great reasons (Blueprint 3, Distant Relatives), and other times for issues beyond the music (Nas-Kelis Divorce, 50-Rick Ross beef).   Unlike last year, this region had strong, critically-acclaimed music being offered for those who were wise enough to turn off the radio. Artists like Skyzoo (The Salvation), Marco Polo and Torae (Double Barrel), Wale (Attention Deficit), and The Clipse (Til the Casket Drops) are just some of the acts that showed the East has the talent and music quality to compete with any other region.     Jay-Z After a lukewarm 2008 reception to the single “Jockin’ Jay-Z,” and worry amongst fans about the quality of Blueprint 3, Jay-Z delivered a solid effort with BP3’s September release.   The Roc-Nation lead-off album was one of the most anticipated projects of the year, and its #1 Billboard debut gave Jay his 11th #1 album, shattering the previous solo act record held by Elvis Presley. The album has spawned 5 charting singles, 2 of which in the top 3 (“Empire State of Mind,” “Run This Town”).   Award-wise, Jay cleaned up in 2009 at the American Music Awards (Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist, Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album), the BET Hip-Hop Music Awards (Lyricist of the Year, Best Live Performer, MVP of the Year, and Hustler of the Year), and was named Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Artist of the Decade.   Outside the booth, the Brooklyn mogul kept in brand visible through smart marketing such as a taking Oprah to his old Marcy Projects stomping grounds, and performing “Empire State of Mind” with Alicia Keys during the World Series. Additionally, Jay joined Will Smith in backing the $11 million dollar Broadway production on the life of Afro-Beat founder and music legend Fela Kuti.   Despite a trio of vocal detractors (The Game, 50 Cent, Beanie Sigel) throughout the year, Jay-Z chose to ignore the shots outside of a few interview comments.   In 2010, look for him to build the Roc-Nation around new protégé J Cole.   Standout Songs: “What We Talkin’ About,” “Thank You,” “Empire State of Mind”     50 Cent With Before I Self-Destruct being plagued by pushbacks, 50 Cent utilized beefs with Rick Ross and Jay-Z to keep his name afloat throughout 2009.   The Rick Ross battle, ignited by the Miami emcees barbs on “Mafia Music,” spiraled away from traditional diss tracks to cartoon clips, video stalking of DJ Khaled’s mother, and Ross’ son’s mother joining forces with 50.   In June and July, 50 returned to his mixtape stomping grounds with the well-received War Angel, and the 90’s R&B throwback project Forever King.   When the Ross feud’s luster began to wane by summer’s end, 50 turned attention to Jay-Z, prompted by the Brooklynite’s declaration that “no one was afraid of 50 Cent.” Recruiting Beanie Sigel, 50 turned heads by unleashing the former Roc enforcer on his former mentor (“I Go Off”).   The Queens native capped his year with the release of his fourth studio album, Before I Self-Destruct. Due to the combination of numerous pushbacks, a month early leak, and mixed reviews, the project yielded him his lowest opening week sales ever (160,000, #5 on Billboard). For the first time, the perceived flop opened up the G Unit mogul to ridicule in an area he previously dominated.   Still, with a memorable beef and successful extracurricular activities like the Robert Greene assisted book The 50th Law, 50 Cent remained a visible fixture throughout Hip-Hop in 2009.   Standout Songs: “Psycho,” “Death to My Enemies,” “Get the Message”     Joe Budden Internet antics aside, Joe Budden put together a strong ledger of music in 2009.   In January, the Jersey City lyricist’s mouth got him in trouble with another emcee, this time Saigon. The two impressed fans with a gradual but distinct increase in lyrical potency with their series of disses, most notable Budden’s “Pain In His Life” and Saigon’s “Pushing Buddens.” Unfortunately, a truce rendered an anticlimactic cease-fire before a clear winner emerged.   The encounter served Budden well in promoting February’s Padded Room album. Despite questionable production choices, the LP’s earned solid marks for the honest, raw emotion of tracks like “In My Sleep” and “I Couldn’t Help It.”   A few months later, Budden challenged Method Man’s skills under the guise of their placements on Vibe’s Greatest Emcees of All Time list. After a few instigative interviews, Budden’s mouth would have dire consequences when a Wu-Tang entourage member assaulted him during a Raekwon interrogation at a Rock the Bells concert.   That same month, Joe Budden put the focus back on music. He gave his devoted fans another full-length LP in Escape Route, and his integral participation in the critically acclaimed Slaughterhouse debut.   The embarrassing blog soap opera saga with ex Tahiry and assault at the hands of Raekwon can’t be ignored, but these incidents are not enough to overshadow the work Budden put in behind the mic.   For 2010, let’s hope they hope the talk of Internet will be quality of the forthcoming The Great Escape, and not Budden’s latest over the top video blog.   Standout Songs: “Pain In His Life,” “I Couldn’t Help It,” “Escape Route Intro”   […]

The year 2009 saw the Hip-Hop world get devastated by several unexpected and tragic deaths.     Francis M, a trailblazing figure for music and fashion in the Philippines, died in March after a long battle with leukemia.   Powered by the hit song “Kababayan (My Countrymen),” Francis dropped Yo!, the first commercially released Hip-Hop album in the Philippines. His work continued throughout the 90s, inspiring nationalistic pride in youth and awareness through his social and political commentary.   Last year, Francis M was diagnosed with leukemia and kept fans updated until the day before his death via his website. Francis M is survived by his wife Pia Arroyo and 8 children. He was 44 years old.   Dolla (Roderick Anthony Burton II), 21, was a rising emcee signed to Akon’s Konvict Music label. Previously a model for lines like Sean John, Dolla had gradually raised his profile courtesy of the 2007 single “Who the F**k Is That?” featuring T-Pain, and last year’s “Make a Toast” featuring Lil Wayne. The young emcee was in Los Angeles on May 18 to finish recording his debut LP, tentatively titled A Dolla and a Dream. While waiting at P.F. Chang’s restaurant, Dolla had a confrontation in a bathroom stall with 23-year old Aubrey Robinson, a self-styled music promoter whom Dolla and his entourage allegedly attacked two weeks prior at Atlanta’s Platinum 21 gentleman’s club. Details next vary. Prosecutors allege that Berry followed Dolla outside, and discharged 4-5 shots from his 9MM handgun. Dolla was hit multiple times in the back, and succumbed to a fatal bullet piercing to his heart. Aubrey’s defense attorney Howard Price claimed his client was attempting to flee, and fired his weapon when Dolla accosted him outside with his friend Sidiq Abawi and cousin Wilbert Robinson. In addition, Price claims that his client believed Dolla was going for a weapon despite being unarmed. Aubrey has pleaded not guilty, and faces life in prison if convicted on one count of murder and two counts of assault with a deadly firearm.   On April 4, producer Tony D was killed when his jeep flipped over after striking a cemetery fence in Hamilton, New Jersey. Tony D (Anthony Depula), was not wearing a seatbelt upon impact, and a number of local residents tried to remove him from the wrecked jeep before medical personnel arrived. He was pronounced dead at Capital Health Systems due to trauma on the neck. Over his long career, Tony D produced tracks for DJ Muggs, Pace Won, King Sun, The Outsidaz, and the classic Poor Righteous Teachers single “Rock Dis Funky Joint.”   Founding Slum Village member Baatin (Titus Glover) passed away on August 1 of an apparent drug overdose. Baatin’s eccentric personality and off-color rhymes was an essential ingredient in Slum Village’s first two influential LPs Fan-Tas-Tic (Vol. 1) and Fantastic Vol. 2 (Vol. 2). Along with partners T3 and Jay Dee (J Dilla), the trio laid a strong foundation for Detroit’s growing Hip-Hop scene in the 90s, inspiring the city’s next generation of stars in Black Milk and Guilty Simpson. Baatin had left the group in 2004 due to a schizophrenia diagnosis, but had returned this year to the group as confirmed by T3. “The whole thing is I felt like the fans wanted Baatin to come back. And I felt like I really didn’t want to do another album without Baatin. I wanted his energy,” T3 told AllHipHop.com in July. “I found him and he was ready. He seemed like he had his stuff together.” Baatin was 35-years-old.    DJ AM (Adam Goldstein) was found dead in his NYC apartment on August 28 of a drug overdose. Friends and family were worried about AM when no one could reach him for several days. Police and medial authorities found him unresponsive inside the home and pronounced him dead at the scene. In September 2008, AM and close friend Travis Baker survived suffered burns but survived a deadly South Carolina plane crash that left 4 people dead. AM had previously worked on albums for Madonna, Will Smith, and Papa Roach, in addition to concert duties for Jay-Z. He was posthumously honored as DJ of the Year for 2009 at the BET Hip-Hop Awards. DJ AM was 36-years-old. The New York medical examiner officially determined his cause of death as an accidental overdose resulting from acute intoxication from a mix of prescription drugs and cocaine.    X-Ecutioners member and renowned turntablist Grand Master Roc Raida (Anthony Williams) lost his life on September 19 following cardiac arrest complications from a freak martial arts accident. Raida began DJ’ing at the age of 10, and received international recognition after winning the 1995 DMC World DJ Championship. His cut techniques were featured on the classic O.C. single “Time’s Up,” and he has a total of 10 albums to his name with between solo offerings and work with the X-Ecutioners. Raida also served as Busta Rhymes’ tour DJ, and was enshrined in the DMC Hall of Fame in 1999. Roc Raida was 37-years-old at the time of death, and is survived by a wife and four children. “I just wanna thank everyone 4 ur love and support and ur prayers,” Busta Rhymes Tweeted. “We will never let ur name die Roc…We love u and will 4ever miss u…RIP…I was told 2day, We r loosing [sic] all of these great people this year as a result of God calling his army because something is about 2 go down!”    On October 2, DJ Premier broke the news that pioneer Hip-Hop radio figure Mr. Magic (John Rivas) had succumbed to a heart attack. With the 1981 debut of the now legendary Mr. Magic’s Rap Attack show on NYC’s WHBI-FM, Magic was the first man to bring Hip-Hop music and culture to a major station. The show featured Marley Marl on the turntables, and played a significant hand in popularizing the seminal Bridge Wars. Magic and Marley backed Queens’ Juice Crew, while then upstart rival Kool […]