JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta), Author at AllHipHop

Australia’s Iggy Azalea Officially Signs With Interscope Records

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta)Category: NewsJanuary 27, 2012

(AllHipHop News) Australian native and rapper Iggy Azalea has officially inked a major label recording contract with Jimmy Iovine and his Interscope Records, after rumors in the past few weeks have aligned her with several other labels. The rapper took to Twitter to unveil the news with the following tweets: “Interscope, if you were wondering,” “Get used to me + jimmy smashing s###, cause thats the plan,” and “Album in june entitled ‘f*ck your life’ nah… not really its called ‘The New Classic’.” Fans can expect Iggy Azalea’s major-label debut, The New Classic, to hit stores in June. To get more familiar with Iggy, download her mixtape, Ignorant Art, here. Check out her video for “My World” below: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1ycwvKOn14&w=560&h=315]

Shaggy Set To Re-Release “Summer In Kingston” Album In February With New Tracks

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta)Category: AlternativesJanuary 27, 2012

Multiplatinum Reggae artist Shaggy is gearing up to re-release his tenth studio album, Summer In Kingston (Lava Edition), on February 7 with two new tracks. The album earned Shaggy his fifth Grammy nomination in the category of “Best Reggae Album”; the winner will be crowned on Sunday, February 12, five days after the album’s re-release. The two new tracks to be featured are “She Gives Me Love” and “Hurting” while a new version of the album’s fourth track, “Dame,” with Pop-singer Kat Deluna will also be included. Recently Shaggy held his annual “Shaggy And Friends Benefit Concert” in Kingston Jamica which raises money for children’s medical needs and benefits the city’s Bustamante Children’s Hospital. Artists such as Lauryn Hill, Damian Marley, and Eve, all performed during the event. Check out Shaggy’s new track, “She Gives Me Love,” below, along with details from his recent interview with AllHipHop.com, : [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NczudcURN4Q]

Behind the Scenes Photos of YG’s “I’m A Thug” Video Shoot; Gunfire Erupts Near Set

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta)Category: NewsJanuary 27, 2012

(AllHipHop News) AllHipHop.com was on the set for YG’s “I’m A Thug” video shoot in Compton, California, this week and got some great shots of the rapper, the fans who showed up, homie and fellow rapper Nipsey Hussle, and more! As you may have heard, the video was shut down after gunfire erupted on set before Meek Mill, who is featured on the track, could arrive to shoot his part for the song. Police showed up almost instantly and shut the video shoot down. As of press time, no fatalities have been reported nor has an arrest been made. Check back tomorrow for exclusive, behind-the-scenes footage from the video shoot. Photos by Tim Sanchez Check out the full gallery of pictures below:

Ja Rule Launches Remix Contest For “Parachute” Single Today

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta)Category: NewsJanuary 27, 2012

(AllHipHop News) Ja Rule, who is currently serving a 20-month sentence in prison for weapons possession, is launching a “remix” contest for his new single “Parachute” today (January 27) on Facebook. The contest’s winner will be featured on the digital release of Ja’s upcoming album, Pain Is Love 2, which is currently set for release on February 28. “Listen up music junkies! Here’s your chance to win win a feature spot on Ja Rule’s upcoming album, PIL2. Visit Ja Rule’s Facebook page now an download the a cappella of his new hit single “Parachute” and remix the song with your own twist. Submit your entry on his Facebook page by Friday, February 3rd. The top three remixes will be posted on Ja Rule’s Facebook page to be voted on by fans. Voting will take place on Monday, February 6th. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, February 7th and the winning remix will be featured as a bonus track on the digital download of PIL2.” For rules and more information about the contest, visit Facebook.com/Mpiremusic.

Carl Thomas Returns With New Video For “Don’t Kiss Me” Featuring Snoop Dogg

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta)Category: AlternativesJanuary 26, 2012

Former Bad Boy artist and platinum-selling singer Carl Thomas has just dropped the music video for the new single, “Don’t Kiss Me,” off his recently released album, Conquer. In the video, featuring two verses from Snoop Dogg, the two gentlemen can be seen enjoying an evening in a lavish lounge while both Thomas and Snoop croon to the women they are interested in. Thomas, who became a household name in the late 1990s and early 2000s, thanks to his affiliation and signing with Bad Boy Records, has released four albums in his 15-year career. His first album, Emotional, which included the hit record “I Wish,” was certified platinum back in 1999. He later received a Grammy nomination in 2006 alongside Gerald Levert, Chaka Khan, and Yolanda Adams, for his contribution to the song “Everyday (Family Reunion),” off the official soundtrack to Tyler Perry’s#### film, Madea Family Reunion. Thomas is now signed to Verve Music Group, a division of Universal Music, under which his latest album Conquer was released in December 2011. Check out the Erik White-directed video for Carl Thomas’ “Don’t Kiss Me” featuring Snoop Dogg below: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NirueQsVjeo&w=560&h=315]

Slaughterhouse Announces Sophomore Album Title and 2012 Tour Dates

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta)Category: NewsJanuary 26, 2012

(AllHipHop News) The Slaughterhouse regime, which includes rappers Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, Crooked I, and Royce Da 5’9″, have officially released the title for the group’s sophomore album, their first on Shady Records. Slaughterhouse’s welcome to: Our House will hit store shelves on May 15, with a national tour to precede the album’s release. The group will embark on the 43-date tour beginning on March 8 in Dallas, Texas and running through May 3, where the tour will wrap up in Boston, Texas. Joe Budden and Joell Ortiz recently spoke to AllHipHop.com about the different artistic and recording processes between their first self-titled album and welcome to: Our House. Check out that exclusive clip here. See a full list of Slaughterhouse tour dates below: March 8, 2012—Southside (Dallas, TX) March 9, 2012—House of Blues (Houston, TX) March 10, 2012—Beauty Ballroom (Austin, TX) March 11, 2012 – White Rabbit (San Antonio, TX) March 16, 2012—House of Blues (Myrtle Beach, SC) March 17, 2012—Beachem Theater (Orlando, FL) March 18, 2012—Revolution (Miami, FL) March 22, 2012—Masquerade (Atlanta, GA) March 23, 2012—The Cannery (Nashville, TN) March 24, 2012—The Fillmore (Charlotte, NC) March 25, 2012—SoundStage (Baltimore, MD) March 26, 2012—Wilbur Theatre (Boston, MA) March 27, 2012—Trocadero Theatre (Philadelphia, PA) March 28, 2012—9:30 Club (Washington D.C.) March 29, 2012—Best Buy Theater (New York, NY) March 31, 2012—Lava Lounge (Bowling Green, KY) April 1, 2012—Metro (Chicago, IL) April 2, 2012—Royal Oak Music Theatre (Detroit, MI) April 5, 2012—The Clubhouse (Tempe, AZ) April 6, 2012—Music Box (Los Angeles, CA) April 7, 2012—The Regency Ballroom (San Francisco, CA) April 8, 2012—Hard Rock Cafe (Las Vegas, NV) April 9, 2012—The Galaxy (Santa Ana, CA) April 10, 2012—Porters Pub (San Diego, CA) April 11, 2012—Velvet Jones (Santa Barbara, CA) April 14, 2012—Showbox at the Market (Seattle, WA) April 16, 2012—Harry O’s (Salt Lake City, UT) April 17, 2012 – Sunshine Theatre (Albuquerque, NM) April 18, 2012—Bluebird (Denver, CO) April 19, 2012—Fox Theatre (Boulder, CO) April 20, 2012— TBD April 21, 2012—Granada (Lawrence, KS) April 22, 2012—Epic (Minneapolis, MN) April 24, 2012—Rave (Milwaukee, WI) April 25, 2012—Kalamazoo Theatre (Kalamazoo, WI) April 26, 2012—The Vogue (Indianapolis, IN) April 27, 2012— TBD April 28, 2012—House of Blues (Cleveland, OH) April 29, 2012—Omni (Toledo, OH) April 30, 2012—Headliners (Louisville, KY) May 1, 2012—Toad’s Place (New Haven, CT) May 2, 2012—Lupos (Providence, RI) May 3, 2012—Wilbur Theater (Boston, MA)

Hip-Hop Band ¡MAYDAY! Prepare For Release Of Strange Music Debut, “Take Me To Your Leader”

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta)Category: NewsJanuary 26, 2012

(AllHipHop News) Following the recent announcement that Strange Music group ¡MAYDAY! would be hitting the road with Tech N9ne and Machine Gun Kelly on the 90 shows in 99 days “Hostile Takeover Tour“, they have also revealed information regarding their new album, Take Me To Your Leader. The Hip-Hop band, which hails from Miami, is gearing up for the March 27th release of their first album under Tech N9ne’s Strange Music imprint. ¡MAYDAY!, one of the more unique groups to break out within the genre in quite a while, is comprised of members Wrekonize, Plex Luthor, Gianni Cash, L.T. Hopkins, and NonMS. Artists like Tech N9ne, Murs, Ace Hood, Dead Prez, Krizz Kaliko, and more are slated to appear on Take Me To Your Leader. Along with a date and album title being announced, the group has also dropped a new single, “Death March,” as well as a teaser for the album which you can see below. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTEk_QqvVmE&w=560&h=315]

DD172 Co-Founder McKenzie Eddy Releases Video For “Windmills” Featuring GLC

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta)Category: AlternativesJanuary 26, 2012

You may not recognize her name, yet, but you will. McKenzie Eddy is the co-founder, alongside music mogul Dame Dash and Raquel Horn, of the media collective known as DD172. Not only did she help found the creative conglomerate, Eddy is also the president of BluRoc records, a label that released the last two albums from producer Ski Beatz, as well as 2009’s critically acclaimed Blackroc project which featured rappers Ludacris, Curren$y, Mos Def, and Jim Jones, along with singer Nicole Wray and more, collaborating with Grammy Award-winning duo The Black Keys. Eddy, who is “not just a businesswoman, but also a musician by night,” has been steadily putting out music videos since the Summer 2011 release of her third album, Young Platinum. The album boasted appearances from such artists as Murs, GLC, Cam’ron, Vado, and a slew of others. In her latest music video, “Windmills” which features GLC, the duo stroll through Chicago during some downtime from a past tour. Check out the Evan Brockett directed video for McKenzie Eddy’s “Windmills” below: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f29Q9e_rVIg&w=560&h=315]

Hip-Hop Rumor: G.O.O.D. Music’s First Single “Lamborghini, Murci” To Feature Kanye West, Big Sean And Pusha T!!

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta)Category: RumorsJanuary 26, 2012

G.O.O,D. MUSIC ARTISTS CELEBRATE THE GOOD LIFE ON NEW ALBUM SINGLE

Will and Jada Pinkett Smith Team Up with Simon Cowell To Launch New DJ Competition

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta)Category: LifestyleJanuary 25, 2012

Billboard is reporting that Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith are partnering up with Sony Pictures Television and “American Idol” creator, Simon Cowell, to launch a reality-based competition show to discover and crown the world’s next great DJ. Cowell’s Syco Entertainment announced the partnership today (January 25) with the Smiths’ Overbrook Entertainment to develop the live show that will be broadcast internationally. “Syco, Overbrook, and Sony Pictures Television will be unveiling their U.S. and U.K. broadcast partners for the project” soon. In a statement released by Cowell, he said, “We have been working on this show for over a year, and we wanted to partner with the right people. As soon as I met Jada and Miguel from Overbrook, I knew they would be our ideal partners. DJs are the new rock stars; it feels like the right time to make this show.” “This show will comb the world to find a new breed of talent,” Pinkett-Smith added. “I am happy to be creating it alongside Simon Cowell, the Sony team, and my partner Miguel Melendez, on behalf of the Overbrook family.” Currently, there is no official announcement on what channel the competition will be broadcast on or when it will hit the air.

Ski Beatz Reveals Artwork and Tracklist For New “24 Hour Karate School” Album

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta)Category: NewsJanuary 25, 2012

(AllHipHop News) Less than a week after announcing an upcoming collaboration LP with Freddie Gibbs, producer Ski Beatz has revealed the artwork and tracklist for his new album, 24 Hour Karate School: Twilight. The new entry in Ski’s 24 Hour Karate School series boasts 11 tracks featuring the likes of Ski’s frequent collaborators like Curren$y, Stalley, Mikey Rocks, Trademark Da Skydiver, Smoke DZA, Tabi Bonney, Murs, Mac Miller, Nicole Wray, and more! Ski Beatz’s 24 Hour Karate School: Twilight is currently scheduled for release on February 14. Check out the artwork, tracklist, and video for the track “Fly By” featuring Curren$y below: Didit4thegreen (Feat. Da$h & Retch) Fly By (Feat. Curren$y) Heaven Is (Feat. C Plus) Gentlemen’s Quarterly (Feat. Stalley) Living It Up (Feat. Mikey Rocks & Trademark Da Skydiver) Fly High (Feat. Smoke DZA & Terri Walker) Hip-Hop & Love (Feat. Tabi Bonney & Murs) City Lights (Feat. Najee) On (Feat. Sam Adams & Olamide Faison) Time Goes (Feat. Mac Miller) Thank God (Feat. Rugz D. Bewler & Nicole Wray) [vimeo http://vimeo.com/35196971]

Grammy Nominee Bruno Mars Tops Global Digital Download Charts For 2011

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta)Category: AlternativesJanuary 25, 2012

Bruno Mars had one hell of a year. The Elektra recording artist topped 2011’s global IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry) chart for the year’s best-selling digital singles. Mars took the #1 and #2 spots with consecutive singles from his 25 times worldwide platinum selling debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans. The album’s first single, “Just the Way You Are,” landed at #1 with 12.5 million copies sold, while the song “Grenade” came in at #2 with 10.2 million copies sold. Meanwhile, the album’s third single, “The Lazy Song,” landed at #10 on the chart with 6.5 million copies sold, making Mars the first artist to have three tracks amongst the Top 10 digital singles in one year. Currently, both Bruno Mars and his label, Elektra Records, are celebrating the singer’s fourth #1 single on the Billboard Top 40 chart with this song “It Will Rain” from last fall’s Twilight Saga – Breaking Dawn: Part 1 Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. To follow-up the enormous success he had last year, Mars, who garnered six nominations for the upcoming 54th Annual Grammy Awards, will perform at the high-profile ceremony taking place on February 12 in Los Angeles. The nominations include “Album of the Year,” “Song of the Year,” “Record of the Year,” “Best Pop Vocal Album,” and more. Check out the video for Bruno Mars’ current single “It Will Rain” below: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-w3WfgpcGg&w=560&h=315]

Saigon Releases New Mixtape, “Warning Shots 3: One Foot In The Grave”

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta)Category: NewsJanuary 25, 2012

(AllHipHop News) After releasing one of the best albums of 2011, The Greatest Story Never Told, Saigon is back and blessing fans with the third entry in his Warning Shots series, Warning Shots 3: One Foot In The Grave. The Just Blaze-presented, 19-track mixtape, which should hold fans over until Saigon’s next album drops, features production from the likes of Sire, Just Blaze, DJ Green Lantern, Red Spyda, Scram Jones, and even Saigon himself, who produced the project’s “Intro”. Features on Warning Shots 3 come from Joe Budden, Javon Dais, Lil Fame of M.O.P., Quan, and Rough from The Good Guy Gang. Download “Saigon – Warning Shots 3: One Foot In The Grave” Now!

EPIC WIN OF THE DAY: Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle To Tour Together!!??

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta)Category: RumorsJanuary 25, 2012

Via Vulture: The once-rumored stand-up tour with Dave Chappelle still might happen. During a chat with Vulture about his movie 2 Days In New York, Rock briefly talked to us about his upcoming projects, and while he didn’t have much to say about his role in the omnibus comedy What To Expect When You’re Expecting, he’s pretty excited to go out on tour. “I’ve been talking to Chappelle a lot. Been trying to get Chappelle to go on tour,” he told us. Those reports had surfaced briefly in October, but we’d heard nothing since then; is Rock really going to make this a reality? “You know I’m not the hard one,” he said, laughing. “But I’m trying to make that happen. After seeing Kanye and Jay-Z, I was like, ‘Me and Dave should do this.’” MAKE THIS HAPPEN!!!!!!!!

Drake and Outasight Tapped to Perform at 2012 NHL All-Star Game

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta)Category: NewsJanuary 25, 2012

(AllHipHop News) Toronto native Drake will perform at this year’s 2012 NHL All-Star Game, slated for Ottawa, Ontario, on this Sunday, January 29, according to an announcement made today (January 25). Joining Drake will be New York’s Outasight, as well as singer Javier Colon, who recently was crowned champion on NBC’s first season of The Voice. Currently, Drake is to perform during the game’s second intermission, while Outasight will perform his single, “Tonight Is The Night” during the player introductions, according to Billboard. Both the United States and Canadian National Anthems will be sung and handled by Colon and Ottowa Senators anthem singer Lyndon Slewidge. Currently, three players from Drake’s hometown team, the Toronta Maple Leafs, will be playing in the All-Star Game: Phil Kessel, Joffrey Lupul, and Dion Phaneuf. The 2012 NHL All-Star Game will air live on NBC this Sunday, January 29 at 4 PM EST.

Elle Varner Releases New 13-Track Mixtape, “Conversational Lush”

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta)Category: AlternativesJanuary 25, 2012

ELLE VARNER RELEASES “CONVERSATIONAL LUSH” MIXTAPE – GET IT HERE!

Hip-Hop Rumors: Behind-The-Scenes Edition with Fabolous, Wale, Tyga, Freddie Gibbs, T.I. and More!

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta)Category: RumorsJanuary 25, 2012

Behind-The-Scenes Edition! This post is a collection of behind-the-scenes videos released over the past few days, containing exclusive access to video shoots, recording sessions, and more, with the likes of Fabolous, Tyga, Wale, Freddie Gibbs, 2 Chainz, J. Pinder, Mista F.A.B., and T.I. with his new Grand Hustle group named Dope! We wonder what the cameras DIDN’T catch… Tyga – “Rack City (Remix)” ft. Fabolous & Wale: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWY6Axjdz7k&w=560&h=315] Courtesy of Mun2TV Freddie Gibbs – “Neighborhood Hoes” ft. 2 Chainz: [vimeo http://vimeo.com/35225150] Courtesy of NoTaminENT Dope – “Harry Potter” ft. T.I.: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dv9rRGQM5FA&w=560&h=315] Courtesy of DopeMusicATL J. Pinder – “Dream Killers” ft. Mistah F.A.B. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0E3MgWb2DWE&w=560&h=315] Courtesy of JPinderMusic

Obie Trice Reveals Tracklist, Art, And Release Date For Third Album, “Bottoms Up”

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta)Category: NewsJanuary 25, 2012

(AllHipHop News) The third studio album from Detroit rapper and former Shady Records artist, Obie Trice, has officially gotten a tracklist. Bottoms Up will be released through Obie’s’ own independent music label, Black Market Entertainment. Bottoms Up features appearances from Eminem, Dre Skidne, MC Breed, and Adrian Reeza, who also appears on the album’s first single, “Battle Cry.” Although there has been no official confirmation, it is believed that the song “Richard”, which features Eminem, is produced by Dr. Dre. Bottoms Up, which is scheduled for release on February 28, is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.com. Check out the cover art and tracklist below: 1. Bottoms Up (Intro) 2. Going No Where 3. Dear Lord 4. I Pretend 5. Richard (ft. Eminem) 6. BME Up 7. Battle Cry (ft. Adrian Reeza) 8. Secrets 9. Spill My Drink 10. Spend The Day (ft. Dre Skidne) 11. Petty 12. My Time 13. Ups And Downs 14. Hell Yeah 15. Crazy (ft. MC Breed) 16. LeBron On (Bonus Track)

Chevy Woods: Taylor Gang’s General Breaks Down His Army’s Music & More

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta)Category: Breeding GroundJanuary 24, 2012

TAYLOR GANG’S CHEVY WOODS CHECKS IN WITH ALLHIPHOP.COM ON NEW MUSIC, WIZ & AMBER, TOO!

Big Boy Promotes New Film With “Exit Strategy” Of His Own

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta)Category: LifestyleJanuary 24, 2012

On February 10, the Michael Whitton-directed, independent urban-comedy, Exit Strategy, will hit theaters in limited release. The film – starring Kevin Hart, L.A.’s Power 106FM radio personality Big Boy, Jameel Saleem, “QDeezy” Harris, and Kimelia Weathers – is a “laugh-out-loud, un-romantic comedy” being released by Ask Around Entertainment just in time for Valentine’s Day. One of the film’s stars and executive producers, Big Boy, released a video earlier today (January 23) to help promote the film and the whole “exit strategy” state of mind. Check out the film’s synopsis and what Big Boy has to say about his own personal relationship exit strategy story and some tips for those of you who want out below: James (Jameel Saleem) gets evicted from his apartment and moves in with his girlfriend of three months Kim (Kimelia Weathers) and quickly discovers she’s everything he never wanted in a woman. He enlists best friends Carville (Quincy “QDeezy” Harris) and Leona (Noelle Balfour), plus high-schooler Scoop (NICK SINISE) and strangers Big Boy and Kevin Hart to find a relationship exit strategy; but for Kim, breaking up just isn’t an option. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fi7fp0wux2M&w=560&h=315] Check out the film’s official trailer here.