DJ Drama has inked
a long-term deal with T.I.’s Grand Hustle Entertainment and Atlantic Records.
DJ Drama served as T.I.’s official DJ on the Jay-Z and Friends Tour as well
as Nelly’s Sweat/Suit tour. Drama, a founding member of Atlanta’s
Aphilliates DJ Crew, is brainchild behind the popular mixtape series “Gangsta
Grillz.” "To be able to get a major record deal from pushing mixtapes
in the streets is a great feeling for me as a DJ," DJ Drama said. "I
did it my way, and I am being rewarded greatly for that." DJ Drama, who has
worked with artists ranging from Bahamadia to Lil’ Scrappy, was recently
named DJ of the Year at the inaugural Dirty Awards in Atlanta in November. The
past year was busy for Drama, as he released 16 new editions of the “Gangsta
Grillz” series in 2005.
Pioneering Latino Hip-Hop artists Cypress Hill recently dropped
a greatest hits compilation titled Greatest Hits from the Bong. The
collection is a first-ever English language collection from the group, which
cover’s the group’s entire 13-years of recorded history, starting
with their 1992 hits “How I Could Just Kill A Man,” “Hand
on the Pump” and others. The album also features two brand new songs by
the group titled "The Only Way" and "EZ Come EZ Go" and
an unreleased Reggaeton mix of the group’s single "Latin Thugs"
which features Tego Calderón and was produced by DJ Kazzanova. Cypress
Hill has sold over 17 million albums worldwide. Greatest Hits from the Bong
is in stores now.
Last week, Daddy Yankee released "Barrio Fino En Directo,"
a new CD/DVD featuring behind-the-scenes footage, exclusive interviews and live
performances by the Reggaetón artist. The release comes on the heels
of Daddy Yankee’s double platinum album Barrio Fino. The 16-track
CD features live versions of Daddy Yankee’s hits as well as five new tracks.
The DVD features over sixty minutes of never-before-seen footage and was directed
by Carlos Perez. In related news, Daddy Yankee is starting in and executive
producing a new film, "Talento del Barrio," which will be distributed
by Paramount Pictures.
50 Cent, Fathammer
and Zingy have announced a partnership to develop a mobile game based on 50’s
movie, “Get Rich or Die Tryin.’” “A mobile game is the
perfect tool to create and expand on the relationship between the audience and
a popular film," Matti Airas, CEO of Fathammer said. "We’re excited
to bring the powerful storyline of “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” to life
with interactivity and amazing game play." The mobile game will allow players
to play the role of 50 Cent, as he leaves his past behind in an attempt to conquer
the legitimate world of the music industry. The game is expected to be available
in Jan. of 2006.