Xzibit Returns to Hip-Hop With A New Attitude, Outlook, and Album
Since the release of his 1996 debut, At the Speed of Life, rapper and actor Xzibit has had his fair share of ups and downs both within the industry and outside of it. In 2012, he says that is all going to change with the release of his seventh studio album, Napalm. In the five years since his last album, Xzibit, born Alvin Nathaniel Joiner, has spread his talents across multiple industries, including film, television, and video games. Right now, he is looking to leave all of that behind to bring the fans what they’ve been waiting for, new music. AllHipHop.com got the chance to speak to Xzibit about his album before he left the States to embark on a multi-stop tour in Australia. He also shares thoughts on the legacies of Nate Dogg and Heavy D, and whether or not the world will ever get another “Up In Smoke” tour. Read below to find out what he had to say about this and more: AllHipHop.com: What’s going on, X? Where are you at right now? Xzibit: I’m over in L.A. right now, bouncing out to Australia next week. I’ve been back from Europe for about three weeks. AllHipHop.com: What were you doing over in Europe? Xzibit: Touring for about two months. We did about 38 shows out there; it was pretty crazy. We went from Finland to Russia, man, and it was intense. AllHipHop.com: That’s awesome. Any standout moments? Xzibit: Just seeing the fans man. I’m used to traveling a lot, but coming out and having not put out a record since ’07, and to come out over there and have the traction and reaction like that, it was a great experience for me. AllHipHop.com: Definitely. I heard a few months back that you also traveled to the Middle East to film your music video, and that you were the first artist to do a Hip-Hop show in Baghdad. Tell me about that. Xzibit: Well I did a song called “Napalm” featuring Travis Barker for the album, that’s the title track for the record, and being that we were going to be able to have this kind of visual and this kind of experience, I figured we might as well put the cart before the house, which is something I usually don’t do. But being that we couldn’t get this experience again, the timing was perfect to go film the video over there. The rest of the album’s not finished, and I usually don’t like to film videos until a project is done, but being that we had the song and it was so powerful, we went out there and got a lot of great footage with the palaces and some of the bases, just a lot of dramatic footage. We were flying over Baghdad in Nighthawk helicopters, and it’s just a great visual. In the States, I would have had to pay Oliver Stone like $3 million to get this sh*t done, you know what I’m saying? AllHipHop.com: I can’t wait to see that. Did you get to perform for any of the troops when you were over there? Xzibit: We performed on one of the bases, actually the only base that had U.S. troops and Iraqi troops on the same base. So we got to perform in front of Iraqi people and U.S. troops, so it was incredible to be able to unite people like that even though it was a very intense setting. It was by no means a regular Hip-Hop show that you’re used to. AllHipHop.com: Yeah, I can only imagine. Xzibit: There’s choppers out there, like real ones and people looking at each other, and everybody’s on edge ‘cause it’s a warzone. For the hour or whatever that we rocked for them, we, at least, was able to let them have a reprise from that mindstate and have something to actually relax with for just a moment, so it was good to be out there with them. It was a morale boost, and they were very excited for us to be there. We got a lot of great footage. We got to ask the troops what their perception of home is, what they think about home, and what the first thing they’re going to do when they get home is, and we got such a great array of answers. It’s a wide range of answers that’s going to shock a lot of people, but also make a lot of people laugh, a lot of people cry. And it’s good to just have that much conscience, to have people come together and put this album out, and put this footage out the way it needs to be put out. AllHipHop.com: So why is 2012 the right time to put out your new album after your five-year musical hiatus? Xzibit: Because the music is there. If the music wasn’t there, I wouldn’t even waste your time, and I wouldn’t waste my time. This is about putting out quality music and feeling the moment. I feel like I’m in the hot seat, and I’m ready to put out my best effort, and that’s what it is. That’s why I’m doing it. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5C39jsi9S0&w=560&h=315] AllHipHop.com: Is Napalm the album that was originally going to be called Restless 2? Xzibit: Exactly, but we revamped it. I actually talked to Dr. Dre about it, and he just gave me the headshake like “nah.” [laughter]. He was just like, “Nah, man, you don’t do something you’ve already done. You need to come with a new, fresh idea,” and that’s exactly what this is. AllHipHop.com: So what is the significance of the title Napalm? Xzibit: The significance of it is that it’s one of the tracks that I actually did for the album already, which is the one I filmed the video for in Iraq, so it’s the title track to the album, because that’s the name of the song, and the song was done before I even went out there. AllHipHop.com: Okay. […]
Grammy Award-Winning Producer Bangladesh Shares Some Details on His New Album
BANGLADESH STOPS BY ALLHIPHOP.COM TO FILL US IN ON HIS NEW ALBUM & MORE!
Belly: Canada, Music, and The Greatest Dream He Never Had
Born in Palestine and raised in Canada, 27-year-old rapper and mogul Belly has fought long and hard to get where he is today. Although you may not have heard of Belly here in the states, please believe that, in Canada, he is no stranger to a dedicated work ethic resulting in enormous success. His first album, The Revolution, was certified Gold in Canada and led to his first Top 10 single “Pressure,” featuring Ginuwine. Belly also earned consecutive MuchMusic Awards for Best Rap Video in 2007 and 2008. That same year, he won his first Juno Award, which is the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy, for Hip-Hop Recording of the Year. In 2011, he released two mixtapes, Sleepless Nights, hosted by DJ Ill Will, and the more recent The Greatest Dream I Never Had, hosted and presented by DJ Drama. On the heels of his newest mixtape hitting the Internet last month, Belly has begun setting the master plan in motion to crossover from one side of the border to the other, the result of which should be a huge reception for his sophomore follow-up, due sometime next year. AllHipHop.com spent some time with Belly recently to talk about The Greatest Dream I Never Had, what the success of other Canadian artists like Drake and The Weekend mean to him personally, his Palestinian roots, and much more. Check out the exclusive interview below: AllHipHop.com: What’s going on, Belly? Belly: Not much, man, just kicking it at the crib in Toronto right now. AllHipHop.com: Nice. Well, first things first, you recently released The Greatest Dream I Never Had which was your seventh mixtape that dropped a couple of weeks ago. Now that the public has had some time to digest it, how do you feel the response has been based on the feedback? Belly: The best out of anything I’ve released, for sure, since the album dropped out here in ’07, since The Revolution. I haven’t really seen people react like this. I mean, don’t get me wrong, it’s been an amazing response, and I have such an amazing fan base of loyal fans, but this one is over the top. It’s not just the fans that appreciated it; it was even people who never liked me before. They heard this, and they see me in a whole new light. AllHipHop.com: Do you believe it’s your best work? Belly: I just make music, man. I don’t know. I’m the worst judge of my own music so, to me, everything is personal and everything is something I did so, you know, I look at it all the same. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHRU_9PzBYw&w=560&h=315] AllHipHop.com: When you’re working on new music, do you find yourself trying to top what you did the last time, or is it more in the moment, creating music based on what’s happening with you at that exact time in your life? Belly: Yeah, it’s definitely about being in the moment. I love music to the point where I can get inspired by it in any form. I might hear a little melody in a movie or something and just run off that. It might spark a whole new project just based on that one sample; that one melody that might have inspired me. That’s what happened with this tape [The Greatest Dream I Never Had]. I did “Purple Drugs” first, and when I did that, I knew I had to do a whole project of music like this. I loved where I was going with it. AllHipHop.com: I saw that you also handled some of the production on the mixtape. Belly: Yeah, I was right there throughout the whole production process, but like, not to take anything away from Da Heala and Danny Boy Styles, man – those guys are geniuses, and it ended up where they just kind of split the production duties and nobody had no egos. It was just real smooth, man. Definitely the best experience of working on a project was this. AllHipHop.com: Is that something that you started doing recently, or have you been producing your own stuff for a while? Belly: Yeah, I think I always made it a point to have at least one production by myself on each project, and then somewhere along the way, it just faded away and I focused more on the writing and my own music. But yeah, it’s dope. I think production is like the foundation, so being back involved with the that has been amazing for me. AllHipHop.com: Some of the hottest producers right now are all from Canada. What’s in the water? Belly: [laughter] Oh, man, I think Canada’s got it right now with producers. Boi-1da, T-Minus, Arthur McArthur, Tone Mason, Da Heala, Danny Boy Styles. I think it’s right here right now. AllHipHop.com: The Greatest Dream was also presented by DJ Drama. How’d you two link up in the first place, and will we ever get a Belly-fied Gangsta Grillz? Belly: I’ve known Drama forever. Drama’s just someone who’s always held me down, and there’s never something I’ve asked him to do that’s he wasn’t down to do. I think it was in like ’07 or something like that, I had a shot a video with Ginuwine. Hulk Hogan was in the video, it was crazy like a circus, and I flew Drama down and he appeared in the video, so we’ve been homies ever since. Every time I hit him about something, he’s always down to work so Drama’s that dude, man, very influential cat. And maybe, man, maybe one day. People are getting The Greatest Dream I Never Had, and I already know what my next two or three projects are going to be. I’m already working on those, so maybe a Gangsta Grillz after that, definitely. AllHipHop.com: What can you tell me about those projects that you already have in the works? Are those mixtapes or your next album? Belly: I mean, it depends; as far as the album goes, I’ve been working on my […]
B.o.B. Releases “E.P.I.C.” Mixtape as Appetizer for Sophomore Album
(AllHipHop News) Very few artists have had the crossover appeal that rapper, singer, producer, and overall musician B.o.B. has had in his career. B.o.B. a.k.a. Bobby Ray, has only released one studio album, 2010’s The Adventures of Bobby Ray, and is preparing to release his second, Strange Clouds, early next year. In preparation for his sophomore album’s release, the Atlanta native has created a brand new mixtape, E.P.I.C., which stands for “Every Play Is Crucial,” to help hold the fans over until Strange Clouds hits shelves in 2012. Not only does the mixtape have a very “album-like” feel to it, it also features guest verses and production from some of the biggest names in the industry. On E.P.I.C., artists like Mos Def, Meek Mill, Lil Wayne, T.I., Bun B, Eminem, and more, all make appearances over production created by Jim Jonsin, Dr. Luke, The Aristocrats, Ryan Tedder, and even B.o.B. himself. The 15-track mixtape helps set the tone for what fans can expect, come early 2012, when Strange Clouds is released to the masses via Atlantic Records. In the meantime, check out the E.P.I.C. download below. Download “B.O.B. – E.P.I.C. (Every Play Is Crucial)” now!
Kidz In the Hall Celebrate A Very Special “Occasion”
ALLHIPHOP.COM SITS IN WITH KIDZ IN THE HALL TO LEARN ABOUT THEIR NEW ALBUM!
“Yo! MTV Raps” Returning For One-Night Special on MTV2
(AllHipHop News)On Sunday, December 4th at midnight, MTV2 will be airing a 30-minute special called “Yo! MTV Raps Classic Cuts,” following the airing of the channel’s Sucker Free Awards show. The retrospective episode will feature hosts Ed Lover, Dr. Dre, and Fab 5 Freddy, as well as artists like Ice Cube, Busta Rhymes, The Roots’ ?uestlove, Wiz Khalifa, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Fat Joe and DJ Premier, who will be remixing the show’s theme song. When asked about the new special, former host Fab 5 Freddy said the show will take viewers back to a bygone era in hip-hop. “In this Classic Cuts special, people will go back to a seminal time in hip-hop which many have called the ‘Golden Era’ – resulting in records that are as meaningful today as they were back then,” Fab 5 Freddy said. “In order to appreciate how far hip-hop has come, you have to pay respect to the songs and artists that helped catapult the genre from a small community of fans to world domination.” Ed Lover, one of “Yo! MTV Raps’” other hosts, couldn’t be happier with the announcement. “It’s a great moment to be re-connected with Yo! and examine the music that had a role in introducing hip-hop to music lovers globally,” Ed Lover said. Yo! MTV Raps has often been credited as one of the sole mainstream influences that introduced Hip-Hop on a national level to households, through television. The show, which aired on MTV between 1988 and 1995, introduced artists and acts like N.W.A., Wu-Tang Clan, Public Enemy, Ice-T, and more to viewers and potential music consumers across the country. “Yo! MTV Raps Classic Cuts” will air at midnight on December 4th, 2011
Erykah Badu: Storytelling in Spain With Red Bull Academy
After enormous success in the United States last month with the “Five Out of Five” series, Red Bull Academy took their series to Madrid, Spain, to speak some to some more influential entertainers. The event featured seminal New York Hip-Hop groups like Mobb Deep, Wu-Tang, Black Moon, and the Diplomats all sitting down for discussions about their history, their successes, and their futures, as well as performing for sold out crowds. The Madrid event kicked off with one of the biggest names in R&B and music in general, Ms. Erykah Badu, who spoke on everything from her albums, to her thought processes and creative inspirations, as well as her thoughts on the music industry as a whole, and what she thinks about her contributions to the entertainment industry. Check out the full video below: [vimeo http://vimeo.com/31332209] Erykah Badu needs little introduction. Her seminal works like ‘Baduizm’ and the ‘New AmErykah’ series have successively upped the ante in terms of what can be done within the soul spectrum. Erykah fuses cosmic b-girl bravado with the forward-thinking sounds of producers like the Soulquarians, Madlib, and more recently, Academy grad Flying Lotus, to create a sonically varied body of work – selling millions of albums in the process. She also heads up her own record label, Control FreaQ, and has even been caught on the ones and twos recently, under her moniker DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown. Watch her tell the story to Eothen ‘Egon’ Alapatt at the Red Bull Music Academy 2011 in Madrid. For more videos from the Madrid event featuring MF Doom and Tom Ze, visit Red Bull Music Academy.
Introducing Chris Webby: The Lyrical, Suburban Commando
If you don’t know who Chris Webby is, well than it’s time to get familiar with the 23 year-old , Norwalk, Connecticut native who has been selling out shows across the country for the past couple of years. Webby, who helped usher in a new school Hip-Hop movement and mentality several years ago, has been steadily building upon the grassroots foundation he created while simultaneously honing his skills. Having worked with artists like: Freeway, Mac Miller, Joell Ortiz, Big K.R.I.T., and more, Webby has shown and proven his worth time and time again. AllHipHop.com got a chance to speak to Webby as he prepares for the release of his first commercial project, There Goes the Neighborhood, which will drop later this month. Webby spoke on his come-up, his thoughts on other white rappers, his work ethic, and most importantly, what’s next for the “Suburban Commando.” Introducing, the newest addition to the Breeding Ground, Chris Webby… AllHipHop.com: Tell me a little bit about yourself. Who is Chris Webby? Chris Webby: I started rapping in 6th grade, so I’ve been rapping now for 12, going on 13 years, so more than half my life which, I think, speaks volumes about at least my lyrical capacity because there’s a lot of dudes who just see rappers blowing up nowadays and they think they can do it by putting a couple of songs on YouTube, and on occasion some of them do do it. You know, the Internet is a great thing. It’s made artists like me possible but it’s also made a ton of sh*tty artists possible too. I have been doing it for a very long time though. I grew up ciphering, and freestyling has always been a huge part of my forte. I grew up doing that and battling back in the day and the music has come over time and it’s just been a crazy experience. All of the grassroots growth, from the bottom to where it’s at now, which definitely isn’t the top but we’re getting there. AllHipHop.com: Would you say that going back a few years, that you always wanted to rap and you used the outlets of parties and school functions at college to show your skills, or were you just messing around and realized that you could make a career out of rapping? Chris Webby: Definitely the first option. I’ve always wanted to do this and I used all those parties as like my first audiences, you know, freestyling at keg parties. I mean drunk people are easy to entertain, everybody knows that, so you throw out a couple punch lines and get all the sorority girls going crazy, get with them later that night. Battling used to also be a huge part of what I did, but I barely do it anymore. There’s nothing more gratifying then just lyrically slaughtering someone in front of a crowd, like some modern day gladiator’s. AllHipHop.com: So did you end up graduating college? Chris Webby: Not even close. I got kicked out of Hofstra [University] sophomore year when my buddies robbed a drug dealer and I drove the car like a dumb*ss of course and then got ratted out and went through a real nice legal situation which sucked *ss. In retrospect though, the reason that I am where I am is because if I was trying to balance classes and this, it just wouldn’t work. AllHipHop.com: Sounds like a major blessing in disguise. Chris Webby: It absolutely was. AllHipHop.com: So since you just mentioned the robbery, I have to ask if you have heard anything or have any thoughts on the supposed shot that Mac Miller took on his Blue Slide Park song “One Last Night” where he raps “A million people in the world, I don’t hate one, even them dummies robbin people with some fake guns, make mistakes young boy”? Chris Webby: Yeah, I heard about that and checked it out cause I have to stay on top of what people are saying. I don’t think he would take a shot at me, I really don’t, the last time I checked me and Mac were cool, it’s not like we talk everyday but you know. I don’t see any reason why he would. We’re not like buddy-buddy on the phone all the time but it’s not cause we’re not cool, we’re just busy doing our own sh*t. I see him around every once in awhile; it’s good, you know, it’s love. AllHipHop.com: Well it’s just interesting because it’s coming on the heels of the whole Machine Gun Kelly and Yelawolf “beef” that the Internet ran away with recently. We don’t need all these dope white rappers going at each other, what’s the deal? Chris Webby: Exactly, exactly. As far as I know, Me and Mac are cool. I met Yelawolf in Atlanta the other day, I saw Machine Gun Kelly at a XXL showcase last week, I try to keep it pretty cool with everybody. I’m not a fan of Sam Adams, but those that are my fans know about that. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDrfV6oyDiM&w=560&h=315] AllHipHop.com: Well since we’re on the topic of white rappers, what are your thoughts on these artists individually starting with Yelawolf? Chris Webby: He is very dope. I really, really like his music. That new Kid Rock song he just released, “Let’s Roll,” is sick. He’s got Shady Records behind him, that guy is about to make things happen, he’s not going anywhere. AllHipHop.com: What about Eminem? Chris Webby: Eminem is my favorite rapper of all time. In my opinion, he’s the greatest rapper of all time; I know everybody has their opinions but I mean, to not have him in your Top 5 is ludicrous if you ask me. AllHipHop.com: And Machine Gun Kelly? Chris Webby: MGK is cool too. I know a little bit less about him, cause he kind of popped up recently. He’s got the Diddy backing which is interesting, and it’ll be interesting to see how that whole situations pans […]
Zulu Nation Celebrating 38th Anniversary at All Star Concerts This Weekend In NYC
This week marks the 38th Anniversary of the Universal Zulu Nation, as well as the commemoration of the 39th Anniversary of Hip-Hop. Celebratory events have been taking place throughout New York City since Wednesday, November 9 and will continue to occur until Sunday, November 13. The Universal Zulu Nation is an international Hip-Hop awareness group formed and headed by Hip-Hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa. Originally known simply as The Organization, it arose in the 1970s as reformed New York City gang members began to organize cultural events for youths, combining local dance and music movements into what would become known as the various elements of Hip-Hop culture. By the 1980s, Hip-Hop had spread globally, and the Zulu Nation has since established (autonomous) branches in Japan, France, the U.K., Australia, South Korea, and the Cape Flats in Cape Town, South Africa. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lDCYjb8RHk&w=420&h=315] The Zulu Nation has undergone changes over the past decade. From the late 1980s, at the height of the Afrocentric movement in Hip-Hop (when artists such as KRS-One, Public Enemy, A Tribe Called Quest, the Native Tongue collective, and Rakim hit success), the movement seemed to be incorporating many doctrines from the Nation of Islam, the Nation of Gods and Earth, and the Nuwaubians. In the 2000s, however, its official Web site affirmed that the Zulu Nation has left the system of “believing” and instead adheres to “Factology versus Beliefs,” a philosophy and doctrine that can often be seen in, though is not always exclusive to, Nuwaubianism. There are three major concert events taking place to mark the anniversaries at venues like Yotel NYC, La Poissen Rouge, and S.O.B.’s over the next three days. Confirmed artists include Q-Tip, Afrika Bambaataa, Keith Murray, 9th Wonder, The Cold Crush Brothers, Grandmaster Melle Mel, and many, many more! Below is information for the concerts that are taking place to celebrate the historic anniversary of both the Zulu Nation and Hip-Hop itself: Friday, November 11, 2011: What: Uncle Bam’s Jams Where: Yotel NYC (570 10th Ave. 42nd Street) When: 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. Who: DJ’s Q-Tip, Afrika Bambaataa, and Jazzy Jay with performances by Keith Murray, Dres (of Black Sheep), Rakaa (of Dilated People), Jarobi, Artifactz, Black Un, Mickey Factz, and Venomous Cost: $20 Saturday, November 12, 2011: What: Zulu-Mania Where: Club Poissen La Rouge (158 Bleeker Street) When: 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. Who: DJ’s Statik Selektah, 9th Wonder, Tony Tone, DJ Outlaw, Finesse, and Grandwizzard Theodore with performances by PMD, Mr. Cheeks, Dinco (of Leaders of the New School), Hakim Green (of Channel Live), Kurtis Blow, Boogie Black, King Kamanzi, The Welfare Poets and more! Cost: $20 Sunday, November 13, 2011: What: Salute to the Queens of Hip-Hop Where: S.O.B.’s, 204 Varick Street, New York, NY When: 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. Who: DJs Jazzy Joyce, Lady Love, Shejay, Kid Capri, Grandmaster Melle Mel, The Cold Crush Brothers, DMC, Doug E. Fresh, DJ Whoo Kid, and many more! Tickets for these events can be purchased here. For more information on the Universal Zulu Nation, visit ZuluNation.com.
Aftermath Artist Slim the Mobster Releases Street Album, “War Music”
(AllHipHop News) Earlier today (November 9), Dr. Dre protege and Aftermath Entertainment artist, Slim the Mobster, released his anticipated 11-song street album, War Music, available for download below. The album, which is hosted by DJ Whoo Kid, contains solid features from artists like Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Yummy Bingham, and the world’s most famous doctor – Dre. Production on War Music was handled by Lab Ratz, Nottz, Bink, Boi-1da, and Sha Money XL, who also served as one of the album’s executive producers alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and more. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLLCKOKGuhM&w=560&h=315] Slim the Mobster is a California rapper with Los Angeles roots. He is currently signed to Aftermath Entertainment and Gang Module Records, both of which released War Music collaboratively. He is one of the most prominent artists said to be featured on the highly anticipated and “unicorn-esque” Detox album by Dr. Dre. He is also the nephew of famed drug kingpin, Freeway Ricky Ross. Download “Slim the Mobster – War Music” Now!
Lloyd Banks Releases “The Cold Corner 2” Mixtape
Earlier today (November 8), G-Unit rapper Lloyd Banks released his new, highly-anticipated mixtape, The Cold Corner 2. The mixtape – with its memorable cover of the Statue of Liberty covering her face – was announced in early 2010 and later shelved so that Banks could focus on some other projects. He decided a few months ago to move ahead with the mixtape, and in no time at all, he has delivered. Boasting 18 tracks with production from the likes of AraabMUZIK, Beat Butcha, and G-Unit’s own Doe Pesci and The Jerm, The Cold Corner 2 also sports guest verses from A$AP Rocky, Prodigy, Styles P, and more. Check out a full tracklist and download the mixtape here or down below! Download “Lloyd Banks – The Cold Corner 2” Mixtape Now!
Judges Kid Capri & Amber Rose An Unlikely Pair for “Masters of the Mix” 2nd Season
DJ KID CAPRI AND AMBER ROSE “MASTER THE MIX” WITH ALLHIPHOP.COM!
Future Speaks On Drake’s Absence From “Tony Montana” Video
FUTURE EXPLAINS MISSING DRAKE IN “TONY MONTANA” VID
2 Chainz: Reintroducing “The Humble Hustler”
2 Chainz, formerly known as Tity Boi, released his much talked about and anticipated mixtape, T.R.U. Realigion today (November 1). Coming off months of heavy buzz, appearances on awards shows, and hit remixes, 2 Chainz is ready to reintroduce himself to the Hip-Hop community and music industry as a force to be reckoned with. After the success of Playaz Circles’ first albums on Ludacris’ Disturbing Tha Peace imprint, which 2 Chainz was and still is a part of, the talk about Tity Boi and Dolla seemed to fizzle out. In 2011, it seems people can’t get enough of the Tity 2 Chainz movement, and more importantly, the music. AllHipHop.com got the opportunity to speak with the “humble hustler” on a number of topics, including his past with Playaz Circle, what kind of empire he is trying to build for himself now, his BET Cypher, and much more. Before his mixtape, T.R.U. Realigion, was released, 2 Chainz shed some light on his relationship with the mixtapes host DJ Drama, as well as artists like Wale, T.I., Ludacris, and even Kreayshawn. Read below to see what exactly was on the mind of the “Codeine Cowboy” also known as 2 Chainz: AllHipHop.com: What’s going on, Chainz? 2 Chainz: What’s going on, brother? AllHipHop.com: I heard you were just wrapping up a video. What were you working on? 2 Chainz: I’ve been doing a lot of promo stuff; it’s just been crazy with the media. There’s a lot of outlets, so I’ve been speaking to all of them. AllHipHop.com: So first things first, and I’m sure you’ve been asked this a lot, but what happened to Tity Boi, and who is 2 Chainz? 2 Chainz: Tity Boi – nothing happened to him – and 2 Chainz is basically the same person. They are still the same humble, hungry person. The name change just came with experience. It’s crazy, I’ve been asked that question so many times. [laughter] Basically what happened was I was going by Tity Boi as like a family, household name. My mother called me that, my father called me that, and when it became time for me to rap and put music out, I couldn’t think of an MC name, so I just stayed with a name that people called me and I was comfortable with in my area. SO, when I started moving around and telling people my name was Tity Boi, some people thought it was derogatory; other people thought it was cool. But in all my raps, dating back to my second album, I was calling myself Tity 2 Chainz. AllHipHop.com: OK. 2 Chainz: So, I think what happened was the way I delivered it made it sound friendly and made it easy for the kids to get out. Not to mention, I go hard as 2 Chainz. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsaxI1-tm84&w=560&h=315] AllHipHop.com: S0, just out of curiosity, as a pretty flashy guy, what are two of the favorite chains that you own? 2 Chainz: My plane chain is definitely one of them. I had that made for the Flight 360 album with Playaz Circle, and probably my “Duffle Bag Boy” logo would be the other one. That duffle bag logo is heavy as sh*t like a little midget. AllHipHop.com: Nice! Since you just mentioned it, what is up with Playaz Circle? Are you still working together and signed to Disturbing Tha Peace? 2 Chainz: Yeah, I’m definitely down with Dolla [Boi] still. We have a studio together back home, and we’ve been working on future business and ventures, but for right now, I’d be a fool to ignore the type of buzz that I’m creating as 2 Chainz and the music I’m putting out on mixtapes. I’m just really trying to follow my dreams right now. I’m ready to be my own boss, and that’s something I’m prepared for. AllHipHop.com: Definitely. I saw online that a week or two ago you had made a surprise appearance at Wale’s show in Chicago. What is your relationship with him like? 2 Chainz: Well, Wale stays in Atlanta. A lot of people don’t know that. Even before that, we were rocking with each other. We had a little rapport with one another, so it’s a situation where we talk to each other like once a week. He had invited me on the tour, not knowing what my schedule was going to be like, and I had to be in Chicago for a video shoot that I was doing for someone. We have a record together that’s not actually on his album, but has done well in the streets called “Globetrotter.” AllHipHop.com: What about you and T.I.? That “Spend It” record is all over the place right now. What was it like to be one of the first artists to work with him when he got out of prison? 2 Chainz: It felt good, man. I got word that he was going to be coming out, and it was a pleasure when he actually came home. I had one of the hottest songs out in the area, so when he came home and was around for BET Hip-Hop Awards weekend, I put him on the remix, and it just blasted off. It worked out good for me as another reintroduction of 2 Chainz, formerly Tity Boi. AllHipHop.com: You were one of the last minute additions to a BET Cypher this year, where you got to spit alongside Reek Da Villian, Busta Rhymes, and Ludacris. What was that experience like for you? 2 Chainz: Yeah, it was definitely last minute. I appreciated it, though. You just always have to be ready for things like that. I just had to grab some things and make it to the plane; I can’t really complain. It was dope to show off my skills in the Cypher. AllHipHop.com: For sure. Let’s get into your upcoming project, T.R.U. Realigion that you have DJ Drama hosting. You were featured on two tracks on his recent album Third Power, and now […]
Kid Cudi Releases Intense Short Film for “Maniac”
Rapper, singer, and actor Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi released a short film for his Man On the Moon II track, “Maniac.” The film, released appropriately on Halloween, documents “two serial killers,” played by Cudi and Chris “Cage” Palko in French mode, and “their exploits;” however, it does not actually feature music from the song itself. Instead, the film features a score created by Kid Cudi and frequent collaborator Dot Da Genius, along with direction by Shia Lebeouf, who has starred in all three Transformers films. Cudi said the following upon the film’s release: “MANIAC is a short film inspired by the song. It is not a music video and it has no reference to the song content. It will be scored by Dot and I as a film with all new music. Directed By Shia Labeof for Grassy Slope and Ragin4Dayz Productions.” [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVemNLOwCJ0&w=560&h=315] Back in August, Cudi announced that he would be scrapping a previously announced mixtape, instead focusing on his next two new albums. The first, Wizard, is the debut of 2 Continnum, a rock band that Cudi founded with Dot Da Genius, and is set for release some time this winter, as is Cudi’s Man on the Moon III.
Mac Miller Hosts Listening Party for “Blue Slide Park” and Drops New Video
Rostrum Records held a listening party last night (October 27) for Mac Miller’s debut album Blue Slide Park at the infamous Quad Studios in Manhattan. The album, which is set for release on November 8, is one of 2011’s more anticipated releases following the success Mac has had over the past year as an independent artist. Amidst a crowd of writers, bloggers, a number of industry people, and even producer Statik Selektah, Mac’s cool, calm, and collected demeanor helped ease any concerns some might have with the project, and if he has changed up his the recipe that has worked so well for him because of his debut. Before the play button was hit on Blue Slide Park, Mac briefly addressed the crowd, saying: “I like the album, I hope y’all like the album. I don’t really want to say too much about it. I’m just going to let it play. I just want to ask for you to turn it up loud, ’cause I like to listen to it loud, and enjoy Blue Slide Park.” From what we heard at the session, fans are in for a treat come November 8 when Blue Slide Park hits stores. In the meantime, check out the music video below for Mac’s new single, “Party on 5th Ave,” which dropped just last night: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTZpscid3lg&w=560&h=315]
AllHipHop.com Gets Schooled by the “Leaders of the New Cool” at CMJ Showcase
For those that don’t know or are based outside of the New York area, the annual CMJ Music Marathon and Film festival invaded the city. With over 10,000 acts performing multiple shows over the course of four days, CMJ always guarantees a lot to take in. After 20 years, the festival has taken on an entirely new life of its own, and is now looked at as the perfect launching pad for both new and upcoming artists looking to break into the industry in a major way. All music genres are represented at CMJ, and a number of the events mix up the types of artists and genres so that more of the general audience, potential fans, and music buyers, can get a taste of all of the different musical flavors. Since its inception, CMJ has had artists like Eminem, Q-Tip, Yelawolf, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chuck D, KRS-One, Run-DMC, and more take on different roles as performers and speakers throughout the festival’s four-day run. At one of many CMJ showcases taking place at S.O.B.’s, a number of up-and-coming artists rocked short sets for a full house. The night was dubbed “The Collab,” and was being promoted through the Leaders of the New Cool and Hustlepalooza. Artists like Get Busy Committee, Nakim, Sir Michael Rocks, Iggy Azalea, Kris Kasanova, Mr. MF eXquire, Tuki Carter, Troy Ave., Skeme, and Action Bronson were all on the bill and all equally did their thing on stage. The power-packed night closed with a surprise performance from Mos Def, who was playing spectator in a more private section of the venue for a majority of the night. Among the topics discussed with most of the artists was the importance of CMJ for launching new artists’ careers, what everyone is working on music-wise, and some general thoughts about their peers and the music industry. Check out what the artists AllHipHop.com got to speak had to say that night: Nakim The Harlem native whose recent ode to Young Jeezy, “We Need Jeezy,” has been making quite the impact online, spoke on CMJ’s incorporation in other cities and what it means to him to be performing there. He also schooled those that don’t know Nakim on what they need to know about him. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFNtJWtg-sE&w=560&h=315] Get Busy Committee The Hip-Hop group consisting of rappers Ryu and Apathy and producer Scoop Deville has been making a considerable amount of noise over the past two years. While all members of the group rap on their tracks, Scoop, who has produced for the likes of Snoop Dogg, Murs, Game, and Fat Joe, handles all production duties. They recently released their new mixtape, Opening Ceremony, to help promote the new album of the same name dropping in early 2012. See what else they had to say below: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcgCX1r4TXU&w=560&h=315] Tuki Carter Not only is Tuki Carter a top-notch lyricist and performer, he is also one of the most renowned tattoo artists in Hip-Hop. Over the years, Tuki has inked up Rick Ross, Wiz Khalifa, Amber Rose, and more. Among the many projects he’s a part of, his new mixtape, Atlantafornication, is set to drop sometime before the end of the year. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_But-fjXPMU&w=560&h=315] Skeme The Inglewood, Californnia rapper, whose biggest inspiration is music itself, stopped to talk about his relationship with the other artists performing that night, the differences between New York and California, and what fans can expect from him going forward. His mixtape, The Statement, is available now for download, and the follow-up, The Statement 2, is currently in the works. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk6KlR5A47w&w=560&h=315] T. Mills Showing up for a surprise appearance during his boy Skeme’s set, Columbia Records’ Hip-Pop artist T. Mills spent a few minutes with AllHipHop.com talking about how the type of music he makes fits into the bigger Hip-Hop landscape, and more. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kObzwi076k&w=560&h=315] Troy Ave “Mr. Harry Powder” has had no problem making a name for himself as of late. The Brooklyn bred rapper is a high energy and gritty lyricist with his eyes set on the prize. His “real talk” approach to his music has helped Troy become a new staple in the re-emergence of New York Rap. Check out the video below for an interesting story about that night’s performance, his relationship with Mobb Deep member Prodigy, as well as details on what fans can expect next from his music and beyond. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhC6fGnMNXA&w=560&h=315] Action Bronson Always one to give some of the most humorous interviews, on this night, Action Bronson didn’t disappoint. The showcase headliner spoke on not really knowing what CMJ was, but said he was glad to perform at so many different shows. His Well Done album with Statik Selektah is being released on November 22, and he’s also hooked up with Asher Roth recently. Find out more below: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjC9hG4hz8I&w=420&h=315] Despite hour-long lines and wall-to-wall crowds, the CMJ experience is worth the yearlong wait between festivals. A number of companies, firms, and sponsors threw their own events, such as Converse’s “True Till Def,” which featured Action Bronson, AraabMUZIK, Mr. MF eXquire, and a number of thrash metal bands. There was also the “Duck Down vs. BlackSmith” showcase that featured acts from both rosters like Talib Kweli, Kidz In the Hall, Smif-N-Wessun, Buckshot, Statik Selektah, and many more. CMJ seems to be endless, and finding “the place to be” on a particular night can turn into a small problem. But, the fact of the matter is that during CMJ, everywhere is the place to be. For more information, check out CMJ.com
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AllHipHop.com Covers the 2011 New York Comic-Con
Comic book, movie, video game, anime, and television lovers from all over the world came together over a three-day period in New York City to celebrate their unified love and passion for all things “geek.” And, at New York Comic-Con, when you see a robot, fairy, superhero, ninja, or some other homemade-creation walk by, you do what is expected of you – take a picture. As part of AllHipHop.com’s coverage of the 2011 NY Comic-Con, which took place at the Jacob Javits Center this past weekend, I was sent into the lion’s den to partake in the one-of-a-kind experience that tens of thousands of people flock to on a annual basis. I was excited about the opportunity to participate exclusive panels, previews, giveaways, surprises, and more. The recap will be broken up into categories of Film, Comics, Video Games, and Television. Along with trailers, previews, and exclusive information, at the bottom of the recap, check out a full gallery of exclusive pictures taken from New York Comic-Con. First, let’s get right into the one of convention’s biggest panels – Marvel Studios’ The Avengers: Film: Marvel Studios’ The Avengers [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDV-t5sgDgI&w=560&h=315] I mean, what more really needs to be said? Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and Nick Fury, all on the same team and in the same movie! After Marvel Studio head Kevin Feige played the trailer for the crowd, stars Chris Evans, who plays Captain America; Tom Hiddleston, who plays Loki; Colbie Smulders, who plays S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Maria Hill; Clark Gregg, who plays Agent Coulson; and Mark Ruffalo, who plays the new Bruce Banner/Hulk, came onstage for a moderated discussion about the film. There were a ton of questions from the audience, and then Comic-Con’s biggest event, an exclusive, world-premiere preview of a scene from The Avengers. The scene found Bruce Banner hiding out in India where he is cornered and found by Black Widow, who is played by Scarlett Johanssen. Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury wants to bring Banner in to help them with a global threat. The exchange between then two characters is great, as is the slowly building tension brewing on-screen. The extra footage we saw was cut like a new trailer, with shots of the Helicarrier, dialogue between Tony Stark and Loki, and some banter between Stark and the Captain. In May, prepare for what could potentially become the biggest movie of all time to be playing at a theater near you! DC Universe Animated Movies Another one of the standout panels AllHipHop.com attended was for DC Universe’s Animated Movies. Included in the presentation was a discussion on Batman: Year One, which is now in stores, the animated short Catwoman, which was screened in its entirety for the audience who erupted in applause as the short ended, and a preview of the upcoming film, Justice League: Doom which is set for release in February of 2012. Wearing a “What Would Batman Do?” shirt, Gary Mierreanu from Warner Home Video moderated the panel, which also included a special appearance by the voice of Catwoman, Eliza Dushku (Bring It On, Dollhouse). Along with executive producer Bruce Timm and casting director Andrea Romano, the “voice of Batman,” Kevin Conroy, joined the panel-members on stage for some questions as well. Fans of the graphic novel should enjoy the film, as it does not stray from the original material at all, which to some could be a point of criticism. Decide for yourself when you see the movie and check out the trailer below: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdMtMU91u0U&w=560&h=315] Red Tails For those who don’t know, Red Tails is a film about the Tuskegee Airmen that has been in the pipeline for years and was produced by Star Wars creator George Lucas. “This is a film about heroes not victims,” said Aaron McGruder, creator of The Boondocks and the screenwriter of Red Tails. This is an in your face, epic looking, emotional and action packed film for the generation of history and film lovers that feel the Airmen have not been getting their due nowadays in the classrooms. Sitting next to one of the actual Tuskeegee Airmen was the panel’s surprise guest, Aaron McGruder and actors Michael B. Jordan (The Wire, Friday Night Lights) and Leslie Odom, Jr. (CSI). The actors discussed their own experiences of boot camp, learning how to fly, their undying respect and admiration for the original airmen, and what it meant to them to be a part of a film like this. Some behind-the-scenes videos were played for the crowd, which showed the actors as they were being flown around at Top Gun-like speed. The film also stars Cuba Gooding Jr., Terrence Howard, Bryan Cranston, Method Man, and Ne-Yo. Several aerial dogfight clips from the movie were shown as well, and it looks absolutely amazing. The dogfights actually make the hairs on your back and arm rise with their realistic and stunning effects and cinematography. On January 20, 2012, make sure you are supporting this film in theaters. Check out the official film trailer below: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpA6TC0T_Lw&w=560&h=315] Sony Pictures (Underworld: Awakening, Total Recall, Ghost Rider) The Con’s last film panel was for Sony Pictures upcoming slate, and although the crowd thought that it would only be seeing a sneak preview of the new Ghost Rider film Sprit of Vengeance, instead there was an exclusive world premiere trailer for the fourth film in the Underworld franchise. There was also a five-minute preview sequence from the upcoming Total Recall remake starring Colin Farrell, and a 3D preview of Ghost Rider. Yes, he actually p##### fire in the new movie! But, let me speak briefly on the first two things the crowd witnessed. If you liked the past Underworld movies, you are going to feel right at home, as it seems that the only thing different about this one, other than them filming in 3D, is the fact that there now exists a Lycan in the film that is well over 15 feet tall. Oh yeah, and Kate Beckinsale is […]
