The Publik Eye has an interview with Kalenna of Dirty Money. Topics include the BET Awards 2011, working with Diddy and if there is a new Dirty Money album in the works. She says that solo projects are the focus right now, but that there is a lot of material left in the vault.
In the preview clip, which you can watch below, Elliott described how she had decided to be more of a songwriter and behind the scenes type, as opposed to being a performer. But, Diddy decided that he wanted her to rap on the remix to Gina Thompson's "The Things That You Do," which featured 112 and a music video cameo from The Notorious B.I.G. And, of course, the rest is history.
Ciroc has released a trio of summer promos - all with the same visuals, but with alternating voice overs, promoting the vodka, responsible consumption and the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. Watch below.
Chris Brown has released his own take on Drake's "Marvin's Room." His remix features Kevin McCall, SeVen of RichGirl and Dawn Richard, who provides some background vocals on the record. You can listen on Brown's Mechanical Dummy website.
It appears that a PR firm representing Kalenna of Dirty Money is circulating a few quotes from her covering her reaction to the win, her future solo efforts and more. You can read it at Indakno.
"Although I didn't elaborate on my feelings last night, I feel very blessed to be in this position," she said. "Coming from Philly, being a military brat and a rebellious teen this is something I've always dreamed of and now it's happening."
Day26 is featured on "Havin' Visions," a new song from Billion Dollar Blockboyz (compromised of Kazy D and Mistah PJ). You can pick it up for free download after posting a review, care of Kazy D.
XXLmag.com has an interview with production duo the Trackmasters, compromised of Jean-Claude Olivier (known as Poke) and Samuel Barnes (Tone).
Tone: It was that feel-good vibe, that block-party vibe, you know. B.I.G. was cool to work with.
Poke: It was the same era as what we were trying to do with bringing the block-party feel back to music. Puff wanted to do that whole feel as well, so it worked because we were in sync. What stood out to me about that record is I never knew how B.I.G. used to write his lyrics until then. I remember playing him the record and he was just sitting there doing nothing. I was like, N**** you doing nothing, you gonna pick up a pen and write? He was like, “Man, that’s not how I do records. Man, I am writing.” (Laughing) So that’s what stood out about making “Juicy.”
At the BET Awards, which are currently in progress, Diddy/Dirty Money has come away with the Best Group award. Other nominees in the category were Cali Swag District, New Boyz, N.E.R.D. and Travis Porter.
Yesterday, Diddy was honored by ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, who presented him with the ASCAP Founders Award at 24th Annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards.
Past recipients have included Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Smokey Robinson, Berry Gordy Jr. and Motown Industries, Billy Joel, Garth Brooks, James Taylor, Neil Young, Annie Lennox, Dr. Dre and Rod Stewart.
Rap-Up.com reports that Dr. Dre was on hand to introduce Diddy. In the clip below, you can watch Dr. Dre's speech as well as a portion of Diddy's.
Red Cafe makes a brief cameo in the new music video for Rick Ross' "9 Piece" featuring Lil' Wayne. The director's cut is below. Warning: you must be 18 or older to watch the clip, which includes nudity.
For the second consecutive year, according to Jordan Schultz at the Huffington Post, Sean John is providing a gifting suite for top prospects drafted during the 2011 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft. The experience includes suit fittings for the players, outfitting them for the draft which took place on Thursday.
The suits, filed by the three people who were shot on that night, were aimed at Sean "Diddy" Combs, Barrows and Club New York owner Michael Bergos. Bergos, who refused to sign a confidentiality agreement, revealed to the Post that the victims were paid $1.8 million, $500,000 and $50,000. Natania Reuben, who was shot in the face and suffered seizures due to the incident, received the largest amount. Her attorney, Debra Reiser, had no comment for the post.
"My client wanted the confidentiality agreement because she didn't want any further publicity," he said. "She's been victimized enough."
The payments were split between Combs, Barrows and Bergos. According to him, insurance covered the portions paid by both the club owner and Barrows, but Combs paid his portion out of his own pocket because his insurance company is now out of business.
Yesterday, on Twitter, Aasim announced that he would be releasing his "official" single, "Upside Down." The song, accompanied with a video, was supposed to be released yesterday, but is not yet out.
Earlier this week, Red Cafe mentioned on Twitter that he was finishing up a new track, a "summer anthem" in his words" featuring Fabolous and produced by Jahlil Beats, who produced "Money, Money, Money."
On Twitter, Mario Winans revealed that he will release a new album this year, titled "My Purpose."
I asked him if he knew what label it would be released on and if he was still signed to Bad Boy. He simply answered "Atlantic." I have followed up to find out if this means that he's signed directly to Atlantic now instead of through Bad Boy or if it is Bad Boy/Atlantic.
In an interview with XXLmag.com, Deric "D-Dot" Angelettie mentioned that he had sampled The Notorious B.I.G. for a new Wais P. record, titled "Pandejos." The title comes from the Biggie sample, which comes from the late rapper's "My Downfall."
You can pick up free downloads of the clean and dirty versions from the Mad Rapper website.
I received my copy of Gorilla Zoe's "King Kong" today (the Best Buy exclusive edition) and can now confirm that the album was not released by Bad Boy Records.
Bad Boy is not mentioned anywhere in the album booklet or on the front of back covers. The album was released by E1 Music, Atlantic Records and Block Entertainment.
Back in August of 2010, a flier promoting Gorilla Zoe's "King Kong album that included the E1 Music logo - but no Bad Boy logo. However, for that article, Block Entertainment CEO Russell "Block" Spencer confirmed for me that Zoe was still signed to Bad Boy. Shortly thereafter, it was confirmed that he had signed to E1. His status with Bad Boy was, at that time, unknown.
In the clip below, from Karmaloop TV, Rock City is busy in New York City - watching Diddy perform at HOT 97's Summer Jam and checking in with him at an appearance at Greenhouse NYC the next day.
They are also seen, briefly, in the studio with Cassie. Machine Gun Kelly is also in the clip, both at the Greenhouse NYC event with Diddy and in the studio. I'm not 100% certain, but the studio that they were in with MGK may have been Daddy's House.
In an interview with Machine Gun Kelly, Billboard's Erika Ramirez reports that, according to a source at the label, Machine Gun Kelly has signed with Interscope Records.
If true, this does not mean that he hasn't also signed to Bad Boy, as Diddy's label is distributed by Interscope and is part of their family of labels. For months, persistent rumors have placed the Cleveland rapper with the label.
"I don't want anyone touching my team, my management," he said. "These are people I've grown up with and have been raised with. I want them included in everything that I do. I don't want my engineers to change, I don't want my management to change, my tour manager, none of that s*** to change. All of that stuff can kick rocks."
U2 takes the top slot with $195 million. Representing hip-hop, you have The Black Eyed Peas at #7 ($61 million), Usher at #12 ($46 million) and Jay-Z at #17 ($37 million).
Isaac claims that he did so at the behest of James "Jimmy Henchmen" Rosemond, who paid him $2,500 - plus whatever he could take Shakur. The letter also included mentions of Sean "Diddy" Combs in a manner that suggested that the Bad Boy CEO was not innocent. Oddly, however, Isaac declined to go into further detail about his allegations, instead saying that more would come in the future.
Jeffrey Lichtman, a lawyer who represents Rosemond, has told Nancy Dillon of the New York Daily News that Isaac is lying and that he is doing so because he doesn't want to spend the rest of his life in prison. He is currently sentenced to just that, having been indicted on charges of murder, robbery, fraud and witness intimidation, according to AllHipHop.com.
"It's a flat out lie," Lichtman said. "Dexter Isaac is not claiming this 17 years later to clear his conscience. He's doing it because he's told anybody who will listen he doesn't want to die in prison. He has kids and wants to work off his sentence. He can't be trusted."
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the New York Police Department told the paper that detectives will be interviewing Isaac.
ThisIsRnB.com reports from Ryan Leslie's free performance last night at the Apple store on 14th Street in New York City. During his set, Leslie performed "Fly," which he said was a new Red Cafe record that will also feature Rick Ross. Watch below.
AllHipHop.com reported today that Dexter Isaac, an inmate at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center who is serving live in prison for crimes including murder, has confessed to involvement in the 1994 shooting and robbery of Tupac Sharkur at the Quad Studios in New York City.
Isaac, who's name has been mentioned in connection to the attack previously, says that he was paid $2,500 - plus whatever he could take from Shakur - by Jimmy "Jimmy Henchmen" Rosemond, who's company, Czar Entertainment, represents Game and Sean Kingston.
His motivation for coming forward at this time, Isaac said, was because of Rosemond mentioning his name in a statement posted at AllHipHop.com, where Rosemond defended himself from unrelated cocaine charges, suggesting that the government's case relied on informants like Isaac who, in the full letter posted on AllHipHop.com, maintains that he has "never been a rat for anybody."
In a troubling and potentially dangerous way, however, Isaac's letter seems to introduce just as many questions as it answers. At one point, it mentions Sean "Diddy" Combs and hints at some form of involvement.
In the clip below, Jay-Z talks about the quality of writing that rappers have produced and mentions how they aren't often thought of as great writers. Among the rappers he names, he mentions The Notorious B.I.G., comparing him to famed filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock.
The Best Buy exclusive tracks for Gorilla Zoe's "King Kong" have been revealed and, more than just Best Buy, they are also a Napster exclusive, since Best Buy own's the subscription based streaming music service.
The tracks, which first came to my attention through an eBay listing, are "Liquor in My Cup," "Work Hard" and "Mile High Club." You can listen to them for free on Napster now, assuming you haven't used up the 25 free listens that Napster affords new users.
Today marks the release of Gorilla Zoe's third album, "King Kong," following 2009's "Don't Feed Da Animals" and 2007's "Welcome to the Zoo."
It features appearances by Gucci Mane, Yo Gotti, Ray Dinero and Lil' Jon. The cover and track listing, including the Best Buy exclusive tracks is below.
Following the music video's online debut in May, a high definition version of Dirty Money's "Looking for Love" featuring Usher has now been released on VEVO. Watch below.
Singersroom.com reports that Janelle Monae will be among the collaborators to appear on Estelle's new album, "All of Me." Estelle tells them that the album will be out "around September."
Much buzzed about female rapper Kreayshawn recently signed a major label deal with Columbia. But, speaking to Steven Roberts of MTV News, she revealed that Diddy was interested in signing her to Bad Boy. She also referred to Diddy as her dad.
"Honestly, I've always had a picture of you next to me and my kindergarten picture," she said she told Diddy. "I always put it on my wall, and I tell people, 'That's my dad. P. Diddy's my dad.' And he was like, 'Yo, I have to adopt you.'"
Killer Mike has released a visual for the Oscar Grant inspired "Burn." He just bops along with Killer Mike for a few seconds on the clip, at the 1:09, 2:45 and 4:08 marks. The Diddy footage looks like it was recorded at the SXSW music festival in March.
The clip also features Asher Roth, Machine Gun Kelly and Curren$y, among others. Watch below.
According to Best Buy's weekly circular, the retail chain will offer an exclusive version of Gorilla Zoe's "King Kong," which will feature 3 exclusive tracks. The album goes on sale on June 14.
On Twitter, Kalenna shared a free download to the remix of Jarren Benton's "Justin Bieber" featuring her and Elz Jenkins. It was produced by Kato. Listen below.
Here are Bad Boy's positions on the most recent Billboard U.S. album and single charts, released today. Two positive notes: Red Cafe's "We Get it On" re-enters the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs at a new high, while Dirty Money's "Looking for Love" debuts on the Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles at #1.
Albums
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums
39. "Last Train to Paris" by Dirty Money (down from 38).
Singersroom.com has an interview with Willie Taylor of Day26. He talks about the new album, his label and some of the trials and tribulations that he's gone through.
In an interview with XXL, G. Dep revealed that Diddy has reached out to his wife and has been "showing support."
In December, G. Dep admitted to police that he had shot and killed a man back in 1993. He is now incarcerated, awaiting trial.
Diddy spoke praises for you during a Sirius interview. Your thoughts?
I appreciate him reaching out and showing support. I haven’t spoke to him in a minute, and he reached out to my family. He spoke to my wife and was showing support. That’s what’s up.
Zac Posen has unveiled his 2012 resort collection, both for his signature brand and for Z Spoke. You can check out photos of the line at Fashionologie: Zac Posen Resort and Z Spoke Resort.
Aasim's "A Millie" is now available for free download. The track, which is labeled as a reference vocal for Diddy, features a verse that appeared on "Swagga Like Puff." Listen below.
Aasim has released "Get P****" for free download. On the track, he rhymes over the instrumental for Junior M.A.F.I.A.'s "Get Money," the classic mid-90s cut that featured The Notorious B.I.G.
On Aasim's new soundcloud profile, you can download a remix of Danity Kane's "Damaged" with an opening verse from Aasim. Though it likely wasn't recorded recently, this is the first time I have seen it available. You can also listen below.
In an interview with After Elton's Davis Mallory, Janelle Monae discussed her upcoming album (not too many details there), what she's listening to, what happens at Wondaland Arts Society parties and more.
AE: I’m from Atlanta and I’ve heard stories about your Wondaland Society parties where everyone comes dressed up in tuxedoes and costumes. Can you describe these events and what Ms. Monae does for fun typically?
JM: Yeah they’re called Wondaland Art Society parties. We pretty much have a huge community of independent artists in Atlanta and they come over and we paint and we share our music and it’s a chance to grow and network with people all over Atlanta. Some of our friends will fly down. We’ve had Solange at the parties. We’ve had Saul Williams, so many people around the world. We’re looking to have Stevie Wonder and Prince. So many people come. They’re a magical experience.
AllAccess.com reports that, on June 13, Atlantic Records will kick off a 365 day long campaign, titled "I Heart Black Music."
Through the effort, they will offer interviews, videos and more content featuring Atlantic artists. Janelle Monae will be one of the artists highlighted. You'll be able to follow the campaign at iheartblackmusic.com.
In the clip below from Exclusive Access, Gorilla Zoe is putting the finishing touches on his third album, "King Kong," set for a June 14 release. Among other things, you'll see him recording the clean version of "Your B****," which is "Your Chick."
David Harraway, who represents Aasim, revealed on Twitter that he would be releasing a new record by Aasim featuring Dawn Richard soon. It was produced by Akos, who produced "Feel Stronger."
Aasim and Richard have previously collaborated, with Richard appearing on the rapper's "We Ride," which was released last September.
In addition to the "O Let's Do It (Remix)," contactmusic.com reports that Diddy also performed the Bugatti Boyz's "Another One" and DJ Khaled's "All I Do is Win (Remix)." He also participated in the tribute to The Notorious B.I.G. and 2Pac.
New York radio station HOT 97's annual Summer Jam was this evening in New York City. Global Grind reports that Diddy joined Rick Ross on his stage during his set to perform "O Let's Do It (Remix)." The show also featured a tribute to The Notorious B.I.G. and a snippet of "One More Chance" was played during Ross' set.
Back in December, when Dirty Money released "Last Train to Paris," Diddy held a listening party that was streamed live online.
During the party, a model's hair caught on fire when it came in contact with a candle. The model was in a bath tub, so she was just able to quickly put the fire out. Diddy later paid to fix the damage of her hair, as well.
When the incident occurred, Fabolous, Trey Songz and Kevin Hart were all near the model. In the clip below, Fabolous speaks with MTV's Funkmaster Flex about what happened.
In a video posted on his Facebook page, Jeremy Greene announced that he was no longer signed to Bad Boy and that he was now working on signing with a different label.
I had heard something about this from a source, previously, but was unable to confirm with Greene. He had removed Bad Boy/Interscope from both his Twitter and Facebook profiles but just recently was sharing the video clip of Diddy signing in, which was originally posted online in March of 2010.
Gasface has a quick video interview with Shyheim, one of the participants of the classic Madison Square Garden freestyle that also featured The Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac, Big Daddy Kane and Scoob Lover.
Starting at the 1:38 mark, Shyheim reflects on the moment. Mister Cee, who recorded the freestyle, shared his thoughts back in March of 2010.
Rumors have been persistent that Cleveland rapper Machine Gun Kelly has signed with Bad Boy. In April, MGK addressed the rumors and said he was still unsigned.
At the end of May, he appeared on Tony Touch's Toca Tuesdays show on Shade45. Touch flat out asked him what the story was.
"Everyone's kind of negating the fact that it's a bidding war and Bad Boy's just one of the people," he said. "It is Bad Boy and another. So, Bad Boy is the top contender with another person. It was all the high powered labels and then it came to two. So, really, it's just gonna be like who's gonna let me have that creative control and, ultimately, who's gonna let me stay myself, 'cause I'm not doing no motherf****** change."
He declined to mention who the other party was, only saying that "they're big." Watch below for the segment plus a freestyle.
Gorilla Zoe is featured on XXL's "Karaoke Camera," where he tries to keep up with records like Jay-Z's "99 Problems" and Estelle's "American Boy." Suffice to say, Zoe didn't get to pick the records.
A new Day26 record appeared online yesterday, titled "Beg for It." It's clearly a rough record and in an unfinished state. The group is currently working on their third album, "A New Day."
According to Kent, The Notorious B.I.G., who would also become known for composing rhymes in his head, learned the technique from Jay-Z during the making of “Brooklyn’s Finest,” their duet on Jay-Z’s 1996 album, Reasonable Doubt. When Kent brought B.I.G. by Manhattan’s D&D Studios to get on the track, Jay-Z jumped into the booth and redid the song with lyrics that left space for B.I.G.’s verses. Jay then looked at his Brooklyn counterpart. “You ready?” he asked, pushing a pad toward B.I.G. “Your turn.” B.I.G., who had been in the practice of writing out his lyrics up to that point, declined the notebook and opted to record his parts at a later time. “The face on Big was like, ‘What? Are you serious?’” says Kent. “It was a really serious revelation moment.”
This seems to go against what DJ Premier told XXL for their "The Making of 'Ready to Die'" article. The following passage comes from the article's section about the record "Unbelievable."
I was telling him, “Dawg, I don’t know what to give you, because if I do something for you, it’s gotta be bananas.” He said, “Man, I don’t care if you take ‘Impeach The President.’ Take that and do a beat.” I said, “Really, you serious?” He said, “Hell yeah!” I went and got [the Honeydrippers’ breakbeat classic] “Impeach The President,” took the snare and kick and chopped it up, and started playing those little sounds. I wanted [to make] something more hardcore, ’cause he had played me “Warning” and stuff like that. I wanted to make something that was equally as hard or better. And he was like, “Nah, keep playing them little buttons you pushing and change it up and make it do different melodies on the hook and stuff.” He sat there a while and went in there and did the vocals. I never saw him write nothing. He’d be like, Let me get a pen and a pad—and then he wouldn’t write s***. Might scribble little funny objects or something. That was it.
But, later, he warmed to him and his music. By then, however, it was too late for the two to collaborate, as Biggie had passed away, murdered in Los Angeles. In the clip below, an interview with MTV News, Prodigy reflects on this.
In the interview, she discusses her new album, labeling it "a cool blend of pop, Hip-Hop, and ska. It's urban Gwen Stefani meets Aaliyah."
"I hate referencing people but if you had to compare, that's it," she continues. When asked what her favorite song on the new set is, she named "Lonely Disco Ball," a record that "is about the end of the night when the party is done and everybody has left."
As an example, the Post says that Ms. Bryan recently led an educational session that included dining etiquette, such as how to use dinnerware in formal gathers and how to select wine, as well as how to exchange business cards in Japan.
