MMG's Rapper Wale Reflects on Nigeria Terorist issue

The death toll is estimated to be over 2,000, yet the most trafficked picture online, only offers a glimpse at the aftermath.

Images of charred Nigerian bodies have been circulating the Internet since a terrorist attack occurred in several northern villages within the country January 3.

The death toll is estimated to be more than 2,000, yet the most-trafficked picture online only offers a glimpse at the aftermath.

Wale, a rapper of Nigerian descent, says he can't bear to view the photos.

“I didn’t want to see them, but people kept sending them, people kept posting them,” he tells MTV in an interview. “It’s one of those things where we can complain all we want: ‘My feet hurt, my legs hurt, my back hurts, my girl broke up with me’ — you got to look a little deeper into the world. These are minuscule, minor things compared to what’s going on in the world."

Snoop Dogg Welcomes First Grandchild

Snoop Dogg not in town during birth of grandchild, celebrates via social media.

The Doggfather has officially become a grandfather. Earlier this week, it was reported that rapper Snoop Dogg’s eldest son, Corde Broadus welcomed a son named Zion.

XXLMag.com reports that Snoop was out of town during the birth of his grandson, but the Long Beach, California wordsmith did express his excitement via social media.

Young Zee Cries After 50 Cent Responds To His Instagram Comment

Last week, Zee aired out his grievances with Eminem in a track titled "Dear Shady."

A video of Outsidaz affiliate Young Zee in an emotional state has surfaced online.

The YouTube account MoneyStacksMatt has obtained a visual of Zee crying tears of joy after 50 Cent responded to his comment on Instagram.

Fliptyce signs deal with Dr Dre’s record label

Popular Nigerian producer, Fliptyce, who is responsible for making hits like ‘Chop My Money’ by Psquare including the remix with Akon is set to work with Aftermath Entertainment, owned by Dr. Dre. The music producer has signed a management deal with True Shine Entertainment owned by Orion “OP1″ Peace, an entrepreneur, rapper/record producer and social activist.
True Shine Entertainment has secured a partnership with Aftermath & Bum Rush Records. Bum Rush Records is owned Galen Graham & Sly Jordan.
Fliptyce is now on the roster of True Shine Entertainment. The signing of the deal took place at the legendary Aftermath studios were international rap stars such as Eminem, and 50 Cent have recorded.

T.I.'s in-depth interview with NPR Music

T.I. at NPR's New York City bureau.

"I want to be here because the people put me here," says the Atlanta rapper, actor and businessman. T.I. spoke to Microphone Check about being mentored by Andrew Young, taking Biggie to Atlanta and Outkast to NYC, using songwriting to talk to himself, as well as everybody else, and the death of his protege, Doe B.

Rick Ross Allowed to Keep His Stage Name

Judge rules in Rozay's favor, says First Amendment covers his right to use a notorious drug trafficker's nickname.

A California appeals court ruled that Rick Ross is allowed to keep his stage name, adding another blow to former drug kingpin "Freeway" Rick Ross's legal war against the MMG boss.

Rozay, aka William Roberts II, is protected under the First Amendment, Judge Roger Boren concluded last week, writing, "We recognize that Roberts' work — his music and persona as a rap musician — relies to some extent on plaintiff's name and persona." 

Boren continued stating that the Miami rap star "chose to use the name 'Rick Ross' due to the content of his music, and did not attempt infringement. "He raps about trafficking in cocaine and brags about his wealth. These were 'raw materials' from which Roberts' music career was synthesized. But these are not the 'very sum and substance' of Roberts' work."

The original Ross trafficked as much as $3 million worth of cocaine in a single day before spending more than a decade behind bars. It was there that he learned of his rap namesake highjacking his identity, yet waited until 2010 to file suit against the 37-year-old recording artist. A judge previously rejected the ex-con's $10 million suit, which included Jay Z and later Warner Bros. Records, but the 53-year-old hinged an appeal on grounds that the rapper's most recent record contract extends the statute of limitations.  


In the end, however, a right to free speech helped clear the music star. "Roberts created a celebrity identity, using the name Rick Ross, of a cocaine kingpin turned rapper," reads the ruling. "He was not simply an impostor seeking to profit solely off the name and reputation of Rick Ross. Rather, he made music out of fictional tales of dealing drugs and other exploits — some of which related to plaintiff. Using the name and certain details of an infamous criminal's life as basic elements, he created original artistic works." 

Beyoncé's New Album Already Platinum

Singer surpasses one million copies sold on iTunes in less than a week.

It's official. Beyoncé has the best visual album of all time. The singer's self-titled release has sold more than one million copies worldwide, and in less than one week.

Bey surprised fans when she dropped the LP exclusively on iTunes last Thursday (Dec. 12) — literally. She announced the collection by posting a promotional video to her Instagram page with the caption, "Surprise!"

By Sunday, it moved over 800,000 units worldwide, becoming the fastest-selling iTunes release in history and rocking the No. 1 spot in 104 countries.

Beyoncé hit the million mark around 11:15 a.m. Wednesday (Dec. 19), reports the Huffington Post. And, thanks to the #NewRules that her husband helped to inspire, that means that she's already up for her Platinum plaque (a certification that previously took a month to verify).


Physical copies of the LP will be available starting Dec. 20.

Target Refuses to Sell Beyoncé CDs

Retailer says her digital drop "impacts demand and sales projections."

Beyoncé's power move didn't please everyone. According to Billboard.com, Target has decided against carrying physical copies of her self-titled visual album, which is available exclusively on iTunes until Wednesday (Dec. 18).

"At Target we focus on offering our guests a wide assortment of physical CDs, and when a new album is available digitally before it is available physically, it impacts demand and sales projections," said Target spokesperson Erica Julkowski.

Previously (before the Carter family #newrules), it was the retail chain that had an exclusive deal with Bey. She and Target partnered for her 4 LP, offering "guests" a version with six bonus tracks.

"While there are many aspects that contribute to our approach, and we have appreciated partnering with Beyoncé in the past, we are primarily focused on offering CDs that will be available in a physical format at the same time as all other formats," continued Julkowski. "At this time, Target will not be carrying Beyonce's new self-titled album Beyoncé."

But fear not BeyHive. Walmart is "happy to be able to carry her album [the non-explicit version], and support all physical music," said Walmart spokesperson Sarah McKinney.

Bey suprised not only fans, but most industry insiders (including those who worked on her visual album) when she dropped Beyoncé Friday (Dec. 13), without any preliminary marketing. It is currently the fastest-selling iTunes album in the world with more than 430,000 units sold in one day, and more than 800,000 by the end of the weekend.

New Music |> Rick Ross's Remix of A$AP Ferg's "Work"

Rick Ross does not stop putting in work. On the night before Christmas, The Bawse gifts us with his take on A$AP Ferg’s “Work.” Rozay delivers a solid verse to hold us over for his upcoming album Mastermind due in 2014.

Barack Obama Says Kanye West's Music Is "Outstanding"

During a recent interview, President Obama speaks on Kanye West's music.

Kanye West and Barack Obama seem to have been at odds in the past, specifically when the President threw a shot at 'Ye when discussing the "American dream" this past year.

"The American Dream involved some pretty basic stuff. A good job where you felt some security. A good education… People felt if they worked hard they could get there… I don’t think people went around saying to themselves, ‘I need to have a 10,000-square-foot house’… I think, there has also been a shift in culture. We weren’t exposed to the things we didn’t have in the same way that kids these days are. There was not that window into the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Kids weren’t monitoring every day what Kim Kardashian was wearing, or where Kanye West was going on vacation, and thinking that somehow that was the mark of success," Obama said.

Kanye in turn took a shot at Obama's wifey, saying that Kim Kardashian is more influential than Michelle Obama. Lest we forget the time Obama chose between Kanye West and Jay Z...and he chose Hov. All differences aside, in a recent exclusive interview for People, Obama had some praise for Mr. West.

"Kanye’s music is outstanding, though," Obama said. "I’ve got a lot of his stuff on my iPad. If it was a concert, then I might not mind listening to him."

The full interview hits newsstands on Friday.

Jay Z's Most Mentioned Brands Per Album

via HipHop DX

by ANDRES TARDIO

"Vanity Fair" releases a chart featuring Jay Z's "Most Name-Dropped Products, By Album."

Rappers reference an array of brands from Gucci to BMW in various raps. To coincide with Jay Z's cover story,Vanity Fair created a list of Jigga's "Most Name-Dropped Brands" listed by album. 

Vanity Fair had criteria they used.

"To make the task realistic, we referenced only albums officially included in his discography, and at times we interpreted lyrics when they very obviously referenced a brand without outright saying it," Vanity Fair wrote on its site. 

According to Vanity Fair, Jay's most referenced brand is Mercedez Benz. Lexus, Maybach, BMW, Range Rover and Porsche were also part of the list the magazine created. 

Jay also often references guns in his raps, with Glock and Kel-Tec being part of this list. 

Another brand that Jay Z has referenced extensively is Cristal, the luxury champagne brand. Cristal was once at least one of Jay Z's favorite beverages. However, he has also referred to Cristal as racist in different verses since 2006, when the champagne company reportedly attempted to distance itself from Hip Hop.

According to the chart, Jay Z referenced brands the most on his 2007 release, American Gangster. He reportedly referenced brands the least amount of times on 2004's Unfinished Business, a collaborative album Jay Z made with R-Kelly.

The chart is missing Jay Z's 2001 release, The Blueprint. 

More of Vanity Fair's chart can be viewed below.

Eazy E Back As Hologram At Rock The Bells 2013 (Video)

Wow, This is beyond Dope!! Tupac was in Hologram form last year, But Now one of the

west coast OG’s has made an appearance. Mad official too, Dj Yella brought him out, he did some classics and performed with Bone-Thugs. This truly is Music and Technology fused at it’s finest !!!! Check Out The Video Below

Nas Comments On Kendrick Lamar's "King Of New York" Declaration

Nas has nothing but praise for Kendrick's verse.

Much has been said about Kendrick Lamar's "Control" verse, and while many have shared their responses, there are a few rappers we'd still like to hear from-- Nas being one of them. Miss Info was able to get a hold of the rapper, and get his thoughts on Kendrick's verse, his claim of being "King Of New York," and restoring the competitive nature in hip hop.

Despite Kendrick claiming ownership of Nas' hometown, the legend had nothing but praise for K-Dot. “Wow. My reaction is wow." he said. "I love hip-hop right now."

The "Life Is Good" rapper then spoke of the last time hip hop was this competitive. "Certain fans like certain eras of rap, certain fans are not up on certain eras, so they don’t really remember all of them." he said, indicating that different times in hip hop are special to different people, but did name a few names. "KRS-One, MC Shan and all the way to Busy Bee. This is what hip-hop is all about."

As far as what K-Dot meant when he claimed the title of "King Of New York," Nas made sure to stay out of the conversation and just enjoy the verse from a fan's perspective. "You gotta ask [Kendrick what he meant]. I’m a listener.” 

Kendrick Lamar Hopes To Be Featured On Drake's "Nothing Was The Same"

Kendrick Lamar shows interest in being on Drake's forthcoming album, "Nothing Was The Same."

Kendrick Lamar is currently the talk of the rap world, with Big Sean's leak "Control (HOF)" making the rounds and reaching not only hip-hop lovers but even those fans on the outskirts of hip-hop (TMZ even posted about it...). One of the rappers Kendrick name-dropped was Toronto native Drake. And even though the two are competing within the game, they are also friends, who may collaborate together on Drizzy's Nothing Was The Same album-- as Kendrick says, "God willing."
During an interview with Radio Kendrick Lamar discusses the possibility that he'll make an appearance on Drake's album. The Compton native simply replies, "God willing, hopefully."
As the discussion turns to the possibility of a Watch The Throne-type collaboration between Kendrick and Drake, K. Dot says they'd have to do something new-- as that has already been done. "That would be crazy, right?," Kendrick said of the idea. "Nobody ever asks me that. (Laughs.) But I don’t think we could do that because it’s already been done. Probably have to try and do something new."
The good kid, m.A..A.d city rapper also confirms that he's still working on a script for a short film of the same name as his debut album. He speaks on the difference between writing lyrics and writing a script for a film, saying, "It’s a big difference as far as putting my focus into it and not really being distracted. But it comes from the music, it shouldn’t be that hard to structure.  I want to make sure I direct all my attention into it. If I do this, make a short film, I want to make sure I put my all into it."

JOE BUDDEN TELLS KENDRICK HE'S GONNA LEARN TODAY, ACTION BRONSON, PRODIGY & MORE APPLAUD LAMAR'S NY CLAIM

The Internet continues to heat up hours after Kendrick Lamar proclaimed himself the “King of New York” on Big Sean’s new “Control” record with reactions from Joe Budden, Action Bronson, Prodigy and more.

While he tipped his cap to K. Dot, Budden hinted at something stirring up in the form of a response track.
“A Cali n*gga just said he’s the King of NY & u n*ggas so f*cking worried about your relationships, y’all make me sick.,” Budden tweeted August 13.
“@kendricklamar u my nigga 4 life bro…. But u gon learn today.”

Mobb Deep’s Prodigy embraced Lamar taking a stand and giving himself the New York crown.
“N*GGA u aint LIT. u aint INFAMOUS. sit yo dumb a** down… @kendricklamar verse is dope. all u thirsty for fame a** n*ggas. Lol”

Queens native Action Bronson pointed his finger at fellow New York rappers for letting Lamar feel confident enough to make the proclamation.

“If ur upset that a “West Coast” rapper claimed King of NY….. U CAN ONLY BE MAD AT URSELVES… U DID THIS.”
“I can’t even argue because according to the Radio, he is.”
“This is little kid sh*t. I only talk to fathers.”
“Hahahahahaha all of a sudden I should leave my bed and go to the studio hahahahahaha MOTHAF*CKA GO GET MY ALL MY PROJECTS THAT ARE OUT.”

“Hahahahahaha I got people DMing me asking if I’d like to be on a panel about this Kendrick verse…. He really is on top don’t hate hahaha

New York rap veteran Talib Kweli singled Lamar’s words as a wake-up to local rappers.
“Y’all new NY rappers ready to stop rapping like y’all from down south yet? #kingofny”

“I’m sayin, get money. But don’t be all in your feelings when someone come for your spot if you ain’t held your spot down. I love this game!”

“Anybody who think I’m dissing the south is simple minded AF. Shouts to Outkast, TIP, Face, KillaMike Etc Real recognize real #ogsh*t

UGK’s Bun B even weighed-in with a reaction to Lamar’s bars.

Kevin Hart's alter ego CHOCOLATE DROPPA responds to Kendrick Lamar

 Chocolate Droppa vs. Kendrick Lamar

Hollywood's Realest Husband calls out Compton's (and apparently New York's) current hip hop king.

With the Internet ablaze with Kendrick Lamar's recent verse on Big Sean's "Control," Kevin Hart's rap alter-ego, Chocolate Droppa, has wasted no time in sending verbal shots at the Cali emcee via an Instagram video. 

"Kendrick Lamar, you don't want this work/I body people with bids bigger than pots of dirt," he raps.

Lamar's verse ignited a storm of controversy after he proclaimed himself the "king of New York" on the track and proceeded to name hip hop artists whom he considers his colleagues but competition as well. "I got love for you all, but I'm tryna murder you n----s/Tryna make sure your core fans never heard of you n----s," Lamar raps. Lamar, who dropped his criticallly acclaimed major label debut, good kid, m.A.A.d city, last year, was also the winner of the lyricist award at BET Hip Hop Awards 2012.

Though Droppa's bars are clearly in jest, it does beg the question: Will Chocolate Droppa make an appearance at BET Hip Hop Awards 2013 or on the second season of Real Husbands of Hollywood? The Internets can only speculate.

VIBE Summer 2013 Cover: J. Cole And Nas

Nas and J. Cole are no big brother and heir apparent duo. They’re two masterful wordsmiths forever stuck on the realness. Dressed in American classic brands, the super MCs connect on the power of the pen

STORY: John Kennedy l PHOTOS: Steven Geomillion & Dennis Leupold

J. Cole just might’ve let Nas down again. Here in Manhattan’s Neo Studios, as the lanky Fayetteville, N.C., rhymer sways and swaggers for this fashion photo shoot, he requests his idol Tupac’s seething Makaveli album to color the ambience. Meanwhile, hidden behind a collapsible wall, another one of his rap heroes, Nas, is preparing for the camera’s scrutiny, changing into a nostalgic ensemble that could’ve been plucked from Queens, N.Y.’s famed Coliseum street mall in ‘95. In both physical and spiritual forms, hip-hop legends of yesterday and tomorrow are lording the space. And then it happens.

This little nigga named Nas thinks he live like me.

Tupac’s infamous challenge from “Against All Odds” momentarily wraps the studio in discomfort. It’s like watching an X-rated movie scene with your parents. “Nah, turn that off,” says Cole, 28, flashing a sheepish smile. He opts for the less badass All Eyez on Meinstead. “I didn’t realize.”

PHOTO GALLERY: BEHIND-THE-SCENES FLICKS OF NAS & J. COLE

Still, no awkward DJing can quell the bromancing shared by Jermaine Cole and his prophyte Nasir Jones today, a respect jelled in wax on “Let Nas Down,” Cole’s conflicted explanation for pandering to radio standards. Just days before this shoot, the mellow vet responded with his own genuine endorsing remix, knighting Jay-Z’s star student as a young rap valedictorian. Yet, the coronation had already been earned, thanks in part to J. Cole’s moody sophomore LP, Born Sinner, which outpaced its release date rival Kanye West’s Yeezus by scoring No. 1 in it’s third week on Billboard charts on its way to RIAA Gold Certification. Nas’ pen is still Ginsu-sharp as well. The impossibly 39-year-old face of Hennessy’s Wild Rabbit campaign is already antsy about diving into his 11th solo studio album, the follow-up to last year’s renaissance project Life Is Good. 

“I told you before I need some tracks—your shit’s tight,” Nas insists to Cole. ‘Pac has been silenced, and the two rap geniuses now are plopped on a black leather couch in the studio’s posterior. “We need to do more shit [together] ‘cause it just makes you sharper as an MC.” They trade schedules for a hypothetical future studio session. But today, the meticulous lyricists have assembled to talk the art of rhyme, from conception to the vocal booth. It was written, and here, it is told.

Jennifer Lopez coming back to American Idol

Jennifer Lopez stuns in a golden gown on the blue carpet at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards Photo: Getty Images

Pop singer and actress Jennifer Lopez is expected to be part of the judges’ panel in the next season ofAmerican Idol.

NET gathered that it is expected her contract will be signed pretty soon.

Jennifer Lopez was a judge on American Idol for two years- 2011 and 2012.

The Latina celebrity was replaced by Mariah Carey in last season’s edition.

With Carey no longer a part of the show, Jennifer Lopez is reportedly coming back, alongside Black Eyed Peas leader and producer Will.i.am who is also in talks with producers.

However, negotiations are still far from being finalized.

Drake Says He Won His Beef With Common

Drake speaks on his 2012 verse exchange with Common, revealing that he believes he came out on top.

Last year, Drake and Common had a highly publicized beef on record. Starting with Common's "Sweet," garnering a response from Drizzy on "Stay Schemin'," and ending with Common addressing Drake by name on his own remix of the track.

The two later made peace at the NBA all-star game, but nothing has been said about the beef since. In an interview with XXL, Drake has finally broken his silence on the feud, applauding Common's "Canada Dry" line, but arguing that he came out on top overall.

Read some excerpts from the interview below.

You did strike back at Common after he dissed you last year.
Obviously, the whole tension with that whole camp has been brewing for a long time, and that was the first time someone had called me out personally. I reacted in a very poised way. First of all, I made sure it would run in the club because that's more painful than anything. As opposed to just being on a blog, I wanted to be on a record that you would have to stand around and hear every night for a few months. That was my whole strategy going into that. Instead of sounding hurt and malicious, I wanted to sound fun, get my shit off. Like I said, if it happens again, not that I want it, not that I welcome it, but I'm ready. I really enjoy writing bars, man. I'm not nervous about anybody saying anything to me.

It seemed like you won, but his last line was good.
The Canada Dry line? That was epic. I liked it. It wasn't a good line necessarily, but it was funny.

Did he step over the line when he scorned you for being biracial?
For you to delve into my mom and my dad's a bitch and all that, you're just reaching for impact moments but the bars aren't really good so it didn't hit me. I never sat back and analyzed that either. I only heard it once, and thought, "I think I came away with the W on that one."

DRAKE BURIES THE YMCMB BEEF RUMORS

DRAKE BURIES THE YMCMB BEEF RUMORS: "I'M NOT GOING ANYWHERE

Young Money’s Drake has finally put an end to buzz and speculation of having internal problems with Lil' Wayne and wanting to leave the team he joined in the mid-2000′s.

During his OVO Fest concert this week, Drizzy vouched his loyalty to Weezy F. Baby and promised he would be there for the long haul.

“If there was paperwork that said ‘For life on it’ I’ma let you know I’m gonna be riding with this man right here until the end of time, I promise you. I’m not going anywhere. Young Money is forever. Lil' Wayne is forever. Drizzy Drake is forever and that’s that on motherf*cking that,” Drake said during the concert. “This man here is the reason you can feel proud as a city. This man right here is the reason for Drake. Make some noise for the best rapper alive.” (OVO Fest)
He also appeared at one of Wayne’s concerts last week, seemingly crushing the beef rumors.
Drake is still down with Young Money. October’s Very Own shut down the rumors of a rift with YMCMB when he appeared as a surprise guest during Lil Wayne’s “America’s Most Wanted Music Festival” show at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in Buffalo, New York last night. He hit the stage with Weezy, Birdman, and Mack Maine to perform his remix to “Versace.” Backstage, he repped for the team, wearing a Rich Gang hat and chilling with Young Money’s new boy band W3 the Future. (Rap-Up)
Young Money’s Nicki Minaj recently weighed-in with some thoughts on why people may think Drizzy is not fully behind Young Money.