Young Jeezy Gets Ready For "The Recession"

Young Jeezy is currently prepping the release of his third studio disc The Recession. SOHH recently caught up with the Georgia rapper to explain the title of his new album and offer fans a glimpse of what to expect.

Known for delivering street anthems, Jeezy plans on sprinkling a little bit of politics on his new album.

"The whole purpose of this album basically is to let people know that I'm aware of what's going on," he told SOHH. "I'm known for making those national anthems and when you get this album its gonna be full of national anthems, it's going to be full street stuff to help you get through your day, [and] its gonna be full of politics here and there to help you understand if you ain't enlightened."

Confident with the direction of the project, Jeezy said he has definitely stepped his game up this go around.

"I hear people talking about the lyricism. I might surprise y'all, I'm getting better with time," he said. "This album right here might be some of my best work, hands down. So when this album drops I wanna see what everybody gotta say."

Speaking on the reasoning behind the album's title, Jeezy said it represented what he was feeling about the economy and how it was a natural transition from his previous album titles.

"I went from Thug Motivation to The Inspiration and [now] The Recession," he said. "And that's just how I'm feeling, I'm feeling the recession. I'm feeling the drought and I'm gonna speak on it. And when I speak on it you're gonna appreciate it."

While his first single "Put On" with Kanye West is getting a big street buzz , the former trap star would not reveal who else will be featured on his album.

"I'm gonna have some features on there y'all wouldn't expect," he said. "I ain't going for what's hot I'm going for what's clever."

In addition to working on the album, Jeezy has recently launched his new blog and social networking site, USDA2day.com, which he used to release his new mixtape, The Prime Minister, for free.

As of press time there is no set release date for The Recession, but Jeezy is currently planning the release of his second single, "Crazy World."

Originally Written By Cyrus Langhorne for SOHH.com

Ras Kass Readies New Album

West Coast rhymesayer Ras Kass continues to keep fans in mind as he gears up for the release of his forthcoming album Institutionalized Vol.II.

The project is the latest in a string of albums from Ras Kass, who first emerged on the scene with his 1996 debut Soul On Ice. Since then, the California native has cemented his status as a fixture in the West Coast Hip-Hop scene with his 1998 follow-up Rasassination and appearances on various mixtapes.


Institutionalized Vol. II comes after Ras Kass 'Institutionalized Vol. 1.Revenge of the Spit, a 27-song mixtape that was released independently in February 2006.


The new Babygrande Records album was originally slated to come out in the summer of 2006, but was put on hold in light of the rapper's lawsuit against Capital/EMI Records.

The label later released Ras Kass from his recording contract following the settlement of the suit in 2007.

Ras Kass is currently serving time at the Pitchess Detention Center North Facility in Castaic, Ca. after his Oct. 29, 2007 arrest in Palmdale, California, for violating his probation by leaving California to attend the BET Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta.

Ras Kass' Instinutionalized Vol. II is scheduled to hit stores on August 5th.

Originally Written By Chris Richburg for AllHipHop.com

Snoop Confirms Detox & His Plans for Working With Dr. Dre On Next Album

Rapper Snoop Dogg recently left the recording studio, recording tracks for Dr. Dre's highly anticipated album, Detox.


"That record is real it's coming," Snoop Dogg said during an interview today (June 25) on Big Boy's Neighborhood. "You know me, I was starting to doubt it myself and then I went up in there and he played so much music for me it knocked my head off."


Snoop Dogg confirmed the fabled, decade-long project was finished and that the Doctor was selecting tracks for the album.


"I see what he got them waiting for, it's on and poppin," Snoop Dogg said. "He got records, he got heat."


Dr. Dre will also sit in the producer's seat for Snoop Dogg's upcoming album.


"Yea he's doing my next album. I got the title and everything," Snoop confirmed without revealing the album's title.


In related news, Snoop recently released a country-themed video for his single "My Medicine," which features a westernized Snoop alongside Willie Nelson, Julianne Hough, Brad Paisley and others.


The song is taken from Snoop Dogg's latest album Ego Trippin'.

Originally Written By Roman Wolfe for AllHipHop.com

Are The Fans Hip-Hop's Problem???

SO here is question for everyone...How many albums of the artists you support, like, think is hot have you bought in the last, mmmm let’s say four years, or maybe two years if you can't remember that far back. Well for me personally I have bought a lot. More than I can count. And as much as I hate buying albums off of iTunes (I'm a CD collector of sorts) There is some stuff I had to buy on iTunes because of the pure fact of not being able to find it in the store, namely the Hall of Justus album "Soldiers of Fortune" and Jaylib's "Champion Sound" (before the whole "OMG J.Dilla is the GREATEST beat smith on the planet!!" explosion happened and you couldn't find any of the Stones Throw stuff in stores (well major retailers) and the Cool Kids' "The Bake Sale" because their album was exclusive to iTunes to start out with before the store release. Now I will say this also I well buy singles on iTunes and turn around and buy the album when it comes out. Anyway it goes I'm spending the money I earn to support the artist I love.

Music sales, not just in Hip-Hop have been down way down in the last couple of years due to music being readily accessible, e.i. illegal downloading. But there are people that do that and still buy the albums and some that don't. You get a whole experience with a CD because you get the cover art along with, the booklet, liner notes, with the CD. Its the whole experience, even iTunes when you buy albums include the digital booklet. So you are still getting the experience. Some people care some don't. Now I will say this, for those of us who buy the physical album and spend time, energy, money, & GAS to drive to our local big box retailer or little niche shop or record store we are getting punched in the face a little by iTunes. As much as I love Steve Jobs and his products, along with the new music business model he single handed helped to install, Loyal fans who go out and buy the album (the GAS, the GAS!!!) are being cut out of the exclusive tracks or bonus content. Case in point, I went out on day one before work to buy the new N.E.R.D. album and felt the usual excitement of opening the package and smelling that new CD smell and HOLDING the album, only to discover that the "Everybody Nose (Remix)" was exclusive to the iTunes version of the album. I was still happy with my purchase but at the same time felt a little betrayed by the industry I try to defend and support.

In the same token, its not all big buckets of gravy for those who shop exclusively on iTunes either. When Jay-Z' "American Gangster" came out, Hova opted out of the iTunes download and told people to get off their ASS and buy the album. And it worked. Hova's album did a little under a million, proving people still cared about buying the album. Same is to be for 50 Cent, Kanye West, and most recently Lil' Wayne. All four proving that people still care about the artists they adore and will continue the die hard support.

Next point...since I brought Lil Weezyana up in the last paragraph...let me just say the album was disappointing. All the waiting, all the hype, all of the edge of our seat waiting, and we get an album that is not even as good as his "Dedication" series or his "Drought" series. I know I am not the only that was not happy about this one. Spent money on it and didn't even feel like I got my moneys worth. Now before the Weezy fans come to hang me by my neck and set fire to my manga under me, there were some nice tracks on the album...SOME. Some of the songs that could have been bigger were ruined by him!! My actual point being, are labels lack of support for their major artist and glorification of ringtone artists killing album sells? Quite possible yes… In the same breath the lack of focus on some artists projects have turned people off to spending their hard earned money on albums where they can just go to iTunes and buy the tracks they like and still feel like they are getting their moneys worth.

NOW I have interviewed both Chaundon (of Hall of Justus fame) and Mick Boogie (Commissioner!!!) and they both pointed out that the fans were the problem when I asked what Hip-Hop's problem was. Are the fans expecting too much and giving little in return? Are artist giving their all for their loyalist supporters knowing that they will buy the album? Or are artist taking the road most traveled and putting out lackluster albums only to return and bless the fans with dope ish? Should WE as fans care more about the artists and their craft and the work they put in? (Absolutely to that question) But in the same token do we as fans remain on the fence seeing that the labels don't care about the fans or the artists themselves and blame it on everyone but themselves? And because they labels alienate the fans do we buck the system and download illegally? The answers are for you and YOU alone to answer. But the next time you listen to your favorite artists or a new fresh kat and the words "THIS DUDE/CHICK IS HOT!!" ask yourself, would you buy the album or even the single? if not cool down and sit back on the couch. Because in the long run, the artist does it not only for themselves but also for the fans, show support through iTunes or physically copping the CD, because I know I will, because if we don't support who will?

Xcalibur Prime

Skillz And His Million Dollar Backpack

YESSSSSSS!!! Long time coming!!!! Finally Skillz'album is coming! The Hip-Hop Ghost Writer is giving us a look into his "Million Dollar Backpack" on July 22nd!!! Here is the tracklisting:

01. Million Dollar Backpack (Intro)
02. Where I Been
03. Don’t Act Like You Don’t Know (Featuring Freeway)
04. So Far So Good (Featuring Common & Talib Kweli)
05. Sick
06. (For Real) He Don’t Own Me
07. My Phone
08. Yeah Ya Know It
09. Hold Tight (Featuring The Roots)
10. Crazy World
11. I’m Gon Make It
12. Be Alright
13. Hip Hop Died
14. Preaching To The Choir

DON'T SLEEP!!!!

Xcalibur Prime

Bun B & The Roots - Int'l Players Anthem Live (Video)

OOOOH MAYNE!!! There is nothing like LIVE Hip-Hop!! The Roots have it locked on that front!! But and Bun B and play Int'l Players Anthem live with a freestyle from Black Thought and you have more than a problem Houston (pun intended).

Xcalibur Prime

BMG To Start New Hip-Hop Division; Enter Battery Records

Rap music industry veteran Neil Levine will head up BMG Label Group's Battery Records, a new Hip-Hop incubator imprint.

According to The New York Post, Battery Records will sign and develop upcoming rap artists, grooming them for mainstream success.

The most promising of these artists would then graduate to be distributed through BMG's RCA and Zomba divisions.

According to The New York Post, Battery Records will allow BMG to be
flexible when it comes to signing new artists.

Levine, who founded Penalty Records, recently experienced success reactivating EMI's Imperial imprint.

Under his watch, Imperial which released a successful album by Fat Joe, Me, Myself and I, which spawned the hit single "Make It Rain," which features Lil Wayne, and Fat Joe's most recent offering, The Elephant in the Room.

At Penalty, Levine broke artists like The Beatnutz, Crooked Lettaz (featuring David Banner), Lord Finesse, Nelly and others.

Originally Written By Roman Wolfe for AllHipHop.com

Young Chris - Never Die

For a guy that most people think Hova left in the cold, Young Chris is still riding with Big Homie. He kept himself buzzing by putting out dope mixtapes with Mick Boogie and making people pay attention. Now on his own & still riding for Roc-a-fella, Young Chris is prepping his first solo album which is sure to have the same level of emotion about the Roc situation as Freeway's last album did. I think dude is fresh and slept on. In this song you will notice the sample. It is the same sample use or recreated by The J.U.S.T.I.C.E League for Rick Ross' Maybach Music. Listen Up!!

Xcalibur Prime

Young Buck Goes From Gorilla to Tiny Kitten In Personal Conversation With 50

An emotional phone conversation between former G-Unit rapper Young Buck and head honcho 50 Cent has found its way to the net, where the Cashville rapper exposes his fear of being kicked out of the group.

Provided by hip-hop personality Miss Info, the first 2 parts of the recording - there are allegedly more to come - allow listeners to fully recap Buck's pleads and promises of loyalty to the head of G-Unit. The conversation opens with Buck trying to convince 50 that he shouldn't be compared to prior beefs he's had with former associates including Bang'em Smurf and The Game.

"I don't want you to dismember me from the crew," Buck said. "I've not said nothing out here in the media-other than me putting in the statements of 'I'm my own man creating my own thing,' but I have never dismembered myself from the family."

Buck then credits him for the idea of creating his Cashville Records and putting the Southern rapper in profiting situations.

"You gave me the idea. You gave me the whole-and that's what I explained in my interviews," he admitted. "All of this is under your whole thing-it's just that I don't really have no lead on what's going on for me. I ain't getting no whole lotta money, only money that really came out of that deal for us from Sony was $75,000 for production-going in to marketing and promoting. They gave me 79 percent [and Sony] took 21 percent from the record."

The deepest blow against Buck followed as he detailed the debts he owes 50 along with payments he still owes to the IRS.

"My whole goal is to actually get back what I've paid for you and hopefully I can actually get that sh*t back-work out the kinks," he continued. "I know [Lloyd] Banks and [Tony] Yayo gotta feel a certain way towards me 'cause of the way sh*t is and just iron sh*t out and hopefully get back to the G-Unit record. Outside of what I owe you, you got tax time rolling around-and my taxes. I still owe money from last year's taxes. It's so many other debts that I'm in for as far as the last year and this year's about to roll around."

After admitting to being confused by the various debts he owes and becoming emotional, breathing hard into the phone, 50 tries to reassure Buck of what was necessary to patch things up.

"You gonna be all right, you hear me," 50 asked. "You gotta be able to stay closer to me, Buck, so you don't f*ck up. We'll fix the sh*t. You just got to stay closer to the space 'cause there ain't no-it's not gonna happen. Sh*t is different, Buck, and if you don't stay closer to what's going on it's gonna f*ck up. Tony's been the safest one, you know why? He's been staying closer."

50 also assured Buck that if he became more involved and remained closer then things would be an easy fix.

Ironically, over the weekend, Buck declared his independence from the group at a show in Tampa, Florida as he yelled "F*ck G-Unit" and proceeded to discredit 50 by comparing their street credibility.

Listen Up:

Part 1

Part 2



Originally Written By Cyrus Langhorne for SOHH.com

The Carter III Hits One Million Mark

The third time looks to be the charm for Lil Wayne as the rapper’s latest album, Tha Carter III, hits the platinum mark with more than 1 million copies sold.


The album sold 1,005,545 copies, a number which will be made official when Nielsen SoundScan issues chart reports today (June 18).


According to Katina Bynum, VP of Marketing for Universal/Motown Records, Lil Wayne’s is reaping the benefits of a rigid work ethic, which included numerous mixtapes, cameos and touring.


"At a time when the music industry is experiencing decreased sales, Wayne proves that with hard work and excelling at his craft, he is a true phenom crossing all genre's of music,” Bynum told AllHipHop.com. “Wayne is the industry's new Rock Star!”


The album puts Lil Wayne in the company of fellow rapper 50 Cent in terms of first week sales.


The G-Unit leader was the last artist to sell just over 1 million units in a single week when his second album, The Massacre, reached the milestone in March 2005 with 1.1 million copies sold.


Since then, no other artist has managed to accomplish the task.


The closest entertainer to do so was Kanye West, whose Graduation album debuted with 957,000 copies sold in its first week of release last year, after arriving in stores on September 11.


Tha Carter III’s showing surpasses Lil Wayne’s previous album Tha Carter II, which moved 238,000 copies upon its 2004 release while entering the Billboard 200 chart at No. 2.

Originally Written By Chris Richburg for AllHipHop.com

HHS Exclusive: An Interview With Chaudon...

Wow!! Where do I begin with this guy?! Chaundon has to be one of my favorite emcees. I mean Hall Of Justus as a whole is like a whole traveling circus of dope shit!! Now I'm NOT calling them clowns by any means...most of the time Chaundon and Phonte are making dudes look like clowns (lol). For those of you who have not picked up any HOJ album or any of Chaundon's work, dude is not just a breath of fresh air, more like a blast of it! He hits you hard with his word play, the proceeds to make you laugh and when the punchlines come around he makes you hold up your hand and go "OOOOOOOH RAADDA!" Dude is the truth on and off the M-I-C. He speaks truth after truth that make you go "hmmmmm," which was the case with this interview. Sit back (or Get Back), chill, grab a drank (yes I said drank), and enjoy the interview. 1ne, AND GO BUY CHAUNDON'S "CARNAGE" IN STORES NOW!!!!!



Xcalibur: OK ya boy Xcalibur is back with another exclusive interview! Today it's with Hall of Justus hit man Chaundon!! What's good family!?

Chaundon: I'm chillin' X! Just on the phone choppin' it up with Oprah. I think she feelin' me yo!



X: For those how may not know who you are introduce yourself...

C: Well, for the many people that don't know the most unknown known lol, my name is Chaundon. I am the punch line heavyweight from The Bronx, now residing in Morrisville, NC. I run with the illest crew ever, The Hall Of Justus, and I can cook better than EVERYBODY.



X: Alright man, before we get into the serious questions....NBA Finals....Boston or L.A.. I say Boston, KG & Ray Allen Fan & my boy Paul Pierce is from KU...

C: What are you talking about? This is a serious question. Gang Green, aka The Boston Celtics will be crowned champions in the next couple of games. KG, its your time!!!!!!



X:On to the music, Your album "Carnage" just dropped. It was a dope album man!! I found it after searching a couple months. What was your approach for the album?

C: Funny thing, I didn't have an approach when I made this album. I just wanted to put out a dope record as a NY emcee! There hasn't been too many dope albums to come out of my borough. So I took it upon myself to change that.




X: Now you have the Ambitions of a Writer & The Venom joints. How do those differ from the album?

C: The album is more cohesive. Those joints were warning shots of what Carnage was going to be.




X: I have to say man, when you make music that makes people vibe to it & the don't know who you are, because of age mostly, thats a great thing. I played a little of the album for my 9 year old nephew and he loved it!

C: That's what's up. I keep my music honest. Thats why people can gravitate to it. If I were the exaggeration type, people would see right through it and not give my music the time of day. As you can see in the last 5 years, there have been a lot of fake rappers coming and going faster than the common cold.




X: Man it almost seems like you are the unofficial third member in Little Brother. How do you guys have such great chemistry?

C: I am the unofficial 3rd lol. We have been a group before there was a Little Brother. So that explains the chemistry. Plus we are truly a family and we work toward the same goal, make dope music!




X: Speaking of Little Brother, Phonte & Pooh Make great music man. Do you think they kicked open the door for the rest of the HOJ?

C: Hell yeah they kicked in the door! Their hard work, dedication, dope stage shows, and incredible music has given us a lane to run completely mad on!!




X: I also notice you, Skyzoo, & Torae have great chemistry together. Is it because you guys are all from NY? lol

C: Great Chemistry comes from dope emcees who are tired of the music they hear. So it was so easy for Skyzoo, Torae, and I to bring forth unbelievable music from a place where Hip Hop seems non existent commercially. Shout to Sha Stimuli, D-Black, Fresh Daily, Shoota, Icon Watson, & Poison Pen (just to name a few) who also are contributing to the reconstruction of great music to come out of NYC. The list is just too long for me to name everybody else!




X: Now I know LB had a deal, are you happy being indie?

C: I never cared about getting a deal. I just wanted the money!!! I have paid my bills with out being signed by going on the road, THANKS LB!!!! Being featured on other artists albums, booking shows, and selling merchandise on line. By the way, go to www.myspace.com/chaundon and www.hallofjustus.com to purchase all the cd's and t-shirts you need!!




X: All of the MC's in HOJ have the ability to connect on a more human level, which is refreshing. Like they actually understand the common 9-5 dude grinding and working to get out dreams and such. Why do you think that is?

C: We were the common 9-5 dudes grinding, trying to keep the lights on, and keeping a roof over our heads. In a way we still are the 9-5 dudes. Putting out music and performing is a job in it self. At the end of the day, our job of being extraordinary emcees still has to finance our way of life and keep the lights on.




X: I interviewed Mick Boogie, not long ago & asked him what he thought about Hip-Hop as a whole right know. As a whole the art form is over saturated & artists along with employees are getting dropped left and right. Coming from you, an indie artist, what do you think or see the problem as being and how can it be fixed?

C: The problem is the fans! Now before I get stoned, tarred, and feathered, allow me to explain why I say the fans are the root of the problem. Ok....here I go! Now we all know the game is all about numbers which turns into dollars and cents. If an artist isn't doing a certain level of numbers, then he/she is not making any dollars and cents for the label and its curtains for the artist no matter how good they are. So when the fans don't go to the store and support their favorite artist and only download the music, the soundscan show that he/she is not selling anything. So the artist gets dropped. The thing that bothers me is when I hear people bitch and moan about the whack artist who have a successful career. Their fans are actually buying their music, ring tones, etc. If the fans who get mad when their favorite emcee isn't getting any shine, and would rally behind and support that artist, then he/she will be on the radio & tv all day selling a gang of records. So please be apart of the solution and support the music you say you love. [Ed. Note Woooow!]




X: But in the same token there are new dudes coming out now that are a breath of fresh air for Hip-Hop. Like this new class of dudes are nice!! Who would be your pick for the new artist to watch out for?

C: I don't know who are the new class of dudes are. Honestly, I'm in the studio too much to know whats going on. I'm too busy making a name for myself. I am still apart of the new class!




X: Ok back to you man, you have a super aggressive flow. Where does that come from?

C: It comes from the hatred of whack emcees, and where I grew up. Back in Hunts Point Avenue in The Bronx, I was taught to be the best. There were a lot of dope emcees in my neighborhood and the only way to be noticed was to be second to none. So I battled every rapper I met when I attended high school. Then I started going to different neighborhoods to shut down their best rapper. Then I started jumping in ciphers everywhere I saw one. It was my mission to be that dude no matter where I went. I still feel that way, so the flow gets more aggressive with every song I write.



X:On both 9th Wonder's and The Hall of Justus Album you had stand out verses. Do you go harder on songs to set yourself apart from others?

C: Of course! Its not like I'm rhyming with some slouches. I have a team of talented emcees who go in every time!! So the level gets raised and I have to go to a place I never been before and black out.




X: Your music along with the others in HOJ leaves you wanting more, is that your goal?

C: Yes. I cant wait to hear what we (HOJ) are about to do next. I am about to complete 2 more albums by July. We all are working on albums right now. The HOJ is so consistent in doing better than what was done previously. So wanting more just comes with the territory.




X: You also true to stay connected with the fans. Is that a big part of what you do? The fans?

C: The fans are my fuel to the fire. I chop it up with them every day. Some of my music is based off our conversations. Thats why I give out my information for them to reach me. When they order my cds from me on myspace, I sign the cds then email them and follow up to see if they received it and to get their thoughts on the music.



X: So what's next for Chaundon? Do you have anything do coming? Even cameos lol.

C: I have 2 more albums on the way. Thanks to myspace, a lot of emcees have reached out to me to feature on their mixtapes and albums. So you will be hearing a lot from The Bronx Borough President!! I am looking to connect with more show promoters so I can rock in a venue near you! So if anyone reading this is a promoter or knows a promoter who can bring me to your city get at me at chaundonmusic@gmail.com




X: I have to ask, what is it like working with both Khrysis & 9th Wonder? And how do their styles differ?

C: Its a family affair man...We've been making music for so long its not about making music anymore. When we get in the studio, we talk, tell jokes, and listen to other music we've been working on before we even start recording.



X: You also worked with Illmind who did most of LB's last album. How was that experience?

C: MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN Ill Mind is dope!! I haven't been in the studio with him yet. He just gives me the beat cds and I go to work. I am looking forward to actually record with him one day.




X: Are there any producers you would love to work with? I could see you over some Just Blaze tracks lol

C:The # 1 answer to that question is Dr. Dre. I bet all of you knew I was going to say that hahahah. I still want to work with Preem! Pete Rock and I have something in the works so stay tuned! I would like to work with Just, Kanye, Pharell & Chad, and Easy Mo Bee.




X: What about artist? Any who stand out that you wanna do songs with?

C: Damn this is a long Christmas list so I will just name a few. Black Thought, Joel Ortiz, 50, Doug E. Fresh, & Uncle Luke on some 2 Live Crew shit!!!



X: OK HOJ does really good 3 man plus posse cuts, like you have a couple at the end of your album. How is that? Are you guys all in the booth together when you record them?

C: Some times it works out that way. Other times the guests record in their studios and email the session.



X: Alright man, before we wrap this is there anything you wanna leave the people? (Shameless plugs count lol)

C: CARNAGE IS AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE SO SUPPORT ME ON THIS ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Other cds to cop, GET BACK, DAILY CONVERSATION, SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE, & TRAINING DAY......Don't just download, purchase the album!!!



X: Damn dude thanks again for the time homie!!!

C: I appreciate you giving me the time to speak to you and your readers. 1ne

Polls Predict That Obama Will Be The Next Prez

Democratic Presidential nominee, Barack Obama, may have an the edge over his political opponent, Republican hopeful Sen. John McCain, as a new poll suggests a majority of Americans believe the Illinois senator will win the White House this November.

According to CNN, despite recent polls that placed Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain in a close Presidential race, in a new Gallup survey, Obama leads McCain by eleven percentage points- 52 percent to McCain's 41 percent. 76 percent of Democrats believe Obama will win while 67 percent of Republicans believe McCain will retain the party in the oval office.

Obama made history on June 3, by becoming the first African-American Presidential nominee ever, by defeating rival, New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, to win the Democratic seat for the upcoming Presidential election.

In a poll conducted by SOHH in January, readers predicted Obama's Presidential nomination victory, with 70 percent of those polled favoring Obama or Clinton.

Now, Obama has garnered support from many Americans. Although both candidates enjoy support from independent voters, more independents believe Obama will upset McCain with 50 percent of their groups vote to Obama and 41 percent going to McCain.

In previous polls, Sen. McCain has polled better among older Americans, but in a twist, Obama projected as also winning the perception race among the senior citizens with 55 percent of Americans aged 55 and older declaring that Obama will win, while just 36 percent believing McCain will emerge victorious.

With Americans aged 35 to 54, the candidates are narrowly separated by nine percentage points, with Obama pulling in 52 percent to McCain's 43 percent.

Although, America's youth has supported Obama throughout the Democratic primary, the age group, 18 to 34, are essentially split over the candidates, with 48 percent of young Americans believing Obama will win while 45 percent feel McCain will win.

Men are also equally divided with 50 percent going with Obama to McCain's 44 percent.

However, women in the country aren't as split. Obama enjoys a significant lead in the female perception race with 54 percent of women selecting Obama to win the White House compared to McCain's 38 percent.

The Gallup poll was conducted June 9-12 and surveyed 822 adults nationally, aged 18 and older by telephone. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus four percentage points.

Originally Written By Thomas A. Harden for SOHH.com

The Original Bone Thugs Reunite

After years of inner-turmoil and label woes, Cleveland rap group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony have reunited, with all five original group members.


According to founding member Krayzie Bone, the group has made amends with estranged member Bizzy, and when incarcerated group member Flesh is released next month, the group is planning a full return to the rap game.


“Flesh will be home July 10th, he’s supposed to be getting out. Bizzy was at one of last shows in Riverside [California]. We had a good conversation there," Krayzie Bone revealed. We told people what it was. When everything got right, we was gonna come back together and what we had to do.”


The group’s original line up, which consisted of Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone, Wish Bone, Bizzy Bone and Flesh-n-Bone, changed with Flesh, born Stanley Howse, was sentenced to 11 years in prison, after he threatened another man with a loaded AK-47.


Police also raided his California residence in July of 1997 and found numerous explosives, including dynamite sticks.


Flesh, who is Layzie Bone’s brother, was also wanted for of seven assault charges that dated back to 1993.


The arrest derailed Flesh’s career, although he can be heard on classic Bone albums like Creepin On Ah Come Up, E 1999 Eternal and The Art of War.


Group member Bizzy Bone was kicked out of the group in 2002, due to his excessive drug and alcohol use and personal issues.


Bizzy Bone, born Bryon Anthony McCane, recently released his independent album A Song For You in April.


The title track from the album, which features DMX, hit #1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Sales chart.


According to Krayzie Bone, the only thing that may prevent the Grammy Award winning group’s signature singing/rapping from return to radio airwaves is label politics.


“We all just been hibernating, trying to come up with the concept for the album,” Krayzie Bone continued. “It’s definitely going down. I ain't gonna say its 100 percent just because of the label situation and the technical stuff, like if the label wants to pay what we deserver. As far as bone as group and us, we together. It aint just a rumor... We are trying to put it all back together for real.”


The group is preparing to enter the recording studio with Swizz Beatz, who is also confirmed to produce for the group’s untitled reunion project.


“We ain't started yet, because we are trying to get paperwork together. We done talked to Swizz, Swizz is on deck and we are ready to roll and make it do what it do baby.”

Originally Written By Roman Wolfe for AllHipHop.com

Saigon Is Free??!?!?!?!

DAAAAAAAAMN it has been foreeever since I've hit you guys off with some info!! I need to stop staying away so long...every time a legit rapper gets free shouldn't be grounds for me to blog (lol). Soooo on to the topic on hand....Saigon. If many of you may or may not know Saigon and Just Blaze (one of my favorite producers) were freed from their album contract with Atlantic Records. Well its not like we didn't see this coming right? This project was (in my humble opinion) doomed from the start. So let us break down what led to Sai-boogie being released shall we....

I first heard about Saigon in 2005 (bout the time everybody else did lol) when he had first signed to Atlantic Records. I thought well this can't be a bad move for him cause dude is fresher than fresh milk or new orange juice! I mean look what they did for T.I.'s career and Twista was seeing a nice resurgence back into Hip-Hop. Not to mention they also had Fabolous, Trick Daddy, and Fat Joe at the time. Needless to say Atlantic was the place to be at that point. At that time Atlantic had started their Joint Chiefs promotion which included Fat Joe, Twista, Trick Daddy, Fabolous, and T.I. along with new comers Bump J (a prospect from Chi-town who also had bad luck with the label) and Saigon.

Needless to say 2005 was a good year for Atlantic and it Hip-Hop roster. Twista album "The Day After" went gold, Trick Daddy's "Thug Matrimony: Married To The Street" (originally released in 2004) was Trick's first number one album, Fat Joe's "All or Nothing" had production spots from Scott Storch, Just Blaze, Swizz Beatz, Cool & Dre, & Timbaland and did ok on the charts, T.I.'s Urban Legend (also released in 2004)was doing reasonable well for his second release. And Fabolous had a gold album with "Real Talk" (which was released in 2004). Everybody in the house of Atlantic was doing very well and the newbies where right on schedule as well. Around that time new comer Lupe Fiasco was brought into the fold to round out the roster.

But going into 2006 thinks started going sour. Fat Joe had already gone from the label. Fabolous had left for Def Jam in a fabled "trade deal" between Atlantic & Def Jam that sent Musiq to Atlantic. Lupe's debut album "Food & Liquor" was often delayed but released in September of 2006, Bump J was dropped, despite having a Kanye ready single,label drama with both Trick Daddy & Twista started around the same time. But things still looked good for Saigon since has album was scheduled for a 2006 release until it didn't happen...

Despite have one of the most anticipated albums Saigon, Just Blaze and Atlantic began having problems. Saigon began voicing his complaints with his recording home say that Atlantic was nothing but a house full of "ringtone artist." He voiced his concerns & troubles with the label on his myspace blog in the summer of 2007, even going as far as to say "Not to worry though, my fans will hear my entire album very soon whether they put it out or not..." a few weeks after the early June posting things seem to take a turn for the better when Saigon announced he had signed with Violator Management. This still did not help however seeing that Sai's actions also would cause a little back and forth on myspace between Just Blaze & Saigon.

Things still looked hopeful as Saigon's album "The Greatest Story Never Told" was slated for a early December release right next to Wu-Tang Clans reunion album. The December date came and went and still no album released. Then it was announced that Just Blaze & Sai decide on pushing the album back because the said it could be tweaked more. Saigon even said that Just was a "perfectionist" find other ways to make the album better. The album was then set for a early 2008 release.

Still no release date in sight, the album seemed more like a fable or folklore as it had not seen the light of day. Numerous accounts of sample clearance problems and problems with the brass at Atlantic added more fuel to the fire of the album ending up in the fire. Both Saigon and Just seemed to lay low for a while. Saigon would surface to do some guest appearances on 9th Wonder's "Dream Merchant 2" and The Roots' "Rising Down" and continue his appearances on the HBO show "Entourage."

Enter late May of 2008. Almost out of nowhere Saigon announces that he and Just Blaze have been released from their Atlantic Records contracts. Not only did they escape they were also able to take the album and all of the masters with them!!! Which in the world of music is very hard to do for for any artist new or old. He was stated as saying Atlantic was a home of "Ringtone Artists" and blamed Atlantic and Kyambo "Hip-Hop" Joshua for lack of promotion and support (Hip-Hop had left Atlantic Records to join Columbia Records earlier this year). Saigon also stated that new labels offers were starting to fly at him and Just Blaze, but he was not in a rush to sign on to another major. He was quoted as saying "I'm not that excited about going to a major label, They would have to make it so I'm set for the rest of my life. [Labels] want too much for the little that they're giving."

Now here are the stone cold options Sai has in front of him. Columbia Records is #1, even though he may not be a fan of Kyambo "Hip-Hop" Joshua, he and Just Blaze have a great relationship (along with Gee Roberson) who started the careers of both Just and Kanye, and are currently managed by Hip-Hop's company Hip-Hop Since 1978. Option #2 is Jay-Z. After resigning as President of Def Jam, Hova signed on with Live Nation to create his Roc Nation Imprint and the rumors are flying more this way due to Jay-Z and Just Blaze's relationship. Those are two solid options for sure. He could also go way left and sign to Interscope like Wale did. Or even Def Jam (but they seem to be a more R&B driven label as of late).

Well like everyone else we will have to wait and see. Saigon said he would like the album to be out by September of this year, hopefully that will be the truth because in the create Hip-Hop climate we need some better music (especially after the Carter III fiasco).

Alright, I'm leaving you with that...sit on it, think, make post, do the dew, whatever lol.

Xcalibur Prime

Young Buck Declares His Independence From G-Unit

A video has hit the net showing Young Buck dissing G-Unit and discrediting 50 Cent at a small club performance in Tampa, Florida over the weekend.

Performing alone on stage to his previous hits like "Shorty Wanna Ride," the former G-Unit rapper appeared to surprise fans after an audience member screamed "G-Unit, n*gga!" as he quickly responded to the shout-out.

"F*ck G-Unit, n*gga, I'm gonna give you what you really wanna hear, 'cause Florida n*ggas wanna really know what the f*ck really be going on with Buck," Buck replied.

Rather than going in to his next song, Buck decided to speak for nearly two minutes explaining the controversy that began immediately following his royalty check statements he made against 50 Cent earlier this year.

"When I made the statement, 'I ain't ever seen no royalty check,' I didn't say that sh*t saying that the n*gga 50 done took money from me or none of that whole sh*t. Or that the n*gga owe - I said it 'cause it's real," he affirmed. "And when I say sh*t, I mean the sh*t. He took it in a different way. I guess the n*gga felt like I'm airing out family business or whatever."

Instead of stopping there, Buck continued to air out the head of G-Unit by comparing his street credibility to his own.

"He feel like he got a whole lot 'til the n*gga hit rock bottom and he got to crawl his a** back up," he said. "The difference between me and a motherf*cking 50 Cent is that I could hit the gutter-[and] I can get back in the streets. He couldn't go back-[or] do the same."

Before preparing to perform "Stay Fly," Buck promised the crowd that he was only going to focus on himself and if anyone does business with the Cashville star, it better be sincere and not just a handshake.

Originally Written By Cyrus Langhorne for SOHH.com

Eightball & MJG Dance Out On Diddy & Start Hustling With T.Ib

In between legal woes and battling rivals to the throne, T.I. has managed to still handle business on the music side.


The popular Atlanta rapper has announced the signing of legends Eightball and MJG to Grand Hustle Records.


The huge announcement was made live during T.I.’s set at Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash on Saturday (June 14th).


To solidify the partnership, Eightball and MJG came out and performed “Don’t Make” to roars from the sold out Phillips Area crowd.


Eightball and MJG debuted in 1993 with the regional hit Comin’ Out Hard.


The duo went on to achieve mainstream recognition with On Top of the World, which included the hit single “Space Age Pimpin’.”

They released two albums on Bad Boy Records: Living Legends (2004) and Ridin High (2007).

The former was certified gold and has sold over 600,000 copies.


The duo also has nine solo albums between them.


The most successful are Eightballs’ Lost which went double platinum, and MJG’s No More Glory, which has been certified gold.


Contract terms or an album release date have not been announced by Grand Hustle Records.

Originally Written By Ismael AbduSalaam for AllHipHop.com

HHS Exclusive: Mick Boogie Interview

I have to say Mick Boogie is the coolest DJ on the PLANET. He reminds me of my mentor/friend JT Quick...and no not because the are both fly white guys but because their love for not just Hip-Hop but music as a whole is very refreshing since there are so many woes in the music business. If you cruise Mick's Myspace, you will see that he is just as normal as any of us. From the picture of him, ones with his friends, his new wife (congrats), & even ones with his cat Young Hov (The one with Young Hov & the Transformers figures had me dying!!!) he is a normal Kat...a normal Kat that does outstanding music & mixtapes. From Young Chris, To Busta, B.o.B, Kanye, & Little Brother, the music is well thought out & addictive with the sound of "COMMISSIONER!!!" interrupting every now and again. Mick Boogie is one of many that has his finger in the trigger of the future. Pay attention!!! What Up YOUNG HOV!!! (The cat, not the rapper lmao). - Xcalibur Prime


Xcalibur: Today I have the one and ONLY Mick Boogie!! How goes it man? Thanks for the interview man I really appreciate it.

Mick Boogie: Thanks for having me.

X: Ok so you recently got married, congrats man!

MB: Thanks. She's the best!

X: So what made you want to DJ? I have to say that your were one of my influences among many others to start.

MB: Jazzy jeff... Live at union square. From the he's the dj album. It was and still is amazing. And it got the wheels turning.

X: Most people don't know, but you are the official DJ for the Cleveland Cavaliers. How did you land that gig?

MB: Hustle, marketing and connections. A great job. One I am now sadly leaving as I make the move to nyc.

X: While we are talking about the Cavs, lets talk a little basketball. How did you feel the Cavs did this season?

MB: Pretty good but we won't be satisified til we win a championship. Maybe next year!

X: What about the middle-season trade scramble? How do you think that worked out in you opinion? I'm a fan of Phoenix and I think the Shaq traded should have been done a lot earlier...

MB: Yeah. Way earlier. Didn't work out for us or the suns. But the lakers did great...lol.

X: Overall where do you place the Cavs trade? Because I don't think it was the worst...the Dallas trade was lol.

MB: Yeah... Dallas is screwed. I think we will be ok next year. Delonte is gonna be an allstar someday.

X: OK the finals are starting...Boston or L.A.? I say Boston, KG fan.

MB: Boston! Been a Celtics fan since Kindergarden!

X: Let's switch to music. How did the DJ Drama fiasco affect you as a DJ?

MB: Well it made everyone rethink the game a little. For me, I've fallen back from mixtapes and focused more on travelling, and life couldn't be better.

X: Right after that YOU single handedly brought back the mixtape as we know it. How did you do it?

MB: I wouldn't say that. I just tried to do some creative things and focus on the download, marketing side of it. Rather than cds.

X: Now did it just begin with Little Brother or did you already plan on doing something with them?

MB: It was already in the works. Those guys are family.

X: There was also The Graduate Mixtape with Kanye & 9th Wonder, how did that one come about?

MB: Well, Big Dho from the Justus League hooked us up with 9th. And I have a good relationship with good music. And LRG was behind that as well.

X: Now you do a lot of work with LRG how did that happen?

MB: I met them casually over the years and it grew into a nice business relationship. They make great clothes and I'm happy to deal with such a progressive company.

X:There is a new mixtape being done with Wale, LRG, & 9th Wonder, are you part of that too?

MB: No sir. But I have the utmost respect for Wale. He is dope!

X: Let's talk about the most recent of your releases. The LRG mixtape with B.o.B. How did you hear about B.o.B & what was it like working with him?

MB: Bob is a underrated talent. Very diverse kid. LRG set that up. I think the skies the limit for him as long as DJs give him a chance.

X: Hip-Hop has been in kind of a slump, but recently there has been a surge of new artist thats are making it exciting again, B.o.B being one of them. Which artists of this new class, should we be keeping our eyes on?

MB: Definitely B.o.B. My man Sixth Sense is dope. Skyzoo. Lots of people. (Ed Note: Skyzoo is fresh as a new summer breeze!)

X: I have to ask...What is Terry Urban's role lol? I hear his name on all your projects and the guy seems a little like a ghost.

MB: He is next up to bat. Very talented DJ. He does half of those projects with me and coordinates stuff when I'm traveling. Google him... His mash-ups are crazy.

X: It seems like Hip-Hop, as music & an art form, is crowded and over saturated and not only on the artists front. Major labels are dropping employees everyday along with artist, artist new & old are going back to being Indie, even major mixtape DJs like yourself are feeling the backlash. What do you think needs to happen for Hip-Hop to get back on its feet?

MB: More creativity. A new business model. Consumers who give a fuck about the art. And some luck. Lol.

X: OK so what new mixtapes or projects are you working on?

MB:[Rapper]Big Pooh from Little Brother has something we are dropping soon. Terry and I are working on something for my Asia tour this July. And Benzi and I have our Motivation series which is dope and all uptempo club music.

X: What about music, are there any albums coming out you are looking forward too? N*E*R*D, Nas, David Banner, & Saigon are on my list...

MB: N*E*R*D, Nas, Nappy Roots. Lot of N's. Lol. Young Chris too.

X: Alright Mick, were there any words you wanted to leave us with before we wrapped up the interview?

MB: Thanks for your time. Check out my website and blog. And myspace.

mickboogie.blogspot.com

www.myspace.com/mickboogie

mickboogie.com

X:Thanks again man! I truly appreciate it!

The Game LAX Album Cover

OK so here is the ablum cover for Game's new album. So is he not trying or what? Hmmm well I mean he could have used the same cover he had on the first two albums. I guess both him and his two sons would not fit on a tire complete with any color dayton LMAO. Oooo well can't have it all huh? Anyway the album got pushed back to July 22, a week after Nas' new album, and about two weeks from its original date, which was a week after the new G-Unit album "Terminate On Sight" or T.O.S which is scheduled for July 1st. And Game is NOT retiring after this third album like he said he would. Can't escape Hip-Hop my dude...

Xcalibur Prime

Prison Doesn't Stop Remy Ma; Readies BlasRemy Mixtape

Life behind bars may prevent Remy Ma from seeing her fans, but the rap diva is doing her part to reach out to them with her forthcoming mixtape, BlasRemy.



The 17-song release will feature appearances from Papoose as well as 3Sum, Remy Ma's all-female rap group with Jackie-O and Shawnna.



To prepare for BlasRemy’s arrival, the rapper released a freestyle over Patti LaBelle’s song "If" to radio stations within the last month.



Other songs featured on the mixtape include remakes of Lauryn Hill's "Doo-Wop That Thing", Playa Circle's "Duffle Bag Boy", and the last song she recorded, "I'mma Do Re-my," which features Remy Ma rapping over the beat to Rocko's popular song " "Umma Do Me."



Other guests on board for BlasRemy include rappers Jae Millz, and Chingy.



The release of the DJ Bedtyme-hosted project comes after a turbulent few months for Remy Ma, who was sentenced to eight years in prison on May 13 after being convicted of shooting Makeda Barnes-Joseph in July of 2007.



The ruling stemmed from $3,000 that went missing from Remy Ma’s purse after the rapper, Barnes-Joseph and an entourage left a New York night club.



The release precedes the Remy Ma’s official second album, PunishHer.



Remy Ma’s BlasRemy mixtape, which can be ordered now at www.remyma.com, is slated to be available for full digital download in the coming month.

Originally Written By Chris Richburg for AllHipHop.com

More Financial Trouble For Scott Storch

Financial and legal woes continue to plague multi-platinum producer Scott Storch.

The one-time go to musician for stars ranging from Beyonce to Dr. Dre owes over half-a-million dollars in back property tax and is facing child support and paternity suits in Florida.

According to the Miami Herald, a County Circuit Judge has ordered Storch to be brought into custody by “writ of bodily attachment,” meaning cops can commandeer him and hold him until he posts a bond.

Currently, that would amount to $46,000, the amount he owes in back child support to the mother of his two-year-old son; $30,000 for four months support and $16,000 for a pre-arranged college fund.

Another woman is suing Storch in a paternity lawsuit claiming the producer is the “natural father” of her 16-year-old son. Storch had voluntarily sent the woman, Vanessa Bellido, money but then stopped. The woman and her son were evicted from their home last month and have since moved into her parent’s home. A car Storch provided for the teen boy was also repossessed.

Storch made headlines with his legal troubles initially when it was reported he was selling his multi-million dollar yacht to cover bills. The producer put up the yacht for auction on eBay. Prior to that the New York Post broke a story on the producer being behind on property tax.

It seems Storch still hasn’t recovered. According to the Herald, the producer owes $294, 492.50 in property tax from 2006 and an additional $217, 346. 66 from last year.

Orininally Written By Jayson Rodriguez for XXLMAG.com

Lil' Wayne's The Carter III Almost beats Kanye's First Day Sales...Almost

Doubt on Lil' Wayne's Tha Carter III selling nearly a million in first week sales may cease as the New Orleans, Louisiana rapper's first-day sales have rounded out at about 423,000.

According to Billboard, the album will easily gain the number one spot on the Top 200 charts and is still expected to sell between 850,000-950,000 at the end of the first week. As previously reported by SOHH, Tha Carter III may outsell both Mariah Carey and Usher's first week sales combined.

The nine Nielsen SoundScan merchants that reported make up nearly 80 percent of all U.S. album sales. These accounts include Trans World Entertainment, Best Buy, CircuitCity, Starbucks, iTunes, Target, Borders, Anderson Merchandisers and Handleman Co.

Last year, Kanye West's Graduation first-day numbers evened out at 437,000, only three percent more as compared to Tha Carter III.

Prior to releasing the album, Weezy has made various strategic marketing moves including a partnership with social shopping company Musicane that allowed fans the ability to sell the album digitally on their own websites.

A surprising and positive reaction to Tha Carter III came from Bad Boy president Diddy as he named Weezy "the greatest, youngest, rapper alive" earlier this week.

Originally Written By Cyrus Langhorne for SOHH.com

Boxer Sues Jay-Z Over Rap Style....Really Come ON...

Former heavyweight boxer Mitchell Rose is planning to file an $88 million dollar copyright lawsuit against Jay-Z in Brooklyn Federal Court, AlHipHop.com has learned.



According to Rose, he gave Jay-Z his demo tape on March 12, 2001, following a bout between William Joppy and Felix Trinidad.



He was shocked to discover that Jay-Z allegedly stole his style of rhyming, delivery and even certain lyrics. “He took the style and the delivery,” Rose told AllHipHop.com. “He’s using it on the regular, now Lil’ Kim is using it. All I want is justice. Jay-Z knows what I am talking about."



Rose, 39, is also a personal injury lawyer who wrote a book called Mike Tyson Tried To Kill My Daddy.



The former heavyweight boxer who is known for knocking out Eric “Butterbean” Esch, claims he met Jay-Z right after the Joppy-Trinidad fight and gave a demo to the rap superstar, who promised to listen to it.



“He took the demo with him and shortly after that he began using the whispering (which he now frequents) in his songs."



Rose, who is also from Brooklyn, has served papers to two of Jay-Z’s 40/40 night clubs, but has yet to tag the rapper himself, according to sources.



"I had previously trained some of my artists to use that style, but it quickly became obsolete after Jay-Z got a hold of it," Rose claims. "He [Jay-Z] used the whispering to enhance his music and financially benefit from it. Jay-Z disregarded the fact that it was my demo where he got the style from as he went on to use it for his own personal gains, which is wrong.”



Representatives for Jay-Z were not available to comment as of press time.

Originally Written By Nolan Strong for AllHipHop.com

T-Pain Launches Nappy Boy...Digital?

Multi-platinum singer/producer T-Pain has launched a new independent record label that seeks to bypass the traditional label model, in an effort to connect directly with the consumer.



Starting with the release of “Beam Me Up,” the first single by marquee artist Tay Dizm, Nappy Boy Digital will deliver music exclusively via all major digital download retailers.



“My life and career so far has been about breaking barriers,” T-Pain told AllHipHop.com. “This label allows me to continue that by delivering hit songs in real time. No red tape, just good music. I’m excited about bringing music by new artists to people fresh out of the studio. Nappy Boy Digital is a dream come true for me.”



While Nappy Boy Digital will avoid traditional sales models, the label will continue to utilize traditional methods of promotions and marketing for its artists, including T-Pain himself, who currently holds the record for the largest number of ringtones sold at 15 million.



“You’ll hear us in the clubs and on radio too,” explained the rapper-turned-megastar, “but you can discover our tracks where people spend most of their time: online. I’m very proud to be out front on an idea like this.”



Tay Dizm, the label’s debut artist, gets an assist from not only T-Pain but fellow Floridian Rick Ross.



The Bangladesh-produced single “Beam Me Up” is currently available exclusively on iTunes, and is scheduled for a web-wide release at the end of June.

Originally Written By Tai Saint Louis for ALLHIPHOP.com

New Untitled Nas Album To Be Released July 15

Nas has officially announced the release date of his new controversial untitled album, which was formerly titled N***er.



The album, which will be released through Nas’ boutique label Jones Experience, has been delayed several times, will land in stores on July 15.



Although the rapper changed the title of his controversial 9th album, he promised fans to expect the same message contained on the untitled release.



“It’s important to me that this album gets to the fans,” Nas said. “It’s been a long time coming. I want my fans to know that creatively and lyrically, they can expect the same content and the same messages. It’s that important. The streets have been waiting for this for a long time. The people will always know what the real title of this album is and what to call it.”



The first official single being released from the album is “Hero,” which was produced by Polow Da Don.



Nas addresses a number of subjects on the album, including the presidential hopeful Barak Obama, the N-word itself and even the food fried chicken, a track produced by Grammy Award winning producer.



The track also features an appearance by Busta Rhymes and The Daptones, known for their groundbreaking work with Amy Winehouse, The Roots and others.



“When I was young, sitting in my room hammering out beats on my MPC, Nas was one of those truly legendary artists that you daydream, ‘One day, I'll get to do a track for...,’” Ronson said. “We finally met Grammy night in LA, and he said he wanted some stuff from me for the album. I started thinking to myself, as a Nas fan, ‘What kind of beats would I love to hear him over?’ That's how the Dapkings and I came up with the track for ‘Fried Chicken’, and I reckon it sounds like a stone cold classic.”



Other producers rounding out the album include Stic.Man from Dead Prez, Stargate, Cool & Dre, Mark Ronson and others.

Originally Written By Morris Moore For AllHipHop.com

David Banner Speaks On Al Sharpton

Warren G Cleared Of All Charges

A day after being arrested and charged for drug possession and with the intent to sell marijuana, Long Beach, CA rapper/producer Warren G has been cleared on all charges.

According to TMZ, based on insufficient evidence, L.A. Country District Attorney has thrown out the drug charges filed against Warren G and his friend Ryan Butler. The District Attorney disclosed that there was not enough evidence to link the two men to the weed police found in the trunk, as the vehicle was not registered to Warren or Butler.

"They were in Hollywood area for Kanye's party," a rep for Warren G told TMZ. "He was a passenger asleep in the front seat when the car was pulled over. They charged him because he didn't debrief. Whatever was found wasn't his, it was in the car."

As SOHH previously reported earlier, the 35 year-old rapper was pulled over at 1:40 a.m. Sunday morning, when Butler, 29, allegedly ran a red light in downtown Hollywood. When the car was stopped and searched by LAPD, marijuana was found in the back of the vehicle, leading to the two men being arrested.

Both Warren G and Butler were released after posting $20,000 bail.

Written By Thomas A. Harden For SOHH.com

Busta's New Album Delayed Due To Sampling Conflicts

After a highly anticipated July 1st release date, Busta Rhymes faces sampling conflicts that may postpone his upcoming album, Blessed, to a August release.

Busta recently did an interview with Hot 97 radio personality Peter Rosenberg where he explained why the album has been delayed.

"We just pushed [the album] about six to eight weeks because we having a little issue with two samples that I'm about eight five percent away getting cleared," he said. "I don't wanna change the songs because it'll change the feel of the record."

Admitting that the changed release date is strictly due to the administrative process and wanting to keep the essence of the sampled songs, Busta also hinted at what is essential in any of his albums.

"You can't have a Busta Rhymes album without a J Dilla. Just in case y'all ain't familiar, every Busta Rhymes solo album has a J Dilla production on it," he confirmed. "From the first Busta Rhymes solo joint all the way to The Big Bang - every album has had a J Dilla track. We gonna continue that legacy."

The Flipmode general will have a busy summer as he prepares to go on the "Projekt Revolution Tour" with Linkin Park next month.

Written By Cyrus Langhorne for SOHH.com

T.I.'s Grand Hustle & Capital Records Team Up To Release Alfamega's Debut Album

T.I.’s Grand Hustle label has partnered with Capitol Records, it was announced today, to release the Atlanta rapper’s protege Alfamega and his debut, I Am Alfamega. The album is due September 16.

“Alfamega is not only a good storyteller, he has a unique story to tell,” T.I. said in a statement. “Not many people have experienced or have walked in the shoes he has.

“We are looking forward to launching Alfamega with Capitol and showing the world what he has to offer,” Grand Hustle co-founder Jason Geter added.

Alfamega gained notoriety through the underground on collaborations with T.I. such as “Southern Boyz” before his appearance on Tip’s hit “Hurt,” along with Busta Rhymes, from T.I. vs T.I.P, brought him mainstream attention.

Bus-a-Bus joins Alfamega again on “Headbanger,” of the upstart’s debut, as does Tip and Nitti on the scheduled first single, “Uhh Huh.”

Alfamega will make a promo run soon. In the meantime, he joins T.I. as the opener on the Grand Hustle head’s tour. Dates are as follows:

6/13 Columbus, Georgia: Columbus Civic Center

6/14 Atlanta, Georgia: Philips Arena

6/20 Kansas City, Kansas: Capital Federal Park at Sandstone

6/21 St. Louis, Missouri: Verizon Amphitheatre

7/5 Milwaukee, Wisconsin: U.S. Cellular Arena

Written By XXL Staff for XXLMAG.com

Warren G...Arrested...

Long Beach, California native Warren G was arrested yesterday morning for drug possession and intent to sell marijuana.

According to The Los Angeles Times, the 35 year-old rapper was pulled over at 1:40 a.m. when driver, Ryan Butler, 29, allegedly ran a red light in downtown Hollywood. When stopped and searched by police, marijuana was found leading to the two men being arrested.

L.A. police officer Sara Faden said she did not know the exact amount retrieved from the arrest, but assures it was enough to charge both men with intent to sell.

Both Warren G and Butler were released after posting $20,000 bail.

The hit maker behind "Regulate" made his last comeback with VH1's "Celebrity Fit Club" as well as being featured in the MTV Competition "Celebrity Rap Superstar".

Written By Cyrus Langhorne for SOHH.com

LL Cool J Talks "Exit 13" And Supports Shakir Stewart

As LL Cool J readies the release of his 13th studio album, We talk to him about the new disc, his rumored diss aimed at Maino, and his thoughts on Def Jam's new executive vice president.

LL tells us that for his upcoming record, Exit 13, he was focused on creating a fresh new sound.

"I'm not tryin to recapture yester year and I'm not tryin to imitate anybody or be like anybody," he said. "I got kids for that. I'm really pushing the envelope with this record."

The Queens-bred vet drafted a few "young, hungry" producers for the disc, bypassing the "usual cast of characters," he said, though he did recruit DJ Scratch for the track, "Rockin' with the G.O.AT."

Other contributors include 50 Cent, who worked very closely with LL throughout the recording process, The-Dream, Ritchie Sambora of Bon Jovi and Lil' Mo.

"The single is actually the most conventional of all the records on the album. It only gets better and crazier as you go along," LL said.

He wants to branch out with his sound on this new joint, since he considers his last couple of projects to be flops.

"I think the last two records have suffered because of the other commitments in my life; doing a couple of songs on the album, then shooting a movie ..." LL said. "So I would get a hit here and a hit there, but I didn't get full bodies of work that really blew people away."

Yet the rapper is confident Exit 13 will change all that.

"I'm not doing the same ol' same ol' that I've been doing," LL said. "When it's 24 years later and your project is still relevant to many people, you have a responsibility to put out great music."

The G.O.A.T.'s longevity comes from his fearless love for the music.

"I'm not afraid to change, I'm not afraid to experiment, I'm not afraid to get hated on ..."

And he wasn't, by the way, hating on Maino when he recently jumped on Maino's "Hi Hater" track with his own remix.

"That's a young cat comin' up in the game, I would never do that to him," he explained. "That's not even my style. I sang along with him, 'hi haters,' he got it right."

LL's 13th studio album is also the last disc before his contract with Def Jam is up, thus the title, Exit 13. But the G.O.A.T. may renew with the label since Jay-Z stepped down and the new EVP, Shakir Stewart, was announced.

"I think the quality of the music will get better and I think Shakir's a good choice," he announced. "I support him 100 %."

Exit 13 is slated to hit shelves in late July, early August.

Written By Brandi Hopper For SOHH.com

Big JD Speaks On The Current State of The DJ

Common Starts New Book Club, The Corner

Chicago-based rapper/actor Common is spearheading a new effort to encourage youth to read.



The entertainer, who will soon be seen alongside Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman in the movie Wanted, is using his Common Ground Foundation to launch The Corner, a national online book club designed to develop critical thinking skills among participants while giving them a chance to discuss current reading selections.



The club, which is open to students age 13-18, will feature a list of recommended books that promote messages of tolerance, compassion and nonviolent expressions of achieving social justice.



In addition to reading The Corner’s book of the month, members can blog with each other about relevant topics and have a chance to participate in a live online chat with Common Ground Foundation staff.



The Corner will also feature interviews each month with celebrity artists who will talk about their favorite books and why reading is so important to them.



Book club members can participate in a national the Common Ground Challenge sponsored by the Foundation.



Winners will have their essay posted on the Common Ground Foundation website as well as a chance to meet Common.



The Corner’s launch comes amid news of Common being selected for the American Library Association (ALA) READ Campaign poster and National Young Adult Library Services Association ("YALSA") Teen Read Week initiative.



To sign up for The Corner book club, visit http://www.commongroundfoundation.org.

Written By Chris Richburg For allhiphop.com

DJ Drama Set To Release West Coast Mixtapes & Working On A Follow Up To Gangsta Grillz Album

He made his bones below the Mason-Dixon line, but DJ Drama is heading to Hollywood with his next series of mixtapes. Ok, more like Los Angeles.

“I got a trifecta of West Coast tapes coming,” Drama told XXLmag.com “I got Snoop Dogg’s tape, Tha Dogg Pound, and Terrace Martin.

“I figured if I go to the West Coast, I might as well come heavy, I might as well come strong, and who better to introduce me than the OGs,” he continued. “I’ma go with the veterans and then help introduce Terrace Martin to the scene.”

The Aphilliates top man said the idea for the Cali mixtape series started when he and the DPG announced they would collaborate on a mixtape. Then Snoop wanted to do an individual project, which Drama said would be titled The City Is In Good Hands. Then the idea to break a new artist came to mind. “He’s incredible,” the DJ said of Martin.

In addition to his West Coast work, Drama said he just began working on the follow-up to his major label debut, Gangsta Grillz: The Album. The Atlantic-backed project was released December 2007 and has sold around 200,000 units since. The Atlanta-based DJ was happy with the numbers, but thinks he can gain greater success with a more rounded single.

“Feds Takin’ Pictures” and “5000 Ones” were Drana’s two singles.

“For me and Atlantic, we both came to the understanding on what we did wrong last time and this is what we can do better,” Drama explained. “If we were able to push that many units strictly off of the brand that I created just imagine what we can do once we have that hit record, once the video is in rotation and once things are everywhere.

“I realize what I’m capable of doing and once we get that record, and get radio and TV on our side, we’re ready to go,” he added. “Other than that, I think my album was highly received. If you look at the climate today, I think I did quite good without a hit record or a [video] on television everyday.”

Dram is looking to release his sophomore album this December.

He’s also working on a number of AMG projects with La The Darkman and protege Willie The Kid. The latter is set to release an independent mixtape album through Asylum Records.

Written By Jayson Rodriguez for XXLMAG.com

Peedi Crakk Signs New Indie Deal & Preps New Album

Peedi Crakk recently signed with Amalgam Digital, joining Lil' Kim and Joe Budden at the independent label.

"Yup. I'm back! And I feel unstoppable," Peedi said via a press release. "My flow is advanced and as an artist, I'm getting better, especially without the claws of Roc-A-Fella digging at my back."

The former Roc-A-Fella artist was ousted from Jay-Z's old label earlier this year after he'd been held to a contract and not allowed to put out a debut album, according to Peedi.

"I've been a free agent for the past three months and now signing with the Amalgam Digital label for my first project I feel even more unstoppable," the rapper said. "They are providing exactly what Peedi always needed -- proper promotion and distribution."

During the height of his discontent with the Roc, he put out a diss track titled "Sorry," that began circulating last summer, expressing his anger with Jay over his debut project continually being put on hold. But he said earlier this year that that song would be the last of its kind.

"At the time I was upset but now I'm not worried about that anymore," Peedi told SOHH back in January. "You won't hear no new diss records. I'm past that."

However, Peedi's debut album on Amalgam is titled Camel Face Hunting Season.

Camel Face Hunting Season begins September '08. The first single off the album, "More Towels," is produced by Vinny Idol

Written By Rondell Conway for SOHH.com

N*E*R*D is Seeing Sound....or Big Red Apes??

Wow It has been a month of Sundays since we have heard any new music from the boy from VA...no not the Clipse, N*E*R*D that is. Pharrell, Chad, & Shay have created a MONSTROUS new sound that actually matches the big red ape on the cover of the new cd (seen above). Also it seems to me that the N*E*R*D boys are paying homage to the Bape brand (depicted by the big red ape) & the Ice Cream/BBC brand (worn by the guys on the cover). Whatever it maybe the album is going to be hot. I'm excited! I had to miss Glow In The Dark, but this album will be the final piece in the CRS tri-force (Kanye West - Graduation, Lupe Fiasco's The Cool, and N*E*R*D - Seeing Sound) and I can have my own concert in my car! LMAO. Now if we could only get a peek at what the CRS project is gonna look like....hmmmm.

Album out June 10th, the beginning of the HOT summer!!

Stay Cool Fellow 'Bots...

Xcalibur Prime