Lloyd Banks promises "Cold Corner 2" is coming soon, talks New Album

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Last year, Lloyd Banks helped to lead a minor G-Unit comeback, first with "Beamer, Benz, or Bentley," and later with his long-awaited album, H.F.M. 2. During his time away from the game, Lloyd Banks returned to the mixtape scene. Following the success of his album, he returned to making mixtapes.

Throughout the summer of 2011, Lloyd Banks promised fans his next mixtape, Cold Corners 2. But, when he realized he would not be able to release it on schedule, Banks decided to cancel it. His reason for cancelling the mixtape was because he did not want to push it back, the way albums get delayed.

However, Lloyd Banks is now done with the mixtape and it will be released in the next few weeks. Aside from completing the mixtape, Banks has also recorded twenty new tracks. Lloyd Banks says those tracks will make up his fourth studio album. Done with his contract at EMI Records, Lloyd Banks finds himself, again, looking for a new label.

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50 Cent talks Fifth Studio Album and "I'm On It"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

As early as 2007, 50 Cent made it be known he was not pleased with Interscope Records. The Queens rapper felt his project, Curtis, was mishandled by the label. 50 Cent made the statement that he owed Interscope two more albums and he would likely leave.

In 2010, 50 Cent began working on this "final album." It was during this time when 50 was rumored to be well on his way to Def Jam. While a deal with Def Jam was not established, 50 Cent did align G-Unit Records with EMI and Lloyd Banks released his latest album through them.

50 Cent announced he would be a free agent following the release of his next album. Tired of the label politics, 50 said he was ready to just release the new project. 50 Cent has plans of releasing several singles before the release of the album. 50 admitted he was upset with the way his single, "I'm On It," was handled by Interscope Records.

With this new album, 50 Cent said he has recorded over two album's worth of material.

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DJ Pauly D talks G-Unit Records deal

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

50 Cent has signed several artists to his G-Unit label this year. Last year, he established a new distribution deal with EMI Records. Through this new arrangement, the label released Lloyd Banks' H.F.M. 2.

Following the new deal, 50 Cent signed Shawty Lo and his entire D4L camp to G-Unit. Lil' Kim announced she was considering signing to G-Unit, too. 50 Cent denied this, but did announce the official signing of DJ Pauly D.

Recently, DJ Pauly D opened up about signing with the resurgent G-Unit Records. Best-known for his role in the popular MTV reality series, "Jersey Shore," Pauly D will also have his own headphone line under G-Unit.

DJ Pauly D admitted he looked up to 50 Cent for some time, so he jumped at the chance to get signed to his label. Now, a part of G-Unit Records, DJ Pauly D is ready to help make club hits for G-Unit.

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Tony Yayo - "Over High"

50 Cent's second-in-command is back with a new song. Last year, Tony Yayo began recording his new album. After the situation with Interscope Records went sour, 50 Cent established a deal with EMI Records.

For the past few months, Tony Yayo has been generating buzz through his mixtape singles. The one single to take off will lead to him putting together his long-awaited second album. Yayo's latest single is "Over High."

Listen to "Over High" by Tony Yayo below:

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50 Cent ends "Black Magic" album, may leak Dr. Dre-assisted single

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

On the heels of the release of Before I Self Destruct, 50 Cent announced he was working on the follow-up album. During the summer of 2010, 50 Cent announced he was going to release a new album. Before the end of the summer, he named the album Black Magic.

At the time, it seemed as if 50 Cent was going to join his label at EMI Records. However, 50 Cent still had obligations to Interscope Records. Because of this, 50 is working on a final album to give Interscope. While trying to get his album, Interscope Records has given him problems.

Recently, 50 Cent announced he was not going to release another album. 50 Cent apologized to his fans, but he said his label, Interscope, has dropped the ball on his projects too many times before. While he will no longer release solo albums, 50 Cent said he will appear on records from other artists.

Despite not having an album coming, 50 Cent said he is going to release his "Psycho" single. 50 Cent said the song will be released tomorrow at 2:00 pm. Angry, 50 Cent said the single does not need any promotion, since Interscope always messes up when it comes to his projects, anyway.

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50 Cent discusses Frequent Album Delays

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

There has been discussion of a new 50 Cent album ever since the release of Before I Self Destruct. Owing one more album to Interscope Records, 50 Cent has had trouble with the label. Ever since his Curtis project was mishandled by the label, 50 Cent has been speaking his mind.

Initially, 50 Cent said he was leaving Interscope Records when he completed his deal. With the deal set to expire after his next album, 50 Cent may have a change of heart. He has set up a new distribution deal for G-Unit Records with the long-forgotten EMI Records.

Making waves in the business arena, 50 Cent has been hard at work on his new album. On his latest LP, 50 Cent said he is taking the Eminem and Dr. Dre approach. Not in a hurry to meet deadlines, 50 Cent is taking his time writing and recording his new album. When he feels the album is ready to go, he is going to put it out.

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Havoc talks new 50 Cent LP

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Last week, 50 Cent released "Outlaw," the first single from his untitled upcoming album. 50 Cent is in the middle of re-arranging all of his business affairs. After spending most of his career with Interscope Records, 50 Cent moved his G-Unit label to EMI Records and he is considering leaving.

50 Cent has credited Interscope Records as the source of many of his recent issues both selling records and losing artists. The album he is working on is the last in his contract. In 2005, 50 added Mobb Deep to the G-Unit label. Two years ago, he was forced by Interscope Records to drop them.

With 50 Cent considering leaving Interscope Records, Havoc and Prodigy have been circling 50. Both have said Mobb Deep may end up returning to G-Unit Records. Havoc is providing production work for the upcoming album and Prodigy is also working with 50 Cent. Together, the duo has heard 50 Cent's entire new album.

Havoc said it should not come as a surprise of how good it sounds. With all of them being Queens guys, they appreciate the album having the Queens sound.

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50 Cent may postpone New Album until 2012 over Label Disagreement

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

50 Cent has spent years with Interscope Records and he owes them one more album. Once 50 Cent releases his final record with Interscope Records, he will move over to EMI Records. But, he has one more album to release before the deal takes place.

On his final two albums, 50 Cent has had issues with Interscope over promotion. His previous two albums have had low record sales, while his first two albums sold very well. 50 Cent announced he would leave Interscope Records when the album was done.

While working on his final Interscope album, 50 Cent has run into more issues with Interscope Records. Because of this, 50 Cent is considering pushing his album back. 50 Cent feels his label is moving in slow motion with his album.

If things do not change soon, 50 Cent will delay his album until 2012 in order for Interscope Records to get their act together.

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Raaddrr Van talks "Rap War" and New Music [Interview]

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Five months ago, Hip Hop Vibe reached out to Raaddrr Van and he gave us an exclusive interview. At the time, Raaddrr discussed a few of his planned projects. The Wu-Tang rapper has been involved in several projects in the time since his interview.

Raaddrr Van has landed partnerships with several different companies. The rapper has even ventured into the clothing business with a role with Royal Gear Clothing. In the next few months, he wants to deliver a new series of music.

Recently, a video for his single, "Rap War," was released to the public and it has been a moderate success. The video is available on several other hip hop sites, including ThisIs50.com. Raaddrr Van is excited about the new movement.

Raaddrr Van gave Hip Hop Vibe an exclusive update through the phone today.

Raaddrr Van, update fans on what's been going on since we last talked?
Okay, since the last interview, I have been in San Francisco making moves. I am fighting for custody for my daughters and so far things are going well. For the most part, I have been taking care of my daughters, going to parenting classes and focusing on being a better father.

How are things out there on the West Coast?
Things out here on the West Coast are crazy. The weather sucks and this is new for me, it is up and down all of the time. I didn't think San Francisco has the weather it has. See, I'm in Northern California and the weather is not the same up here. In the past, I have been in Southern California and the weather is always nice out there. But, the people are nice here and I have been loving it. I haven't had the chance to put my mack down, but the West Coast is cool.

How did the "Rap War" video come about?
Oh, that's a beautiful question, thank you. "Rap War" was my single released circa 2003 for my album, The Booth, The Mic, The Lyrics. The album was not released until 2005, but "Rap War" was the favorite track for the album before I even laid the track. It has been well-received, as people gain different perspectives on the "Rap War." It can be seen as either hip hop or politics. At that time, New York hip hop was struggling and the mayor, Michael Bloomberg wasn't doing anything. We were also still suffering from 9/11 and the track, itself, was just full of energy.

Me and my team always talked about the video and we envisioned helicopters and things in the video. But, when the video was done, some of the things were cut out. For the most part, the video was all that I wanted and the track is still relevant to 2011. Isn't it funny how the video dropped on May 1, 2011 and the same day Osama Bin Laden ends up being killed. Even in 2011, it is a war in both hip hop music and all over the world. The song is eight years old and it is still a war going, rappers are going at emcees. The battle for supremacy in hip hop is still ongoing until this day.

I had the idea for the video and I found a nice deal with State of Mind Films in San Francisco. Backtracking, think about how there is a Black president now and everything people have talked about has happened under his watch. My lyrics on this song, written eight years ago, is exactly what Obama did to Bin Laden, think about it. The same methods he used, is what I told these rappers in "Rap War." So, that is where the "Rap War" comes from.

Is "Rap Wars" the introduction to a new project?
No, "Rap War" is not a part of the new project, but there is a "Rap War 2" on the way.

Who are you working with this time around?
I'm working with some talented brothers. I'm working with State of Mind Films, SOM Frisco and they continue in the path of real hip hop, just like me. I also work with Julian Patrick, a dope ass producer. He is the hottest producer I know, aside from my personal producer. Patrick does work for many artists in the Bay Area. I had the chance to meet these other artists and they got skills too. With this being my first time working in the West Coast, the experience has been going well. We got a East meets West movement going on.

Exactly what is your role with Royal Gear Clothing?
My role in Royal Gear is for me to show and prove, to make a statement in Royal Gear. We show royalty over here to say black people can do this. It is about black people rocking their royalty, showing black people can do this clothing thing. My role is to promote and rock the gear while I'm out here to let people know in hip hop and beyond that Royal Gear is the clothing line of 2011 and the future.

Have you met any new talent since you've been out West?
Yeah, the artists I told you about that work with Julian Patrick and the other people who have had their videos done by State of Mind Films.

Will you soon be performing at local events?
I'm hoping I can in the near future. I have been working with Hip Hop Vibe and I hope this can open doors for me to performing. I hope this can lead to me doing shows, not only out West, but also down South. So, yes, I will be putting a few shows together soon.

How have the fans treated you out there?
The fans are definitely paying attention and most of them know who Raaddrr Van is. But, others do not realize until they see my Wu-Tang tattoo. When I'm out in public, fans run up to me and ask me questions and some even want autographs. For the most part, the fans have treated me well out here.

Are you working with any West Coast artists?
Yeah. I got a few different artists I'm gonna be collaborating with. Between the other people Julian Patrick works with and SOM Frisco, we will be doing major things.

How is San Francisco different from New York?
More than anything else, the weather. Out here in San Francisco, the weather is always back and forth and I can't stand that. Back in New York, it's either cold or hot. But, San Francisco just has a different vibe than back home in New York.

What is the best and worst about each place?
The food, point blank. I'm not used to eating Mexican food in San Francisco. New York has a wide variety of food, there is so much to choose from. San Francisco only has Mexican for the most part and something called Gumbo, I'm not even familiar with. Also, the people dress differently from New York out here. The people also have different slang.

Are you still signed to EMI?
No doubt, definitely. I'm getting ready to relaunch with Van Live, we got a new project coming, me and Marc Live. We will drop the new Kannadi Spades album on EMI, it's gonna be one of those classic albums and EMI will be behind it. Van Live/EMI, that's the way it's gonna be.

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Mobb Deep considers G-Unit return

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

In 2005, 50 Cent released his diss record, "Piggy Bank." He left no rock unturned in the scathing diss song. "Piggy Bank" included disses to Ja Rule, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Nas, and 50 made fun of Jay-Z's "Takeover" diss towards Mobb Deep.

Prodigy, of Mobb Deep, was spotted with Game, right after he released his first G-Unit diss. This had all the makings of a major feud between G-Unit and Mobb Deep. But, 50 Cent surprised fans when he signed Mobb Deep.

With this signing, Mobb Deep took on all of G-Unit's feuds, including feuds with Nas and Game. For years, Mobb Deep dissed these two rappers. Game extended an olive branch in 2008 and Mobb Deep was dropped in 2009.

Towards the end of 2009, 50 Cent confirmed Mobb Deep was no longer a part of G-Unit. Earlier this year, it was revealed that Mobb Deep was dropped because Jimmy Iovine forced 50 Cent to get rid of them after their album failed to sell many copies. This, along with a lack of promotion, is why 50 Cent made the decision to leave Interscope Records for a new deal with EMI Records.

Prodigy is now out of prison and he is working on a solo album. The Mobb Deep group, Prodigy and Havoc, are currently working on a new Mobb Deep project. Prodigy said it is very likely that this new project could end up being released on the new G-Unit/EMI label.

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50 Cent to release First Single from New Album this week

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Immediately following the release of Before I Self Destruct, 50 Cent announced he was working on a new album. 50 Cent initially said the album would be titled Black Magic. After failing to win back his original fans, 50 Cent decided he would change his style up on the album.

The Black Magic album suffered a setback because 50 Cent left Interscope Records for EMI. Due to all of the delays, the album was soon scrapped. While the Black Magic album is scrapped, 50 Cent is still working on a new album. For months, he has been recording.

Now working on various film projects, 50 Cent has music to go along with this. Last week, 50 Cent said he would likely release his next film and his next album on the same day. Most critics assumed 50 Cent had not been recording much music. Proving those critics wrong, 50 Cent said he will release the first single from his new album next week.

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Sha Money XL talks Lloyd Banks and EMI Records

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Sha Money XL ran the day-to-day operations for G-Unit Records from 2003 until his 2008 departure. Following his stint with G-Unit, Sha Money was hired by Def Jam. When his former label was searching for a new home, Sha tried to convince 50 Cent to move G-Unit over to Def Jam Records.

Despite coming very close, 50 Cent ultimately decided he would move G-Unit Records to EMI Records. The first release under the new partnership was Lloyd Banks' H.F.M. 2 album. While the album has been met with moderate reviews, record sales have been disappointing.

Banks' former manager, Sha Money XL, feels as if he could have done a much better job for Lloyd Banks. After hearing the album, he agreed it was a great piece of work. Because the album was so good, Sha Money XL said he could have done more for the promotion of the album, especially because he is with Def Jam. But, Sha Money XL feels EMI Records did Lloyd Banks wrong.

As good of an artist as Lloyd Banks is, his new label did little to nothing to properly market him.

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50 Cent gets back on His Grind

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Following numerous delays and a label change, 50 Cent is working on a new album. The album currently has no title or a release date, but it will be the first 50 Cent release under EMI Records. On this album, 50 Cent will be trying to regain his position as the favorite rapper in the game.

Eight years ago, 50 Cent did not care if people liked him or not. With that attitude, he won fans from all over the world. But, his arrogance after taking the game by storm turned fans off. 50 Cent has struggled with the sales of his last two albums.

Forever determined, 50 Cent is working on his latest album, confident in himself. 50 Cent said he was going to work extremely hard on this new album. For this album, 50 Cent said he is going to record as if he was still trying to get a record deal.

The last time 50 Cent's back was against the wall, he landed a deal with three labels and gained a distribution deal for his own, which led to him selling 6 million copies in the United States.

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50 Cent officially leaves Interscope Records

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

When 50 Cent signed to Interscope Records, in 2002, he signed a very complex deal. The rapper was signed three labels at the same time. The deal also included Shady Records and Aftermath Entertainment. Following the release of Get Rich or Die Tryin', 50 Cent created G-Unit Records.

In 2004, 50 Cent also signed to G-Unit Records and released his second album through the label. 50 Cent has served as the flagship artist for both Aftermath and Shady during Eminem's hiatus. After the deal with Interscope went bad in 2007, 50 Cent demanded to leave the label.

Over the summer, G-Unit Records landed a new distribution deal with EMI Records. While the G-Unit imprint is off the label, 50 Cent is going through a process to leave Interscope. He left Aftermath Entertainment following the release of Before I Self Destruct. But, he was still signed to the Shady Records imprint. 50 Cent left Interscope Records during the summer of 2010.

Despite leaving the label, 50 Cent is still signed to Interscope Records through his deal with Shady. 50 Cent is currently negotiating to leave the label. Eminem is prepared for 50 Cent to leave as he has finally added the supergroup, Slaughterhouse, and he has also signed Yelawolf to the label. When he finally leaves the label, 50 Cent will join his G-Unit crew over at EMI Records. He will soon be off Shady/Interscope, but he has to keep the terms of the exit off Twitter.

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50 Cent almost done with New Album

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Last summer, 50 Cent surprised fans when he said he may search for independent distribution for G-Unit Records. At the time 50 had told his artists, Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo, to begin working on new albums. He felt hot music coming from the label would lead to them landing secure distribution.

For most of the summer, it appeared G-Unit was headed to a lucrative deal with Def Jam. 50 Cent made it appear that way and he began recording his album. At the time, 50 Cent said the album would feature Techno elements. With that, he also said the new album would be released late in 2010.

But, 50 Cent did not complete the album in time as he was working on new business ventures. Instead of Def Jam, G-Unit Records entered a distribution deal with EMI Records. The deal helped bolster a label that has struggled with hip hop music since the days of MC Hammer. Along with that, 50 Cent began working on the album again.

Last week, 50 Cent began talking about his new album again. He said that he is close to being done with the new album after he said he had scrapped the entire thing.

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50 Cent talks "Things Fall Apart" and New Album

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

The year of 2010 has been very busy for 50 Cent, as he has been trying to leave Interscope Records and build his new film company. 50 Cent really turned heads earlier this year with the promotion of Things Fall Apart. Recently, 50 Cent opened up about this film.

50 Cent said the film was very close to his heart because it was based on his best friend. The work he put in for the film was very exciting and 50 said he is glad to see it finished. He also has a few new original songs that will be played during the film.

Aside from working on his films, 50 Cent is also putting together his new album. On his past albums, 50 Cent has recorded with other artists. But, most of the people had to try and fit into 50 Cent's flow. But, on this album, 50 Cent wants to record music that is tailored towards certain artists. If he thinks a song would fit a certain artist, he will reach out to them and see if they want to record.

The album, which will be 50 Cent's fifth studio album, will be his final release on Interscope Records and his future albums will be released through EMI Records.

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G-Unit Records finds a home at EMI Records

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

50 Cent made it painfully clear to Interscope Records of his impending departure three years ago. Known for speaking and retracting, many assumed things would change. As promotion for his fourth studio album, Before I Self Destruct, it appeared as if he may be inclined to stay with the label responsible for making him big.

However, following the lackluster sales of the album, the lowest of his career, 50 Cent made plans to leave. From the start, 50 Cent said G-Unit was going to leave Interscope Records, but hinted at the possibility of him staying. Actually signed to Aftermath as opposed to his own G-Unit label, 50 Cent said he may stay with Dr. Dre. When Dre chose Game over him, though, 50 Cent set his sights on landing over at Def Jam.

The deal between G-Unit and Def Jam was all but done, when it fell apart at the last minute. Speculation says the feud between 50 Cent and Rick Ross kept G-Unit Records from moving to Def Jam. However, 50 Cent plans to expand the G-Unit label to the size of Def Jam and he needs a major label for that task. In the future, there are plans for a G-Unit South label, G-Unit West label, more artists added to the mainstream G-Unit label and a film division. 50 Cent had considering linking with an independent distributor, but after the way he teased his rivals, Cam'ron and Fat Joe, for being indie, he stayed major.

Hoping to have more creative control, 50 Cent moved his entire roster of artists, including Young Buck, over to EMI Records. There were rumors of G-Unit Records moving over to Capitol Records, the biggest division of EMI Records, but 50 Cent soundly shot that rumor down. The executives of EMI, however, will still be laughing their way straight to the bank with 50 Cent and his entire roster under their label.

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