Afrika Bambaataa being inducted into Hard Rock Walls of Fame

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

One of hip hop's founding fathers, Afrika Bambaataa will soon be honored for his accomplishments. The "Planet Rock" rapper will be inducted into the Hard Rock Walls of Fame in Las Vegas. A number of celebrity guests will be in attendance.

Taking place at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas, the event will be hosted by hip hop producer, Just Blaze. Aside from his work with Saigon, Just Blaze is known for producing several Roc-A-Fella tracks.

The ceremony will include an induction ceremony, an induction ceremony, and a tribute to Afrika Bambaataa. There will also be a surprise performance, to go along with a performance from Afrika.

Read more...

Mac Miller talks Low Guest Appearances on "Blue Slide Park"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

After bubbling under the surface for years, Mac Miller is finally preparing to release his debut album. The album is titled Blue Slide Park and it will be released through Rostrum Records. The label is primarily known for releasing albums from Wiz Khalifa.

With Mac Miller working on a commercial debut album, fans are eager to know who he is working with. The young rapper explained how he had toured from January until May and is now coming back home. Back home, he is working on the album.

However, Mac Miller explained he was limiting collaborations to the people he is close to. Mac Miller said the people on this album will be the people who do not care if they make the cut or not. While he is limiting collaborations with artists, a number of big-name producers will make the cut.

Among the producers will be Just Blaze and Pete Rock.

Read more...

Mars speaks on Game's Name-Dropping

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Mars has quickly risen to become one of the biggest producers in hip hop. However, Mars has been around for several years. Just Blaze recruited Mars to provide instrumentals for several of his tracks.

Jay-Z's "Show Me What You Got" and Game's "Why You Hate The Game?" are among the tracks Mars assisted Just Blaze on. When Game named Mars as an executive producer for his The R.E.D. Album, Mars became a household name.

Since being listed as an executive producer for Game, Mars and his 1500 or Nothin' team has also been called in to work with Will Smith, among others. Speaking on Game and his tendency to name-drop, Mars said he is moving on with his career. Mars explained how Game is actually a producer at heart, having soaked in all of Dr. Dre's knowledge.

Because of this, Mars wants to help him expand his career. Even though Game does name-drop, he never had to because of his skillset. Mars pointed out how each legendary rapper does things on their records, which they have become famous for. But, on Game's infamous diss record, "500 Barz," he barely name-drops on the record.

Mars said Game will be taking his act to the next level and will advance his lyricial prowess.

Read more...

Cam'ron discusses Just Blaze feud

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

By 2002, Roc-A-Fella Records had reached their peak with Jay-Z on top of the rap game. Not only was Jay-Z on top, but Cam'ron also posted several hits and his Diplomat Records imprint was going strong. Many credit the addition of Cam'ron and the Diplomats to the end of the Roc-A-Fella dynasty.

Despite being a part of the same crew, Cam'ron and Jay-Z had been rivals for several years. When Jay-Z accepted the Def Jam role, Damon Dash had plans of Cam'ron taking over the Roc. This is what led to the demise of the dynasty. By 2005, half of the label had gone with Dash, including Cam and company.

Years after the fallout, Just Blaze opened up about his own beef with Cam'ron. During his time at Roc-A-Fella Records, Just Blaze became one of the top producers in the game. Blaze's beats were on many of the classic albums and still are to this day. Cam'ron reaped the benefits of having Just Blaze's beats on his albums.

Just Blaze said Cam'ron told him he should have been Dipset, so Just asked him for a chain. Cam'ron had purchased several chains and repeatedly told Blaze he should be Dipset. Just Blaze told him he was Dipset, just as much as he was State Property, Get Low, and Roc-A-Fella. From there, the feud was started, even though there was an apology. Just Blaze said Cam'ron cut ties with him then.

Cam'ron recently spoke out and said he has not talked to Just Blaze in years. The Harlem rapper went on to say he was unaware of any tension between the two of them. Ending any speculation of a feud, Cam'ron said he is proud of everything Just Blaze has accomplished and he is also grateful for everything he has done for him.

Read more...

Maybach Music ft. Teedra Moses - "Self Made"

The Maybach Music team, Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Wale, and Pill, come together with Teedra Moses for the title track of their Self Made album. The new track is produced by Just Blaze and is an official single from the upcoming album.

An official video for this song will likely be coming soon. But, in the meantime, listen to the song here.

Listen to "Self Made" by Maybach Music ft. Teedra Moses below:

Read more...

Saigon discusses 50 Cent fallout

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Long before he teamed up with Just Blaze, Saigon was close to linking with G-Unit Records. In 2009, Saigon talked a little bit about his relationship with 50 Cent. It was a very close relationship and Saigon was an unnoficial G-Unit member.

After 50 Cent was signed to Interscope Records and made it big, every record label wanted a 50 Cent. Sai happened to have the "gangsta" look and the credibility to back it up. Because of this, Interscope was interested in having 50 Cent sign him.

Saigon had been text messaging 50 Cent as he was rising to the top. But, once the fame set in, 50 was not replying as much. Upset with 50, Saigon accused him of getting big headed. Because of this, 50 Cent ended his affiliation with Saigon and Sai ended up working with Just Blaze.

Things have turned out well for Saigon, but he regrets going off on 50 Cent. He feels he would already be on top of the game, as opposed to still climbing, had he been patient. Saigon admitted he did it just to see if he could get a reaction out of 50 Cent.

Read more...

Saigon finally releases "The Greatest Story Never Told"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

One of the longest-delayed albums in hip hop history was released today. Saigon has been waiting for six years to release his debut album, The Greatest Story Never Told. After dominating the mixtape game, Saigon is officially ready to play in the major leagues.

There has been plenty of frustration over the past six years, due to release dates. Saigon partnered with Just Blaze and they took their project to Atlantic Records. For unknown reasons, Atlantic refused to release the album. Saigon and Just Blaze fought to be released from the label with the rights to the album.

Upon winning the war with Atlantic Records, the two reworked the album. Many who had heard the album, previously, said it was a true hip hop classic. Saigon had given his reasons on why the album was not released during his Atlantic Records' days. But, when he landed with E1 Music, Saigon was no longer focusing on the past.

Years of waiting had boiled down to hours and now the release of The Greatest Story Never Told is finally here. The album is available for purchase in stores nationwide.

Read more...

Saigon says "The Greatest Story Never Told" is Just Blaze's coming out party

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Six years of anticipation has boiled down to only a few hours as the official release of The Greatest Story Never Told happens tomorrow. In less than 24 hours, the moment Saigon has waited on for so long will finally be here. Through it all, he has been able to count on Fort Knocks Entertainment to hold things together.

Recently, Saigon has been making his rounds in promotion for the new album. The rapper has discussed the makings of his album with several websites. Saigon has also done a few promotional interviews for The Greatest Story Never Told. The album is said to be among the best in the past few years.

Most recently, Saigon spoke with SOHH.com about the album, giving five reasons why the people should buy it. Saigon said the album is his honest story about life. When asked about production, Saigon explained how Just Blaze put the album together. For years, Just Blaze has been producing tracks and is known as one of the top hip hop producers in the game.

Despite already holding the status of a legend, Saigon said Just Blaze's true coming out party was on his album. The beats from Just made the album just as much as Saigon's lyrics. Just Blaze was considered one of the top producers before he teamed up with Saigon. Even before he had become famous, Saigon was considered one of the best street rappers in the game. When the two joined forces, many people dubbed the two as the modern-day version of Eric B. & Rakim.

While the two are likely to become legendary, it will be in their own right.

Read more...

Saigon gives props to Just Blaze

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

When Just Blaze, one of the hottest producers in hip hop, began working with Saigon, one of New York's hottest underground rappers, many predicted they would dominate the game. Things took off quickly for the duo, landing a deal with Atlantic Records. But, things stalled from that point on.

For unknown reasons, Atlantic Records continued to delay their first project, Saigon's The Greatest Story Never Told. The album was initially supposed to be released in 2005. However, it was delayed until 2006, later 2007, and then 2008. Tired of waiting, Saigon and Just Blaze left Atlantic Records.

After three years of releasing several mixtapes, Just Blaze has established a deal with e1 Music. Throughout his career, the only person Saigon could count on was Just Blaze. Of course, they have had their ups and downs, but they have remained together throughout the ordeal. Now, six years later, they are preparing for the release of The Greatest Story Never Told.

Saigon has reworked the album plenty of times and it is predicted to be one of the best albums released in a long time. With everything finally falling into place, Saigon is giving credit to the man who helped make all of this possible for him. Recently, Saigon discussed Just Blaze's place in hip hop. Saigon said he is on the same level as the likes of Timbaland and Swizz Beatz. Throughout his career, Just Blaze has created hits for several artists. Eminem's hit single with Lil Wayne, "No Love," was produced by Just Blaze.

While Just Blaze has made plenty of accomplishments in the game, Saigon said he is very humble about all he has done for so many artists.

Read more...

Can Just Blaze still become a Record Executive?

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

In 2003, Roc-A-Fella producer, Just Blaze heard Brooklyn rapper, Saigon, rap for the first time. He was immediately impressed and wanted to work with him. Because of his style, he knew Saigon would not fit as a Roc-A-Fella artist. Instead, Just wanted to start his own label for Saigon.

Roc-A-Fella boss, Jay-Z, had just taken over at Def Jam and he denied Just Blaze's request to launch a new label. Blaze instead went to Atlantic Records and they helped him establish his own label. Named Fort Knocks Entertainment, Just Blaze wanted to take over the rap game.

The executives at Atlantic Records promised Just Blaze they would release Saigon's The Greatest Story Never Told. But, for five years, they delayed his album. The frustration was so much that Saigon considered leaving his deal with Just Blaze just to release his album. Last year, Just Blaze was able to leave the label, taking Saigon and the album with him.

Now, with a distribution deal with E1 Music, Just Blaze and Saigon are ready to release the album. At the time, many people felt Just Blaze would have quickly released the album and establish a new powerhouse in the rap game. But, to the shock of many, not even his name could get the album released. By this time, many assumed Just Blaze would have also been one of the top record executives in the game. Now, Blaze has lost most of his credibility.

But, with The Greatest Story Never Told finally coming, Just Blaze hopes to gain a lot of this hope and promise back. After the release of Saigon's album, Just Blaze will likely want to sign more artists to his imprint. But, with the Saigon debaccle, what artist would even be interested in signing with Just Blaze's label if it will take them six years just to release their first album?

Read more...

Saigon discusses "The Greatest Story Never Told"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

After years of waiting and false hope, Saigon is finally getting ready to release his debut album. Just Blaze is still by his side after rumors of beef and blog rants. Saigon is still headlining his label, Fort Knocks Entertainment.

Six years have passed since the initial release date for the album, but Saigon feels the timing is right. Regardless of when the album actually comes out, Saigon knows it will be classic. When he first announced the album, Sai said it would be classic.

Now, the world is only months away from finally finding out. The rapper boasted, saying he thinks The Source has given him a 4.5 mic rating. Such albums as Dr. Dre's The Chronic received that high rating.

Saigon's debut album, The Greatest Story Never Told, will be released in February.

Read more...

Raekwon doubles up in 2011, plans to release Two New Albums

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Following a successful year in 2009, Raekwon planned for an even bigger year in 2010. He decided to wait until later in the year to release his next album. But, the recording process would take longer than he expected. Because of this, Raekwon announced he would release Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang in 2011.

Raekwon recently announced his album would be released on March 8 of this year. Following the release of the Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang album, Rae plans to release another album. The rapper has proclaimed this next album will be DJ-oriented. Production for the next album will come from Just Blaze and Kanye West.

The planned release date for the next album is in October. His new releases will feature collaborations from Method Man, Ghostface, Inspectah Deck, and GZA. Raheen DeVaughn will appear on the upcoming Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang album, along with a song featuring Rick Ross and Jim Jones. Most of the members of the Wu-Tang clan plan to release albums in 2011.

Read more...

Saigon accuses Jay-Z of Jacking His Beats

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

For years, Saigon was hailed as the man who would inherit the legacy built by Jay-Z. He came from a similar background and he had a unique flow. But, Atlantic Records made sure his movement was held back for a few years. In the meantime, Jay-Z continued to build upon his legacy.

Saigon has always said he looks up to Jay-Z more than anyone else in the game. Jay-Z's producer, Just Blaze, signed Saigon as the first artist on his Fort Knocks label. Because of this affiliation, Sai has had many chances to record with Jay-Z. But, the only difference was Jay-Z releases albums.

With his album finally set to be released, Saigon has opened up on a few things. He has become the latest rapper to accuse Jay-Z of swagger jacking. Ever since Nas called him out on "Ether," rappers have accused Jay-Z of stealing rhymes and other styles. Jay-Z admitted to sampling rhymes and he admits he gets his style from a mixture of other people. But, Jay has never been accused of beat jacking.

In 2006, while recording The Greatest Story Never Told, Saigon said Just Blaze would send him several beats. From time to time, Jay-Z would come into the studio to see how things were coming along. When it was time for Saigon to record, he would notice some of the beats would be missing. Among the missing beats ended up being Jay-Z's title track single off his 2006 album, Kingdom Come. Each time Saigon would be ready for a beat, his team would call a meeting to say Jay-Z would be using that beat.

Saigon said this happened four or five times and that "Kingdom Come" was supposed to be his song. The issue was called even when Jay-Z dropped a verse on Saigon's "Come on Baby." While he recorded on the song for free, Saigon said he had planned to take that beat. Jay-Z recorded one verse to the song, but did not like it as his own song, so he gave it back to Saigon. He went on to say Jay-Z cannot be bought because he is richer than every other rapper.

In the end, Saigon avoided dissing Jay-Z by giving him credit for his business acumen.

Read more...

Saigon says Drake's buzz is dying

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

This year, Drake burst onto the scene the way Saigon was supposed to have in 2005. Out of nowhere, Lil Wayne took over rap in 2007 and he built a team in 2009. With Wayne already exposing Drake and going behind bars this year, it was up to Drake to step up. The result was the biggest debut since 50 Cent in 2003.

But, five years ago, Just Blaze was the hottest producer in the game and he wanted to be a boss. He had approached Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam about granting him a label. After a series of meetings, they turned him down and Atlantic Records scooped him up. Soon, Just Blaze found Saigon and created Fort Knocks Entertainment.

Saigon was signed in 2004 and he was supposed to be the flagship artist of Just Blaze's Fort Knocks label. With his debut album slated for a summer 2005 release, hip hop anxiously waited. But, release dates came and went and Atlantic Records refused to release Saigon's The Greatest Story Never Told. It has been five years and many other rappers have had their shine, while Saigon waits.

This year, Drake released Thank Me Later and he has received the same praise and recognition Saigon was supposed to receive. Even nearly six months after the release of his album, Drake has stayed in the public eye because of the new projects he is involved in. Due to the success of his debut album, Drake is already working on his second album with hopes of releasing it sometime in 2011. Saigon, on the other hand, is still patiently waiting to release his long long awaited debut album.

After years of delays, Saigon has promised his album will see the light of day before the end of 2011. With the new year only a short 52 days away, Saigon has to begin the promotion for The Greatest Story Never Told, while Drake puts together his second album. The considerable amount of buzz Drake has received has not gone unnoticed by Saigon. Earlier today, he spoke about Drake and he said the Toronto rapper is falling off and fast.

Read more...