Kanye West preparing G.O.O.D. Music compilation

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

The year of 2011 has been a revival for a number of things. Among the revivals have been rap crews. Maybach Music has emerged as one of the top crews in the game. Since 2009, Young Money had been the only real crew in the game.

Now, several rapper-led record labels are forming crews. Kanye West hinted towards joining this frenzy. Recently, on Twitter, West announced a new album. The album is to be a G.O.O.D. Music compilation album.

On Twitter, Kanye West said to expect a G.O.O.D. Music compilation album in 2012.

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Pete Rock speaks on Syl Johnson suing Jay-Z and Kanye West

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Jay-Z and Kanye West's Watch the Throne has caught the attention of everyone. The album has proven their lasting impact on the game. Several rappers have freestyled over a number of tracks off the album. However, everyone is not impressed with their collaborative effort.

Soul singer, Syl Johnson has heard "The Joy" and he is highly upset with the song. "The Joy," which is produced by Pete Rock, uses a sample from Johnson's "Different Strokes." The sample was used without his permission. Because of this, Syl Johnson is trying to shut down the album and receive the profits.

Pete Rock broke his silence about the lawsuit and the song. He seems to be just as surprised as Syl Johnson. While he produced the song, Pete Rock said the sample was not placed until after he completed the song. The Throne claimed the sample was originally to be used for My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, but in the end, they decided not to use the song.

Syl Johnson was shocked to see the song appear on Watch the Throne. Pete Rock said The Throne thought they could take the sample without paying and still get away with it. He then said Syl Johnson is still alive and well, so he is no pushover.

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T.I. - "Niggas in Paris (remix)"

As promised, here is T.I.'s verse on Jay-Z and Kanye West's "Niggas in Paris." T.I. says the throne has met the crown, as he announces his return to the game.

Listen to "Niggas in Paris (remix)" by T.I. below:

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Jay-Z and Kanye West sued over "Watch the Throne" sample

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

For a brief moment, Jay-Z and Kanye West breathed new life into hip hop, quickly becoming the focal point. During the summer, the duo released their Watch the Throne album. Their run, however, was short-lived as Lil Wayne released Tha Carter IV weeks later.

Now, Jay-Z is in the news more for Beyonce's baby bump and J. Cole than for his own work. Kanye West has faded into the background, as he continues to unleash Big Sean on the world. The Throne, however, is now back in the headlines.

Their song, "The Joy," contains a sample from soul veteran, Syl Johnson. The song uses elements of his 1967 single, "Different Strokes." Johnson filed his suit in Illinois on October 13. Lawyers for The Throne said they tried to sample the song for Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. The song ended up not being used on that album, so they kept it for Watch the Throne.

Syl Johnson claimed they never contacted him about sampling the song and he wants to impound all copies of Watch the Throne. Along with stopping distribution of the album, Johnson wants to receive full accounting of sales and publishing proceeds, along with punitive damages.

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T.I. remixes "Niggas in Paris," says it Will Be Heard Regardless

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Focused on regaining the spot he surrendered in 2009, T.I. has been jumping on all the hot tracks. Since he has been gone, the hip hop scene in Atlanta has a few new faces. Future, the man behind "Tony Montana," is among them. His "Magic" single had been doing well.

DJ Drama pointed T.I. in Future's direction and the "Magic (remix)" came about. Another hot song out is "Niggas in Paris," as nearly every rapper has freestyled to the track. T.I. has strong relationships with both Jay-Z and Kanye West. But, since they released their Watch the Throne, they have been distant.

T.I. is a fan of "Niggas in Paris" and has plans of remixing the track. Unlike the other artists who have gotten on the beat, Tip wants to make it an official remix. T.I. said if he is turned down, however, he will still push the track. T.I. said he played the song for Kanye West, who played it for Jay-Z, but they have not gotten back to him yet.

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Lil Wayne responds to Luther Campbell, calls out DJ Khaled

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Long before Miami became the home away from home for hip hop's elite and long before Miami's rap scene was popular, Uncle Luke was holding things down. Uncle Luke paved the way for Trick Daddy, who opened the doors to the Miami hip hop scene. Of course, Trick Daddy has not been popular in years, but his affiliates are.

Uncle Luke, who now goes by his real name, Luther Campbell, has been very active in his hometown. He ran, unsuccessfully, for mayor of Miami and has become one of hip hop's biggest commentators. He has discussed Wiz Khalifa and Kanye West, among other things. His most-recent discussion involved Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, DJ Khaled, and Diddy.

Luther Campbell felt those rappers, who shoot music videos, attend basketball games, party at clubs, and sleep with women in Miami should give back. Primarily, he was talking about the rappers mentioned above. Campbell said they should be active in helping to revive the Miami economy, which is struggling like everywhere else in the United States. Recently, Lil Wayne has been more talkative than usual. Under his belt, already, is a Jay-Z diss and he recently responded to Uncle Luke.

On Twitter, Lil Wayne responded to Luther Campbell saying "This Nigga Luke trippin!!!." He also had choice words for label-mate, DJ Khaled. Wayne also said "I ain't feelin khaled right now neither."

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Albe Back talks Collaborations, New Album, and Big Pun [VIDEO]

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Kanye West and Russell Simmons Occupy Wall Street [VIDEO]

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Kanye West and Russell Simmons at Occupy Wall Street [PHOTO]

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Common talks "The Dreamer, The Believer" with Hard Knock TV [VIDEO]

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Big Sean and Kanye West perform "Marvin Gaye & Chardonnay" in New York City [VIDEO]

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Should Birdman take over at Def Jam?

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Coming out of his hiatus, Irv Gotti discussed a series of topics with MTV's RapFix. Among the things Irv Gotti talked about was Def Jam. The label was seen as the mecca of hip hop, but things have not been the same over the past few years. Gotti said hip hop without Def Jam is a problem.

During his interview, Irv Gotti said he was discussing this issue with Jimmy Iovine, the head of Interscope Records. When he was talking with Jimmy Iovine, he told him the new label in hip hop is Cash Money. Irv Gotti pointed out how there is no denying Cash Money, but it is no Def Jam.

Throughout the course of hip hop, there have been several other labels. Bad Boy Records, Roc-A-Fella Records, and Irv's own label, Murder Inc., have been met with success. Despite their success, Irv Gotti said there will never be another Def Jam. Even though hip hop is still successful, Irv Gotti said Def Jam has to be the focal point of hip hop.

Def Jam has been very successful over the years and has continued to dominate with the ever-popular artists on their label, Kanye West, Ace Hood, and Rick Ross, among others. While Def Jam is dominating, it is not the way it used to be. Cash Money Records, on the other hand, has had a legacy, which has rich history in its own right. Before he decided to rap, Birdman was simply known as one half of the CEOs of Cash Money, back when the label was still on the local level in New Orleans.

Cash Money Records has experienced all types of success and has a nice deal with Universal Records, which has allowed sub-labels, such as Young Money, to emerge. Def Jam had a similar deal, during its early days, with Columbia Records. However, Def Jam was purchased by MCA, which eventually morphed into the Universal Music Group. Currently, Cash Money Records is riding its third wave of success, with the first being on the local level, the second being the Hot Boyz, run and then there is now.

Birdman and Slim are obviously doing the right things to make Cash Money successful. Irv Gotti said the first thing Def Jam needs is a real CEO who cares. While he wants the job, he is willing for anyone, who is able, and who cares, to take the job. Irv Gotti is even ready to see his rival, Chris Lighty, take over the label if he wants to. Of course, Birdman is under contract with Universal Records for several years. But, if things were different, could Birdman be the person to right the ship at Def Jam?

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Album Preview: Pusha T - "Fear of God II: Let us Pray"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Earlier this year, Pusha T released his critically-acclaimed mixtape, Fear of God. After the release of the mixtape, the fans were left wanting more. Pusha T promised fans he would soon release a sequel to this mixtape.

Finally ready to expand his career, Pusha T decided to begin working on his debut album. The sequel to his mixtape will be Fear of God II: Let us Pray. Pusha T intends to release the album on November 8, a little over a month from now on G.O.O.D. Music.

"Trouble on My Mind," Pusha T's summer hit with Tyler, the Creator, will be included on the album. Also, behind the scenes footage from the video will be featured on the album. Appearances from Diddy, French Montana, Rick Ross, Kanye West, and others will be on Pusha T's debut.

Track listing

  1. "Changing of the Guards" ft. Diddy
  2. "Amen" ft. Kanye West and Young Jeezy
  3. "Trouble on My Mind" ft. Tyler, the Creator
  4. "What Dreams Are Made Of"
  5. "Body Work" ft. Juicy J, Meek Mill, and French Montana
  6. "Everything that Glitters" ft. French Montana
  7. "So Obvious"
  8. "Feeling Myself" ft. Kevin Cossom
  9. "Raid" ft. 50 Cent and Pharrell
10. "My God"
11. "I Still Wanna" ft. Rick Ross and Ab Liva
12. "Alone in Vegas"

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DJ YRS Jerzy talks Age, School, and the Hip Hop Game

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Hip hop was established by young men. During the height of the 1990s hip hop, the most-popular rappers were young, as were the journalists. But, now hip hop has become a game for the mature.

Young people are still making moves in the game, evidenced by the success of Bow Wow and Soulja Boy. Among the new people rising in the game is DJ YRS Jerzy. At eighteen years old, he has hosted several mixtapes, rubbed shoulders with hip hop's elite, while still going to school.

DJ YRS Jerzy discussed his hectic life with Hip Hop Vibe.

Read the entire interview below:

How long have you been DJ-ing?
I have been DJ-ing for a year and a half. I just got serious this year, hosting mixtapes, I'm trying to become real big with the mixtapes.

Why did you choose DJ-ing over rapping?
I tried rapping and I was not too good at it. I had already had success with Virtual DJ, so I took it from there.

So far, who have you worked with?
I worked with Riot Music Group, Shorty Mack and Knockout and I am trying to work with everybody on their grind. Shout out to everybody I am working with.

Are you still in school?
Yeah, right now I'm doing my last year of high school. From there, I will be on this music even more.

Do you sometimes find yourself stressed because of school?
Not really. I found a way to balance things out. Some days, I focus solely on mixtapes and other days, I focus solely on school.

Are you planning to go to college?
Right now, I am still debating. If I were to go, it would probably be a college in New Jersey.

Who is your favorite rap artist?
Biggie, Stack Bundlez, Vado, Jay-Z, Kanye West, those are among my favorites.

Do you model yourself after any DJs in the game?
Not really, I have my own style of DJ-ing.

Do you have a favorite DJ, other than yourself?
Funkmaster Flex, DJ Drama, Ill Will, and all of them.

What projects do you have in the works?
I got a couple mixtapes in the works, some I cannot really talk about. But, I can say, the people will love the mixtapes I have planned in the next few months.

Can you tell us more about your involvement with Ray J's artist, Shorty Mack?
Me and Shorty Mack are going to keep dropping mixtapes. We just released The Remider and we are going to have more coming. I am trying to get him to work with more of my artists and we are focused on trying to get this money.

Could you see yourself running a record label?
Actually, I could, but not in the near future. But, in the next two or three years, I see myself running a business.

Who are the people helping you get to where you need to be?
My team, Young Riot Squad, Jason Anderson, he is helping me get this work out.

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Kanye West recording in R. Kelly's studio 2002

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Long before the world knew him, Kanye West had dreams of taking over the game. In 2001, Kanye West was signed to Roc-A-Fella Records. The label knew he wanted to rap, but he was on their roster because of his production abilities. By 2002, Kanye West demanded the label allow him to release a rap album.

Initially, Roc-A-Fella Records intended to use the album as a promotional outlet for their other artists. However, after Kanye West rapped a verse, things changed. Kanye West rapped some verses, which would become "Jesus Walks." It was then when Roc-A-Fella decided to allow Kanye West to release his album.

Kanye West recorded his debut album, The College Dropout, during the 2002-2003 period. During this time, Jay-Z and R. Kelly still maintained a friendship. This is evidenced, as Kanye West, the rap sidekick to Jay-Z, is recording in R. Kelly's studio.

Watch the video below:

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Gilbere Forte' ft. Big K.R.I.T. - "Black Soul"

Gilbere Forte' and Big K.R.I.T. sample Kanye West for their instant-classic track, "Black Soul."

Listen to "Black Soul" by Gilbere Forte' ft. Big K.R.I.T. below:
Gilbere Forte' feat. Big K.R.I.T. - Black Soul by gilbereforte

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Will Drake top "Thank Me Later" with "Take Care"

By Hardcore Critic
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

When Drake signed with Young Money, his mixtape fans could not wait for him to release his debut album. In 2009, Drake collaborated with many big names. His "Forever" single displayed Drake's abilities against the likes of Kanye West, Eminem, and Lil Wayne.

In 2010, Lil Wayne began his prison sentence and Drake was told to hold the Young Money team down. Right before spring, Drake released his debut single, "Over." Quickly, the song became a hit, getting significant radio play.

During the summer of 2010, Drake released Thank Me Later and it was met with mostly-positive reviews, plus the two summer singles, "Find Your Love" and "Miss Me." Aside from the singles, the album did well with collaborations with Jay-Z and Young Jeezy. Before the end of 2010, Drake was already discussing his next album, saying it would be much better than his debut.

Despite not having any music of his own out, Drake still dominated during the summer of 2011. Being featured on all the biggest songs helped Drake keep his name out there. Before the end of summer, Drake released his "Headlines" single, which has received moderate radio play. On his second album, Drake is not going to benefit from dropping during the summer. Instead, he is going to drop in the fall.

From a sales-wise standpoint, can Drake top his previous effort. With his debut album, Drake already had two singles generating significant radio play. So far, his second album only has one single out and it is not receiving much play as his initial singles did. Still, he has another top twenty hit and his lyrical abilities have vastly improved.

However, overall, will Take Care do better than Thank Me Later both sales-wise and with critical reception.

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Jay-Z is still Hip Hop's most influential Rapper

By The Voice
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

This summer, Jay-Z made a brief return to the rap game and quickly became the focal point. He was one half of Watch the Throne with Kanye West. While the duo, as The Throne, set an iTunes record, they were quickly replaced by Lil Wayne.

There had been several rumors about Watch the Throne's release date. Many felt the album had been shelved. Right when fans had given up, "Otis" was released. Within hours, the song had been sampled by Game, who dissed Jay-Z.

Following Game, several rappers began freestyling over the "Otis" track. Both veteran rappers, current stars, and newcomers flowed over the track. Once Watch the Throne was released, rappers began freestyling over the other tracks.

The biggest hip hop release of the year was Lil Wayne's Tha Carter IV. However, "It's Good" has been the most-publicized track off the album. "It's Good" sticks out because Lil Wayne disses Jay-Z in his verse on the song. His diss stems from Birdman's frequent Jay-Z insults, which led to a Jay-Z swipe on "H.A.M." It does not matter if Jay-Z is in his office, or promoting an album, he is always being targeted.

Rappers of all type either want to be like him or want to diss him, or both. The biggest rapper in the game and several other big names cannot stop with the Jay-Z disses. Other rappers are not dissing Jay-Z, they are freestyling over his beats. The rappers who refrain from dissing and sampling Jay-Z are borrowing his rhyming styles and ad-libs, or simply sampling his voice.

No rapper is having a bigger influence on the game than Jay-Z.

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Cyhi da Prynce names album "The Hard Way Musical"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Following the success of Big Sean and the new deal with Def Jam, Kanye West is preparing to develop more artists on his G.O.O.D. Music roster. The next rapper up to release an album is Cyhi da Prynce, G.O.O.D. Music's Atlanta representative.

Cyhi da Prynce has been featured on a number of mixtape songs and on Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Now, he is preparing the release of his own album. Cyhi da Prynce said he has started working on his debut album and it will be out very soon.

Aside from his album, Cyhi da Prynce also discussed his upcoming mixtape with DJ Scream and DJ Spinz. Cyhi da Prynce announced his new mixtape as Jack of All Trades. The mixtape has that title because Cyhi raps over a number of other people's tracks.

Because Cyhi da Prynce shows he can handle all of those different styles, he calls himself the "jack of all trades." Now, Cyhi da Prynce is taking things to the next level and he is coming out with his debut album, which he says will be called The Hard Way Musical. Kanye West will serve as the executive producer of the album.

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Kid Cudi speaks on the "Wizard" album

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Sober for the first time in a long time, Kid Cudi does not see himself returning to drugs anytime soon. Last year, Kid Cudi spoke on how rap music bored him. The Cleveland rapper said he gets more thrills from rock music. As a result, Kid Cudi decided to create a rock album.

When he first spoke on the album, Kid Cudi announced it would be recorded with Dot Da Genius. The initial title of the album was The Wizards. Growing up, Kid Cudi said he always wanted to learn the guitar. Now, as a famous rapper, he is learning to play the instrument, as he branches out into rock.

Outside of playing instruments, Kid Cudi spoke about his career in hip hop. Kid Cudi said he is picky about who he does tracks with. At the same time, Kid Cudi said he is ready and willing to do a track with Kanye West or Jay-Z at any time. Kid Cudi admitted he does not charge to be on people's records and he is not trying to be used by rising rappers because of this fact.

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