Tripp James - "Name Ring Bells"

Tripp James teams up with Lex Luger for his latest track, "Name Ring Bells." Rising on the underground circuit, Tripp James' name certainly does ring bells.

Listen to "Name Ring Bells" by Tripp James below:

Read more...

Kid Ink ft. Tyga and 2 Chainz - "Stop"

Kid Ink recruits Tyga and 2 Chainz for his "Stop" record, which is off his Wheels Up mixtape. The track is produced by Lex Luger.

Listen to "Stop" by Kid Ink ft. Tyga and 2 Chainz below:

Read more...

JD Era performs new Lex Luger track, brings out Raekwon [VIDEO]

Read more...

Tripp James is recording New Music, has Mixtapes in the Works, and a New Album

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Atlanta rapper, Tripp James never takes any time off, as he is focused on making hits. Tripp James has been performing at a number of shows in Atlanta. Now, though, he is away from the spotlight and back in the studio.

Tripp James is recording a number of new songs. A few of these songs will be a part of one of his two upcoming mixtapes. The remainder of the songs will be a part of his next album. Tripp James hopes to release these new projects in the near future.

Hip Hop Vibe caught up with Tripp James, as he discussed his new projects.

Read the entire interview below:

What are the names of your new mixtapes?
Bankhead All-Star 4.0 and a collaboration mixtape with Yung Simpsec called Bankset Vol. 1. The mixtape will be hosted by DJ Run Viper.

You also have a new album in the works?
My album is coming out next month and I'm dealing with Def Jam this time. I'm giving the fans the mixtapes until I can get the album out. I got the Shop Boyz, JP Deniro, Cooler P, and a bunch of other independent artists on my album.

How did you link up with Def Jam?
I was performing and a man with Def Jam offered me a distribution deal. I told them I wanted a digital distribution deal, keeping 100% of the royalties. They asked me if I wanted to stay independent and I said yes and they became my silent parter.

Can you speak on your relationship with the Shop Boyz?
I grew up with them, we went to school together, we were raised in the same apartment building. We did our thing, stayed in contact, stayed cool. Now, we're both in music, and we are starting to collaborate with each other. Right now, I want to be independent and do things on my own, but on my sophomore album, I will begin working with major artists.

You are working with Lex Luger, correct?
Yes.

How did that come about?
Through Facebook, we had mutual friends. I let him know I was on my grind and he sent me a track and I recorded over it. I told him if he likes it he can join the movement.

Who else are you working with?
Mike Wills, J Kush, Zaytoven, I'm trying to work with all the hot and heavy hitters on my debut album. They respect my grind.

What is the name of your debut album?
Bankhead All-Star.

When can fans expect to hear it?
All I can say is coming soon.

Read more...

Lex Luger talks Jay-Z and Kanye West's "Watch the Throne"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

One of the breakout stars of 2011 has been Virginia producer, Lex Luger. Among the people he has produced for is The Throne, along with Gucci Mane, and others. Lex Luger was behind the first single off Watch the Throne, "H.A.M."

Discussing the production of the song, Lex Luger said he was left in the dark. Just like the fans, he did not hear the song until it was released. While Lex did not meet Jay-Z, he did end up working with Kanye West.

Lex Luger described Kanye West as a perfectionist and says their work went well beyond the beat of "H.A.M." The two even had a conversation about beat production, which lasted for several hours. Their conversation took place over the phone and Lex Luger was a little surprised when he realized it was Kanye West. For the first thirty minutes, Lex did not even realize he was speaking to Kanye. While initially, he was not very trusting, Lex Luger became comfortable and eventually "H.A.M." was born.

Read more...

On the Rise: Continental GT

By The Rap Scout
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

There is a major difference between an artist and a rapper. In most cases, an artist is always pushing and ready to expand. On the other hand, a rapper is content simply rapping over beats.

Continental GT began as a rapper, but he has expanded to become an artist. For the past four years, Continental GT has also been a businessman. Creating an outlet for himself, and his team, GT created Money Rich Music.

For years, Continental GT has been releasing music and boosting his label. Recently, Hip Hop Vibe reached out to him for an interview. Continental GT quickly obliged and talked with us.

Read the entire interview below:

Where did the name Continental GT come from?
It started with GT standing for Gangsta Troy and then I just added Continental.

How long have you been rapping?
I been rapping about 4 years.

When did you start Money Rich Music?
I started Money Rich Music in 2007, right after I decided to take rap seriously.

How many artists do you have under the Money Rich label?

Right now I have 2 artists under Money Rich, D-Ram and Cash Ali.

Can you tell us a little bit about your upcoming EP, dropping this December?

The EP is gonna be my best work. I have few major collaborations on there, production from Lex Luger, Tay Don and more. I'm really putting a lot of time and thought into this one.

Will the EP differ from any of your previous releases?

It'll be different because I've stepped my game up on all levels, in the past, I didn't have too many collaborations, but this time I do.

Who will be producing on the new release?

Lex Luger, and a few other big names.

Who has produced for you in the past?

Kajmir Royale, D-Ram, Six Man, Bank Beats, and Flexx Beats.

Will you be collaborating with different artists on the EP?

I got a lot of collaborations coming. I'm not going to reveal who all it is yet, but I will say I got some heavy hitters out of the Carolinas, Atlanta, and California.

Are you going to be featured on any other artists' songs?

Yeah I gotta few collaborations coming. Broadway Miller, Derty Den, Trouble (DTE), Lo Keys, Boss G, and a few more.

Outside of music, what sparks your interest?

I'm big on basketball and football. I'm into fashion a little too. I wouldn't mind starting a clothing line in the future.

What have you learned in running the Money Rich label?

I've learned that you have to run it as a real business and not let personal relationships interfere with the business aspect.

Following you, what artist has next on Money Rich?

Definitely D-Ram. He is up next.

What has molded you into the artist and businessman you are today?

My family and my team. They've really helped me get better and become more educated.

Read more...

Game talks New Single with Lil Wayne, Fabolous, and Others

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Having been away for three years, Game made a major spalsh right before the spring. Known for being controversial, Game chose "Red Nation" as his first single. The song features the popular Lil Wayne and pays homage to the Bloods gang.

Now that he has everyone's attention, Game is ready to unleash his long-awaited The R.E.D. Album. Before the release of the album, however, Game intends to release more singles. With his first single still leaving people in shock, he is moving on.

Game teamed up with popular newcomer producer, Lex Luger, for his next single. The song is called "Bottles and Rockin J's," and is the official second single off the album. Aside from the previously mentioned Lil Wayne and Fabolous, the song will also feature Rick Ross, DJ Khaled, Busta Rhymes, and Teyana Taylor.

When speaking on the song, Game said it will be a major club record. Everyone who is on the record, killed the track in their own way, according to Game. Game said Rick Ross killed his verse, Fabolous just sent his verse in, Busta Rhymes smashed it, and Lil Wayne is still working on his verse. For those who thought the first official DJ Khaled summer anthem, "I'm On One," was major, will have to wait and hear the second summer anthem of 2011, "Bottles and Rockin J's."

Read more...