Method Man talks Wu-Tang performances and Dr. Dre collaboration [VIDEO]

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

In 1993, the world met the Wu-Tang Clan and they have been hooked ever since. Method Man quickly became the most-popular rapper in the outfit. Over the past ten years, Wu-Tang rappers have been involved in many other activites, aside from rap.

Many Wu-Tang rappers are filming movies, and working on other projects. When Wu-Tang has live performances, it is rare for the entire crew to be present. Method Man said this is because of their other ventures, such as RZA shooting a movie and missed the crew's European tour.

Method Man also discussed his 2002 collaboration with Dr. Dre. It was a track in which Meth said Dr. Dre must have not really been feeling. Dr. Dre is different when he is in the studio, says Meth, he said Dr. Dre wants everyone to be ready to record. Xzibit came in, ready to record and Method Man admitted he was a little wasted.

Still, Method Man says he would jump at the chance to work with Dr. Dre again.

Watch the entire interview below:

Method Man on Dr. Dre collaboration:

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RZA ft. Justin Nozuka, Kobra Khan, and James Black - "Gone (Tribute to ODB)"

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RZA discusses Jay-Z, Kanye West, and "Watch the Throne"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Outside of being a member of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan, RZA is also one of the best producers of all-time. RZA was among the producers enlisted by Jay-Z and Kanye West for their Watch the Throne album.

The recording process for the album has been unlike most albums. Due to the equally hectic schedules of both Jay-Z and Kanye West, the album was met with frequent delays. Following criticism from the fans, the duo came together to complete the album.

Completing the album, RZA has been recruited to work on the album. Recently, the legend spoke about the recording process for the new album. RZA produced the song, "New Day," for the album. Having the chance to work on the album, RZA said he was honored.

RZA said his involvement in the album proves how much mutual respect their is between himself and the former Roc-A-Fella men who now call themselves The Throne. When discussing the tracks he had given the duo, RZA said he wanted to give them edgy, Wu, tracks. Confident the album will go down as one of the all-time classics, RZA said he hopes this album will receive better promotion than the previous Jay-Z collaboration albums.
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Game owes $91,000 in Jewelry Debt

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Yesterday, Game was let off the hook with his minor issue with RZA over his "Heartbreaker" song. The two had formed a friendship over the past seven years. RZA was upset because his song was not used for The R.E.D. Album, but said he would never diss Game.

Game narrowly avoided a high-profile feud with a legend. He paid his respects to the legend and kept things moving. One day later, Game has more legal issues. The rapper was recently sued for owing over $90,000 in jewelry debt.

Three years ago, Game had custom jewelry made at Lemmerman's Inc. While he had his jewelry made, Game never paid the company for their services. After three years of waiting, the company has taken Game to court.

In Los Angeles County, the judge made a court order for Game to pay Lemmerman's Inc. a total of $90,999 for his jewelry.

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Game harbors no Hard Feelings towards RZA

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Compton rapper, Game, is no stranger to controversy, as he has feuded with nearly everyone. Most recently, Game has had a legal beef with RZA. The Wu-Tang rapper produced a beat for Game, but sued for it back.

In promotion of The R.E.D. Album, Game has released a new mixtape, Purp & Patron. The RZA-produced "Heartbreaker" was used on the release. Upon hearing the mixtape, RZA demanded the song be removed from the mixtape.

Game spoke on the situation, saying he was upset and confused, but he would not diss RZA. RZA also discussed the matter and he said the song was for The R.E.D. Album, not a mixtape. He went on to say he has nothing but respect for Game.

Recently, Game expressed a similar feeling about the situation and he said he would still like to work with RZA in the future.

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Game admits RZA sued him over "Heartbreaker" song

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Game has returned to the spotlight over the past few days. Last week, he released his mixtape, Purp & Patron, which has become a success. The first single, "The Kill," has been accepted by Nas. Also, Game's mixtape has been co-signed by Funkmaster Flex.

Aside from "The Kill," one of the most popular songs on the mixtape has been "Heartbreaker." The song has been very popular with fans, critics, and other rappers. But, RZA was more familiar with the song than anyone else.

RZA filed an injuncion over the "Heartbreaker" song and forced Game to remove it from the mixtape. Game spoke about the situation, saying he found it crazy that RZA sued him. He said RZA sent him the beat and gave him his blessing to use it.

Initially, the song was going to be a part of The R.E.D. Album, but the sample was unclearable. Because of that, Game made it a part of the Purp & Patron mixtape. While Game was upset that RZA sued him over the beat, Game said there are no hard feelings. He has nothing but love for the entire Wu-Tang Clan, having worked with Raekwon on 2008's L.A.X.

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Raekwon explains RZA's Absence on "Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Yesterday, Raekwon shocked fans when he announced his longtime group-mate, RZA, would not be a part of his new album. But, he explained there were many reasons why he was not going to be a part of the new album. Despite the two not working together, there is no beef.

Raekwon has taken a new direction for Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang and RZA was not a major fan. He does not like to work with anything going against Wu-Tang. Still, RZA was willing to help out with the album, but it did not happen. Raekwon promised the album would still have the Wu-Tang sound.

The main reason RZA will not be working with Raekwon is because of his schedule. The two could not find a time when they were both free to work on the album. Because of this and the fact that RZA was not very inspired, the two decided not to work together on this album. But, on his next album, which is also due this year, Raekwon hopes to work with RZA.

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HHV's Exclusive interview with Raaddrr Van

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Last night, Hip Hop Vibe landed an exclusive interview with Raaddrr Van of Wu-Tang Clan. In a very candid discussion, he spoke of his plans for the new year. The rapper also discussed his most-recent album, Street Monoply.

Raaddrr Van opened up on his feelings about the Wu, his relationship with RZA and his new label. In his time off, Raadrr Van launched his own label, Van Live Entertainment. He has major plans for the new label later on this year.

Read the full interview below.

HHV: Why did you choose to stay away from the major labels?
RV: Major labels, to me, are a way to get world wide promotion. It's not like I stayed away from the majors! The majors came to me. My album, Street Monopoly droped on May 25 of last year on EMI and thaks to Kool Keith and cousin Marc Live which is my best friend and rap partner, he brought EMI my way and the rest is history.

HHV: What type of effect do you feel Street Monoply will have on 2011?
RV: Street Monoply will have on 2011 the real street no holds barred rap shit. The cause and effect will separate my album from a Lil Wayne album etc.

HHV: What producers do you have on the album?

RV: What producers on the album you ask me? I'm the main producer with help from RZA, MARC LIVE! AND HB.

HHV: Which artists worked with you on this album?
RV: Shyhiem, Killa Priest, and Killarmy!

HHV: As a veteran in the game, how do you feel about the younger artists?
RV: As a veteran in the game, the younger artists needs to know more than what they only think they know, as far as you don't have too keep on with that bullshit pop rap you can still get paid! Just know that the the young'ns are listening and watching, that's all.

HHV: Who are your favorite artists in the game?
RV: My favorite artists in the game are no longer in this wackass rap game. Artists that I know, you never ever heard of them, so I won't call out no names, but just to give you a hint... they're from the 1990's so I'm sorry to say but the real aspect of hip hop is dead.

HHV: If you had to go back to the start of your career, would you do this the same way?
RV: If I had to go back to the start of my career, I would, indeed. Except fucking with the wrong niggaz I started out with R.I.P. K FUNK! K was a great friend of mine who put me on to who's who but I didn't listen and he passed on but still guiding me.

HHV: Can you tell us a little bit about Van Live Entertainment?
RV: Me and my partner, Marc Live, came up with that name together for a group album called Kannadi Spadez. We had so much goin on! Didn't get the chance to use Van Live on any project yet, but its in the works.

HHV: Were any Van Live artists featured on Street Monoply?
RV: NO, the next album no doubt!

HHV: Did you feel you had to create something separate from Wu Tang?
RV: Nothing's really separate still got that Shaolin BK sound.

HHV: Can you explain your relationship with RZA?
RV: Relationship with the RZA was always cool. I got my knowledge from RZA and had long talks with RZA, a very humble brother.

HHV: Outside of rap, what are your plans for this year?
RV: Well, outside of rap and bullshit, my plans for this year are to gain joint or full custody of my lil ladies and make lots of money and have stabillity, that's it.

HHV: Ten years from now, will Street Monoply be hailed as a classic?
RV: I don't know, I'm hoping. I need the real hip hop heads out here in this wackass rap world to step up to the plate for the real shit in order for my music ten years from now to be classic.

HHV: Are you a fan of current hip hop?
RV: Hells NO. Next questions, so called hip hop, which is no where near hip hop I can't fuck with it. KRS said it best the real hip hop is from the 90's that's why I don't like the current.

HHV: What do you bring that is different to the table?
RV: The same thing that Method Man, Rakim, and KRS-One bring, knowledge and substance, that's it.

HHV: Where can fans hear more of you?
RV: Fans can hear and stay connected with my Last.fm internet radio station, 24/7 hip hop. Peace.

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Album Review: Kanye West - "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Mr. West is back by unpopular demand with his fifth studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. It has been two years since the last Kanye West album and the rapper has a story to tell. Following his incident with Taylor Swift, the media crucified Kanye West and some thought his career was over.

Kanye West took some time off, then he came back in the heart of the summer. His single, "Power," reintroduced him to the people. The song gained a bit of airplay and got the fans ready for the rest of what the creative Kanye West had on the table. The album was expected to be a classic.

In an effort to avoid the media scrutiny, Kanye West decided to get away from it all. Ever since he decided to become a rapper, Kanye West did not take any time off. His schedule was always packed and if he was not rapping, he was producing. In 2007, the Chicago entertainer lost his mother and barely took time off to properly grieve. Some feel this is what led to his interruption of Taylor Swift at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. But, this led to him finally taking time off to gather his thoughts and what came next would be the greatest creation from Kanye West yet.

Many assumed Kanye West would return to rap and also return to his college-themed albums, so many thought the album would be titled A Good Ass Job. But, Kanye West is a grown man and he has changed since the days of his college-themed albums. With this album, Kanye looked deep into himself and put together some of the best material he has ever had. Kanye West has successfully merged his singing with his rapping on this album and he is opening himself up in ways not even seen on 2008's 808s & Heartbreak. It has been a tough stint for Kanye West, but he is turning it into triumph by making it into an album.

For this album, Kanye West has decided to be more of an artist. While he had major input on each track on the album, he was not the primary producer. Kanye West worked with big names and small names, alike, in order to put this album together. Outside of his rapping, Kanye West also expanded the roster of his fledgling record label, G.O.O.D. Music, so he did what he could to include his artists. Unlike other artists who try to fit their artists on their label, Kanye West found the perfect tracks to compliment both him and the guest on the track, which was great for Pusha T and Kid Cudi.

Despite being a major star, Kanye West has never featured many on his albums before. Instead, he usually has one big name guest and it is usually Jay-Z. But, on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, West featured other big names, such as Raekwon, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z, RZA, Bon Iver, and Swizz Beatz. Most importantly, West invited these guests on and outshined them where most rappers find themselves upstaged when they combine with other big names. Even with the guests and helping out his own acts, Kanye West kept the album creative and he kept the album dark and fun.

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is easily the best album of 2010 and easily the best album ever created by Kanye West.

Hip Hop Vibe's Rating: 10/10

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Kanye West recruits RZA and Q-Tip for "Good Ass Job"

In his return to rap, Kanye West is going all out. Following his last album, Kanye wants to prove that he can return to dominance in rap. He promised the people, early on, that this album would be a classic. Because of this promise, Kanye has turned to the legends.

On his previous rap efforts, Kanye West always went with a different sound. His latest album will be no different. Recently, hip hop has changed and Kanye is contributing to these changes. He will take on the task of mixing the old with the new for a unique sound that will not be forgotten.

The album will already feature work from Pete Rock, Pusha T, and Drake. Most of this album has been recorded in Hawaii, much like his previous effort. Good Ass Job will be released before the end of this year.

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