Shawnna ft. GMG - "Lapdance"

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Shawnna - "Ride"

Post-DTP, Shawnna is back with a new single. The latest from Shawnna is called "Ride."

Listen to "Ride" by Shawnna below:

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Ludacris preparing "1.21 Gigawatts" mixtape

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Last year, Ludacris returned from a brief hiatus with his comeback album, Battle of the Sexes. Promising the album for years, Ludacris was in for a surprise when he began recording. It was intended for the album to be a collaboration between him and female rapper, Shawnna.

Shawnna had been one of the original artists signed to Ludacris' label, Disturbing tha Peace. The two planned to record an album together and release it to the public. In the middle of recording, Ludacris learned she left his label for T-Pain's Nappy Boy record label.

The loss of Shawnna was not what got to Ludacris, instead it was how he found out. Like the rest of the public, Ludacris discovered this loss through the internet. Having been close with his artist for years, Ludacris decided not to be spiteful. Still having to deliver Battle of the Sexes, Ludacris decided to release it as a solo album.

Before putting the album together, Ludacris had considered retiring from rap. But, the album helped him fall back in love with the game. Now, Ludacris is giving the streets music they want. On the mixtape scene, he will provide them with 1.21 Gigawatts. Ludacris hopes this will hold fans over until he releases his long-awaited album, Ludaversal.

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Ludacris plans to top "Battle of the Sexes" with "Ludaversal"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Late in 2009, Ludacris was working on two projects. The first project was the long-awaited Battle of the Sexes project with Shawnna. The second was the sequel to his Theater of the Mind album. Ludacris had pushed his own album back to complete the collaboration album with Shawnna.

In the middle of recording, Ludacris learned Shawnna had left his label for T-Pain's Nappy Boy label. Not holding any hard feelings, Ludacris readjusted the album and prepared to release it as his next solo album, relying heavily on collaborations. Ludacris invited several female rappers and vocalists to complete the album.

Despite the change, Battle of the Sexes, ended up being met with positive critical reception. The album also sold well and Ludacris went back to work on Ludaversal. Recently, Ludacris discussed the album, saying he intends to release the album before the end of 2012. When speaking on the content, Luda says he will not rest until the album is better than his last, song-by-song.

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Ludacris talks New Album and Release Date

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

In 2009, Ludacris intended to release Ludaversal, the follow-up to his 2008 album, Theater of the Mind. However, he also agreed to finally release his Battle of the Sexes album with Shawnna. In the middle of recording, Shawnna decided to leave DTP Records in favor of T-Pain's Nappy Boy label.

While Ludacris held no ill will towards Shawnna for leaving, he did remove her recordings from the album. Ludacris made the decision to release Battle of the Sexes as his next solo album. With this decision came the delay of Theater of the Mind until 2011. Ludacris had to focus to make the album his and set it up for a 2010 release.

Recently, Ludacris discussed his Ludaversal album and how it is coming along. The Atlanta rapper is again working with Pharrell and his Neptunes production team. Ludacris promised the fans his album would definitely be released before the end of this year, as he has decided to begin releasing an album a year again.

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Shawnna not a fan of Lil' Kim vs. Nicki Minaj feud

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Lil' Kim has been dissing Nicki Minaj for almost a year and has become a target for other female rappers. For years, fans had been waiting on her to release a new album. During the wait, Nicki Minaj emerged in the game as a star for Young Money. Lil' Kim soon took offense.

When Nicki Minaj entered the game, she credited Lil' Kim as her inspiration. However, when Lil' Kim was asked about Nicki, she said she was not impressed. Instead, she was offended about the way she stole her style. Lil' Kim said she would not have minded it if Nicki had at least paid homage to her.

Many rappers have given their opinion on the beef. Most rappers have sided with Nicki Minaj or asked Lil' Kim to calm down. Fellow female rapper, Shawnna, recently weighed in on the feud. She feels the entire situation is unnecessary because they are both talented rappers. Shawnna is the first rapper to come out and say that she hates the feud.

The reason Shawnna hates the feud is because she feels like there is room for both of them. Shawnna said she thinks Lil' Kim is a legend in her own right. Due to her legendary status, she should not feel threatened by the presence of Nicki Minaj. Shawnna feels Lil' Kim changed the rap game and made women believe they could dominate in a game controlled by men. She also feels Nicki Minaj is a special talent and she did not steal Lil' Kim's style because Kim was more hardcore.

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Shawnna talks DTP exit

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Last year, Shawnna abruptly left Ludacris and DTP Records. The duo were in the middle of recording the Battle of the Sexes album and Ludacris ended up turning the album into his next solo release. It appeared as if Shawnna left for no reason and Ludacris felt betrayed by her. Now, one year later, Shawnna states her piece.

Shawnna says she left for multiple reasons. One reason she left was because of the problems at Def Jam. She loved being a part of DTP but she did not care for Def Jam. Aside from the Def Jam problems, she felt pressure from Ludacris. Shawnna did not want Ludacris to be disappointed if he did not like one of her verses.

With all of the pressure on her, Shawnna cracked. Instead of talking with her people about this, she decided to leave the label. Ironically, her abrupt departure left Ludacris disappointed in her anyway. But, she does not regret her decision looking back on it. The only thing Shawnna would change is the way she left the label, but she feels leaving was the right decision.

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