Chris Brown ft. T-Pain - "Niggas in Paris"

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Is Rick Ross pushing himself Too Hard?

By The Voice
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Over the past five years, Rick Ross has been delivering new music to the world. Through this period of time, Ross has delivered hits on a frequent basis. All this hard work has paid off, as Rick Ross is considered one of the biggest rappers in the game.

With this title, Rick Ross is constantly in the news, which is how people were able to follow his health over the past few days. Rick Ross, who is currently on tour, suffered a seizure while boarding a plane from his native Florida to Memphis. Determined to perform, he continued his flight.

After sharing a video, which celebrated his recovery, Rick Ross suffered from another seizure. Elise Neal, of "The Hughleys" and "All of Us" fame, who also dated Rick Ross, said he was being pushed too hard. Neal pointed out Rick Ross' age, thirty-five-years-old. Rick Ross' time in the spotlight does not match how long he has truly been in the game. Rick Ross has been rapping ever since 2002, starting his career with Suave House Records. Soon, Ross left the label and joined Slip-N-Slide Records, best-known for boasting Trick Daddy and Trina.

During the early 2000s, Rick Ross had already become a legend in the streets. His music did very well on the street level. In the eyes of many, Rick Ross had already "made it." Rick Ross contributed verses on albums, which were sold around the world, by Trick Daddy and Trina. While all this was great and Rick Ross was a major local rapper, he wanted much more. In 2005, Rick Ross caught the attention of several executives in the industry, including Diddy, Jay-Z, and Irv Gotti. Each mogul wanted to bring Ross in to revive the Southern branch of each of their labels.

In the end, Rick Ross chose to sign with Def Jam and work under Jay-Z's guidance. Before he became one of hip hop's biggest moguls, Jay-Z was the biggest rapper on Def Jam. Not a year went by, between 1997 and 2003, without Jay-Z releasing a new album. Jay-Z advised Rick Ross to do this, in order to keep himself relevant. In 2006, Rick Ross released Port of Miami, through Slip-N-Slide/Def Jam, gaining the attention of the entire hip hop world. However, still Rick Ross was viewed as more of a regional rapper. At this point, it seemed as if Rick Ross had achieved his dreams, being one of Miami's top acts and having fame outside his hometown.

Still, the mission was not complete, as Rick Ross worked to become one of the biggest rappers in the nation, following his Trilla album. During this time, Rick Ross dealt with his album being pushed back in order to make room for Plies. Rick Ross faded into the background for most of 2007, appearing in music videos, primarily. But, Rick Ross soon provided an anthem the world could vibe to, "The Boss," which featured the then-popular, T-Pain. With this buzz, Rick Ross received more invites to all the top networks, gaining regular rotation status on BET, MTV, and other outlets.

Around this time, 50 Cent began taking shots at DJ Khaled, who had been serving as the official DJ for years for Rick Ross. In 2007, DJ Khaled's career took off and he helped Miami become the biggest hip hop scene in the South. For years, 50 Cent and G-Unit had dominated the hip hop scene and now Miami was taking over the game, under Khaled's guidance. 50 Cent had warned Rick Ross about hanging so closely with the movement, which also included Lil Wayne and Birdman. In 2009, Rick Ross shocked the hip hop world when he first dissed 50 Cent.

Surprisingly, Rick Ross was declared the winner against the notorious battle rapper, 50 Cent. In 2010, he took his career to the next level, officially becoming one of the biggest rappers in the game. Rick Ross boasted collaborations with Drake, Styles P, and other power-players in the rap game. While Ross was dominating the game, he still was not viewed as number one, which is what he desperately wanted. At the start of 2011, Rick Ross announced he would be taking the game over. Without a song of his own, Ross was able to do this, being featured on a number of tracks by hip hop's elite.

Perhaps Rick Ross' most impressive feat was adding the number of artists to his Maybach Music imprint without the backing of a major label. A bidding war ensued between several labels and Rick Ross landed a new deal for his label at Warner Bros. Records. After dominating the summer and continuing to push his crew, Maybach Music, Rick Ross began pushing his own new project, God Forgives, I Don't. Since his commercial debut, in 2006, Rick Ross has not taken any time off. Being on the go, consistently, for five years is not good for anyone.

While Rick Ross has achieved the fortune and the fame, he also suffered two seizures in the same day, which obviously is not healthy. Some people can go for years, and continue pushing, but for others it can be a strain. Is Rick Ross pushing himself too hard?

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T-Pain ft. Wiz Khalifa and Lily Allen - "5 O'Clock"

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Behind the Scenes: T-Pain ft. Wiz Khalifa and Lily Allen - "5 O'Clock"

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SoundBoy Cartagena talks New Mixtape, Akon, and Spanglish Carta nickname

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Earlier this year, SoundBoy Cartagena sat down with Hip Hop Vibe and discussed a number of topics. Nearly a year has passed since he last spoke with Hip Hop Vibe. Over the past few months, Spanish Carta has been doing his thing. Now, with the year closing out, he is preparing to show the world his new projects.

Currently, Cartagena is working on his new mixtape. Working with the Konvict Latino branch of Akon's Konvict Muzik, SoundBoy has plenty of new projects in the works. Having access to so many celebrities has benefited SoundBoy Cartagena. He has projects coming with DJ Enuff, among other people.

SoundBoy discussed these projects and many other things during his recent sit-down with Hip Hop Vibe.

Read the entire interview below:

How have things changed since the last time we spoke?
Oh man, tremendously. I have a hip hop orchsestra and we put an album together. Now, all the majors want to sign us and work with us. I am taking things slow because there are thirteen other guys with me, I have to make the right decision.

You have a project coming out with DJ Enuff, too?
Yeah, I have a mixtape coming out with him right now, Enuff is hosting. On the mixtape, I have Red Cafe, I am working on a record with Joell Ortiz and I am trying to get Fat Joe for the mixtape. I am coming out with new music and the mixtape is done, now it has to be mixed and put in enough drops.

Can you tell us about the Live album?
The Live album is bringing Latin music back, fused with hip hop. A salsa/hip hop movement, we're keeping it hood, but we have musicians on deck, making it creative. As far as the album, right now things are taking off. We have a 13-piece band and we recorded many of the songs live, the outcome was so official. The album is being pressed up, we have shows coming up, a Coke-A-Cola tour, the album will be on iTunes. Many people want to sign us, but with thirteen guys, I am going to take it slow.

Right now, we are working on the skits for the album. The album is done, we are preparing for the release party, as we wait for the album to be mixed. We're definitely changing the game.

How will people look back on this album ten years from now?
Oh man, we're definitely making history. Ten years from now, they'll still be rocking this album. People who love salsa and musicians, who come from New School Music, New School College. Ten years from now, we're going to change the game, change the world. I have already changed the game, everybody wants to have a band now, because of me. Look at all the big names, my homies, who want to use a band now. I brought this to their attention. Nobody is coming to the shows, because rappers don't perform anymore. It's going well, I hope to put this CD out soon. I am also putting out my mixtape. The mixtape is called Proper Spanglish and DJ Enuff will host the mixtape.

How did you get in contact with DJ Enuff?
I was with Akon at "106 & Park," I was with his crew. I was with T-Pain and Akon came through and said we had to get over to Hot 97. I got them there in 30 minutes, I brought them in my black Tahoe, I brought them to Hot 97 and I was there with Akon and DJ Enuff and Angie (Martinez), saw me. We spoke and kept it moving. We met again at the Puerto Rican Parade and I asked DJ Enuff to host my mixtape and he said "hell yeah, I'll host the mixtape." He remembered me and that's how it happen.

When did you first meet Akon?
I met Akon a couple years ago, when I first started rolling with Konvict Muzik. I used to roll with Fabolous and Paul Cain. I was in his "Diamonds" video, which is how I met Red Cafe. We became friends and I met one of my friends with Red Cafe. One thing led to another and I ended up rolling with Shakedown, from there, I met the Konvict staff, Akon and T-Pain, and I got down with them. Red Cafe went to Bad Boy, so I ended up meeting Diddy and the Bad Boy crew. I've met Keri Hilson, Busta Rhymes, Uncle Murda, I've got pictures with some of everybody.

I was on the T-Wayne tour, the tour with T-Pain and Lil Wayne. Aside from rap, I am also a drummer, so when people need a band, they can get at me.

Did your drummer background lead you to rapping?
I always rapped and I always doing music. My mom and dad were always into music. My dad was a famous musician and my mother was a dancer, she also played instruments. That's how I got all of that. I was always rapping, even before Wu-Tang made it big. When I was nine, I came out with one of those little releases. I was the local star before all these rappers came out. There were little groups, an artist here, an artist there. I was named SoundBoy because I was always around be-boping and I had a radio, I played instruments. I did so much with sound, they named me SoundBoy.

Where did the Spanglish Carta nickname come from?
They call me Sound Carta. SoundBoy was when I was younger. I released a record as Sound Cartagena to shorten the name. Then, I shortened my name to Sound Carta just to shorten the name. I rap Spanglish, so I soon began going by Spanglish Carta. There are so many "Carter" rappers, so to stick out, so I made myself into Spanglish Carta. Even Nick and Aaron, pop artists, have the Carter last name. So, I named my album Spanglish Carta. The name stuck out, so it's been Spanglish Carta ever since. It started from a song, I like that and now that's the name of my band. But, I'm still SoundBoy Cartagena.

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Rampage announces Comeback Attempt

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Most likely, Rampage is known by many for his association with Busta Rhymes. Rampage was one of the earliest members of Flipmode Squad. The past few years have been tough for the crew. With Busta Rhymes making more moves for his own career, the Flipmode Squad has all but disbanded.

Rampage has been out of the spotlight for quite some time now. Recently, the rapper sat down with XXL.com and spoke about his new endeavors. Now living in Arizona, doing so for nearly three years, Rampage is recording a new album. The first single from his new album features T-Pain and is called "Motivated."

Because the song leaked to the DJs, Rampage decided to push it as his first single. After a positive reception of the song, Rampage began leaking more tracks for the people to hear. Rampage has two more records out, "Pump up the Volume" and "Ambush." Recording for the new album has taken place as Rampage goes back and forth from Brooklyn and Arizona. The Flipmode rapper said he decided to move to Arizona because he always enjoyed it out there and he also has family members there.

Aside from the music, Rampage also has a new cartoon and a clothing line in the works. As for his new album, it will be called The Ambush 2.0. When asked about Flipmode, Rampage said the group and label still exists and he is still a part of it. Regardless of how much time has passed, Rampage and Busta Rhymes still communicate and plan to work together again.

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Kanye West working on New Album

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Jay-Z and Kanye West are wasting no time celebrating following the release of Watch the Throne. This week, it was revealed that Jay-Z was already working on new music. More than likely, this new music will lead to a new Jay-Z album. Now, Kanye West has been revealed to have a new album in the works.

Months after the release of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, it was rumored that Kanye West would release a new album in June. No new album came in June, but West was one half of Watch the Throne, an August release. Recently, it was revealed Kanye West is now working on a new solo project.

The news was released by Detail, when he was asked who he would be working with. Detail said he was working with Drake, Snoop Dogg, T-Pain, and Gwen Stefani. Before concluding, Detail announced he was working on new music with Kanye West. Detail also said this new music would be for his upcoming new album. No further announcements were made about a release date, or how far along the music is.

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Album Review: Lil Wayne - "Tha Carter IV"

By Hardcore Critic
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Immediately after Tha Carter III, Lil Wayne announced he would soon release Tha Carter IV. However, changes in his own personal interests and obligations delayed the album. As fans waited on Tha Carter IV, Lil Wayne gave them We Are Young Money, Rebirth, and I Am Not a Human Being.

In November of 2010, Lil Wayne was released from prison and immediately hit the studio. Early in December, "6 Foot 7 Foot" was released as the first official single off Tha Carter IV. With the heavy bass drums in the background, Lil Wayne boastfully displayed his lyrical prowess. At the same time, he helped introduce Cory Gunz to the mainstream audience.

"6 Foot 7 Foot" dominated radio waves from its December release well into the summer of 2011. Even after the release of the Rick Ross-assisted "John (If I Die Today)," the song still dominated. Lil Wayne has experimented with different styles throughout his career. However, he was able to successfully blend them together on Tha Carter IV. Seeing how his past three albums were tracks cut from Carter IV and other left over verses, his past albums seem slapped together.

But, on Tha Carter IV, it is obvious Lil Wayne put more time and effort into the album. Going outside of his comfort zone, he sings (with no auto-tune) and also delivers a positive message, with "How to Love." But, staying true to Weezy, he also delivers "How to Hate," with T-Pain, and "She Will" with Drake. It was the balance and the harmony, which makes Tha Carter IV one of the most-enjoyable albums of 2011. The album will be remembered years from now, as a classic.

On this album, Lil Wayne does manage to live up to the hype he has had over the past five years,

Hip Hop Vibe's Rating: 8/10

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Album Preview: Lil Wayne - "Tha Carter IV"

By The Voice
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

There has been talk of Tha Carter IV almost immediately following the release of Tha Carter III. Lil Wayne said he wanted to release an experimental album following his triple platinum success. This album would become Rebirth, but was preceeded by his collaboration album introducing Young Money.

Tha Carter IV was initially intended to be released in 2009, but was pushed back until 2010. However, Lil Wayne had to serve a prison sentence in 2010. To hold fans over, Wayne instead delivered with another album, I Am Not a Human Being. The album featured tracks originally intended to be a part of Tha Carter IV.

Towards the end of 2010, fans received their first glimpse of Tha Carter IV with the first single, "6 Foot 7 Foot." The song marked the end of the feud between Lil Wayne and Bangladesh and was dubbed "A Milli" on steroids. "6 Foot 7 Foot" became the first true hit of 2011 and showed off Lil Wayne and Cory Gunz' lyrical ability. Even when the second single, "John (If I Die Today)" with Rick Ross, was released and became a hit, "6 Foot 7 Foot" was still dominating the radio.

If the first three singles, "6 Foot 7 Foot," "John (If I Die Today)," and "How to Love," are any indication, listeners are in store for one of the most-creative albums of the past few years. Already, there is an incredible mix of different genres placed onto one hip hop album. On each of the songs presented, Lil Wayne displays his lyrical prowess and creative abilities. Upcoming singles from the album will be the Drake-assisted single, "She Will."

Track listing

  1. "Intro"
  2. "Blunt Blowin"
  3. "MegaMan"
  4. "6 Foot 7 Foot" (ft. Cory Gunz)
  5. "Nightmares Of The Bottom"
  6. "She Will" (ft. Drake)
  7. "How To Hate" (ft. T-Pain)
  8. "Interlude" (ft. Tech N9ne)
  9. "John" (ft. Rick Ross)
10. "Abortion"
11. "So Special" (ft. John Legend)
12. "How To Love"
13. "President Carter"
14. "It's Good" (ft. Drake and Jadakiss)
15. "Outro" (ft. Bun B, Nas, Shyne, and Busta Rhymes)

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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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Lil Wayne facing another Lawsuit over "Tha Carter III"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Lil Wayne officially became the most popular rapper in the game when he released Tha Carter III. The album was met with positive reviews and solidified Wayne as a force in the game. While the album helped advance Lil Wayne's career, it has also been the source of much stress.

Since the release of the album, several producers of the opus have sued over unpaid royalties. Aside from "Lollipop," Lil Wayne scored another hit with "Got Money." The T-Pain assisted track was also a major hit during the summer of 2008. Play-N-Skillz famously produced the single.

Now, the production duo is suing the Young Money frontman for nearly $1 million over unpaid royalties. The song has been in radio rotation for nearly three years. Despite all of the radio spins and downloads, no money has reached Play-N-Skillz, the ones who put the song together. Nearly everyone who provided tracks for Tha Carter III have sued for not being paid.

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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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Birdman promises "Like Father, Like Son 2" before 2012

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Immediately following the release of Like Father, Like Son, in 2006, Birdman announced a sequel would be coming. At the time, Lil Wayne was focusing on his Tha Carter III album. The album was then scheduled for a 2007 release and the sequel to the original collaboration album was scheduled for 2008.

However, Lil Wayne soon found himself adding more talent to his own Young Money label. Birdman soon found himself partnering with Rick Ross, among others, and expanding Cash Money. But, even with everything going on, Birdman and Lil Wayne have not forgotten about Like Father, Like Son 2.

Lil Wayne is currently completing Tha Carter IV and once the album is behind him, he will begin working with Birdman. Aside from that album, Wayne also has albums planned with other artists, such as T-Pain, Lloyd, and Drake. He also has more solo albums planned, but Birdman remains confident that Like Father, Like Son 2 will see its official release before the end of 2012.

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Behind the Scenes: DJ Khaled - "Welcome to my Hood (remix)"

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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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Lil Wayne reunites with Play-N-Skillz and T-Pain

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

It appears as if Lil Wayne is attemping to make lightning strike in the same place twice. Three years ago, Lil Wayne made the jump from popular collaboration artist to rap superstar. He did this with popular songs and proper production. In 2008, Wayne proved he was more than a one hit wonder with "Got Money."

The song was produced by Play-N-Skillz and featured T-Pain on the hook. While "Got Money" was not as big of a hit as the lead single, "Lollipop," it was still a major single. It was a big deal for Lil Wayne to have two top ten singles at the same time. At this point, Lil Wayne had not had much commercial success.

But, after Tha Carter III, chart-topping singles became nothing to Lil Wayne. While in prison, he released a chart-topping album and a top ten single. When he came out, he began promoting another album only two months following the release of I Am Not a Human Being. The result has been his latest hit, "6 Foot 7 Foot."

Lil Wayne is determined to keep his streak going and he will be doing so by going back to what worked for him three years ago. Recently, Play-N-Skillz announced they were going back in the studio to work on the latest edition of Tha Carter. While in the studio, Lil Wayne also revealed he would be working with T-Pain for the first time since their 2008 collaborations. Wayne also admitted they would soon begin working on their T-Wayne group/album.

It seems as if 2011 will end up being the biggest year of Lil Wayne's career so far.

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Method Man discusses problems with New Artists

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

When it comes to lyrical ability, Method Man is ranked among the top. In recent years, he has been known for his partnership with Redman. But, long before teaming up with Red, Meth was the frontman of the Wu-Tang Clan. In the time since Method Man entered the game, many changes have taken place.

Over the years, trends have come and gone in the game. A few years ago, the auto-tune had taken over hip hop. T-Pain was responsible for the takeover. But, after he took a break from making music, the auto-tune went away. Recently, T-Pain announced his comeback and the other artists are ready.

As these movements have come and gone, Method Man has been watching. With the game hitting an all-time low in the opinion of critics, Method Man has offered his opinion. Like the rest of the veterans, Meth is saddened by the lack of lyrical ability. Method Man said the new artists in the game are more worried about the way they dress instead of the way they rap.

Method Man said a lot of the new rappers are more like "fashionistas."

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New Video of the Day: DJ Khaled ft. T-Pain, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, and Plies - "Welcome to My Hood"

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Tech N9ne tells about Lil Wayne/T-Pain collaboration

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Following the popularity of "Got Money," Lil Wayne and T-Pain decided to team up. Initially, many thought it was a joke when Wayne said they would become T-Wayne. But, following their initial hit and the success of "Can't Believe It," fans were preparing for the album.

Lil Wayne had major plans for 2009, but they were all changed when he learned he had to go to prison. In an effort to keep his buzz alive, the focus shifted to promoting Young Money. Lil Wayne released their album in 2009 and prepared for Riker's Island. T-Pain's career went through a rough patch.

Now, Lil Wayne is out of prison and back in the studio. T-Pain is currently working on putting together a new album. According to Tech N9ne, who teamed up with Lil Wayne, while he was in prison, the two are recording new music for their upcoming solo albums. The two will begin building buzz by picking up where they left off in 2008.

Tech N9ne is exicted about the collaboration, as it will bring him major exposure to be on a single alongside the likes of Lil Wayne and T-Pain. Despite marketing himself as an underground rapper, he is ready to step out into the limelight.

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Lil Wayne - "Got Money"

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