50 Cent thinks Drake deserved 'Best New Artist' award

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Despite making two different types of music, 50 Cent feels a connection between Drake and himself. Eight years ago, 50 Cent was in Drake's position as the hot new artist. Fortunately for 50, there was no Justin Bieber to compete with. However, he and Drake suffered a similar loss.

50 Cent dominated the game when he came out. At the Grammys, he was a shoe-in for 'Best New Artist.' However, he would lose to rock group, Evanesence. Similarly, Drake lost his Grammy to pop singer, Justin Bieber. Again, 50 Cent can sympathize with Drake over the loss.

Recently, 50 Cent discussed Drake's Grammy loss. He said he feels as if the Young Money rapper was robbed. Taking things a step farther, 50 Cent said he thinks Drake should have actually won for 'Artist of the Year.' 50 Cent went on to say, he did not think Drake would have done as well if the captain, Lil Wayne, had actually been free.

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Jay-Z wins Grammy for "Empire State of Mind"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

By 2009, Jay-Z had accomplished almost everything a rapper would hope to when they enter the game. He had built two successful record labels, been the CEO of Def Jam, and had released ten number one albums. Still, Jay-Z had yet to release a number one single.

Many people considered The Blueprint 3 to be Jay-Z's most-creative album of his career. Some viewed the album as Jay-Z trying to stay in touch with the young hip hop fans. Jay-Z featured Rihanna, Drake, and J. Cole on the album.

When "Empire State of Mind" was recorded, everyone knew Jay-Z intended for it to become New York's anthem. Upon its release, the single did just that. Before long, Jay-Z had finally landed himself a number one single.

Now, the honor has risen with the song having won him a Grammy Award. Jay-Z has won a few Grammys before, but this one makes it clear "Empire State of Mind" is the most-popular single of his career. Jay-Z won the Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, as Alicia Keys provided the hook for the song.

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Eminem wins Grammy Award for 'Best Rap Album'

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

In the days leading up to the Grammys, Eminem had to prepare for his performances. Despite being the most-popular rapper last year, the Detroit rapper did not think he would win any awards. Em's biggest focus before the Grammys was getting Dr. Dre to perform with him.

Only a few days before the Grammys, Dr. Dre announced he would be performing. The Dr. Dre performance was his first in nearly twelve years. Fans of the legendary producer were excited to see him return to form. Despite the big Dr. Dre comeback, the focus was on Eminem.

Grammy night ended up being major for Eminem. While he felt as if he was going to lose, the fans did not. Eminem's Recovery album was viewed as his comeback effort. It was chosen by many as the best rap album of 2010. The officers of the Grammys felt the same way, as Eminem won a Grammy for 'Best Rap Album' for Recovery.

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Jay Rock working with Dr. Dre on "Detox"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Last year, Jay Rock caused controversy when he challenged the legendary Ice Cube over his I Am The West album title. Cube was recording a new album and boasted of how he was saving West Coast hip hop. But, newcomer, Jay Rock, took offense to the comments made by the former NWA frontman.

Jay Rock and Ice Cube traded Twitter insults from early in the year right up until the summer. Their beef cooled down when Ice Cube shifted his attention to his TBS sitcom. Soon, the album was released and Jay Rock went back to recording. Under the radar, the Compton rapper is back to work with another former NWA member.

Dr. Dre has been working on Detox since 1999 with many release dates scattered throughout the past ten years. Recently, Dr. Dre has released singles from the album and has been working on actually releasing an actual album. Dre is even performing at the upcoming Grammys with Eminem in order to promote the album.

Recently, Jay Rock hit the studio with Dr. Dre and he said he was honored to be in the same room, let alone studio, with Dre. He acknowledged his legendary status and commended him on Detox. According to Jay Rock, the album is well worth the wait. With the release date still a few months away, Jay Rock said the album will go down as one of hip hop's classic albums. For the work on this album, Jay Rock said Dr. Dre deserves more than 100% respect, more along the lines of 112% respect.

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Eminem expecting Major Losses on Grammy night

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

There is no doubting Eminem's lyrical ability and there is no doubting his popularity. In the past, Eminem has had very successful years. Most notably, his big years were 1999, 2002, and 2004. Despite not selling as many records, Eminem topped this feat in 2010.

Eminem nearly single-handedly dominated the rap game last year and has been awarded for it. With the Grammys coming up, he is nominated for several awards. Because of the year Eminem has had, many expect him to sweep the Grammys. However, Eminem has different feelings.

Even with all of his success in 2010, Eminem feels as if he will not win big at the Grammys. Instead of a big win, Eminem is expecting a major loss. Recently, his label-mate, Royce da 5'9, asked him about his performance at the Grammys. Unlike many other artists, Eminem was not worried and it was because he feels as if he will lose at the end of the night.

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Eminem to perform at 53rd Annual Grammy Awards

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Last year, Eminem proved pulling off a successful comeback was possible. Even with high record sales with Relapse, many people said Eminem had fallen off. His 2009 album was not met with high reviews. The hit single, "We Made You," was panned by critics.

In the spring of 2010, Eminem returned with "Not Afraid." With one single, Eminem regained the respect of the entire rap community. The run would continue following the release of his album, Recovery. Following "Not Afraid," his Rihanna-assisted single, "Love The Way You Lie," also topped the charts.

Eminem's incredible year has not gone unnoticed by the awards ceremonies. The most important award show has invited Eminem to perform. The 53rd Annual Grammy Awards has added Em to their performance lineup. Not only is Eminem slated to perform, he is also nominated for three individual awards, Best Rap Song, Song of the Year, and Best Rap Album.

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