Rihanna hits back at Royce da 5'9 over Name Drop

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

In recent months, rappers have been name-dropping more than usual and it has not always been just friendly. Game, the king of name-dropping, recently was called out by Jay Electronica for mentioning his baby's mother, Erykah Badu.

During the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards, Rihanna's name was mentioned and it was not by Chris Brown. During the Shady Records' cypher, Ri was mentioned by Royce da 5'9. In his cypher, he said "hi Rihanna, bye Rihanna."

Recently, Rihanna responded to Royce da 5'9's name drop on through her Twitter account.

Check out the photo below:

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Royce da 5'9 on "106 & Park" [VIDEO]

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Slaughterhouse previews "Who's The Illest" track [VIDEO]

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

When Slaughterhouse signed with Shady Records, Eminem told them to continue doing what they do. Usually, when independent artists get signed by a major label, they are forced to change. But, Eminem was never forced to change and he does not force his artists to change.

Slaughterhouse has been working on their Shady Records debut, second overall, since signing with the label. The group, which consists of Joe Budden, Royce da 5'9, Joell Ortiz, and Crooked I, recently completed "Who's The Illest."

Currently, Slaughterhouse is in Atlanta, where they previewed the song.

Watch the preview of "Who's The Illest" by Slaughterhouse below:

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Royce da 5'9 - "Random Bars"

Detroit rapper, Royce da 5'9 is back with a new track he calls "Random Bars." The song is produced by ArabMuzik.

Listen to "Random Bars" by Royce da 5'9 below:

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Slaughterhouse talks chemistry with Eminem

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Recently, MTV News spoke with Slaughterhouse, asking them what life is like on Shady Records. Easily, Eminem is one of the most creative rappers in the game. Working for him seems like fun on the outside looking in.

According to the members of Slaughterhouse, Eminem takes a back seat and allows them to work. The four men said Eminem told them to record their new album the same way they recorded their last one. They even said Eminem acts more like a fan when he comes in.

Royce da 5'9, Eminem's longtime collaborator, said he told them they do not need him on the track to make a hit, as they already gained acclaim on their own. Joe Budden said it is easy to forget Eminem is one of the dopest rappers in the game when he is in the studio. While the recording process is in full swing for the group, there is no set release date for the Slaughterhouse album.

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Royce da 5'9 speaks on Eminem being named "King of Hip Hop," and Slaughterhouse South

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Today, Hip Hop Wired caught up with Slaughterhouse member, Royce da 5'9. The Detroit rapper spoke on a number of topics. Among the topics were Eminem and him being named the "king of hip hop" by Rolling Stones.

This summer, Royce and Eminem released their collaobrative album Bad Meets Evil. While he considers Eminem his closest friend in the industry, Royce did not agree with Rolling Stones. Royce said no one should ever be named the king of anything in hip hop.

Royce da 5'9 said no one should be named king because different fans have different opinions. While many would credit Eminem as king, others would give credit to Jay-Z, Nas, or another rapper. Royce was also asked about Slaughterhouse's membership. The crew has members from all over the United States, except for the South.

When asked who he would add to Slaughterhouse from the South, Royce da 5'9 said it would have to be Bun B, because he is already an unofficial member of the group.

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Royce da 5'9 - "It's Him"

One half of Bad Meets Evil, Royce da 5'9 is without Eminem for his newest track. Royce da 5'9's latest track is called "It's Him."

Listen to "It's Him" by Royce da 5'9 below:

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Bad Meets Evil Meets Europe part 2

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Benzino talks The Throne (Jay-Z and Kanye West), Royce da 5'9, and free Ja Rule [VIDEO]

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Royce da 5'9 ft. Eminem - "Writer's Block"

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Royce Da 5'9 credits Drake and J. Cole for bringing Lyricism Back to the Game

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

On his "Red Nation" hit, Game rapped "niggas'll trade they soul to be Drake or J. Cole." Of all the new talent in the rap game, they have received the most attention. Drake was already a popular mixtape rapper, while J. Cole is Jay-Z's product.

Drake made the transition to the big time last year and is now working on his second album. J. Cole, on the other hand, has been subject to several delays. It, undoubtedly, got to J. Cole, but now his debut release is on the way.

What Drake and J. Cole have brought to a struggling hip hop game has not gone unnoticed by Royce da 5'9. The Detroit rapper recently spoke on the two rappers. Royce da 5'9 said Drake, J. Cole, and artists like them, are bringing lyricism back to the game, when it was lacking.

Royce credits them, also Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z, Kanye West, for bringing lyrics back when lyrics were not even cool in hip hop. He referenced Waka Flocka Flame when he said he did not have lyrics and did not want them because they did not make any money.

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Styles P ft. Royce Da 5'9 - "Jungle"

Styles P, of The L.O.X., teams up with another member of a popular hip hop group in Royce Da 5'9 of Slaughterhouse. Together, they make up the new record, "Jungle."

The full version of the song was released earlier today.

Listen to "Jungle" by Styles P ft. Royce Da 5'9 below:

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Eminem to record EP with Royce da 5'9

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Following two years of releasing albums, fans are eager to hear what 2011 has in store for Eminem. More than likely, he will take the year off to promote Shady Records. Eminem has already announced his first project of the year.

Teaming with Slaughterhouse's Royce da 5'9, Eminem plans to release an EP. The recordings will be the first time the two teamed up in over a decade. Following their string of collaborations, a feud erupted between the two.

In 2009, Eminem and Royce da 5'9 found common ground and they ended their dispute. The same year, Eminem laid the groundwork to sign him. Now label-mates, their recent recording session prompted Em to schedule an EP release.

The new EP is scheduled to release on June 14, 2011.

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Royce da 5'9 to release album in July

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

In 2009, Royce da 5'9 reunited with Eminem and he ended up being signed to Shady Records. Royce da 5'9 has recorded several albums in the meantime, though. He released Death is Certain, a critically-acclaimed album, through Koch Records (now E1 Music).

Seven years have passed since the release of his acclaimed album. In the years since then, Royce has put out two more albums. Now, back with his partner in rhyme, Royce da 5'9 is ready to release the sequel of his 2004 album.

Royce da 5'9 has discussed his album, Success is Certain, for the past few months. Currently, he is preparing some of the collaborations for the album. Eminem will be featured on the upcoming album, which will be released on July 26, 2011.

The album will be released through Shady/Aftermath.

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Crooked I talks future of West Coast hip hop

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Even though he is a part of Slaughterhouse, Crooked I is still very much a part of the West Coast hip hop scene. Much like the other veterans, he is looking at the future of the West Coast. Not many successful rappers have come from the West, outside of Game. He and Snoop Dogg are the only consistent rappers out West.

Crooked I's career was supposed to have taken off years ago, but it never happened. First, he was recruited by Suge Knight to help revive his Death Row label. After leaving Death Row, Crooked I linked up with Irv Gotti for the launch of Murder Inc. West. Much like his venture with Death Row, this did not work out, either.

Returning to the mixtape scene, Crooked I became involved with rappers Royce da 5'9, Joe Budden, and Joell Ortiz and they became Slaughterhouse. Soon, Eminem began working with them and promised to sign the four men to his Shady Records label. Now, with his career finally on the right track, Crooked I can look towards the future of his coast.

Crooked I likes the music from Odd Future and he thinks they have a chance at redefining the game. He has been to a few of their performances and he loves the way they rock a crowd. Crooked I believes Alternative acts such as Odd Future, Pav Div, Kendrick Lamar, Dom Kennedy, Blu, and Horseshoe Gang will help bring the West Coast back to prominence.

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Crooked I happy Benzino ended feud with Slaughterhouse

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

It came as a surprise to many when Eminem signed Slaughterhouse to his Shady Records. The group consists of Royce da 5'9, Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden, and Crooked I. Eminem had a longstanding feud with Royce, Joell Ortiz had been signed to Aftermath, but left after he said his album was mishandled by Dr. Dre, and Crooked I was an associate of Murder Inc.

Benzino has been very vocal of Eminem for nearly ten years. He has found various reasons to continue attacking Eminem. When he learned of Slaughterhouse signing with Shady, Benzino immediately blasted them. But, after listening to their music, Benzino changed his tone and gave them credit. He also extended an olive branch to Eminem and the group.

Crooked I had not heard anything about this until SOHH.com informed him about the statement. While he did not say he accepted the truce, Crooked I said he was glad Benzino has finally moved on with his life. Crooked I did say he is the type of person who likes to work out differences, however, and he would love to meet up with Benzino and officially end their feud.

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Royce da 5'9 defends Rap Beef

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Hip hop beef has been banished by many. 50 Cent has built a career off dissing other rappers. But, in the past, hip hop beefs have been violent, resulting in deaths of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. In today's hip hop world, beef is used by newer artists for publicity.

Overall, however, most fans are tired of the constant bickering within the hip hop community. 50 Cent lost a lot of respect when he began dissing Rick Ross through a web series. While the series was entertaining, Ross won the lyrical battle because 50 Cent took it viral.

Fellow Shady Records artist, Royce da 5'9, has stepped in to defend hip hop beef. While it has been overplayed in recent years, Royce said it has provided entertainment in the past. Some of the most famous songs were intended as diss records.

Royce da 5'9 feels beef is a neccessary evil in hip hop because it does spark creativitiy when it is not used as a gimmick or used for violence.

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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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Royce Da 5'9 and Joell Ortiz discuss Slaughterhouse

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

With Slaughterhouse finally being signed to a record deal, fans are excited. Despite the super-team finally being created, some people fear of them coming out too soft. Many times, super-pairings, do not turn out as expected.

Slaughterhouse is only the latest in attempts of many rappers to come together. In 1997, The Firm, which consisted of Nas, AZ, Foxy Brown, and Cormega, released their debut album. As if the teaming was not major enough, The Firm's album was produced by Dr. Dre and released through Aftermath Entertainment.

The Firm's album flopped, only going platinum, when some expected the record to outsell Thriller. But, with the new Slaughterhouse group, no one is expecting major record sales. Instead, fans are expecting a lyrical warpath with Joell Ortiz, Royce Da 5'9, Joe Budden, and Crooked I. For all of those beginning to have doubts, Royce Da 5'9 and Joell Ortiz recently discussed the group's next release. The two said their music will bring about the return of lyricism to hip hop and will help cement Shady Records as a true hip hop label.

Shady Records has been struggling outside of Eminem for the past few years, but Slaughterhouse promises to provide more hits for the label.

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Slaughterhouse EP track listing Revealed

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Finally signed to Shady Records, Slaughterhouse is ready to give the fans what they want. The only issue the group has is that they have joined a crowded label. Eminem told the crew to begin working on their album.

While the members of Slaughterhouse would love to put together an album, it could take months before the promotion could begin. Not wanting to make fans wait, the crew is releasing an EP. The track listing for the EP has already been released.

Slaughterhouse will be featuring Dres and The L.O.X. on their EP.

Track Listing

1. "Back on the Scene" featuring Dres
2. "Sun Doobie"
3. "Everybody Down"
4. "Put Some Money on It (remix)" featuring The L.O.X.
5. "Fight Club (remix)"
6. "Move On (remix)" featuring Iffy

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