Can Diddy save New York hip hop?

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Hip hop originated in New York City, but was losing its grip on the hip hop game by the late 1980s. By the early 1990s, the West Coast had completely taken over the game. When New York needed new life breathed into them, it was Diddy, then known as Puff Daddy, who assmebled the team, which brought them back.

Def Jam is known as the mecca of hip hop. While there were hip hop record labels before Def Jam, they were run by older people, who did not quite understand hip hop. By the early 1990s, Def Jam did not quite understand current hip hop. In the end, Bad Boy Records revived the hip hop scene in New York.

With New York hip hop in ruins, once again, Def Jam is still not the label the people are turning to. Two of the biggest buzzing rappers from the City of New York are Red Cafe and French Montana. Two years ago, Diddy announced his re-focus on Bad Boy Records and announced he signed Red Cafe to the label, intending on making him the new flagship artist of the label.

Red Cafe is currently gearing up for his debut album and he is pounding the mixtape scene with a number of new releases. Along with the releases are coming music videos, which also showcase Red Cafe's artists who are signed to his Shakedown label. Diddy also managed to sign the entire Shakedown roster to his Bad Boy imprint, which is distributed by Interscope Records. For years, Diddy has been focused on his other business ventures, but his re-focus on his original business is doing wonders for hip hop.

Diddy is also negotiating with one of New York's hottest underground rappers, French Montana. Much like current Bad Boy artist, Red Cafe, French Montana is the head of his own label, Cocaine City. The roster boasts several other artists. If Diddy does end up signing French Montana, the entire Cocaine City roster will be included in the deal. Bad Boy Records has been compared to Def Jam, which distributed several sub-labels during their heyday, including Roc-A-Fella and Murder Inc.

With the new deal at Interscope Records, Diddy can establish the same sort of deal and distribute several labels in the New York area. The talent in New York remains there, but the exposure is what was lacking until recent years. Instead of waiting on the major label deals and the cameras, New York artists began creating their own labels, again, and turned on their own cameras. Now, they are catching the attention of the power-players, can Diddy be the man to put these people out?

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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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Luther Campbell clears up Miami comments about Lil Wayne and Rick Ross in DJ Khaled interview

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Last week, the original king of Miami, Luther "Uncle Luke" Campbell vented about rap's current stars. He felt Diddy, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, and DJ Khaled should be doing more for Miami. Luke said they all come to Miami and soak it all in, but they do nothing along the lines of giving back.

Lil Wayne responded to Uncle Luke, via Twitter. His short post, Wayne also had choice words for DJ Khaled. The jab at Khaled caught people off guard until his interview with Luke surfaced online. In the interview, DJ Khaled asked Luther Campbell about all he had to say about him and his family.

Luther Campbell said the people who come to Miami, bringing friends along, need to do more than party. He pointed out how Trick Daddy and Pitbull are active in the community. Campbell said Lil Wayne, Khaled, and the others, Diddy included, need to get active in the Miami community, instead of simply soaking in the nightlife.

Listen to the interview:

Part 1:


Part 2:

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Lil Wayne responds to Luther Campbell, calls out DJ Khaled

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Long before Miami became the home away from home for hip hop's elite and long before Miami's rap scene was popular, Uncle Luke was holding things down. Uncle Luke paved the way for Trick Daddy, who opened the doors to the Miami hip hop scene. Of course, Trick Daddy has not been popular in years, but his affiliates are.

Uncle Luke, who now goes by his real name, Luther Campbell, has been very active in his hometown. He ran, unsuccessfully, for mayor of Miami and has become one of hip hop's biggest commentators. He has discussed Wiz Khalifa and Kanye West, among other things. His most-recent discussion involved Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, DJ Khaled, and Diddy.

Luther Campbell felt those rappers, who shoot music videos, attend basketball games, party at clubs, and sleep with women in Miami should give back. Primarily, he was talking about the rappers mentioned above. Campbell said they should be active in helping to revive the Miami economy, which is struggling like everywhere else in the United States. Recently, Lil Wayne has been more talkative than usual. Under his belt, already, is a Jay-Z diss and he recently responded to Uncle Luke.

On Twitter, Lil Wayne responded to Luther Campbell saying "This Nigga Luke trippin!!!." He also had choice words for label-mate, DJ Khaled. Wayne also said "I ain't feelin khaled right now neither."

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French Montana recruits Diddy and T.I. for "Shot Caller (remix)"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

While other rappers are calling themselves the "King of New York," French Montana is actively making it happen. This year, he has experienced much success with his "Shot Caller" single. The song has become one of the most-played radio singles in New York City.

French Montana recently completed the video for his popular single. The video will feature cameos from several of the hottest rappers in the game. Fat Joe, Diddy, Busta Rhymes, and N.O.R.E. appear in the video. The "Shot Caller" video is expected to do just as well as the actual song has.

Before the video for the original track has been released, there are already bigger things in the works. French Montana has the remix of "Shot Caller" in the works. The remix will feature Diddy, who was previously mentioned, and T.I. French Montana credits DJ Drama for being the man who made this happen.

DJ Drama's favorite song, right now, is French Montana's "Shot Caller." When he learned French Montana was going to remix the track, DJ Drama wanted to see if T.I. wanted to be on it. French Montana said he guessed T.I. was asking Drama what were the hottest records to get on. With "Shot Caller" being a favorite of DJ Drama's obviously he pointed Tip in French Montana's direction. While the remix is going to be major, it will not be released for a couple of months.

The original "Shot Caller" track has done well, growing from the underground scene to getting radio play on both Hot 97 and Power 105. Despite the success of "Shot Caller," French Montana is holding off on his debut album until he decides who to sign with. French Montana has been courted by Diddy, who is also his new collaborator, and Rick Ross. However, he does have projects in the works with Waka Flocka Flame and Three 6 Mafia.

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Greg Kading clears up Statements about Biggie and Tupac

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

The year of 2011 has been a revolution, of sorts, for hip hop. Several new artists have emerged. Aside from the emergence of new artists, the veterans have experienced success, also. Even the deceased artists are making news.

January of 2011 began with rumors about the Tupac Shakur bio-pic and during the summer, Dexter Isaac admitted he was the person who shot Tupac in 1994 at Quad Studios. Isaac also admitted he shot the rapper on the orders of Jimmy Henchman.

Now, in the fall of 2011, Greg Kading, a former homicide detective for the LAPD, revealed information about the murders of both Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. Greg Kading said a man named Poochie was behind the shooting of The Notorious B.I.G. The former detective also said Lil' Cease has had several stories he was telling about Biggie's murder.

Yesterday, Lil' Cease came out and denied the story Greg Kading had been telling. Kading said it has been a very broad investigation, regarding Tupac's murder and it leads right into Biggie's murder. The former detective said he was led to a Crip gang member, named Orlando Anderson. He said when Anderson was forced, he admitted he, his nephew, and other Crips, were behind Tupac's murder.

Despite the rumors about The Notorious B.I.G. and Sean "Diddy" Combs being behind the Crips' attack on their former friend, Tupac Shakur, Greg Kading said the Crips were not paid off by Bad Boy. Greg Kading said there was no evidence of Biggie being involved in Tupac's murder. However, without the Biggie paying off the Crips theory, there was no reason for the Crips, or Bloods, to have murdered B.I.G.

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Album Preview: Pusha T - "Fear of God II: Let us Pray"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Earlier this year, Pusha T released his critically-acclaimed mixtape, Fear of God. After the release of the mixtape, the fans were left wanting more. Pusha T promised fans he would soon release a sequel to this mixtape.

Finally ready to expand his career, Pusha T decided to begin working on his debut album. The sequel to his mixtape will be Fear of God II: Let us Pray. Pusha T intends to release the album on November 8, a little over a month from now on G.O.O.D. Music.

"Trouble on My Mind," Pusha T's summer hit with Tyler, the Creator, will be included on the album. Also, behind the scenes footage from the video will be featured on the album. Appearances from Diddy, French Montana, Rick Ross, Kanye West, and others will be on Pusha T's debut.

Track listing

  1. "Changing of the Guards" ft. Diddy
  2. "Amen" ft. Kanye West and Young Jeezy
  3. "Trouble on My Mind" ft. Tyler, the Creator
  4. "What Dreams Are Made Of"
  5. "Body Work" ft. Juicy J, Meek Mill, and French Montana
  6. "Everything that Glitters" ft. French Montana
  7. "So Obvious"
  8. "Feeling Myself" ft. Kevin Cossom
  9. "Raid" ft. 50 Cent and Pharrell
10. "My God"
11. "I Still Wanna" ft. Rick Ross and Ab Liva
12. "Alone in Vegas"

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T.I. responds to Critics who say he Parties too Much

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Since he has come out of prison, T.I. has not stopped moving. When he is not in the studio, T.I. is hosting parties. His most-recent party was after the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards. During this event, there were rumors of an altercation between he and Diddy. While Diddy did lose his temper, all was well with he and T.I.

Hot 97's Peter Rosenberg commented about T.I. and his frequent partying. Rosenberg asked if T.I. could take a break from partying as much as he has since being released. While the comments came off as harsh, Rosenberg said he was only looking out for T.I.'s safety. Too much partying can be dangerous.

Regardless of the intentions, T.I. was offended by the comments of his activities. On Twitter, T.I. called out RapRadar.com, asking them if his haters partied when he went to jail. T.I. said he also attended his children's athletic games and his daughter's first concert, taking all his children with him to the awards. T.I. said he was not going to sit back at watch someone else take over in his city, so he stepped up.

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Fred The Godson discusses DJ Clark Kent and DJ Drama mixtape

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Among the people bringing New York hip hop back is Fred the Godson. Hailing from The Bronx, some have tried comparing the newcomer to the late Notorious B.I.G. Those sentiments have not come from everyone, though. Still, most have agreed Fred is a very gifted rapper.

DJ Clark Kent, a man who worked with The Notorious B.I.G., along with Jay-Z, has been made into a believer. Upon meeting the famed producer, Fred the Godson said they immediately hit if off, establishing a relationship. Fred the Godson said he was amazed when Clark Kent co-signed him.

Fred the Godson said it was an honor to be co-signed by the same man who co-signed Biggie and Jay-Z. It was Fred the Godson's friend, PJ from Mount Vernon, who helped them meet. Fred was told by DJ Clark Kent he would be one of the greatest if he continued to go at the rate he was going, making classic records.

Another famous DJ Fred the Godson is working with is DJ Drama. His Gangsta Grillz mixtape will be called Fred and Friends. The mixtape will support a lead single, which features Diddy, Meek Mill, and Cory Gunz/ Fred the Godson said the mixtape has nothing less than album-quality material. Being unsigned is the only reason the mixtape will not be sold in stores. Fred the Godson spoke on his single, "Gettin Money... Pt. 2," saying the mixtape would be an album, if not for him being unsigned and the DJ Drama affiliation.

Fred the Godson went on to say Fred and Friends would be better than 95% of the albums coming out.

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T.I. clears up Diddy rumors [VIDEO]

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Footage of Diddy going off at Party [VIDEO]

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Behind the Scenes: French Montana - "Shot Caller" part 2 with Diddy

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Can Red Cafe return Bad Boy Records to Prominence?

By Hardcore Critic
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Early in its run, Bad Boy Records dominated the game. The label quickly built around The Notorious B.I.G. and Faith Evans. Founded by Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs, Bad Boy Records was quickly becoming a second-generation Def Jam. While Combs established himself a new-and-improved Russell Simmons, B.I.G. never had the chance to have a legacy like LL Cool J, as he was brutally murdered.

Bad Boy Records has had a number of hits over the past fourteen years, but the label has never had another flagship artist like their original. Immediately following Biggie's death, Mase became the new face of the label. However, during the promo run of his sophomore album, Mase decided to quit rap to become a preacher.

In 1999, Shyne became the new flagship artist for Bad Boy, but he was soon arrested and serving time in prison. Loon stepped up to the plate in 2003, but his career quickly fizzled, also. In 2009, Combs announced he had signed Red Cafe to the label. During the fall, Bad Boy Records left Atlantic Records for a new deal at Interscope Records. Diddy said Red Cafe would now be the focal point of Bad Boy Records.

Aside from being Bad Boy's new flagship artist, Red Cafe was also the head of his own Shakedown movement. Red Cafe has been working for well over five years, trying to gain exposure and release his debut album. After two years of delays, on Bad Boy, Diddy announced Red Cafe would soon be taking his rightful place as the new flagship artist of Bad Boy Records. Red Cafe also discussed the situation and announced his debut album would be released on Valentine's Day 2012.

But, for nearly ten years, Bad Boy Records has been struggling. Bad Boy Records has been struggling two years longer than the New York hip hop scene. Long before his Bad Boy days, Red Cafe was said to be the artist who would return New York to hip hop prominence. Now, he is being hailed as the man who can make the same happen for Bad Boy Records. However, Red Cafe does not have much more buzz than any of the other New York rappers in the game.

Once Red Cafe gets the Bad Boy machine behind him, will he be able to re-ignite New York hip hop and, in turn, place Bad Boy Records back on top of the game?

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Red Cafe to release Bad Boy debut on Valentine's Day 2012

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Two years ago, Diddy said there would be some major changes coming to Bad Boy Records. For years, Bad Boy Records had been distributed by Atlantic Records. The Atlantic years were among the roughest in Bad Boy history.

Diddy announced Bad Boy Records would be entering a new distribution deal with Interscope Records. However, the current artists signed to Bad Boy through Atlantic would stay with Atlantic. All new artists would be signed to Bad Boy through Interscope.

During the spring of 2009, Diddy announced Red Cafe had signed with Bad Boy. He also said he would have a renewed focus on his record label. Red Cafe was going to be the new flagship artist of the label and he was the only artist shifted to Interscope Records.

Over the past two years, Bad Boy Records has moved fully to Interscope Records. Red Cafe has been on the mixtape scene for years, including his years with Bad Boy Records. Now, though Red Cafe and Diddy have discussed his future with Bad Boy. Red Cafe said Diddy is finally ready to market him and his long-awaited debut album will be released on February 14, 2011.

Red Cafe said he wanted to pick a release date everyone would remember.

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What if The Notorious B.I.G. had Never Died?

By The Voice
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

During the late 1990s, the biggest feud in hip hop history emerged when Bad Boy Records and Death Row Records began taking shots at each other. The center of the feud was the outspoken Tupac Shakur, of the West, and The Notorious B.I.G., of the East. Initially, the two rappers were friends, but a shooting changed all of this.

The past few months have shed light into what caused some of the most-pivotal moments in hip hop. Tupac Shakur's beef with The Notorious B.I.G. stemmed from a shooting in 1994 at Quad Studios, which led to him being shot. Recently, it was said, by Dexter Isaac, that Jimmy Henchman was behind this shooting.

In March of 1997, The Notorious B.I.G. was preparing to release his Life After Death album. On the album, Biggie rapped the same street tales, laced with rhymes of wealth and prestige. Weeks before the official release of the album, The Notorious B.I.G. was taken, only months after Tupac Shakur. A few years ago, Diddy revealed Biggie was supposed to leave Los Angeles on the night of March 8 to head out of the country. However, Biggie ended up talking Diddy into allowing him to stay longer.

Had The Notorious B.I.G. taken the trip out of the country, he likely would have performed some of his older tracks and would have premiered a number of his new tracks. If The Notorious B.I.G. was still alive, today, he would be a seventeen year veteran. While Biggie promised he would retire, in 2000, to focus on the development of Junior M.A.F.I.A., he would have likely released a comeback album. By now, Biggie would likely become a commentator to the hip hop game. Nas created the "hip hop is dead" discussion and the discussion would not have taken place if Biggie were still here.

Jay-Z is the most-quoted rapper in today's generation. While Jay-Z has memorable quotes, many of his rhymes sample lines from The Notorious B.I.G. Had Biggie still been alive, Jay-Z's music would have been missing a number of quotes. In current hip hop, The Notorious B.I.G. would instead be the rapper being quoted all the time. Since his death "106 & Park" has become a surrogate home to hip hop and Biggie would have been a fixture on the show, especially during the era of AJ and Free. If Biggie were still here, hip hop would have more of a focus on lyrics than business.

While the focus would be lyrics, the business would still be booming. Being the businessman he is, Diddy would have made Biggie the focus of his Sean John clothing line, using him for the commercials. If Biggie were still here, a lot of rappers in the game would still be fighting for entry.

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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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Yung Berg launches Production Company

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

For those who wrote Yung Berg off as a one hit wonder, they could not have been more wrong. During the summer of 2007, a new voice emerged from Chicago. Yung Berg's debut single, "Sexy Lady," quickly became a hit single. The following year, he shared "Sexy Can I" with Ray J.

However, following his hits in 2007 and 2008, Yung Berg has not been as visible. No longer are his videos in rotation on the top channels. Yung Berg's videos are now available primarily through the internet. While the game has changed, Yung Berg has too.

Yung Berg has been focusing on his production work in recent months. The Chicago rapper has produced for Diddy, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, and other big stars. Now, he has launched a company to house this work. The young rapper properly named the company Yung Fly Movement. He already has an artist signed to the company named Mia Rey.

The working relationship is strong and Yung Berg said he has known her since he first moved to Miami.

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Diddy's pool party on Labor Day [VIDEO]

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Suge Knight goes at Diddy and talks Tupac Shakur legacy

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

During the 1990s, Suge Knight was on top of the world. His record label, Death Row Records, was making hit records. Even though the label was independent, they still managed to sell millions of albums.

However, by the mid-1990s, Sean Combs had launched his own label, Bad Boy Records. In the eyes of many, Bad Boy Records was the East Coast counterpart of Death Row. Because of this, there was immediate friction between Knight and Combs.

Following the deaths of Tupac and Biggie, Suge Knight and Diddy have gone through a number of changes. Diddy rose to become one of the top businessmen in the world. Suge Knight, on the other hand, has lost everything and is fighting criminal charges.

Recently, Suge Knight was caught in the street and he was asked several questions. Knight informed the people he was working on a number of movies. Suge Knight said some movies would be actual films and others would be documentaries. Due to his persona, Suge Knight said he is not like other people in the game who snitch to stay free, like Buffy (Tupac's nickname for Sean Combs).

Suge Knight said all of the people who did Tupac wrong, while he was alive, will be exposed. While he is not a snitch, Suge Knight promised to expose all of the wrongdoers.

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Fred the Godson ft. Diddy, Meek Mill, Cory Gunz - "Gettin' Money, Part II"

For the remix of his "Gettin' Money," Fred the Godson recruited the A-list of the hip hop game. Fred the Godson teamed up with Diddy, Meek Mill, and Cory Gunz for the new single.

Listen to "Gettin' Money, Part II" by Fred the Godson ft. Diddy, Meek Mill, and Cory Gunz below:

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