Slim the Mobster talks "War Music" and meeting Eminem

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

In 2009, Dr. Dre re-invested in the West Coast, as he signed the emerging Los Angeles rapper, Slim the Mobster. At the time, Slim was also signed to G-Unit Records. Before the end of 2010, G-Unit dropped Slim, but Dr. Dre kept him on Aftermath.

Two years later, Slim the Mobster is working on his first high-profile mixtape. For the release, Slim has recruited Kendrick Lamar, Prodigy, and Snoop Dogg. With War Music being his first official release, Slim the Mobster said he was very excited.

On War Music, Slim the Mobster said he had to keep the music hardcore. The mixtape contains such tracks as "Fuck You," along with many others. Everything has come together for Slim the Mobster, except for one thing.

Being signed to Aftermath means Slim the Mobster has had the chance to meet Eminem. However, Slim has yet to have the chance to record with him. Growing up, Slim the Mobster listened to Eminem and has always wanted to work with him.

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Fans wish Eminem a Happy Birthday [VIDEO]

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Yealwolf gets Kid Rock for Debut Album

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Recently, Yelawolf decided to push his debut album back until 2012. Many were looking forward to hearing the first official album from Yealwolf. When he delayed the album, his fans were disappointed. But, this delay has given Yealwolf the time to add more guest appearances.

For Radioactive, Yelawolf already has Eminem, Gangsta Boo, and Lil Jon. Now, Yealwolf can add Kid Rock to the list. Kid Rock was initially one of the first white rappers to enter the game. But, when he shifted to rock music, his throne was eventually taken by Eminem.

Yelawolf has been dubbed the "Eminem of the South" by many fans and critics. The comparisons come from their sound, as opposed to lyrical content. It was ironic when Em added Yelawolf to the Shady Records roster. Even more ironic is Kid Rock joining the track listing of his upcoming debut album.

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Tyler, the Creator interviews Nas for XXL, celebrating Nas' 20-year career

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

With his tenth album, Life is Good, on the way, Nas is still one of the most-prominent rappers in the game. Twenty years ago, Nas first began seriously rapping. Recently, Nas discussed all of this with XXL magazine, interviewed by Tyler, the Creator.

Tyler, the Creator is one of the brightest new stars in the rap game. His dominance has just started, as he is only twenty, himself. During his interview with Nas, Tyler had several questions for personal reasons. As a rapper, it is a great opportunity to speak with someone who has been rapping as long as you have been living.

A major Nas fan, Tyler, the Creator talked with him about a number of topics. Tyler, the Creator told Nas his favorite albums from him were 2002 God's Son and 2004's Street's Disciple. Because Nas, Eminem, Jay-Z, and Snoop Dogg all started a twenty years old and have remained in the game, Tyler says he questions if he, too, can last for well over a decade and a half. Nas told Tyler, the Creator he definitely could last that long in the game.

When Tyler, the Creator asked Nas if he was happy, Nas told him his album is titled Life is Good, but if he could change one thing, he would have his children living with him. Nas has two children, a daughter, who was one topic in his legendary feud with Jay-Z, and a son with Kelis. For a few years, Nas and Kelis were married and their son was the product of their marriage. Shortly after his birth, Nas and Kelis' marriage fell apart and she was awarded primary custody over the child.

Nas said, aside form his children not being with him, life is indeed good, though.

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Eminem, Yelawolf, and Slaughterhouse 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards cypher [VIDEO]

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Dr. Dre talks collaborations with Kendrick Lamar and Slim the Mobster

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Once, he was one of the biggest artists in the game. Dr. Dre was always in the news, on hip hop television programs, and releasing music. Over the years, Dr. Dre allowed himself to fade from the spotlight. In his place, Dr. Dre has helped several talented artists become stars.

With Eminem, 50 Cent, and Game all well-known and respected members of the hip hop community, Dr. Dre is building more stars. Late last year, Dr. Dre promised fans he would finally release Detox. Snoop Dogg recently announced the album was being mixed and would soon be released.

Aside from his own music, Dr. Dre said he has been working with two talented artists. Working with Kendrick Lamar and Slim the Mobster, both West Coast artists, Dre said they would be his final collaborations for several years. Dr. Dre said he is focused on making sure their music comes out right before he goes on another hiatus.

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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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J. Cole talks Storytelling in His Music and Touring

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Only weeks after he released his debut album, J. Cole is respected as one of the best storytellers in the game. In a game, which many critics say, lacks creativiy, J. Cole easily found his niche. Many credit him for bringing the real hip hop back.

J. Cole said he always had a knack for storytelling. Because of this, he always listened to Tupac, Eminem, and Nas. Early in his rapping days, J. Cole decided he wanted to be a storyteller. J. Cole said he could not rap about selling drugs or those things because he never did.

Despite being what many would call a rookie in the game, J. Cole has the stage presence of a veteran. Long before his debut album was released, J. Cole was doing world tours. These tours have helped him with his confidence, J. Cole revealed.

Focusing on the future, J. Cole said he has actually started working on his second album. Following his second album, J. Cole promised he would release an album every year. J. Cole said he wants to release a new album every year.

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Hugh Jackman is a Huge fan of Hip Hop

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Fresh off his latest role in the action film, Real Steel, Hugh Jackman is one of the biggest names in Hollywood, right now. However, what people do not know is Jackman is an avid music fan. There is one genre, in particular, which Hugh Jackman loves.

Recently, Hugh Jackman revealed, in an interview, he is a major fan of hip hop music. While he loves all hip hop music, he is especially fans of the likes of Jay-Z, Eminem, 50 Cent, and Dr. Dre. With the Real Steel movie complete, Hugh Jackman took time to celebrate.

Along with Real Steel director, Shawn Levy, Hugh Jackman attended a concert with Eminem as the headliner. After watching Eminem's performance, Hugh Jackman said Eminem is one of the greatest live acts he had ever seen. As a fan of real live music, Jackman was pleased with Eminem's performance.

Hugh Jackman said 50 Cent, Jay-Z, and Dr. Dre were also in attendance and they performed. He had the chance to watch them backstage. Jackman said it was one of the most-electrifying nights of his life. Having the chance to watch Dr. Dre prepare for his performance was like watching a boxer getting ready for the big fight, Jackman said.

The night was one Hugh Jackman will never forget, as he was entertained, instead of having to entertain others.

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50 Cent - "Shady Murder"

Recently, 50 Cent and Eminem hit the studio together. In spite of all his label issues, 50 Cent is still down with Shady Records. 50 Cent's latest song is called "Shady Murder," but features no verses from Eminem.

Listen to "Shady Murder" by 50 Cent below:

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Yelawolf's "Radioactive" delayed again

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

When Yelawolf began gaining popularity, many compared him to Eminem. Ironically, Yelawolf would end up signing to Eminem's Shady Records before the end of 2010. Immediately, Yelawolf began working on his debut album, Radioactive.

Late in the summer, of this year, Yelawolf announced he was going to release his album on September 27. As September 27 neared, he delayed the album until October 25. Now, in early October, Yelawolf has announced he has pushed his album back another month.

Needing to add finishing touches to his album, Yelawolf said he needed to delay the album. Yelawolf promised the fans he had some surprises in store. Now, Radioactive is going to be released on November 21.

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Snoop Dogg talks "Detox" and Eminem

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

For well over a decade, there has been a lot of discussion about the long-awaited Detox album from Dr. Dre. Among the closest people to Dr. Dre while recording have been Game, Snoop Dogg, and Kendrick Lamar. After releasing two albums in two years, Eminem is apparently on hiatus, as he is also very close to Dr. Dre.

Recently, Kendrick Lamar discussed Detox, informing the people the album was in its mixing phases. For well over ten years, the album has been coming "very soon." Seven years ago, Eminem rapped of the album possibly coming in 2006. Last fall and this winter, fans came the closest to hearing Detox.

After "Kush" and "I Need a Doctor" faded away, the Detox stories did too. Snoop Dogg was asked about Detox and he said the album would be here soon enough. According to Snoop Dogg, the album is nearing completion and Eminem will be a part of the album. While Snoop Dogg said Eminem would be a part of the album, he did not explain how much of a part he would contribute.

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The Shady Museum [VIDEO]

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Jim Jonsin speaks on producing for T.I., Yelawolf, B.o.B., and Young Jeezy

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Anticipation for Tha Carter III reached new heights when Lil Wayne released "Lollipop," the first single from the album. The song topped the charts and the hip hop world was introduced to Jim Jonsin. Later that year, Jim Jonsin produced T.I.'s "Whatever You Like" hit.

Through his 2008 successes, Jim Jonsin quickly became one of the most-coveted producers in the game. Jim Jonsin currently has beats in store for many of the top artists in the game. Mary J. Blige and Wiz Khalifa are among the people Jim Jonsin has heat for.

While he is doing work for other artists, Jim Jonsin is also back working with T.I. Jim Jonsin said he tried to put together great music for T.I. to rap over. Calling the Grand Hustle CEO a genius, Jim Jonsin said he will follow T.I.'s vision. Acknowledging the hardships he has gone through, Jim Jonsin said he would help Tip get past them.

Aside from his work with T.I., Jim Jonsin revealed he went to Detroit. While in Detroit, Jim Jonsin went to the studio with Eminem and Yelawolf. Jim Jonsin revealed he did three songs with Yelawolf. The songs are titled "Alabama" and "Yeah, That Boy." Jonsin focused more on the "Alabama" track, saying it was an anthem for the state of Alabama and labeling it a smash.

Jim Jonsin was also the mastermind behind the "Strange Clouds" track with B.o.B. and Lil Wayne. Crediting the song as a good lead single, Jim Jonsin revealed he was not a fan of the record. Speaking on B.o.B.'s new album, Jim Jonsin said he has some good tracks. Jim Jonsin went on to say he feels B.o.B.'s new album will be better than his first album.

Young Jeezy has also been contacting Jim Jonsin for beats. Jim Jonsin said Young Jeezy will randomly call him up and ask for beats. Usually, he will quickly send Jeezy a beat and it ends up going unused. Because he likes him, as both an artist and person, Jim Jonsin said he is eager to hear Thug Motivation 103 and he hopes he has a track on the album.

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Masta Ace speaks on comparisons to Eminem

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Several times in his career, Eminem has stated he has drawn inspiration from Masta Ace. Ironically, Masta Ace said he did not hear it the first time he was told about this. In his opinion, Masta Ace said he thought Eminem was unlike any artist he had ever heard.

Recently, Masta Ace has stated he and Eminem influence each other, as they have done some work together. Eminem remixed Ace's 1993 "Slaughtahouse." Masta Ace said when he hears some artists rap, he draws inspiration from their flow and Eminem is among them.

Masta Ace is a veteran in the game and says he loves the idea of being compared to Eminem. Himself, Eminem has risen to legendary status in the game, as well.

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Will Drake top "Thank Me Later" with "Take Care"

By Hardcore Critic
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

When Drake signed with Young Money, his mixtape fans could not wait for him to release his debut album. In 2009, Drake collaborated with many big names. His "Forever" single displayed Drake's abilities against the likes of Kanye West, Eminem, and Lil Wayne.

In 2010, Lil Wayne began his prison sentence and Drake was told to hold the Young Money team down. Right before spring, Drake released his debut single, "Over." Quickly, the song became a hit, getting significant radio play.

During the summer of 2010, Drake released Thank Me Later and it was met with mostly-positive reviews, plus the two summer singles, "Find Your Love" and "Miss Me." Aside from the singles, the album did well with collaborations with Jay-Z and Young Jeezy. Before the end of 2010, Drake was already discussing his next album, saying it would be much better than his debut.

Despite not having any music of his own out, Drake still dominated during the summer of 2011. Being featured on all the biggest songs helped Drake keep his name out there. Before the end of summer, Drake released his "Headlines" single, which has received moderate radio play. On his second album, Drake is not going to benefit from dropping during the summer. Instead, he is going to drop in the fall.

From a sales-wise standpoint, can Drake top his previous effort. With his debut album, Drake already had two singles generating significant radio play. So far, his second album only has one single out and it is not receiving much play as his initial singles did. Still, he has another top twenty hit and his lyrical abilities have vastly improved.

However, overall, will Take Care do better than Thank Me Later both sales-wise and with critical reception.

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Jim Jones speaks on Diplomat reunion album

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Last year, Cam'ron and Jim Jones ended their feud of three years. When the former partners reunited, the team did, too. During their feud, the original members of the Diplomats sided with Jim Jones. On the other hand, Cam'ron had to start another crew.

For over a year, the Diplomats have been back together. The new members have also fit in very well with each other. Interscope Records had noticed the Diplomats and they signed them to their label. Dr. Dre and Eminem will be workin with them.

Despite having a new label deal with Interscope Records, Dr. Dre and Eminem ready to produce records, and significant buzz, no official album has come from the Diplomats. Jim Jones, the capo of Diplomat Records explained the delays. While Diplomat Records and their group, the Diplomats, have signed the new deal with Interscope Records, many of the individual artists have not. However, all of them want to make the move over to Interscope Records.

Once all of the artists are out of their deals, with their various labels, they will sign to Diplomat/Interscope and will begin putting the new Diplomats album together.

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J. Cole speaks on Jay-Z's "The Blueprint"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Ten years ago, the world was still in shock after the attacks on the United States. On the same day of the attacks, Jay-Z released his critically-acclaimed The Blueprint. Following the release of the album, the hip hop landscape was forever changed.

Ten years later, Jay-Z is done with Roc-A-Fella Records and is now the head of Roc Nation. Through his new label/management company, Jay-Z has a roster of stars. J. Cole was the first artist signed to the record label.

With his own debut album coming this month, J. Cole reflected on his boss' sixth studio album. J. Cole said he purchased the album from a small CD shop in front of the mall. The album was a classic to J. Cole, but he said he disliked "Jigga that Nigga."

On the other hand, J. Cole often put the Eminem-produced and featuring, "Renegade," on repeat. For years, many have said Eminem's verse on "Reneage" was better than the entire album. This was highlighted by Nas on his Jay-Z-diss track, "Ether." J. Cole, who is a fan of all three rappers, defends Jay-Z, saying his verses on the song were great and he and Eminem pretty much tied on the track.

J. Cole's own debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story, will be released on September 27.

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Yelawolf reveals Eminem collaboration on "Radioactive"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Many have said Yelawolf is the Southern version of Eminem, it was a coincidence when Eminem signed him to his label. In a matter of months, Yelawolf has become one of the biggest new faces in the game. While he has done plenty of performances with Eminem and represents the label, they have yet to share a track.

Yelawolf has dreamed of releasing Radioactive for some time. There were several people he wanted to have on his first album. Through his work with Shady Records and his own movement, many legends are working with Yelawolf. He has used this to his advantage, putting them on his debut album.

Eminem has recorded a verse for the album. The song is called "Throw it Up" and it also features Gangsta Boo. Yelawolf said he got them on the track to make a classic song. He said it would have been easy to recruit his boss for a pop record, but he wanted to make something memorable.

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Game hails Tyler, the Creator as the West Coast's Eminem

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Game has supported Tyler, the Creator and Odd Future ever since they debuted. Tyler, the Creator has had a major year, this year, with successful music and disses for both Chris Brown and Bruno Mars. During Odd Future's beef with Chris Brown, Game tried to diffuse the situation.

While the feud was not resolved, Game featured both crews on his album, The R.E.D. Album. Perhaps the most controversial track off the album is "Martians vs. Goblins." It should come as no surprise, to those familiar with Odd Future that the track features none other than Tyler, the Creator.

The song, which leaked last month, features Game rapping in a similar pattern to Tyler, the Creator. The gangsta rapper takes a gothic turn on the song, dissing Rihanna and Lil B in the opening lines of the song. Tyler, the Creator takes the second verse, dissing Chris Brown, Bruno Mars, Tyler Perry, and LeBron James. Game concludes the song going after Erykah Badu and LeBron James.

While Game is controversial, many did not expect him to say many of the things he said. Speaking on the song, Game said his lyrics were inspired by Tyler, the Creator. His reason for doing this was because "when you're on a song with Tyler, you can say whatever the fuck you want." Game admitted he is already outspoken on his songs, but Tyler takes things to another level. The Compton rapper went on to compare the newcomer to Eminem.

Eminem gained international fame in 1999 for his controversial lyrics. However, Tyler, the Creator's lyrics makes Eminem's seem conservative, at times. Game said Tyler is the Eminem of the West Coast.

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