Ja Rule pushes "Pain is Love 2" back to 2012

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

For four years, Ja Rule has been on the comeback trail. In 2007, Murder Inc. Records made a strong comeback. The label established a deal with Universal Records and Irv Gotti accepted an executive role with the label. Ja Rule was to be the top priority of Universal Records.

Irv Gotti recently discussed what happened at Universal, revealing he and Ja Rule pulled the plug. Ja Rule was making daily appearances on BET and MTV as if it were 2004. But, this ended when his album was continiously delayed. Ja Rule announced his own independent move in 2009.

While Ja Rule has become independent, he said he will always be a part of Murder Inc. This summer, Ja Rule had hoped to release his album. Despite being in prison, Rule intended to release his album on October 11. The official video for "Spun a Web" was released, but nothing further came from Ja Rule.

Now, Ja Rule revealed his Pain is Love 2 album will be released in 2012. Next month, Ja Rule will release both "Real Life Fantasy" and "Superstar" to iTunes and radio. Around the time of the album's release, Rule will release his "Black Vodka" single.

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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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No I.D. talks Irv Gotti wanting to Take Over at Def Jam

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Last week, Irv Gotti returned to the headlines, during his discussions about several topics. Sitting with Method Man, Irv Gotti spoke about Murder Inc., his career, and his future plans. What Irv Gotti would love for his future is a new role at Def Jam, preferably the presidency.

Irv Gotti said Def Jam needs a new president, who actually cares about the artists. The last time Def Jam had this was when Jay-Z was there, according to Irv. Things have changed at Def Jam. Their newest executive is famed producer, No I.D.

Recently, Def Jam's Vice President of A&R discussed the comments Irv Gotti made. While remaining neutral, No I.D. said he understands where Gotti is coming from. But, speaking about his own role with Def Jam, No I.D. said he was just there to do his job. He said Gotti was just stating his opinion, strongly so.

However, when asked about Irv Gotti being able to run the label, No I.D. said he cannot speak on that. In his opinion, it would be cool for someone to take over as president of Def Jam, but he is not going to say who can or who cannot. Just in case anyone was trying to position him for the role, No I.D. said he is best in the role he was just given, Vice President of A&R.

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Juelz Santana talks Diplomats reunion and New Album

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

What may have been more surprising than The Diplomats breaking up was likely their reunion. When the crew split, Cam'ron tried, several times, to reconcile. Each time he reached out, Jim Jones refused to hear it. In 2009, Cam'ron made his official comeback and Jim Jones wanted to reunite.

Cam'ron, at this point, was done with the feud and focused on his business ventures. Before the end of 2009, Cam'ron and Jim Jones reunited and Diplomat Records was back. By 2010, the members were completing their obligations to land an exclusive distribution deal.

Diplomat Records, including all the Dipset members, landed with Interscope Records. Irv Gotti later revealed he helped the crew land this deal. For over a year, The Diplomats have been signed to Interscope Records. For over two years, they have been reunited. With all this, fans have remained patiently waiting on their Diplomatic Immunity 3.

Juelz Santana recently discussed this, saying all the individual members are currently working on new solo albums. However, they do not want to rush their group project. They have started working on the new album, but they are not going to force things on the new album.

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Ja Rule facing $4 million Tax Lien

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Despite the crumbling empire, Irv Gotti said all was well between himself and Ja Rule. While Rule ventured off and created his own label, Irv Gotti said it is a branch off Murder Inc. After taking some time off, Gotti promised he would be back to take the game over.

When he was asked about Ja Rule's current prison sentence, Irv Gotti said he was disappointed by no one around him taking the fall. The bad news continues to mount for Ja Rule. In addition to him serving two years in federal prison, his tax troubles are being revealed.

The State of New Jersey has filed a $4,317,189 tax lien on Ja Rule's Saddle River estate. Ja Rule's team has yet to comment on the news.

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Should Birdman take over at Def Jam?

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Coming out of his hiatus, Irv Gotti discussed a series of topics with MTV's RapFix. Among the things Irv Gotti talked about was Def Jam. The label was seen as the mecca of hip hop, but things have not been the same over the past few years. Gotti said hip hop without Def Jam is a problem.

During his interview, Irv Gotti said he was discussing this issue with Jimmy Iovine, the head of Interscope Records. When he was talking with Jimmy Iovine, he told him the new label in hip hop is Cash Money. Irv Gotti pointed out how there is no denying Cash Money, but it is no Def Jam.

Throughout the course of hip hop, there have been several other labels. Bad Boy Records, Roc-A-Fella Records, and Irv's own label, Murder Inc., have been met with success. Despite their success, Irv Gotti said there will never be another Def Jam. Even though hip hop is still successful, Irv Gotti said Def Jam has to be the focal point of hip hop.

Def Jam has been very successful over the years and has continued to dominate with the ever-popular artists on their label, Kanye West, Ace Hood, and Rick Ross, among others. While Def Jam is dominating, it is not the way it used to be. Cash Money Records, on the other hand, has had a legacy, which has rich history in its own right. Before he decided to rap, Birdman was simply known as one half of the CEOs of Cash Money, back when the label was still on the local level in New Orleans.

Cash Money Records has experienced all types of success and has a nice deal with Universal Records, which has allowed sub-labels, such as Young Money, to emerge. Def Jam had a similar deal, during its early days, with Columbia Records. However, Def Jam was purchased by MCA, which eventually morphed into the Universal Music Group. Currently, Cash Money Records is riding its third wave of success, with the first being on the local level, the second being the Hot Boyz, run and then there is now.

Birdman and Slim are obviously doing the right things to make Cash Money successful. Irv Gotti said the first thing Def Jam needs is a real CEO who cares. While he wants the job, he is willing for anyone, who is able, and who cares, to take the job. Irv Gotti is even ready to see his rival, Chris Lighty, take over the label if he wants to. Of course, Birdman is under contract with Universal Records for several years. But, if things were different, could Birdman be the person to right the ship at Def Jam?

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Method Man's MTV RapFix freestyle [VIDEO]

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Jimmy Henchman hires lawyer, Gerald Shargel

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Under usual circumstances, Jimmy Henchman remains behind the scenes. Henchman is behind the careers of Game and Ray J, among other talents. This summer, however, it was revealed all of this was a front for Jimmy Henchman's cocaine ring, which generated $10 million a year.

Being brought up on drug charges did not stop Jimmy Henchman from maintaining his innocence. The troubled mogul said he had no parts of the operation. Soon, Dexter Isaac, a former employee, revealed he was the one who shot Tupac Shakur in 1994. He only shot him because he was unable to rob the iconic rapper.

While Dexter Isaac's confession is not doing anything to help Jimmy Henchman's case, it has no effect on his current charges. However, a recent raid on one of his properties revealed Henchman owned a machine gun and a silencer. Now, with those charges mounting, Jimmy Henchman has decided to bring in more legal counsel. Recently, Jimmy Henchman hired Gerald Shargel, who has represented John Gotti, and he famously defended Irv Gotti and Murder Inc. Records from money laundering charges in 2005.

Speaking on represeting Jimmy Henchman, Gerald Shargel said this is his type of case and he is honored to be defending Henchman. Shargel is honored to represent Henchman, but the mogul is facing 30 years of prison, based simply off the gun charges. For heading up the cocaine ring, Jimmy Henchman is facing a life sentence in prison. Assistant US Attorney, Todd Kaminsky, showed how Henchman used music crates to ship cocaine across the United States.

Interscope Records was also under investigation, as it was assumed Jimmy Henchman was running his organization through their Los Angeles offices. However, last week, Interscope Records was cleared from the investigation. Jimmy Iovine discussed the matter, saying Interscope Records has never had any type of ties to organized crime. While Jimmy Iovine is free from the investigation, other members of Henchman's organization have been revealed, such as his brother Kesnar Rosemond.

Jimmy Henchman worked with a number of businesses, including an unnamed New York City car dealership. He was also suspected of shipping his products through Rock-It Cargo, with them being a knowing partner. There are also a number of FedEx accounts that have been opened in Jimmy Henchman's name. While Jimmy Henchman continues to fight for his innocence, his brother, Kesnar, has pled guilty and is cooperating with the law enforcement.

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Cadillac Tah responds to Prodigy via Facebook!

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Ever since he got out of prison, Prodigy has had plenty to say about both his friends and foes. Recently, his comments about Capone has led to the rapper feuding with P. Along the way, Prodigy has diffused a possible beef with 50 Cent and has ignited one with Cadillac Tah, a former member of Murder Inc.

In his tell-all book, Prodigy addresses the Ja Rule situation. He said Rule and Irv Gotti were set up by Cadillac Tah to be robbed. When he released this information, MTV got in contact with Ja Rule. In an interview with Sway Calloway, Ja Rule said the story was not true. He went on to give Prodigy props for being a Queens rapper.

Cadillac Tah has not been as friendly over the issue. A little over an hour ago, Caddy discovered what Prodigy said about him. Through his personal Facebook page, Prodigy told exactly how he feels about what the Mobb Deep member said.

"YO THAT NIGGA PRODIGY IS FUCKIN FAGOT.....TELL HIM I SAID IT!!! AND COME SEE ME IF HE FEELIN FROGGY IM IN THE HOOD!! POVCITY BITCH!!!! EXCUSE MY FRENCH BUT ALL BOTTY MON MUST DEAD!!!! P.C.G MUTHAFUCKA!!!!!" - Cadillac Tah, Facebook.

Capone has asked 50 Cent to stay out of his issue with Prodigy over the book and his interview. From the way Cadillac Tah sounds, he could care less who he goes against.

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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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Shyne determined to reach Jay-Z's level of success

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Early in his career, Shyne was molded in the same vein as Mase by Sean Combs. Following the death of The Notorious B.I.G., the Bad Boy label needed a new flagship artist. Mase was the first artist selected, but he gave up rap for ministry. Shyne was soon recruited to rebuild Bad Boy.

Shyne was a major star early in his career because he was with the Bad Boy label. But, following his prison sentence and his falling out with Combs and Bad Boy, Shyne was left out in the cold. Soon, he aligned with Irv Gotti, who helped him release his last album, in 2004.

While seven years have passed since his last album, Shyne intends to take over the game. Realizing he is not on the same level as Jay-Z, Shyne is inspiried by this. Shyne said he is going to work until he and Jay-Z are considered equals in the rap game. Given his change in style and the rejection of some of his newer songs, Shyne has his work cut out for him.

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Lil Wayne receives props from Jennifer Lopez

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Ever since he went on his mixtape tear, back in 2006, more and more people have considered Lil Wayne to be legendary. Wayne confidently demanded this, himself on his Jay-Z-assisted, "Mr. Carter" record. While Lil Wayne has improved his lyrical ability, some still do not consider him one of the all-time greats.

Jennifer Lopez has been around hip hop music her entire life. She grew up in the South Bronx in the early days of hip hop. When she got older, Lopez worked closely with Ja Rule and Irv Gotti. Along the way, she also did work with Nas. With all of that experience, many consider Lopez to be a good judge of hip hop.

Lil Wayne is preparing to release Tha Carter IV this year and there is a lot of discussion about his place in history. Jennifer Lopez recently helped out his cause. She said she feels Lil Wayne might be the best rapper in the game, as it currently stands. This is coming from someone who has worked with many of the top rappers in the game, so it might make people think twice about Weezy F. Baby.

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Nicki Minaj accepts Irv Gotti’s Lauryn Hill comparison

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Recently, Irv Gotti compared Nicki Minaj to Lauryn Hill and there was plenty of outrage from the hip hop community. While there is no one who will deny the talent that lies within Nicki Minaj, no one is ready to crown her the next Lauryn Hill. Many hip hop critics and fans, alike, say Hill is one of the best performers who ever lived. Nicki Minaj, on the other hand, has not proved herself to be legendary, yet.


Currently, Nicki Minaj is keeping the radio hot with her undying hit single, “Your Love.” In the song, Nicki Minaj sings and raps, but it is clear she has a little bit of assistance from the auto-tune machine. While the song will forever be embedded in most hip hop fans’ memories as the anthem of summer 2010, not many would agree that it rivals the run Lauryn Hill had twelve summers prior.

Nicki Minaj, always one to be different, has decided to go with the unpopular decision. She becomes one of few people outside of the Murder Inc. camp to agree with Irv Gotti on any point of view. While he has been painted as the odd man out in the rap game, Nicki Minaj agrees with him in comparing her to Lauryn Hill. Minaj said she definitely has the talent, but Irv has placed the pressure on her to prove it.

Both Nicki Minaj and Lauryn Hill will be releasing new albums this fall.

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Ja Rule pushes "Venni Vetti Vecci 2010" back

No rapper has a bigger chip on their shoulder than Ja Rule, he feels robbed of what was his. On the verge of being a legend, he was sideswiped by 50 Cent. All of his thunder was stolen and he has been fighting to get it back. It does not matter how hard he tries, Ja Rule cannot seem to win. He hopes all of this will soon change.

Putting the past behind him, Rule plans to make the most-historic comeback in hip hop history. This comeback has been in the plans for the past two years. After The Mirror was shelved, Ja Rule began recording for a new album. Last summer, he announced this album to be named Venni Vetti Vecci 2010. He wanted the album to be released early in 2010.

However, him trying to build his Mpire Records and Irv Gotti's negotiations with Atlantic Records taking longer than expected, the project was held up. Earlier this year, Irv Gotti officially landed a deal with Atlantic Records and Ja Rule is at the center of the deal. Back with the people who helped make him into a star with Def Jam, Rule planned to release Venni Vetti Vecci 2010 before the end of this month. But, with no promotion and no popular music, he has continued to record.

Initially set for a June release date, Ja Rule has decided to wait until August, at least, to release his eighth studio album. The album will come as a release off of Mpire Records, Murder Inc. Records, and Atlantic Records.

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Ja Rule sets November date for Album Release

Six years since the release of his last album, the hip hop world has moved on past Ja Rule. Despite the fact that everyone has seemingly forgotten about him, Ja Rule is still planning a comeback. This comeback was originally set for 2007. However, label politics kept this from happening.

Ja Rule has been through a lot and he and Murder Inc. now have a deal with Atlantic Records. Unlike his time with Universal Records, Rule is not exactly a Murder Inc. artist. Instead, he will represent the label and his own Mpire label also is established with Atlantic. With strong relationships with the executives, he is good to go.

Most of the executives with Atlantic Records, such as Lyor Cohen, know Ja Rule from his time at Def Jam. It was a no-brainer for he and Irv Gotti to establish a deal with the label. For the past few years, he has been releasing singles for the internet. However, now, he is releasing songs for his new album.

Back in business, Ja Rule has released a new single that may end up on Venni Vetti Vecci 2010. His new single, "Strong," has become quite a hit. In the song, he takes a few shots at his detractors, but he now seems focused on his music. On his past albums, Rule appeared to be caught up in the 50 Cent feud. Now, Rule appears to be past the issue. Irv Gotti is trying to push the single to radio. Ja Rule plans to make his upcoming album the best one of 2010.

Venni Vetti Vecci will be released sometime in November 2010 on Atlantic Records with Ja Rule and Irv Gotti serving as the executive producer for the album.

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Game reunites with Ja Rule for "Jump Off"

When he first made his mainstream debut, Game was one of the biggest rivals of Ja Rule. But, as he solidified his position in the rap game, his true enemy was revealed to be 50 Cent. For the past five years, he and 50 Cent have been trading disses. Once it was clear that he and 50 would never reconcile, Game built a relationship with Ja Rule, Irv Gotti and Murder Inc. Records. For the past four years, they have all been good friends.

In 2006, Game released his hit single, "One Blood," on the remix, he featured almost every rapper in the game. The surprise guest of the remix was Ja Rule. The following year, Rule had planned to release his album, The Mirror. Had things gone as planned, his West Coast homage song, "Sunset," which featured Game, would have been the third single off of the album.

Irv Gotti has been trying to rebuild his label with new releases from Ja Rule and through a new artist, Newz. In an effort to help Newz gain exposure, Game recorded a track with him that appeared on L.A.X. The final single released from that album was "Nice," which was produced by Irv Gotti and featured Newz. A few months later, Rick Ross began feuding with 50 Cent and Game offered to help him out. Game did more than help out when he recruited Fat Joe and Ja Rule to help them diss 50 Cent on "Mafia Music (remix)." Ja Rule and Game have a history of helping each other out when they need it.

With his album coming in a few weeks, Game needs a single. Over five years ago, Ja Rule was a hitmaker and his style is still appealing to some. Today, Game leaked a song from his new album The R.E.D. Album, the song is called "Jump Off" and it features a hook from Ja Rule. This has become the fourth collaboration to take place between Ja Rule and Game. Game plans to release The R.E.D. Album on March 23, 2010 and Ja Rule plans to release Venni Vetti Vecci 2010 in June 2010. Both rappers plan to release another album later on in the year, too.

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