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.

Read more...

Jim Jones disappointed with "Capo" results

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

While Jim Jones is sure Capo will be one of the best albums released this year, he thinks it could have been better. Despite the album being put together to fill an obligation, Jones still had different plans. The album will be Jones' final release under E1 (formerly Koch Records), before he moves with Diplomat Records to Interscope.

Jim Jones did not even want to release the album on April 5, he wanted to give it more time. Jones felt if he had more time, the album could have had better marketing and promotion. Still, Jim Jones is not too upset because his album is "super dope." But, he feels things could have been better if it were not for the label politics.

But, being on a label as big as E1, Jim Jones had to comply with their rules. Throughout the year, more hip hop albums will be released in other time slots. Jim Jones decided to be the bigger person and go ahead and release his album, so the other artists on the label could have proper time. Jones said sometimes you have to sacrifice your art in order to please the label boss.

Read more...

Jim Jones projected to sell 18,000 copies First Week with "Capo"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Before he was a rapper, Jim Jones was noted for his savvy business skills. He helped negotiate the deal that landed Diplomat Records a deal with Roc-A-Fella Records. This deal resulted in Cam'ron taking home a platinum plaque. Soon, Jim Jones decided he also wanted to rap.

Jones released his first three albums on Koch Records (now E1) and his third album, Hustler's P.O.M.E., made him famous. While he was a recoding artist for Koch, Jim Jones was also an A&R for the major label, Sony Records. Soon, Jones deicded the next major artist he would land was himself.

But, following an unsuccessful release with Sony, Jim Jones decided to complete his contract with E1 Music. Currently, Jones is promoting his final E1 album, Capo. Following the release of Capo, the next album from Jim Jones will be released through Interscope Records. But, his current album is projected to sell between 15,000 and 18,000 copies in its first week.

Read more...

Jim Jones gives Prodigy props

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Despite friction between their crews in the past, Jim Jones has given his props to Prodigy. Following three years in prison, Prodigy is out and ready to record new music. Not only is he working on his own solo album, but he and Havoc are putting together a new album for their Mobb Deep group.

Jim Jones is also in the middle of making major moves. Recently, his crew signed with Interscope Records. For years, they have released music through Koch Records. Jones is preparing to release his upcoming album, Capo, through the label. Following the release, he will also release music through Interscope Records.

Ironically enough, Prodigy was signed to Interscope from 2005 until late 2009. Currently searching for a label, Prodigy is recording music frequently. Jim Jones has been paying attention to Prodigy's new music and he is highly impressed. Jones said he likes the new music from Prodigy and said it is obvious he has kept his weight up over the past three years.

Read more...

Diggy Simmons discusses his Rap Career

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Late in 2009, Diggy Simmons began recording music. As a part of the legendary Simmons family, rapping comes natural to Diggy. Ever since 2007, his older brother, JoJo, has been recording with Team BLACKOUT. The group was compared to Run-DMC by many close to them.

Early in 2010, Diggy shocked rap fans when Atlantic Records announced they had signed him. JoJo's group had been recording for three years and had a minor deal with Koch Records. Many gossip sites tried to create friction between the brothers. This all ended when their sister, Angela, stepped in and diffused the rumors.

Last spring, Diggy Simmons released a video and he has been featured in several commercials. Even with a major label deal and being a "rich kid," Diggy Simmons has remained grounded. Recently, he discussed being featured on XXL as one of the 2011 Freshmen rappers. Despite being featured, Diggy said there are plenty of people who do not even know he raps.

Read more...

J. Prince confident in Cash Money reunion

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

For years, fans have been wanting The Hot Boyz to reunite, as each member has gone in a different direction. During their peak, Juvenile was the most popular rapper in the crew. B.G. also had strong buzz, but Lil Wayne was nothing more than the sidekick of the crew. Even Turk had more buzz.

Juvenile has been in the game for years and he has gone through several record labels. He started his career with Cash Money Records, but left after a contract dispute. In recent years, Juvenile has been signed to Koch and Atlantic Records and is now with Rap-A-Lot Records.

J. Prince, the head of Rap-A-Lot, is confident he will be able to reunite the Hot Boyz. Now, he has plans of reuniting the entire crew. Juvenile said he was ready to do a reunion album, but Lil Wayne's prison sentence stopped things from happening. J. Prince has plans of talking with Birdman to see if Rap-A-Lot Records and Cash Money Records can unite to become one crew.

While Juvenile's album does not have a title yet, J. Prince is convinced it will be a classic. He wants the entire Cash Money crew to be featured on the album. Prince feels they were family once and they can be family again. Because he, Birdman, and Slim are all businessmen, J. Prince thinks they can work something out to have the entire crew on the next Juvenile album.

Read more...

Jim Jones releasing "Capo" on E1 instead of Sony

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

During the Roc-A-Fella days, Jim Jones began rapping, but he did not sign with the Roc. Instead, he established a deal with Koch Records and he released two albums with the label. His third album came in 2006 and made Jones a household name.

In 2006, Jim Jones was feuding with Jay-Z. Tired of the frequent disses, Jay-Z began responding. He boasted about how much money he makes and how many more records he sells. Jay-Z also scoffed at the fact that Jim Jones was on an independent label.

Jim Jones replied that he also had an A&R job with Columbia Records. Soon after the news was made public, Jones signed an artist deal with the label. He planned to release his next album through the imprint.

Ever since last year, Jim Jones has been recording, Capo, his fifth studio album. The album process has taken many wild turns. In a strange turn of events, Jim Jones has decided to release the album on his former label, Koch (E1) as opposed to Sony. Due to the relationship between Sony and Koch Entertainment, they have no issue in allowing Jones to do this.

Read more...