Common enlists Maya Angelou for "The Dreamer, The Believer"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

For his latest album, The Dreamer, The Believer, Common has gone all out. Hip hop heads wished, for years, to hear Common and Nas on the same track. The two made this happen with their collaboration, "Ghetto Dreams." Their track will be a part of the upcoming album.

Fans were excited about the collaboration between Common and Nas, but it has nothing on his next collaboration. Known as a rapper who talks about the issues, Common is all about raising awareness. Despite being a rapper, many classify his music as poetry.

Several Common fans consider him a poet and he is giving those fans a treat. Common has recruited the legendary poet, Maya Angelou, for his new album. He met Maya Angelou at a benefit he was doing for a foundation. Common said meeting Angelou was incredible. The poet who was supposed to come to the benefit did not show up, so his team contacted Maya Angelou and she agreed to do it, since then she and Common have been friends.

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Mary J. Blige talks working with Rick Ross and Nas

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Recently, Mary J. Blige sat down with XXL and discussed her upcoming collaborations. Mary J. Blige has recorded several tracks with Rick Ross. Ross was the first collaboration announced on her My Life II album. Meanwhile, Rick Ross is also featuring Mary on his God Forgives, I Don't album.

Mary J. Blige has had nothing but wonderful things to say about Rick Ross. During one interview about Ross, Blige said he was beautiful. She also said Ross was a gentleman, open and honest, talented, and a G. Rick Ross may be her favorite new collaborator, but Mary has history with Nas.

Another rap feature on My Life II will be with Nasty Nas, who recently collaoborated with Rick Ross, himself. Nas will provide verses on Mary J. Blige's "Feel Inside." With all the collaborations done and "25/8" and "Mr. Wrong" preparing to hit the radio, Mary J. Blige is now waiting to release her album.

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Nas ft. Rick Ross - "It's a Tower Heist"

Until now, fans have yet to hear Nas and Rick Ross on the same track. For five years, the two have worked with the same artists, while signed to the same label. Now, Nas and Rick Ross come together for "It's a Tower Heist," a track off the Tower Heist soundtrack.

Listen to "It'a a Tower Heist" by Nas ft. Rick Ross below:

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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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Nas' official video for "Nasty" coming tomorrow

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Earlier this year, Nas made his solo return to the game. Fans last heard solo music from Nas in 2008. After a three year hiatus, he returned with his song, "Nasty." The song did enough to get Nas' name back out there, but the song faded.

During the summer, Nas announced his album would soon be coming. His tenth release will likely be called Life is Good and is set for a fall release. Back in August, Nas filmed the official video for "Nasty," saying it would be out soon.

Two months have passed and the video for "Nasty" has yet to come out. With the fans patiently waiting, Nas announced his single would be released tomorrow. Opting to not premiere it on a network or website, Nas is debuting the video on his own site.

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Common talks "The Dreamer, The Believer" with Hard Knock TV [VIDEO]

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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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50 Cent vs. Lupe Fiasco feud?

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Even during his days as a mixtape rapper, 50 Cent was known as one of hip hop's biggest forces. In 2003, 50 Cent released his commercial debut, Get Rich or Die Tryin', which was laced with disses aimed at Ja Rule. At the time, Ja Rule was the biggest rapper in the game, 50 Cent took that role.

On his second album, The Massacre, 50 Cent moved on from his feud with Ja Rule. While he still dissed his foe, 50 Cent began dissing Fat Joe, Jadakiss, and Nas. Because of this, Game, then a member of G-Unit, separated himself from 50 Cent. This led to a feud between the label-mates.

50 Cent sparked a feud with Cam'ron before the release of his third album, Curtis. At the same time, 50 Cent found common ground with Jadakiss. It has become clear what 50 Cent does when it is time for him to release a new album. 50 boasted of how he may decide to release a new album this year.

For his new "Street King" movement, 50 Cent has been releasing a new track every day. While the movement is for a worthy cause, 50 Cent took shots at Lupe Fiasco. After being out of the limelight for four years, Lupe Fiasco returned with his chart-topping album, Lasers. The album solidified Lupe Fiasco as the new socially-concious figure in hip hop. For the most part, Lupe Fiasco has stayed away from beef, but he had a minor tiff with Soulja Boy last December.

With 50 Cent apparently taking shots during a time when beef is more of a joke than a true competition, will Lupe Fiasco respond to 50 Cent, or will be invite him to dinner?

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J. Cole talks Drake collaborative album and Working with Nas

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Since he released his debut album, J. Cole can no longer be referred to as a new artist. Now, he is officially just like Drake and the other rising talents in the game. Ever since both rappers were signed, the media has been trying to pit them against each other.

Despite the media's best attempts, J. Cole and Drake have become good friends. J. Cole's "In the Morning" single even features the Toronto sensation. J. Cole and Drake have become so chummy, J. Cole said he would not mind doing a full album with him.

There were rumors of Drake returning the favor to J. Cole, by featuring him on his Take Care album. Rumors said Cole would be featured alongside Nas. J. Cole, who would jump at the opportunity, said it has yet to come. The Roc Nation star went on to say it was a good idea and whoever created the rumor should be an A&R.

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Common talks Role on new AMC series and working with No I.D.

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Recently, Common returned to the headlines. This spring, a track from Common, featuring Nas, called "Ghetto Dreams," leaked to the internet. Hip hop heads have been waiting on a collaboration between the two legendary rappers for well over a decade. During this time, Common has gone from just being a rapper to also becoming an actor.

Common is currently gearing up for his latest album, The Dreamer, The Believer. His "Blue Sky" single premiered on the radio yesterday and has been shared on the internet. Providing production on Common's latest album will be No I.D. Over the summer, he landed an executive role with Def Jam. Now, he is going back to work with Common.

Working with No I.D. for so long, Common said it is good to still work with someone like him. The reason Common said this was because he and No I.D. first entered the game together. Nearly twenty years later, Common is regarded as one of the best rappers in the game and No I.D. is regarded as one of the best producers in the game, along with being a record executive. Common said the two have always had great chemistry when they worked together.

Outside of music, Common will still be shown on the screen, this time, however, it will be the small screen. Common will have a role in the upcoming AMC series, "Hell on Wheels." The series takes place in 1865, as it is about the Transcontinential Railroad. Common said he plays the role of a freed slave in the series.

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On the Rise: Joseph da Dreamer

By The Rap Scout
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Hip hop has several genres, most of which are classified by region. It has been an incredible movement for hip hop over the past thirty years. As a branch of R&B, which is a branch from inspirational music, hip hop has now come full circle.

Inspirational hip hop is probably the most-overlooked genre of hip hop. Aside from such people as Kirk Franklin, and others, there have not been many inspirational rappers, who have experienced much commercial success.

Joseph da Dreamer has been in the rap game for a long time. Initially, he did mainstream rap, but he has branched out into inspirational music. A chance meeting with a business figure led to Joseph creating his Starrated Music Group label.

Read the entire interview below:

What was behind your original moniker, Mista Black?
My old rap name was Black Mail. That was the name I used when I worked with different record labels. But, when I launched my own company, I decided to change my name to Mista Black. Mista Black sounds more professional, James Bond-like. I see myself as the James Bond of the rap industry. Now, everybody calls themselves Mista Black, but my name means having pride in what you do, being about business, and being humble.

When did you realize you wanted to record gospel music?
I realized it since 2009. I did not have the time back then, because of all the artists I was managing. I really thought about it back in high school. I always wanted to do gospel music, because it is more inspirational. All the music I created was inspirational and it dealt with life. The Lord led to my transition to gospel and I could not say no. It bugged me because I was not doing music for the Lord. Now, I give my message to the youth, being a leader.

When did you launch Starrated Music Group?
I launched it back in January of this year. Originally, the label was called Starrated Records, but I changed the name to Music Group because it is going to be real huge. I am dealing with a guy in Atlanta, he is an A&R and he gets my connections. There are big things coming to my movement. I deal with so many business figures, actors, etc.

How many artists are signed to your record label?
I do not have any signed artists. I am working with a gospel artist named Matthew, he is in development. I also have a gospel singer in development. But, there is a producer signed under me and some ghostwriters.

How many artists do you manage?
Right now, only one.

Are you opposed to working with non-gospel artists?
Right now, I am working with one non-gospel artist, Rob Gutta, he is affiliated with DJ Drama. He has a huge fan base in Michigan and I will help him shop his music. I have another artist named Paul, who is a non-gospel artist, I am going to be his agent, as well.

I am not critical of those who are not saved, because the Lord does not like that. So, when it comes down to business, I will work with anyone.

Do you feel there is a bias in gospel music?
Yeah. Well, hip hop gospel artists do not receive the same attention, but I feel it will soon get more attention because this is all politics. This is just like how Nas said hip hop is dead, but gospel hip hop is hip hop, because it is all truth. When you are speaking the truth and trying to help out the community, that is the message some people do not want in the neighborhood.

How do you plan to avoid this?
I feel there is a way. When you are with the Lord, there is always a way. When there is a will, there is a way, especially when you are working with the Lord. Hip hop gospel artists are doing well, however, overseas.

What is your movement like in your local area?
My movement is pretty decent, I have a lot of work to do. I have nearly 1,000 fans, but I am sure I will have over 10,000 fans by the end of November. I have to release more music and videos and then the movement will really start blowing up. Plus, with my partnerships with other companies, I will take the game over. The people have not seen nothin' yet, glory to God.

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Fabolous gives props to AZ, saying he is among Hip Hop's most Underrated

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Fabolous is back in the news, as he prepares the release of his sixth studio album, Loso's Way 2. Now a ten year veteran in the game, Fab reflects on the simpler times in his life. Before he made it big in the rap game, Fabolous was a fan.

Growing up listening to Nas and AZ, among others, Fabolous is still amazed when he thinks of how he knows them personally. Fabolous has yet to collaborate with AZ, but he is still a major fan. Recently, Fab discussed AZ, saying he deserves more recognition.

Despite being considered one of the best lyricists in the game and one of the original members of The Firm, AZ does not receive the credit of other rappers. Recently, Hip Hop Wired even named him on their list of the biggest busts in hip hop. While AZ's commercial appeal never matched the critical reception, he has a strong cult following.

Speaking on AZ, Fabolous admitted he modeled his wordplay after his. While they do not have a close personal relationship, Fabolous said he does live in the same neighborhood as AZ. The two have not had any meetings, but Fabolous said they have been at the grocery store at the same time before. Admitting he really did not know where AZ lives, Fabolous said he knows they are in the same neighborhood.

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Common says Nas is his Favorite Rapper

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Hip hop heads around the world were excited when they learned of Common and Nas recording together. Both rappers are considered two of the most-lyrical in the game. Earlier this year, they came together for "Ghetto Dreams."

During a recent interview, Common was asked who his favorite rapper is. Common said Nas is his favorite rapper, because his lyrics will stand the test of time. While he cited Nas, Common said many would argue Jay-Z is the best.

Common said the reason he picks Nas as his favorite rapper is because his lyrics are more poetic. With Nas' lyrics, Common feels they can be written down and will be relevant years from now. He feels Nas' work can be literature.

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Nas says Hip Hop needs more songs like "Nasty"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

The last time fans had heard anything new from Nas, aside from his work with Damian Marley, was in 2008. The final single released from Untitled was "Make the World Go Round." Patiently, fans waited on more Nas music.

Nas wanted to return last year with a second edition of his compilation, The Lost Tapes. However, due to issues with his label, Def Jam, things were put on hold. After holding out for so long, Nas began recording his next album.

Currently in the studio, Nas announced his latest solo album would be called Life is Good. Earlier this year, the first single off the album leaked. The single, "Nasty," has become a critical success.

After being out for months, now the radio is beginning to pick "Nasty" up. During a recent discussion with MTV News, Nas said he would like more songs like "Nasty" to be out. A video was shot for the song a little over a month ago. While the video has been completed, it has been delayed with no set release date. The video may be delayed, but Nas said it will be coming soon and the fans will love.

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Nas - "The Found Tapes"

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Pharrell gives Rick Ross props

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

The quality of rap artists had been dwindling for some time until Nas ended up coining the "hip hop is dead" phrase. In the time since that statement, a number of rappers have been stepping their skills up. At the same time, many new rappers have emerged and have been met with critical acclaim.

Rick Ross emerged in the months before "hip hop is dead." When he first debuted, many saw Rick Ross as another Southern rapper. But, following the success of Trilla and his feud with 50 Cent, people realized he was the real deal. Five years since the release of his debut album, Rick Ross is one of hip hop's biggest names.

Pharrell has long been one of the most critically-acclaimed producers in the game. The Virginia native is also credited as a decent rapper and a good singer. But, over the past few years, he has been more on the production side of things. While he has been out of the spotlight, Pharrell is still following the game and he says hip hop is in a good place.

Unlike many, Pharrell supports Rick Ross and his movement, he stated music changes over the years and the music has changed. Pharrell said it is rare to have someone come out and dominate the way Rick Ross has over the past few years. While people say what they want to about Rick Ross, Pharrell said his music is authentic.

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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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DJ Premier talks Nas' "Memory Lane" off "Illmatic"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

DJ Premier has worked with Nas ever since the start of his career. Illmatic is hailed my many as one of hip hop's greatest albums. Three tracks from the album were produced by DJ Premier. Premo has also worked with Elzhi on his Elmatic album.

"Memory Lane" was among the three songs produced by DJ Premier for the album. DJ Premier did not jump at the chance to produce this song. It was Nas who wanted the sample for the track. The sample was one DJ Premier did not want to use.

Nas asked DJ Premier to work his magic over the sample to give him something different. Upon reaching a compromise, DJ Premier produced the track. But, it was not until he heard Nas' lyrics over the track when DJ Premier grew to like it. Before, it had been Premo's least-favorite track off the album.

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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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Lloyd Banks wants to work with Nas, but not Game

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

As one of the original members of G-Unit, Lloyd Banks has been there for all the controversy. G-Unit has been involved in several feuds over the years. However, in recent years, G-Unit has been making peace with several rivals. Lloyd Banks has also expressed interest in working with a number of rivals.

Lloyd Banks recently stated he wanted to work with Nas. For nearly ten years, Nas and 50 Cent have been at odds. Nas was initially good friends with 50 Cent. But, when 50 Cent was in the hospital, following his gunshot wounds, Nas took his spot on a song with Jennifer Lopez.

Since his Get Rich or Die Tryin' debut, 50 Cent has made his issues with Nas public. Game was a prominent member of G-Unit before his beef with the label. After he left G-Unit, Game worked with a number of the G-Unit rivals, including Nas. While Lloyd Banks said he is willing to work with Nas, he said fans should not anticipate a collaboration with Game.

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