Pete Rock speaks on Syl Johnson suing Jay-Z and Kanye West

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Jay-Z and Kanye West's Watch the Throne has caught the attention of everyone. The album has proven their lasting impact on the game. Several rappers have freestyled over a number of tracks off the album. However, everyone is not impressed with their collaborative effort.

Soul singer, Syl Johnson has heard "The Joy" and he is highly upset with the song. "The Joy," which is produced by Pete Rock, uses a sample from Johnson's "Different Strokes." The sample was used without his permission. Because of this, Syl Johnson is trying to shut down the album and receive the profits.

Pete Rock broke his silence about the lawsuit and the song. He seems to be just as surprised as Syl Johnson. While he produced the song, Pete Rock said the sample was not placed until after he completed the song. The Throne claimed the sample was originally to be used for My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, but in the end, they decided not to use the song.

Syl Johnson was shocked to see the song appear on Watch the Throne. Pete Rock said The Throne thought they could take the sample without paying and still get away with it. He then said Syl Johnson is still alive and well, so he is no pushover.

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Album Preview: Styles P - "Master of Ceremonies"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

At the very beginning of the year, Styles P announced he was working on his first album in four years, Master of Ceremonies. Bits of news about the album have been dropped throughout the year. The album is set to drop on October 4, 2011.

Master of Ceremonies will boast appearances from The L.O.X., Busta Rhymes, Lloyd Banks, Rick Ross, Pharoahe Monch, and Pharrell. The producers for the album will be Warren G, Pete Rock, and Statik Selektah.

Styles P proclaimed he was one of the best rappers of his generation. There are many critics who would agree with him. His previous albums were all met with positive reviews. Given the list of people Styles P has for the album, and his own kill, Master of Ceremonies should be another classic notch under his belt.

Track list

  1. "How We Fly" ft. Avery Storm
  2. "We Don't Play" ft. Lloyd Banks
  3. "I'm a Gee" ft. Rell
  4. "Ryde on Da Regular"
  5. "Keep the Faith" ft. Aja
  6. "Children" ft. Pharoahe Monch
  7. "Street Shit" ft. Sheek Louch
  8. "Feelings Gone"
  9. "Harsh" ft. Rick Ross and Busta Rhymes
10. "It's Ok" ft. Jadakiss
11. "Don't Turn Away" ft. Pharrell
12. "Uh-Ohh" ft. Sheek Louch

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Mac Miller talks Low Guest Appearances on "Blue Slide Park"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

After bubbling under the surface for years, Mac Miller is finally preparing to release his debut album. The album is titled Blue Slide Park and it will be released through Rostrum Records. The label is primarily known for releasing albums from Wiz Khalifa.

With Mac Miller working on a commercial debut album, fans are eager to know who he is working with. The young rapper explained how he had toured from January until May and is now coming back home. Back home, he is working on the album.

However, Mac Miller explained he was limiting collaborations to the people he is close to. Mac Miller said the people on this album will be the people who do not care if they make the cut or not. While he is limiting collaborations with artists, a number of big-name producers will make the cut.

Among the producers will be Just Blaze and Pete Rock.

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Pete Rock & Smif N Wessun ft. Freeway - "Roses"

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Pete Rock ft. Smif N Wessun, Sean Price and Styles P - "That's Hard"

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Jay-Z and Kanye West recruit DJ Premier to join "Watch the Throne"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

There has been a lot of buzz surrounding the new collaboration album between Jay-Z and Kanye West, Watch the Throne. For the first time, Jay-Z and Kanye West will be sharing an entire album together. Fans of both rappers are extremely excited about this news.

Kanye West has worked with Jay-Z his entire career, but each time they have collaborated, West has been Jay's artist. But, on their most recent collaboration, "Hate," the rappers were equal. Kanye said he wanted to prove himself to Jay-Z and record with him as an equal.

After planning to do an EP together, the chemistry between the two rappers led to them deciding to do a full album. Because both are considered among the best in the game. Legends from the game have even stopped to take notice of what the rappers have planned. Pete Rock already signed on to be a producer for the album and another legend has also agreed to produce for the album.

DJ Premier confirmed his work on the album and he admitted he had been wanting to work with Jay-Z for nearly two years. He had wanted to do something for Jay-Z on The Blueprint 3, but he did not get his work together in time, so his beats were not used on the album. Premier already feels the pressure of doing work for a Jay-Z album, but he feels twice the pressure dealing with Kanye West too. However, he sees this as positive pressure and he feels what he brings to the table will help the album stand out.

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