Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff reunite for New Album

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

A few weeks ago, Will Smith announced he would soon be recording a new album. Will Smith last released new music, in 2005, with his album, Lost & Found. The album featured Smith's hit single, "Switch," which topped the Billboard Hot 100. Following his 2005 album, Will Smith returned to producing television shows and starring in movies.

When Will Smith announced his new album, he said he would be working with many of the current hip hop stars. Smith also said his new album would contain a few surprises. Early in his career, Will Smith worked with DJ Jazzy Jeff. Childhood friends, Smith always kept him near, even when they ended their partnership.

Despite their partnership ending, DJ Jazzy Jeff is still Will Smith's performance DJ. Jazzy Jeff revealed he and Smith talked a couple of weeks ago and he told him he wanted to record with him. The duo are not working on a timed schedule, DJ Jazzy Jeff just wants to see what they can do while they are in the studio together.

Speaking on Will Smith "going Hollywood," DJ Jazzy Jeff said Will Smith never wanted to not do music, it was the bigger checks in movies that kept him away from hip hop. However, still, Will Smith has remained close to the hip hop scene. As Will Smith is working on his first album in six years, his daughter, Willow, is working on her debut album with Roc Nation.

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Will Smith to return to Rap

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Many forget Will Smith actually began his career as a rapper. Hailing from Philadelphia, he rose the ranks of the rap game. In 1991, his career received a major boost with "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." The show was a legendary classic and helped Will Smith make the jump from the small screen to the big screen.

For nearly twenty years, Will Smith has been one of Hollywood's leading men. While he has dominated the movies and even executive produced a sitcom, music has been on the backburner. Last year, he got back into the game when his daughter, Willow Smith, landed a record deal with Roc Nation.

Perhaps all of the recording with Willow got to Will. He has decided to dust off his mic and release a comeback album. Smith last released an album in 2005, Lost & Found. The album produced his crossover hit, "Switch." The song was a major hit and the album was successful. However, following the release of the album, Will Smith went back to the movies.

On his next album, Will Smith says he is working with Ashanti, T.I., and he said Mario invited him to record on his mixtape. For Will Smith, the invites are lining up rather quickly. Will Smith is also working on a new movie, High School, with Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa.

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Common - "Summer Madness"

Common and No.I.D. team up, once again. This song, properly titled "Summer Madness," was released right in time for the peak season of the year.

Sampling elements of Will Smith's all-time hit, "Summertime," "Summer Madness" is a part of Common's Cocaine 80's EP.

Listen to "Summer Madness" by Common below:

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J. Cole denies rift with Jay-Z

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Fans and J. Cole, alike, thought his debut album would have been here by now. In 2008, J. Cole was the first artist signed to the Roc Nation label, Jay-Z's new venture. Music from J. Cole was released in 2009, leading many to think and album was coming.

Late in the spring of 2010, J. Cole released "Who Dat," supposedly the first single from his album. During the summer, an official video was released. The video was not only shared on the internet, but it also got play on BET and MTV. Still, no album came.

J. Cole talked about the delays of his album and how he has remained patient. During the fall of 2010, Roc Nation signed the daughter of Will Smith, Willow Smith. Roc Nation then began promoting her more than J. Cole. His album, however, was still scheduled to be released before her debut album.

Last month, there were rumors of Jay-Z growing impatient with J. Cole not putting an album together. The early rumors suggested J. Cole was waiting on Jay-Z for his release. Regardless of what the issue was, the first official single, "Disgusting," was released to the radio. Now, with his song gaining traction, J. Cole has decided to address the rumors about him and Jay-Z. He said their relationship is great and always has been before questioning why people would even believe those rumors.

J. Cole's debut album still lacks a solid release date.

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Willow Smith talks "Parents Just Don't Understand" remake

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

In the final few months of 2010, Willow Smith turned the whole world on its ear. She is the child of Will and Jada Smith and she is making her own mark. Smith came out with the single, "Whip My Hair," and created an anthem. Now, she has to put together an album to house the anthem.

The set release date for Willow Smith's debut album is 2011 and she is making preparations. Despite her goal of topping her father's success, many believe Willow is only a one-hit-wonder. Willow wants to people to think whatever they want to about her. She has major plans.

In an effort to avoid falling into the one-hit-wonder trap, Smith has discussed remaking Will Smith's hit "Parents Just Don't Understand." When he released the song, Will Smith did not have children, now he finds himself being a parent and his own child saying he does not understand. That part may hurt, but seeing his child shine more than makes up for it.

Nothing is set in stone, but Willow Smith would like to remake the song and put it on her upcoming album. If completed, the song would likely become a single sometime in the spring or summer of 2011.

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DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince - "Nightmare on my Street"

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