Wednesday, January 19, 2011
50 Cent talks "Watch the Throne"
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Throughout his career, 50 Cent has been very critical of Kanye West and Jay-Z. In 2007, 50 Cent challenged Kanye West to a battle of album sales. After Kanye West won the battle, 50 Cent targeted him with several disses. 50 Cent dissed Kanye for two years with no response.
Later in 2009, 50 Cent used Beanie Sigel to ignite a feud with former rival, Jay-Z. Ten years prior, 50 Cent had dissed Jay-Z and warranted a response on Vol. 3. But, this time around, Jay-Z did not engage 50 Cent. Behind the scenes, the two had a conversation and 50 Cent agreed not to diss Jay-Z anymore.
But, the news of Watch the Throne did not escape 50 Cent. He, surprisingly, is just as excited as most fans. With two titans in rap coming together for an album, 50 Cent says it will be an incredible thing to see and hear. Because of both of their talents, 50 Cent said he does not see why the album will not be one of the best of 2011. Read more...
Rick Ross signs Wale and Meek Millz
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Late last year, Rick Ross began outlining his plans for 2011. First on his list was to branch out as a businessman as the face of Sean John and promoting his own clothing line. Ross also planned to sign more artists to his Maybach Music imprint and record his next album.
Rick Ross was asked of his opinion of Wale back in November. He revealed he was a major fan of Wale. Ross was so supportive of him that he said he may end up signing the D.C. native to his label. At the time, no one took Rick Ross' statement seriously.
Two months later, Rick Ross has proved Diddy can mold a businessman in his image. Not only did the teflon don announce he signed Wale, but he also signed Meek Millz to the label. Rick Ross said he is going to focus more on his label in the coming months.
Rick Ross is currently in the studio working on his fifth album, God Forgives, I Don't. Read more...
Raekwon discusses New Album and Nas
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
In 2009, Raekwon released Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II. The album was well-received by critics and fans alike. After being away from the game for some time, Raekwon was back. While everyone was celebrating, Raekwon was not satisfied.
Before he began recording the album, Rakewon knew he wanted to work with Nas. The two rappers met up and Nas agreed to appear on the album. But, when it was time to record, Nas never recorded his verse. Raekwon had to release the album without him.
Raekwon was a little upset because Nas was not featured on his album. But, with his new album, Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang, Raekwon has everything he wants. To make up for his last album, Raekwon again invited Nas to be on the album.
Nas promised Raekwon he would be ready to record on this album. With everything in place, Raekwon can hardly wait to put the album together. The Wu-Tang rapper spoke on the album, saying he felt it was the best album of his career. This time around, he has landed all the collaborators he wanted. A good guest list is just as important as the actual album to Raekwon. Read more...
Dr. Dre not releasing "Detox" on 4/20
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Yesterday, there were reports of Dr. Dre setting a release date for his long-awaited Detox. Throughout his career, Dr. Dre has let it be known how he feels about smoking. His debut album was called The Chronic and his second album was nicknamed Chronic 2001.
Throughout 2010, Dr. Dre released small portions of Detox for means of promotion. Right before the spring, he released his "Under Pressure" single, which was used in a commercial for "Beats by Dre." Later in the year, he released "Kush," his current hit.
After pushing Detox back into 2011, Dr. Dre announced he would not delay the album anymore. It seemed as if there was a solid date and an ode to the smokers' day with Detox's release date. But, Dr. Dre has come out to deny the release date. Read more...
Diddy supports Obama
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
In 2008, Diddy was among the many celebrities who endorsed then-Senator Barack Obama in his presidential bid. Two years in office and now-President Obama is having a hard time getting his ideas passed into legislation. Many of the people who supported him now seem to hate him.
While many Obama supporters turned on him during his young presidency, Diddy remains loyal. He understands turning around a country as big as the United States is not easy. Along with not being easy, the job will not be completed in one day. With all of the negative press, Diddy announced his support of the president.
Diddy recently explained his support of the president. He said the people understand how Obama is different. The people did not simply endorse him, they invested in him. Diddy said he invested in the president and he will continue to support him. The only thing that Diddy asks of President Obama is that he stays strong under the pressure of the entire world. No matter what, Diddy said he would stand by him. Read more...
50 Cent says "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" was Too Aggressive
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Fans immediately fell in love with 50 Cent because his music was sticking it to the people in control. Ja Rule had taken over the rap world by late 2002 and the fans were tired of him. 50 Cent used this to his advantage and dissed him on his early 2003 debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin'.
In the time since his debut album, 50 Cent has turned fans off, himself. His last album, Before I Self Destruct, did not even sell 500,000 copies. Hip hop heads are tired of 50 Cent coming with the same style on each album. But, when he tries to change up, he is accused of "Ja Ruling" the game.
50 Cent recently explained the position he is stuck in. He said this whole situation is his own fault. When he finally released his debut album, 50 Cent said he came out too aggressive. From the beginning, he wanted to do pop records later in his career. But, because of the way he came out, he had to keep giving the people hardcore music and the people also grew tired of that. Read more...
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
On the Rise: Ray Hustle
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
North Carolina has been a hotbed for hip hop for many years now. In 2001, Petey Pablo was the breakout rapper from Greenville, NC. Following his short run, North Carolina rap had fallen off.
However, J. Cole put North Carolina hip hop back in the mainstream. Representing Fayetteville, he has introduced a new city to the hip hop world. J. Cole is not the only rapper representing the Crown City.
Ray Hustle has been representing Fayetteville, NC ever since his family moved to the area in 2000. He has quickly risen to become one of the city's most-popular figures in rap. Born in Detroit, Ray Hustle can be found performing in various clubs in the city. Hip Hop Vibe interviewed the rapper earlier this week and featured him as the latest "On the Rise" artist.
How long have you been rapping?
I've been rapping for 16 years now.
What was your first rap recording?
The first song i ever recorded was a feature on my cousin, Fresh's record.
Where did you grow up at?
I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan.
How did your family end up in Fayetteville, NC?
My aunt, Kim, moved to Fayetteville through the military
What impact did Fayetteville have on your rap style?
Well the impact Fayetteville had on me is it gave me music range from all the people I know from different places.
Do you consider yourself a midwest or southern rapper?
I dont consider myself a MIDWEST or SOUTHERN rapper, I'm a just a great rapper.
Do you feel like you are under the shadow of J. Cole?
I dont feel under J. Cole's shadow because we make different type of music all for the same cause, food for thought.
How do you intend to represent a different style of Fayetteville rap?
I feel my whole style is different from anyone, Fayetteville or not.
Can you talk a little bit about Loyal Boy Ent.?
Loyal Boy Entertainment is a lifestyle and entertainment company that started two years ago from a group I was in with two other members called (L.B.R) Loyalty B4 Royalty.
How do you manage a rap career and a record label?
I stay focused on the project at hand, which is to build my overall brand.
Outside of your own projects, what will be the next release from the Loyal Boy label?
Well, as of right now, the whole label is focused on my project by agreement. So, as a team we're pushing Indictment Music, Loyal Boy's next project will be Gutta Gram's mixtape Digital Scale.
Where did you come up with the name Ray Hustle?
I used to be called V.O.S, but as I got older I wanted something unique and simply me, so I came up with Ray Hustle.
Who influenced you the most in the rap game?
My biggest influence in the rap game was Tupac he touched my soul with his music and that is how I pray to reach my fans.
Do you see a career past rapping one day?
A career besides rapping for me is for sure. I will one day be a motivational speaker/civil rights activist.
Is your music currently available for purchase anywhere?
Yes, I have a single out, "Badd Girls," avalible for sale on directly though right now so anyone seeking the single can call (910) 580-6541 and ask for Ray Hustle.
When can people expect new music from you to drop?
March 2011, I will have my first project, Indictment Music, for sale in local barbershops, tobacco shops and you will be able to buy it online from iTunes and Loyalboyent.com. BEFORE I LEAVE I WANT TO THANK ALL MY FANS & SUPPORTERS FOR THEIR TIME TO CHECKOUT MY INTERVIEW...RAY HU$TLE...LOYALBOY LIVING!!!! Read more...
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