T.I.'s "No Mercy" Goes Gold

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Things did not turn out the way T.I. had hoped last year. The rapper initially had plans of celebrating his freedom. He had began working on his seventh album, King Uncaged. The album was led with his triumphant comeback single, "I'm Back."

Despite all the energy T.I. was putting in the album, the songs were not receiving much radio play. T.I.'s comeback was not going according to plans. Soon, T.I. began receiving attention, but it was for all of the wrong reasons.

T.I. was pulled over by the police in Los Angeles and ended up being searched. After being found with illegal drugs in the vehicle, T.I. found himself in a mess. It appeared as if he was going back to prison.

The entire format of his album was changed and the title soon became No Mercy. Half of the songs promoted for the King Uncaged album were dropped and T.I. recorded new songs. These new songs talked about his struggles to keep himself straight while working on rebuilding his career. The most-notable song off the No Mercy album was "Get Back Up" with Chris Brown.

Despite the confusion, the song did fairly well and the album was released before Christmas. T.I. has defied most odds and has put together an album that has certified gold.

Read more...

Plies threatens concertgoers

By Mark 'D' Thomas
Hip Hop Vibe Senior Writer


One would think that Plies learned his lesson after his entourage shot into a live crowd in 2006. Not so, it seems, as Plies threatened his crowd during a recent performance.

After the Florida rapper was hit with a cup while performing, he went on an angry tirade, threatening violence.

"I swear to God, next [person] to throw something up here, I'ma shoot this b*tch up in here right now!" promised Plies, who was greeted with cheers. "Next b*tch that throw something up here, they gonna get it, bro."


Other Plies concerts have been similarly tumultuous, with a councilman attempting to ban rap music concerts in 2009 following a stabbing at one of the rappers' shows.


Video of the incident can be seen below.

Read more...

Young Chris talks Damon Dash's influence

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Young Chris was among the many rappers upset when Jay-Z and Dame Dash split up. Over the years, the two had been a united front and they helped many people become successful. Young Chris looked to both men for inspiration. But, when it was time to choose, he chose Jay-Z.

At the time, the feud was very high profile. As a result, Dame Dash had negative things to say about the entire Roc-A-Fella camp. It still did not mean that the remaining guys did not have love for their other CEO. Even years after the split, some remains of the beef still exist.

Recently, Young Chris spoke about the way things used to be with the old crew. He compared the Roc to the 1996 Chicago Bulls because they all had rings. Chris said Jay-Z helped him in many ways, but he did not give as much, he taught more. But, Dame Dash gave a lot to Young Chris and he said that Dame influenced him more than anyone during that period of time.

Read more...

Lil Wayne recalls his time in Solitary Confinement

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Many people would love to trade lives with Lil Wayne. For the past four years, he has been the biggest rapper in the game. Each time he releases a song, it hits the top ten. Each time he releases an album, it goes platinum. But, Lil Wayne has gone through some rough times too.

Around this time last year, Lil Wayne was preparing to release his second album in just as many months. His songs were dominating the radio and he was the most-loved. Still, things could have been better for the Young Money front-man. Despite all of his success, he was heading to prison.

On the outside, there was no change. Lil Wayne's music still dominated the radio waves and his album was selling. But, it was his team enjoying the fruits of his labor. Lil Wayne was in solitary confinement in Riker's Island while fans counted the days until he was released. Now that he is out, Wayne talked about how rough it was for him spending the better part of seven months all alone.

After being caught with a watch, cell phone, MP3 player, and an iPod charger, things could have been much worse for Lil Wayne. But, he was fortunate enough to have an inmate take the wrap for him. Had he not, there would have been more prison time for Weezy. During his time behind bars, Lil Wayne read all kinds of books in order to educate himself outside of the rap world.

Read more...

Raekwon denies Status as a Legend

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

When talking about the most lyrical rappers in the game, many hip hop heads point to Raekwon. He has been in the game for years, but under the radar. Fans and critics hail his 1995 debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, as a classic.

In 2009, when he released the sequel, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II, it was hailed as an instant classic. Of rappers currently making music, only a few of them are noted as legends. Jay-Z and Nas are considered legends by many critics.

As Lil Wayne has been gaining popularity, many fans have wanted to call him a legend. But, many argue that this title should go to Raekwon. Despite never selling the way Lil Wayne has, Raekwon is one of the best lyricists of all-time. Ever since 2009, more and more critics have hailed Rae as a legend.

Recently, Raekwon spoke out about the legendary talk. While he is flattered by his fans and the critics who call him a legend, he said he has not reached that level yet. The fact remains that Raekwon feels he still has something to prove. On each of his albums, he is still trying to get better and because of that, Raekwon says there is no way he is a legend. Despite not seeing himself as a legend, he does think the overall Wu Tang family is the centerpiece of hip hop.

Read more...

Royce Da 5'9 and Joell Ortiz discuss Slaughterhouse

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

With Slaughterhouse finally being signed to a record deal, fans are excited. Despite the super-team finally being created, some people fear of them coming out too soft. Many times, super-pairings, do not turn out as expected.

Slaughterhouse is only the latest in attempts of many rappers to come together. In 1997, The Firm, which consisted of Nas, AZ, Foxy Brown, and Cormega, released their debut album. As if the teaming was not major enough, The Firm's album was produced by Dr. Dre and released through Aftermath Entertainment.

The Firm's album flopped, only going platinum, when some expected the record to outsell Thriller. But, with the new Slaughterhouse group, no one is expecting major record sales. Instead, fans are expecting a lyrical warpath with Joell Ortiz, Royce Da 5'9, Joe Budden, and Crooked I. For all of those beginning to have doubts, Royce Da 5'9 and Joell Ortiz recently discussed the group's next release. The two said their music will bring about the return of lyricism to hip hop and will help cement Shady Records as a true hip hop label.

Shady Records has been struggling outside of Eminem for the past few years, but Slaughterhouse promises to provide more hits for the label.

Read more...

Redman disses 2011 hip hop

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Redman has been hailed by many as one of the most lyrical rappers of all-time. Despite being a member of Def Squad, he rose to fame through his partnership with Method Man. The two are respected as one of the top hip hop duos of all-time.

Rap music has been on a rapid decline, according to critics, over the past few years. Many rappers have voiced their opinion on the state of the industry. While he has held his tongue for years, Redman has finally given his opinion.

In the past, many rap songs sampled older music. But, many fans of older music and the people who created it said hip hop was unoriginal. As a result of the criticism, hip hop has focused more on original beats over the past few years.

Redman said hip hop has become anal since they stopped sampling music. He blames the ending of the sampling on the overexposure of hip hop. For years, hip hop has been in the shadows of music, but with the internet revolution, it has risen to the forefront.

Read more...

Yung Berg talks 50 Cent and Lil Wayne

Read more...

Lil Wayne disses Dwyane Wade and LeBron James

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Everyone has been critical of the Miami Heat ever since they added superstars LeBron James and Chris Bosh. Following a few lackluster seasons, Dwyane Wade convinced his friends to join him in Miami. It was a great move for the Heat's championship goals. However, many say it was poor sportsmanship.

Despite having three of the NBA's best players on the team, many sports critics said the Miami Heat would not impress. Early in the season, the Heat lived up to expectations. At the end of November, the Heat posted a 9-8 record. But, behind Wade's leadership, Miami won 21 of the next 22 games, rising to the top of the league.

But, recent injuries have the team on a three game losing streak. Adding insult to injury, the Miami Heat have been dissed by Lil Wayne. Out of everyone who dissed the Heat, Wayne was the lone supporter. This is in spite of him being a fan of the rival New Orleans Hornets. Lil Wayne has been courtside at many Hornets and Heat games. But, each time he sees Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, they do not speak.

Lil Wayne has had enough of it and he dissed both Heat superstars, saying they could kiss his ass. Wayne said his ticket money has helped them make money with their heavy contracts.

Read more...

Slaughterhouse EP track listing Revealed

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Finally signed to Shady Records, Slaughterhouse is ready to give the fans what they want. The only issue the group has is that they have joined a crowded label. Eminem told the crew to begin working on their album.

While the members of Slaughterhouse would love to put together an album, it could take months before the promotion could begin. Not wanting to make fans wait, the crew is releasing an EP. The track listing for the EP has already been released.

Slaughterhouse will be featuring Dres and The L.O.X. on their EP.

Track Listing

1. "Back on the Scene" featuring Dres
2. "Sun Doobie"
3. "Everybody Down"
4. "Put Some Money on It (remix)" featuring The L.O.X.
5. "Fight Club (remix)"
6. "Move On (remix)" featuring Iffy

Read more...