Lil Wayne facing another Lawsuit over "Tha Carter III"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Lil Wayne officially became the most popular rapper in the game when he released Tha Carter III. The album was met with positive reviews and solidified Wayne as a force in the game. While the album helped advance Lil Wayne's career, it has also been the source of much stress.

Since the release of the album, several producers of the opus have sued over unpaid royalties. Aside from "Lollipop," Lil Wayne scored another hit with "Got Money." The T-Pain assisted track was also a major hit during the summer of 2008. Play-N-Skillz famously produced the single.

Now, the production duo is suing the Young Money frontman for nearly $1 million over unpaid royalties. The song has been in radio rotation for nearly three years. Despite all of the radio spins and downloads, no money has reached Play-N-Skillz, the ones who put the song together. Nearly everyone who provided tracks for Tha Carter III have sued for not being paid.

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Romeo Miller - "Scheduled Appointment"

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Square Off ft. Cory Gunz - "The Pain"

Featuring the sons of Doug E. Fresh, Square Off was initially likened to Team BLACKOUT. The son of Rev Run, JoJo Simmons, was a member of Team BLACKOUT.

Soon, it became clear the only similarities betweeen the two groups were their fathers. Square Off has been steadily making strides. Most recently, they teamed up with Cory Gunz.

Keeping the trend alive, Cory Gunz also descends from hip hop royalty. However, as an artist of Young Money, Cory Gunz has built his own reputation in the rap game. With this, it was a great opportunity for Square Off to link up with the Gunna. The group collaborated with Cory Gunz on "The Pain."

Listen to "The Pain" by Square Off ft. Cory Gunz below:

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Killah Priest - "Tonight We Ride"

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Wale prepares his Maybach Music debut

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Two years ago, many predicted Wale would be the future of hip hop. His lyrical level had him as hyped as Drake and J. Cole. The right people soon discovered Wale. Jay-Z quickly signed Wale to a management deal with Roc Nation.

The Washington, DC rapper would eventually sign with powerhouse, Interscope Records. Through Interscope, he would release his debut album, Attention Deficit. The album was met with positive reviews.

For most of 2010, Wale has been making mixtapes and making more connections. Towards the end of 2010, Rick Ross said he may sign Wale to his Maybach Music label. Ross is known for making bold statements, so not much was made of the statement.

While most forgot about Rick Ross' statement, not many people knew Wale was actually discussing signing with Maybach Music. Early in 2011, news broke of Wale signing with the label. Only weeks later, a bidding war began over Maybach Music. In the end, Rick Ross signed an exclusive distribution deal with Warner Bros. Records, a label needing more hip hop talent.

Now, with the deal in place, Wale has been recording with his new label-mates. Wale is currently working on his second album, debut with Maybach Music. Industry insiders say the album will likely be released sometime this fall. No release date has been confirmed by the representatives of Maybach Music or the well-established, Warner Bros. Records.

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"The Sex Symbol 87" trailer

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The L.O.X. - "New York Rap"

Following years of delays, Jadakiss promised a new album from The L.O.X. The trio have been heavy on the mixtape scene. Having successfully released his I Love You, mixtape, Jadakiss is back with the crew.

New York hip hop is preparing for a big year. Albums are expected to come from Fabolous, 50 Cent, and others this year. However, none of these artists have promised an anthem. The L.O.X. has with their "New York Rap" single.

Listen to "New York Rap" by The L.O.X. below:

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Curren$y - "16 Bars"

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Drake announces Release Date for "Take Care"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Around this time, last year, Drake was preparing to release his debut album, Thank Me Later. He already had two successful singles on the radio. Both "Over" and "Find Your Love" had become major hits.

Thank Me Later was capped off with such singles as "Fancy," with T.I. and "Miss Me" with Lil Wayne. In the time since these singles, Drake has done several collaborations. Before the end of 2010, he announced his Take Care album.

Initially, Birdman announced the album may come during the spring of this year. But, when the New Year did come, the decision was made to push the album back. The album was then scheduled for a September release.

Earlier today, Drake announced his sophomore effort will come on October 24 of this year. The album's first single will be coming sometime next month.

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Ja Rule talks Prison and G-Unit

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

The writing has been on the wall for well over a year, Ja Rule is facing prison time over his 2007 crimes. Before he was sent to prison, Rule had a list of accomplishments. First, he wanted to reunite with his former partner, Ashanti. Second, he wanted to pull off his comeback.

Ja Rule successfully reunited and is well on his way to finally pulling off his comeback. However, his long-awaited comeback album will be released while Rule is serving time. As he waited to go to prison, Rule discussed his arrangement.

The Murder Inc. rapper said his prison sentence would be different from what many expect. Because of his celebrity status, Ja Rule is confident he will not have to be with the general public. Ja Rule said guys like him are not released with the other prisoners.

Many things have changed for Ja Rule since his 1999 debut, but his feud with 50 Cent and G-Unit has remained the same. Even as Ja Rule faces four years of prison time, 50 Cent has still poked fun at him. As he waited to report to prison, Ja Rule took time to insult his rivals one last time. Rule said rap was ruined by the movement spearheaded by 50 Cent.

Because, according to Ja Rule, their movement was fueled by jealousy and hate, G-Unit helped to put hip hop in a bad situation. Ja Rule said rappers used to get together for softball games and other gatherings, before the beef rose to the forefront. But, following 50 Cent's entrace into the rap game, things grew tense again. One thing Ja Rule wishes for is a return to the way things used to be.

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