Lupe Fiasco ft Skylar Grey-Words I Never Said (Audio)

Lupe has finally released the full version of the 2nd single off of L.A.S.E.R.S. titled "Words I Never Said" featuring Skylar Grey. The album hits stores March 8th! Enjoy!

What do you think?

-Mixtape Chic

Reks-25th Hour

Reks has been in the underground hip hop game for a while now. He is most known for his album Grey Hairs and has done shows and toured with The Clipse, Ghostface Killah, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Redman, De La Soul, Method Man, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Boot Camp Click, JR Writer and one of his idols KRS-One. Enjoy!!

- Mixtape Chic

Nicki Minaj ft Drake-Moment 4 Life

Nicki Minaj channels Cinderella and her fairy godmother for her latest single "Moment 4 Life". 

- Mixtape Chic

DunkXchange in Arizona

Photo by Janina Chives-Blue Cheeze Photography

Saturday, HHCz went and checked out Dunkxchange in Tempe, Arizona. The place had a good vibe as vendors from all over came out and showcased clothing lines such as Lupe Fiasco’s new clothing line called False, Cloud Kickers, Blac Sheep, and Bobby Fresh. As Photo Chic put it, it felt as if you were at your homie’s backyard bbq. 


We had a chance to interview Cloud Kickers and learn a little more about their line and their inspiration (think about it -- ya’ll who are currently floatin’ on a cloud will get it!) This company based out of Staten Island has also caught the eye of Wiz Khalifa and are one of his current sponsors. They even collaborated on a tee together (check it out here). You can check out other items at www.cloudkickers.com (in particular, their Steelers Exclusive Super Bowl shirts) 

Photo by Janina Chives-Blue Cheeze Photography

This event also featured some local talent such as Bobby BrandNew (www.BobbyBrandNewEra.com) and Jeary Sylves (www.jearysylves.com/) who both rocked the mic. DJ Ernie G was on the 1s and 2s and blessed us with hip hop all day. It was a great event and there was tons of support from the local hip hop community.

Photo by Janina Chives-Blue Cheeze Photography

Photo by Janina Chives-Blue Cheeze Photography

Photo by Janina Chives-Blue Cheeze Photography

-Network Chic

Redman ft. Kool Moe Dee-Rockin' Wit Da Best

Redman teams up with one of the greatest rappers of all time for his new song "Rockin' Wit Da Best". This track is off of Redman Presents...Reggie which was released December of last year. Peep Kool Moe Dee. He's still rocking his signature shades...

- Mixtape Chic

Lil Scrappy ft B.o.B & Roscoe Dash-Bad (That's Her)

I'm not really a fan, but B.o.B is in this video, so I had to post.

-Photo Chic

Novel-Legato's Audiobiography (Video)

Heres Novel's NEW video "Legato's Audiobiography" off the Mix Tape, Legato Blues Summer. Directed by Novel & Eli Brown. Performed by Novel.

-Photo Chic

Late Nite Social Club presents ?uestlove in the Sun City

Photo by Janina Chives-Blue Cheeze Photography

El Paso was blessed with the opportunity to have the legendary Questlove of the Roots Crew come and deejay on January 25th. Why use the word legendary? Well let us tell you... 

He has been in the music industry over 20 years as a musician, deejay, journalist, producer, musical director, shoe designer and afro icon. He’s worked with artists such as Jay-Z, Common, Erykah Badu, John Legend and many others. The man also has a record collection that would make any hip hop, rock or soul fan jealous. All these things and Questlove still manages to remain humble being among the top tweeters on Twitter,  with more than 1 million followers. 

Even though it was a Tuesday night, we still expected more people to be at the venue. The crowd was composed of mostly males (story of our lives) that felt the need to huddle at the front of the stage and stare at Questlove as if he were a fish in an aquarium. El Paso can’t seem to get over the celebrity appeal and enjoy these parties for what they are...a night out on the town. So as we were sandwiched between a group of males, it was difficult to dance and just enjoy the vibe. 

Questlove came on promptly at 11pm as promised. He immediately set off the party with  Michael Jackson’s “PYT” fusing into Kanye West’s “The Good Life”. This set the tone for Questlove’s unique deejay experience fusing classic songs with the new songs that used their sample. We kept track of every song that was played but if we wrote them all down, it would fill up two pages of the blog. Some of the songs he played included Lil Wayne’s “6’7’”, Missy Elliot’s “The Rain”, Common’s “The Corner”, Janet Jackson’s “Got Till It’s Gone”, Craig Mack’s “Flavor In Ya Ear”, Outkast & UGK “International Players Anthem”, and Ice Cube’s “Today Was A Good Day”. It was refreshing to hear such good music at a club in the Southwest. True hip hop heads would easily appreciate it. 

A special treat was the fact that Questlove didn’t leave at 2am. For those that stuck around, they got to enjoy Dilla tracks and instrumentals into the 3 o’clock hour. Unfortunately, the crowd diminished for this once in a lifetime opportunity.

So once again, the gentlemen of the Late Nite Social Club, brought another heavy hitter of hip hop to the Sun City. Major props to these guys for their love of the art and their capability of getting the job done. We are looking forward to future projects by the group and will keep you posted on more events of this nature. 

Photo by Janina Chives-Blue Cheeze Photography

We’d like to take this time to give a Public Service Announcement:

When a celebrity comes to deejay at a club, come ready to treat like any other day at a club but with the heightened awareness that there will be superb music that will be played. Basically, come out to have a good time and party but not stand there and gock at the deejay all night long. Enjoy the moment for what it is. Oh....and fellas: BRING YOUR LADIES! Don’t be a hoarder of good hip hop. 

-Photo Chic & Mixtape Chic

Earline's Son-Playboy Tre (Video)

This video debuted last Tuesday and is my favorite Playboy Tre track. Take a listen for yourself. You can't go wrong with "mom" songs anyway.

-Photo Chic

Always Been-Smoke DZA & Mac Miller (video)

Smoke DZA & Mac Miller "Always Been" video off DZA new album "T.H.C." Dropping in April. This track is Produced by Big K.R.I.T. Directed By Tony Billz & Steve-Ography

-Photo Chic

Laws ft Cyhi da Prynce-Honor (video)

Laws ft. Cyhi da Prynce "HONOR" from 3 little digs on Vimeo.

This video premiered last week. I haven't heard anything bad from Laws. Gotta love the creator of our favorite term "Lady Hip Hop." Enjoy the video.

-Photo Chic

Lil Cole in the Studio

Throwback videos from Dreamville Records of J. Cole in the studio from 2008. If you want more of Lil Cole, you can hear him in "Dolla and a Dream II" off of The Warm Up.





See, have your fun with autotune in the studio. You don't have to put it on your tracks. Lol.

-Photo Chic

J.U.S.T.I.C.E League Sample Battle

3 Little Digs Presents "Any Given Monday" Episode 8... Drake & J.U.S.T.I.C.E League from 3 Little Digs on Vimeo.

Gotta love 3 Little Digs, giving us an inside look at the creative process. "Any Given Monday" Episode 8. Drake challenges the members to a sample battle. Check it out!

-Photo Chic

Big K.R.I.T. & Grillade-Hometown Hero (Studio Performance)

Yourstru.ly Presents: BIG K.R.I.T. & Grillade "Hometown Hero" from Yours Truly on Vimeo.

I love all samples of my favorite song by Adele. You really can't go wrong with it. Enjoy on this lazy Studio Sunday!

-Photo Chic

So Live-Tanya Morgan and Big Pooh

Like what you see? Catch Tanya Morgan, Big Pooh and Freddie Gibbs live tonight in Phoenix, Arizona at Chasers. We'll see you there!

-Photo Chic

So Live Saturday-J. Cole Comes Home

Last night J. Cole celebrated his birthday at VCU's Homecoming concert. This is his first show back from Europe. Here are some clips.





Better videos to come. Check back for updates.

Update 1/31/11 1700:
Lights Please and Enchanted ft. Omen


Who Dat


-Photo Chic

So Live-Lupe Fiasco (LASERS!!!!)

Words I Never Said



Beautiful Lasers



Outta My Head

Gotta love new music from Lupe Fiasco. I can not wait for March. It is going to be beautiful!

-Photo Chic

Wiz Khalifa-Black and Yellow (So Live Saturday)

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Uploaded by yardie4lifever2. - See video of the biggest web video personalities.

This really belongs in Mixtape Chic's SMH news. Why does Wiz have the yellow patch?! I guess he's excited. Enjoy his performance on the George Lopez Show (side note: what's George Lopez got on?)

-Photo Chic

J. Cole: Half Step From Legendary

On this day, January 28, a star was born in Frankfurt, Germany, Jermaine Lamarr Cole whom you know as J. Cole. By the time he was one, he had moved to Fayetteville, North Carolina with his mother where he gained a love for storytelling.

He began rapping at the age of 12. He thought he should have been signed when he was 15 but that didn't happen. He added producer to his belt after his mother bought him a beat machine.

"They say I'm like the human body. I produce my own sh-t" - Royal Flush

Even though he went on to college, he was using it as a way to get to New York to give himself a better chance of being signed. Music was always his number one priority and goal.

In 2007, he 'came up' with the release of his debut mixtape The Come Up. Little did he know that would be his big break. After hearing 'Lights Please' (one of my favorites), Jay-Z signed Cole to Roc Nation. In 2009, he released The Warm Up, which included the songs 'Dreams' and a rap cover of Jay-Z's 'Dead Presidents'.  But he was not done yet...he was just getting started.

"I came up, I warmed up! The next up, I blow up! If you ain't peeped the trend by now, with each rap I go up!"- Last Call

J. Cole has been blowing up every since. He has been featured on Jay-Z's 'A Star Is Born', Wale's 'Beautiful Bliss' as well as Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek's 'Just Begun'. In June 2010, he released the video for his single 'Who Dat', which he then performed at the BET Hip Hop Awards later that year.

Then came the Friday Night Lights mixtape, which was released on November 12, 2010. (Who remembers waiting up for hours just to download it? *raises hand*) It was his biggest mixtape yet. It had features from Drake, Wale and Omen. If you ask me, FNL was an album hands down. We were shocked that something this good could be FREE!

Cole's debut album is set to be released March of this year but no album title or actual release date has been announced. I am sure it will be worth the wait.

Happy Birthday J. Cole!!! From the Hip Hop ChicZ!!!

Peep this interview with thisis50.com:



Official J. Cole Website
Follow him on Twitter

DOWNLOAD: The Come Up

DOWNLOAD: The Warm Up

DOWNLOAD: Friday Night Lights

SMH NEWS!!

Wiz Khalifa Goes Autotune; Flavor Flav Opens His Chicken Spot; Gucci Mane works with Britney Spear; 50 Cent shuts down WSHH….NOT!

Who doesn’t love Wiz Khalifa these days? The man is everywhere and working with some of hip hop’s best. With that said, WTH was he thinking with his new track ‘Big Screen’? Autotune?! Really?! Autotune is to hip hop as ketchup is to bananas. I know what you’re thinking…ketchup and bananas do not go together. EXACTLY!!! When Jay-Z came out with D.O.A. (Death of Autotune), it was not a joke people. It was truth and I agree. It shouldn’t be done. When rappers use autotune they take away from the realness of their words. Wiz Khalifa you get a SMH from me…shame.

We all know Flavor Flav is off the richter but his own chicken spot? Not only did he open ‘Flavor Flav Chicken’, but he opened it in Iowa *Kanye shrug*, and he opened it next to a Kentucky Fried Chicken (pictures here). He really thinks he is about to take down the Colonel:

“The Colonel better watch his back, G! The Colonel might end up in my fryer.”

LMAO! Someone needs a reality check…The Colonel was here before you and he is going to be here when you are gone. Let this dream go. SMH

by Chris Yuscavage

So apparently Britney Spears is a fan of Gucci Mane’s music (so he says). The two are scheduled to team up for a new Britney record. Here’s what Gucci had to say:

 "Britney's so icy," Gucci tells RumorFix exclusively, "I'm going to make her go Brrr." 

He also said she's: 

"raw and exciting. She's crazy. We like to get down like that." 

Put the shut to the up! *Madea voice* Why are you trying to make her 'brrr'? I think you and Birdman do it enough for the rest of us. I admit, these two are probably made for each other cause they are both crazy but this sh-t right here (*Katt Williams voice*), should not be happening. I cannot help but imagine how horrible this song will sound. SMH

50 Cent caused an uproar claiming that he shut down Worldstarhiphop.com. Read story here. I did not believe he had the power to do so no matter what lawsuit he had or whatever and I was right. Q, the founder of WSHH, also said that it was due to technical difficulties. By the end of the day, WSHH was back up and running like nothing had ever gone wrong. Lies, lies and more lies. Why stir up some BS like that? SMH

Speaking of 50 Cent, he and fellow rapper Cam’ron have squashed the beef that they have had since 2007. The beef came after the two began to argue about records sales and labels on the Angie Martinez show. 50 is now saying that it was all for the good of hip hop. He states:

“It's the competitive nature of the art form. In Hip Hop, there's always been battling. It's a part of it.”

I agree that battling each other is a part of the game but beef and battling are two different things. What did your beef with Cam'ron do for the rest of the people involved in hip hop? Oh, I know...NOTHING! For the good of hip hop? I don't think so...SMH

This is Mixtape Chic reporting today's Hip Hop ChicZ SMH News...

J. Cole Solo in Oslo

J. Cole continues to grind through Europe with 2 more solo gigs before heading back home.  First stop was Oslo, Norway on 1/25/11.  Here is what we have from that show so far. It's definitely challenging to get news and updates from Oslo. They don't seem to tweet as much as the UK, Belgium, France and Germany.

Photo by Martin Johansen

"Who Dat" in front of a solid crowd


-Photo Chic

Wind-It-Back Wednesday--Show and Prove

This is truly a throwback. Big Daddy Kane's "Show and Prove" video. If you have read Decoded, Jay-Z talks about doing this video. Make sure you watch to check out a very young Jay-Z and Ol Dirty Bastard!

-Photo Chic

Wind-it-Back Wednesday--You Got Me

In honor of ?uestlove rocking out till 3am for El Paso, TX, here are The Roots with another classic from 1999.

-Photo Chic

Understand Rap-Lyric of the Day (18)

From the book titled, Understand Rap: Explanations of Confusing Rap Lyrics you & your Grandma can Understand, by William Buckholz.


Lyric from the song "I Got 5 On It" by Luniz:

"I GOT FIVE ON IT, GRAB YOUR FOUR-OH, LET'S GET KEYED"

I have five dollars that I will contribute toward the purchase of an amount of marijuana we can smoke, and since I'm sure you have purchased affordable malt liquor in a bottle more than a liter in size to accompany the marijuana, please retrieve it and meet me back here so we can get high and intoxicated together.

-Photo Chic

Talib Kweli-Gutter Rainbows

Photo Chic gives it 4 out of 5 sneaks

This is my “first listen” review.  It goes through my thoughts the first time hearing the full album.  My opinions may change as I continue to listen, but I promise you if my thoughts turn negative, I will let you know.  I highly doubt it though.  As I listen to the album now as I write this intro, I’m feeling it more already.

“After the Rain” was a nice entry into the CD.  I was vibing off of the old school feel of the music, but at the same time wondering “what the hell?”  It might have been the intention and it worked. “My house shoes gonna be heelys.”  Words to live by while getting high.

“Gutter Rainbows” title track is great!  The beat with the bongo drums goes hard.  Talib introduces you to this term in true Kweli fashion.  Lyricism and realism at it’s best.

“So Low” is the heavy hitter track of the album.  Heavy hitter to me is the track that makes you stop listening to the rest of the album and keep listening to that particular song over and over again.  Not every album has a heavy hitter and some albums have more than one.  Upon first listen, I knew this was that track, but had to force myself not to repeat it and continue on with my first listen.

“Palookas” features Sean Price and has that “gutter” feel.  Raw hip hop.  The cocky, arrogant, bragging rights track.  It’s alright, but the placement of it coming after “So Low” makes me want to skip it.  You can’t fully appreciate a song like this on first listen when it comes after a song as good as “So Low” is.  I know me though, and I’m sure I’ll end up digging it more after the newness of the album wears off.

“Mr. International” brings me back to vibing thanks to the sultry voice of Nigel Hill.  I really like this track.  It just makes you feel good.  “24/7 love ain’t that rough, when your career is your passion, no that ain’t enough!”  This line sticks out to me because I hate rappers who complain about their lives and how much they work.  Kweli reminds us of the privileges you have when you get to do what you love everyday.

“I’m on One” brings us back to the gutter and as I listen to the album, I’m starting to understand.  You have gutter tracks and you have rainbow tracks and we alternate between these throughout the album.  Not sure if that was the original intention, but that’s how I see it.  I like this gutter track more than “Palookas.” No desire to skip it.  It goes hard.

“Wait for You” features Kendra Ross and brings us back to the rainbow again.  This reminds me of a smooth jazz track.  Kendra Ross was a perfect addition to the hook.  I’m feeling this song as well.  Kweli is right, if you keep the good music coming they will wait for you.  At least I will.

“Ain’t Waiting” featuring Outasight is a real track.  I want to play it for some of the girls and fellas that I know because they waste too much of their time waiting on the opposite sex.  It speaks volumes.  

Of course, I had previously heard “Cold Rain.”  It was already in heavy rotation on several of my iTunes’ playlists.  Another heavy hitter song.  I love it.

“Friends & Family” is real talk.  Kweli takes us on a journey through his career and the people he loves and admires.  I love this track.  Rainbow song for sure and it’ll keep your head bobbing.  

“Tater Tot” takes us back to the gutter.  This song is powerful.  The title will throw you off, but this song will bring a feeling of doom over you as Kweli demonstrates his skilled, story-telling capabilities.  A short track, but certainly not sweet.

“How you Love Me” featuring Blaq Toven is a classic Kweli love song, like “Never Been in Love” off of Beautiful Struggle.  The rainbow is back.  I had already heard this song in advance and I loved it.  Still do and it fits in well coming after “Tater Tot,” bringing the audience back to a happy mood.

“Uh Oh” featuring Jean Grae is great.  I’m biased immediately because I love Jean Grae (so you might want to ignore me on this piece).  Kweli and Grae always make beautiful music together.  This one is gutter right down to the beat, but listen and learn.  

“Self Savior” featuring Chace Infinite...MESSAGE!!!  I love the instrumentals here and the lyrics are deep.  How can you not appreciate this song?  A great way to end the album.

The iTunes bonus CD includes a live version of “How you Love Me” and “Go Now” featuring Jean Grae and Iron Solomon.  I could have done without the live performance audio, because the album without is enough.  It would have been nice to at least have some videos as a bonus.  “Go Now” is really a bonus though.  Very nice track.

Congrats to Kweli on his first truley independent, solo album.  I think it’s great, but Talib Kweli never really disappoints me anyway.  The back and forth between gutter and rainbow tracks brings a nice balance to the audience.  Couples can listen to this album in harmony.  There’s something for the fellas and something the ladies will appreciate (especially those that aren’t into hip hop).  This album also shows that you can make good music without autotune (didn’t hear it once!).  Smooth instrumentals, banging beats and true lyricism make Gutter Rainbows a damn good album in my humble opinion.  Like fine wine, I’m sure this will get better with age, but for now, that was my “first listen.”






Mixtape Chic gives it 4 out of 5 sneaks

As a reformed mainstream music lover, I can assure you that my love for real music these days is beyond real. Talib Kweli is one of the best lyricists known these days and is on my list of real artists. When I say real, I mean that his music has meaning and he’s not just talking about cars, clothes and hoes (excuse my language). This is my unbiased opinion of Talib’s newest project Gutter Rainbows.

The title itself speaks to me as a symbol of the type of music that he makes on the regular. Talib’s lyrics are ‘gutter’. Of course, some of the beats that he uses are ‘gutter’ as well but he can rhyme over ‘rainbow’ beats too. I like the fact that he did both on this album. From the smooth groove of ‘How You Love Me’ to ‘Palookas’, which makes me feel like Kweli is about to hurt somebody; literally and figuratively.

‘How You Love Me’ is my favorite track off of the album. It’s the one song hit me in the face with its music and lyrics. I’ll admit I am a sucker for love songs but this is about love. It’s about real life situations. I see it every day; and if I don’t see it, I hear about it. The song is interesting because the chorus is talking about how much ‘he’ thinks about the love they have and how great it really is:

“I can’t seem to think straight. When I think about how you love me. Every day is like a holiday. Something like Christmas Eve. My worst day is carefree. When I think about how you love me.”

The lyrics are more dramatic and the other side of relationships. There are many who could benefit from hearing this song.

‘I’m On One’ took me back with its old school beat. When I heard I felt like walking down the street blasting it from a boombox…if only I had one. This song is true Talib. No one can match his lyrical concepts. “Come on son!” Talib wants you to get it together right about…..NOW! He holds no punches. “Ain’t no patience for the wack MC. This ain’t World Star homie. This ain’t Vlad TV” Tell em’!!! This is a public service announcement…think about it.

Overall, it was an album I can listen to more and more. Each time I listen to it, I expect to hear something new. I have listened to it twice…so far my expectations are on point. This album proves that you need more than the music to make a track. The lyrics have to be on point and I think Talib knows and believes that. I would love to hear this album acapella. 

Network Chic gives it 4 out of 5 sneaks

I’m just going to give you my absolute favorites, but as for Gutter Rainbows as a whole -- this line from the track, Self Savior, says it all, “I give a little more than your metaphors and wack similes.”  Talib’s seamless narration through parts of his life, thoughts and today’s affairs was shared only as Talib can do.  GR brought forth raw emotions from me that I didn’t even know I was feeling at the time. 

My favorite track is the album’s title track, Gutter Rainbows.  “Trapped on the corner with the oil spillin, mixin w/ the dirt and the water collecting in the gutter until the color is brilliant, I paint pictures so legendary…”  This line spoke volumes to me because even at it’s most basic understanding, Talib’s reminding you that anything can be made into what you want it. 

So Low was another favorite on GR.  It was sinfully real and explored the struggle of how people feel about their success and the contradiction that society places on successful people and their need to “keep it real.”  As Talib said, I got my own demons, what am I suppose to do with yours?”  This song will stay in rotation. 

Another favorite on GR is Self Savior.  This song is calculating, confident and a great exhibition of his lyricism.  Also, Tater Tot is deep and raw.  It touches on societal abnormalities in how we place our own inequities on those who serve their beliefs whether through internal/external peace and war. 

All in all, Gutter Rainbows was a brilliantly told reflection of Talib’s talent and foothold in Hip Hop.  “Turn it up now!”

peAce,

Network Chic

Nitty Scott-Blow Hip Hop TV

Check out this interview with the talented, beautiful Nitty Scott. Get familiar. We keep telling you! Also, check out the new music "Work (Grustlin')" compliments of 2dopeboyz below.

Here is a link to see what "The Source" had to say about her: Nitty Scott MC

-Photo Chic

Understand Rap-Lyric of the Day (17)

From the book titled, Understand Rap: Explanations of Confusing Rap Lyrics you & your Grandma can Understand, by William Buckholz.


Lyric from the song "Can't Deny It" by Fabolous:

"YOUR HOMIES WILL HAFTA POUR OUT A LITTLE LIQUOR"

Because you are unable to defend yourself, friends of yours will be engaging in a ritualistic urban practice in which an amount of alcohol, usually malt liquor, is poured from its bottle onto the ground in your rememberance-a tribute to your life, which is now over.

-Photo Chic

Lloyd Banks ft Jeremih-I Don't Deserve You (video)

-Photo Chic

Calling All Sneakerheads in AZ - Jan. 29th

Calling all sneakerheads, calling all sneakerheads!  On Saturday, January 29th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Tempe Town Squares (at the Rooftop),  Dunkxchange will be hosting a marketplace where you can buy, trade, and sell limited edition, unique and hard to find sneakers (and clothing and hats.)  It is an all ages event and you'll not only get to find some new sneaks, but hear DJ Ernie G spinning hip hop all day.  For more information check out:

http://www.dunkxchange.com/events/beasteater-presents


peAce,


Network Chic


And BobbyBrandNew will be performing there as well.  Don't miss it.  This dude is nice!


-Photo Chic

Lil Wayne's 'I Am Music II' Tour

Lil Wayne will be starting his 'I Am Music II' Tour in March and will end in May. The original 'I Am Music' Tour was 2008-2009 and included Wayne, Gym Class Heroes, Keyshia Cole, Keri Hilson and T-Pain. Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, Travis Barker and Mixmaster Mike will be his opening acts. Here are the tour dates:



“I Am Music II” tour dates:

Mar. 18: Buffalo, N.Y.   (HSBC Arena)
Mar. 19: Columbus, Ohio (Nationwide Arena)
Mar. 20: Baltimore, Md. (First Mariner Arena)
Mar. 23: Hampton, Va.   (Hampton Coliseum)
Mar. 24: Cleveland, Ohio   (Quicken Loans Arena)
Mar. 26: Philadelphia, Pa.   (Wells Fargo Center )
Mar. 27: Long Island, N.Y.   (Nassau Coliseum)
Mar. 30: University Park, Pa.  (Bryce Jordan Center)
Apr. 1: Chicago, Ill.   (United Center )
Apr. 2: Detroit, Mich.   (The Palace of Auburn Hills)
Apr. 3: Washington, D.C. (Verizon Center)
Apr. 6: Miami, Fla. (Bank Atlantic Center)
Apr. 8: Greensboro, N.C. (Greensboro Coliseum)
Apr. 9: Atlanta, Ga. (Philips Arena)
Apr. 10: St. Louis, Mo. (Scottrade Center)
Apr. 14: New Orleans, La. (New Orleans Arena)
Apr. 15: Dallas, Texas (American Airlines Arena)
Apr. 16: Houston, Texas (Toyota Center)
Apr. 19: Phoenix, Ariz. (US Airways Arena)
Apr. 23: Anaheim, Calif. (Honda Center)
Apr. 24: Oakland, Calif. (Oracle Arena )
Apr. 26: Sacramento, Calif. (ARCO Arena)
Apr. 28: Edmonton, Canada (Rexall Place)
Apr. 29: Vancouver, Canada (Rogers Arena)
May 1: East Rutherford, N.J. (Bamboozle Festival)


- Mixtape Chic

50 Cent Claims To Have Shut Down World Star Hip Hop

The popular website, worldstarhiphop.com went down today. It was rumored that the site was shut down by Homeland Security but 50 Cent begs to differ:

"I don't know why people underestimate me. I just shut down WORLDSTAR for future advertising contact thisis50.com suckers lol," 50 Cent tweeted. "I put worldstar to bed, you don't believe try me I will shut your sh*t down. Lol."

“I have lawyers on retainers and I have to pay them so much money anyway, so we’ll go back and forth to court until (they) can’t afford a Subway sandwich,” 50 Cent said in 2009. “It’s already too late for (them).”

50 currently has a lawsuit (filed in November 2009) against the site. He feels that the site used his image and content without his permission.

Q, the founder of the site, stated that the site was not shut down by 50. Here's what he told Angie Martinez on her Hot 97 radio show:

"It's a technical difficulty, not Homeland Security," Q told Angie Martinez. "It's not a hacker, it's more less like some difficulties with the site itself as far as our server. We constantly have to upgrade. We've been down before, the most was 8 months. We got hacked last year, or other times we've had problems before. It should be up shortly. I see 50 cent put my # out there. But shout out to 50 Cent, it's great promo. We missed a message, but my technical team is on it. It should be back on shortly. I don't want to put a timeline on it, but it's should be back up in about 24 hours."

We will know the truth soon enough.

50 Cent had more to say about some other sites as well:

"I predict 2 more web sites will shut down this week. Take a guess who they are. I'm sick of the hate I'm to strong."  

We know 50 Cent has money galore but can he really get these sites shut down? Hmmm...

-Mixtape Chic

Update 1/24/11 1915:


Interesting...

-Photo Chic

UPDATE (JAN 24 8:18PM) - So guess what website is up and running...worldstarhiphop.com and guess who issued a denial statement...50 Cent.

“I didn’t shut them down,” 50 said. “If I rob a bank I wouldn’t tell you I did...maybe I did. It’s up to the public to decide.”

Wow! Really 50?!

- Mixtape Chic

Kanye West To Release New Album Summer 2011

No, this is not about the Jay-Z and Kanye West collaborative album Watch The Throne. Kanye announced that he plans on releasing his 6th studio album this summer. Here's the story from allhiphop.com:

Kanye West has proclaimed that he will be releasing a new album in the summer of 2011. 

The rapper made the declaration on Twitter saying, “WATCH THE THRONE COMING IN 2 MONTHS!!!!!!!!!! MY NEW ALBUM COMING THIS SUMMER. ALL THE LIGHTS VIDEO IN 1 WEEK!!!!!!” 

"All The Lights" is a single from West's highly touted album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. 

The rapper didn’t indicate when during the summer the untitled opus would be released nor did he state if or when a finished video for “Monster” would emerge. 

An incomplete version of “Monster” hit the internet a few week ago, which lead many thing believe a polished version would come. 

He concluded and all-caps rant affirming, “THIS IS HIGH END RAP MUSIC.” 

No representative for Def Jam/Roc-A-Fella has confirmed this new album at press time.


Cannot wait to see the 'All Of The Lights' video but I wonder how this new album will be. If it is as good as the last or better, then Kanye will truly be unstoppable!


- Mixtape Chic

The Roots' Seventh Annual Grammy Jam Session

The Roots bring you their 7th Annual 'Roots Jam Session', in preparation for this year's Grammys. The event will take place on February 12th in Los Angeles. Here is the story via hiphopdx.com:


As Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hip Hop band The Roots back Jimmy Fallon for his Late Night show on weekdays, the popular comedian/actor-turned television host will host the group's seventh annual "Roots Jam Session" next month. On February 12,
?uestlove, Black Thought and the gang will celebrate their six Grammy nominations with this year's legendary party on the eve of the famed awards.

Although past guests and performers have included Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Mos Def and Black Eyed Peas, this year's lineup and star attendees remain undisclosed. The venue is also TBA, but the event will take place in greater Los Angeles, California.

More information can be found at RootsJamSession.com.

The Roots are nominated for both their group album, How I Got Over, as well as their album with John Legend, Wake Up!, both of which released in 2010.

This is sure to be a great night for The Roots. The longevity of the event speaks for itself. 

-Mixtape Chic