Karrueche Tran may be the last woman many think off when it comes to setting thing off, but she's clearly showing one IG troll that she's 'bout that life, as she felt the need to go hard on one follower who had the nerve to call her mother a "Thot" on the popular social media site.
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Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Ghostface Killah Details a Relationship Gone Wrong in 'Love Don't Live Here No More' Video
Ghostface Killah‘s new album, ’36 Seasons,’ seems to have fallen slightly under the radar, as it was quietly released last week. Perhaps it was the release of Wu-Tang Clan’s ‘A Better Tomorrow’ LP that overshadowed the effort. To keep the momentum going on his solo project, Tony Starks drops the video for the first single, ‘Love Don’t Live Here No More.’
Actor Michael K. Williams, of ‘The Wire’ and ‘Boardwalk Empire’ fame, plays a man just returning to town after being gone for quite some time. He’s on his way to see an old flame when he runs into Ghost, and the two greet each other and talk briefly.
The rest of the video for the song, which features Kandace Springs and borrows the hook from the classic 1978 Rose Royce track of the same name, follows Williams’ character as he gets to the front door of the women he once loved — only he finds out she’s moved on and has a new man.
The Brooklyn-born actor then walks away, but later comes in contact with the new boyfriend and attacks him, leaving him unconscious. Williams then goes back to the woman’s house, hoping they’ll rekindle their romance, but he’s greeted with extreme fury after he tells her what he did. We won’t give the ending away because it’s that shocking.
Ghost himself co-directed the compelling visual, giving the Wu member a chance to flex his directorial muscles.
See Stars We Lost in 2014
Blac Chyna Covers Up Tyga's Name Tattoo on Her Hand
While some fans were holding out for them to get back together, Blac Chyna made it clear that things are officially over between her and Tyga.
Starlito Debuts 'No Rearview Two' Featuring Don Trip and Yo Gotti
Tennessee rapper Starlito drops off his latest tune via the full version of ‘No Rearview Two,’ featuring frequent collaborator Don Trip and fellow Tennessee titan Yo Gotti.
All three artists impress over the Street Symphony-produced track, with Lito batting lead-off. “I came from nothing, anything’s better than that / Anything’s better than going backwards,” the Nashville representative raps, painting a picture of his rough-and-tumble roots and lessons learned from the game.
Don Trip’s verse is a tad bit more sunny, with mentions of highs such as signing a record deal and going on tour with stars such as Wale and Game. He mixes in some slight references to gun play too. Yo Gotti, who credits himself as being the one to suggest that Starlito and Don Trip join forces, anchors the track, listing off his credentials in the trap world and other tough talk.
If you like what you hear, do yourself a favor and be sure to grab Starlito’s new mixtape, ‘Black Sheep Don’t Grin,’ which is currently available via iTunes.
Listen to Starlito’s ‘No Rearview Two’ Feat. Don Trip & Yo Gotti
See 20 Rappers’ Real Names Revealed
Fabolous vs. Rae Sremmurd – The Boombox Battle
Fabolous ruled last week’s Boombox Battle by receiving over 78 percent of the fan vote, taking down Tyga’s ‘Make It Work.’
The rapper’s new track, ‘Lituation,’ which is the first single off his forthcoming effort, ‘The Young OG Project,’ sounds like the quintessential New York City track. With its hard beat and aggressive lyrics, the Brooklyn native delivers menacing rhymes.
“This a movie, get your Goobers, n—-, it gets deep get your scuba, n—- / I got the swipers in the gun shop, I got the shooters in the Uber, n—- / Everything brand new my n—-, Lord Jamar Grand Puba, n—- / They calling me Fidel Cashflow, yeah, and the link come from Cuba, n—-,” he spits.
Rae Sremmurd take on Fabolous this week with their hit, ‘No Type.’ Off their upcoming album, ‘Sremmlife,’ set to release next year, the bass-heavy track, produced by Mike WiLL Made-It and Swae Lee, reveals what they look for in their ideal girl. “I ain’t got no type / Bad bitches is the only thing that I like,” Slim Jimmy delivers on the chorus.
Swae Lee adds, “She say what’s your type? / I say, ‘I like what I like’ / I don’t second guess / I just rolled the dice / Keep it two cents / Take your own advice.”
Will Fabolous take his second win? Or will the young rappers from Mississippi knock him off his game? It’s time for you to decide. Go vote for your favorite song in the poll below. Remember you can vote once per hour until the poll closes on Tues., Dec. 23, at 10AM ET.
Listen to Fabolous’ ‘Lituation’
Watch Rae Sremmurd’s ‘No Type’ Video
Rules of The Boombox Battle
Two artists and their respective songs compete against each other each week. The triumphant artist goes on to compete in the next The Boombox Battle. If an artist wins The Boombox Battle four times consecutively, their song will be honored in The Boombox Battle Hall of Fame.
Porn Star Lisa Ann Announces Retirement From Adult Film Industry (@thereallisaann)
Porn industry veteran Lisa Ann is about to break more than a few hearts, as the MILF star has just announced her retirement via Facebook, saying she no longer plans to shoot adult scenes.
Ludacris' 'Burning Bridges' EP Available for Streaming
It’s been five years since Ludacris released a major album, but today, the Atlanta native blesses fans with a new project, the ‘Burning Bridges’ EP.
The six-track collection features Luda cutting ties with his unreliable friends and forging a new path in his career. His previously released tunes, ‘Good Lovin’ featuring Miguel and ‘In My Life’ featuring John Legend, are on the project as well as new songs like the cautionary ode ‘Money’ with Rick Ross and ‘Problems’ alongside Cee Lo Green.
On the title track, which features country star Jason Aldean on the hook, Ludacris kicks a few associates to the curb for their disloyalty.
“I done took all that I can take from you / Need a little bit more than a break from you / Matter of fact, f— you, I don’t need you in my life / You did so much wrong, I hope you get it right / But not at my expense / I did all that I could do / You just took me for granted / You thought I was a fool,” he raps.
For a limited time, you can stream or download the ‘Burning Bridges’ EP for free on Google Play. The EP is an appetizer to the main course, which is Ludacris’ eighth album, ‘Ludaversal,’ expected to drop in March 2015.
Take a listen below.
Ludacris’ ‘Burning Bridges’ Tracklist
1. ‘New Beginning Intro’
2. ‘Money’ (featuring Rick Ross)
3. ‘Problems’ (featuring Cee Lo Green)
4. ‘In My Life’ (featuring John Legend)
5. ‘Burning Bridges’ (featuring Jason Aldean)
6. ‘Good Lovin’ (featuring Miguel)
10 Best Hip-Hop Album Covers of 2014
Exclusive! Rich Dollaz Addresses Erica Mena's Engagement to Shad Moss (@RichDollaz @iamERICA_MENA)
VladTV caught up with Rich Dollaz on the red carpet of Mona Scott's holiday party recently, and spoke to him about the recent engagement between Shad Moss and his former lover, Erica Mena.
Mel B's Husband Addresses Rumors That He's Been Beating Her
Mel B and her husband of seven years, Stephen Belafonte, have recently been under the microscope for alleged domestic abuse.
Stacey Dash Reveals Why She and Cousin Dame No Longer Speak (@dashdamon)
Actress and Fox News talking head Stacey Dash recently revealed to The Edit Magazine that she and her cousin, Roc-A-Fella co-founder Dame Dash, no longer speak due to her political beliefs and her refusal to "keep her mouth shut" when it come to critiquing President Obama.
UNDFTD x Asics Gel Lyte V 'False Flag'
Everyone is vying for that year-end homerun, but who’s really hitting it out of the park? Well, UNDFTD’s upcoming release with Asics should put them on the list for work ethic alone. However, it also really helps that the sneaker is pretty dope.
The brand decided to go with the Asics Gel Lyte V for this release and give its upper an absolutely supple orange and black leather build. The colorway carries over to the midsole, which features an orange heel counter and a speckled midsole, too. The release carries the nickname “False Flag” and while it hasn’t been fully explained, we don’t need more information to decide that we like them.
The Asics Gel Lyte V “False Flag” is set to hit UNDFTD on Dec. 19 and will likely be both in-store and online. They will also more than likely sell out, so if you’re planning to give them as a gift, don’t sleep.
[Via Complex]
50 Cent Lands $78 Million Underwear Deal, Discusses His 'Man Apples' on 'Late Night with Seth Meyers' [VIDEO]
The millions continue to pour in for 50 Cent. The G-Unit leader reveals that he recently secured a deal with RevolutionWear’s Frigo Underwear for a whopping $78 million.
“I just did a deal for $78 million for underwear,” he wrote in an Instagram post. “What did you muthaf—as do today?”
It’s safe to assume that few people even came close to making that kind of dough in a day. A big congrats goes to 50 since this is his second multi-million dollar deal after making a ridiculous $500 million with vitamin water.
RevolutionWear announced that Timbaland, Derek Jeter and Carmelo Anthony are also representing the brand, which was shown in a photo on the brand’s Facebook page.
Last night (Dec. 15), on ‘Late Night with Seth Meyers,’ the ‘Animal Ambition’ creator jokingly explained why the $100 price tag for Frigo underwear is worth the purchase.
“This $100 underwear were actually hand-created and actually hand-stitched,” he said. “They have a technology in ‘em where you can put your man apples… For you to place your sack in another sack that has been ergonomically-designed for comfort. But you know, women spend so much money on lingerie, it’s the right project for men.”
Watch 50 Cent discuss his “man apples” in the video above.
I just did a deal for $78 million for underwear. What did you muthafuckas do today? Lllllllllooooolllllllllll #Boom #FRIGO A photo posted by 50 Cent (@50cent) onDec 12, 2014 at 4:33pm PST
See 20 Rappers’ Real Names Revealed
Rihanna Appointed Creative Director of Puma [PHOTOS]
Puma has hired another prominent R&B singer to design sneakers for the heritage sportswear brand. Rihanna has been named creative director.
According to Women’s Wear Daily, RiRi will oversee the designs of Puma’s fitness line for women, which includes apparel and sneakers. The singer joins Solange, who has been the company’s Art Director since 2013.
On Tuesday (Dec. 16), Rihanna revealed a photo of herself on Instagram holding a new sneaker called the Puma Creeper, which boasts an all-white upper and a raised black outsole. She also shared a photo of her signing her multi-year contract with Puma. “On the dotted line. #PUMA,” she wrote.
In another picture, RiRi strikes a pose in front of the company’s iconic logo of a puma. “Nothing is impossible with God! Very grateful for this opportunity #puma,” reads the caption.
Rihanna started her gig on Monday (Dec. 16) at Puma’s headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany. The 26-year-old singer had her first creative session with the design team and picked out colors, styles and explained the line’s global direction.
“Signing Rihanna is a fantastic step for Puma,” said Puma’s chief executive officer Bjørn Gulden. “Her global profile, her charisma and individuality, her ambition — all these things make her a perfect ambassador for our brand. Rihanna was a natural choice for us. We’re delighted to have her as a partner, and we’re looking forward to what’s to come.”
Congrats, Rihanna.
Nicki Minaj Performs 'Bed of Lies' With Skylar Grey on 'Today' [VIDEO]
Nicki Minaj continues to make her promotional rounds for ‘The Pinkprint’ album with the latest being on the ‘Today’ show, where she performed ‘Bed of Lies’ with Skylar Grey.
Wearing a classic black pantsuit, the Young Money queen rapped through the song flawlessly as Grey sang the hook and played the piano.
“You could never make eye contact / Everything you got was based off of my contacts / You a fraud, but I’ma remain icon stat / Balenciagas on my boots with the python strap,” Nicki raps while a live band supported her.
If you haven’t heard the song already, it speaks of a love gone awry, and if you pay close attention to the lyrics it sounds like the Queens, N.Y. spitter could be talking about her former hypeman, and rumored ex-flame Safaree, as the two called it quits back in October.
Before her performance, Queen Barbz spoke about the different approach she took with ‘The Pinkprint,’ in terms of the overall sound, and the her current look.
“I think it’s about time that people got to see me, and it’s about time for me to feel a little more personable with people and sort of let my guard down, so I did that lyrically with the album and the look,” she explained.
“This is a more vulnerable me, and to write vulnerable records is very scary, because you’re putting out a lot of personal information just to the world, and you don’t always know how people are going to receive it, and once you give it to them you can’t take it back.”
Take a look as Nicki commands the stage above and opens up about her personal life below.
Watch Nicki Minaj Talk About ‘The Pinkprint’ Ablum
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Air Jordan 11 'Legend Blue'
Nike rounds out those best of 2014 lists with the Air Jordan 11 ‘Legend Blue,’ a pair of sneakers that are sure to be included in your top 5. The shoe is set for a very timely return and it goes without saying that this is a release date to put on your calendar.
The name of the shoe may be a bit off-putting since it’s actually the return of the Air Jordan 11 ‘Columbia,’ but what’s in a name anyway? The proof is in the puddin’ here and it’s use of white patent leather and blue accents make the sneaker’s nickname all but irrelevant.
Nike has set these for a Dec. 20 release, and at $200 a pair, they are easily worth every penny. We aren’t sure how many pairs will be in circulation, but we do know that with Christmas being a few days after this release, they’ll be snatched up just as fast as they drop.
[Via Nike]
Teyana Taylor Claps Back at Troll Claiming Her Cakes are Fake (@teyanataylor)
It seems many celebrities can't catch a break when it comes to the court of public opinion, as on IG troll felt the need to call out "Maybe" singer Teyana Taylor for having a fake backside.
Exclusive! Math Hoffa: For My Comeback, I'd Like to Battle Beanie Sigel (@MATHHOFFA @BeanieSigelSP)
Math Hoffa spoke on cancelled battles and his comeback in this clip from his exclusive interview with VladTV Battle Rap Journalist Michael Hughes.
Exclusive! Goodz: I Don't Give a F*** About Celebrities Cosigning Me (@TheRealGoodz)
Goodz spoke with Battle Rap Journalist Michael Hughes about the presence of celebrity figures becoming involved with Battle Rap in this clip from his exclusive interview with VladTV.
Rihanna Named New Creative Director at Puma (@rihanna)
Rihanna has just let the world know that not only is she an R&B/Pop superstar, but that she's ready to take a serious venture into the world of fashion, as she's just been named the Creative Director of popular sportswear company, Puma.
Rae Sremmurd Live Large in New York City in 'Up Like Trump' Video
Rae Sremmurd have been churning out the hits with ‘No Flex Zone’ and ‘No Type.’ More recently, Swae Lee and Slim Jimmy released the Young Thug and Nicki Minaj-assisted banger, ‘Throw Sum Mo’ and now they show what it’s like to live the lavish life in their new video for ‘Up Like Trump.’
Set in New York City, the rap duo are living it up at a penthouse party packed with beautiful socialites and guys in white-and-black tuxes with Donald Trump masks on. The two are also decked out in the penguin suits and look flying as they spit rhymes about living like the infamous entrepreneur.
The two are also seen in the middle of Times Square and taking over a double decker bus. They’re accompanied by some of the costumed characters that walk around the tourist spot as well as their own crew. Rae Sremmurd prove that they can have a dance party anywhere they go. By the visual’s end, they roll out in a Hummer — as every baller should.
This is the latest Mike WiLL Made-It-produced track off their upcoming debut LP, ‘SremmLife,’ which drops on Jan. 5, 2015.
See 30 Awkward Hip-Hop Style Moments
Young Thug Sends Kissy Face Emoji to Male Twerker on IG
While celebrities are always on the lookout for fans looking to take advantage of or embarrass them, it seems ATL spitter Young Thug should be even more cautions, as a male follower of his showed interest in the "Lifestyle" rapper via Instagram direct message, and instead of keeping their interaction low, chose to send a screenshot of their private moment to The Shade Room.
Exclusive! Wesley Pipes: I Banged a 76-Yr-Old, I'd Def. Smash Mimi Faust (@realwesleypipes @MimiFaust)
Wesley Pipes spoke to VladTV about the Mimi Faust and Nikko sex tape in this clip.
Kendrick Lamar Covers XXL Magazine's Winter 2014 Issue
Kendrick Lamar heats up the cover of XXL Magazine’s Winter 2014 issue. This marks the Compton rhymer’s first solo cover for the hip-hop publication. He appeared on the 2011 Freshman Class issue, another with Dr. Dre in 2012, and most recently, with his Black Hippy crew in 2013.
Instead of being interviewed, King Kendrick penned his own story for XXL titled ‘Writer at War.’ In it, the ‘i’ rapper details his experience with “extraordinary fame, the impact he has had on his fans (and vice versa), the process in which he records and his overall mind state after two years on the road and so much more.”
Elsewhere in the issue, the editors recap the year in rap with articles on artists who made an impact in 2014, including French Montana, E-40 and Big Sean. There’s also a holiday gift guide for those trying to buy presents for that hard-to-please rap fan.
It’s good to see that XXL magazine is still bringing hip-hop on a higher level.
XXL’s Winter 2014 issue, with Kendrick Lamar on the cover, is on newsstands now. Go pick it up.
Watch XXL Magazine’s Kendrick Lamar Winter 2014 Issue Preview
Exclusive! Morgan Hardman: Ray J Threatened to Have Me Beat During Reunion (@morganhardman @rayj)
Morgan Hardman of Love & Hip-Hop sat down with VladTV and revealed that she felt betrayed by Ray J after he had his girlfriend Princess swing on her, saying there was a point where she knew him better than anyone, and that they most likely will never get back to that place in their friendship.
Mayweather: No One Knows Amir Khan, I'm Focused on Pacquiao (@FloydMayweather @MannyPacquiao)
EsNews caught up with Floyd Mayweather recently and spoke to him about his potential opponents for his May 2nd fight.
10 Best Album Covers of 2014
These days, albums are more likely to be downloaded as opposed to bought in its physical form, but there’s one thing that can never be taken away from the experience: seeing the cover. Album art has just as much of an impact on your mp3 player as it did when it was enlarged on a vinyl cover. While the artist’s name and album title are a given, the artwork is typically designed to convey the meaning behind the project.
Regardless of what kind of image is used — there are those disappointing album covers that feature little to do with the subject matter — 2014 releases have produced a fair share of creative cover pieces. While last year’s list was filled with many colorful illustrations, this year really highlights artists’ faces. Some are manipulated or even distorted to a cartoon-like state, but each cover is its own work of art that you could hang on your wall. From PRhyme‘s broken heads to FKA twigs‘ powerful portrait, R&B and hip-hop is covered.
Check out The Boombox’s Best Album Covers of 2014, and tell us your 2014 picks in the comments below.
Exclusive! MC Lyte: It's Very Sad if Floyd Mayweather Honestly Can't Read (@mclyte)
The legendary MC Lyte sat down with VladTV and shared her thoughts on Floyd Mayweather potentially not knowing how to read, saying she thinks it's sad if it's true and that she understands the embarrassment and shame that can come with illiteracy.
Protesters Rumble With NYPD at Brooklyn Bridge
The daylong march through the streets of NYC on Saturday, December 13th, ended with two police lieutenants being sent to the hospital after a melee broke out on the Brooklyn Bridge.
Trina Bombarded by Fans for Recreating Solange Wedding Pic
Trina has become the latest celebrity to receive backlash for participating in a wedding photo mimicking that of the Knowles family at Solange's wedding.
Exclusive! Roscoe Dash: Young Thug Calling Men "Bae" Doesn't Matter (@roscoedash)
Roscoe Dash sat down with VladTV and shared his thoughts on one of Hip Hop's hottest acts, Young Thug, saying he thinks the Atlanta rapper is great and while they haven't worked together as of yet, he's worked on a song for Thugga featuring an artist he can't name just yet.
KiD CuDi Calls Chuck Inglish a "H*e A** Ni**a" for Leaking Song
KiD CuDi recently called out producer and "Cool Kids" rapper Chuck Inglish for leaking some of his unfinished material, namely "Chillin While We Sippin," a four-year-old collaboration between CuDi and King Chip which Inglish produced.
10 Hip-Hop Songs in Response to Questlove's Call for Protest Music
Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen the hip-hop community react to the grand jury decisions not to indict the police officers in the deaths of Eric Garner and Michael Brown. Rappers like J. Cole, Nas and Macklemore have joined in peaceful protests from New York City to Seattle. And because race is an inextricable element of hip-hop, many artists have taken to social media to express their derision, disbelief or straight up disgust.
One reaction from the Roots’ Questlove — an avid and insightful commentator on race politics — was a call for action from the hip-hop community. “I urge and challenge musicians and artists alike to push themselves to be a voice of the times that we live in,” he said in a lengthy Instagram post. I don’t mean breathless race to the finish on who makes the more banging ‘F— Tha Police’ sequel. I mean real stories. Real narratives. Songs with spirit in them. Songs with solutions. Songs with questions. Protest songs don’t have to be boring or non danceable or ready made for the next Olympics. They just have to speak truth.”
Fueled by #ICantBreathe hashtags — the last words Garner yelled before his death — Questlove’s pleas raise inquiry about how hip-hop artists today decide to use their power and influence. And while N.W.A. dealt with different scenarios that inspired their content, race politics and police brutality are still points of contention.
Some rappers have taken to the studio and recorded their own protest songs. We’re still waiting on the others. In the meantime, here’s 10 Hip-Hop Songs in Response to Questlove’s Call for Protest Music — some new and others are classics that speak unvarnished truth.
1
'I Can't Breathe'
Kxng Crooked
A direct response to Eric Garner’s death and the grand jury’s decision not to indict his killer in a badge, Kxng Crooked voices his frustration over the police’s inability to let a man breathe. “Respect the value of my life, too,” he says on the tribute track, which compares the cops to a “modern day lynch mob." He discusses not only Garner’s passing, but the havoc it caused to an entire community.
Over a heady Timbaland beat and haunting vocals, 19-year-old rapper-singer Tink warns children of color of the struggle they will inevitably endure, despite the efforts of the Civil Rights Movement half a decade ago. Her sentiment invokes images of a community in Ferguson that continues to suffer an unfathomable loss -- both of a human life and perhaps the last shred of trust for their officials. “A badge is a pass to do whatever,” she says, “So now we livin’ in fear of the people here to protect us.”
In an official tribute to Michael Brown, J. Cole supplements emotive pleas to break chains of oppression with a firsthand account from Dorian Johnson, a witness to Brown’s death. In a departure from Cole’s more lighthearted content, he channels the intentions of a spiritual, testifying while promising resilience: “There ain’t no gun they make that can kill my soul.”
4
'God Bless Amerika'
Lil Wayne
On this heavy-hearted track, Lil Wayne paints the American dream as a delusion, a mirage in a desert of crooked cops and the criminalization of the black body. “Mama said take what you want / I took heed,” he says, expressing the injustice of his status as a constant target, a criminal regardless of his choices. He paints a picture of robbed innocence in a society where necessity turns boys into men too early.
5
'A Better Tomorrow'
Wu-Tang Clan
While it took six years to release their new album, 'A Better Tomorrow,' Wu-Tang Clan jumped into action with this tribute to Mike Brown and Eric Garner. Inspektah Deck, U God, RZA, Masta Killa and Method Man spit poignant points of injustice. Meth offers a biblical allusion that summons images of human betrayal: “No longer we brothers, we unstable / Like Kane when he slew Abel, killing each other.” The empowering part of this song is its call for action, an assertion that the very people feeling targeted are the catalysts for change. The montage of protest clips, as well as sections of Obama’s address serve as a fitting video.
6
'HiiiPower'
Kendrick Lamar
On an electrifying track from his hungry 'Section.80' days, Kendrick Lamar discusses the flaws in the system that plague him most. “Get up off that slave ship / build your own pyramids, write your own hieroglyphs,” he rhymes. The ground is rigged with landmines, he says, and the only way to survive is to claim and reclaim power. While his lyrics express dark truths, Lamar urges change that starts at home in whatever form it takes.
For those who feel slighted, Nas is with you. He laments the country’s embrace of black culture juxtaposed with its apparent disregard for black people. “Woven into the fabric, they can’t stand us / Even in white tees, blue jeans and red bandanas,” he raps. The dichotomy of the flag’s colors and the uniform that alerts cops to a criminal is jarring. A wake-up call to those who haven’t evolved since Jim Crow, the track -- and the loss of Brown and Garner -- asks, “how are we really from third world savagery?”
8
'Why'
Jadakiss Feat. Anthony Hamilton
In a throwback that resonates, Jadakiss asks for the reasoning behind racial, political and social injustice that affects all Americans, not just black Americans. A part of the music video shows two cops chasing a young man selling CDs illegally on the street, exposing the deep chasms in the prison system designed to break down spirits and communities of color. It also hits a chord, drawing similarities to why Garner was apprehended. While comical at times, the song pushes peaceful protest through a series of questions, some of which beg for answers. Anthony Hamilton’s croon -- a distinct wail of the beauty that comes from oppression and necessity -- adds an element of familiarity.
Over the artful loop of Nina Simone’s 'Sinnerman' (courtesy of Kanye West) rests an eternal message of the force it takes to move forward through adversity. Talib Kweli’s call and response takes it to church, mourning nightmarish conditions while seeking the strength to push on. “Even when the condition is critical, when the living is miserable / Your position is pivotal, I ain’t bulls---tin’ you,” he testifies. A contemporary march song at its essence, Kweli calls for strength in situations that feel helpless.
The classic diatribe on the militarization of the police force and its suffocating effect on the masses, this raw track by dead prez holds no punches. The lyrics bring attention not just to race but how class affects the justice system, and how the image of a black man implies danger. “For me change might never come because I can’t change into a white dude,” he says. Nuance-free, the song gives voice to the ones who are tired of waiting for progress.
Is Lil Wayne Working on 'Sorry 4 the Wait 2′ Mixtape?
It looks like history is repeating itself for Lil Wayne. Do you remember back in 2011, when folks were waiting anxiously for ‘Tha Carter IV’ album, and the rapper put out new music before its release with the ‘Sorry 4 the Wait’ mixtape? Well, it seems like he’s back at it again, using the same formula with ‘Sorry 4 the Wait 2.’
Lil Tunechi will reportedly drop ‘Sorry 4 the Wait 2′ soon, since Cash Money president Mack Maine announced ‘Tha Carter V’ won’t be released until 2015. He confirmed the news on his Instagram page.
“I found my bionic son today walking through Wynwood,” Maine wrote as the caption to the photo, which shows him standing next to a huge wall painting. “#FreeC5 #PinkPrint #Sorry4daWait2. Ya heard me.”
Recently, Maine spoke to Miami radio station 99 Jamz about ‘Tha Carter V’ delay and when fans can finally expect it to arrive.
“He’s touching up the album and about to start another special project for the people,” he explained. “I can’t give a definitive date. I can just say first quarter for sure. We’re still in talks right now, trying to get plans together. The industry shuts down towards the end of the year anyway. It’s coming out. Don’t get it twisted like it’s not coming out.”
Are you looking forward to Wayne’s ‘Sorry 4 the Wait 2′ mixtape? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
A photo posted by mackmaineymcmb (@mackmaineymcmb) onDec 12, 2014 at 2:24pm PST
See Rappers Then & Now: Hip-Hop Style Transformations
Alicia Keys Sings About Love and Unity on 'Somewhere in the City'
As part of her “12 Days of Christmas” giveaway, Alicia Keys just released the touching ballad ‘Somewhere in the City.’ The song never made it onto her 2012 album ‘Girl on Fire,’ but ended up as the closing track on her documentary, ‘Keep a Child Alive with Alicia Keys.’
On the heartfelt tune, the talented singer, songwriter and pianist sings about using love to conquer life’s challenges. She also uses the title ‘Somewhere in the City’ to convey that everyone has things to contend with and challenges to overcome.
With a piano supporting her melodies and lyrics, the message Alicia relays comes through loud and clear.
“Somewhere on an island like mines, the world is shaking / Somewhere on an island like mines hearts are breaking / Seas are rising, birds are diving, dreams may wash away, but we’re surviving, mothers trying to help us see our ways,” she sings.
Learn more about her “12 Days of Christmas” giveaway on her website, AkVault.com.
Listen to Alicia Keys’ ‘Somewhere in the City’
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