Hip Hop News: 02/11/15

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Wale Shuts Down Groupie Claiming She Smashed at His House

There's no doubt that Wale has plenty of women clamoring for his attention, but the rapper had to shut down one woman who was claiming they hooked up at his house.

Omniscence's Raw Factor Fully Realized

It's now after the conclusion of the Raw Factors series of 12" records from Dope Folks records, which included three songs apiece (plus exclusive instrumentals) off of Omniscence's legendary unreleased album, The Raw Factor. Between that and the original 12" singles on East/West, we've almost got the whole entire album in our mitts. And now it's time for this CD/ cassette release of The Raw Factor on Gentleman's Relief Records to put the cap on it.

So three Raw Factors with three songs each equals nine songs total [college degree, you've just paid off!]. This album has thirteen tracks, plus four bonus tracks, on both the CD and cassette, which we'll swing back around to later. So that means there's four non-bonus tracks on here that weren't on the EP. So obviously the big question is what the Hell are those songs?

Well, two of them are simply "Amazin'" and "Touch Y'all," the two original singles from the album that actually did get released back in the day. The idea with this Raw Factor release is to be the full, original album, so it only makes sense to get them back into the mix. Even for all of us who already own those singles, it's good to have them in the line-up just so we can listen to the whole album properly like it was meant to be. That's all cool, but that still only brings us to eleven. What are the last two?

1) I'm On Mine - Remember how I said the song "Maintain" was a mess on the old mix-tape/ bootleg downloads? 'Cause you had a couple tracks with that title, and another with a different title, "Greatest MC in the World," but had the same instrumental? Those versions were all messed up, and some screwed it up more than others, because they just did things like rip the old snippet tape and mash it up with the singles, past releases and all kinds of junk. But here we finally get to here those songs in their entirety. "I'm On Mine" is what was called "Greatest MC In the World" on the boots; they clearly got the title from the vocal sample from De La Soul 's "Ego Trippin' Part 2" where they go, "I'm the greatest MC in the worrrrld," that the DJ is cutting up here on the hook. Depending which booty download you have, you may have already heard this song in its entirety under that title, but it obviously sounds much better, quality-wise, here.

2) I Gotta Maintain - And finally! Here it is, the proper version of "(I Gotta) Maintain," the full song, not just the snippets. It's the same version I have on my old promo EP., which was always one of Om's best to me, so I'm glad it's finally arrived. And now, not having screwy, disjointed track-listings to confuse matters, it breaks down naturally that the two different instrumentals intuitively comprised the two separate songs. Now here's the complete song, restored.

With the release, I think we can finally put those misinformative unofficial releases to bed once and for all. The full album is finally here, with every song in its entirety, in full sound quality, sorted out. Oh right, and we've got bonus tracks, too!

The four bonuses are the "Touch Y'all" remix from the original 12" single, which featured Sadat X, and one of the two "Amazin'" remixes from that original 12", together giving you an even fuller Raw Factor experience. And then there's "Wreckognize" and "Freestyle After a Philly," which are two songs from his Funky Oneliner EP - kind of odd choices, but hey, who's complaining about two more dope Omniscence songs being on their albums?

So that's all 17 songs, we've reached the end... unless you leave the album playing and hear the extra bonus, uncredited 18th song not mentioned on the track-listing. And yes, by the way, it's on both the CD and cassette versions. It's the other, often forgotten "Touch Y'all" remix, the one that doesn't feature Sadat, by Fanatic that was also on the 12" single. Nice.

And let's talk about the actual physical product - although for the record, the whole thing (minus the hidden track #18) is available for download as well, on Omni's bandcamp if that's your thing. The cassette is pretty limited, to just 100 copies, and is pressed in cool, red plastic. The CD is a bit of a wider release, not just available from GRR's online store, but sites like ughh and hhv . It also includes liner notes written by Omniscence, telling the story of how the album was recorded all the way through to it ultimately not getting released back in the day.

So this is pretty great for Omniscence fans. The famously unreleased Raw Factor is now out on all formats, and all top quality releases. It's all pretty damn definitive, I'd say. Except... Interestingly, all of this still leaves one Omniscence song from my East/West promo tape still unreleased. "Keep Giving Me Love" was another smoothed out collection of fun, freestyle rhymes with a shout chorus, this time over a sample of Al B. Sure's "Nite & Day." I'm actually surprised there isn't one more Raw Factors vinyl EP with "I Gotta Maintain," "I'm On Mine" and "Keep Giving Me Love," plus the instrumentals. I'm really not sure why everybody's still sitting on that one. Hmmm...

Kanye Reveals Plans to Work on New Music With Taylor Swift (@kanyewest)

Kanye West famously interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech for best female video at the 2009 MTV VMAs, but the rapper told Ryan Seacrest that they're putting the past behind them and jumping in the studio.

Suge Knight Ambushed by Gunmen Before Fatal Hit-and-Run

Pool, Getty Images

Surveillance video from the fatal hit-and-run involving Suge Knight reveals that his meet-up with the two men could have been an ambush.

The rap mogul’s attorney, David Kenner, told the Associated Press, that he briefly reviewed the footage, which was obtained from the fast-food restaurant’s camera where the incident occurred. As you may recall, Knight ran over Terry Carter with his pick-up truck, killing him, as well as Cle “Bone” Sloan, following an altercation.

TMZ reports that the video clearly shows that Bone allegedly had a gun along with another unidentified person who was also armed. A source close to Knight says that based on the evidence and information, Carter was part of the ambush as well and initiated the meeting to set up Knight.

The alleged video also shows that after Knight ran over the two men, someone grabbed the gun from Bone’s hand and walked away with it.

Kenner wouldn’t go into specific details about the video but he believes the footage could help the rap mogul’s defense as he’s currently charged with murder and attempted murder.

Unfortunately, the former Death Row Records CEO has another legal matter to deal with.

A preliminary hearing was held in Los Angeles today (Feb. 11) in regards to his assault case in which he, and his co-defendant Katt Williams, allegedly robbed a photographer’s camera in Beverly Hills, Calif., last year. Since neither Knight nor Williams couldn’t appear in court, the judge rescheduled the hearing for Feb. 19, in which both men will have to be present.

10 Most Shocking Arrests in Hip-Hop

Missy Elliott and Timbaland Go Back to the Drawing Board in Studio

Missy Elliott has been flying pretty high since stealing the show at this year’s Super Bowl. The rapper’s catalog of hits like ‘Lose Control’ even soared in sales following her big performance with Katy Perry.

With all the attention on her music, could a new Missy album be in the works? Fans are in for some good news because the ‘Work It’ rhymer gave a sneak peek of herself in the studio with longtime producer Timbaland. The two haven’t worked together since Missy’s 2005 album, ‘The Cookbook.’

“Me & Timbaland bk 2 the drawing board studio dirty beats,” she tweeted along with a photo of herself and Timbo standing in front of a mixing console.

She even joked with one of her followers about making new music with the veteran Virginia Beach producer. “Is Ginuwine gonna be in on that by chance,” asked the fan. “Yes, Ginuwine tweet and Magoo,” replied Missy.

Recently, the 43-year-old visited ‘Sway in the Morning’ and said her and Timb are taking it step-by-step with the music they’re creating. She also doesn’t want to get her supporters’ hopes up too much, so she’s reluctant to say when or if a new album will be released.

“I’m actually going to be with Tim, and so we’re gonna get in and get some work done,” she said. “I don’t want to say too much because in this day and time, boy, you say something, they will come back two weeks later like, ‘Where your album at?’”

Are you ready for a new Missy album? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

See What Rappers and Singers Looked Like When They Released Their First Albums

Busted: Kim Kardashian Caught Staging "Spontaneous" Yeezy Photo

While Kim Kardashian is no doubt rightfully proud of husband Kanye West's adidas collaboration set to drop this weekend, it would seem she attempted to fool the public with a recent Instagram photo plugging the upcoming sneaker.

Jordan Brand 2015 'Laser Pack'

Nike

Jordan Brand is using all of their resources to promote their sneakers, especially, with the NBA All-Star Game festivities happening this weekend. It also marks the company’s 30th Anniversary and to celebrate, they are releasing a few laser-etched versions of their most popular silhouettes.

The markings were originally spotted on the Air Jordan XX so it’s only right that the model is included, however, the Air Jordan 1 and Air Jordan 4 also join in on the festivities. Each one is decked out in white leather with an ice blue outsole for the finish as well.

This is one of the cleanest drops we’ve seen in a while and if you want to see it in person there will be a pop up shop set up in New York thanks to the All-Star Game. Take a train to 166 Flatbush Ave. in Brooklyn to learn more about this Nike release and its history.

Nike

[Via Highsnobiety]

Azealia Banks to Bare it All for Playboy Magazine [PHOTO]

Guess who's on the cover of @Playboy?! It will be on stands March 20th!!

A photo posted by Azealia Banks (@azealiabanks) on Feb 11, 2015 at 9:34am PST

When she’s not attacking Iggy Azalea on Twitter and making some very good points about hip-hop and race, Azealia Banks is also posing nude. The Harlem native will be the cover girl for Playboy magazine’s upcoming April music issue.

The outspoken rapper took to her Instagram account to share the news. “Now I can finally tell you, I’ll be on the cover of @Playboy’s April Music Issue,” she wrote.

In addition, Banks posted one of the photos of the Playboy shoot, which shows her peering behind a leopard-printed sofa while wearing a cat mask.

The ‘Broke With Expensive Taste’ MC was shot by famed photographer Ellen Von Unwerth, who shot album covers for artists like Janet Jackson and Rihanna. Banks was also interviewed by the magazine.

You can see the rhymer bare it all when the mag hits newsstands on March 20. It’ll be interesting to see what other risque photos there are and what new controversies she’ll start in the interview.

What do you think of Azealia Banks posing nude for Playboy? Tell us in the comments below.

What’s Beef? 10 Hip-Hop Twitter Feuds

Azealia Banks to Pose Nude for Playboy's Music Issue

Outspoken Harlem rapper Azealia Banks has just announced via Instagram that she'll be featured on the next cover of Playboy Magazine.

Daylyt to Iggy Azalea: If I See You Ima Knock Your B*h A Out (@DAYLYT2K @iggyazalea)

No stranger to controversy, Daylyt recently addressed Iggy Azalea and her NBA baller boyfriend Nick Young in an angry rant posted to Rap Grid.

Big T: Why Does Hip-Hop Conspire Against Fat Rappers? (@BIGTQMB @charlieclips)

Battle rapper Big T is on a mission not only to get fit, but to help his fellow fat battle rappers get in shape as well, as the Chicago-bred MC is challenging other big battlers to "Battle Rap Celebrity Fit Club.

Kanye West Clarifies His Beck Grammy Remarks, Talks Taylor Swift Collaboration

You may not get a full-on apology from Kanye West but you’ll get a couple of explanations. The controversial rapper-producer clarified statements again that he made about Beck during a phone interview with ‘On Air With Ryan Seacrest’ on Wednesday morning (Feb. 11).

It seems that Yeezy feels all the backlash that has come his way since his E! News rant, has been misconstrued. Now West is trying to clear things up.

The ‘Only One’ rapper insists that he wasn’t trashing Beck when he said that he should “respect artistry.” “I think it came off the wrong way, and that was a mis-wording on my part because obviously Beck is one of the most respected artists and respects artistry,” he said. “Beck is one of the nicest guys and one of the most respected musicians in the game. So, there’s nothing that I will want to do as a fellow musician to disrespect him in any way.

He then pointed to a time when he lost an award to pop band Maroon 5 as an example.

“There’s like many of times I gave other people my award, literally made them come up onstage,” the Chicago native explained. “Maroon 5, when they won Best New Artist, [Adam Levine] mentioned me because it was ‘The College Dropout’ and [it received] 10 nominations at that.”

West also wanted to make it clear that it’s not a race thing between him and Beck.

“I want to stress to people that it’s not a black or white thing at all,” he says. “It’s not me always standing up for a black artist. I feel that racism is a distraction to humanity. We are one race, we are the human race, period.”

He also added that the Grammys tend to project their elitism and classism on the artists, which is why they don’t always get it right when it comes to honoring the correct artist in a particular category.

“I felt that even though the Grammys sometimes gives awards to people who you wouldn’t think should win in the category, as a respect to artists, we mention the other artist’s name in our speech,” he stated.

The ‘Late Registration’ creator also said he plans to work with Taylor Swift, despite their beef from years ago when he interrupted her acceptance speech at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards.

“She wants to get in the studio and we’re definitely going to go in” he promised. “Any artist with an amazing point of view, perspective, fan base, I’m down to get in the studio and work.”

Erica Mena Shows Off New Smaller Waist in Caked-Out Gym Pic (@iamerica_mena)

Waist trainers seem to be all the rage these days, and Erica Mena is one sexy model who's totally on board with the fad.

Chris Brown and Trey Songz Unveil Revised Between the Sheets Tour Dates

PR Newswire

Now that Chris Brown is done with his community service, he can hit the road with his good friend Trey Songz for their Between the Sheets tour. The dynamic duo have just released the rescheduled dates of their U.S. trek.

The jaunt, which also features Tyga, will now begin on Feb. 12 in Sunrise, Fla., with the first rescheduled date on Feb. 16 at the Barclays Center in New York. However, we have to point out that Songz will not perform on tour’s final four shows, which were all rescheduled dates from March 14-19.

“I’m excited to tour North America with my brothers Trey and Tyga,” said Brown in a statement (via Rap-Up). “To the fans who have been with me since day one…the BTS Tour is dedicated to your loyalty!”

Tickets are still available via Live Nation. Check out their new itinerary below.

Between the Sheets Tour Rescheduled Dates:

**Chris Brown and Tyga (No Trey Songz)

See What Rappers and Singers Looked Like When They Released Their First Albums

Justin Bieber's Mansion Trashed After Meek Mill's Grammy Party

Meek Mill's Grammy Afterparty is going down as the stuff of legend, as word of fights involving celebs,

Chris Brown and Trey Songz Unveil Revised Between the Sheets Tour Dates

PR Newswire

Tickets are still available via Live Nation. Check out their new itinerary below.

Between the Sheets Tour Rescheduled Dates:

**Chris Brown and Tyga (No Trey Songz)

See What Rappers and Singers Looked Like When They Released Their First Albums

50 Cent: Floyd Mayweather Is "Scared to Death" of Manny Pacquiao (@FloydMayweather)

While 50 Cent and Floyd Mayweather used to be close friends, the former comrades have all but completely turned on one another, with 50 sending shots Mayweather's way on several different occasions.

India.Arie Gets Hand Slapped Away by Lady Gaga's Security [VIDEO]

India.Arie doesn’t liked to be “aggressively” touched. Nor does she like to be disrespected by opinionated Twitter followers.

She said all of this after having her hand slapped away by security guards, when she tried to say hello to Lady Gaga on the Grammy red carpet.

According to SingersRoom, when Arie tapped the pop star on her shoulder to great her, one of Gaga’s security people forcefully slapped her hand away, striking a bracelet she was wearing and causing her pain.

Afterwards, the ‘Chocolate High’ singer and Gaga’s followers took to Twitter where some back-and-forth occurred, but the soul singer was quick to say she doesn’t have a problem with her.

“Lets squash this now,” she wrote. “Everyone responding to my @ladygaga tweet. I know her and I wanted to speak like did everyone else I saw I know.”

Arie also said she doesn’t blame the ‘Artpop’ creator for what happened, she blames her security team. She also said the eccentric singer never saw her, so it’s not her fault.

“Her security swatted my hand,” explained the ‘Acoustic Soul’ creator. “She didn’t see me. And my point is not @ladygaga my point is — this is the energy of the Hollywood bubble.”

Clearly, the Denver, Colo. native has no problem with Ms. Gaga, it just seems like she has a problem with some of her fans, since they lashed out at her without knowing the full story.

Read Arie’s full Twitter response below.

What’s Beef? 10 Hip-Hop Twitter Feuds

Exclusive! The Fat Jew: I Just Hope the N.W.A. Movie Isn't Horrendous (@fatjew)

Internet personality The Fat Jew recently discussed several hot topics during his quick Q&A with VladTV.

Exclusive! Peter Rosenberg: Cipha Sounds Was Ready for Something New (@rosenbergradio)

VladTV recently caught up with famed New York radio DJ Peter Rosenberg and got his take on fellow DJ Cipha Sounds departing Hot 97 after nearly two decades at the station.

Exclusive! Luenell: Richard Pryor Wanted Mike Epps to Play Him (@luenell @therealmikeepps)

Comedian Luenell sat down with VladTV where she briefly spoke on her good friend Mike Epps portraying comedic legend Richard Pryor in his upcoming biopic, saying she's glad Mike got the gig because she knows for a fact that Richard Pryor himself wanted Epps to play him on the big screen.

Scorned Wife Trashes Cheating Husband's Audi R8 Sports Car

Things never seem to end well in a relationship after a partner is caught cheating, but one man suffered an excruciating loss after his wife caught him going out on her.

Nicki Minaj Denies Banning Birdman From Grammy Party

Nicki Minaj raised eyebrows after a video surfaced of her YMCMB boss

Jadakiss: I Think Kanye Was Just Playing Around During Beck Snub (@therealkiss)

VladTV recently caught up with Jadakiss and got his thoughts on the new Yeezy sneaker, Kanye snubbing Beck's Grammy win, Bobby Shmurda's incarceration and more.

Exclusive! Bobbito Garcia: I Don't Listen to Radio at All Anymore (@stretcharmy @koolboblove)

Legendary radio personality, author, and filmmaker Bobbito Garcia recently chopped it up with VladTV about radio now compared to the golden era of the '90s, with Garcia saying he doesn't listen to today's radio at all, but is in the process of directing a film shedding light on his own classic radio show with DJ Stretch Armstrong entitled "Stretch & Bobbito.

A$AP Rocky Delivers 'Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2′ Video

A corner bodega, a dirty laundromat and his crew. That’s all A$AP Rocky needed to put together the ‘Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2′ video.

Just like his last video ‘Multiply,’ the Harlem native takes to his neighborhood streets to showcase his love for fashion and trippy visuals.

There’s also projectors used, giving most of the scenes a low-fi, jumpy quality, which is exactly what the 26-year-old rapper was going for. He also said that he didn’t want the video to have too deep of a meaning, he just wanted to have a good time.

“I wanted to make a fun lo-fi video using projectors and showcasing the fun energy,” he said while conducting a Q&A on Tumblr.

You’ll also see a lot of people jumping and dancing, as Rocky visits a house party and delivers his raps inside of a large sweaty crowd.

As far as his wardrobe choices, the self-proclaimed “Fashionable Killa” keeps things pretty simple, aside from the scene in the laundromat where he rocks an ankle length fur coat.

He’s also sipping a 40 oz. bottle in a brown paper bag, effectively meshing high glamour and old-fashioned hood fabulousness.

There’s also a touching tribute to his fallen comrade A$AP Yams, who suddenly passed away in January. “Always strive and prosper. Rest in peace A$AP Yams,” it says.

A$AP Rocky’s sophomore album, ‘A.L.L.A,’ should be out later this year.

If you can see the video, watch it HERE.

10 Most Anticipated Rap Albums of 2015

Exclusive! TeeFLii Talks Debut LP 'Starr' and Smoking With Snoop Dogg (@teeflii)

Los Angeles musician TeeFLii discusses working with some of the biggest names in the game for his debut album and also recounts his experience getting lit with Snoop.

Joseline Joins Stevie J in Court to Address Child Support Issues

Love & Hip Hop star Joseline Hernandez joined her husband Stevie J for his court appearance Tuesday morning in NYC where he stood before a judge and entered a not guilty plea for his child support case.

Game Professes His Love for Ex-Fiancee on Instagram

In late 2014,

adidas Originals Top Ten Hi 'Floral'

Feature Sneaker Boutique

Things seem to be heating up over at adidas and if you think Kanye’s kicks are the only trick they’ve got up their sleeves, think again. This time, an unlikely candidate gets an even more unlikely facelift leaving it to look like straight up art.

The adidas Originals Top Ten Hi is covered in a floral pattern with a blend of snakeskin and netted mesh, creating one of the most unique sneakers we’ve seen in a while. The high top release is completely covered in the interesting print with the only reprieve being the gold eyelets making their way up the laceplate.

These may be too far out for some people, but if they are in your wheelhouse they’ll be landing at select retailers soon. Feature has them available now for pre-sale at $150 a pair and trust us, you’ll turn several heads rocking these.

Rocsi Diaz Claps Back at Fans Calling Her Out for Boob Job

Rocsi Diaz is without a doubt a gorgeous woman with brains and talent to back up her outer beauty.

Trey Songz Vents to Fans About Grammy Snubs on Twitter

Trey Songz has been a staple for R&B fans for years, but it's also safe to say that at this point, he hasn't fully conquered the Pop world like Beyonce, Rihanna or even his good friend Chris Brown have.

It Wasn't Me: Meek Mill Denies Trashing Justin Bieber's Mansion

Yesterday, it was reported that a wild fight at Meek Mill's Grammy afterparty led to the

Listen to Estelle's 'True Romance' Album

Rachel Murray, Getty Imags

Estelle returns to the spotlight her fourth studio album, ‘True Romance,’ which is Inspired by her passion for love (and the drama that comes with it).

Before the album drops on Feb. 17 — and just in time for Valentine’s Day — the British beauty gives fans a chance to listen to the 12-track LP on Pandora before it hits stores. This time around the songstress, who broke out on the scene in 2008 with the Kanye West-assisted chart-topper ‘American Boy,’ is singing a more melancholy tune.

Led by her single ‘Conqueror,’ ‘True Romance’ details love, heartbreak, triumph and everything in between as she pours her heart out over triumphant beats.

You can stream the album on Pandora below and check her out on ‘The View’ on Feb. 18 as she performs ‘Conqueror’ live.

Listen to Estelle's 'True Romance' Album Here

Estelle’s ‘True Romance’ Tracklist

1. ‘Time After Time’

2. ‘Conqueror’

3. ‘Something Good’ / ‘Devotion’ (Passion Interlude)

4. ‘Make Her Say (Beat It Up)’

5. ‘Time Share (Suite 509)’

6. ‘The Same’

7. ‘Fight for It’

8. ‘Silly Girls’

9. ‘Gotcha Love’

10. ‘She Will Love’

11. ‘All That Matters’

12. ‘Not Sure’ (Bonus Track)

Watch Estelle’s ‘Conqueror’ Video

See What Rappers and Singers Looked Like When They Released Their First Albums

Chris Brown on Rumors He Was Pistol-Whipped at Meek Mill Party

Chris Brown always seems to find his name in the middle of drama, but he's taking to Instagram to set the record straight on rumors he was involved in a fight at Meek Mill's Post-Grammy party, where stars like Nicki Minaj, Khloe Kardashian, French Montana and others were also in the building.

NFL's Brandon Browner Goes Off on Kanye West: He's a Sucka!

Kanye West may be one of the most polarizing artists of his time.

Exclusive! Jacquees: Rich Homie Quan's Dad Helped Me Out With Birdman Deal (@jacquees)

Jacquees revealed that he signed a deal with Cash Money after a chance phone call with Rich Homie Quan's dad, who happened to be sitting with Birdman at the time.

Maia Campbell Calls Cop "Fa***t" During Arrest at Burger King

Best known as LL Cool J's co-star on his '90s sitcom In Da House, actress Maia Campbell was arrested in Riverdale, GA.

Listen to Estelle's New Album 'True Romance' on Pandora Before the Release Date

Rachel Murray, Getty Imags

Estelle returns to the spotlight her fourth studio album, ‘True Romance,’ which is Inspired by her passion for the love (and the drama that comes with it).

Led by her single ‘Conqueror,’ ‘True Romance’ details love, heartbreak, triumph and everything in between as she pours her heart out over triumphant beats.

You can stream the album on Pandora below and check her out on ‘The View’ on Feb. 18 as she performs ‘Conqueror’ live.

Listen to Estelle's 'True Romance' Album Here

Watch Estelle’s ‘Conqueror’ Video

See What Rappers and Singers Looked Like When They Released Their First Albums

Maia Campbell Callls Cop "Fa***t" During Arrest at Burger King

Best known as LL Cool J's co-star on his '90s sitcom In Da House, actress Maia Campbell was arrested in Riverdale, GA.

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Wednesday, February 11, 2015