Young Buck and DJ Freddy Hydro To Host Tennessee Music Conference and Hip-Hop Awards

Just another reminder that hip-hop is not dead, but alive, strong and yes a positive force in the hood. Young Buck brings a stunning awards show and conference to his Nashville, TenAKi. Mad ups to ya Buck!!!


Nashville, TN – Former G Unit artist and Nashville, TN native Young Buck is giving back to his community by being one of the sponsors of the first annual Tennessee Music Conference and Hip-Hop Awards. Young Buck collaborated up with Robert "Robski" Grady to sponsor the event, which is expected to bring in artists like 8-Ball, Project Pat, Yo Gotti, All-Star and more. Young Buck will also co-host the event with DJ Freddy Hydro. The event is being held September 6-7 and is expecting to be the most effective music-networking event to ever hit Tennessee.

"We want to honor and pay homage to the people who have helped to develop the TN Hip-Hop market to what it is, and work as a state to help to continue to build the market," a statement from the events website site said, continuing, "This event will help to establish a foundation in which the TN music community can use to help grow and develop their careers in music."

The main purpose of the 1st Annual Tennessee Music Conference and Hip-Hop awards is to honor and pay homage to the people who have helped to develop the Tennessee Hip-Hop market to what it has become, and work as a state to help to continue to build the market, and develop careers for artists, DJ's, producers, media, promoters, and others in the state. This event will help to establish a foundation in which the Tennessee music community can use to help grow and develop their careers in music.

The event is also during the weekend of the John Merritt Classic in Nashville. Southern vs. Tennessee State Tigers as well as the Season Opener for the Tennessee Titans, so the event will be an added bonus to those in town and want to gain music knowledge, network, and have a good time.

2008 Tennessee Music Conference Itinerary
Sat. Sept. 6
Millennium Maxwell Hotel & Resort
2025 Rosa L. Parks Blvd
Nashville, TN 37228

8AM -11AM - Registration and booth set up

11AM -NOON- TMC Luncheon (free food for all registered guests)

11:45 AM -12:15 PM - Showcase #1

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM - A& R Power Panel: "How to get signed to a Major, and what are the Advantages and Disadvantages?"
1. "Corporate" Cory Sparks (Interscope/ KOCH A&R) TN
2. Freddy Hydro (Hitz Committee/ Jive) TN
3. Alvin Williams (Grammy winner Music World/ Gospel Network) ATL
4. C. Wakeley (Gainesville Music Summit/ SEA Impact Person of Year) FL
5. Ricardo Hunter (Hunter Promotions) TN
6. John "J-Dog" Shaw (A&R Dir. Select-O-Hits Dist.) TN
Moderator: Robski

1:30 PM - 2:00 PM - Showcase #2

2:15 PM - 3:15 PM - Media & Promotions Panel: "Building relationships with Media Outlets and the Importance of Self Promotion."
1. Bryan Deese (Owner/ Creator Concrete Magazine) TN
2. Leon Bailey "L.B." (Owner wordofsouth.com) FL
3. Janiro Hawkins (VP of Southern Entertainment Awards) TN
4. P. Brown (Streettalk Newspaper & Promotions) ATL
5. Robski (Underground Kings DVD) TN
6. Julia Beverly (Owner/ Creator O-Zone Magazine) FL
7. Memphisrap.com TN
Moderator: Freddy Hydro

3:15 PM - 3:45 PM - Showcase Finals

4:00 PM - 5:15 PM - Artist Panel: "How to make Money Independently in the Music and Entertainment industry."
1. Haystak
2. La Chat
3. Playa Fly
4. All-Star
5. JC (Block Ent R&B)
6. Mr. Serv On (formerly of No Limit)
7. Young D (Hypnotized Minds)
8. Granddaddy Souf
9. Trai' D (Gutta Chick)
10. Mr. Mack
Moderator: Freddy Hydro

5:45 PM - 7:15 PM - DJ Panel: "What do DJ's look for in a HIT RECORD and how should the Artist Push a Records"
1. DJ Freddy Hydro
2. DJ Dutty Laundry
3. DJ C-Wiz
4. DJ Bryant D
5. DJ Squeeky
6. DJ Trap
7. DJ Infamous
Moderator: Robski

After Party
9 PM - 2 AM - Wildhorse Saloon
Featuring: Young Buck & The Game

Also Performing Live: Scarface

Special Guests: Tennessee Titans, Allen Iverson, Gorilla Zoe, B.G., Mr. Serv On, Playa Fly, Cowboy, and More
*Tickets For AFTER PARTY AT THE WILDHORSE ONLY available at all
Ticketmaster locations.

1ST ANNUAL TENNESSEE HIP HOP AWARDS
HOSTED BY: YOUNG BUCK

SUNDAY SEPT. 7
GAYLORD CONVENTION CENTER
2800 OPRLYLAND DR.
NASHVILLE, TN
DOORS OPEN @ 4PM

CONFIRMED PERFORMANCES

ALL-STAR
COWBOY
GRAFITTI BOYZ
GRANDDADDY SOUF
KINFOLK THUGZ (DUMPTRUCK)
PAPER
TRAI' D (GUTTA CHICK)
YOUNG BUCK
YOUNG D (HYPNOTIZED MINDS, "LOLLI, LOLLI")

In addition, 8-Ball & MJG along with 3-6 Mafia, DJ C-Wiz, & DJ Squeeky are the recipients of the Special Pioneer Legend Awards that will be presented during the award ceremony.

For more information on the Tennessee Music Conference and Hip-Hop Awards, please visit the website http://www.tmchiphopawards.com.

For More Information Contact: (Media Only)
Robert Grady
Email: info@tmchiphopawards.com
Ph: (615) 484-6753

HIP HOP CONGRESS NATIONAL CONVENTION 2008 JULY 24th - 27th in Biloxi and New Orleans

HIP HOP CONGRESS NATIONAL CONVENTION 2008 JULY 24th - 27th in Biloxi and New Orleans

Press Release
Schedule Updated 7/3/08

REGISTER TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE!!!
Announced Performers
Want to perform? Artist Submission located here!

Aaron Berkowitz
PR and Marketing Director
Hip Hop Congress
berkowitz@hiphopcongress.com
http://www.hiphopcongress.com

Hip Hop Congress Announces it’s 7th Annual Conference to be hosted by the Mississippi Artists and Producers Coalition
Energize, Organize, Revolutionize: Taking it back to the Roots

DATE, LOCATION: The 7TH Annual National Hip Hop Congress Conference will take place in Biloxi, MS from July 24th through the 27th at the Treasure Bay Hotel and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. This year the conference will focus on building internal capacity and direction of the organization with a goal of improved service, clarified action and plans to further influence local communities where we have a presence as well as national. Special addresses will be also be given by Bakari Kitwana of Rapsessions and Cheri Honkala, National Coordinator of the Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign.

This conference will include a variety of activities and workshops in the elements of hip hop, use and development of media coalitions, direct action, digital distribution, music industry knowledge and detailed plans for HHC in the next two years. Hip Hop Congress will also be announcing the roll out of several new initiatives including increased resources for artists through the website and cultural services for schools, after school programs, and communities. Individuals and organizations interested in learning more about HHC are welcome to attend, enjoy the activities and learn more about HHC without any obligation to join. As always, there will be shows every night featuring artists on the cutting edge of Independent music as well as a headliner yet to be named.Previous artists who have performed at the National Conference are Blueprint, OneBeLo, Zion I, Jurassic 5, and Brother Ali.

Shamako Noble, HHC President, stated, “Last year we gave an open invitation to Hip Hop organizations, partners and interested folks to attend in an effort to expand our bases. This year, we want to focus on refining our strengths while addressing our weaknesses. We’ve been able to survive conditions as an organization that many said shouldn’t have allowed us to exist. Our hope is that at this conference we can return to the formula that has allowed is to survive for so long, while troubleshooting issues that could hinder our development . This means refocusing on the mission, streamlining our communication, and redefining our programs. We are also very excited to be in the South, where a lot of Hip Hop Organizations either don’t go, are afraid to go, or only go when it’s convenient. We’re looking to build something lasting here, and connect it to the rest of the practical Hip Hop movement.”

Cheri Honkala commented, “I’m honored to be a part of this event. I attended my first HHC conference in 2004 and we’ve been developing a relationship ever since. This year, our collaborative focus is in Minneapolis at the March for Our Lives where HHC is taking a clear stand on Housing, Health Care, money and programs for the poor and not for this ridiculous war in Iraq. I think that anybody that is serious about utilizing the potential of Hip Hop at a grassroots level should be looking at HHC.”

When President of the Southern Progressives, Southern Regional Director, and top flight artist Kamikaze was asked to comment, he replied, “The Mississippi Artists and Producers coalition is proud to be hosting this year’s annual conference. I personally lobbied for Hip Hop Congress to be here and connect with the South in an organic way that we hadn’t really seen in Mississippi. As the defender and protector of all things Mississippi, I expect nothing but the best results from this conference.“

Announced Performers (Check Back for constant updates on this list)

Performing:

DLabrie
Kamikaze
Shamako Noble
B-Girl Media/Knox Family
Silent Lambs
Darkside
Quanstar
F.E.W.
Truth Universal

Parters and Participants (Past and Present):

* RockRap Confidential
* Poor Peoples Economic Human Rights Campaign
* Seattle Youth Council
* 206 Zulu
* B-Girl Media
* Global Fam
* Silicon Valley De-Bug
* Golden Mean Music
* Mississippi Artists and Producers Coalition
* Iron Fist Recrods
* African American History Museum
* The Ruckus Society
* Rondavoux Records
* Chicago Zulu Nation
* Hip Hop Association
* Hip Hop Caucus
* Soundslam.com
* RubyHornet.com
* Hip Hop Chess Federation
* Reclaim the Media
* The League of Young Voters
* Rapsessions
* First Team Music
* VividUrban Magazine
* Pastors for Peace
* The Cipher
* F5 Records

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To View the most updated schedule of events please Click Here

–
Remember to register to attend

–
Artist submission information

If you would like to be considered for a performance spot at the HHC National Conference in front of an audience that books shows in every major city and on dozens of college campuses, please email 2008HHCSubmission@hiphopcongress.com with the following information:

*A one - two page bio that includes current contact information
*1-3 current press links (if you have them)
*1-2 video links (if you have them)
*1-2 mp3 links (use a program such as divshare.com or zshare.com to upload your mp3s, if you don’t know how to do this then you can email the mp3 directly but that method will take us longer to review)
*Anything else you would like us to see, such as myspace links.

Not everyone will get a spot but we would like to accommodate as many acts as possible. It is free to submit and remember we get tons of requests so please forgive us if we don’t get back to you right away. Email 2008HHCSubmission@hiphopcongress.com with this info and any other artist related questions you may have.

ECSMG HIP HOP BUSINESS SUMMIT WELCOMES ALLHIPHOP & GLOBAL GRIND

Hip Hop Business Summit -aka- "Hood Economics" will be held on Saturday, August 23 at Symphony Hall, Newark, NJ, from 9am - 2pm. The Summit will be held in conjunction with the Celebrity Golf Classic Weekend.

The panelists of Industry Executives, Business Leaders and Celebrities will discuss diversification of business in urban culture through music, clothing, movies, gaming and communications, Newark's re-development, succeeding in entertainment, health, successful competition & winning at an executive level, help in starting a business and facts of successful business ownership in today's changing economy (i.e. barbershops, hair salons, carpentry, electricians, restaurants, spas, clothing stores, and web based & digital businesses). There will be a Q&A session, along with a variety of give-aways. Hip Hop Business Summit Tickets are $55 pp.

The weekend of events from August 21-23, includes an exclusive Welcome Reception for Celebrities, Sponsors and Invited Guests, a Welcome to Newark Dinner, Golf Classic Awards at Weequahic Parks Golf Club with remarks by Newark Mayor Cory Booker, and a Golf Classic VIP "White" Party at The Spot on Commerce St. Tickets needed for weekend events. To purchase tickets visit http://www.ecsmg.com.

Confirmed guests include "Grouchy" Greg Watkins, CEO & Founder of AllHipHop.com, Navarrow Wright, CEO & President of Global Grind.com, Ed Lover, Morning Radio Host at Clear Channel Power 105.1 FM, Lance Smith, Walter Briggs, RW McQuarters, Dwight Hicks and Harry Carson from the NFL, Kurt Thomas, Eric Williams, Norm Nixon, Greg Anthony, Brevin Knight, Brandon Knight, Ira Bowman, Steffond Johnson and Randy Smith from the NBA, Actors Brian White ("Stomp The Yard") and Michael Kenneth Smith (HBO's Hit Show "The Wire"), Karen Hunter, Publisher, Hip Hop Artists Bun B, "Pepa" of the legendary group Salt -n- Pepa and Loose Cannon, Def Jam Comedy Artist Queen Aishah, and many more. Golf Classic proceeds benefit Newark Youth Golf, Inc.

Media Partners: The Star Ledger Newspaper, Clear Channel Power 105.1 FM, AllHipHop.com, Global Grind.com, Game Sports Magazine, with support from Urban Sports Talk & Entertainment & BlackGivesBack.Blogspot.com.

AllHipHop.com was founded and launched in 1998 by CEO's "Grouchy" Greg Watkins and Chuck "Jigsaw" Creekmur. AllHipHop.com has become a valuable resource for hip-hop on the internet, featuring daily news, interviews, reviews, multimedia and other interesting content. AllHipHop.com is the most widely read Hip-Hop entity in the world, reaching millions of unique visitors per month.

Global Grind.com was started by Navarrow Wright, CEO & President and Hip Hop Mogul Russell Simmons. Global Grind.com is the place to explore multimedia that matters to you. It is a community based website allowing people to discover and share content from anywhere on the web, by linking, voting, and commenting on each others content, in a social and democratic way. Voting submitted content up and down is the cornerstone function of the website, and is respectively referred to as grinding and trashing. Russell Simmons currently sits on the board of Global Grind.com.

ECSMG Consulting, LLC
The mission of ECSMG is to provide the highest quality of service to clients, by performing at a maximum level. The business strategy is to leverage expertise in providing business consulting services to professional athletes and entertainers, as well as managing and hosting celebrity golf tournaments globally. ECSMG is rapidly becoming the leading firm in the industry with a specially designed transition for athletes and entertainers. ECSMG also hosts charity events, which assists clients in improving global communities.

For celebrity confirmations and event info contact Ernest Ruffin at 973.573.2505 or eruffin@ecsmg.com. For media credentials, interviews & event itinerary contact Tafia L. A. Pringle @ 202.575.7774 or tafia@tlapr.com. For tickets, visit ECSMG

Judge Orders 50 Cent to Forfeit Guns

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. rapper 50 Cent was ordered to surrender any guns he might have after a judge on Friday issued a temporary restraining order requested by the rapper's ex-girlfriend, lawyers said.

A lawyer for the rapper, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, said he would contest the order and that 50 Cent did not have guns or access to guns. "To my knowledge, he has no guns," said lawyer Brett Kimmel.

The order bars 50 Cent from being in contact with Shaniqua Tompkins, the mother of his 10-year-old son, without the court's permission, lawyers said.

50 Cent and Tompkins have been locked in a legal fight over money. Tompkins has argued that she is entitled to half of 50 Cent's estate, based on an oral agreement.

The dispute escalated last month after a fire destroyed the rapper's $2.4 million Long Island home, where Tompkins lived with their son.

Police said they were investigating the fire as suspicious.

The Stamford, Connecticut-based rapper has denied any involvement in the fire and separately on Friday filed a $20 million defamation lawsuit in a Connecticut Superior Court against Tompkins for statements she made to the media.

"It's completely baseless and it's retaliatory," Tompkins' lawyer, Paul Catsandonis, said of the defamation suit. "It's nothing more than an attempt to rehabilitate his image."

Since his debut album in 2003, 50 Cent has built a business with a record label, a clothing and footwear line, ringtones and video games. He has also starred in a movie based on his life, "Get Rich or Die Tryin'."

NAS TO RELEASE ‘UNTITLED’ NEW DEF JAM ALBUM ON JULY 15TH

NAS TO RELEASE ‘UNTITLED’ NEW DEF JAM ALBUM ON JULY 15TH

FIRST SINGLE, “HERO,” PRODUCED BY POLOW DA DON,
LEADS OFF CONTROVERSIAL NEW ALBUM;
PRODUCERS INCLUDE GRAMMY WINNER MARK RONSON, STARGATE,
COOL & DRE, JAY ELECTRONICA, AND STIC.MAN OF DEAD PREZ

Long-awaited follow-up to first Def Jam album, 2006’s Grammy-nominated
Hip-Hop Is Dead

(June 10, 2008 – New York, NY) Surrounded by controversy at every stage of his long and influential career as the conscience – and often most severe critic – of hip-hop, Def Jam Recordings artist Nas has returned to the headlines, declaring that his new 9th album, arriving in stores July 15th, will be untitled. The untitled new album follows-up Nas’ Def Jam debut, the Grammy nominated Hip-Hop Is Dead, which entered the Soundscan chart at #1 in December 2006, on first week sales of more than 350,000 copies.

“It’s important to me that this album gets to the fans,” Nas said of his newest project. “It’s been a long time coming. I want my fans to know that creatively and lyrically, they can expect the same content and the same messages. It’s that important. The streets have been waiting for this for a long time. The people will always know what the real title of this album is and what to call it.”

In advance of the untitled new album, which will be issued on the Def Jam/Jones Experience imprint, the first official single will be “Hero,” produced by Polow Da Don.

Over the past few weeks, two tracks from the album have been leaked: “Black President” (produced by DJ Green Lantern) and the album’s closing track “N.I.G.G.E.R. (The Slave and The Master)” (produced by DJ Toomp), containing the provocative lyric, “They say we N-I-double-G-E-R/ We are, much more/ But still we choose to ignore the obvious/ Man, this history don’t acknowledge us/ We were scholars way before colleges…”

One of the albums highlights is “Fried Chicken” featuring Busta Rhymes, produced by the Grammy winner for Producer Of The Year, Mark Ronson. “Fried Chicken,” finds Nas and Busta in top form, mixing elaborate metaphors over a decidedly throwback Ronson track. “When I was young, sitting in my room hammering out beats on my MPC, Nas was one of those truly legendary artists that you daydream, ‘One day, I’ll get to do a track for…,’” says Ronson. “We finally met Grammy night in LA, and he said he wanted some stuff from me for the album. I started thinking to myself, as a Nas fan, ‘What kind of beats would I love to hear him over?’ That’s how the Dapkings and I came up with the track for ‘Fried Chicken’, and I reckon it sounds like a stone cold classic.”

The untitled new album will also include collaborations with producers Stic.Man from Dead Prez, Jay Electronica, Stargate, DJ Cool & Dre, and others.

Hip-Hop Is Dead, the third album by Nas to enter the charts at #1, got started with the lead title track single “Hip-Hop Is Dead,” produced and co-written by and featuring will.i.am. of Black Eyed Peas. The cut (which sampled ’60s hits “Apache” and “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida”) made it inside the Top 40 on the Hot 100, Pop 100, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Hot Rap Tracks, and Hot Digital Songs charts. It was followed-up with “Can’t Forget About You,” featuring fellow Def Jam artist Chrisette Michelle, a jazz inspired Top 10 Rap track also produced by will.i.am, that riffed off a sample from the classic “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole.

Time Out New York stepped out early in January 2007, and picked Hip-Hop Is Dead as “rap record of the year.” Pitchfork’s reviewer called it “the album I’ll give to people in 20 years when they ask who Nas was.” The album release set up the “One Man, One Mic, One Night” 26-city North American tour, one of the biggest ever by Nas, from March through May 2007.

* * *

An influential hip-hop culture icon since the early 1990s, Nas (Nasir Jones) emerged from the Queensbridge neighborhood of Long Island City, a hotbed of rap artist since the ’80s. Son of jazz trumpeter Olu Dara, junior high school drop-out Nas apprenticed with such local crews as the Devastatin’ Seven (at age nine) and Main Source (“Live At the Barbecue,” 1991).

Nas first reached an international audience when his track “Halftime” was tapped by producer MC Serch as the opening cut on 1992’s Zebrahead movie soundtrack. Signed to Columbia Records, the first full-length album by poet and rhyme-master Nas arrived in 1994, the RIAA platinum Illmatic, featuring the singles “It Ain’t Hard To Tell,” “The World Is Yours,” and “One Love.” 1996 brought the breakthrough double-platinum It Was Written (#1 R&B for 7 weeks, #1 pop for 4 weeks), with his first major crossover singles “Sweet Dreams” and “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That).” The streak continued with the double-platinum I Am in 1999 (again #1 pop and #1 R&B), containing the chart singles “Nas Is Like,” “Hate Me Now” (featuring Puff Daddy), and “You Won’t See Me Tonight” (featuring Aaliyah).

Subsequent albums by Nas included: the RIAA platinum Nastradamus (1999, #2 R&B, #7 pop, with “Nastradamus” and “You Owe Me,” featuring Ginuwine); the platinum Stillmatic (2001, #1 R&B, #5 pop, with “Got Ur Self A…,” “Ether,” “One Mic,” and “Rule”); the platinum God’s Son (2002, #1 R&B, with huge R&B/pop crossover hits “Made You Look” and “I Can”); the platinum double-CD Street’s Disciple (2004, #2 R&B, #5 pop, with “Bridging the Gap” and “Just a Moment”); and Hip-Hop Is Dead in 2006.

Over the years, Nas has also been the featured guest on a number of crossover hits by other artists, among them: Allure (“Head Over Heels,” 1997); R. Kelly (“Did You Ever Think,” 1999); Missy Elliott (the #1 “Hot Boyz,” 1999); fellow Queensbridge rapper Mobb Deep (“It’s Mine,” 1999); Nature (“The Ultimate High,” 2000); Jagged Edge (“I Got It 2,” 2002); J-Lo (“I’m Gonna Be Alright,” 2002); Kelis (“In Public,” 2003, and “Blindfold Me,” 2006); Kanye West (“Classic (Better Than I’ve Ever Been),” 2006); and others.

In addition to his successful career in music, Nas has pursued a career in motion pictures that began with his co-starring role (alongside DMX) in 1998’s crime drama Belly, a film by director Hype Williams (with whom Nas has done several video clips). Subsequent appearances include Albert Pyun’s action crime thriller Ticker (2001, with Tim Sizemore and Steven Seagal); Carl Seaton’s Sacred Is the Flesh (2001, also co-written by Nas); a cameo as himself in Boaz Yakin’s comedy Uptown Girls (2003, with Brittany Murphy and Dakota Fanning); Lawrence Page’s Murda Muzik (2004, with Ron Artest and Chinky); and the fictional hip-hop group bio-pic The Vapors (upcoming in 2008, with an all-star cast of Roxanne Shanté, Kool G Rap, Marley Marl, Biz Markie, and others).

Nas Drops 'N Word' From New Album Title

After much controversy, Queensbridge emcee Nas has changed the original title of his album. The project, which was entitled N*gger, will be untitled when it hits stores on July 1.

"It's important to me that this album gets to the fans. It's been a long time coming. I want my fans to know that, creatively and lyrically, they can expect the same content and the same messages. It's that important," Nas said in a statement. "The streets have been waiting for this for a long time. The people will always know what the real title of this album is and what to call it."

Year of the Hip-Hop Women

Press Contact: Beth Sachnoff

Beth@hiphopassociation.org

[T] 718.682.2744

Year of the Hip-Hop Women Officially Begins March 2008!

New York, NY – NO MORE! ENOUGH OF BEING CALLED B-t-hes and H—s.

Powerful, intelligent, self -respecting women in Hip-Hop do exist. They're on the microphone, off-camera, and behind the scenes. They hold significant positions at the top echelons of the industry's professional food chain. They are anonymous shining stars. Why don’t we know about them? Because they are silently tucked away due to a lack of media exposure, male-centric programming, and adverse images that present a one-sided perspective of women in Hip-Hop.

THE WOMANHOOD LEARNING PROJECT (WLP) is a wake-up call. It is a sound -out to all the B-Girls and Hip Hop Queens—women who have transformed music and culture. The WLP is a project of the Hip-Hop Association [H2A], in collaboration withSocial Services of Hip-Hop, We B*Girlz, Where My Ladies at? Interactive Film, and We Got Issues! The mission is to restore and revive the Hip-Hop Woman through the Womanhood Learning Project by exploring the role of women in leadership and other sectors within Hip-Hop culture and the community. WLP will examine the negative media and power struggles that hinder the growth and awareness of women in the Hip-Hop generation. It will focus strong attention on how these factors impact the youth, especially young girls. The WLP is intended to unify women in Hip-Hop by creating a space for them to learn, build, and bring about concrete change. This will occur through a yearlong campaign that includes a resource book, lecture series, workshops, an online community, and a case study.

Hip-Hop girls and women deserve acknowledgement. And the world deserves to know about how these women have become successful by negotiating the sexist system of Hip-Hop. The H2A and its partners, through the Womanhood Learning Project, will study and promote these invisible, yet talented women, and provide tools and resource to empower educators, social workers, parents, youth, and most of all, women and girls.

The H2A has convened an Advisory Committee of progressive and accomplished women in Hip-Hop and education and culture for the Womanhood Learning Project. It includes luminaries such as Dr. Roxanne Shante, Martha Cooper, DJ Beverly Bonds, Maria “Toofly” Castillo, Raquel Cepeda, Suhier Ammad, Toni Blackman, Raqiyah Mays, Michaela Angela Davis, and Dr. Irma McClaurin.H2A, the WLP Advisory Committee, and our partners—the Social Services of Hip-Hop, We B*Girlz, Where My Ladies at? Interactive Film, and We Got Issues! — are all committed to making the WLP a success and celebrating the Year of the Hip-Hop Woman.

The Womanhood Learning Project’s primary resource will be an encyclopedia of pioneering and trendsetting women: Fresh, Bold, and So Def: Women In Hip-Hop Changing The Game, edited by Martha Diaz and Felicia Pride. The volume contains 300 profiles of international artists, industry professionals, and social activists. It is groundbreaking and informative focusing on how they have persevered and broken down barriers to make a difference in Hip-Hop culture and society at large. Fresh, Bold, and So Def: Women In Hip-Hop Changing The Game is written to serve as an inspiration for educating girls and women, boys and men, young and old, and everyone else on the historical legacy of women in Hip-Hop.

The Year of the Hip-Hop Woman is about change. It is not a blame, shame or game campaign. It is about appreciation and respect; it is about acknowledgment and positive depictions of women. It pays homage to women who help create Hip-Hop, but whose stories have not been told in their entirety.

Womanhood Learning Project H2A Team

Martha Diaz, President of the Hip-Hop Association Mona Ibrahim, Director of Community Building and Program Development Nakia Alston, H2A Communications and Development Coordinator Beth Sachnoff, Head Researcher, H2Ed Communications and Development Coordinator Kompalya Thunderbird, Director of Media Acquisition and Communications Deanne Ziadie-Nemitz -Media Preservation Coordinator Amanda Cumbow, Researcher Ebonie Smith, Researcher

Womanhood Learning Project Partners

Jineea Butler-Graham – Hip-Hop Analyst, Social Services of Hip-Hop J-Love – Activist, Author – White Girl, We Got Issues Leba Haber – Director of the interactive film, Where My Ladies At? Nika Kramer – Writer, Translator, Activist -We B*Girlz (Germany)

Womanhood Learning Project Advisory Committee

Toni Blackman – Freestyle Union and US State Dept. Ambassador Beverly Bond – DJ, Activist -Black Girls Rock Foundation Maria “Toofly” Castillo – Graffiti Artist, Activist – The Younity Raquel Cepeda – Filmmaker, Author, Journalist Rosa Clemente – Activist, Cultural Critic, Know Thyself Martha Cooper – Pioneer Photographer, Author – We B*Girlz

Michaela Davis – Fashionista, Cultural Critic

Tamara Dawit – Activist -What’s the 411? (Canada) Caridad “La Bruja” De La Luz – MC, Poet, Activist – Latinas 4 Life Dowoti Desir – Director, Malcolm x & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial & Educational Center Delphine Diallo – Photographer, Filmmaker, Visual Artist (France) Johanna Guevara -7one8Designs Suheir Hammad – Poet, Author, Activist Indy Hunjan -Kala Phool (England) Raqiyah Mays – Managing Editor, The Ave and Radio Host for Hot 97 Dr. Irma McClaurin – Scholar, Poet, Writer, Author Felicia Pride – Journalist, Author, The Message Rokafella – B-Girl, Activist -Full Circle Productions Dr. Tricia Rose – Pioneer Scholar, Author, Black Noise, Brown University Marcella Runell Hall -Author, Activist, Educator, NYU Dr. Theda Palmer Saxon – Life coach, Pres. of Seasoned Woman, Inc., Author, Pace U. Raquel Sanchez -Alphabet City Design Dr. Roxanne Shante – Pioneer MC and Psychologist Akiba Solomon – Journalist, Author -Naked: Black Women Bare All About Their Skin, Hair, Hips, Lips, and Other Parts

The Womanhood Learning Project (WLP) Interactive Lecture Series Preliminary Schedule

The WLP Interactive Lecture Series is a yearlong talking tour that serves as a space for women to discuss issues affecting women in Hip-Hop. The topics include Media, Politics, Gender Roles, Education, and Motherhood. This is a preliminary schedule based on existing events.

Part I – MEDIA JUSTICE BEGINS BY TAKING CONTROL OF OUR IMAGES

March 2, 2008 -The Fifth Annual NYC Grassroots Media Conference -Speaking Truth to Power: MEDIA JUSTICE IN OUR COMMUNITIES

www.nycgrassrootsmedia.org

W.A.R. (Women Armed and Ready)!:Defining the Reel Images of Women in Hip-Hop

This is a 90-minute candid interactive workshop focusing on the role media plays in the portrayal of women in Hip-Hop, and the issues and effects that women have to deal with as a result. From Queens to whores, the roles of women have changed dramatically over the last 30 years. From misogyny to hypersexual behavior, a whole generation of young men and women have been desensitized and programmed through negative media images. It’s time to confront the media outlets, and step up as media-makers and concerned citizens to take control of our images, redefine ourselves and create a new perspective of women. The participants will discuss how their work addresses these issues, how their work is creating media justice, and they will share clips of their projects.

Participants:

Martha Diaz – President of the Hip-Hop Association Maori Karmeal Holmes – Producer and Director, Scene Not Heard Melissa Ulto – Editor, The Art of Love and Struggle Toni Blackman – Hip-Hop Ambassador, Artist, Writer

Part II– Herstory: The Power of Women Community Leaders and Entrepreneurs March 29, 2008 – Urban League of Alaska – Anchorage, Alaska

Part III– H2Ed Womanhood LP Workshop April 18, 2008 – HHEAL Festival -Bronx, NY (WGI!/Sister Outsider/Felicia Pride)

Part IV – Fresh, Bold, and So Def June 2008 – H2O International Film Festival

Part V – Education Vs Industry July – Brighton Hip-Hop Film Festival (Brighton, England)

Part VI – Interactive Womanhood Learning August – We B*Girlz Festival (Berlin, Germany)

About Hip-Hop Association:

The Hip-Hop Association [H2A] is a 501(c)(3) media, education, and arts community building organization. Our projects are designed to encourage critical thinking, education reform, cross-cultural unity and civic engagement. The H2A empowers the community through the use of media, technology, resources, social entrepreneurship, and leadership development. We are producers of the largest annual international Hip-Hop film festival, and Hip-Hop Education forums.

www.hiphopassociation.org

About Social Services of Hip-Hop:

The Social Services of Hip Hop is a psychology based service agency that identifies and remedies issues that affect the growth of the Hip Hop community by presenting revenue generating and community building activities. The company serves as a technical assistance intermediary that organizes and enhances programs that interact with the Hip Hop Community. Our mission is to empower Hip Hop citizens to their maximum level of functioning by providing effective tools, resources and services.

www.ss-hiphop.com

About We Got Issues!:

We Got Issues! mission is to ignite the next generation of young women leaders and awaken a new brand of social/political activism in America. We accomplish this by training and development, outreach and education, and advocacy and recognition.

www.wegotissues.org

About We B*Girlz Festival:

The We B*Girlz Festival – Berlin 2008 is a multimedia festival by women for women celebrating the 4 elements of Hip-Hop and more. We B*Girlz wants to present a strong role model for adolescent girls. We want to show that women master skills in all aspects of Hip-Hop and have earned a place in Hip-Hop history. We will celebrate their creativity with a one-month festival in August 2008 in Berlin, Germany with workshops, panels, exhibitions, screenings, battles, shows and concerts. The event series will close with a big two-day festival with battles, shows and concerts on August 29 and 30.

www.bgirlz.com

About Where My Ladies At?:

Where My Ladies At? Is an interactive film website that encourages dialogue about "pop culture porn" through blogs, video diaries, SMS forums, and conversations with female Hip Hop pioneers. Although Where My Ladies At? targets Hip Hop, the film tackles larger societal issues and can be used to discuss issues of pop culture, sexuality and media representation with young people. The film is both a critique and celebration of Hip Hop, and women's accomplishments are showcased in a timeline of artists and pioneers.

www.wheremyladiesat.com

West Coast rap star Xzibit is mourning the tragic loss of his newborn son Xavier Kingston Joiner, who was born prematurely May 15 and died early Monday after a "difficult week."

"His lungs were not strong enough to handle regular oxygen on his own," the emcee, who rose to fame as a protégé of Dr. Dre and host of MTV's "Pimp My Ride," wrote in an emotional posting on his MySpaceblog.

"Life is too short to be fake. Hold on to your kids if you have them, protect them and show them you love them everyday," Xzibit, born Alvin Nathaniel Joiner, wrote. "You can have all the material wealth in the universe but it is NOTHING compared to having your family."

The 33-year-old entertainer, set to appear as an FBI agent in the upcoming "X Files 2: I Want To Believe" movie, did not say how early Xavier was born or identify the baby's mother.

"Brother I am praying for you and Krista," Xzibit's sister Christine Joiner, 35, wrote on his MySpace page. "Stay strong and know that we are a strong family."

50 Cent Lyrics Online is Launched

50CentLyricsOnline.com was launched on February 2, 2008 and contains the lyrics to every song by 50 Cent.

(PRWEB) February 11, 2008 -- 50 Cent Lyrics Online (http://www.50centlyricsonline.com) was launched on February 2, 2008 and contains the lyrics to every song by 50 Cent. There is no official 50 Cent lyrics web site on the internet, and the general lyrics web sites do not publish all of 50 Cent's lyrics. And the sites that do publish some of 50's lyrics are often inaccurate and hard to find because of all the ads on the site.

The reason for creating 50CentLyricsOnline.com is to give fans a one-stop-shop for 50 Cent's lyrics.

There are no pop-up ads on the site, and there never will be

"There are no pop-up ads on the site, and there never will be," says site owner Luke Marston. "There is a tendency for lyrics sites to hit their users with lots of annoying pop-up ads. I know how much I personally hate searching for lyrics only to be hit with ad after ad, so I think our visitors will appreciate the fact that 50CentLyricsOnline.com has not one pop-up ad on the whole site," says Luke.

http://www.50centlyricsonline.com/

Cash Money Superstar Lil Wayne Serving up Something New for the Taste Buds

The First Single "Lollipop" from his new album set to impact at Crossover and Urban Radio on March 25th

THA CARTER III

In-Stores May 13^th

NEW YORK (Business Wire EON) March 14, 2008 -- Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Motown recording artist Lil Wayne is gearing up to release his highly anticipated album Tha Carter III, the final in the trilogy, on May 13th.

Tha Carter III is Lil Wayne's first solo album since the release of Tha Carter II (2005) and not one to disappoint Lil Wayne is bringing a new flavor to everyone's taste buds with the release of his first single, "Lollipop," featuring Static. "Lollipop," which was produced by Jim Jonsin (T.I., T-Pain, Twista) and co-produced by Darius "Deezle" Harrison (Teena Marie & Destiny's Child), is receiving early radio spins in major markets including San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago and Atlanta, and will officially be impacting at both Urban and Crossover Radio on March 25th. The video, which premiered on BET's "Access Granted" on March 12th, is in medium rotation at BET and will be the "New Joint" on 106 & Park on March 14th. The “Lollipop” video (www.universalrecords.com/lollipop/) is also set to premiere as a "First Look" on MTV TRL which will air on March 17^th, will premiere on MTV “Sucker Free” on March 18^th and will be the "Jam Of The Week" on MTV Jams (receiving 168 spins) the same week.

Lil Wayne was born and raised in the infamous poverty-stricken section of New Orleans - the 17th Ward, was discovered by Cash Money founder Bryan 'Birdman' Williams and rose to stardom in 1995 at the age of 12, debuting on B.G's True Story CD. Shortly thereafter, the rap prodigy garnered national attention as a member of the group, Hot Boys, which consisted of rappers Juvenile, Turk and B.G., with their 1997 debut album, Get It How You Live, followed by 1998's platinum certified Guerilla Warfare and 2003's Let Em Burn.

Success continued to follow Lil Wayne as a solo artist. His debut CD, Tha Block Is Hot (1999) reached platinum status and was a #1 Billboard Album. He later released Lights Out (2000), 500Degreez (2002), and his defining album, 2004's platinum certified, Tha Carter, which featured the hit single "Go DJ." His critically acclaimed, platinum-plus follow-up, Tha Carter II, 2005 debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top Albums chart, a groundbreaking and provocative tour de force which the New York Times hailed as 'historic.' Tha Carter III marks the sixth solo project from the Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Motown superstar.

Lil Wayne who was recently named "Man Of The Year" by GQ Magazine (2007) and "Best Rock Star Alive" by Blender Magazine (2008) is truly a force to be reckoned within the music industry and has earned the title of Hip-Hop Heavyweight Champ.

MULTIMEDIA GALLERY

http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5634640

Lollipop Video

Jay-Z And Mary J Blige: Heart of the City Tour Schedule

The King of NY teams up with the Queen of R&B for what's sure to be a sizzling hot 22 city tour.




Mar 22, 2008
Sat 8:00 PM Miami, FL
American Airlines Arena


Mar 24, 2008
Mon 7:30 PM Orlando, FL
Amway Arena


Mar 26, 2008
Wed 7:30 PM Baltimore, MD
1st Mariner Arena


Mar 27, 2008
Thu 7:30 PM Uniondale, NY
Nassau Coliseum


Mar 28, 2008
Fri 7:30 PM East Rutherford, NJ
Izod Center

Mar 30, 2008
Sun 7:30 PM Philadelphia, PA
Wachovia Center


Apr 02, 2008
Wed 7:30 PM Toronto, Canada
Air Canada Centre

Apr 03, 2008
Thu 7:30 PM Boston, MA
TD Banknorth Garden


Apr 05, 2008
Sat 7:30 PM Greensboro, NC
Greensboro Coliseum


Apr 06, 2008
Sun 7:30 PM Washington, DC
Verizon Center


Apr 08, 2008
Tue 7:30 PM Atlanta, GA
Philips Arena


Apr 09, 2008
Wed 7:30 PM New Orleans, LA
New Orleans Arena


Apr 10, 2008
Thu 7:30 PM Houston, TX
Toyota Center

Apr 12, 2008
Sat 8:00 PM Dallas, TX
Superpages.com Center


Apr 15, 2008
Tue 7:00 PM Phoenix, AZ
Us Airways Center


Apr 16, 2008
Wed 7:00 PM Los Angeles, CA
Hollywood Bowl


Apr 18, 2008
Fri 7:30 PM Irvine, CA
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre


Apr 19, 2008
Sat 8:00 PM Las Vegas, NV
MGM Grand Garden Arena


Apr 20, 2008
Sun 7:30 PM Oakland, CA
Oracle Arena


Apr 25, 2008
Fri 7:30 PM Auburn Hills, MI
Palace Of Auburn Hills


Apr 26, 2008
Sat 7:30 PM Chicago, IL
United Center


Apr 27, 2008
Sun 7:30 PM Chicago, IL
United Center


May 02, 2008
TBA New York, NY
Madison Square Garden


May 06, 2008
Tue 7:30 PM New York, NY
Madison Square Garden

May 07, 2008
Wed 7:30 PM New York, NY
Madison Square Garden

Common Confirms Justice League Involvement

From the first time Clark Kent walked into a phone booth mild mannered and walked out able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, the concept of superheroes having dual identities has been almost as important to the genre as the superpowers themselves. Not so for John Stewart, Earth’s fourth Green Lantern and sometimes member of the “Justice League of America” — one of the more prominent heroes to choose not to wear a mask.

Now the actor who was cast to play him is pulling back his.

Long rumored to be in contention for the role, Common confirmed to MTV News for the first time publically that he was cast in the now dormant film, calling being picked for the role “an honor.”

“It’s a blessing really, to know that I could potentially be this superhero,” he enthused. “Justice League itself is an honor, and Green Lantern is an incredible character to play. It’s a blessing to be associated with it.”

In particular, Common felt it was a special privilege to be the cast’s only black super.

“Just being a black person, a black man, playing a superhero is an honor in itself,” he smiled.

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice: Last month the superhero tag team fell to a foe even greater than Lex Luther or Darkseid, the villainous organization known simply as the WGA. But while the film may have been momentarily shelved, Common still sees it moving forward relatively soon, declining to discuss plot details since it was still “in progress.”

Source: MTV Movies



Watch The Trailer

NIKE's ''Better Than I've Ever Been'' Featuring Kanye West, Nas and KRS-One Nominated for Grammy

February 7, 2008 3:45 PM EST

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The much talked about collaboration for the NIKE (NYSE: NKE) commissioned hip hop track, "Better Than I've Ever Been," which was executive produced by Cornerstone, has been nominated for the 2008 Grammy Awards for "Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group." Featuring Kanye West, Nas, KRS-One and produced by Rick Rubin, the song was created to celebrate the 25th year anniversary of Nike's iconic shoe, the Air Force 1. In addition, a remix version of the track featuring hip hop veteran Rakim which was produced by DJ Premier was recorded as part of the campaign.

"Better Than I've Ever Been" marks the first time Nike has ever commissioned a Grammy-nominated song in the company's 35-year history.

Spearheaded by Cornerstone, the music collaboration included everything from concept to execution, such as securing the talent, overseeing production of the track and music video, releasing the song, and securing digital placements and radio airplay. The partnership was led by Cornerstone's music supervision and lifestyle departments which were also responsible for coordinating previous music projects for Nike on iTunes, including securing exclusive workout tracks from some of today's most well respected artists for the Nike + initiative.

"From the great talent to Nike's commitment to the idea, everything aligned perfectly for us," said Rob Stone, Co-President and Founder of Cornerstone. "To top it off with a Grammy nomination is an incredible honor. This campaign exemplifies how a creative idea successfully executed can have a much greater impact on the culture as compared to a traditional advertising campaign. This is a pure example of organic marketing -- growing a brand through channels in a way that truly connects with the consumer."

Twenty-five years ago Nike introduced the Air Force 1 performance shoe to satisfy the demands of the most uncompromising and forceful players in the game of basketball. In 1982, the Air Force 1 became the first basketball shoe to feature Nike Air technology. The comfort and protective qualities of the Air Force 1 changed the game forever and created a platform that launched Nike's long-running legacy in performance basketball. During the past 25 years the Air Force 1 evolved from a performance breakthrough on the court to an icon of the street.

All Nike and artists' proceeds from the sale of the original Air Force 1 song "Better Than I've Ever Been" will go to the Nike Youth Sport for Change Fund to support two chapters of Baltimore's Boys & Girls Club of America -- Jackson Unit Boys & Girls Club of America and The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of America.

About Cornerstone

Based in New York City and helmed by Rob Stone and Jon Cohen, Cornerstone is a full-service marketing firm that builds emerging brands and reenergizes established ones. Representing Fortune 500 clients across multiple disciplines -- with an emphasis on consumer products and services and entertainment industries -- Cornerstone designs and executes customized and innovative brand strategies that target and effectively reach the elusive market of 15-34 year olds.

About NIKE, Inc.

NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned Nike subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Cole Haan, a leading designer and marketer of luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear. For further information about Nike visit www.nikebiz.com.

Source: NIKE, Inc.

Recording Artists T-Weaponz and Mighty Mystic Lend Talent

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Amalia Martino/BlueShoes Media (425) 361-2754 / amalia@blueshoesmedia.com

 

Recording Artists T-Weaponz and Mighty Mystic Lend Talent to I LOVE DR Concert to Benefit Victims of Hurricane Olga

New York, NY / February 4, 2008 – Hip Hop and Reggae recording artists join for a benefit concert hosted by ilovedr.org on Thursday, February 7, 2008 at Bruckner Bar and Grill in New York City. Hurricane Olga hit the Dominican Republic on December 11, 2007. Over 60,000 people were affected and many were left without homes, food, or basic necessities. All proceeds from The I LOVE DR benefit concert will go to the Sur Futuro Foundation to benefit the victims. T-Weaponz, Mighty Mystic, Rebel Diaz, Lokixximo, Lee Wilson and El Principe will provide live entertainment. When: Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. Where: Bruckner Bar & Grill 1 Bruckner Blvd. Bronx, New York 718-665-2001 Cost: $10.00 This is an all ages event, sponsored by Dominican Times Magazine and Harrell Co. Productions. For more information, please visit ilovedr.org and surfuturo.org

 

### About T-Weaponz T-Weaponz is a hip-hop trio from Brooklyn, East New York. They have been called "the most anticipated independent artists of the year" by Allhiphop.com and released their debut digital album "Just Begun…" in late 2007. The album features the hit single "Dem Boyz" which skyrocketed to #6 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip Hop Singles Sales and #44 on the Hot Singles Sales charts. The album consists of 12 tracks including the smash hit "Mira Mira" featuring Notch. About Mighty Mystic Recipient of the Boston Music Award's Artist of the Year in 2006 and the Joe Higgs' Rising Star Award in 2007, Mighty Mystic is set to release his debut album (Wake Up the World, Split2nd Entertainment) later this year. His first single "Riding on the Clouds" (2005) was a Top Ten Radio Single in Jamaica and locally raised to the #1 spot on WERS 88.9 and won consecutive Battle of Beats on WJMN 94.5. ### For a media pass or more information, please contact: Amalia Martino Amalia@blueshoesmedia.com (425) 361-2754

Rap mogul is named in gang injunction

City officials asked a judge to ban members of the Mob Piru street gang from being able to congregate in a neighborhood of Compton — and asked that the order include Marion "Suge" Knight.

The co-founder of Death Row Records was one of 200 people the officials said were members of Mob Piru. The injunction would ban them from congregating, carrying guns, drinking alcohol in public or staying out past 10 p.m.

Knight called the injunction a "publicity stunt."

"This is crazy," Knight told the Los Angeles Times in Thursday's editions. "I'm a 42-year-old businessman, not a gang member. I don't even live in Compton anymore."

A hearing on the matter was to be held Thursday.

Although such injunctions are a common anti-gang tactic in southern California, this is the first time one has been sought in Compton, a city less than 10 miles south of downtown Los Angeles that announced a gang crackdown two years ago.

Mob Piru members have gained notoriety for their alleged links to Knight and Death Row, once home to artists such as Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg.

Hell Razah

Hell Razah aka Heaven Razah has risen from the Red Hook section of Brooklyn, NY.

This cat has paid his dues and in my eyes epitomizes the game of hip hop. His lyrics are very intelligent and on point. It's been a long time since I heard a banger that ain't talking big cars, big guns and big asses. This reminds me of what we got into the game for in the first place. I hope the Hip Hop Police is listening to this shit. I would give Renaissance Child amongst the hottest joint of the year 2007. Back in the day Razah did his thing with Sunz of Man, Wu Tang Clan disciples, with production under my man Supreme. What up Preme? Later Black Market Militia. Anyhow back to the beats!!! This thing is bangin, the intro is hot!!! buried Alive, the first track gets you open and makes you want more. Millenium Warfare is just plain crazy. Project Jazz tells a real story of Brooklyn almost in a Daddy Kayne style. Yo check out Chain Gang and tell me who aint on it? The production is real tight and a very refreshing relief from what hip hop has evolved into. Dirty Needlez and Bronze Nazareth did they thing. All in all this joint's what's up. If you gonna buy sommen you gotta get this.


One!!!!

State Of Nyc Hip-Hop

When The East Is In The House. - State Of Nyc Hip-Hop Submitted By: Rasheedah Andrews
When the east is in the house OMG (DANGA!) - Blazay Blazay
That was the mid-90s, fast-forward to 2006 and ask yourself - Is the East in the house? Short answer, yes. It’s
been “in the house” for quite sometime, very sheltered and remaining awfully quiet. I’m patiently waiting for the
east to come back outside to play; honestly I’m getting bored. By nature, hip-hop has always been territorial.
There is a sense of pride knowing your region is on top and the genre’s stars are people from your own community.
In listening to Tru Life’s “New New York” I understand where this rap artist is coming from. To hear New York
artists spitting about “trapping” or “getting crunk in the club” or “going dumb” makes me feel awkward. I would
welcome this lingo with open arms had it came from artists in the areas the jargon originated. Observing this
tells me upcoming artists in New York City have major identity issues and are simply looking to mimic whatever is
“hot” at the moment.
As a recording artist, industry professional and most importantly as a fan, I attend hip-hop showcases in New York
City rather frequently. New York City is the Mecca of hip-hop, an emcees breeding ground. The city is flooded with
aspiring hip-hop stars, I’m willing to bet New York City has the highest number of rappers per capita in the
world. Do these artists have talent? Many of them do – but does talent always translate to commercial success, NO.
This is what many artists fail to understand, once you start looking for external sources to finance your career,
you are an investment. Of course you’d like to feel like more since after all, the lyrics are your personal
memoirs (accurate or fabricated) and the music is something you’ve poured your time, life and money into. Despite
the previous statements, one thing that you should never lose sight of is the following: the music business is
just that, a business. Grey areas are to be expected since the ultimate product stems from creativity but where
there is a company, there is a bottom line – period.
If you walk into a bank looking to secure a loan for your business, you will have to demonstrate to that financial
institution that you have the ability to pay back, plus interest. You’ll have to supply supporting documentation,
income projections – you have to have a plan. They don’t want to sample your product (or in this case, evaluate
your demo). They want tangible evidence – previous sales, spins, shows, web traffic, celebrity endorsements etc.
Unlike a bank loan, where they will hunt you down, destroy you and take everything short of the clothes off your
back if cannot repay – with a record label’s investment, if things don’t pan out…you walk with almost no
consequence (aside from difficulty securing future deals or possible shame). Taking this into consideration, they
should reserve the right to be selective and invest in those acts most likely to meet certain sales criteria.
Simply stated, right now – New York doesn’t appear to be that. Being well versed on both the business and creative
sides of the spectrum, there are many artists I enjoy listening to personally but had I been an A&R, I still
wouldn’t sign them. Why? Because I’d like to keep my job and part of my job is to scout talent that will
inevitably bring money to the company I work for.
Where do New York artists fit into the scheme of all this? How do the previous statements about business and
investments relate to the changes currently taking place in the hip-hop landscape? Easy. New York City artists
have to prove that they aren’t poor investments. You must also bear in mind that many of your predecessors as of
late have failed to meet the target. These facts damage your reputation to potential investors, it’s like a bad
credit score. You can argue to the cows come home about “real hip-hop,” more than likely you are not going to
change popular opinion. Attending showcases lately in NYC, it’s like…if you’ve seen one – you’ve seen them all. In
terms of fashion, every artist looks the same. With regard to content (or lack thereof), every artist is
addressing the same issues. The repetitiveness in subject matter has reached new lows. Some artists become
remarkably frustrated at the prospect of not having a deal after years of hard work. This anger eventually finds
it’s way into their music and as a potential fan; I don’t want to hear about it. I’ve attended shows where rappers
felt obligated to express their displeasure with the likes of Chingy and D4L during their performances – it’s
ridiculous. I can take this opportunity to start plugging my music as a New Yorker and discuss in great detail how
I can revolutionize the game, but I’ll summarize now. New York City is known as the birthplace of rap music. New
York rappers are famed for being lyrically proficient, fly by default and envied by rappers of all regions. We
have that Big Apple swagger. We don’t follow trends, we just set them. Please don’t ever forget that. So in
conclusion, don’t obsess over the current success of other regions. Rather, make a point to create material worthy
of carrying the Empire State’s torch. Understand what investors are looking for and what fans want - incorporate
your personal style (after all, no one wants a clone of an artist who already exists). With this newfound outlook
and your talent, hopefully we can see the genre returned its owners. Peace!!!

About the Author:
R.S. Andrews, BBA MSA - President/CEO of Sheer Badness Entertainment, professional songwriter, performer and hip-
hop/rap recording artist p/k/a SHEE. More info: http://www.sheemusic.com/, info@sheerbadness.com or call (908) 245
-6467