For the cover of their April/May issue, XXL magazine opted to feature a live performance shot of one of arguably the rap game’s top dog, Lil Wayne. In the cover story Weezy discusses his favorite tour moments, pre-show rituals, tips he gives to his young YMCMB artists and more. The flick they used looks to be from Wayne’s DeWeezyy concert at this year’s SXSW festival. Good choice for a cover. The issue hits stands April 24th.
The legendary Beastie Boys became just the third hip-hop act to be anointed into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday evening (April 14) in Cleveland.
While the trio were set to perform, the planned show was cut, last minute, following an announcement that group member MCA was unable to attend. However, a tribute performance came instead (see below), featuring their longtime DJ, Mix Master Mike, Kid Rock, Black Thought (The Roots), and Travie McCoy (Gym Class Heroes).
“Beastie Boys regret that Adam ‘MCA’ Yauch will be unable to join Mike ‘Mike D’ Diamond and Adam ‘Ad-Rock’ Horovitz at the band’s induction into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame,” an official statement said, which released hours before the event.
“Mike, Adam and Adam are truly grateful for the honor but with only two of the three Beastie Boys attending, they will unfortunately not be able to perform at the ceremony,” the statement continued.
Why he was unable to appear was unknown at press time. But, Yauch has kept a low profile since 2009, when news surfaced, revealing his battle with cancer of the salivary gland.
Members Mike D and Ad-Rock, however, were on-hand to accept the honor. In their acceptance speech, the duo read a thank-you from their absent comrade, who told fans, “This induction is as much ours as it us yours.”
Public Enemy frontman Chuck D inducted the legendary New York trio, and praised the group for breaking down boundaries and widening hip-hop’s appeal. “It broke the mold,” he said. “The Beastie Boys are indeed three bad brothers who made history. They brought a whole new look to rap and hip-hop. They proved that rap could come from any street — not just a few.” more…
Dealer: BS
Looks like Ms. Minaj has had her last straw with the Internets tonight when she voiced how upset she was by the fact that a Nicki Minaj fansite posted some her music which had leaked. Roman chucked the deuce to her 11 million followers saying she couldn’t take it anymore. More than likely the YMCMB rapstress is just pissed off at what are looking to be some low first week album sales of her sophomore album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded. Seeing how Twitter is such an important tool for celebrities to market themselves, Nicki will be back to Tweeting in no time. In the meantime, #Woosah.
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The other night The Alchemist took to Twitter to elaborate on his upcoming project Russian Roulette and reveal what appears to be all of the slated guests on his upcoming release. Al stated clearly that “Russian Roulette is not an album” and that it will be dropping June 26th. Some of the features include Action Bronson, ScHoolboy Q, Danny Brown, Mr. Muthaf*ckin’ eXquire and Chuuwee. This project is sounding like it’ll have a good blend of mean muggin’ and lyrical hip-hop. Hit the jump to see the rest of the guest list according to Alan The Chemist.
Beanie Sigel is in the midst of working on his upcoming LP, The Classic, which will arrive later this year via EMI Music and decided to preview exclusively for We Run The Streets. The Broad Street Bully sounds like he’s got plenty of soul on his next studio effort. A new mixtape is also on the way shortly from the Philly rap veteran. It’s Mack B*tch!
Dealer: HHNM
Waka Flocka delivers some new visuals for “You The Type” with his Brick Squad brethren Wooh Da Kid. The Southside-produced joint is off of Flocka’s LeBron Flocka James 3 mixtape. Press play and get ignant.
Dealer: HHNM
Common Sense took the mound to throw at the first pitch at the Chicago White Sox’ home opener. The rapper threw a serious ball, and by ball I mean leaps and bounds away from the strike zone. Chances of the emcee putting down the mix and picking up a mitt are slim to none.
While G. Dep is now pleading not guilty to the murder charges his facing in his upcoming trial, a tape of the former Bad Boy rapper confessing to another murder back when he turned himself in, in 2010 has just been released. This past Friday, April 13th, it was determined by that G. Dep would not take the stand at his own trial at a Supreme Criminal Court hearing in Lower Manhattan. G. Dep’s trial for the first murder he’s being charged with is set to begin this week.
Usher is already shambling the air waves with his new Diplo-produced single, “Climax,” but ThisIsRnB has revealed the singer’s about to make another splash with some help from Ricky Rozay. Reports are saying that Mr. Raymond’s next single will be called “Let Me See” and will feature a verse from The Bawse and production from hitmaker Jim Jonsin. With the June 7th release date for Usher’s 7th studio LP, Looking For Myself, approaching, the single is set to make waves as early as nextweek.
Fresh off of releasing Sadat X’ “We In New York” single, Fokis & his Bi Coastal Conglomerate LOCAL MU12 release their debut single which is entitled “Pay What You Owe.”
With Stryfe getting ready to release his EP, The Opening Act, on 4/17, “Pay What You Owe” features him alongside his fellow Local MU12 Union Members RP & FOKIS. “We plan to drop a new record every week leading up to our debut album release Labor Day. This record most definitely fits the #NewGoldenEra format too says Fokis. “Pay What You Owe” is produced by Local MU12 Member ‘MoodsandVibrations’ (who has previously produced for the likes of Boot Camp Click, Run DMC, Punchline & more).
