According to The Wrap… Kanye, Common, Samuel L. Jackson, and Jeremy Piven have all been named as potential stars in Chiraq, Spike Lee’s upcoming project for Amazon… Of course… Kanye West and Common are both from Chicago… So that would be a real plus…
The moniker “Chiraq” is based on the city’s recent history of heightened gun violence…
Kendrick Lamar continues to hold down the # 1 spot with ‘To Pimp A Butterfly’
Paparazzo receives apology and handshake from Kanye West… According to Billboard… West was sued by Daniel Ramos after the 2013 attack outside a terminal at Los Angeles International Airport and the case was scheduled to go to trial next week. Ramos’ attorney Gloria Allred wrote in a statement issued Tuesday (April 7) that the case had been settled and West had apologized to her client.
West’s attorney Shawn Holley did not immediately return phone and email messages seeking comment. Mr. Ramos’ attorney Gloria Allred wrote that other details of the settlement will not be released.
Many say the Hip Hop game lacks creativity… Well… SKAM2? only knows creativity…
Since dropping underground classics alongside a young Marshall Mathers, the multi talented artist, SKAM2?, has mastered other artistic pursuits, whereby becoming one of the most sought after illustrators in the industry, providing iconic artwork for the aforementioned Detroit rapper, as well as A Tribe Called Quest, Dizzy Wright, La Coka Nostra (Ill Bill & Slaine), Sa-Roc, Blu, and DJ EFN, among countless others.
On “LOT3R (Lord of the 3 Rings),” SKAM2? merges his pen game–both as a wordsmith, and visual artist, to showcase the next leak off his forthcoming project, Flying Monkey Murder Cirkus (FMMC). With Dizzy Wright (Funk Volume) on the intro, SKAM2? offers a time-lapsed glimpse into the design process of the cover art. Press play, and watch the Cirkus come to life, while he chronicles some of his darker visions over the guitar drenched instrumental, produced by, Kato.
In promotion of FMMC, SKAM2? is launching an online contest with 2DopeBoyz (U.S. residents only), where you can enter to win a signed limited edition print of the cover art…good luck. FMMC drops on April 15th, stay tuned!
MC Lyte’s “LEGEND” album, her first in over eleven years, merges the classic sound of what made her initially popular together with the new, edgy, compelling sounds of the 21st century. LEGEND WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR ONE DAY IN VINYL FORMAT ONLY (with digital downloads for album purchasers) at independent record stores nationwide as a part of Record Store Day. Details, online pre-order options, listening parties, shows and appearances are at
www.mclyte.com. Future distribution of the album will be available through select media and brand partners at select hi-profile events worldwide.
Together with the assembly of 10 amazing musicians, this project puts the edge, truth and melody back into Hip Hop. From hard hitting kicks and snares that represent the genre of Hip Hop to the new pad sounds and synths that take the listener beyond this moment and the heavy bass lines that give way for Lyte’s showcase of pure lyricism, LEGEND is a perfect combination of what WAS and what IS and it’s ALL MC Lyte . . . current but still way ahead of her time.
“The comeback in itself is an art. On LEGEND, however, MC Lyte doesn’t appear to have any jet lag,” says THE SOURCE MAGAZINE in its review and exclusive premiere:
http://thesource.com/2015/04/02/mc-lyte-to-release-new-album-legend-avail-for-one-day-only-4-18/
LEGEND PROMO:
WHOA! BLACK ROB MAKES A TRIUMPHANT RETURN WITH NEW ALBUM, GENUINE ARTICLE AND TWO NEW SINGLES
“WELCOME TO MY LIFE” AND “WAVE OF NEW YORK”
TO BE RELEASED ON SLIMSTYLE RECORDS!
Official album release April 21st, Pre-order album now and get “Welcome To My Life” as a bonus track !
With the arrival of spring comes a rebirth of a different sort! Respected for his gritty flow and deeply confessional lyrics, Black Rob, the former Bad Boy artist whose single, “Whoa, “ still nods heads, returns to the spotlight with a new album appropriately titled, Genuine Article, to be released April 21, 2015 via independent record label SlimStyle Records. Guests on Genuine Article include: Sean Price, Tek (Smif-n-Wessun), battle legend Murda Mook, up and comer Quas Amill, Ron Browz (“Arab Money”), former Bad Boy label-mate Q. Parker (112), Harley, Kali Ranks, and Quan with production by Easy Mo Bee (Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac, Miles Davis), Coptic (Boot Camp Clik, Memphis Bleek), Big French (KRS-One), The BPM Boyz, Numonics, Money L and Bishop.
Black Rob makes a triumphant return with his lead single, “Welcome to My Life“ produced by The BPM Boyz ft. Harley and follow-up single, “Wave Of New York” produced by Money L. “All my fans know me for story telling. So it’s only right I give it to them once again. Welcome To My Life felt like the right song to release first,” explains Rob. “Welcome To My Life,” is re-introduction of sorts for the artist whose last album, Game Tested, Street Approved was released under Duck Down Music in 2010. The 2nd single, “Wave Of New York” embodies all that is authentic in New York hip-hop.
A ‘genuine article’ himself, Black Rob’s (born Robert Ross in Spanish Harlem) life story (chronicled on his debut album, Life Story) includes a spectacular rise from poverty to platinum success of his single “Whoa.” At the height of his popularity, he lost momentum after his career was derailed due to recording industry politics and a four year prison stint.
When asked if he has a favorite track on the album, Rob responds, “To be honest, the whole album is real special to me, but the title track ” Genuine Article” (produced By: Bishop (MakeItKnock Prod.) was penned when I was up North (incarcerated), so I’m really feeling a certain way about that joint there.”
Genuine Article could have only been released by a seasoned street soldier who has seen life’s highs and lows. Some of those high/lows are documented in upcoming reality show,”Come Back Kings” that follows Black Rob, Ed Lover, Mr. Cheeks, Treach, Mario Winans, Calvin Richardson, Misa Hylton-Brim, David “DaVinch” Chance (Ruff Endz), Calvin Richardson, June Balloon, Jeff Redd, Lil’ Cease, and Jameio as they journey from setback to come back.
“Welcome To My Life“
“Wave Of New York”
https://soundcloud.com/blackrobmusic/Wave Of New York
PRE-ORDER GENUINE ARTICLE NOW AND GET “WELCOME TO MY LIFE” AS A BONUS TRACK!!!
Follow Black Rob @therealblackrob
The Diggin’ In The Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.) has something new on the horizon… A studio… And this studio will become a big deal to the Hip Hop community… And here’s why… Some might consider Diggin’ the greatest Hip Hop crew ever… Some might also say Wu-Tang has that tittle… And that’s fair… But here are some reasons why Diggin’ might get the nod in the ‘best ever Hip Hop crew category’…
Diggin’ is composed of dudes that can really spit… No surprise there… Lord Finesse /Big L /Fat Joe /Diamond D /OC /& AG… Not to mention Showbiz dropped lyrics for the Showbiz and AG album… There’s more…
The producers… Buckwild /Lord Finesse… you see where I’m going with this… Diamond D / & Showbiz… And then the DJ’s… Lord Finesse /Buckwild /Diamond D… Now D.I.T.C.’s name will be associated with an almost completed D.I.T.C. Studios… This studio will become a landmark for HipHop enthusiast everywhere…
The launch of the Adidas Originals x Pharrell Williams Supercolor Superstar collection, was held at the Hackney West Reservoir in London… According to Complex… More than 200 people attended the event, decked out in their finest three striped apparel and sneakers, and chose their colour to help light up london.
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) will host the first multicultural Television & Media Expo to provide broadcasters the opportunity to promote programming and showcase diversity initiatives to more than 7,000 consumers. The ABFF Television & Media Expo will take place in New York City, June 13 and 14, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the New York Hilton Midtown.
The ABFF Television & Media Expo is a unique, two-day promotional event for network, cable, and Internet/digital media broadcasters during the 19th annual ABFF, June 11–14. This expo will provide an open forum for companies to generate awareness and excitement about their brand and to create a word-of-mouth and positive experience with the ABFF consumer.
“The success of today’s multicultural programming, proves that Americans want to see a diverse cross section of our world on television, as well as at the movies. We have found that diverse programming translates into box-office and ratings success and is a true reflection of our nation. We are excited to offer companies the opportunity to connect with multicultural consumers and talent in this unique way,” states Film Life, Inc. CEO Jeff Friday.
Expo participants, to date, include HBO®, Comcast Xfinity, NBCUniversal, TV One, UP TV and Aspire.
Sponsors of the 2015 American Black Film Festival, to date, are HBO® (Presenting & Founding); TV One (Presenting); Cadillac, Comcast NBCUniversal and Prudential Financial Services (Premier); American Airlines, AMC Theatres and McDonald’s (Signature); Motion Picture Association of America (Supporting); and Uptown Magazine and The YBF (Media Partners).
For festival passes, tickets and film submission information, visit www.ABFF.com.
About ABFF:
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a four-day event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. Annually held during the month of June, the ABFF is committed to the belief that black artists and content creators deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. ABFF Founder Jeff Friday conceived the idea for the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the motion picture industry.
Today, the festival is widely recognized for showcasing established and new black talent, both in front of and behind the camera, and is regarded as one of the leading film festivals in the world. The ABFF is produced by Film Life, Inc. and black enterprise.