Kanye West Responds To Critics: Album Is 'Great Art'

LOS ANGELES – Kanye West says he's not concerned about whether his new album is a blockbuster, because he's made "great art" — and he feels really good about it.

West's new CD, "808s & Heartbreak," was released Monday. It's a departure for the 31-year-old rapper because it mostly features him singing.

West says he was ready to take a risk and he thinks it paid off.

Says West: "You know people sometimes don't understand great art when they first hear it, but I am very confident in it. Whether it sells as much as the last one, or way more, I feel like I am just successful in doing something I felt really good about."

From AP

RIP: MC Breed

The legendary rapper MC Breed died November 22, according to a source with AllHipHop.com. Not many details have been given but AllHipHop.com is reporting that, Breed was admitted to the hopital in September and placed on life support due to a collapsed kidneys failing, during a game ofbasketball.Breed's condition did improve which allowed him to later be taken off of life support.

We'LL keep you updated.

Wyclef Miami House up For Foreclosure

According to several reports, Wyclef Jean's Miami home was recently put on the market for foreclosed.Reports say that Jean took out a $2 million mortgage from Home Equity Mortgage Corp. in 2004 to purchase the estate through a corporation he owns with several friends.With plans to renovate the property, the home, which has been appraised at $1.4 million, was left unfinished for more than two years as a series of construction liens were filed. In addition, the city of Miami Beach added fees and once the $900,000 construction project halted after Jean and his partners couldn’t come up with the $177,913 in construction costs.A lien was put on the property by the project’s architects, who have tried to collect $75,000 owed to them.

C-Murder 2nd Trial Date Set

According to the Associated Press, a second trial has been set for January 12, 2009. However, the first judge Sassone will not preside over the trial, after losing re-election as 24th Judicial District Court in Louisiana. Her successor, Ellen Kovach, has also made it clear that she as well will not be a part of the murder trial due to her open criticism of Sassone during her campaign for election, where she specifically criticized the decisions of the Miller trial.

C-Murder, was charged for second-degree murder and convicted in 2003 after fatally shooting 16-year-old Steve Thomas at a Louisiana night club on January 12, 2002. The conviction was eventually overturned by State Judge Martha Sassone. Sassone then granted Miller a second trial, though at the time there was no decision on when that trial would occur.

The Roots Survive Tour Bus Crash

The Roots were involved in a crash while in route to Paris. Thier tour bus according to ?uest, did a complete 360 and ended up in the air, ramped up by the van that crashed into them. Everyone is doing good with just minor cuts and bruises.

COMMON TALKS TO SCHOOL KIDS IN GEORGIA

Common spoke to students at Wheeless Road Elementary in Augusta Georgia this week. He encouraged the children to believe in themselves, work hard and stay in school. Common made sure that he encouraged them to work hard and achieve their dreams, using President- Elect Barack Obama as an example.

Your Black Hip Hop: Interview with Angela Arnold aka ASA

This 25 year old Louisville, Kentucky native has been singing since age 4 and is excited about the upcoming release of her first album, Asa: Loves Experience, A Steve Wallis Project.

Where do you currently live?

I’m in East Orange, but I claim Louisville. I’m a native of Louisville, Kentucky. I love New Jersey but my sound-- a lot of people you will see talking about me will tell you that it’s a Louisville sound.

Did you go to school, what was your major?

My major was Theatre Arts with a concentration in music. Rather than just having a God given talent, I have studied music. I’m definitely an actor as well.

College was much harder for me at one point. But I made it through!

Who influences you?

Anywhere from Billie Holiday to Tina Marie, Dinah Washington…

I could name a lot of folks, and that will definitely reflect on my album. The greatest of the influences that I’ve had when it comes to my music has been those greats of the 1930s.

If I took your iPod, what music would I find?

Tina Marie, she is one of the ultimate artists to me; Stevie Wonder, a lot of older cats. (Laughs). One of the newer cats: John Legend.

Ne-Yo, I think he’s a genius. Billie Holiday. And Jill Scott of course, Jill is all over the place in my iPod.

I tell you what; if I ever got the chance to work with Prince I’d be done. He’s probably one of the only artists I admire no matter what he does.

Does your album have a release date? What was some of your motivation for the album?

It doesn’t have a release date at this time, either at the end of December or early January. Steve Wallis is the producer of this project; we wanted it to be very exclusive. He really brought out what I wanted to do with the album.

I wrote all of the lyrics on the album except for two, and two of those were collaborations with Steve. I’m very proud of this album.

In February I lost a really good friend of mine and a good friend of a lot of people in the industry, Static Major. I started thinking to myself, “What is my purpose here? What did I come to the east coast to do and why am I not doing it? “ I feel there was some kind of force leading me there, whether it has been the spirit of my father or static’s spirit or even reminiscing on my father.

What do you do for fun?

A lot of times I just hang out with my friends, we might go see a theatre show, I might take in a film or support fellow artists.  I make jewelry. That might be the next thing on the list to bring to the forefront.

Any advice for aspiring artists?

Have a plan. Educate yourself about the industry and don’t give up. It’s a lot of work but in the end, as long as you’re true to the art and as long as you stay true to the message that you’re trying to send to others, you will succeed.

View Asa's blog here. 

Trail For T.I.s Assistant and Friend Has Started

One of the men accused of killing T.I.’s assistant and friend, Philant Johnson, went on trial for the murder in Cincinnati:

"Prosecutors told a jury that they are sure Hosea Thomas fired the fatal shot because of their star witness – Padron Thomas, the accused killer’s brother who was driving the Jeep that night as it chased T.I.’s vans down Seymour Avenue.


“It’s all going to come down to witness testimony,” assistant Hamilton County prosecutor Heather Gosselin told jurors today.


Hosea Thomas, 34, is charged with murder, felonious assault and other charges stemming from the incident. Three members of T.I.’s entourage were injured and a fourth, Philant Johnson, died after being shot in the head during the running gunbattle. Johnson was T.I.’s assistant and childhood friend.


Hosea Thomas, Gosselin said, was hit in the head with a bottle while inside Roselawn’s Club Ritz, where T.I. and his crew were attending an afterparty following a concert at Bogart’s.
That started a fight that resulted in patrons pouring out of the club. Within minutes, T.I.’s two vans were chased by a green Jeep Cherokee and the shooting took place.


Padron Thomas, 40, told officials he was driving the Jeep as his brother, Hosea, fired the shots at T.I.’s vans. At least one member of T.I.’s crew returned fire.


Cincinnati police officer Dom Meece testified today that the scene inside T.I.’s van was “something out of a horror movie” with blood dripping off of the ceiling and brain matter on the floor.


After the shooting, Gosselin said, Padron Thomas had his Jeep painted black and had a bullet hole in it repaired. (Source) "

Dr. Sim's Brings Hip Hop To North Carolina A&T

Dr. Brian Sims who’s a professor at North Carolina A&T State University, has announced that he will bring Jay-Z's work to a new class called "‘Psychological Perspectives in Hip Hop’. The class will examine how principles and perspectives in psychology manifest themselves in Hip Hop culture. The class will be developed and taught by Dr. Brian Carey Sims, the primary focus of the course is to examine different psychological concepts and identify the psychological underpinnings of hip hop from 1979 until the present." According to Dr. Sims, students will explore such topics as racial identity, social justice, psychoactive drug use, sexism, and politics. He also says, “Mr. Carter provides an interesting frame of reference to discuss several psychological concepts, and as a fan I’m looking really looking forward to this week’s class.”
This course will be the first Hip Hop related course offered in a psychology department in the world.

Diddy Will Apear on CSI:Miami

According to CBS Diddy will join the cast of "CSI: Miami" for a two-episode appearance set to air mid- to late winter. Diddy will play a prosecutor who butts heads with Lt. Horatio Caine, played by David Caruso.

50 Covers XXL

Jim Jones Covers COMPLEX Magazine

Snoop Makes an Appearance on Martha Stewart

Snoop Dogg was a guest on Martha Stewart's daytime talk show yesterday. Snoop helped Martha make her mom's mashed potatoes. Apparently snoop wanted to be on the show so bad he started emailing her for request to do so.

Click here to check out PART 1

Click here to check out PART 2

Big Boi Appears on Law And Order

Big Boi, of Outkast made a special appearance last night on NBC’s Law & Order: SVU.Last night was Big Boi's first time acting on the small screen.

Clipse Has A New Clothing Line

The Clipse’s have a new clothing line called, Play Cloths, which is set to hit stores this Friday (November 21). Their new clothing line, according to reports is a bit of American style mixed with the French Riviera and Monte Carlo. I don't know what that means, but sounds good.

The Roots Named House band for "Late Night"

Congrats to The Roots they have been named as the new house band for NBC's "Late Night" when former "Saturday Night Live" actor Jimmy Fallon replaces Conan O'Brien as host in March 2009, reports allhiphop.com.

New Outkast Album On The way Says Big Boi

According to Big Boi who recently spoke with MTV Outkast will have a full-length album out before the end of 2009. Big Boi told MTV that he's planning on releasing his second solo record, "Sir Lucious Leftfoot: The Son Of Chico Dusty," either in January or February, with Andre 3000 releasing his solo effort soon after. The pair will then begin recording the Outkast project for release later in the year

Snoop and Family Evaluate due to Fires in California!

Snoop and his family were among 26,000 residents who has had to evaluate their Southern California home due to an uncontrollable blaze that has already destroyed 150 homes and threatens 3,500 more. Oprah Winfrey homes was also evaluated.

Ghostface Killah New Collection Album

Ghostface Killah has a new album coming out that offers classic tracks with remixes and new verses on December 16th called "GhostDeini the Great." The album set will be available as a single CD or bundled with a DVD chronicling the artist's Hip-Hop Live tour.

50 pushes Back New Album

50 Cent "Self Destruct," Album has been Pushed Back To '09. No word yet on Why.

Young Jeezy Volunteers in Dallas!

Yesterday Young Jeezy was in Texas handing out food to less fortunate families at the Tommie M. Allen Recreation Community Center. The event was both hosted and sponsored by radio station K 104.5.

Ol Dirty Bastard's Mother wants Fans to Boycott Biography

Cherry Jones who's the mother of late rapper ODB recently spoke out about comments made about her son since his death and his wife. She also says to Boycott the upcoming book written by author Jaime Lowe, titled Digging for Dirt: The Life and Death of ODB.

"For the past four years I have sat back and watched certain individuals try and tarnish my son’s beliefs,” Jones said in a letter delivered through her son's manager to the media “My son loved every single one of his children and every single one of their mothers and provided for them all the best he could when he was alive. My son was an extremely generous soul"

she went one to say...

“I am asking all of Dirty's fans to boycott this book as none of the proceeds are going to the children and this author’s motives and intentions seems to be in the vein of disgracing my son’s legacy,” Jones stated. “Quotes from Robert Shapiro in [Wednesday's] newspaper are shameful that an attorney who represented my son for less then a minute and has been out of the spotlight would comment and speculate on my son’s health in order for a mention of his name in print.”

Wendy Williams and Dr Boyce Watkins Talk DL Hughley

The Wendy Williams Experience may be having troubles, but Wendy was given advice on protecting her empire by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse Professor and founder of YourBlackWorld.com. In the interview, they also discuss Barack Obama, DL Hughley and Rev. Jesse Jackson.


Dr Boyce Watkins and Wendy Williams Part 1

Dr Boyce Watkins and Wendy Williams Part 2

Dr Boyce Watkins and Wendy Williams Part 3

Diddy’s “I Am King” Cologne Ad

New Ol’ Dirty Bastard Book Hitting Shelves in December

Come December there is a book about the life and career of the late rapper Ol’ Dirty Bastard.The book titled, Digging for Dirt: The Life and Death of ODB will hit shelves in early December. The biography, includes first-hand accounts from friends, relatives, and of course, his Wu-Tang Clan family

Keep A Child Alive Charity Benefit

Swiss, Latifah, And Tombaland attended the Keep A Child Alive Charity Benefit last night at NY’s Hammerstein Ballroom. Ms Alicia Keys came through too.

Kanye West FADER Magazine

Timbaland Turns "Vinyl" Into Film

Timbaland has plans to add film maker to his resume. His Mosley Media Group is teaming with Effie T. Brown's Duly Noted Inc. to produce "Vinyl," the story of five young women facing life-altering decisions about their relationships with members of a rock band. The film will begin shooting in the spring 09. The film will be written and directed by Richard Zelniker's and Effie T. Brown, Marcus Spence and Monique Idlett-Mosley will handle production.

Suge Knight Files Lawsuit against Kanye OVER an Earring

According to TMZ, Suge Knight is suing Kanye West over a diamond earring he lost at a party about 3 years ago. Suge filed a lawsuit earlier today in a Los Angeles court claiming that he lost his 15-carat $135,000 diamond stud earring inside the club during a shooting incident, where he was shot in the leg. Suge Knight claims he was injured so badly that he had to take a private jet back to Miami, because first class on a commercial airline would have just been too much for his heart. So now Suge, who recently filed for bankruptcy, wants to be reimbursed for the earring, the medical bills, and the cost of the private jet.

lil Wayne Will Perform At THE CMA's

Congrats to Lil’ Wayne who will perform alongside KID Rock making it a historic night at The 42nd Annual Country Music Awards. Lil' Wayne will be the first hardcore Hip-Hop artist to ever set foot on the Awards Shows’ stage.

Latifah will Host The People's Choice Awards

Queen Latifah will host the 35th Annual People's Choice Awards, airing live, Jan. 7 on CBS.

Naturi Naughton, Lil Kim Cover OF King

Naturi Naughton Covers King Magazine as Lil Kim in honor of the New Biggie Smalls biopic.

Lil’ Wayne Covers Mad Magazine... I think!!

-MAD is known for their cover... This one i don't kow

Kanye West Pee Pee on Dressing Room Floor!!

According to several reports Mr.Kanye West was in his dressing room at the MTV Europe Awards. When he felt the urge to pee, and he did!! all over the dressing room carpet.

T-pain confirms His new Supergroup Album With Lil Wayne

T-Pain was on the Ed Lover Morning Show yesterday, where he confirmed that he and Wayne will collaborate for a new album titled “T-Wayne.” According to T-pain the album will be released sometime next year after Wayne drops The Carter IV. T-Pain also confirmed that The Carter IV will be a rock album with Lil Wayne using the vocoder effect throughout most of the album.

Kanye West and Ludacris Album Release Dates Pushed Up

Island Def Jam has decided to move up the release date for both Ludacris' "Theater of the Mind" and Kanye West's "808s & Heartbreak." The plan according to reports, is for the label to capitalize on the Thanksgiving shopping weekend. Both albums hits stores on November 24th.

Ron Artest Will Work With Dj Drama

Allhiphop.com is reporting that Houston Rockets forward Ron Artest will partner up with DJ Drama to release hid addition of the Gangsta Grillz mixtape series.

Plies Covers VIBE magazine

Plies covers the December issue of VIBE magazine

Kurupt and Roscoe Will Drop album Together

According to reports, brothers Kurupt and Roscoe will drop their first album together as a duo next week. The album is titled The Frank and Jess Story, the title is a nod to the infamous brothers and American outlaws Frank and Jesse James.