The World Hip Hop Awards 2008

After blogging about the Soundcity Music Video Awards, The Ghana Music Awards and MTV Australia Awards, I had to give the World Hip Hop Awards some love, even though it went down b4 the aforementioned ones What I love about peeping these various awards shows is the exposure we get to the major Hip Hop and Soul Players that are not from the states...

Popular female artiste, Bukola Elemide aka Asa emerged as the big winner, garnering honors for Recording of the year, Album of the year and Female Vocal Performance of the year.

Here is Asa's (Asha) popular video "Fire On The Mountain"

Asa's Producer, Cobhams Asuquo, also won the award for Producer of the Year.

There were 18 categories in all. Some of the other winners include:

Vocal Performance (Male): 9ice - Ruggedly Baba
HHW Revelation of the Year: 9ice.
Song of the Year: Olu Maintain - Yahoozee
Artiste of the year: D’banj
Best music video: DJ Tee (Director) - Stylee
Best Reggae/Dance hall: Timaya - True Story
Best R&B/Pop Album: Tu face - Grass2Grace
Best Rap Album: 9ice -Ruggedly Baba
Best Collaboration: Jimmy Jatt, 2face, Elajoe and Mode9 - Stylee
Best Rap Single: M.I. - Crowd Mentality
Next Rated artist: Wande Coal - OLOLUFE
(source)
**
Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

YA HEARD? new music from T.I.!

There was a leaked track called "Hunt Em Down", a very violent track that T.I. says was written back in 2006 after his friend was murdered. He said he didn't want anyone to get it twisted - that joint WILL NOT be on Paper Trail. (I'm sure it won't -- since he is trying to play nice in light of his legal troubles) However, this new joint, No Matter What, is and I'm lovin' it. You can hear it today on street cred.

T.I. also says that Hop Hop culture is made by us for us. NOT! To that I say DON'T you get it twisted T.I., greedy white collar corporate interests have totally shaped and informed Hip Hop culture, definitely not in its entirely, but let's give credit where credit is due. C.R.E.A.M. Holla!

Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

Akon's promise to Liberian Hip Hop

via unitednationsofhiphop

Senegalese most famous musical icon Alieu Thiam, alias 'Akon' stormed the city of Monrovia, April 15, where he identified the need to support and improve the skills and quality of Liberian artists.

Addressing a major press conference, the Senegalese-American said he would consider extending his musical foundation referred to as "Confidence" to Liberia.

According to Akon, the foundation has been established by him to help improve the quality of young African artists and to expose their talents to the global world. He further said that additional branches have already been established in Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria and Angola among others. Liberia would be next.

He further noted that he would also consider taking one Liberian artist to the U.S. and noted that through that, another will follow as a way of beginning the pace for the improvement and development in the Liberia musical industry.

Akon who was brought to Liberia by Cellcom Liberia acknowledged the fact that Liberians are loving and caring people and admonished them to remain united and focused in shaping the destiny of the country. He claimed that Africa has a lot to offer to the world and that Africa played a more significant role in his success story today.

Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

Ghana Music Awards: Kwaw Kese

'Tis awards season. The Soundcity Video Awards went down recently in Nigeria, the MTV awards Australia happened this weekend and so did the Ghana Music Awards. Hip Hop America was at all three. Nas in Nigeria, 50, Eve & Wyclef in Australia, and Ja Rule in Ghana.

We here on Flava didn't want you to sleep on the awards show that has its own categories for Ghanian Hip Hop (aka Hip Life) including Hiplife Artist, Hiplife Album and Hiplife Song of the Year. After leading the ceremony with the most nominations, Kwaw Kese not only won all three Hiplife categories but also got the coveted Artist of the Year award. Here is his video for Odeim, the winner for Hiplife song of the year. I love how the stethescope also seems to be his mike. Now all I need is for some of my Ghanain brothers and sisters to translate. Holla!

You can find this joint off the album Na Ya Tai. Cop it!

I also found this very revealing interview with Kwaw Kese. Some of it is translated and it seems he talks of how the industry screws folk over, like having a big hit and still not having any money. We know the exploitation of artists is a worldwide phenom!

You can also tell this brothers flow is sick! No wonder he is one of the greats in the Hiplife game.

Oh by the way, Ja Rule performed at the awards show and got an award for his contribution to the development of the music industry worldwide. For a list of all the winners at the Ghana Music Awards, click here.

I also have to shout out Nigeria which this year is the home of many awards ceremonies including KORA, Channel O, Soundcity, Bubbles and more. We'll be posting a video tomorrow from the major winner at the World Hip Hop awards that went down last month in Nigeria too. So much talent! LOVE IT!

Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

Australian MTV Awards

Click here to see highlights from the show including the host Wyclef, Eve and more!
**
Talk about an awards pre-party! How would you have liked to have been on the flight to Australia, where MTV hosted the second annual Mile High Gig. Passengers were treated to in-flight concert from British rapper Dizzee Rascal and New Zealand's own Scribe. DJs on turntables set up in the plane's business class section pumped the music as Dizzee and Scribe mashed it up in the aisles. The audience consisted of industry insiders, musicians and fans on their way to Sydney for the MTV Australia Awards. Click here for video. Hot to death!! (source) .

For the full list of winners, check out aceshowbiz.

For more video highlights and total coverage, peep mtvawards.com.au

Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

Snoop & Willie in Amsterdam

I heard about Snoop and Willie Nelson doing a "high" number on stage live in Amsterdam a couple of days ago, but now we can all get to see it with our own bloodshot eyes. Nelly and Willie I could see doin' a collabo but Snoop and Willie? CLASSIK!

Dag why do I suddenly have the munchies?

MTV Australian Music Awards

The MTV Australian Music Awards go down tomorrow April 26 in Australia. Dizee Rascal, 50 Cent, Wyclef and Eve will all grace the stage. Lupe Fiasco is up for the Best Live Performer Award (Go Lupe!) . It should be hot! Want to cast your vote for your favorite artists, click here

Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

Click it...Hip Hop gossip

G-Unit, Game's albums pushed back! (Ballerstatus)

Alicia Keys has mystery illness? (Eurweb)

Idol's in Africa: After scouring the continent for the best the continent has to offer, the top 65 Idol contestants head to Nairobi to compete for the #1 spot. For the latest, including video, click here (mnetafrica)

Get a bunch of aspiring rappers vying to be crowned the The King or Queen MC of Africa in the same studio to produce a track and hear what happens: Pure Fire...African style. Peep the clip here

UK ban on Snoop Dogg lifted (hiphopdx)
Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

Is NAS that N***R?

Here's what one artist had to say ...

"And after hearing your interviews, seeing the title of your upcoming LP, and hearing your "leaked" song "Be A Nigger Too" I can say without doubt.... Nas you are THAT nigga!

Nas you're that nigga that pretends to have a grasp on the social quagmire that our people are stuck in and yet cannot for the life of you articulate or justify your position on this obvious plea for controversy. Does this brother realize that his attempts at diffusing the word "Nigger" by making it some all inclusive colloquialism to represent all races is as weak as the beat he spit it too? Does he realize that when Robert Schwartz decides to stop being a nigger all he has to do is change his look. maybe trade in the bapes and backpack put on a suit and he's right and exact. When Robert Yung decides he's no longer a nigga he can be whatever any person of Asian decent can be in the country stereo types not withstanding. When Robert Rodriguez decides to stop being a nigger he can become a proud man of Latin descent. However for Robert Jenkins who's Grand parents where NIGGERS, blown over by fire hoses and beat within an inch of their lives, when the term meant what it will always mean despite his attempts to make it a term of endearment. Whom despite his affluence or allegiance has to be as scared as a runaway slave when pulled over for driving black or shopping black, ...or any of the number of things blacks can do innocently while being black, and end up dead ...like Amadou Diallo. We're the only race that embraces our disgrace, and now you would have everyone else sing along with us in our shame. "
(via daveyd)

What do you think of this artist's assesment of Nas' song. Do you agree?

Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

YA HEARD? New Music by the Roots

The Roots f Chrisette Michelle and Wale

Rising Down

April 29th, the album Rising Down hits stores. Cop it!

Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

The Rock The Bells Tour will Rock The World!

Well the lineup for this years Rock The Bells Tour has been announced and includes A Tribe Called Quest, Nas, Mos Def, De La Soul, Rakim, Method Man & Redman, Raekwon & Ghostface, Immortal Technique, dead prez, The Pharcyde, Kid Sister, Wale, Jay Electronica and more! (whew)

The tour will kick off July 19 in Chicago, hit 10 cities across North America, and then goes global for the first time. Although the dates are still in the works, the tour will make four stops in Europe and one in Japan. Will this entire line-up be the same abroad? Not sure, but will definitely keep you posted. This show is gon' be CRAZEEEEEEE! (guerillaunion)

**

Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

G-unit live from Australia & Africa

4/23 Darling Harbour, Australia, Sydney Ent'ment Centre

4/25 Auckland, New Zealand, Victor Arena

4/27 Melbourne, Australia, Rod Laver Arena

5/1 Johannesburg, South Africa, Coca-Cola Dome

5/2 Luanda, Angola, Pavilhao Da Cidadela

5/3 Capetown, South Africa, Belville Velodrome

Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

Janet in Tokyo, Japan

Peep what happens when Janet visits a dance school in Tokyo.

Her world tour will kick off September 11. You can read more about Janet's thoughts on her tour, gay rumors, Broadway and drag queens at a janet-online.com.

Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

Eminem set to perform for Mandela in June

When I'm gone don't mourn -- well we're not 'cause he ain't! Eminem comes out of retirement to celebrate the birthday of one of the world's great freedom fighters -- Nelson Mandela.

Marshall Mathers aka Eminem — was tempted out of retirement by the gig’s organizer, Queen rocker Brian May, to perform at the former South African president's June 27 concert in London’s Hyde Park.

Other performers include Stevie Wonder, Annie Lennox and British bands Keane and Razorlight. (showbizspy)

Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

SoundCity Video Music Award Winners

The SoundCity Video MusicAwards went down this month in Nigeria, with US's own Nas as one of the special guests. He got the Hip Hop Legends award and performed several of his hits. Below is the winning video for Best Direction, Best Special Effects/Editing and Best Duo/Group Video:

INFINITY - OLORI OKO

Best Hip Hop Video - ILL BLISS - YOU GO WOUND
Best Choreography - FAZE - KPO KPO DI KPO
Best Female Hip Hop Video - KWEEN - JEBELE
Best Male Hip Hop Video - DJ JIMMY JATT - STYLEE
Best New Artist - ASA - FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN
Best R&B Pop Video - TY BELLO - GREENLAND
Best Video - PSQUARE - DO ME
Soundcity Fresh Video - MO HITS ALL STARS - BOOTYCALL
Viewers Choice - TY BELLO - GREENLAND

TI's admits it's his fault

Read what T.I. thinks about his arrest, music and his future in one of his first sit down interviews since pleading guilty to firearms charges.
(accessatlanta)

YA HEARD? - New NAS track (parental advisory)

Well a cut from Nas forthcoming project, N****R, just leaked and it is causing quite a controversy. Some of lyrics include :

"To all my 'kike' niggers, 'spic' niggers, 'guinea' niggers, 'chink' niggers/ That's right, y'all my niggers, too."

He also mentions Eminem:
"Not mad 'cause Eminem said 'nigger, 'cause he's my nigger, wigger, cracker friend/ We all black within/ We all African/ Some Africans don't like us, no way/ A killing happened in Johannesburg yesterday."

Could u imagine what a radio version would sound like? Half of the song would be bleeped out. Nas is definitely bringing the heat on this track. Whether you agree or not, I think it actually elaborates on what he meant when he said at the grammys that everybody is a nigger.

Personally these are some of my thoughts when I first heard it - I immediately got a kick out of the hook which uses the theme from the old Dr Pepper commercials, "I'm a pepper, he's a pepper, she's a pepper, we're a pepper wouldn't you like to be a pepper too" I thought the hook was brilliant. The commercial implies that simply drinking Dr Pepper would bring all of us of different backgrounds together in one big happy family. How naive, don't you think? It made me think of Nas' song as a scathing commentary on the commericalization of what it is to be a "nigger". How it is sooo cool and profitable now in pop culture, especially in Hip Hop, to act what people think a nigger is (which of course usually means perpetuating a stereotype) Just rap, dance, wear big clothing and you could be a nigger too and we can all live happily ever after in this (hip hop) world! lmao! Could the song be an ironic celebration of black face and a simultanous attempt to dismantle its impact? If so, is it effective in doing both? This joint will definitely offend and spark conversation. Take a listen and tell me what you think.... (parental advisory)

Nas - Be a N****R too

"Be A Nigger Too" co-produced by Salaam Remi and Big Jack, is not the official first single. It's a street leak. The album has no set release date yet.

I must also admit that after first hearing the song, I also thought about Busta and other rappers who have to perpetrate being the most realist "nigga" (= the best black male stereotype) in order to be commercially appealing. Akon's recent bust on his fake criminal record is the next example of what it takes to "be a nigger too". What would you like to be?

Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

For my DESI Hip Hop Heads

Kamla Punjabi & Deep do their thing on

MTV Desi

I am lovin' the shout out to our girl DJ Rehka! After seeing this -- the host with her valley girl accent and her two gangsta desi rappers/singers, complete with gang/crew signs, I got a sudden craving to put some curry on my fried chicken while knockin' back my mango lassi flavored alize. They didn't even know the name of her show LMAO. Cultural exchange ala MTV at its best. Where did they tape this anyway (far from the TRL studio no doubt) and where's my Asha Bhosle Ne-Yo collabo?

P.S. Cassie wishes she could sing a hook as good as KP!

Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

Aaliyah's perosnal love letters exposed in R Kelly trial

"Aaliyah" may provide new evidence in R Kelly trial. Exclusive love letters she wrote to R Kelly may be introduced to the court. For those of you who don't know, R Kelly and Aaliyah were married when the young singer was only 15 years old and R Kelly was 27. Prosecutors also supposedly want to include testimony from hip hop mogul Dame Dash (who was in a relationship with Aaliyah) and Aaliyah's family. The defense reportedly argued that allowing such evidence would be inflammatory and "turn the trial into a media circus." The judge has yet to rule on whether the prosecution can use the evidence.

R Kelly is currently facing child pornography charges for video taping his having sex with a minor. (mediatakeout.com)

I say leave Aaliyah alone! Dag they got TI, but can't get R Kelly?! ....Things that make you go hmmmmm...

Ya HEARD? (Alicia Keys & Young Buck)

Alicia Keys says "I was misinterpreted" (sohh)

In response to Alicia's comments on Gangsta Rap, 50 says he is no longer a fan of hers (snore). He also says Young Buck got a serious drug problem, which is ironic since 50 was caught on tape, live on Croation television, snortin' a few lines. Missed it? Just scroll down to our April 17 post.

So what does Young Buck have to say about 50? Hear his "interview" here (parental advisory)

Since G-Unit's new CD is about to drop (the sameday at Game's), expect to hear all kinds of foolishness from 50 in the upcoming weeks.

Click it..

South Africa's DJ Naves gets some love on AHH. (AHH.com)
Gnarles Barkley: Back it up, flip in and reverse it! (Nah Right)
Couple of hot dancehall tracks straight from the yard. (The Fader)

Fiddy, say it ain't so!

I know I'm a little late with this but I had to post it anyway.
Rich Rudel from Orbit Rock, aside from being a Classic Rock fan, is also a closet Hip Hop head. Yesterday morning during my shift he walked into the studio and said, "what do you think about that video of 50 cent doing cocaine in Croatia?

"What!?!' I replied.

"You didn't hear? 50 Cent is a coke head"

"GTFOHWTBS Rich"

"It's on line, Google it and see for yourself" he said.

So I did and sure enough, it looks like 50 might have a little drug habit. But then I got to thinking, if the video was of 50 and his boys smoking weed, I doubt anyone would've thought twice about it. Or if he was a Rock or Heavy Metal star his fans would almost expect it. But, because he's a Hip Hop artist and it's cocaine people are shocked and outraged. Please don't get me wrong, I do not advocate drug use of any kind, hell I don't even take aspirin, but I wonder about the double standard when it comes to drug use in the Hip Hop community:
Liquor & Weed - O.K
Cocaine & Heroine (a growing problem in Hip Hop) - Not O.K.

Truth is, I hope we're all mis-interpreting what we see in the video and that he is indeed as someone suggested, kneeling down in prayer. Nah, I don't think so either.

Dang!

Take a look for yourself.

Listen Up!

We've got another up and coming R&B diva set to take the music world by storm. Her name is Ayah and she's already generated a serious buzz in her hometown of Toronto, Canada. Her music is an interesting blend of Hip Hop, R&B and Pop. Check out Shawna Renee's interview with Ayah, and don't forget, you heard her here 1st!


Listen to the latest from Ayah :
I Reminisce
Passin Me By

Log onto her Myspace Page for more info, news and tour dates. Speaking of Myspace, don't forget to surf over to our official page and make friends with FLAVA.

Beyonce Calls It Quits.

Well kinda…It’s been reported that after the release of her upcoming album, Mrs. Carter will retire from recording and help her hubby take over the world (Ala Pinky & The Brain). Her job in this world domination scheme will be to seek out new talent for Jay’s new label, which is part of the $150 million deal he signed with Live Nation. Call me a traditionalist, but I say, “Go head gurl, stand by your man, the more he makes, the more your half is worth!"

Yo B, Drop that Beat!!!

B., as in Bill Cosby who, according to The Associate Press, plans to drop a Comedy/Hip Hop/Jazz album titled: The Cosby Narratives: Vol 1 State of Emergency.

“I do not rap on any of these things,” Cosby told The Associated Press on Monday. “I wouldn’t know how to fix my mouth to say some of the words.”
Cosby said the hip-hop music he hears is profane and degrading. His album is “the opposite of what I think is the profanity for no particular reason, the misogyny for no particular reason,” he said. “It really looks at the frustration and the anger that a young man may have.” Source: AP

Although I agree the excess profanity and misogyny has gotten to be a bit much , I also realize that young people are slow to embrace projects like this unless the material is presented by artists who already have their attention.
For example, Imagine Nas on a track with Cosby comedy sound bites and Jazz samples from Roy Hargrove!

Oops, I’ve said too much. Now don’t go stealing my idea, or if you do at least cut a sista’ a percentage point or something.

Read more about The Cosby Narratives here.

Alicia Keys Keeps It Gangsta!!!

In the May issue of Blender Magazine, Alicia Keys accuses the American Government of perpetuating the bi-coastal beef that eventually led to the killings of Tupac and the Notorious BIG. According to the songstress, this was necessary "to stop another great black leader from existing". She goes on to accuse the American Government of “creating Gangsta Rap as a ploy to convince black people to kill each other”. This may come as a surprise to many of you, including her mom, who had no idea that A. Keys sports a AK-47 (as in the assault riffle) around her neck to symbolize “strength, power and killing 'em dead.", but it shouldn’t. Alicia has been an outspoken critic of her government for quite some time. In fact, she was put under surveillance by the NYPD for participating in anarchist activities during the 2004 Republican convention.
Now before you get your pro-government undies all in a bunch, know that Alicia is not the only one who’s expressed these sentiments. For years Hip Hop authors and activists have openly criticized the American Government for their role in creating the kind of environment that encourages Gangsta Rap to flourish. No matter what you believe, you gotta give it up to Ms. Keys for standing up and speaking her truth.

What do you think?

New Video from Lupe Fiasco

Check out the world traveling, lady loving, suit wearing debonair Mr. Fiasco. I see you Lu...I see you!!



Flava, reppin' the Global Hip Hop Movement!!

The US wants UK's Estelle to overhaul her look

So what she doesn't look like Beyonce, Kelly Rowland or even Lil Kim (yikes). Obviously, her music is tight. She's been #1 for like the past three weeks in the UK, where she is also a superstar. Still that is not good enough for her US label. Now I understand image is important but they might be going overboard on this one. Some are even reporting that they want her to get surgury. Didn't Cassie/Mya/Ashanti prove that mainstream (usually Eurocentric) model type beauty does not mean good music, sales or love from the public. Shoot didn't Jill Scott & Fantasia prove that? Apparently not. According to The Sun, Atlantic Records US doesn't feel Estelle looks good enough to impact the US market. They want her to "fix" her teeth and change "her boyish haricut" (to a fake-azz weave perhaps?). They want to do a whole image overhaul. Understandably Estelle is not happy. She believes her teeth and other features are a part of her overall appeal and character.

Watch out girl and hold your ground, cause the industry will pimp you out in more ways than one. If you get discouraged, just think of this picture:


Another thing...all of these oooogly male rappers that would scare you into sobriety the morning after (note Plies and even Jay-Z) don't get any pressure to work out or change their teeth, noses etc.. Stop the double standard foolishness please. If homegirl doesn't mind people raggin' on her teeth, then leave her alone. Afterall, she ain't no Bust It Baby. Where's my India Arie Video song when u need it?


Hold your mule, Estelle. Hold your mule!
**

Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

Soundcity Music Awards Nominees

The awards go down tonight in Nigeria. You can get mo' info with links to videos and everything in yesterdays post, but I couldn't resist, I like this sista's video, so I'm posting it. Mind u there are other videos too. Peep the links. Definitely check for Asa's. Hers is understandably up for Best Cinematography and I think she may actually win that one. We'll find out later tonight after the awards are done. The artist below, Ty Bello, is up for 3 awards -- Best Cinematography, Viewers Choice, and Best Female Video. Don't sleep on the global hip hop and soul movement! It's green and it's all ours! Watch, recognize and celebate!

Ty Bello - Greenland

Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

YA HEARD? new music from LIL Wayne, Cassie

As you know LIl Wayne's Carter III has been pushed back til June, but not without a track leaking onto the internet. Check this out "A millie" (Shouts to Clips and Kisses) (parental advisory)

Diddy put out an "official" statement saying that Cassie has stepped up her game and to expect a new and improved Cassie. Well take a listen to this joint from her forthcoming project and decide for yourself. All I have to say is that Ashanti sings better than her and that doesn't say too much.
This joint is called Offical Girl.

Ghana's music icon set to perform with Nas at the Soundcity Music Awards

oh and you think crazy dances like the Chicken Noodle Soup and pop, lock and drop it are just done in the states? Of course not. Check out the lastest dance craze "Kangaroo" by Tic Tac out of Ghana.

Ghana’s proud son of a “Kangaroo” Tic Tac was recently in the States hooking up with Akon, Gil Green and reppin' for his peeps on stage at the official Ghana independence bash in New York. He is set to arrive in Nigeria for the inaugural Soundcity Music Video Awards goin down April 11.

He will be headlining and performing alongside nasty NAS and South Africa's Freshlyground

As far as nominess are concerned, Faze (see below) looks like a front runner, with 4 different videos nominated. DJ Jimmy Jatt leads the pack with 6 while D'banj and Asa follow with 5 each. P-Square earned 4 chances at glory while newcomer Ty Bello was nominated in 3 categories. For a full list of nominees, click here.

The Awards will be transmitted to millions of viewers across Africa, the United States, the United Kingdom, and some parts of Europe.

According to Miss Shileola Obisesan, Senior Brand Manager of the Consolidated Media Associates, and Awards Sponsorship & Marketing Director, “this will possibly be the biggest entertainment event to be held in Nigeria in 2008;"

Already, the Mo’Hits Crew, the Storm All Stars, P Square, Plantashun Boiz, QuestionMark All Stars and the MUSON Philharmonic Orchestra have been confirmed amongst the groups performing as well as Tic Tac. (soundcity.tv)

Here is Faze, this hot joint "kpo kpo di kpo" is nominated for Best Choreography.

Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

LIFE ON MARS

Many may be hyped about Righteous Kill, the movie with AL Pacino, Robert Deniro and 50 cent, but I can't wait to peep this movie LIFE ON MARS

Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

YA HEARD? (RZA, Foxy, Janet, Beyonce)

It's checkmate for RZA! (allhiphop)

As Remy comes to grips with being in the pen, Foxy gets out! (sohh)

Janet gets Discipline in Japan (justjared)

If you are a Beyonce stan, just know that she's been keeping her hands covered to hide the big ole rock on her finger. However, she did let it get its shine on while wtching her man perform at a recent show. *snore*

MARIAH springs a leak!

The sound quality of the leak is soo bad that you KNOW the label is behind this one. It creates buzz right b4 the album drops and because of the lousy sound quality no one would want to download it, so no fear of losing album sales. It is just good enough for you to listen and see if you like the songs and determine if you are going to cop the album. I SEE YOU DEF JAM!

So you want a listen right? Here are links to some of the songs

An interview and snippit of her working on "love story"



I like it! Here's more (full length)

Loving You Long Time

Migrate f T-Pain

Bye Bye
That Chick

Thanx 4 Nothin'

Cruise Control f Damien Marley (I love this!)

Last Kiss

Side Effects f Jeezy

I Stay In Love

For The Record

I Wish You Well (Preach Mariah!)

Ok now go cop that joint. They got the pre-orders at a relatively low price point. For example Amazon-US has it for $9.99. You know what that means right? A label "motivates" retail to sell it that low to move units. They want her to bang it out the box the very first week of sales. Did they do that for JANET!! lol

**

Flava reppin that global Hip Hop movement!

In Case You Missed It - Cherri Dennis

Big Ups to Cherri Dennis for hanging out in the FLAVA Hip Hop Lounge. We put her On Blast and she came through BIG TIME!

In Case you missed it, check out Todd B's interview with Cherri Dennis.

This is a Flava exclusive!

Beyonce ain't the only newlywed!

Rumor has it that Alicia Keys will be tying the knot. According to illseed at allhiphop.com, she is in the planning stages for the ceremony. She's supposed to be marrying her long time love -- who many believe is Krucial.

The rumor mill would love for Beyonce to be pregnant. Why can't Bey-Z get married on the strength of thier relationship rather than the "embarrasment"of a pregnancy out of wedlock? I'm tellin' you, folk love to hate and speculate. Only time will tell truly if she's got a bun in the oven.

BIG BOI in a ballet tu tu?? + Rappin Belgium Monks

Usually Hip Hop dance - breaking, poppin', locking, etc., accompany a phat beat, but not this time...The Atlanta Ballet turns Hip Hop on its head with a groundbreaking collabo with Big Boi of Outkast. We reported this a while back, but the actual show goes down tomorrow. He along with members of the Purple Ribbon allstars will share the stage with the company as they (the dancers)bang out ballet moves to hip hop flava. Can we say plie (Plee-ay) pop and lock it, plie pop and lock it... Associated Press out of the US got the 411. Get more info on the event at the Atlanta Ballet myspace page too.


Video from the rehearsal

Wait a second! No Big Boi pas de duex? I wanted to see him bust a ballet move. I suppose we'll only see so much of the softer side of Antwan. Judging from this, both parties apparently stay in their lanes, with MC Ballerina sticking to creating fly physical lines, while dancin' rappers spit 'em

Does this mean that video vixens need to feel threatened? NOT! There is a big difference between a grand jete (a big leap) and the dutty wine. HOWEVER, the collabo does provides the opportunity for the new DVD, Ballerinas gone WILD: Pole Dancing live at Big Boi's strip joint. (You know you noticed that girl swinging from that chin-up bar at :34 and 2:33)

Now all we need is the Rock Steady crew to choreograph a dance to a classical piece with the National Philharmonic. Put that in your Pavorotti pipe and Haaaaahhhllllllllaaaaahhh.

Ok that was corny, but seriously tho, the Big Ballet is cool, but if u want something more daring in its attempt to blur traditional cultural boundaries, check out how hip hop dance, gregorian chant, beatboxing, monestary meditation and more gets all shook in this video. If you didn't know how Hip Hop gets down in Belgium, it's time to recognize. When it comes to originality in its initial concept, it appears that Big Ballet pales in comparison.

Black Monk - Rap Requiem

Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

Hip Hop & Politics: Condi for US VP?

Barack has inspired so many Hip Hop artists to be actively involved in the political process. Even Jay-Z has reportedly been promoting Barack Obama for President in his show with Mary J Blige. Well recently, hip hop websites are buzzin' about Condi's possible run as VP with John McCain on the Republican ticket. (ABC)


Personally, aside from the Will I AM video, I am starting to hear Barack's name in more and more Hip Hop/R&B songs. Even UK's Estelle makes mention of him in her song with Musiq Soulchild, People Everyday... If Condi gets the nomination, I wonder how she will start poppin up in lyrics....

I'm willing to place my bets that if she does get the nomination, there will be more haterade for her than there has been for Billary, for several reasons. Among them - she's scarier because she's smarter, has more savvy, is more conniving and can probably kick both their azzes in a steet fight. Don't get it twisted, Condi is mo' gangsta than Suge Knight. She'll murder yo a**, defend her own self in a supreme court (or a federal investigation), get off scott free, get paid in the process and be like NEXT!!
**
Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

Hip Hop & Politics: Senegal

Check out this documenatry on the role of Hip Hop in the 2007 Presidential elections in Dakar, Senegal

For Episodes 2-5, peep Nomadic Wax

**

Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

New Usher video - Love In This Club

Aside from Keri Hilson who is on Timbaland's label, and Jeezy, there are two mo' cameos. C if spot them.

I know Usher is married, but man I would have loved for him and Ciara to be an item wit dey dancin' selves!

New music from MARIAH

Mariah at the Cipriani Restarurant in London celebrating her 18 #1 hits. Will either of these next two songs be #19 or even #20?

**

That Chick

Bye Bye

**

(shouts to lovebscott.com for the music links)

**

Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

Is Jay-Z going to pull out of UK's Glastonbury Festival?

That depends on who you ask. The organizer Michael Eavis has insisted the rapper is still on the bill to perform. He said: "I spoke to his people this weekend. Everything is fine. I'm excited."

Apparently not everyone shares the same excitement about the three-day music event, set to take place in Somerset, England, on June 28. Last year, it sold out in a record two hours. As of April 6, there were still tickets left.

There's been much buzz about Jay-Z as the headliner. According to Britain's The Sun newspaper, a source says Jay "hasn't liked all this talk of how Glastonbury is more urban and hip this year because of his appearance...He feels it's a bit sad and he's being used to make a point. The straw that broke the camel's back was when he was blamed for the lower registration for tickets and subsequent sales."

Ok 2 things -- first off, Jay-Z ain't turning down that money! No way is he going to pull out of the event over some haterade. I side with Michael Eavis on that one. #2 Who is this source supposedly quoting Jay-Z? A kid of one of the newspaper's editors? Perhaps a self-important wanna be rapper intern who never met Jay-Z in his/her life, just expressing his/her own opinion on the matter. Jay-Z can speak for himself or at least through his publicist. Holla!

The Sun is suspect on this one. In the words of one of my favorite bloggers, Fresh at Crunk & Disorderly, "you need more people" (who are credible sources)
**
Flava reppin' that global Hip Hop movement!

Alicia Keys & Lenny Kravitz in Paris!

http://dailymotion.alice.it/swf/x4x5jk
by delpiero971

It's Official (to us anyway) THEY'RE MARRIED!

It was crazy! It was supposed to be on the hush hush, but c'mon this is NY and this is the internet age so the press swarmed Jay-Z's building for a chance to see the couple and get whatever shots they could. Here are some of them.

Wedding prep

**

Daddy Knowles arrives

**

Jay-Z's mama on her way to the ceremony (He must look like his dad!)

Solange arrives

Jay-Z is rumored to have had his bachelor party in Canada

It is reported that they will also have ANOTHER wedding in France. Plus, if it is true that they are obsessed with the number 4 (see below), then they need one mo' wedding because according to my math, they were already married in Anguilla, now New York, perhaps next in France. We'll see...

Rumor also has it that Matthew Knowles is already negotiating the sale of their wedding pictures to the highest bidder (the life files)

If you are wondering what I mean by thier obsession with 4, peep this (from laineygossip.com)

**

B’s birthday is September 4th.

Jay’s birthday is December 4th.

They have matching IV tats on their ring fingers acquired in Paris…

He owns the 40/40 clubs.

April 4th they marry. 04/04/084+4=8

**

For more details on thier wedding day, peep mtv.com

**

Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

"Frosty Freeze" RIP

B-Boys and Girls worldwide are mourning the death of Break Dance Pioneer Wayne "Frosty Freeze" Frost.


Wayne Frost, a hip-hop pioneer known as Frosty Freeze who helped inspire a worldwide break-dancing craze in the early 1980s as a member of the influential group Rock Steady Crew, died on Thursday in Manhattan. He was 44.
Jorge Pabon, who uses the name Pop Master Fabel and is the vice president of the group, confirmed Mr. Frost’s death, at Mount Sinai Medical Center, saying it followed a long illness, which he did not identify.
Mr. Frost was known for his acrobatic and daredevil moves. One that he created involved a flip in the air that ended with Mr. Frost flat on his back. He called it the Suicide.
Mr. Frost began attracting wide attention in 1981, when his picture appeared on the cover of The Village Voice with an article by Sally Banes titled “Physical Graffiti: Breaking Is Hard to Do.”
He was then featured in early hip-hop music videos, including Malcolm McLaren’s "Buffalo Gals," and performed in films about hip-hop culture, including the groundbreaking 1983 documentary “Style Wars” and the 1983 feature film “Wild Style.” But it was his appearance in the 1983 hit movie “Flashdance,” with Jennifer Beals, that brought him recognition around the world and helped introduce break dancing to mainstream popular culture.
At the time, break dancing, or b-boying, a daring and complex dance form that grew out of the streets of the Bronx and Harlem in the 1970s, was one element of the emerging hip-hop culture, which included graffiti art, rapping and D.J.s scratching and mixing vinyl records on turntables.
Break dancing had its own terminology and was composed of two basic elements: top rock, involving upper-body movement, and floor rock, involving footwork. A b-boy dance phrase finishes with a freeze, hence the name that Mr. Frost adopted. (Read More)
Source: NYT

Hip Hop dance in Germany!

Check out this crew "B2D" at the 2006 German Hip Hop Championships. They placed 2nd.

Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

Jay-Z inks $150 MILLION deal with Live Nation

A couple of weeks ago, the internet was abuzz about Jay-Z looking for a $150 million deal for his new ventures. Well he got it!

Jay-Z is reportedly close to reaching a deal with Live Nation Inc. for a whopping $150 million that would give the concert promoter a stake in virtually every aspect of his career. According to reports from the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, the deal would give the company a stake in everything from his music to his music-related business for 10 years.

In the arrangement, Jay-Z would get a $25 million upfront payment, plus advance payments of $10 million per album for a minimum of three albums and $25 million toward concert tours. Live Nation would also pay $20 million in exchange for publishing, licensing and other rights.Additionally, the company is expected to commit $50 million to finance Jay-Z's investments and entertainment venture, Roc Nation, which is rumored to include a record label, music publishing, talent consulting and managing projects."I've turned into the Rolling Stones of hip-hop," Jay-Z told the Times.Jay himself sees the deal as a way "to reach the consumer in so many different ways," and wants "to be on the front lines in that fight."Live Nation's most recent deals include agreements with Madonna and U2. (Ballerstatus)

MARIAH Beats ELVIS, the BEATLES are next!

Congrats are in store for pop diva Mariah Carey who just surpassed Elvis for the greatest number of #1 hit singles on the Billboard charts. She is now second to the Beatles who have 20. What does she have to say about her recent history-making accomplishment?

"I really can never put myself in the category of people who have not only revolutionized music but also changed the world," Carey told The Associated Press on Tuesday via phone from London. "That's a completely different era and time ... I'm just feeling really happy and grateful." Carey's single is the new No. 1 single on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart: The song also is No. 1 on the trade magazine's digital download chart thanks to a precedent-setting 286,000 downloads in its debut week.

Carey said being in such company was gratifying not only because of her personal success, but what it meant for women and minorities. "For me, in my mind the accomplishment is just that much sweeter," she said. "In terms of my ethnicity, always feeling like an outsider, always feeling different ... for me it's about saying, 'Thank you Lord, for giving me the faith to believe in myself when other people had written me off.'" (yahoo)

AZN-American Hip Hop!

...and ya'll might have thought that all American rappers were Black, Latino with an occaisional white dude. This is Korean American native New Yorker, Shogunna, who believes he is the best Asian rapper alive. I don't know about all that. He might have taken a page out of Lil' Wayne's book on that one, but you can check his flow for yourself. Definitely filled with NY flava.

Shouts to aznraps.com for this one. For mo' info on Shogunna, peep shogunna.com/

Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

Estelle Gets Lippy about HIV

British dahling Estelle stopped traffic in London as one of the spokepeople of the Get Lippy HIV and AIDS awareness campaign with The Body Shop and MTV. See the video here

I ain't mad at sistawoman gettin' paid to promote an important cause, (even though I don't use Lippy lip balm).

**

Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!(kiss)

50 Cent & G-Unit head to the Motherland!

50 Cent and G-Unit are teaming up with Virgin Mobile to put on two concerts in South Africa this May.

The whole camp is coming out for the "Virgin Mobile 50 Cent and G-Unit Tour," including Young Buck, Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo. The crew is set to hit the Coca-Cola Dome in Johannesburg on May 1 and stop at the Belville Velodrome in Capetown on May 3.

Tickets for the concert - presented and produced by SABC 1, Showtime Productions and Virgin Mobile - are available at computicket.com.

G-Unit sophmore project Shoot to Kill is supposed to drop this summer. (Shouts to SOHH)

**

Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

Bey-Z Making it Official?

According to People, Jay-Z and Beyonce were recently issued a marriage license in New York. Too bad we know they probably got secretly married in the Caribbean already!

**

Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

Kanye's NEW Video

Homecoming

MARIAH DISSES UK RADIO JOCK?

It seems to be going oh so well and then boo ya kah - nothing. Take a listen

Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!