Armenian Hip Hop & R&B Stand UP!

These guys are reppin for the "real" Hip Hop!


and now for some Armenian R&B by SOFE - Ore Yev Nerkan

She is dressed like some around the way girl living in an Armenian hood in the NYC. However, they need a new choreographer. LOL. Check out the cop cars. They look like little VW buggies.


I love the sound of the traditional Armenian instruments - the oud in the and the duduk! I ain't mad. You go Armenia!

Did u think Armenia would put it down like this?
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Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!
Posted by Nikki Strong

Has lil Wayne's Carter III been leaked?

We can't guarantee for sure, but so many Lil Wayne songs have been leaked (like over 300) and Down-South.com believes they have the inside scoop on a potential Carter III leak. Read the details here.

Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!
Posted by Nikki Strong

R Kelly's mole is ON the tape!

Here ye! Here ye! The mole is on the tape I say! The mole is on the tape!

Prosecuters said the mole on R Kelly's back is NOT on the guy in the video, so it is not thier client, but guess what? The mole is on the tape.

Defense attorneys in the R. Kelly trial took a blow yesterday as a forensic expert identified the man on the sex tape as having a mark on his back.

According to the AP, today in court, video forensics expert Grant Fredericks analyzed several frozen frames of the sex tape which revealed a dark mark on the man's back. Fredericks compared the still frames to a photo taken of Kelly's back after his arrest in 2002, where a dark fingernail sized mole is evident.

"There is a mark on the man's back in the exact same position," he said.
The defense countered Fredericks' testimony by suggesting that the back mark in the video is not in the same place as is Kelly's mole. Defense attorney, Ed Genson also argued that at one point in the tape, a spot faded in and out of view thus suggesting the tape itself has a technical problem.

Earlier in today's testimony, an FBI forensic expert testified that the male and female participants in the tape were neither computer-generated nor altered. Instead George Skaluba said the video appears to show "real people in a real environment" and if someone sought to create digital images, it could be costly and timely-taking up to years to do.

Skaluba also testified he could not state with certainty whether it is Kelly or a look-a-like on the tape and that the tape in question is a copy several times removed from the original.

The multi-Grammy award winning pied piper of R&B faces 14 counts of videotaping, producing or soliciting child pornography. He pled innocent to all charges and if convicted could face up to 15 years in prison. (sohh)

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How long do think it will be b4 the defense changes its strategy?

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Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

Posted by Nikki Strong

Another Busta bodyguard shot dead!

reported from allhiphop.com

A man who worked security for rapper Busta Rhymes was shot multiple times and found dead in the back of his pickup truck on Wednesday (May 28th), AllHipHop.com has learned.

Jermaine Williams, 35, of the Bronx, was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds in Ozone Park, Queens.

Police found blood dripping from the backseat of his SUV when they discovered Williams' body, which was wrapped in a blanket in the backseat of the SUV.

Sources have confirmed with AllHipHop.com that Williams, also known as “Black,” was Rhymes' bodyguard, although it is unclear if he was working for the rapper as of press time.

Busta Rhymes has been on a tour of Europe and was not in the country at the time of the incident sources told AllHipHop.com.

Williams, who leaves behind two children, reportedly went to Queens to visit his grandmother and ended up missing for almost 24 hours.

Police are still seeking the suspects who committed the murder.

Williams is the second bodyguard employed by Busta Rhymes to be shot dead.

His former bodyguard Israel Ramirez was shot dead on February 5, 2006, outside of a warehouse, where a music video for the remix to Rhymes’ single “Touch It” was being shot.

Ramirez, 29, was shot in the chest in front of the building, where as many as 500 people may have witnessed the shooting.

To date, a shooter has never been identified and Rhymes has denied any knowledge of Ramirez’ shooting.
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Are u just as shocked as I am reading this story?
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Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!
Posted by Nikki Strong

Usher tells us all off "Don't talk about my Woman"

Peep this interview with Usher on MTV's TRL. It starts all normal and then he just goes off on people who talk about Tameka. His rant starts at around 2:22 and then he just takes over. The host doesn't know what to do. LOL. Defend her honor, baby!!!

May 27, 2008
by 2008co2008

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Do you think Usher was out of line this time around?

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Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

Posted by Nikki Strong

Mystery witness shuts down R Kelly Trial

As reported by SOHH, testimony came to an abrupt close today in the R. Kelly trial as the defense was sought out by a man that could possibly discredit the prosecution's key witness.

According to The Chicago Tribune, the unidentified man will fly into Chicago tonight and meet with Kelly's defense team. Cook County Judge Vincent Gaughan said, "I have no idea what's going on. It might be the impeachment of the [prosecution's] witness."

Defense attorneys denied allegations that this was an attempt to delay the testimony of the prosecution's key witness, a woman who will likely testify she engaged in an under-aged three-way sex act years ago with Kelly and the alleged female on the tape. (sohh)

Kelly's team said they were called by the mystery witness and they'd need time to meet with him in order to prepare.

So who do think this mystery witness might be? The prosecution's key witness's ex boyfriend?

For more on the case, click here
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Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!
Posted by Nikki Strong

TI gets reality TV Show

Yeah MTV is jumpin' on the opportunity to get a peek at a celebrity Hip Hop thug serve his time Hollywood style. So as TI does his mandatory community service while under house arrest, the cameras will be rollin' to capture it all. Of course the airing of the show will most likely coincide with the release of Paper Trail. Can we say marketing plan?

Now a couple of thoughts come to my mind.

1) TI is gawn' git paid as he endeavors to make back the millions he had to put out, so that he could be under house arrest instead of a jail cell.

2) Unfortunately, in contrast, on the real tip (no pun intended), so many folk who are actually on lock down for lesser criminal offenses are used for free labor or gigs that pay little to nothing, let alone hardly being able to get a living wage once they've completed their sentences. Don't believe me? Ask presidential hopeful John McCain.

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Yeah, TI rep for your "peeps" who have your same celebrity, access, privilege and money. I ain't hatin' on his hustle, just the circumstances and systems that created it. Cmon, if he wasn't under house arrest and decided to go on a public service tour voluntarily(not mandated by law), you think MTV would buy several episodes in advance like they did in this case? NOT!

Better yet and even more personal and arguably more important, would U be interested in watching such a show if TI wasn't under arrest?

Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

Posted by Nikki Strong

Chuck D's blog from PE UK tour.

PE just wrapped up their Don't Look Back UK tour. Here are some of Chuck D's thoughts on his experience.

LONDON NATION INVASION 2008 May 27, 2008
I spent the last 4-5 weeks preparing for the DONT LOOK BACK tour of the UK and parts of Europe and it has paid off, but took my total commitment and concentration to pull it off. As of this writing we just took on Glasgow Scotland, which historically has been the most powerful show fan base across the water. This after Manchester and Brixton with places in between like Dublin which required every muscle of my body to use. These shows get you into athletic shape in 10 days. But it ain' pretty. Everything will hurt for two hours in the morning as if I played an NFL game. Anybody that says it's easy can't imagine to yell loud in rhyme while moving at 110 beats per minute. It's what it is, and I couldn't or wouldn't do it any other way. This is what was brought to the table performing Nations and a blizzard of PE cuts afterwards. We don't have Griff on this tour because of a passport discrepancy after his fire loss. Its the government finding every technicality to stop our thing with horsesht moves like that. Still we had to rock on, but I couldn't help but think that Professor Griff would've LOVED these gigs. He will see us in NY at HOT 97 Summerjam.

The requirement was to perform the album from beginning to end, and all in between. It's our standard album and was our obligation to blast the hell out of it . The tour opens with Hank and Keith Shocklee of the BOMB SQUAD, and had KOOL KEITH, and ANTI POP CONSORTIUM opening up and doing it bad to the bone. A new group named EZRA BANG and another new band named MAXFIELD opened in a couple markets and offered great promise. The weird factor was again the crowd numbers. Did the black crowd consider the movement passe as Mary J Blige seemed to fit that aspiration based from the posters of her playing at Wembley? Well I just chalked it up to sold out crowd with little space for walk up. (source)

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Check out the new video PE Black is Back!

What u think of this new joint? Think they need a Lil Jon/Soulja Boy remix?

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It's nice to know that PE does sold out shows in the UK, but how relevant do u think PE is to the current stateside Hip Hop movement?

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Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

Posted by Nikki Strong

Swedish Hip Hop Pioneers: The Latin Kings

Naah boo, this ain't about the US gang The Latin Kings, but about the trio of guys who helped pioneer Hip Hop in Sweden. The members of the group are the lead rapper Dogge Doggelito (Douglas Léon) and the two brothers, Salla and Chepe. They all have roots in Latin America (Venezuela and Chile).

They grew up in the concrete suburbs in Botkyrka where a large proportion of the population are immigrants and refugees and the poverty is more visible than elsewhere in Sweden. The hip hop subculture has a large following in these areas of Stockholm. Their songs reflect life in the less affluent suburbs.

TLK were, in 1994, among the first to release a hip hop album with lyrics in Swedish (the first was Just D). Swedish rappers had before that time almost always used English. The debut album was Välkommen till förorten (Welcome to the suburb) and the very first single was "Snubben" (The dude). The group felt like they had been ripped off by their record company and they decided to start their own label, Red Line Records, on which they have signed a number of talented hip hop artists in Sweden such as Fattaru, Kalle Kath, Fjärde världen and Ison & Fille.

Latin Kings has become famous for rapping in the local Rinkeby Swedish, a "multiethnolect language" that is used in areas with many immigrants. It's basically Swedish with loanwords from Turkish, Aramaic, Spanish, Finnish , Persian, Arabic and a few other languages. Consequently, they
ushered in a new wave of Swedish hip hop artists. The coming generation of Swedish talent would be distinguished from the first by their inclusion of Swedish language rhymes, as opposed to the exclusive use of English rhymes by Sweden's first generation of rappers. (source) Below is a taste of TLK doing thier thing!

The Latin Kings - Shonnar Vet

Latinos making waves in the Swedish Hop Hop movement. That's wassup! What's cool is that the video not only reps universal Hip Hop elements - grafitti, Dj'ing, rappin', but also the whole bike thing gives u some insight into what's goin' down in Hip Hop culture in Sweden. Peep the Padres and NY Yankee shirts. As a New Yorker, I am feelin the luv!! Don't miss the jazz like scatting over scratching at the end. (GURU would be proud) What u think? U feelin them or what, kompis?

"Shonnar vet om dem jiddrar me oss de blir aaaaajajajajaj...kompis "

P.S. I heard that kompis means friend, buddy or in the hop hop context homie.

Flava reppin the Hip Hop movement!

Posted by Nikki Strong

Will Dental records clear R Kelly?

Since the Little Man scenario didn't go over too well, the defense has another trick up its sleeve. Dental records!!!

The defense is hoping that braces will help prove the identity of the girl on the tape. According to Kelly's lawyers, the alleged victim had braces at the time the tape was made (sometime in the late 90's) but the girl on the tape did not.

Tjada Burnett, a family friend of the alleged victim, testified she could identify the female participant on the tape by her "cheeks, her nose, her facial structure."

The defense accused Burnett of lying to aid the prosecution because when asked whether her friend wore braces she said the braces could have been put on after 1999.

OMG -- could that be a hole in a testimony? A measley 1 point by the skin of thier teeth for the defense, but the prosecutors STILL scored as a former empolyee of R Kelly identified him on the tape.

According to the Associated Press, Lindsey Perryman, said she worked as a record producer and personal assistant to Kelly on and off from 2000-2007 and testified she was "110 percent sure" he was the male on the tape. After being approached by prosecutors in December 2007, Perryman said it was at this time she first viewed the tape.

Perryman told jurors she looked at an album cover before viewing the tape and did not want to believe it was her former boss on the video because he was "very, very good to me."

"I was in shock and I wanted to be 110 percent sure," she said. Perryman along with two other witnesses also identified the female participant as the same woman denying partaking in the video. According to the Associated Press, Lindsey Perryman, said she worked as a record producer and personal assistant to Kelly on and off from 2000-2007 and testified she was "110 percent sure" he was the male on the tape.

Perryman along with two other witnesses also identified the female participant as the same woman denying partaking in the video. (source)

As time progresses, this whole "that is not me on the tape, it's video special effects" defense is getting a bit trifling. First, a mole R Kelly has on his back was not in the video and now the alleged victim supposedly had braces when the tape was made but the girl in the video does not. U think that provides enough resonable doubt to free R Kelly?

For more info on the case, click here

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Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

Posted by Nikki Strong

R Kelly pedophile case update

Now the defense for the pied-piper of R&B wants the reporter to take the stand. Defense attorneys filed a motion seeking testimony from Chicago Sun-Times reporter Jim DeRogatis, who in 2002 was sent the sex tape that allegedly shows Kelly having intercourse with an underage girl. Kelly's lawyers want to ask DeRogatis how he came in possession of the tape and if he made copies. For more details, click here

Both R Kelly and the alleged victim deny being in the video. However, seven witnesses thus far have identified the alleged victim and/or R Kelly in the tape (including the alleged victim's mama!) Still the defense is trying to convince the jury that special effects make it look like it was R Kelly, but it was really someone else.

As reported at digitalspy.co.uk, R. Kelly's lawyer Sam Adam Jr. even went as far as using the film Little Man to prove his theory.

During the defence's cross examination of the victim's friend Simha Johnson, Adam asked the witness if she had seen the film Little Man. He said: "They put the head of Marlon Wayans on a midget and it looked real, didn't it?"Jamison replied "Not really!", causing the courtroom to erupt into laughter.
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Laughter is right. C'mon now "Little Man"? How naive do they think people are? What do you think of the current "computer graphics made me do it" defense? Will it get R Kelly free?
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Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

posted by Nikki Strong

Bob Marley Director makes EXODUS

Martin Scorsese pulled out of directing an authorized documentary about Bob Marley because of "scheduling conflicts."

So who steps into take his place?

Oscar-winning film-maker Jonathan Demme. The untitled documentary is set to be released on February 6, 2010 to mark the 65th anniversary of the musician's birth.

Demme, who won an Academy Award in 1992 for The Silence of the Lambs, said he was "thrilled and humbled" to work with the Marley family on the project.

Bob Marley's son Ziggy, who will act as executive producer, said he was "excited" by Demme's participation. "His empathy with my father's body of work and his unique understanding of the musical documentary form makes me confident that this film will be the ultimate celebration of my father's life," he said.

Demme, who has previously made documentaries with Neil Young and Talking Heads, said Marley was "one of the greatest human beings of modern times". He said he hoped the film, produced by Tuff Gong Pictures and Shangri-La Entertainment, would be a "worthy vessel" for Marley's "spiritual and musical brilliance".

Marley died of cancer in 1981 at the age of 36.

Scorsese had been due to follow his Rolling Stones concert film Shine a Light with the Marley documentary. He is also working on films about Beatles guitarist George Harrison and former US President Theodore Roosevelt. (BBC)
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You know Spike Lee has done catch a fire, talkin' now how u not gawn call me??!! Regardless, this film better be good! Otherwise this woman will be a crying (yeah I said it!) Do you think Demme will do it justice or would u have prefered another Director?

I also understand that a biopic based on a book by Bob Marley’s widow, Rita, is also in the works. I wonder who will direct that one. Anybody got the scoop? Fill us in!!!

I nominate Jill Scott to play Rita in that one!
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Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!
posted by Nikki Strong

African Hip Hop in the NYC

This past weekend marked two major holidays. May 25th was African Liberation Day in many countries in Africa while May 26 marked Memorial Day in the US. So what the heck, I figure why not make mention of African Hip Hop in the States. Shouts to AfricanHipHop.com for this one: Come to find out, the Sakpata Boys, the pioneers of hip hop in Benin who succesfully merged traditional music into their recordings, moved to New York. The video below features 2 out of 3 Boys and plays two songs in a row.

You know how the song goes, "if you can make it there (NYC), you can make it anywhere"...so you think they have what it takes to make it beyond the African Hip Hop world? Why or why not? Do they embody what is best about Hip Hop, the worst? Explain. Holla!

Flava reppin the global Hip Hop Movement!

posted by Nikki Strong

Mandela on Broadway!

A forthcoming memoir on Nelson Mandela will serve as the basis for a new musical about the South African leader's fight to end apartheid, reports Daily Variety.

The production will mix historical events with anecdotes from a forthcoming memoir by Zindzi Mandela about growing up in the apartheid era as the daughter of Nelson Mandela, the Nobel Peace Prize winner whose efforts played a major role in ending the South African policy of racial segregation. He was elected president of the nation when apartheid was abolished in 1994.

No creative team or director has yet been nailed down for the project, although Welcome Msomi, a South African scribe and producer, will assist with the show.

Routh/Frankel/Baruch/Viertel Group and PSE Broadway have teamed to serve as producers for the project, which is aiming for a Broadway debut in May 2010. (eurweb)

I nomiate Jill Scott to play Winnie!
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Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

Kenya's Nonini!

You want to get the clubs poppin in the motherland? Put on a Nonini track!
Here's a lil spotlight on homie courtesy of mnet.



Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

New Usher!

Now that his CD has leaked on the internet, this new video is making rounds. It is obviously the continuation of the story started in his first video Love In This Club. I'm loving the idea of each video's storyline introducing the next single. Enjoy!

Usher - Moving Mountains

Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

Click it!...Hip Hop Gossip (Usher & Jay-Z duet, Saigon, R Kelly)

Usher & Jay-Z do a duet about marriage (mrfrost)

Saigon leaves Atlantic after 4 years (sohh). So will the Greatest Story Never Told finally see the light of day?

4 witnesses ID alleged victim in R Kelly trail (AP)
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Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

Wyclef launches new initiative for Haiti

Today is National Sovereignty Day in Haiti and Wyclef, ambassador of the country, is using his influence to launch a new initiative to help his homeland.

According to Reuters, Jean launched a new initiative "Together for Haiti" yesterday, with a goal to raise $48 million over the next six months that will create jobs and assistance for farmers and help feed the impoverished country.

"We have come together to launch this new initiative because I believe we can do more and better for Haiti when we act together," Jean said at a Manhattan news conference. "We are not only interested in feeding people in response to the current crisis, but we want to offer them an alternative that can help them in a sustainable way."

The project is backed by the World Food Program, the Pan American Development Foundation and Yele Haiti, Jean's charitable foundation for Haiti.

The program aims to provide jobs for 1,800 people everyday, distribute food to 1.5 million people and provide fertilizers to 55,000 farmers. It also aims to offer 9,000 grants to families so start their own small businesses.

"We want to give them the opportunity to set up a small business which they can live on instead of assisting them every time there is a crisis," Jean told Reuters. (Brandi Hopper via SOHH)
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Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

$20 bill predicts 9/11 disaster?

This is for all of you conpiracy theorists. Intriguing stuff!

1) Fold a $20 bill in half...

Fold again, taking care to fold it exactly as below
>3) Fold the other end, exactly as before


4) Now, simply turn it over...
What a coincidence! A simple geometric fold creates a catastrophic premonition printed on all $20 bills!

COINCIDENCE? YOU DECIDE

Firstly The Pentagon on fire... Then The Twin Towers.
but wait it gets better...

9 + 11=$20

Wild isn't it? 3 Coincidences, all on a $20 bill.

After I saw this, I did some origami with a $100 bill and saw my rich future unfold. Holla!!!

Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

Click It!...Hip Hop Gossip (Will Smith, Lil Wayne, TI & R Kelly)

Will Smith opens new school (blackcelebritykids)

Who taught Lil Wayne how to rap? (sohh)

Daddy T.I. cooks, cleans and more...Hear what he has to say about being a dad at home with the kids. (Ballerstatus)

Jurors view sex tape in R Kelly trial (Ballerstatus)

Estelle perfroming American Boy

American Boy Craig Ferguson Live
by yardie4lifever2
Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

Hip Hop Italiano

Peep this video from Two Fingaz -- even though it is a remix, the video is still the same. This dude definitely is a fan of the dirty dirty -- check his biz-ounce.

Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

Nas changes album title!

Well well well, Nas is changing the name of his CD because he doesn't want the name to stop the music from getting to his fans. How thoughtful! lol. Homeboy saw them checks not coming in and decided to switch it up. Yeah he can say it was about the fans but we know it was all about the CREAM! Let the spin begin.

LA Reid said expect Nas to make us think, educate and enlighten us. Yeah, ok, but let's keep in mind LA Reid wants to move them units. Pimpin' n****ers has always been profitable for corporate America. Ching Ching for Nas & co. I am hoping the controversy it creates will move us in a more thoughtful, responsible and postive direction. You can read more about the album and peep the lyrics from the title cut here.

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Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

Click It!...Hip Hop Gossip

TI and Tiny welcome thier new baby! (VH1)

Kelly Roland pens book (sohh)

Olu Maintain Duets with Femi Kuti!

In what could turn out to be one of the best collabo's of the year, singer Olu Maintain brought reclusive Afrobeat King, Femi Kuti out of his New Afrika Shrine enclave to record a song with him last week (Tuesday, May 13). The yet to be titled song which was recorded at Hope Davies studios, Ikeja, Lagos will be produced by Foster Zeeno and will be contained in Olu's next album due soon.

Olu ascended his way back to the top in 2007 with the comeback hit song, "Yahoozee" and has been causing a buzz in the entertainment community with his flamboyant lifestyle since then.

Born Olumide Edwards Adegbolu a little over 30 decades ago, he made an inroad into Nigeria's music scene in 1998 with cousin, Tolu and Big Bamo as Maintain with the single, "Domttilla". The group went on to record and release seven albums together before Olu decided to go solo in 2006. (post from Hip HopWorldMagazine)

Shouts to HHW for the story, but on the real the best collabo of the year? I don't think so, unless Femi helps deliver Olu from looking like a 1980's wanna be pimp daddy.

When I saw this video, I cried out to my mightly ancestors! If only Marcus Garvey knew that going back to Africa would mean you'd find out your long lost African uncle w/his bama swagger got a recording contract and is big star. God, help the children!

Yahoozee!!

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Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

Nas still dissin' Jay-Z on wax

Even though they insist there are no hard feelings that stem from their epic battle, Nas and Jay-Z's friendship always seems to exude a tinge of acrimony. Well, Nas practically confessed to King magazine that he still rhymes about their once bitter relationship and he did it on Jay's "Success".

Check out what he said:

On "Success," how did you get away with talking about Jay

What do you mean?

"Worst enemies want to be my best friends..." Can you see how people can take that as a diss?

But could you see how Jay couldn't relate to that in his own life with his own situation? Everything in Jay's rhyme, I relate to. "Is this what success is all about? / A bunch of b*tch n*ggas running around with big mouths." I feel that every day. I'm sure he can relate to "Best friends want to be enemies like that's what's in." We can both relate to one another's verses. It's about success.

Then you say, "I walk into the lion's den and take everybody's chips." It sounds like you're saying the worst enemy who wants to be your best friend is Jay-Z. And "walking into the lion's den and taking everybody's chips" is you signing a lucrative deal with Def Jam.

Yeah, that's how a lot of people looked at it.

So was that line about him?

Of course, of course. But that's what's big about him. We don't get into the studio and just start rapping about fantasy sh*t. We talk about sh*t that's real. It's not like a blow to nobody; it's real. I don't think he would have expected me to say anything less. (SOHH)

Battle of the Beats!

Usher choppin it up in the UK

Check out this interview Usher does with Tim Westwood in the UK.

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Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

Click It!...Hip Hop Gossip (Papoose & Remy, The Game, Lil Kim, Foxy Brown)

Papoose says he wasn't trying to stage a jail break with Remy (Ballerstatus)

The Game predicts the next G-Unit drop out (Ballerstatus)

Lil Kim win $500k in suit against Lil Cease (sohh)

Foxy Brown says her new album kinda sucks (nahright)

Jay-Z denies race card regarding UK festival

Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher last month vehemently criticized American hip hop mogul Jay-Z’s headline role at England’s annual Glastonbury Festival, but Jay-Z says it’s just an evolution. “This headline show is just a natural progression,” says the recently wed Grammy winner. “Rap music is still evolving.” Gallagher seemed outraged when organizers named Jay-Z as a headliner for the traditionally guitar driven festival; “I’m not having hip hop at Glastonbury…it’s wrong,” said Gallagher. “We have to respect each other’s genre of music and move forward,” says Jay-Z in a response that took about a month to reach the public. “From AFRIKA BAMBAATAA DJ-ing in the Bronx and RUN DMC going platinum, to JAZZY JEFF AND THE FRESH PRINCE winning the first rap Grammy, I’m just next in the line.”

Jay-Z recently completed a deal with concert promotion company Live Nation worth approximately $150 million. He last week made news by establishing a trust fund for the children of Sean Bell, who was murdered in a hail of bullets by NYPD officers the night before his wedding.

Jay-Z will perform on Glastonbury’s coveted Pyramid Stage Saturday June 28. The festival lasts the entire weekend. Other Pyramid acts include James Blunt and Crowded House. Glastonbury is reportedly the largest green-field performing arts festival in the world, last year attracting about 177,000 to see more than 700 acts on over 80 different stages. Besides music, the festival features dance, comedy, theater, and circus. (Source)
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Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

MOROCCAN HIP HOP in SWEDEN!

Another award winning documentary is making its rounds across the globe. My peeps in Sweden are in for a treat May 23 when the documentary "I love Hip Hop in Morocco" hits the big screen at Lund University. Some of the artists/groups who get shine are H-Kayne, DJ Key, Fnaire, MC Bigg, Mot De Passe, Brownfingaz.

Here's Fnaire with "Yed el Henna"

Alright I'm lovin it, but if anyone can translate, please help us out! lol.

Don't sleep on Hip Hop in Morocco, check out the website http://www.ilovehiphopinmorocco.com/ for mo' info on the film and when it is coming to yo' hood.

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Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

CLICK IT!...Hip Hop Gossip

R Kelly trial update: Bathroom Smell affects proceedings (mtv)

Remy Ma sentenced to 8 years in prison, but that is not why the wedding to Papoose was called off (mtv)

Police target Urban artists in Africa

American Hip Hop artists are not the only targets of police brutality, it seems the problem also plagues artists in Nigeria. The latest victim - 9ice. On Wed, May 7th, 2008, police gave him the serious beat down. As reported by Seun Apara of Encomium magazine:

"the brutal attack happened at Bariga where he had gone to see his sick mother. According to him, the traffic was quite serious and they had some important stuff to attend to. On his way back from Bariga, three men and a woman suddenly double crossed him, and because they were all in mufti and the place was not a check point, he mistook them for robbers and sped off. Unknown to him, the police officers were pursuing him and when it was obvious to them that they couldn't get him, they started shooting at his tyres. Immediately the car stopped, all the officers started beating him with guns and police batons. They dragged him down from the car, tore his clothes and dragged him to one of the police stations in Bariga and put him behind the counter...A crowd gathered at the station immediately when they heard 9ice had been arrested. The Lagos State Police PRO, Mr, Frank Mba, ordered his release and apologised to him. The excuse of the officers later was that they didn't recognise him as an artiste and also he did not stop when they told him to."

It bugs me out how police who are not in proper uniform expect people to respond to them like they are. That's some craziness right there...This incident adds to others that have occured to Muma Gee, Paul play, and Peter of P-Square. Below is Ruggedman ft. 9ice. Enjoy!

Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

CLICK IT!...Hip Hop Gossip (Young Buck, Michael Jackson, R Kelly)

Young Buck speaks out about his "friendship" with G-Unit, and more (sohh)

Michael Jackson releases statement regarding the auction of his Neverland ranch (EURweb)

Day 2 at the R Kelly child porn trial (Chicago Sun Times)

50's Chain-Snatcher Arrested in Angola!

The parents of the man who is accused of snatching a necklace from 50 Cent during a G-Unit show in Angola on Wednesday turned their son in to the police on Sunday to face charges in the incident. According to the Angola Press, Bruno Carvalho, whose age was not given, was handed over to police after the widespread footage of the chain grab leaked out over the weekend. Carvalho, who is accused of grabbing the chain during a concert at the Cidadela Pavilion in Luanda, is expected to face criminal charges.

In a statement to the Angolan News Agency, Carlos Mota, head of the National Police Analysis, Information and Studies Office, thanked the thief's parents for handing him over to the authorities. The incident occurred during a show that was part of the first day of the International Peace Festival. (MTV)

Badu's "Healer" is really Japanese!

We here on Flava luv us some Erykah Badu and Healer is one of our favorite joints off her latest album. It is always fun trying to identify what a song samples, so I was blown away when I found out Healer is really sampled from a Japanese joint. To top it off, how would Healer sound with a Pharoah Monch verse? Listen to both here. Major shouts to cocaineblunts.com for this one.
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Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

CLICK IT!...Hip Hop Gossip

Another underage R Kelly sex tape?! More drama in his trail. (ballerstatus)

Suge Knight knocked out cold! (TMZ)

Dj Green Lantern leads "Million DJ March" on Washington DC (sohh)

Mariah & Nick wedding pictures (People)

CLICK IT!....Hip Hop Gossip

What's up with Jennifer Hudson & Ciara! Young Black and Fabolous's got the scoop!

Lil Wayne's official tracklist for Carter III? (nahright)

Common is about to terminate salvation! HUH? (sohh)


Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

Korean Female MC's holla back!

We're feelin this sista's swag and her positive message. This video tells the story of a girl who's forced to live as a stranger in Korea, enduring racial prejudice. The MC Tasha (korean name- yoon mi rae) is half African American and half Korean. As she grew up, she had a hard time searching for self identity. Want more on Tasha and all the lyrics translated, click here

Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

Karina is in the Flava Hip Hop lounge!

16@ War is the truth. Peep that fly piano!!

Karina sings in at least 5 languages and was in a bidding war with all the major labels to sign her. Flava was invited to see her sing live and was crazy impressed. She has mad talent!! She'll be rolling thru the Flava Hip Hop lounge next month and will personally introduce each track off her CD and chop it up with Flava's Nikki Strong. Stay tuned for details. Her CD, First Love, is out June 3. Cop it!

Barack OBollywood

We know Barak can speak more than one language. See how he reps for India in this joint! Ya'll ain't ready for Barak OBollywood! This made me chuckle.

Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

Beyonce Carter Prenups!

Oh yeah, you know a marriage is official when there's a prenup!

According to the National Enquirer, Beyonce (born Beyonce Knowles) has inked a prenup deal with her new husband Jay-Z (born Shawn Carter) that could pay the R&B diva up to $25 million. Bey, 26, reported to be worth $100 million, will gain more money the longer she stays married to Jay. The prenup calls for Jay-Z to pay Beyonce $10 million if the marriage ends after two years, and a million a year for every extra year she remains in the marriage, up to 15-years.

In addition to cash payments the agreement also includes a few of Hov's prized possessions. According to the report, Beyonce would be granted access to their private jet and a fleet of cars, which includes a $1 million 1959 Rolls Royce convertible. Hov has promised to pay Bey an additional $5 million for each child she bears for him-for her loss of income during pregnancy and child-rearing years. (sohh)

that last line gets me...In other words, she ain't tryna have no deadbeat dad action goin' on!

Now folk can hate on prenups, but they just remind me of the business agreements made between kings, queens and families in arranged marriages.

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Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

50 & Nelson Mandela

I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall for that conversation. Do you think Nelson even listens to 50's music? Do you think Mandela would call 50 "my n****r?" LOL (shouts to allhiphop for the scan)

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Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

INSIDE THE HIP HOP LOUNGE: AZ

Artist Site/Myspace Page/Buy CD

AZ stepped into the Hip Hop spotlight in 1994 as the only guest MC on Nas' classic debut album Illmatic. Since then his smooth flow, incredible vocabulary and unconventional rhymes have been making fans of Hip Hop heads worldwide. After a two year break, he's back with his 9th release Undeniable (KOCH Records.) The reviews are mixed but his fans are still riding hard. Will this be the album that brings AZ back to the forefront of Hip Hop? Angel the Insider grills "Uncle AZ" on this and more, check out the interview May 7th @ 12:00 GMT and again on May 11@ 12:00 GMT. Don't have Worldspace? What are you waiting for? No worries, we got you covered. Scroll down to check the interview.

Inside the Hip Hop Lounge: AZ Part 1 to 4
AZ & Angel the Insider

South African Flava on G-Unit tour!

I heard G-Unit killed it in South Africa, but not without the help of the opending acts. Apparently there was a contest for which South African acts would warm up the crowd, where the general public nominated and voted for thier choice. Here is one of them:

Jozi - Wat's Wit The Attitude

Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

Video of 50 robbed in Africa!

I told u about the rumor from Illseed at allhiphop that during 50's show in Africa (Angola?), someone jumped on the stage, snatched 50's chain and then jet...Here is the video. The incident actually happens around 1:40 in. I guess that fan learned "How to Rob" (tacky I know but I couldn't resist)

Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

Battle of the Beats

Cast your vote and let us know wassup!

R Kelly - Hairbraider vs The Dream - I Love You Girl

Don't Touch the New Busta Video!

Busta Rhymes - Don't Touch Me

Is it me, or does the crazy energy in the video remind you of early Busta - like Woo Ha and Put Your Hands...?

I'm lovin this joint too! Busta f Linkin Park - We Made It

Both of these tracks are from Busta's forthcoming project I'm Blessed out June 17. If the rest of the album is along the lines of these two joints, man it's going to be a great summer!

Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

German Hip Hop Stand Up!

You've heard us bang this German Hip Hop hit on Flava. Now check out the official video.

Rapsoul - Laura

Truly their name embodies their sound - a balance of rap and soul.

GO GERMANY!

Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

CLICK IT!...Hip Hop Gossip (Nas, Mariah, Lil Wayne, Common)

Nas talks about his beef with Tupac (king-mag)

I resisted this rumor, but is it true Mariah & Nick Cannon are engaged? (latina)

Lil Wayne hits the big screen! (allhiphop)

The New Common Album is 100% Kanye free (nahright)

YA HEARD? A New Nas Joint

This joint, War is Necessary, is on the game Grand Theft Auto IV Soundtrack and is supposedly on his forthcoming project, N****R. Download/listen here. (parental advisory)

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Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

Did 50 get robbed in Africa?!

Check out this report from Illseed at allhiphop.com

"I heard 50 and the Unit had a show yesterday in Angola, Africa. I heard some dude went on the stage to give him, 50 Cent, a hug and somebody pushed him away. In the process of getting pushed, the little dude allegedly grabbed the chain and jumped off the stage. Dude hauled his butt outta there and nobody could find him, I hear. This happened in Luanda, Angola legend holds. I heard Tony Yayo was on the prowl, but he came up with nothing. The positive side of things, I heard the show was off the hook for the people that saw it. NICE."

Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

Is there really a Bey-Z Bun in the OVEN?

Many have speculated, especially since they got married so suddenly, but now more and more legitimate sources have said an official announcement is coming soon. We'll see (literally and figuratively). Who knows, they may do a J-Lo Marc Anthony move and never admit they are pregnant until she is about to give birth....WHATEVER!