About Lavelle:
Lavelle is known as “the voice of the ‘ambiguous people’. He’s a passionate Hip Hop artist, writer, producer and recording & mixing engineer from Los Angeles. He began his musical journey as a producer, thanks to his cousin introducing him to FL Studio. He then went to the prestigious Full Sail University and graduated with a B.A. and M.A. in Recording Arts and Entertainment Business. His geeky hip hop MC style is a breath of fresh air.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oraihKDwVHk&w=560&h=315]

It is standard practice that if an entertainer is being booked in a particular region that no other dates should be promoted that would compromise the success of a date that has already been secured..assuming the contract spelled out the terms beforehand. From reviewing the legal documents, it appears Hill’s own witness may have help move the scale favorable to Faith Evans when he testified that his experience as a promoter may not have had the same repercussions from Evans cancellation. In addition, promoter Hill had already replaced the singer with recording group Next so there was no way of really accessing the potential damage because of the change.

The ruling:

Plaintiffs’ own evidence shows is of interest to a fan-based following in Atlanta, who want to see Defendant Evans in concert. See Golden
Gate Rest. Ass’n v. City & Cty of S.F., 512 F.3d 1112, 1126 (9th Cir. 2008) (“[When]an injunction is asked which will adversely affect a public interest . . . the court may in the public interest withhold relief until a final determination of the rights of the parties, though the postponement may be burdensome to the plaintiff.”).

In summary, “[t]he issuance of a TRO is . . . improper in this case given that it is such an extraordinary and drastic remedy and that Plaintiffs have failed
to meet their burden of persuasion as to [at least one] of the four requisites.”Pronman v. Styles, No. 12-80674-CIV, 2014 WL 5325207, at *7 (S.D. Fla. Sept. 4, 2014).

Atlanta tastemaker DJ Holiday cosigns CashMann’s single “Put It Down” featuring Cory Jones. Cory Jones provides a sultry RnB hook as CashMann demonstrates his tactical skills on the mic…and in the bedroom. The dirty south inspired production comes courtesy of J. musicbeats. Overall this single will appeal to all the beautiful women who like to have a good time, and the men who appreciate them.

Lamarr (CashMann Tha Cartel) Johnson was born January 29, 1992 Chicago, IL. He was influenced to do music at the early age of 4, which later in life was a good way to express the hardships he went through growing up on Chicago’s west side neighborhood. Some of his biggest musical influences are Nelly, Tupac, 50 Cent, Eminem and LiL Wayne.

Cash Mann attended a high school on the west-side of Chicago called Michele Clark where he later went on to graduate and join the U.S. Marines. While fighting a war in Afghanistan Cash Mann still managed to focus on his hip hop music goals, honing his craft. CashMann’s latest single is “Put it down” featuring Cory Jones has received huge support from one of Atlanta’s top record breakers, DJ Holiday.

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Officials at the radio station confirmed his death via a tweet which stated:

The @WBLS1075NYC has lost one of the most iconic members of our family. RIP Vaughn Harper. @EmmisNYMedia

— 107.5 WBLS FM (@WBLS1075NYC) July 9, 2016

The popular “Quiet Storm” show was launched in the early 1980’s and Harper remained at the station until 2008. He suffered a stroke in 1993 which some thought would end his career but he later returned to the airwaves doing short stints at WWRL, WBGO and WTJM before rejoining the station that started his career. An avid basketball player standing 6’4, Harper was almost selected to play for the NBA in Detroit.

Our condolences goes out to his family and friends.

From Memphis to Vegas Penthouse suites theres def no reason for Yo Gotti to trip about anything being signed to LA Reid and with a huge project that’s captured the streets. Must be nice.

All the while people think he cares about his beef with Young Dolph and with on going talk about who is the King of Memphis. Seems like he’s doing just fine in this clip and there’s no reason to think that he has a care in the world about any of these rappers that want to diss him now.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C7HetXY7xo&w=560&h=315]

Shortly after delivering his long-awaited EP with producer Shlohmo, No More, Jeremih has released another free project, to precede his album Late Nights: The Album. The mixtape, accurately titled Not On My Album, consists of records that didn’t make the final album cut.

The tape’s seven tracks, which won’t appear on his upcoming album (obviously), include collaborations with Juicy J, DJ Khaled, Key Wane, Soundz, and more. Click next to listen to this track.

Funny man Katt Williams  is now speaking out about an alleged story about him pulling a weapon on a patron during a performance he had in Los Angeles the other day. Williams has seen his share of brushes with the police but this latest incident didn’t make sense when the story first broke.

The comedian is claiming that up to four gang members assaulted him while he was heading to his car and he believes that one of them was the one who called the police. Where they do that at (a phrase coined from Mr. Ron Fisher)?

TMZ is reporting the following:

Katt tells TMZ … he was actually the victim … verbally attacked and threatened by 4 gangbangers who repeatedly called him “Cuz” … Crip slang referring to the rival Bloods gang.  

The comedian goes on to say things got physical when the 4 guys  followed him to his car and began assaulting him.  

But Katt says he never pulled a gun … never even had one.  So the 911 call reporting he was brandishing a weapon is aburd … or so he says.

As for who called 911 … Katt is convinced it’s was the gang members themselves.  If that’s true, it certainly goes against type … gang members generally stay away from those digits.

Hopefully the cops buys his story because pulling a gun on someone at a comedy show is now laughing matter. Neither is beating up on a rival comedian.

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Hip Hop Enquirer sat down to talk with FUBU Founder Carl Brown about their new hair care line, Natural Style by FUBU, and the conversation covered everything from who owns the brand (don’t believe the hype) to why it makes perfect sense for a fashion house to get into the hair care industry.

FUBU (For Us, By Us), founded in 1992 by Brown and his partners J. Alexander Martin, Keith Perrin, and Daymond John (who has become a household name thanks to the ABC series Shark Tank), started out as an urban-style casual and sportswear line, but has grown to include a suit collection, eyewear, belts and shoes.

Brown insists FUBU, which has grossed as much as $350 million in annual worldwide sales, is still going strong in the states and he and his partners have retained full ownership of the company.  He believes what confused people is their manufacturing and distribution deal with Samsung which allowed them to expand overseas.

“No, we didn’t leave the US market.  I think that when it comes to fashion, especially trends such as FUBU…there’s a life span so, while we were at the top of the food chain, we made a lot of investments and did a lot of licensing deals on the international level because we knew that our window was limited.  We didn’t pull out, we still do huge business with Walmart.  I think at this point, if not their bestselling shoe, we’re in the top two.  So, we still do some limited business here in the United States.”

He continued:

“We never really left as a corporation, our name just hasn’t been in the forefront. We own COOGI which has had a very long run the last ten years and we’ll be re-launching that in the next year.  We own a stake in Etonic sneakers that’s launching this fall, we’re doing a soft launch now.  So, we’ve had shares in several different, big ventures, but obviously when people think of us four guys, the first thing they think about is FUBU, which is fine, and we love FUBU, but we do have our hands in a lot of other things.”

“I appreciate you addressing the ownership part because although it may not be important to some people, to us it means a lot because we put our blood, sweat and tears into the brand and to say that someone else owns it kind of hurts and takes away from what we worked for.  So, we do own the company.  Now, if anyone wants to buy it… (laughs)”

The newest venture, Natural Style by FUBU, is Brown’s brainchild, and having seen how lucrative the hair care industry can be due to a previous partnership, he is hedging his bets that there is room for another hair care line, especially one that is black owned.

“Natural Style by FUBU is geared towards African-American women and we feel that the ingredients we have will work for you whether you’re wearing a wig or extensions, or you wear your hair natural or permed, or you’re in transition.  The Miracle9Complex is our signature formula and is a blend of natural oils like Shea butter, olive, coconut and jojoba oils, and pomegranate.”

“For men we have a pomade, a 3-in-1 body wash that is also a shampoo and conditioner (so guys don’t need 3 and 4 bottles in the shower) and a lotion that is also a conditioner.”

Brown says fashion house FUBU’s foray into the hair care business makes perfect sense, hence the tag line “Hair is fashion, and fashion is our heritage.”

“I see a lot of people asking why FUBU is entering the hair care market when we’re a clothing line, which is a fair question.  You have to evolve as a corporation, and we always said hair… when it comes to fashion, they are connected.  Hair IS fashion.”

Be sure to check out FUBU’s newest business venture by clicking here.

Follow Carl Brown on twitter @DaRealCarlBrown and follow us on twitter@HipHopEnquirer 

The 2014 NBA Finals ended in exciting fashion for the San Antonio Spurs. They were able to claim their fifth title by dethroning the two-time defending champs Miami Heat in Game 5.

The Miami Heat were unable to regain control after their Game 2 victory and the two straight blowouts that ensued in Games 3 and 4.

LeBron James managed to score 31 points. However, the main story was the Spurs and their superb team effort that led them to the title.

Tony Parker struggled early on in the game and did not score his first bucket until the second half. However, the bench provided a much needed spark from their bench.

Ginobili scored 19 points on 3-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc while Patty Mills also shot lights out with 5-of-8 shooting from deep.

Additionally, Tim Duncan finished with 14 points and eight boards. The solid play from the bench and role players were more than enough for San Antonio to take home the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Third-year forward Kawhi Leonard was awarded the Finals MVP after spectacular performances in Games 3, 4 and 5 where he scored 29, 20, and 22 points respectively. Leonard struggled the first two games of the series where he scored a combined 18 points and his turnaround in Game 3 attributed to him being the catalyst in winning the title.

With the championship, coach Gregg Popovich win his fifth title as head coach trailing only Red Auerbach and Phil Jackson with most championships won by a head coach.

This is the fourth title that the Spurs big three (Duncan, Ginobili, and Parker) have won collectively.

Photo Credit: ESPN.com, BleacherReport

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Mexico managed to stave off Cameroon with an impressive goal by Oribe Peralta, the nation’s top scorer in the qualifying round. Mexico managed to hold off Cameroon despite the rainy conditions in the afternoon. After all these weather conditions is not the type of climate team Mexico is used to.

Peralta may have hit the game-winning goal for Mexico. However, they should have taken well control of the match. The huge factor was Giovani dos Santos having two goals waved off before the break on controversial calls from the referees. Here is a highlight video of the matchup.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orcXt9fttqM&w=560&h=315]

Nonetheless, a win is a win for Mexico as they join Brazil with three points at the top of Group A. The hosts Brazil defeated Croatia on Thursday 3-1.

Peralta plans on doing what it takes to guide Mexico to the World Cup Championship. He stated in his thoughts after the game that, “I want to score as many goals as possible, to take advantage of every opportunity that I get because I want to be a world champion again.”

Mexico will square off against host Brazil in Match 17 this upcoming Tuesday at 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

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Reporting by: Dennis Byron

R and B singing superstar Chris Brown just caught a break with a Los Angeles judge today in his probation revocation hearing because his honor has sentenced the singer to 1 year for violating his probation. Once all the math is done, Chris Brown will be released for good behavior and receive a 2 for 1 credit for every day he has sat rotting in the county lock up. Here is what TMZ is reporting:

Chris Brown has just been sentenced to spend another 4-plus months in jail … for violating his probation in the Rihanna case … but the reality is, he could be released by week’s end.

Brown was in court Friday afternoon … where he admitted he violated his probation by getting into a fight with a dude in Washington D.C. 

That’s all the judge needed to hear.  He sentenced Chris to 1 year in jail.  HOWEVER, Chris got credit for 116 days he spent in rehab, and another 59 days behind bars.  That leaves 131 days in the pokey.

But we’re told the L.A. County Sheriff’s Dept has been releasing inmates sentenced to 1 year after 240 days.  And here’s the thing.  Chris gets credit for 2 days for every 1 he served behind bars, so when you add it up, he has credit for 234 days — 6 days shy.  So he could be released in days.

The judge could have gone a lot harder — 4 years in prison.  But Chris got a break because the judge took into account he was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which could account for some of the violence.  

The judge also ordered Chris to attend therapy sessions with a shrink 2 times a week.   And he must submit to random drug testing 3 times a week.

The singer still must appear in a Washington, DC courtroom to answer for the simple assault charge on June 25th. The fact that he has admitted to the LA judge that he did in fact assault the 20-year-old male victim, federal prosecutors will likely introduce that as evidence in his upcoming trial. If he is convicted for the crime, he will at best receive a misdemeanor probation or receive a few months in jail. Attorney Mark Geragos better start working on a plea deal for the singer. #Justsaying

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Who says money and race don’t matter in The United States of America?  In the latest case of class and color privilege, a Delaware judge sentenced Robert H. Richards IV, a wealthy du Point heir, to probation for raping his 3-year-old daughter.  Her reasoning… He would “not fare well” in prison.  I’m pretty sure 99% of the inmates in America would say that before serving any kind of time.  Most of the time, you’re not sent there for playing nice.

According to Delaware’s News Journal, Richards’ 2009 rape case became public this month after his ex-wife Tracy reportedly filed a lawsuit seeking damages for the abuse of his daughter.  According to a lawsuit filed by his ex-wife, Richards raped his daughter, now 11, in 2005 when she was 3, telling her “to keep what he had done to her a secret.” The girl told her grandmother in October 2007, and Richards pleaded guilty in June 2008 to one count of fourth-degree rape to avoid jail time, court records show.

Richards, who is unemployed and supported by a trust fund, owns a 5,800-square-foot mansion in Greenville he bought for $1.8 million in 2005. He also lists a home in the exclusive North Shores neighborhood near Rehoboth Beach, according to the state’s sex abuse registry. His great-grandfather is du Pont family patriarch Irenee du Pont, and his father is Robert H. Richards III, a retired partner in the Richards Layton & Finger law firm.

Judge Jan Jurden’s sentencing order for Robert H. Richards IV suggested that she considered unique circumstances when deciding his punishment for fourth-degree rape. Her observation that prison life would adversely affect Richards was a rare and puzzling rationale, several criminal justice authorities in Delaware said. Some also said her view that treatment was a better idea than prison is a justification typically used when sentencing drug addicts, not child rapists.

The fact that Jurden expressed concern that prison wasn’t right for Richards came as a surprise to defense lawyers and prosecutors who consider her a tough sentencing judge. Several noted that prison officials can put inmates in protective custody if they are worried about their safety, noting that child abusers are sometimes targeted by other inmates.

“It’s an extremely rare circumstance that prison serves the inmate well,” said Delaware Public Defender Brendan J. O’Neill, whose office represents defendants who cannot afford a lawyer. “Prison is to punish, to segregate the offender from society, and the notion that prison serves people well hasn’t proven to be true in most circumstances.”

O’Neill said he and his deputies have often argued that a defendant was too ill or frail for prison, but he has never seen a judge cite it as a “reason not to send someone to jail.”

This must be the new message the U.S Courts are sending.  You can walk away from crimes like raping children and killing people in DUI cases as long as wealth and class are in your pedigree. 

Let’s not forget Texas teen Ethan Couch, who killed 4 people and injured several others after a deadly crash.  The teen’s blood alcohol level content read 0.24, three times the legal limit.  The judge in that case sentenced Couch to 10-years probation in 2013 based on the grounds that he suffered from “affluenza.”  According to one psychologist, it’s the product of wealthy, privileged parents who never set limits for their children.

Well, at least being set free because you have have money has a name now… What are your thoughts on these decisions???

Follow us on Twitter@HipHopEnquirer and Michael “Ice-Blue” Harris @IceBlueVA

There has to be a light at the end of the tunnel for singer Chris Brown however it is looking pretty dark for the superstar because a Los Angeles County judge just decided that the singer should remain in jail for violating his probation. According to sources, Brown violated some of the rules that were placed on him while he was in a 90-rehab program. One of the things the judge found troubling was the fact that the facility that Brown was staying at reported in an incident report that he stated during a morning session with his group members that “he was good with knives and guns.” Clearly those statements were viewed as dangerous in light of the fact of why he was there in the first place.

TMZ is reporting the following:

Chris Brown will stay in jail until April 23 … he was SHUT DOWN in court Monday afternoon in his bid to win release.

Chris was arrested after getting booted from rehab Friday.  The judge had ordered him to stay in rehab while he decided whether Brown violated his probation in the Rihanna case.  The judge had Chris arrested almost immediately after the rehab facility kicked him out.

The judge said Chris had an “inability to stay out of trouble.”  Hizzoner was especially concerned at a statement Chris made at the rehab joint, “I am good at using guns and knives.”

So Chris will sit in jail until April 23.  The judge wants Chris in the slammer until a D.C. jury decides if Chris committed criminal assault in an unrelated case.  That trial is set for April 17 and should only last a few days.  It’s unclear if the judge will let Chris back to attend the trial.

The L.A. judge will hold a probation violation hearing on April 23, and if Chris is convicted in D.C. he’s in big trouble.  Worst case scenario … he could be sentenced to 4 years in prison for violating probation in the Rihanna case.  One of the conditions — obey all laws.

TMZ broke the story, Chris was booted from rehab Friday for violating three internal rules at the facility — most significantly … violating a rule specifically for Chris — stay at least 2 feet away from every woman in the facility.  He was seen touching a woman’s elbow and hands.

He also violated the rule requiring him to submit to a random drug test.  He belatedly had a change of heart and came up clean, but the initial refusal was a violation.

And Chris talked smack about rehab during a group therapy session.

Chris was arrested immediately after he got kicked out … staying in rehab was a requirement of the judge pending his trial in D.C. next month for assault.

Best case scenario for the singer would be that Washington DC prosecutors decide to drop the charges otherwise the singer is looking at a minimum 2 years in prison for his probation violation.

Stay tuned for updates as they are released.

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We all knew Lil Boosie was “gangsta” with it but apparently “pimpin'” is in his blood too.  The Baton Rogue MC has 7 children by 4 different women and apparently they are cordial and civil towards one another for the sake of their kids and making sure they grow up together.

Well according to TMZ, Lil Boosie may not be the only star in the family as Boosie’s baby mothers; Walnita, Tracey, Trivia and Gerlissa, are producing a pilot of their own reality show. Allegedly being shopped to several networks including Oxygen, WE and FUSE, the show will center around the women’s lives, their off/on relationships with one another, and the raising of their children.  The show is said to have been in the works prior to Boosie’s release last week from prison.  One of the mother’s profiled is his ex-fiance who now has a felony on her record for trying to smuggle drugs into jail for Boosie while he was locked up.

This sounds like deja vu as ATL rapper Shawty Lo was trying to put together a show similar to this over a year ago that was shut down by protests over the negative stereotypes.  Shawty Lo’s “All My Baby Mamas” was scheduled to air on The Oxygen Network.

Peep the trailer below:

Did they name that child Michael Jordan???  Get the popcorn ready because if this ever sees the light of the day, this will be one ratchet comedy.  Can’t even front, Boosie run a tight ship.

And in case you didn’t know, “Boosie home and da streetz is his.”

Follow us on Twitter @Hiphopenquirer @iceblueva

For this year, music was provided by DJ Showtime and hosted by Streetz 94.5’s DJ Lady B. Partners and supporters of Hoop 4 a Cause included the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, The Theo Ratliff Foundation, Red Bull, Publik Trust, Distrubing Tha Peace and Streetz 94.5 FM. Celebrity players and guest included recording artists Scotty ATL, K Camp, Sy Ari Da Kid, Jus Nice, Dae Dae Brick Squad, DJ Benny Demus, Kap G, and Sha Stimuli. Check out all the images from the event below.

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By: Adriene Morton

Looks like Cee-Lo Green has got himself caught up in some more baggage, regarding his date rape case that occurred last year.

As you all may know, CeeLo Green was initially accused of slipping a woman Ecstasy  and then having his way with her while out for drinks at a L.A. downtown sushi spot.

Due to insufficient evidence, CeeLo was cleared of sexual assault but according to ABC News, the artist appeared in court Monday and was hit with a felony drug charge. It’s possible that the 39-year-old could face up to a maximum of four years in prison if convicted of the drug charge.

CeeLo’s attorney Blair Berk is determined to keep that from happening, citing all the sexual assualt allegations as “false and unfounded”, ABC News reported. His attorney added that any relations between the artist and the woman were “consensual”, but she avoided addressing the issue of him allegedly placing ecstasy in the woman’s drink, stating that CeeLo will address that matter in a court of law.

In another legal filing by his attorney, Berk protested the presence of cameras in the courtroom citing that her client is unfairly being portrayed in the media and his previous hearing the pool camera was conveniently trained on Cee-Lo and her and not anyone else in the courtroom which included the judge and the state prosecutor. Her complaint went on deaf ears as the judge stated that the public and media had a right to be there.

One thing is certain, Cee-Lo has an uphill battle to prove his innocence. Check back soon as this case unfolds in the court system as Hiphopenquirer.com will be reporting live from the courthouse. Please remember Cee-Lo is presumed innocent of this charge as all who have been accused of a crime.

Photo source: TMZ
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Jay Z’s latest endeavor was his musical documentary based on his annual music festival Made In America which was held in Philadelphia. The Ron Howard-directed film follows the hip-hop mogul as his puts together the two-day music festival. With Phase 4 Films holding the  North American rights to the film, the cinema release is set to be released in theaters the summer of 2014. “Made In America” is a festival that has an array of musical acts in the realms of rock, electronic, and hip-hop music. The acts include Run DMC, A$AP Rocky, Drake, Skrillex, Calvin Harris, Pearl Jam and Nine Inch Nails. The overall theme of the film is for audiences to see “a reflection of the fabric of what it means to be ‘Made In America'”.

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Celebrating the season 4 premiere of the hit series, “Love & Hip Hop” hundreds of industry insiders joined the cast at Stage 48 to watch the live premiere. Myx Fusions Lounge along with Monami Entertainment hosted the event. The cast included returning members Rich Dollaz, Yandy Smith, Erica Mena, Tahiry Jose and Joe Budden. Along with newcomers K. Michelle, Tara Wallace, Amina Buddafly and Cyn Santana. After viewing the enticing premiere episode, the crowd had a few questions for the cast. The cast participated in a Q&A moderated by Laura Stylez that covered it all. From lesbian relationships, record label launches, soul mates and affairs this is definitely the season to watch. Be sure to tune in, “Love & Hip Hop” airs Mondays at 8 pm on VH1.

Photos by: Dennis Byron

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It’s hard enough to make a hit song without wondering whether it’ll end up on the front of a hot sauce packet. But Drake can’t pretend he doesn’t know that’s a possibility. The 26-year-old rapper/singer born Aubrey Graham has a knack for writing songs whose lyrics turn up in unlikely places, from Twitter hashtags to the “funny-quote-goes-here” space on Taco Bell’s Border Sauce. (For evidence of the latter, see Drake’s Instagram, username Champagnepapi.)

Since he first popularized the millennial proverb and Oxford English Dictionary word of the year candidate YOLO (You Only Live Once) on the song “The Motto” two years ago, Drake has gone from being the hope of a new generation of rappers to the poet laureate of a new generation of adults. The phrase “started from the bottom” isn’t just the name of his 2013 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 single: It’s shorthand for denoting triumph despite inauspicious beginnings. “No New Friends” (featuring Rick Ross and Lil Wayne), the spiritual successor to “Started From the Bottom,” is more than a club banger-the saying itself is repellent for poseurs.

“I’ll be out trying to get a sandwich or something and the guy will say to me, ‘I’d give you a free drink with that, but you know, no new friends,'” Drake says with a laugh. “I swear I’m not sitting around going, ‘What’s the new meme going to be?’ But I do spend a lot of time when I’m writing, especially lately, trying to make something for people to live by. I’m trying to make anthems that are empowering to people, to find phrases that I haven’t heard before. I’m not just going to sit here and be like, ‘Fuckin’ bitches, getting money!'”

As he approaches his feverishly anticipated third major-label album, “Nothing Was the Same” (arriving Sept. 24), Drake’s ability to affect culture is at an all-time high. He’s sold 4.5 million albums since his 2010 debut, “Thank Me Later,” according to Nielsen SoundScan, and has appeared as a lead or featured artist in the top 10 of the Hot 100 a dozen times. With 10 No. 1s to his name, he’s topped Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart more than any artist in history, besting even his mentor and “Nothing Was the Same” sparring partner Jay Z. At this year’s Grammys he won best rap album for 2011 sophomore effort Take Care, beating out elder statesmen like Nas, Rick Ross and the Roots.

With all that momentum, it’s easy to see why Drake, and his tightly knit, proudly self-sufficient crew ­October’s Very Own, are starting to see the world as their oyster. Drake was always the brooding, introspective type, pondering the downsides of success even before he could finish boasting about achieving it. But these days, he’s more comfortable in his skin than he’s ever been before. For once he’s not anxious about finding love, or the haters, or the kind of music he wants to make. The guy who once infamously sang the words “I wish I wasn’t famous,” is, for the moment, happy.

“There’s a lot less sort of ambient ballad moments on this album where I’m searching or longing for something,” Drake says of Nothing Was the Same. “That sentiment is gone. Now I’m just kind of like, ‘You know, I’m 26, I don’t know what the fuck else I could be doing better than this. I feel incredible about how I’m able to support my family and friends and how supportive my family and friends have been of me.’

“A lot of people get on and it’s like they’re just waiting to get more on,” he continues. “They’re always waiting for a bigger moment to come. But I’ve started to realize that this is it, this is the moment. And it reads, you know? People come up to me now and they’re like, ‘Man, you look good! You look like you’re happy.'”

Want to read more, click here.

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Set in a Caribbean hair salon in Toronto, ‘da Kink in my Hair gives voice to eight black women who tell their unforgettable stories in a kaleidoscope of drumming, singing and dance. It is a testament to the challenges and triumphs in the lives of contemporary black women, many of whom are immigrants to North America from the Caribbean. Mixing laughter and tears, revelation and inspiration, the unapologetically intense stories of each woman are woven together in this powerful piece.

Tickets start at $35…Visit ticketmaster.com or DAKINKINMYHAIR.COM for more information.

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Show love to the underground, and that’s exactly what we will do from time to time here at Hip Hop Enquirer. Today, we introduce you to rap artist Quaz, originally from Virginia Beach, presently residing in Charlotte, N.C. Quaz’s latest album release ‘Mosaic‘ is sure to quench your indie artist hip hop thirst. The up beat project includes tracks like ‘I’m Gudd’, ‘Million Bucks’, and ‘Black Out’. Quaz’s swift way of spitting, paired with his realistic perceptions on life and those around him, really stands out on this project. Hip Hop Enquirer took a few minutes out to ask Quaz some questions. The young indendent emcee had some interesting things to say. Check them out below:

HHE: Describe Q.U.A.Z. music in 3 words only.

Quaz: Inspiring, Southern, Lyricism

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In honor of Black History, Consequence and his son Caiden channel surf through some the classic moments that Black Actors have contributed to Film and Television.

One of the best ways to teach your child who they are is to show them the greatness they emerge from.

If you late to the party, download one of hip-hop’s most slept on lyricists here. Movies On Demand 4 is definitly music to ride out to. Consequence always brings it.

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]]> https://hiphopenquirer.com/2013/02/28/consequence-black-actors-new-video/feed/ 0 41610 https://hiphopenquirer.com/2013/02/22/jay-z-justin-timberlake-announce-legends-of-the-summer-stadium-tour/ https://hiphopenquirer.com/2013/02/22/jay-z-justin-timberlake-announce-legends-of-the-summer-stadium-tour/#respond Fri, 22 Feb 2013 16:56:13 +0000 https://hiphopenquirer.com/?p=41182 Justin Timberlake & Jay-Z To Embark On “Legends Of The Summer” Tour

Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z have another smash on their hand with J.T.’s new single “Suit & Tie” which is produced by Roc Nation’s newest franchise player Timbaland.

To further the momentum, Jay-Z and J.T. are hitting the road starting with headlining dates at London’s Wireless Festival on July 12 and 13. After that, they kick off their 12-date stadium tour.

The LEGENDS OF THE SUMMER tour will begin on July 17th in Toronto, Ontario at the Roger’s Centre and continue through August 16th in Miami, Florida at Sun Life Stadium.

Tickets for all dates except New York go on sale to the public on Thursday, February 28th at LiveNation.com. Stay tuned for special New York on sale date announcement.

Now this really is the best of both worlds.

LEGENDS OF THE SUMMER Tour Dates:

July 17 Toronto, ON Rogers Centre
July 19 New York, NY Yankee Stadium**
July 22 Chicago, IL Soldier Field
July 26 San Francisco, CA Candlestick Park
July 28 Los Angeles, CA Rose Bowl
July 31 Vancouver, BC BC Place Stadium
August 4 Hershey, PA Hershey Stadium
August 6 Detroit, MI Ford Field
August 8 Baltimore, MD M&T Bank Stadium
August 10 Boston, MA Fenway Park
August 13 Philadelphia, PA Citizens Bank Park
August 16 Miami, FL Sun Life Stadium

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]]> https://hiphopenquirer.com/2013/02/22/jay-z-justin-timberlake-announce-legends-of-the-summer-stadium-tour/feed/ 0 41182 https://hiphopenquirer.com/2013/02/12/j-cole-drops-truly-yours-ep-new-music-download/ https://hiphopenquirer.com/2013/02/12/j-cole-drops-truly-yours-ep-new-music-download/#comments Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:05:09 +0000 https://hiphopenquirer.com/?p=40244 J. Cole Releases “Truly Yours” Mixtape

It’s about to be a Cole World again as Roc Nation MC J. Cole gears up to release his new album Born Sinner this year.

But before he lets the top off the can, J. Cole gives the fans a 5-song EP called Truly Yours to quench your hunger.

J. Cole also penned an open letter about the project stating:

It’s time. I appreciate you giving me the time I needed to grow, experiment, and find the direction for my 2nd album.. And I have.

Along the way I’ve recorded at least 4 albums worth of material, lots of it being unfinished demo versions waiting to be polished up, some of them are great songs and important stories that just won’t make the album (either they don’t fit Sonically, don’t fit Theme, or there’s just not enough space) .

Tonight, I want to give you a few of these songs because you deserve them. It’s hard as f**k for me to keep all this music from you for so long, so I know it’s been hard for you to wait. Thank you for your patience. Vibe out to these songs in their raw form, no polish.. just a lot of my soul..

The wait is over.

Truly Yours,

Born Sinner

PS- 1st single coming this week. The album is hands down my best work yet. Can’t wait to share.

Here’s the track listing and download link below. Enjoy and make sure you comment below and let us know what you think….

1. Can I Holla At Ya
2. Crunch Time
3. Rise Above
4. Tears For ODB
5. Stay

Download Now

]]> https://hiphopenquirer.com/2013/02/12/j-cole-drops-truly-yours-ep-new-music-download/feed/ 1 40244 https://hiphopenquirer.com/2013/01/31/adage-names-stevestoute-executive-of-the-year/ https://hiphopenquirer.com/2013/01/31/adage-names-stevestoute-executive-of-the-year/#respond Thu, 31 Jan 2013 15:33:14 +0000 https://hiphopenquirer.com/?p=38992

From books to music, Steve Stoute has accomplished a lot in his time in the music industry. The one-time music executive has held positions at Interscope and Sony over his 10+ years in the industry. His ear for music and eye for talent helped shape the careers of Jay-Z, Nas, Eminem, Will Smith, Mariah Carey and more. Then Stoute was named  Executive Of The Year by Advertising Age magazine.

In 2008, he partnered with Jay-Z to form  Translation Advertising,  an advertising company that specializes in advertising to the multicultural market. The company has blended hip hop with companies such as McDonald’s, Budweiser, Burger King and more.

The accomplishment is huge for Stoute as he was once more known  for being “the guy that Diddy attacked with a champagne bottle” than for his Advertising/Marketing ingenuity. Now Stoute is getting all of the recognition he deserves, and for the right reasons.

Watch an interview Stoute recently did with Media Bistro, where he speaks about working with Jay-Z, explaining the Black market to Fortune 500 companies and more.

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Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine| Follow us on twitter @hiphopenquirer

]]> https://hiphopenquirer.com/2013/01/31/adage-names-stevestoute-executive-of-the-year/feed/ 0 38992 https://hiphopenquirer.com/2013/01/29/in-case-you-missed-it-top-moments-of-love-and-hip-hop-season-3-episode-4/ https://hiphopenquirer.com/2013/01/29/in-case-you-missed-it-top-moments-of-love-and-hip-hop-season-3-episode-4/#respond Tue, 29 Jan 2013 17:38:21 +0000 https://hiphopenquirer.com/?p=39020

Things got real this week on Love and Hip Hop Season 3 as Jen and Consequence continued to struggle with compromising on how to raise their son, while Yandy and Mendeecees found out that their new baby, Amir may need surgery.

On the more ratchet end, Tahiry popped up with a drug test for Joe, after her and Rashidah tag team Raqi at a club. Check out the best moments of Episode 4 below!

1. Yandy and Mendeecees find out that their newborn baby, Amir, will need major surgery.

 

Get More:
Love & Hip Hop, Love and Hip Hop 3

2. Jen and Consequence have a meeting with Cons’ spiritual leader to talk about their baby Caden being raised Muslim.

Get More:
Love & Hip Hop, Love and Hip Hop 3

3. Tahiry and Rashidah tag team Raqi after the ladies see each other for the first time after Joe’s pool party. 

Get More:
Love & Hip Hop, Love and Hip Hop 3

4. Joe Budden continues to fight his battle with substance abuse and takes a drug test.

Get More:
Love & Hip Hop, Love and Hip Hop 3

5. Erica and Rich Dollaz continue to clash in their work relationship, Rich says “Erica gets in her own way.”

Get More:
Love & Hip Hop, Love and Hip Hop 3

 Follow us on Twitter: @HipHopEnquirer

 

]]> https://hiphopenquirer.com/2013/01/29/in-case-you-missed-it-top-moments-of-love-and-hip-hop-season-3-episode-4/feed/ 0 39020 https://hiphopenquirer.com/2013/01/12/hhe-exclusive-b-stacks-gears-up-for-new-mixtape-release-root-of-all-evil/ https://hiphopenquirer.com/2013/01/12/hhe-exclusive-b-stacks-gears-up-for-new-mixtape-release-root-of-all-evil/#respond Sat, 12 Jan 2013 23:19:17 +0000 https://hiphopenquirer.com/?p=37417 Exclusive Interview: B. Stacks Gears Up for New Mixtape Release “Root of All Evil”

We had the chance to catch up with one of our favorite rappers in the game right now,  North Carolina own, B. Stacks. The last project he dropped was his highly anticipated Big Business: Vol. 1 which featured production from the likes of Sonny Digital and more.

Now he’s back with his upcoming tape, Root of All Evil, which he says is a lot more “personal and creative” than anything we’ve ever heard from him. B Stacks or B Stizzle as he’s affectionately known by close friends, also talked about what he’s got lined up for 2013 and more. Check out the full interview below!

HHE: So we know that you have the upcoming mixtape, Root of All Evil, which is hosted by DJ Don Cannon, what was your creative process like when putting this mixtape together?

B. Stacks: I’ve always been original, but with this mixtape I recorded it more in an album format with all original music and production. So I took my time with it, and I got up with different producers, and we would build from scratch. I didn’t try to make my music according to what’s going on right now according to industry standards. I just made music according to the feeling and how I wanted to do it, so it was extremely creative. Doing it my way, and not what’s on the radio.

HHE: A couple weeks back we saw you tweet about how ROAE is more a personal mixtape, without mainstream tracks on it. How do you think your fans will respond to that?

B. Stacks: I feel that my fans will love it because they love what I did before. I feel like I’m creating. I’m making it possible for other people to not feel boxed in. They’ll see a growth and maturity, especially people who have been listening to me since my first tape. I feel like this tape will be the tape that distinguishes who I am as an artist. So everything will continue to grow.

HHE: Were there any tracks that really stood out to you on mixtape, like tracks that you consider your “baby”, that you hold really close to you?

B. Stacks: Yeah, I had a few. I have a record on their called “Can I Win”. It actually has my son on the song. He was two at the time. The record was really special to me for one, because I had a pianist come and play the keys and live instruments. It let my fans now what my status is as far as a record deal, and what I’m doing, and why it’s taking this long. I just kinda gave them the scoop on the inside, so it was one of my favorite records.

HHE: What producers and other artists did you work with on this mixtape?

B. Stacks: I actually got a lot of production from different producers, but I wanted to deal with the ones that I had a direct contact with, that I could get up with and build from scratch. So I dealt with a lot of in-house producers. The main producer, was Black Jeruz, he’s a veteran producer in the industry and has blessed some of the biggest names in the game with his tracks. Coincidentally, he is also A & R for this project so it was very important for us to have a creative chemistry to make this a successful endeavor.

When I dealt with other producers, we would go into their beats and give and take from it to make the beat fit how I wanted it to sound for my project.

HHE: Following ROAE, what else can we expect from B. Stacks in 2013. New visuals? More projects?

B. Stacks: Not only was I creative with making music, I was creative with the marketing as well. The tape has actually been done for like 4 months, because I didn’t want to rush it. As far as visuals, I already have four or five videos recorded. So my marketing in 2013 is going to be a bigger transition for me.

Instead of me putting something out and you not hearing from me for four or five months, my release of visuals will be strategically placed in the marketplace to only compliment the songs that I will be releasing over the course of several months.

HHE: Is there an official release date for ROAE yet?

B. Stacks: It’s a first quarter mixtape. I’m scheduling it to drop around the Grammy’s and CIAA in my home state. So I’m just trying to make sure I have everything ready for around those dates. I’m lining everything up so that it’ll be cohesive and once it’s time, we can just press go.

Yesterday, February 7th celebrity DJ and super producer Don Cannon tweeted the following:

For all the latest on this rising star, visit www.facultyent.com and follow him on twitter @thisisbstacks

Follow us on Twitter: @HipHopEnquirer 

]]> https://hiphopenquirer.com/2013/01/12/hhe-exclusive-b-stacks-gears-up-for-new-mixtape-release-root-of-all-evil/feed/ 0 37417 https://hiphopenquirer.com/2013/01/11/the-leak-can-asvpxrocky-survive-the-early-release-of-his-album-video-inside/ https://hiphopenquirer.com/2013/01/11/the-leak-can-asvpxrocky-survive-the-early-release-of-his-album-video-inside/#respond Fri, 11 Jan 2013 16:05:46 +0000 https://hiphopenquirer.com/?p=37203

On January 15^th 2013, hip hop’s latest sensation, ASAP Rocky will release his debut album, Long Live ASAP. The freshman’s debut has been one of the most talked about projects in music since he signed his deal with RCA/Polo Grounds. The Harlem born star-in-the-making created some serious buzz for himself with his mixtape “Live Love ASAP” and the subsequent singles that would spawn from that. His star was on the rise. His debut disc was supposed to solidify him as a major player in not just hip-hop, but music!

Then his album sprung a leak last month. ASAP suffered what many artists today fear. With the easy access that many people from friends to executives at the label have over the music and the ability to release it online, many great albums find their way into the hands of fans for free before they ever get the chance to hit stores. This causes severe loss in sales for the artist and the labels.

Some artists manage to duck the leak. Kendrick Lamar kept his debut album under lock and key until the day that it hit stores and ITunes, the same with Wiz Khalifa. The sales reflected the protection of the music, with both artists debuting high on the Billboard charts after their albums were released for sale.

How this leak will effect Rocky has yet to be seen. He has gone along as if the leak hasn’t bothered him in one way. His label has released 4 tracks from the disc, Fucking Problems, “1 Train,” “Long Live ASAP,” and recently “I Come Apart” featuring Florence Welch from Florence and The Machines. In interviews he’s showed no fear about lack of sales that might result from the album being leaked a full month ahead of time speaking about it as if it’s just a cost of doing business. But this is a cost that the labels and subsequently the artists shouldn’t have to foot.

Back in the day, leaked albums were a major deal! Walking outside and seeing a bootlegger selling your album early on the street led to many a beat-downs. Today, it’s treated almost as a way of promotion. Let the fans hear the album early and then they might be more inclined to buy the album. This theory has yet to show consistent results. There have been albums that were heavily bootlegged that still managed to do well in the stores, 2 Chainz would be the best example. His debut was bootlegged and widely panned by fans and critics before it ever hit stores, yet he still debuted high on the charts, eventually going gold. But for the most part, the early releases have done nothing but hurt the artist.

I hope that the leak doesn’t hurt ASAP too hard. The work that was put in to build his brand and his name early shouldn’t hang in the limbo because of an unintentional (or intentional) leak. Time will tell, and that time will be next week when we will all be able to get the album legally.

Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine| Follow us on twitter @hiphopenquirer

]]> https://hiphopenquirer.com/2013/01/11/the-leak-can-asvpxrocky-survive-the-early-release-of-his-album-video-inside/feed/ 0 37203