Hot 97 Announces Summer Jam Lineup

Busta Rhymes, Sean Paul and Mary J. Blige are among the performers slated to take the stage June 4 at New York radio station Hot 97's 13th annual Summer Jam concert.

More than 50,000 people are expected to turn out for the event, which will also feature performances by Jamie Foxx, Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, T.I., Young Jeezy, Mobb Deep, Dem Franchize Boys, Jermaine Dupri, Three 6 Mafia, Remy Martin and The Dipset.

Additional performers will be announced later.

Since its 1994 debut, Summer Jam has become the longest running urban radio station concert event. Past performers include Jay-Z, Notorious B.I.G, P. Diddy, Eminem, 50 Cent, Kanye West, Snoop Dogg and Missy Elliott.

This year's event, produced by Trevanna Entertainment, marks the fourth consecutive year Summer Jam will be held at Giant's Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., as well as the third consecutive year organizers are partnering with Boost Mobile.

Additional sponsors include Xbox 360, WHITEBOY, The Tobacco Coalition and XXL Magazine.

Tickets for Summer Jam 2006 are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets (www.TicketMaster.com).

For information on special ticket promotions for front row seats, visit www.Hot97.com.

-article courtesy of AllHipHop.Com

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Nick Cannon Has No Hard Feelings Over Christina Milian, Talks Movies

Posted at 4/29/2006 07:42:00 AM

Nick Cannon was recently seen on MTV searching for his “Dime Piece.” However, the popular comedian/actor/rapper insists that his search didn’t have anything to do with getting over his ex-girlfriend Christina Milian.

“Obviously the media blows things out of proportion,” Cannon told Vibe.com on Thursday (April 27). “I mean we’re still cool and it wasn’t even a situation when we stopped dealing with each other. It wasn’t like it was this big, huge breakup. It was more like let’s just take a break for a second.

“So, it wasn’t like it was anything to really get over.”

Despite Cannon’s sentiments, Milian may feel differently. The singer has a song on her album entitled, “Who’s Gonna Ride,” which is said to be aimed at Cannon. Still, the Wild 'N Out star doesn’t have any ill will towards his ex.

“I don’t pay attention to all that stuff. To me it’s all entertainment,” says Cannon. “She created that song at a point where she was a little frustrated. When you hear her talk, she doesn’t say it’s totally directed at me, but it’s directed at a guy that kind of did her wrong.

“I totally get it. She’s expressing herself. That’s the best kind of art.”

Former relationship aside, Cannon is excited about his future projects, which include movie roles and a new album.

Stages, Cannon’s next LP features the likes of Talib Kweli, Anthony Hamilton and E-40.

Cannon is also excited about roles in the impending movies, Monster House, Weapons and Bobby, which details the assassination of Robert Kennedy.

In Bobby Cannon plays a young campaign manager, fresh out of high school, who is driven by the Civil Rights Movement. All three movies are scheduled to hit theaters this year.

As if his plate wasn't full enough, Crest also has endorsed Cannon for its Irresistible Smile campaign.

-article courtesy of Vibe.Com

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Aceyalone, Ugly Duckling and The Procussions Prep "The Storm"

Posted at 4/29/2006 07:41:00 AM

Underground standouts, Aceyalone, Ugly Duckling and The Procussions will be hitting 40 major cities on their "The Storm Tour."

The tour, which was set up by Airport Management, features Aceyalone and Ugly Duckling from Southern California, The Procussions from Colorado, Diverse from Chicago, and Mayday! and Wrekonize from Miami. The tour starts on May 30 and concludes on July 16.

The artists represent some of underground hip-hop's most recognized record labels, such as Fat Beats, Rawkus, and Deacon Records.

As SOHH previously reported, The Procussions are slated to join Rhymefest, Lupe Fiasco and Big Daddy Kane for the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival in June.

In related news, Aceyalone recently released his fifth solo album, Magnificent City, entirely produced by RJD2.

Here's a list of some of their tour dates:

5/30 San Diego, CA Belly Up

5/31 Los Angeles, CA Safari Sam's

6/1 San Jose, CA TBA

6/2 San Francisco, CA Mezzanine

6/3 Sacramento, CA Stoney Inn

6/4 Eugene , OR TBC

6/6 Seattle, WA Chop Suey

6/7 Portland, OR Berbati's Pan

6/8 Boise, ID Nerolux

6/9 Salt Lake, UT Urban Lounge

6/10 Jackson Hole, WY Mangy Moose

6/11 Denver, CO Marqui

6/12 Boulder, CO Fox Theatre

6/13 Colo. Spgs, CO Black Sheep

-article courtesy of SOHH.Com

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T-Pain, on a mission for Florida's sunshine sound (Exclusive Interview)

Posted at 4/29/2006 07:32:00 AM

T-Pain is a twenty year old rapper turned singer from Tallahassee, Florida, whose self-styled brand of R&B - 'Hard n B' - attracted the attention of Akon, who subsequently signed him to his label Konvict Music. The singer has already enjoyed chart success in the US, and is about to release his debut UK single, the Akon co-produced "I'm Sprung", lifted from the album "Rapper Ternt Sanga".

Sound Generator caught up with T-Pain for a phone interview from Florida, ahead of his UK bow.

You've been rapping and making music since you were very young, what was 'Day One' musically for T-Pain?

Wow, ooh ... I dunno, that was a long time ago hahaha! I was ten when I first started making music, so I guess that was day one!


T-Pain is short for Tallahassee Pain, does that relate to your own personal experience of growing up?

Yeah, basically .. not just 'bout growing up, but music-wise... trying to get into the industry, coming from Tallahassee, being that it's an overlooked market, and people don't look for talent in Tallahassee, so it's just a lot of struggle and pain, trying to get out from Tallahassee.

What's the Florida vibe like? Globally, we know the Atlanta/Dirty South sound - what's happening down in the sunshine state?

Right now? Hahaha... y'know, there's no real sound coming out of Florida right now, y'know what I'm saying? So I'm trying to create a new sound for Florida, create something... y'know, when people hear West Coast, they know it came from the West Coast, when people hear music from New York they know it's from up North... so I'm trying to create a sound for Florida, the whole sunshine and happiness thing.

You've made the shift from rap (with your former outfit Nappy Headz), to your own brand of R 'n B, do you feel R 'n B offers you a chance to be more creative?

Yeah, exactly. That's the exact reason I switched, you can be more diverse with it, 'coz there's so many different ways you can do it, whereas in rap it's like (adopts flat voice) "this is rap", hahaha!

The vocals for the single 'I'm sprung' are incredibly melodic, is vocal melody something that you really focus on when songwriting?

Yeah, definitely. That's what makes the song, y'know what I'm saying? So that's almost the most important thing.


The lyrical theme of the song seems to be how women can completely dictate men's behaviour, is that something you've got direct personal experience of?

Oh yeah, lots of that!


UK rapper Dizzee Rascal provided vocals for a remix of the song, have you heard it and are you a fan of his?

I like him now! He did really good on it, y'know what I'm saying! There's so many remixes, it's crazy but the one I heard from Rascal, it was just like... I like the different style. I like anything that's different, anything that comes to the table that's different, I love it.

Have you met any of your idols since moving up in the fame game? Did they offer any advice?

I met, Cee-Lo, that's my main idol, uh-huh.

What words of wisdom did he have for you?

He was just like "You got it!" He said I reminded him of him!


How much direct influence or involvement does Akon (whose label, Konvict Music T-Pain is signed to) have with your music?

Not really much, Akon was the same as Cee-Lo, he said I was him! He just signed me to the label, and let me free.


You've already had fairly major US chart success ('I'm N Luv' reached no 6 and the album reached No.40), what are your hopes for the album in the UK?

Hopefully, if not more, then at least the same! That'd be fantastic.


Are you planning any shows in the UK?

Yeah, we're doing a couple of tour dates, quite soon.

-article courtesy of SoundGenerator.Com

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Hot 97’s Landlord Begins Eviction Process After Gravy Shooting

Posted at 4/29/2006 07:30:00 AM

After Brooklyn rapper Gravy was shot in the buttocks in front of New York radio station Hot 97 on Wednesday (April 26), the building’s landlord has begun the process to evict the radio station’s studios. “We’ve directed our attorneys to begin the eviction process,” Stuart GraBois of The New York City District Council of Carpenters told the New York Daily News. “We’re concerned about the safety of the public and of our other tenants.”

The Gravy shooting marks the third time shots have rang out just outside the studio, after a 2001 shootout between crews associated with Lil’ Kim and Capone-N-Noreaga brought headlines, and a 2005 shooting was tied to associates of 50 Cent and The Game. The station is required to notify police of guests four days in advance.

-article courtesy of XXL.Com

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Turk Sentenced to 12 Years for Shooting S.W.A.T. Team Deputy

Posted at 4/29/2006 07:27:00 AM

A judge in Memphis sentenced former Cash Money rapper Turk to 12 years in prison for wounding a sheriff’s S.W.A.T. team deputy in a January 2004 drug raid. According to Memphis’ Commercial Appeal News, Turk, whose real name is Tab Virgil, was charged with attempted second-degree murder. On Wednesday (April 26), Turk entered an Alford plea, sometimes known as a “best-interest” plea, which allows the defendant to dispute certain allegations while still allowing them to accept an agreed-upon sentence to avoid a longer sentence if convicted. Legally, the Alford plea has the same effect as a guilty plea.

The 12-year sentence was reduced from the 25 years that he initially faced for an attempted first-degree murder charge. Since last October, Turk has been serving an additional 10-year federal sentence for being a felon in possession of a handgun.

-article courtesy of XXL.Com

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Friday, April 28, 2006   MUSIC |  VIDEOS |  INTERVIEWS  | NEW ARTIST  | HOME

Jermaine Dupri, Lil Jon Shoot Commercial For Heineken

Posted at 4/28/2006 08:43:00 PM

Atlanta Hip-Hop stars Jermaine Dupri and Lil Jon recently wrapped a thirty second television spot for Heineken titled "Jet Bet."

In the ad, the pair wager on who will take home the most Grammy's, with the winner receiving a 12-pack of Heineken, personally delivered by the loser of the bet.

After Dupri wins, Lil Jon flies on a private jet to deliver the prize, one bottle short.

"I think they're gonna love it because it's real young fly and flashy," Dupri told AllHipHop.com. "It kinda takes from my video with Jay-Z ["Money Ain't A Thing], but here we are betting 12 packs instead of money."

It's full of private planes, Bentleys, girls, Heinekens and all the s**t we do! It's straight up Hip-Hop, from the look, [to] the actors [Dupri and Lil Jon] to the soundtrack."

The commercial is slated to begin airing May 7 during the NBA playoffs.

-article courtesy of AllHipHop.Com

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UK Takeover 4 Hip-Hop Fest Kicks Off In May

Posted at 4/28/2006 08:39:00 PM

BBC 1xtra DJs Mistajam and Rodney P have signed on to host UK Takeover 4, one of the largest independent British Hip-Hop showcases.

The main event will be held May 29 in Nottingham, at Rock City.

Headlining artists include Kano, Klashnekoff, Jehst, Professor Green and MOBO award winner Sway.

The showcase was launched in 2003 by Mistajam and UK Hip-Hop producer Joe Buddha.

"The idea behind the UK Takeover was one that my business partner Joe Buhdha came up with after noticing that the crowds we were deejaying to across the country were noticeably segregated along lines of race, background and class depending on who else was on the bill with us," UK Takover creator Mistajam told AllHipHop.com.

"While the audience [was] segregated, the music was the same so we decided to organize an event that would bring all factions of British Hip-Hop together," he added. "It's a concept that has worked and each event has gone from strength to strength, each one getting the cross section of the audience we wanted."

The two day event will also consist of a 60-Second Assassin Emcee Battle, hosted by UK rapper Blade, as well as a chance for DJs to battle to appear at this year's DMC DJ Championship finals.

An open mic session will also be available, as well as a chance for up-and-coming rappers to drop off their demos at a free BBC Radio 1Xtra seminar, which will take place before the event.

BBC 1Xtra is also providing free bus services to Nottingham from many cities around the UK, including London, Bristol, Cambridge and Manchester.

"It has grown to be the biggest single event in the UK Hip-Hop calendar," Mistajam told AllHipHop.com. "It will hopefully continue the tradition to strengthen and build the scene for the next generation of Hip-Hoppers and beyond."

UK Takeover will air live on BBC 1Xtra on May 28 and 29.BBC 1xtra DJs Mistajam and Rodney P have signed on to host UK Takeover 4, one of the largest independent British Hip-Hop showcases.

The main event will be held May 29 in Nottingham, at Rock City.

Headlining artists include Kano, Klashnekoff, Jehst, Professor Green and MOBO award winner Sway.

The showcase was launched in 2003 by Mistajam and UK Hip-Hop producer Joe Buddha.

"The idea behind the UK Takeover was one that my business partner Joe Buhdha came up with after noticing that the crowds we were deejaying to across the country were noticeably segregated along lines of race, background and class depending on who else was on the bill with us," UK Takover creator Mistajam told AllHipHop.com.

"While the audience [was] segregated, the music was the same so we decided to organize an event that would bring all factions of British Hip-Hop together," he added. "It's a concept that has worked and each event has gone from strength to strength, each one getting the cross section of the audience we wanted."

The two day event will also consist of a 60-Second Assassin Emcee Battle, hosted by UK rapper Blade, as well as a chance for DJs to battle to appear at this year's DMC DJ Championship finals.

An open mic session will also be available, as well as a chance for up-and-coming rappers to drop off their demos at a free BBC Radio 1Xtra seminar, which will take place before the event.

BBC 1Xtra is also providing free bus services to Nottingham from many cities around the UK, including London, Bristol, Cambridge and Manchester.

"It has grown to be the biggest single event in the UK Hip-Hop calendar," Mistajam told AllHipHop.com. "It will hopefully continue the tradition to strengthen and build the scene for the next generation of Hip-Hoppers and beyond."

UK Takeover will air live on BBC 1Xtra on May 28 and 29.

-article courtesy of ALLHipHop.Com

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EX-DESTINY'S CHILD READIES NEW PROJECT: LeToya to Debut 'LeToya' July 18; New Video - Torn - Streaming Now

Posted at 4/28/2006 08:35:00 PM

Former Destiny’s Child member LeToya’s debut solo album is scheduled for a July 18th release on Capitol Records and features lead single “Torn.” Click on the links below to watch the video.

After helping establish Destiny’s Child as a musical force by singing on and co-writing the group’s signature smash hits “Bills Bills Bills” and “Say My Name,” LeToya has returned with her self-titled debut album.

Due in stores July 18, the well-rounded collection features production from Scott Storch (Dr. Dre, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce) and guest appearances from Mike Jones, Paul Wall, Bun B and Slim Thug.

Having a self-titled album made the most sense to the accomplished singer, who also runs the successful clothing and accessory store Lady Elle in Houston. “It’s the world’s first time hearing me and getting to know me as a solo artist,” LeToya says, “so what better way to get them to know me than call it LeToya?”

In addition to lead single “Torn,” which details the struggles of a strained relationship, LeToya features a number of songs that represent Houston’s emerging sound.. LeToya salutes her city on the innovative screwed-R&B hybrid “Gangster Grill,” which features Mike Jones and Killa Kyleon. She delivers two more uptempo smashes with “Tear Da Club Up” with Bun B and “All Eyes On Me,” which features Paul Wall and Slim Thug.

With the upbeat, Scott Storch-produced “I’m Good,” LeToya dismisses a no-good man, while on the sassy “She Don’t” she sings from the perspective of a woman who realizes that her man will never find a woman on her level. She then explores the pain that comes with a haphazard engagement on the moving ballad “Obvious.”

Before embarking upon her solo career, LeToya was a member of Destiny’s Child. During her seven-year stint, the group released the gold-certified singles “Bills Bills Bills” and “Say My Name,” both of which LeToya co-wrote and appeared on the breakthrough The Writing’s On The Wall album, which has been certified 8-times platinum in the United States.

Now, with LeToya ready, LeToya will again have the world saying her name.

-article courtesy of EurWeb.Com

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Field Mob Clears The Air About Alleged New York Disses

Posted at 4/28/2006 08:32:00 PM

Internet chat rooms have been buzzing over the past week about DTP latest signees, Field Mob. But, the topic is not about their music. Apparently, the duo made some not so flattering remarks about their New York counterparts.

In a chopped up video that has frequented many hip-hop messages boards as of late, Field Mob members, Smoke and Shawn Jay, are seen mockingly imitating the way many New York emcees talk, using slang phrases like "Yo B" and "You fire son." In addition, the duo comments on how they feel about the phrase, "I'm bringing New York back," which they feel is a subliminal diss toward the South.

Responding to the alleged comments made during the leaked internet video, both rappers claim that they had no intention of dissing New York. In fact, the pair says that the video was edited to look that way and it was actually just them "having fun."

"They done edited our sh-- up on the internet...edited it up real vicious, making it look like we right there dissing New York, manye. We didn't diss New York; we f--- with y'all," Shawn Jay told BallerStatus.net on Thursday (April 27) from Geffen Records offices in Los Angeles. "We were just being ourselves, just having fun."

"Both our managers are from Harlem," added Smoke with puzzled look on his face. "We got n----s out there -- Brooklyn, Queens...shoutout to the Dipset, Purple City, Cam..."

After explaining that is was a joke, the group further delved deeper into why their comments caused such a rift in the industry, stating they feel the South is a target because of its current dominance.

"It wouldn't even be a problem if the South wasn't in the position we're in right now," Smoke explained to Ballerstatus. "The motherf---ers that are mad at [the video] are tender right now, so me telling Shawn Jay 'What's up B?' is just us having fun. It wouldn't be an issue if the South wasn't poppin' the way the South is poppin' right now."

Smoke also compares the South's current situation to the '90s East/West beef, but with a twist.

"When the 'North' was selling records, it was just about [Notorious] B.I.G., Pac (Pac was from New York) and Mobb Deep...n----s from New York," said Smoke. "They played nothing but New York, New York, New York, New York. Then, the West Coast snatched it. [The West] had the game on lock, to the point where the [East Coast] got mad at them. That started the beef.

"Now, it's the South's turn. But, the West is popping, and the East and the Midwest, while the South is in control. So, we share our success. That's how we're different," Smoke continued.

While the controversy of their comments continue to be the talk of the internet, the duo is enjoying a new found respect at Geffen Records -- where they will release their forthcoming album, Light Poles And Pine Trees -- by meeting label head, Jimmy Iovine, who the group was overly excited about finally meeting.

"We had a meeting with Jimmy Iovine yesterday," said Smoke. "They had told us that you're not a priority on this label unless you shook hands with Jimmy, so we always felt like step children. But, now, finally, I feel like some kin to [the label] and we family now. We finally met and it felt good to know that [Jimmy] knows who we are."

Knowing Jimmy just may be a step in the right direction.

The new album, which is the group's third, will feature collaborations with the likes of Ludacris, Bobby Valentino, Bone Crusher and Ciara, while production credits include Jazze Pha, among others. A video for the second single, "So What" featuring Ciara, has just been released.

Light Poles And Pine Trees is slated for release June 13 on DTP/Geffen Records.

-article courtesy of BallerStatus.Net

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