If you care, feel free to click the picture for that news story.
The Hype Men – Kanye West’s First Beats (?)
I really don’t know what the hell this is, but I’m about to find out:
Former Interscope-signed rapper Jensen Karp recently stumbled across a couple of CD’s in his garage, both given to him in 2001 during his time at the label. Each had the name Kanye West written on them and are believed to be the oldest Kanye West beats to ever be released. Jensen speaks on the find: “I think this collection of early Kanye beats shows you where he came from, even if it doesn’t necessarily sound like ‘Kanye’ now. He kept at it and became the incredible producer he is today. I remember he even had to leave the studio sessions early, so he could make the last train back to his mom’s house. He’s come a long way, and I’m proud to have been around, even if for just a second at the start.†Both can be streamed here for those interested in checking them out.
Keri Hilson…
I’m pretty sure there’s a story behind this, but I don’t care have a clue what it is.
[Update: It’s from Allure Magazine. You’re welcome.]
Joe Budden – Mood Muzik 4.5 (Artwork)
True. The re-release, which will feature 5 new tracks, drops 5/17. Feel free to pre-order here. If you haven’t, check out the initial release as well. It’s pretty dope.
Ashley Judd Is An Idiot*; Apologizes For Rap(e) Culture Remarks
If you haven’t heard about this initially, you can find out here…it apparently wasn’t long before the Hip-Hop community began to respond (initially through ?uestlove), and not long after the below update was spotted on HipHopDX:
Judd took to Russell Simmons’ GlobalGrind.com early on Monday to apologize for her statements, saying that while some of her words were taken out of context, she is at fault for the generalizations she made.
“The outcry regarding my remarks, 2 paragraphs out of my 400+ page book, regarding hip hop and rap, has been astounding as it is out of context…The general theme [now] is to express my gratitude for a chance to learn, to be corrected where I was wrong, to make amends, and hold firm and strong on the original intention and context of points I made, with a commitment to try to do so less clumsily and with more sensitivity in the future.”
She added, “I so regret that my indictment of rape culture as a whole has been interpreted as me blaming rap and hip hop exclusively. That was absolutely not my intention, and I so regret it has had that effect on some people. “
Judd finished by saying her eyes had been opened to a distinction between Rap and Hip Hop, and she’d also been introduced to new music. “Thank you to fans of both [Rap and Hip Hop] who have introduced me to artists whose lyrics embody activism and progressive values. I am glad to have more beats for my playlists. I celebrate the music, its meaning, and those who love it.”
News On Kendrick Lamar’s 3rd Project & 1st Single
Breaking news (at least to me) Kendrick Lamar’s upcoming project is going to be called Section.80, and its first single will drop tomorrow. If this is somehow not true, blame it on 2dopeboyz. Lol.
40, Drake & Pharrell Spotted In The Studio In Germany
Dope. Looking forward to everyone’s upcoming projects.
A Second Cover For Self-Made?
At least Ozone says it is. Doesn’t matter to me, I just can’t wait to hear the music.
New Jersey Nets & Jay-Z Fined $50,000 For Locker Room Controversy
From ESPN:
The New Jersey Nets have been fined $50,000 for Nets minority owner Jay-Z’s presence in the Kentucky locker room after the Wildcats clinched a Final Four berth, according to sources with knowledge of the penalty.
Word circulated around the league Friday that an unnamed team — which sources confirmed to ESPN.com is the Nets — was fined for violating league rules that prohibit contact with players who still have collegiate basketball eligibility remaining.
The NBA’s investigation, first reported by CBSSports.com, was triggered by a video showing Jay-Z visiting with various Kentucky players in their locker room at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., after the Wildcats’ quarterfinal victory over North Carolina.
Even though the circumstances of the visit seemed harmless enough, with Kentucky players clearly more excited about meeting a world-famous rap mogul as opposed to a part-time NBA team executive, Nets officials were expecting a fine based on what happened to Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge in 2007.
Boston was fined $30,000 that year for “excessive contact with the family” after Ainge was spotted sitting next to Kevin Durant’s mother at the Big 12 tournament.
Gucci Mane Once Again Back Behind Bars
Giving ODB (R.I.P.) a run for his money. Assuming he hasn’t already passed him yet. Bail was said to have been set at $5,000…from My Fox Atlanta:
DeKalb County Police say Radric Davis, also known as Gucci Mane, was arrested by the DeKalb County Fugitive Squad Friday.
Davis was arrested while visiting his probation officer at the Georgia Department of Corrections Probation Office on Sylvan Road in Atlanta, say authorities.
Davis is charged with battery, a misdemeanor but as a result of the arrest will be also charged with violating his probation. Davis is on probation for previous unrelated charges.
Police say they arrested Davis on a warrant that stated he intentionally caused visible bodily harm to a female by pushing her out of a moving vehicle.
Davis is being held in the DeKalb County Jail.
Big Pun Family Wants To Rename Street In Honor Of…
It would be cool if this were to happen….from NY Daily News (full article there):
The family of late rapper Big Punisher is relaunching an effort to have a Bronx street named in his honor.
Big Pun’s sister, Nicole Rodriguez, wants to have E. 163rd St. and Rogers Place in Longwood dubbed “Big Pun Place.”
“I feel I owe this to my brother,” she said. “He was not only my brother, he was a father figure. He stepped in when my parents couldn’t. So I want to push for this. He deserves it.”
Suspects Arrested In DJ Megatron Murder
According to NY1, two men have been arrested in connection to the shooting death of DJ Megatron. Richard Cromwell, 20, and William Williams, 21, were booked today on second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon, stolen property and robbery. Megatron, who was lay to rest yesterday, was killed last Sunday near his Staten Island home.
FBI Releases Documents On B.I.G.’s Murder
Moving right along to the artist that wouldn’t be here if it were not for DJ Mister Cee….from HipHopDX:
Last week, the FBI revealed an online reading room called The Vault that allows for a search of the bureau’s documents as part of the Freedom of Information Act and B.I.G. murder documents reveal some new data on the case that many were unaware of before.
Records of an FBI probe into the unsolved case of Biggie’s murder appear in The Vault including information about the the way the New York emcee was killed in Los Angeles. It seems he was shot with a German-made Gecko 9mm gun, one that is not commonly found in the United States. The FBI investigation also provides information about some Los Angeles Police Department officers involved with the case having gang ties. It also reveals details about how they were able to hinder the process of the investigation by not properly documenting or following up on witness statements related to the killing of Christopher Wallace. The FBI also has uncut video footage of the shooting, according to AllHipHop.com reports.
Police Report From Mister Cee Arrest
The Smoking Gun got a hold of the police report filed against Hot 97 personality and DJ, Mister Cee. Cee was arrested last week in New York for engaging in a sex act with a 20-year-old male. According to the NY Daily News, this is the third time Cee was busted for indecency. Read the report after the jump

