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Talib Kweli Speaks On ‘Gutter Rainbows’
From XXL:
Earlier this morning (September 20), Talib Kweli announced via his Twitter account that he’s getting ready to release a new album, Gutter Rainbows. Currently just four months removed from the May release of Revolutions Per Minute, his album with Hi-Tek as Reflection Eternal, the BK MC spoke with XXLMag.com to give details on his upcoming solo project.
“I don’t have a [release] date, per se,†explained Kweli, who began seriously writing and recording for the album in August and says it will come out before Christmas. “I’m not on a label right now and it’s exciting to just be like, ‘You know what, I’m just gonna put this out.’ And I’ve don’t that before—I put out Liberation with Madlib and I didn’t even tell anybody; one day it was not out, and the next day it was [and] like 100,000 people downloaded that for free.†Gutter Rainbows, however, unlike Liberation, will be an album for purchase, likely for around $10, according to Kweli. Production credits for the release will include Hi Tek, Ski Beatz, M-Phazes, E. Jones and Symbolyc One.
Read more after the jump.
“With Blacksmith, we’ve had deals with Warner Brothers and deals with Koch before, but I wanted to experiment with just putting something out on my own, and just seeing what my worth really is to the fans,†he continued.
Known as a voracious reader, Talib explained that the title was a combination of a reference to J.D. Salinger’s novel The Catcher in the Rye and an idea that he had previously been kicking around in his head.
“I read The Catcher In The Rye when I was in Europe a few months ago and I didn’t really enjoy, but one thing that I took from it was that reference,†he recalled. “The character actually says ‘gasoline rainbows’ in the book. I was like, ‘Wow.’ I’ve always wanted to call a song ‘Gutter Rainbows’—just because of the rainbows that you see when the oil and the water mix in the gutter—and do a song based on that. I just remember being a little kid and finding beauty in that, and how you have to find beauty in stuff like that when you in the hood. But that reference—him noticing the gasoline rainbows in New York City, and just the character’s love for New York City—are what attracted to me to that phrase. Somebody else got it, so it made me feel like it was more than just a song. Maybe it was an album.â€
“This is the first time in my career since I’ve been known to rap where I haven’t been attached to any sort of major label,†Talib said, acknowledging he’s taking a risk doing it all on his own, but assuring he’s ready for the challenge. There’s no one to say, ‘You can’t put it out because you have a contract with us.’ But, at the same time, there’s no one to distribute it on a major level. Who knows what it’s gonna end up being.â€
There had been previous reports that Kweli’s next solo effort would be entitled Prisoner of Consciousness; however, Gutter Rainbows will indeed come first. Still, Kwe does plan to drop that project in the near future, as well. “I have some deals on the table [for Prisoner of Consciousness],†he disclosed. “This project is sort of an offshoot of Prisoner of Consciousness. Prisoner of Consciousness I want to be more of a departure from what people might be used to hearing from me; so, with that, I really want to take my time on it. But, at the same time, in order to maintain relevance in the marketplace, I feel like people need to hear from me.â€
Within the next month, Talib will be releasing Community Mixtape, with roughly twenty tracks that were submitted by fans and artists from around the world and compiled into a cohesive project. —Adam Fleischer
Lupe Fans Planning To Protest Outside Of Atlantic Records
Will this really make a difference? From The LupE.N.D. blog:
2 months ago the WeWantLasers Petition was started and over 28k people signed it so far but the only reaction we got from Atlantic Records was a tweet saying “Lasers is coming” and that’s not enough!
If you think the petition would be the only thing we’d be doing to get this album released – you’re wrong! On October 15th, Lupe Fiasco fans will gather in New York City to protest in front of the Atlantic Records Headquarters!
So if you’re in New York or close – be there! Wear the Lasers Uniform and bring picket signs! – If you have friends in New York – tell them about it!
And for all people who aren’t able to be there, spread the word online! (Twitter / Facebook, Blogs etc.) or if there’s an Atlantic Records building in your city, you can go there, too.
For more info’s, the exact location & time check/join THIS Facebook group!
(also check the RSVP Page!)
Kid CuDi & McLovin…
…on the set of the video shoot for ‘Erase Me‘. It looks like the partying never stopped. Spotted at DatNewCuDi‘s twitter.
Random News Stories For 9/20 (Updated)
Mariah Carey Unwraps Christmas Album Cover, First Single
Bruno Mars Arrested on Suspicion of Drug Possession (Rap-Up)
Bruno Mars Arrested on Suspicion of Drug Possession (Rap-Up)
Rihanna Hosts Katy Perry’s Party
Jay-Z & Beyonce Make Guinness Book (Hip-Hop Blog)
Jay-Z & Beyonce Make Guinness Book (Hip-Hop Blog)
Reggae Star Buju Banton to Begin Fla. Drug Trial (New York Times)
Jay-Z Meets Warren Buffet (Rap Radar)
Kanye West To Return To Saturday Night Live (Futon Critic)
John Legend Challenges Students To Re-Imagine Financial Aid (MTV)
Jay-Z & Coldplay To Bring In New Years In Vegas…
…in a multimillion dollar deal. From the New York Post:
Jay-Z and Coldplay have landed a multimillion-dollar deal to perform at the lavish opening of the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on New Year’s Eve. The invite-only event, masterminded by party planner Colin Cowie, will see Jay and Chris Martin’s Coldplay perform separately and then together in a mash-up performance. A source told us: “Organizers have spent millions securing the acts. The word is that Beyoncé is now looking for a Vegas New Year’s gig so she will be in town with Jay.”
J. Cole & 9th Wonder To Do Soundtrack For NBA Elite
If this isn’t a reason to play a game…if only EA would get somebody to do this for Madden…
Electronic Arts Inc. announced today that Grammy Award Winning Producer and DJ, 9th Wonder, and Roc Nation star MC, J. Cole, have created the soundtrack for EA SPORTS™ NBA ELITE 11. The game will include a full soundtrack designed by 9th Wonder and title track “The Plan†by J. Cole. This is the first EA SPORTS NBA title to have a custom soundtrack that has been created solely by two artists.
Read more after the jump.
A force in the music industry, 9th Wonder has worked with some of the biggest names in hip hop. His first major label placement occurred on Jay-Z’s critically acclaimed “Black Album,†and his work with Mary J. Blige on her album, “The BreakThrough†earned him a GRAMMY. 9th has also worked with Destiny’s Child, Erykah Badu and Ludacris among other recording artists. He is currently in the recording studio with rap superstar David Banner working on their much anticipated album “Death of a Pop Star,†which is slated for release in November.
“Being the first artist to throw down the full soundtrack for NBA ELITE 11 was pretty amazing,†says 9th Wonder. “I was able to mesh together the two things that I love in life, basketball and music.â€
J. Cole, the first MC to be signed onto JAY-Z’s Roc Nation label, is on a path to becoming the next big name in the Hip Hop industry. Embarking on his passion for music at age 12, J. Cole draws inspiration from some of the biggest names in Hip Hop to create his own signature style. Currently recording and producing his first album under the Roc Nation label, the critically acclaimed Cole has already appeared on JAY-Z’s “The Blueprint 3†on the song fittingly titled “A Star is Bornâ€.
“As a big sports video game fan, it’s an honor to be a part of EA Sports NBA Elite 2011. I thank EA for trusting in me to create the game’s main song. I truly enjoyed the experience.â€
Using the design principles from some of EA SPORTS top rated franchises, NBA ELITE 11 introduces several significant gameplay changes that center on user control. The new ‘Hands-On Control’ scheme allows for one-to-one responsiveness of a player’s movement and actions on the court, while a new physics system in the game allows each player on the court to move independently of one another, removing the two-man interactions that have long taken the user control out of basketball simulation videogames. Combine all of the above with a new skill based shooting system, the EA SPORTS Basketball Association, as well as three free modes of NBA JAM included in all new copies of NBA ELITE 11, and it’s easy to see why NBA ELITE 11 is poised to revolutionize the basketball videogame experience.
B.o.B Central
No music or video or anything, just a lot of tours (hence the central). Spotted on Rap-Up:
B.o.B has worked his magic on officials at the White House, who have tapped the Atlanta musician to perform a high-profile gig for President Obama. Bobby Ray is set to dazzle the crowd at the National Gen44 Summit Kick Off Concert taking place in Washington, D.C., at DAR Constitution Hall on Sept. 30.
Read more after the jump.
The event, meant to cultivate and inspire a rising generation of leaders, comes on the heels of B.o.B’s opening spot on Eminem and Jay-Z’s “Home & Home†concert dates and first-ever performance at this year’s MTV VMAs. Shortly after his presidential set, the “Nothin’ on You†singer is headed out on the road for “The Shootin’ for Stars Tour,†kicking off Oct. 3 in Bowling Green, Ohio (see dates below). Upon the tour’s completion, B.o.B will join Paramore in November on the band’s U.K. arena tour.
Oct. 3 – Bowling Green, OH – Bowling Green State University
Oct. 6 – Columbia, MO – University of Missouri, Columbia
Oct. 7 – Lawrence, KS – University of Kansas – Liberty Hall
Oct. 12 – Salt Lake City, UT – McKay Events Center
Oct. 14 – Fresno, CA – Big Fresno Fairgrounds
Oct. 15 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues
Oct. 17 – Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater
Oct. 19 – Houston, TX – House of Blues
Oct. 21 – Lexington, KY – University of Kentucky
Oct. 24 – Towson, MD – Towson University
Oct. 26 – Blacksburg, VA – Burress Hall Auditorium
Oct. 28 – Harrisonburg, VA – James Madison University – Wilson Hall
Oct. 29 – Lewisburg, PA – Sojka Pavilion
Oct. 30 – Washington, D.C. – Grey Goose Event – Venue TBA
Random News Stories For 9/17
Keyshia Cole Snubbed By VMAs? (Rap-Up)
Kanye West In XXL: “My Mom Wouldn’t Have Died In New York†(Necole Bitchie)
Chingy and More Tranny Rumors (Rap-Up)
Kid CuDi Addresses Cocaine Usage (Rap Radar)
T.I. Allegedly Had Codeine, Ecstasy, Marijuana During L.A. Arrest (MTV)
Submission: Chance Fischer – Here (Mixtape)
Some new shit from nearby Richmond…shout out to DJ RNS. Tracklisting, download link, plenty of info on the artist as well as a bonus track after the jump.
Chance Fischer – HERE mixed by DJ RNS
Download Link: http://usershare.net/l9qmdx51w25o
Preview Mixtape: http://chancefischer.bandcamp.com/album/here
Track List:
01. Here [03:38]
02. The Anthem [04:48]
03. Down [02:24]
04. Dreams (feat. j. cannon) [04:08]
05. Keep On (feat. JRtheThird) [05:05]
06. Fate (feat. j. cannon) [03:55]
07. The Intermission [03:16]
08. A Little Fun [03:16]
09. Mixed Feelings [02:12]
10. Hell of a Night [04:16]
11. Sincerely Yours [03:10]
12. All of Me [04:38]
13. POWER (BONUS) [03:03]
BONUS TRACK (Not available on EP/Mixtape)
Chance Fischer – The Overture
Preview/DL: http://chancefischer.bandcamp.com/releases
Alt. Download Link: http://www.mediafire.com/?k1g0okto1f81jc1
BIO:
It’s hard work being an Ivy League student, musician, and an aspiring hotelier. So it’s no wonder why Chance Fischer has a lot on his plate. A rising senior in the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University, Chance has been trying to balance schoolwork, student government, a band, and numerous studio sessions.
Born and raised in Richmond, VA, Chance had been reluctant to start a career in rap. He was feared that he would not being able to transcend the paradigm of southern rap. During his sophomore year in college, he decided to pick up the mic and do a few tracks with a fellow recording artist by the name of Sloppy Joe. He was well received by listeners, and after some coercion from friends he decided to pursue a career in music wholeheartedly.
He just released his debut project entitled “HERE“. ‘HERE‘ is a blend of infectious horns, gut wrenching strings, and ethereal synths that unite the opposing worlds of triumph and tragedy through the eyes of a 20-year-old Ivy League student. The mixtape chronicles the trials and triumphs of his life over the past 3 years – drama, stress, soul-searching, parties, and the difficulty of relationships.
When he is not in the studio, Chance is either hitting the books or doing shows with his band After Six. He lives by the words of Lao Tzu, “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with one step.” He is taking the first steps of his journey through the pathway of music.
DJ RNS
Submission: Mr. Forbes Central
The DC area Hip-Hop movement continues. Check out for info and music after the jump.
Coming to the stage, hailing from the Silver Spring MD (DC metro area), weighing in with some of the illest bars in the rap game is John Forbes. He also goes by the name of Mr. Forbes and he blends his soulful brand of music with gritty, real life lyrics that portray the life of a D.M.V native. His art encompasses many genres, but cannot be packaged into just one.
This 21 year old veteran of the D.C., Maryland and Virginia’s underground hip hop scene is well regarded amongst his peers. Never missing a show and always willing to please the crowd with a line or two. He has also opened up for a numerous amount of major artist and has linked up with some of the best the D.M.V area has to offer; notably, producer June, Task Productions,and has done a numerous amount of collabs with other up and coming artist in the D.M.V
Mr. Forbes is as complex as the very environment from which he hails. His “shock value†delivery grabs his audience, leaving their heads bobbing and minds churning. Mr. Forbes strives to bring feeling back to the hip hop game. He dares to inject creativity and color into his music, while still catering to the masses. Mr. Forbes embodies the definition of consistency. He is hungry, in fact he is starving to get his word out to the masses and possess so much creativity that will soon be visible for the rest of the world to share in. When you ask Mr. Forbes on his feelings about his own music, his statement is very straight to the point, but hits home and he simply states “Some people love Hip-Hop and most people pretend, but either way my music is undeniable!”
MP3 LINK
LINKS
Submission: Burnz Central
Burnz – Once In A Lifetime
Soulja Boy – The DeAndre Way (Album Artwork)
Two different colorways… ::shrug:: …drop 11/2. I know I’m not the only one wondering how this album is going to sound.
Strong Arm Steady – Arms & Hammers (Artwork)
Didn’t know that they were now signed to Blacksmith. I’m learning all types of new shit this week. No release date as of yet (as far as I know).
Lil’ Wayne – I Am Not A Human Being (Album Cover & Tracklisting)
Gonorrhea? Lol. I Am Not A Human Being drops on Weezy’s birthday: September 27th. Tracklisting after the jump.
1. “Gonorrhea†feat. Drake
2. “Hold Up†feat. T-Streets
3. “With You†feat. Drake
4. “I Am Not a Human Beingâ€
5. “I’m Single†feat. Drake
6. “What’s Wrong With Them†feat. Nicki Minaj
7. “Right Above It†feat. Drake
8. “Popular†feat. Lil Twist
9. “That Ain’t Me†feat. Jay Sean
10. “Bill Gatesâ€
11. “YM Banger†feat. Jae Millz, Gudda Gudda, and Tyga
12. “YM Salute†feat. Lil Twist, Lil Chuckee, Gudda Gudda, Jae Millz, and Nicki Minaj
Gorillaz x N.E.R.D. – Plastic Beach Tour
YES…this is something to look forward to. Also joining the tour will be De La Soul, Little Dragon and Bobby Womack (word?). Tour dates after the jump.
Oct. 5 Wallingford, CT Oakdale Theater
Oct. 6 Boston, MA Agganis Arena
Oct. 8 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
Oct. 10 Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center
Oct. 11 Washington, DC Patriot Center
Oct. 13 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
Oct. 14 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre
Oct. 16 Chicago, IL UIC Pavilion
Oct. 17 Minneapolis, MN Target Center
Oct. 19 Houston, TX Toyota Center
Oct. 20 Dallas, TX Verizon Theatre
Oct. 22 Austin, TX Frank Erwin Center
Oct. 24 Denver, CO Wells Fargo Theatre
Oct. 26 Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theater
Oct. 27 Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amp
Oct. 28 San Diego, CA Viejas Arena
Oct. 30 Oakland, CA Oracle Arena
Nov. 1 Seattle, WA KeyArena
Nov. 3 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena
