Pharrell Williams Becomes A Vase

Imagine that sittin’ in your living room. More info and pics after the jump..spotted over at High Snobiety.

Some of you might remember the short film “The Ear” from last year, produced by Yi Zhou and featuring artist Pharrell Williams. For her latest project she once again included Pharrell into the concept, this time in the form of a vase.
“Yi Zhou’s latest 3D animation The Greatness, based on layers of video game programs and advanced 3D programming research, will debut from Thursday at 20 Hoxton Square Projects in collaboration with Testori UK, as part of her first solo show in London. Curated by Rachael Barratt and Adam Waymouth, and entitled I AM YOUR SIMULACRUM, the exhibition will feature Yi Zhou’s work from 2006 to present.
The Greatness begins with a surreal, striking and unexpected explosion of the Pharrell Williams vase. As it disintegrates, Wiliams’ face breaks into a cubist inspired composition. Its disappearing leads the spectator to a journey through a frightening labyrinth underworld.
As with most film noir/fiction, the lead often has to exit the scene through death. Zhou says: “The actual vase was made from a 3D scan of Pharrell’s body, then I modelled it in 3D to turn it into a Greek urn-style vase resembling a surreal mask. I like to take virtual characters out of my movies and turn them into tangible sculptural pieces. Pharrell is a modern icon, so by imagining his face breaking up, it emphasizes the emotional side to how he’s regarded as an icon, and the idea of mortality that we all have to face, which puts us all on a level-footing as human beings.”
Continuing her exploration of film with sculpture, based on a clay model made in her Shanghai studio, this vase represents a transition from a simulacrum into the real world.”
The Greatness was produced by Contrasts Gallery in partnership with MK2 . The soundtrack was recorded at Morricone’s studio in Rome in early 2010.
Both The Greatness and The Ear will feature as part of OPEN 13 at the International Exhibition of Sculpture and installations in Venice, taking place 1 September – 3 October 2010. The Acheronte traveller, a sculpture that also features in The Greatness, will form the centrepiece to her installation there.

Knoc-turn’al Preps New Album, Holds Open Video Shoot With Crooked I

Two of the west coast’s most prized hip hop possessions are set to come together to shoot a music video. Both representing Long Beach City, Knoc-turn’al and Crooked I have teamed up for the first single off Knoc-turn’al’s upcoming “Knoc’s Ville” album, a track titled “I’ve Been Here For Years” with the video shoot coming in September by McKinley of McKinley Presents.

West Coast fans have long complained that Knoc-turn’al & Crooked I, both signed to Treacherous Records, haven’t collaborated enough during their careers and time spent on the same label. “I’ve Been Here for Years”, is the answer to the fans’ complaints and calling. The track also features James Elizabeth (who has worked with Too $hort, E-40) and it was produced by the legendary Bay Area producer Big Hollis who adds Knoc-turn’al and Crooked I to his already impressive resume.



Hoopla Media Group, who partnered up with Treacherous Records — have issued an open public casting call to appear in the upcoming video for “I’ve Been Here for Years” by Knoc-turn’al featuring Crooked I and James Elizabeth. For anyone who is interested in appearing in this video, email Jonathan Hay at jonhay@gmail.com.

“Knoc’s Ville” is coming out through Hoopla Media Group and Treacherous Records in November of this year — and everyone is working around the clock to make this happen.

Justin Melo who is Knoc-turn’al’s manager had the following to say: “We’ve been working very hard on “Knoc’s Ville” and appreciate the fans eagerness to hear the project. Knoc-turn’al hasn’t been out in the CD retail world since 2004, and a lot has changed since then. It is those changes we’ve become accustomed too and instead of just working around them, we are actively working with them. Since the project was announced, we’ve gone through a lot to drastically improve the album, and ensured that the product is top of the line west coast Knoc-turn’al music, and that it shall serve as the proper follow up to his “The Way I Am” 2004 release. We’re very appreciative of Treacherous Records, their CEO Tico who executive produced the album, everyone who has contributed to the album, and most importantly, the fans for their continued patience.”

Knoc-turn’al had the following to say: “I’m glad everyone is excited for the project. I’m excited to get it out. I’m working hard to get it out by the end of year. Ideally, I’d love to have it out for Halloween because I think it really fits that theme but if not by then, by the end of 2010 for sure. I can’t let another year go by without me serving my fans that Knoc-turn’al music. That goes for my International fans as well. I’ve always kept it true to the west coast and “Knoc’s Ville” is no different.”

Mickey of Treacherous Records was quoted as saying, “The Treacherous Records-Hoopla Media Group partnership began with Knoc-turn’al and “Knoc’s Ville”, but it doesn’t end there, as we will partner up once again for One-2 and his forthcoming “History/Destiny double EP.” The project is set to feature guest appearances from Crooked I, Royce Da 5′9, Knoc-turn’al, Jayo Felony, K-Young, Kobe and more.

Although the track listing for “Knoc’s Ville” is not ready to be released to the public, “Knoc’s Ville” is tentatively set to feature guest appearances from Crooked I, Yukmouth, Jayo Felony, Sly Boogy, James Elizabeth and more.

 
– From Justin Melo
 
[Jon’s Note: I wonder if him and The Game ever buried the hatchet…L.A. Nite-N-Day still plays in my head (and in my CD player) all the time]
Read more after the jump.

Ice Cube – I Am The West (New Tracklisting)

 
The revised edition drops 9/28.

1. A Boy Was Conceived
2. Soul On Ice
3. Life In California Ft. Jayo & WC
4. She Couldnt Make It On Her Own Ft. OMG & Doughboy
5. Urbanian
6. Y’all Know How I Am Ft. OMG, WC, Doughboy & Maylay
7. Too West Coast Ft. WC & Maylay
8. I Rep That West
9. Drink The Kool-Aid
10. No Country For Young Men
11. It Is What It Is
12. Hood Robbin
13. Your Money Or Your Life
14. Nothin’ Like L.A.
15. All Day, Everyday
16. Fat Cat

Pimp C – The Naked Soul Of Sweet Jones (Tracklisting)

Pimp C’s final album, The Naked Soul Of Sweet Jones, in stores 10/5.
1. Down 4 Mine
2. Untitled Track (feat. Lil Wayne, Bun B & Drake)1
3. Fly Lady
4. Love 2 Ball
5. Since The 90’s (feat. Gator Mane & E-40)
6. Dickies (feat. Bun B & Young Jeezy)
7. Midnight Hoes (feat. Rick Ross)
8. Made Fo (feat. Too Short)
9. Believe In Me (feat. Ivory P, Cory Mo, Heezi, BankRoll Jones, Bub & The UnderDogs)
10. Hit The Parking Lot (feat. Webbie & Lil’ Boosie)
11. Massacre
12. Get Down (feat. Devin The Dude)
13. Go To War (feat. Bun B)

An Announcement From Young Buck…


Now this is what I’ve been waiting for…check out more information (as well as the album cover) after the jump.


(SACRAMENTO, CA) – September 7, 2010 marks the date that former G-Unit recording artist Young Buck releases his street album, “The Rehab.”
The streets, back roads and internet highways all around the world are all talking about “The Rehab” after the new leak of the song, “Hood Documentary” which finds Young Buck insistently talking to Curtis.  Everyone knows that Young Buck is referring to Curtis Jackson aka 50 Cent – who signed him and placed him in his multi-platinum, super group G-Unit.
David “Young Buck” Brown has sold over five million records worldwide as he took the world by storm by first appearing on 50 Cent’s “Get Rich or Die Tryin” debut album, which sold over ten million copies.  Since then, Young Buck has released two solo albums himself, “Straight Outta Cashville” which has sold over two-million records worldwide and “Buck the World”, which debuted at #1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart and #3 on The Billboard 200 with sales of 143,000 the first week.  
Young Buck has appeared on both G-Unit releases “Beg for Mercy” and “T.O.S: Terminate on Sight.”  In addition to “Get Rich or Die Tryin” – Young Buck has appeared on 50 Cent’s chart-topping, record-breaking album “The Massacre” which sold a million copies in the first four days of its release, and he also appeared on “Curtis” which sold 691,000 in its first week.
After the release of “Curtis”, Young Buck and 50 Cent had a public falling out which lead to numerous diss records, slanderous comments in the media by all parties involved — and the infamous phone call between 50 Cent and Young Buck that was leaked to the world. 
This new street album from Young Buck features 14 brand new tracks, which are all produced by Big Hollis, Cozmo and Vince V. This album has been highly anticipated for the last few years, with Young Buck stating to MTV that this album would sell over a million copies in its first week. 
“The Rehab” is being released on September 7th by Real Talk Entertainment and is executive produced by its CEO, Derrick “Sac” Johnson, who had the following to say regarding its release: â€œWe are very excited about working with Young Buck on this project. This project has been in the works for years, before 50 Cent and G-Unit. Young Buck is an international superstar and we are extremely proud to be releasing his street album, The Rehab.”


Kingpen Slim – The Beam Up 2 (Artwork) & The Win

Dropping 8/31…check out our preview of it here. Tracklisting after the jump…it should also be noted (as previously said over time) that projects by RAtheMC, Fat Trel, and Black Cobain will all also be dropping on the same day. D.C. Tuesday it is. Courtesy of 2 Hood 4 Hollywood.
Update: Last leak from The Beam Up 2, called ‘The Win’ (produced by Mark Henry).

Lil’ Wayne Sends Letter To Sports Illustrated; Speaks On U.S. Open

Wayne continues his writing, this time to Sports Illustrated on tennis. You can click to enlarge the picture, or you can read the text from the letter after the jump.

I genuinely appreciate this opportunity to express my love for tennis. One of the main reasons I enjoy the sport so much is because when I actually tried to play, it was unbelievably difficult. So ever since, I’ve been drawn to the great talents of the game. Not to mention Andre Agassi was like a pop star when I was a kid. I love the Williams sisters. I simply adore Maria Sharadova and I’m a huge [Rafael] Nadal fan! I’m definitely rooting for him to get the Grand slam and win the US Open. He’s already became [sic] the 2nd youngest player to win 8 major titles before the age of 25. He’s halfway there to Roger [Federer’s] 16. And even while battling knee tendonitis, he’s still ranked #1. His Wimbledon performance was one of a kind. He simply plays with pure passion and leaves it all out there on the court. With [Juan Martín] Del Potro pulling out of this years Open with injury, Nadal’s only threats are obviously Federer, Djokovic, and Roddick’s aggressive play, but the player that scares me the most is Andy Murray who’s beaten Rafael four times. Even still I say “Nadal wins it all.”
And by the way, I’m giving the edge to [Kim] Clijsters in the Women’s singles due to Serena’s right foot. Again, I’m very thankful for this opportunity.
Respectfully, Wayne

DJ Jazzy Club Gets Kicked Out Of A Club In Las Vegas

The fact that some management at a club felt it was right to kick out a legendary DJ for showing tribute to a fellow DJ baffles me. From DJ Enrie:
Just as I was getting ready to call it a day. I get a text from one of my best friends who was at the DJ AM party at Surrender / Encore in Las Vegas. He was telling me how dope Jazzy Jeff was killing it then all of a sudden, the music stops and security escorts Jazzy Jeff out into the casino. Apparently management of the club was not happy with what he was spinning. I was also told that Jazzy Jeff flew 7 hours to donate his time towards the charity involved with tonite’s event (which I’m sure was associated with DJ AM). Those are the only facts I know at this moment. I’m baffled why anyone would treat one of the most respected DJ’s in the game like that, especially at a party in honor of DJ AM….REST IN POWER DJ AM!

Just Letting You Know…

I don’t believe this really warrants a picture, but Ozone Magazine did a pretty hilarious interview with Brian Pumper, where he disses some, shouts out others, and speaks on career choices, which you can check here. Here’s an excerpt, which made me laugh out loud:
What do you personally feel is the best line you’ve ever spit?
It’s a hard toss up between the “Pumper” song when I said, “Open up , let me see you stretch it, trick! I wanna see the pink before I wreck it, bitch!” And another song that goes head on with Plies “Becky” song, but the name of my song is called, “2 Hands.” It’s a song based on the same theme as the “Becky” joint but I added some different swag to it, and I think it goes neck and neck and gives Plies a run for his money.

Big Boi Announces Dates for ‘Son of Chico Dusty’ Tour…

Updated..Big Boi Will be in D.C 9/8 at 930 club. You can check them after the jump.

8/26 Atlanta, GA – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
9/2 Iowa City, IA – University of Iowa
9/4 Atlanta, GA – Heineken Red Star Soul
9/5 Atlantic City, NJ – Casbah
9/6 New York, NY – Brooklyn Bowl
9/8 Washington, Dc- 930 Club
9/17 Chicago, IL – Congress Theater
9/18 Providence, RI – Brown University
9/22 Arcata, CA – Arcata Community Center
9/24 Las Vegas, NV – The Palms Casino
9/25 Fontana, CA – Epicenter
9/28 Atlanta, GA – The Tabernacle
10/1 Bloomington, IN – Indiana University
10/8 Columbia, SC – University of South Carolina
10/15 San Diego, CA – UC of San Diego
10/23 Seattle, WA – Showbox Sodo
10/28 Charleston, SC – Charleston Visitors Center
10/29 Asheville, NC – Asheville Civic Center (Moogfest)
10/30 Houston, TX – Tom Bass Park Amphitheater
11/12 Chattanooga, TN – University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
11/18 Sydney, Australia – Fox Studios