Tag Archives: already-nasir

T.I. Says Chief Keef Gives A Voice To ‘Youth In America’

T.I. admits to courting the 16-year-old Chicago MC, but supports his decision to sign with Interscope. By Rob Markman T.I. Photo: Chief Keef has had a hell of a weekend. Not only did the 16-year-old Chicago MC sign a record deal with Interscope, he also got a chance to perform at Birthday Bash in front of 20,000 ATL rap fans. Keef was one of T.I. ‘s many special guests, which included Usher, Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy. Backstage, Tip gave the youngster the ultimate co-sign. “Chief Keef, I feel like he represents a part of America,” T.I. told MTV News. “He represents a part of the youth in America that ain’t really got a voice right now. We looking at ’em, and we’re seeing the results of their actions, but we ain’t really listening to ’em, and I think you gotta have a representative of each generation in order to understand what they dealing with.” Because of his power in the rap game, Tip feels it’s his responsibility to try to understand and help young rappers. Keef garnered a ton of attention thanks to underground standout tracks “I Don’t Like” and “3 Hunna.” The former is a gritty street track that denounces snitching and fake True Religion jeans. The song’s video has already amassed more than 6 million views on YouTube and caught the attention of Kanye West, who, along with Keef, Pusha T, Big Sean and Jadakiss, remixed the track. A number of industry executives have expressed interest in signing the young rapper. Birdman was vocal about courting the young spitter, but it was Interscope that presented the best offer. “They was talking good to me,” he told RapFix. “They was talking like I was talking, and I liked that. All these other labels, I was talking to ’em, but it’s time anyway for me, and I’m going with Interscope.” T.I. said there was an opportunity for Keef to join his Grand Hustle family, but he respects the young rapper’s decision. Tip is just happy that the go-getter was able to make a way for himself. “The opportunity existed, but I never put my own personal wishes before the best interest of the next person,” T.I. said. “I’m just happy that he’s able to do whatever’s best for him and his family and to move forward as a person and to progress in life. As long as he’s doing that, I’m happy.” What do you think Chief Keef’s signing to Interscope? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists Chief Keef T.I.

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T.I. Says Chief Keef Gives A Voice To ‘Youth In America’

Nas Producer Compares Life is Good To Amy Winehouse, Fugees

Salaam Remi compares Nas’ 10th solo album to Back to Black and The Score By Rob Markman Nas Photo: Despite having more than 20 years in the game and a number of classic albums already under his belt, Nas admitted to MTV News he’s “a little nervous” about completing his 10th solo album, Life is Good. Luckily, he has friends like producer Salaam Remi to reassure him. When Nas and Salaam were putting the finishing touches on the album, the rapper admitted doubt started to creep in. “At this point when we’re mastering, I start to get a little nervous,” Nas told MTV News on June 12. “I start thinking about those records I could’ve, should’ve, would’ve done that didn’t make it.” Remi, who worked with God’s Son on the majority of Life is Good, made it clear to Nas he has no doubts. The producer told him that the upcoming album reminded him of Amy Winehouse’s 2006 breakout Back to Black and the Fugees’ 1996 Grammy Award-winning LP The Score. Sounds like a lofty comparison, but Salaam produced on both Winehouse’s and the Fugees’ classic albums, so he is an authority on the matter. It’s not that Nas lacks confidence, but in the past he has been known to leave some pretty amazing records on the cutting-room floor. In fact, on 2002’s The Lost Tapes, he unearthed gems like the soulful “Doo Rags” and “No Idea’s Original.” For Life is Good, however, Nas firmly believes that he has all the right songs on there. Last November, Salaam spoke with MTV’s Mixtape Daily and described his friend’s recording process. “It’s always way more songs, Nas’s process is that he really records a lot and goes through different ideas and gets to that point,” he said. With Life is Good, the rap great thinks he has the right mix of tracks, however. “I feel like the record is definitely one of my more focused records,” he said. “It’s only the mastering part that I get nervous [about], because I’m like, ‘After it’s mastered, that’s it.’ ” Already Nasir has released “Nasty” and “The Don,” two street singles that are reminiscent of New York’s mid-1990s hip-hop movement. His latest single, “Daughters,” is a reflective jewel where he examines his role as a dad. So far it sounds like Esco has a quality album on his hands and he doesn’t want to look back with any regrets. “Three years from now, when I’m listening to it, I don’t want to always think what I should’ve put on this record … just so it could be a complete piece of work,” he said. “But it is a complete piece of work.” What are your expectations for Nas’ upcoming Life is Good LP? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists Nas

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Nas Producer Compares Life is Good To Amy Winehouse, Fugees