Tag Archives: mixtape-daily

Saigon Finally Tells The Greatest Story Never Told

‘This album is my offering to hip-hop,’ he tells Mixtape Daily of long-awaited debut. By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Rahman Dukes Saigon Photo: MTV News Mixtape Daily Main Pick Street King : Saigon Holding It Down For : Mooseknuckle to Brownsville Independent LP : The Greatest Story Never Told Real Spit : “This ain’t about a mixtape, this is about my story,” Saigon, a Mixtape Daily favorite, told us when we asked him about his upcoming project. “I know you know me from the mixtapes, but this is the album, the debut.” Pardon the intensity, but our Brooklyn brother has been hard at work on this project for more than a few years, and his labor of love is just weeks away from finally seeing the light of day. “This album is my offering to hip-hop,” Sai said. “There’s no jumping from story to story. It’s put together like a story, from start to beginning. And I think it’s a great piece of work that people are gonna appreciate.” The New York rhyme spitter has a tale that’s as in-depth as his poetics on wax. He was one of the Big Apple’s finest upstarts in years and inked a deal with Atlantic Records. He later raged against the machine, however, with his blistering “Trans-Atlantic Slave Deal” when he felt he was being pushed to deliver pop hits and later parted ways with the label. On February 15, the rapper will finally release a collective of material that showcases his full range of skills, from his booming voice, passionate delivery and lively topical offerings. After delivering a couple of warning shots, Saigon is in storytelling mode now. Joints to Check For

Cory Gunz Documentary Series To Premiere In April On MTV

Exec producer Nick Cannon teaming up with Young Money MC to chart his rise in six-part show debuting on April 28. By Jayson Rodriguez Corey Gunz Photo: MTV News Nick Cannon and Cory Gunz announced on Monday (January 31) that they’ll premiere their new docu-series, “Son of a Gun,” this April on MTV. The long-in-the-works production will follow the latest Lil Wayne prot

Rah Digga Says She Won’t ‘Get Caught Up’ In Femcee Feuds

Ex-Flipmode MC tells Mixtape Daily battle between Nicki Minaj, Lil’ Kim and others is about ‘celebrity,’ not artistry. By Jayson Rodriguez, with additional reporting by Rahman Dukes Rah Digga Photo: Raw Koncept Media Group The Streets Is Talking: News & Notes From the Underground Can’t a lady MC just spit anymore? With all the beefing going on between Nicki Minaj, Lil’ Kim , Foxy Brown and now, even Jackie O, lost in the shuffle is veteran rhymer Rah Digga. The Dirty Harriet star recently headlined an all-ladies lineup in Los Angeles and next month she’ll bring her talents to Brooklyn for a “Ladies First” show at Southpaw , alongside underground Toronto lyricist Eternia. “To be honest, if you’re an artist and you’re just into the music, all that [beef] stuff is irrelevant,” Digga told Mixtape Daily. “All that stuff they’re fighting for has nothing to do with making good music or being an artist. It is what it is. It’s a fight about being a popular celebrity. It has nothing to do with music. And I don’t get caught up in that and I don’t deal with anybody in it.” Instead, the New Jersey native continues to craft her well-received bars. The former Flipmode Squad member put out her Nottz-produced Classic LP last year, which was the first album by Digga since her 2000 debut. In the time elapsed since Dirty Harriet, the roaring female MC took up another trade and learned film editing at Manhattan’s New York Film Academy. Now, with backing from a new label, Raw Koncept, and one release already out, Digga promises a follow-up (and mixtape) are coming sooner than expected. “[ Classic ] was just an album that I wanted to do,” she explained. “I didn’t have any A&Rs in my ears. I put it out with Nottz and there it was. I think a lot of artists really don’t have that luxury, ’cause they’re too busy having to follow the label protocol and stuff. It’s one thing when you’re coming into the game and making music and trying to find your footing in the industry, per se. So you roll with the punches, which is part of what I did with Dirty Harriet. Not the music. But the ‘I don’t care about going platinum in the first week.’ I had other stipulations that I wasn’t budging from. “You won’t have to wait another 10 years, I promise,” Digga added about her follow-up. Other Heat This Week

Mick Jagger And Sting Repping The Roc? Johnny Nunez Made It Happen

Hip-hop photographer recalls persuading rock-star duo and film mogul Harvey Weinstein to flash the Roc diamond, in Mixtape Daily. By Jayson Rodriguez Johnny Nunez Photo: MTV News Celebrity Favorites: Johnny Nunez In the playbook for rap stardom, few things are as essential as being photographed by Johnny Nunez. The New York photog has snapped some of the most iconic images in hip-hop, from Jay-Z and Nas sharing a champagne toast to Mick Jagger, Sting and movie mogul Harvey Weinstein each flashing the Roc diamond in a picture together. For the latter, Nunez exhibited his trademark charm to pull off the feat (anyone in New York City social circles can attest to this), but he endured a hostile environment in the process. Nunez has been reflecting on his career lately, with both a documentary on his life (“Shooting Stars”) previewing on the festival circuit and a New Era cap collaboration (to benefit the Eye Can Foundation for the blind). “A client of mine’s friend said [to him], ‘Why did you bring a photographer?’ ” Nunez told Mixtape Daily about snapping the Jagger, Sting and Weinstein pic that paid homage to Roc-A-Fella Records. “I looked back, and all I saw was all these ice grills [looking at me]. So I thought, ‘Wow, what am I gonna do?’ ” The event was a Vanity Fair party overseas, and Nunez had accompanied Damon Dash — he worked as the hip-hop mogul’s personal photographer — and his entourage. Nunez saw the three powerhouse celebrities together in the distance and put his hustle to work. “I said, ‘Excuse me, could I get a photo?’ And I heard the other photographers: ‘What is he doing?’ ” Nunez recalled. “I could feel the security guards wanting to yank me.” Sting agreed, and Nunez asked the singer if he could put his hands together in the diamond symbol made popular by Jay-Z as recognition of his and Dash’s label, Roc-A-Fella. Sting obliged but asked what the gesture meant. “It’s a universal symbol of love,” Nunez shot back. Weinsten also agreed to toss up the Roc. The Rolling Stones frontman hesitated, but Sting nudged his peer and soon all three cooperated. “I went back to the same guys [who were hating on me], and they said, ‘That’s what I’m talking about,’ ” Nunez recalled. “The moral of that story is, I try to do things at that very moment that either have never been done before or aren’t generic,” he added. “I try to be organic.” For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines . Related Artists The Rolling Stones Jay-Z Sting

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Mick Jagger And Sting Repping The Roc? Johnny Nunez Made It Happen

A.J. McLean Promises Rehab Won’t Affect NKOTBSB Tour

‘None of this will affect our current tour plans,’ Backstreet Boy says of hitting the road in June. By Jocelyn Vena A.J. McLean Photo: Getty Images After confirming on Thursday (January 13) that he was entering rehab, reportedly for substance abuse issues, Backstreet Boy A.J. McLean assured fans that his treatment will not affect the band’s upcoming summer tour with the New Kids on the Block. McLean said in a statement, “For personal reasons, I’ve checked myself into a rehab clinic. With 2011 being a busy year for Backstreet, I want to be healthy and perform and sing for people at my very best and happiest. None of this will affect our current tour plans and I look forward to seeing everyone really soon!” He added, “Thank you for all of your support and respecting my family and friends privacy during this time.” NKOTBSB are set to hit the road beginning June 2 for a show at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. And the tour, as of now, is slated to run through July 30 in Hershey, Pennsylvania. McLean first hinted about his health issues this past Sunday in a few tweets . “Thank u all for my bday wishes and tweets:)! Its gonna be a great year! I love u all and wish me luck! I start my sober journey tomm! Ttfn!” he wrote on his Twitter page. A day later, he added, “Hey all wish me luck! This is gonna be an amazing year for me and all around me! I love u all and appreciate all the love and support” TMZ reported that sources close to the pop star say he has been “out of control” lately. According to those sources, McLean was under the influence during much of the Backstreet Boys’ cruise last month. He entered rehab, his third time in a decade, reportedly because his issues were affecting the planning stages of the NKOTBSB tour. Related Artists Backstreet Boys New Kids on the Block

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A.J. McLean Promises Rehab Won’t Affect NKOTBSB Tour

A.J. McLean Promises Rehab Won’t Affect NKOTBSB Tour

‘None of this will affect our current tour plans,’ Backstreet Boy says of hitting the road in June. By Jocelyn Vena A.J. McLean Photo: Getty Images After confirming on Thursday (January 13) that he was entering rehab, reportedly for substance abuse issues, Backstreet Boy A.J. McLean assured fans that his treatment will not affect the band’s upcoming summer tour with the New Kids on the Block. McLean said in a statement, “For personal reasons, I’ve checked myself into a rehab clinic. With 2011 being a busy year for Backstreet, I want to be healthy and perform and sing for people at my very best and happiest. None of this will affect our current tour plans and I look forward to seeing everyone really soon!” He added, “Thank you for all of your support and respecting my family and friends privacy during this time.” NKOTBSB are set to hit the road beginning June 2 for a show at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. And the tour, as of now, is slated to run through July 30 in Hershey, Pennsylvania. McLean first hinted about his health issues this past Sunday in a few tweets . “Thank u all for my bday wishes and tweets:)! Its gonna be a great year! I love u all and wish me luck! I start my sober journey tomm! Ttfn!” he wrote on his Twitter page. A day later, he added, “Hey all wish me luck! This is gonna be an amazing year for me and all around me! I love u all and appreciate all the love and support” TMZ reported that sources close to the pop star say he has been “out of control” lately. According to those sources, McLean was under the influence during much of the Backstreet Boys’ cruise last month. He entered rehab, his third time in a decade, reportedly because his issues were affecting the planning stages of the NKOTBSB tour. Related Artists Backstreet Boys New Kids on the Block

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A.J. McLean Promises Rehab Won’t Affect NKOTBSB Tour

Drake’s Next Act, Lil Wayne’s Return, More Hip-Hop Stories To Watch

Mixtape Daily gears up for post-prison music from T.I. and Mobb Deep’s Prodigy, along with more from Young Money/ Cash Money. By Jayson Rodriguez Lil Wayne Photo: Skip Bolen/ Getty Images Arrests and court cases dominated the hip-hop headlines last year, but with Lil Wayne free and a host of new stars ready to take the next step, 2011 should bring some better days . Drake is expected to drop Take Care, the follow-up to his debut, and the entire Young Money/ Cash Money crew has their sights set on world domination (can we also get a world tour?). There are still some MCs behind bars, but T.I. and Mobb Deep’s Prodigy will be out soon, and hopefully acts like Young Jeezy, 50 Cent and Nas can rebound from rap purgatory with projects worthy of their talents. Here, Mixtape Daily presents part two in our preview of stories to follow in the new year. Drake’s Second Date The breakout star of 2010 is working on the follow-up to his debut, Thank Me Later : the gentlemanly titled Take Care. He’s promised bigger records for his sophomore set, and so far, he’s been in the studio with Justin Timberlake and the Neptunes, among others, to prove his point. His much-hyped R&B mixtape, It’s Never Enough, is on hold at the moment as Drizzy takes his act international during his current jaunt across the Atlantic with J. Cole. When the pair of projects arrive, however, expect Drake-mania to ratchet up all over again. Freed MCs The past 12 months weren’t kind to T.I. After being released from a halfway house in March, the beloved Atlanta MC returned to work, but the reception to his solo material was tepid. He scored knockouts with his guest verses on Drake’s and Rick Ross’ albums, but by the time he released his retooled (and rushed) No Mercy LP, he was back behind bars after a parole violation . We’re hoping Tip rebounds like Blake Griffin when he completes his 11-month prison term. Mobb Deep’s Prodigy, meanwhile, is scheduled to finish his jail sentence this year as well. The New York MC was embarking on a rejuvenated solo career when he was arrested on gun-possession charges. We’ll be saluting him when he touches back down. Rebounding Rappers Without a doubt, Young Jeezy is one of the best out, but the trap star has had a harder time than usual getting his latest album, the long-delayed Thug Motivation 103, out the gate due to the slow response to his single choices. Likewise, a motivated 50 Cent, who has been busy milking millions of dollars out of Hollywood lately, is set to come back with a new album, the follow-up to Before I Self-Destruct, the superstar’s first LP to fall short of the platinum-selling mark. Fellow Queens native Nas may have expanded his fanbase with his collaborative effort with Damian Marley, but fans are looking for the Distant Relatives MC to return to Nasty Nas form on his forthcoming effort, due later this year. Weezy’s World There’s Lil Wayne’s next album, and then there’s everybody else’s projects. Apologies to Jay-Z and Kanye West, but even their royal collaborative LP, Watch the Thrown, has to bow down to Tha Carter IV as the most-anticipated hip-hop album of the year. The frenetic MC was behind bars for 10 months in 2010 and has kept a low profile since he was released in November. Weezy’s rollicking “6 Foot 7 Foot” is a sign of things to come. Excuse his charisma, but we’re rocking with the Cash Money King in 2011. Young Money/ Cash Money Takeover Nicki Minaj is still in full promotional mode for Pink Friday, with videos on the way for her Drake-assisted “Moment 4 Life” and “Fly” featuring Rihanna. Then there’s Drizzy’s pair of projects, his R&B mixtape and Take Care. Lil Wayne is back (!!!) and putting the final touches on Tha Carter IV. The next generation of YM heavy hitters are on deck: Tyga, Lil Twist and Cory Gunz are all expected to drop their debuts albums. New Cash Money acquisition DJ Khaled is also readying his first project for the house that Baby and Slim built. Then there’s the rumored YMCMB tour that would place the revamped crew alongside Bad Boy, Death Row, No Limit, Rough Ryders and Roc-A-Fella as one of the premiere collectives in hip-hop history. Mixtape Daily will be back on the daily grind beginning Tuesday, January 18, with our first Main Pick of the new year, Rick Ross’ Ashes to Ashes. For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines . Related Videos 2011 Hip-Hop Stories To Watch Related Photos Top Hip-Hop Stories To Watch In 2011

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Drake’s Next Act, Lil Wayne’s Return, More Hip-Hop Stories To Watch

Drake’s Next Act, Lil Wayne’s Return, More Hip-Hop Stories To Watch

Mixtape Daily gears up for post-prison music from T.I. and Mobb Deep’s Prodigy, along with more from Young Money/ Cash Money. By Jayson Rodriguez Lil Wayne Photo: Skip Bolen/ Getty Images Arrests and court cases dominated the hip-hop headlines last year, but with Lil Wayne free and a host of new stars ready to take the next step, 2011 should bring some better days . Drake is expected to drop Take Care, the follow-up to his debut, and the entire Young Money/ Cash Money crew has their sights set on world domination (can we also get a world tour?). There are still some MCs behind bars, but T.I. and Mobb Deep’s Prodigy will be out soon, and hopefully acts like Young Jeezy, 50 Cent and Nas can rebound from rap purgatory with projects worthy of their talents. Here, Mixtape Daily presents part two in our preview of stories to follow in the new year. Drake’s Second Date The breakout star of 2010 is working on the follow-up to his debut, Thank Me Later : the gentlemanly titled Take Care. He’s promised bigger records for his sophomore set, and so far, he’s been in the studio with Justin Timberlake and the Neptunes, among others, to prove his point. His much-hyped R&B mixtape, It’s Never Enough, is on hold at the moment as Drizzy takes his act international during his current jaunt across the Atlantic with J. Cole. When the pair of projects arrive, however, expect Drake-mania to ratchet up all over again. Freed MCs The past 12 months weren’t kind to T.I. After being released from a halfway house in March, the beloved Atlanta MC returned to work, but the reception to his solo material was tepid. He scored knockouts with his guest verses on Drake’s and Rick Ross’ albums, but by the time he released his retooled (and rushed) No Mercy LP, he was back behind bars after a parole violation . We’re hoping Tip rebounds like Blake Griffin when he completes his 11-month prison term. Mobb Deep’s Prodigy, meanwhile, is scheduled to finish his jail sentence this year as well. The New York MC was embarking on a rejuvenated solo career when he was arrested on gun-possession charges. We’ll be saluting him when he touches back down. Rebounding Rappers Without a doubt, Young Jeezy is one of the best out, but the trap star has had a harder time than usual getting his latest album, the long-delayed Thug Motivation 103, out the gate due to the slow response to his single choices. Likewise, a motivated 50 Cent, who has been busy milking millions of dollars out of Hollywood lately, is set to come back with a new album, the follow-up to Before I Self-Destruct, the superstar’s first LP to fall short of the platinum-selling mark. Fellow Queens native Nas may have expanded his fanbase with his collaborative effort with Damian Marley, but fans are looking for the Distant Relatives MC to return to Nasty Nas form on his forthcoming effort, due later this year. Weezy’s World There’s Lil Wayne’s next album, and then there’s everybody else’s projects. Apologies to Jay-Z and Kanye West, but even their royal collaborative LP, Watch the Thrown, has to bow down to Tha Carter IV as the most-anticipated hip-hop album of the year. The frenetic MC was behind bars for 10 months in 2010 and has kept a low profile since he was released in November. Weezy’s rollicking “6 Foot 7 Foot” is a sign of things to come. Excuse his charisma, but we’re rocking with the Cash Money King in 2011. Young Money/ Cash Money Takeover Nicki Minaj is still in full promotional mode for Pink Friday, with videos on the way for her Drake-assisted “Moment 4 Life” and “Fly” featuring Rihanna. Then there’s Drizzy’s pair of projects, his R&B mixtape and Take Care. Lil Wayne is back (!!!) and putting the final touches on Tha Carter IV. The next generation of YM heavy hitters are on deck: Tyga, Lil Twist and Cory Gunz are all expected to drop their debuts albums. New Cash Money acquisition DJ Khaled is also readying his first project for the house that Baby and Slim built. Then there’s the rumored YMCMB tour that would place the revamped crew alongside Bad Boy, Death Row, No Limit, Rough Ryders and Roc-A-Fella as one of the premiere collectives in hip-hop history. Mixtape Daily will be back on the daily grind beginning Tuesday, January 18, with our first Main Pick of the new year, Rick Ross’ Ashes to Ashes. For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines . Related Videos 2011 Hip-Hop Stories To Watch Related Photos Top Hip-Hop Stories To Watch In 2011

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Drake’s Next Act, Lil Wayne’s Return, More Hip-Hop Stories To Watch

Kanye West, Swizz Beatz And More Top Producers Of 2010

Bink! and Clark Kent also hold it down by finding key samples, in Mixtape Daily. By Jayson Rodriguez, with additional reporting by Hillary Crosley, Rahman Dukes, Steven Roberts and Richard Sancho Swizz Beatz, Kanye West and Clark Kent Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News This is Mixtape Daily, so you know the deal: We spotlight the essence of street culture. And when it comes to those behind the boards, it gets no truer than producers who know how to dig in the crates and find a dusty sample that will inject life into a new composition. These four guys reached deep down, far and wide, to the nether regions of their musical minds to create bangers that became the soundtrack of the past 12 months. Without further ado, we close out our year-end awards by saluting the Top Producers of 2010: Bink! Wax Lift : Smokey Robinson’s “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?” Street Symphony : Kanye West’s “Devil in a New Dress” Originally, this one (co-produced by Mike Dean) dropped as part of ‘Ye’s G.O.O.D. Friday series, and West picked apart Bink!’s loop of the Motown star’s stirring vocals to add his own twist. “Hood phenomenon, the LeBron of rhyme,” he spit. “Hard to be humble when you stunning on a JumboTron/ I’m looking at her like, ‘This what you really wanted, huh?/ Why we arguing anyway? Oh, I forgot, it’s summertime.’ ” Clark Kent Wax Lift : Enchantment’s “Silly Love Long” Street Symphony : Rick Ross’ “Super High” Praises to Barry White and his “I’m Gonna Love You Just a Little Bit More, Baby,” but it’s not that sample that raised this stirring Rick Ross track to sublime heights. Rather, it’s the way Kent (and co-producers the Remedy) flip Enchantment’s “Silly Love Long” that takes this one up a notch. “We shining when it’s pitch dark, yeah this bitch a movie, but this time I play a big part,” Ross muscles through the beat with his flow. “F— marketing, look at what I’m accomplishing/ I’m beating n—as by margins bigger than Fran Tarkenton.” Swizz Beatz Wax Lift : Justice’s “D.A.N.C.E.” remix Street Symphony : Jay-Z’s “On to the Next One” While most producers speed up samples, Swizz took the road less traveled and slowed down this driving dance tune into a military-march tempo. The result was Hov’s mantra for his next decade of dominance and MTV News’ #8 Song of 2010 . “Baby, I’m a boss, I don’t know what they do,” Jay spit. “I don’t get dropped, I drop the label.” Kanye West Wax Lift : Backyard Heavies’ “Expo 83” Street Symphony : “Runaway” Rick James might be the signature sample on this one, but it’s the drum loop from the Backyard Heavies where ‘Ye (and co-producers Emile, Mike Dean and Jeff Bhaskar) set their sail for this number to rise to one of the year’s best tracks. “See, I could have me a good girl and still be addicted to them hood rats,” Yeezy rhymes. “And I just blame everything on you/ At least you know that’s what I’m good at.” For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines . Related Videos 2010 Mixtape Daily Year End Awards

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Kanye West, Swizz Beatz And More Top Producers Of 2010

Joe Budden Will ‘Run This Internet Thing’ On ‘RapFix Live’

‘I’m not holding anything back,’ MC says of Thursday Web broadcast. By Jayson Rodriguez Joe Budden Photo: Johnny Nunez/ WireImage Internet soldiers, line up! Your general, Joe Budden, will be the next guest on MTV News’ Web broadcast “RapFix Live.” The New Jersey-bred MC will sit down with Sway and the two will take questions from you, the fans. “I’m not holding anything back,” Budden told MTV News. “To my fans, let’s show MTV how we run this Internet thing.” The JoeBuddenTV.com host will take questions from Twitter that fans can send to us at @MTVRapFix with the hashtag #rapfixlive. Sway will also take questions for Budden via video if fans upload clips to Your.MTV.com. The Mood Muzik star vows to take on any inquiry. Want to know the latest on the Slaughterhouse/ Shady Records deal ? Interested in Joe Budden’s love life and his decision to part ways with his longtime love Tahiry? Want to ask whether the “Pump It Up” MC will ever again ink a major-label deal as a solo artist? All you have to do is ask. This week’s “RapFix Live” is a special 2010 year-end edition as well. It still airs Thursday at 4 p.m. ET on MTV.com and RapFix.com. But we’re also going to bring you the best of our Mixtape Daily coverage from the past 12 months. All week we’ve been tapping the best of the best, from the Top Mixtapes to the Top DJs, and on Wednesday (December 15) we revealed our Firestarter of the Year pick in Roc Nation’s recent signee Jay Electronica . Related Artists Joe Budden

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Joe Budden Will ‘Run This Internet Thing’ On ‘RapFix Live’