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Reflection Eternal Recaptured ‘Natural Chemistry’ On New Album

Posted on May 20, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek drop Revolutions Per Minute –10 years after debut LP. By Steven Roberts Talib Kweli Photo: Michael Buckner/ Getty Images Reflection Eternal released their second studio album Revolutions Per Minute earlier this week — 10 years after the release of their first album, Train of Thought. The hip-hop duo made up of Talib Kweli and producer Hi-Tek made a blast in 2000 with their critically acclaimed debut, but failed to follow it up with another LP until now. The pair recently released the video for their single “Midnight Hour,” featuring Estelle, and they seem to have naturally evolved in the decade since they became a group to watch. But Hi-Tek admitted it was difficult recapturing their chemistry at first. “Once we got it started, I think the initial thing was just actually getting that natural chemistry and not just doing it just because somebody wants us to do it,” he said. “And once we got that real friend vibe back in the studio and kicking it on a natural level, I think everything just came together smooth.” Tek said Kweli’s busy touring schedule made it hard to pin him down. He also said Kweli had to get used to working with just one producer again — a process that differs considerably from just grabbing a beat from a Kanye West or a Just Blaze. “I don’t have an issue with the waiting but I’ve done so many albums on my own that I’ve developed a certain way that I record,” Kweli explained. “And I did have to switch it up. I’m used to getting the tracks and sitting with them and being able to record them and send them back and this and that. It’s just a whole different process when you’re working with one producer.” Reflection Eternal aren’t too concerned, they said, with living up to the standards of their first project. In fact, Hi-Tek insisted that Revolutions is worthy of classic status, but ultimately, fans will have the last word. “Afroman got a classic — ‘Because I Got High,’ everybody knows that song — but it’s because of the machine and how it got behind it,” Kweli said. “I feel like every song that we put on the new album is classic. We try to only put classic material, but you never know what the people are going to respond to or what the machine is going to push to make them respond,” he added. “I never knew,” Hi-Tek said of the Afroman track. “I always felt like, ‘Wow, they’re doing a video to that track.’ I just went and bought this record for a quarter, made a beat out of it and now it’s on TV.” What did you think of Estelle’s guest spot in the new Reflection Eternal video? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Talib Kweli

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Kanye West Protege Big Sean Talks Being Finally Famous

Posted on May 19, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘I used to tell people that I used to ride to high school listening to Kanye,’ the MC says of being signed to West’s G.O.O.D Music. By Steven Roberts Big Sean and Kanye West Photo: MTV News Kanye West’s G.O.O.D Music label is gearing up for a banner year. The rapper/producer’s G.O.O.D Music Grammy Family boasts some of the most anticipated albums of 2010: Kid Cudi is set to release his newly reworked sophomore effort, Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager, Common is working on his The Believer album and West is reportedly aiming to deliver his Good Ass Job this fall. But one project that has the streets seriously excited is Finally Famous, the debut album from the roster’s youngest member, Big Sean . Earlier this year, Sean was named one of XXL ‘s Freshman 10 , and MTV News caught up with the Detroit rapper on the set of the cover shoot for the magazine’s buzzed-about issue. Sean opened up about his upcoming project (still without a release date), saying it represented more to him than just getting on. “I’m calling it Finally Famous because, basically, that’s how I live,” Sean explained. “I feel like when you’re famous for something, you’re being recognized for it. I threw that “finally” in front of it just to symbolize and point out the struggle that I always had to go through.” And Sean acknowledged that he had some key backers helping him to get to this point. Signed Def Jam and G.O.O.D Music, Sean’s Famous counts L.A. Reid and West as executive producers. Sean cited both Kanye and (West’s mentor) producer No ID as influential in his own development. The A-list producers are onboard for his debut, alongside the Neptunes and lesser-known producers like Wright Traxx and Chris Liggio. “Man, it’s unreal. I used to tell people that I used to ride to high school listening to Kanye,” Sean recalled. “Listening to people like Pharrell, and looking up to people like L.A. Reid, so getting a chance to know them now, to work with them, to do business, that’s unbelievable. It’s like super dream come true.” The “Supa Dupa” MC’s debut will feature collaborations with most of his G.O.O.D family, as well as Drake and The-Dream, but he was excited about a track he recorded with Pharrell called “Donald Trump.” ” ‘Donald Trump’ is more inspirational. It’s just about, like, reaching a certain point of success. Like Pharrell is singing on the hook, ‘I’m trying to stuff ’til I can’t get no more/ I’m talking Donald Trump level.’ He’s not even necessarily talking money — he’s talking knowledge and power and all of that.” Which Big Sean collaboration are you most looking forward to hearing? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Big Sean Kanye West

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Cam’ron, Jim Jones Reunite On The Court At Band Of Ballers Tournament

Posted on May 3, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Cam’ron joins Jones’ basketball team for Diplomats reunion at Converse event on Saturday. By Steven Roberts Cam’ron and Jim Jones Photo: MTV News Jim Jones’ Jones Family team took home Converse Band of Ballers Tournament trophy for their second consecutive time on Saturday, but the day’s main talking point was Jones’ surprise teammate. Cam’ron’s arrival at Clark Atlanta University caused quite a stir, as fans and media swarmed the Harlem rapper. Cam barely had a chance to enjoy the Jones Family’s physical win against Shawty Lo and OJ Da Juiceman’s team, Southern Hospitality. “The Jones Family won by one point,” Cam told MTV News. “I thought I was on Rikers Island, watching the game just now. They’re fouling up everybody. Jim got out there for a while, wild bully. It was a good win for the Jones Family.” Cam eventually donned the Jones Family’s gold uniform and played in the championship game against Southern Hospitality. But all that basketball didn’t keep fans from wondering about the status of the Diplomats’ reunion . Cam and Jim have enjoyed modest success since they parted ways in 2007, but they were arguably at their peak when the Diplomats flooded the game for a better part of the past decade. Cam confirmed they have started working on new material. “We working, everything is working,” he said. “Right now, we’re doing a couple of songs. We’re trying to get the business together. Right now we’re just doing music.” They still have solo material to release too. Cam said the next installment of Boss of All Bosses with DJ Drama should be dropping Wednesday, and Jim said he was about to work on Coke Rush Pt. I with DJ Scream. Jones maintained that they are going to start working real heavy on their Diplomats project . “Me

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T.I. Premieres ‘I’m Back,’ First Video Since Prison Release

Posted on April 27, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Clip, from forthcoming album King Uncaged, finds Tip getting reacquainted with his hometown. By Jayson Rodriguez T.I. in his video for “I’m Back” Photo: Atlantic Everybody loves a comeback, and T.I. is in full force with his return. On Monday night, the Atlanta rapper premiered the video for “I’m Back,” the first track he’s released since he ended his federal prison sentence earlier this year. The clip debuted on T.I.’s website , and features him returning to his roots. Tip, sitting shotgun in a black SUV, is driven to a group of buildings. The truck slowly pulls up to a warehouse in the complex and Tip exits the vehicle as the door to the building opens. T.I. quickly enters and lights a match to brighten up the dark space. Clad in a hoodie, T-shirt and little jewelry, Tip walks up to a covered car parked inside. When T.I. pulls back the cover, the camera finds his car, a Ferrari, waiting for him. The rapper shuffles over to the trunk of the import and inside spots a leather bag, from which he retrieves wads of cash and an expensive watch and necklace set. And his shades. From there, Tip takes a spin in his car and gets reacquainted with his hometown. But like the lyrics in the song, T.I. isn’t revisiting his past mistakes, he’s moving on. “Probably just seen Wayne, Gucci Mane, me and Boosie all go to prison, now he flippin’ his whole image,” Tip raps. “Really trippin’, listen dude, for you that’s not in your cards/ Think the power’s in the gun, but overall it’s in your heart.” “I’m Back,” the first offering from T.I.’s forthcoming King Uncaged LP, premiered last month. The rapper, who hasn’t spoken much since he was released from prison late last month has been hard at work on his album, which is scheduled to arrive in stores and online August 17. In an interview that was posted on his site recently, the rapper spoke about the project and promised fans a more aggressive tone on King Uncaged . “I want to maintain the level of success I’ve been fortunate enough to do, over and over again, over the years,” Tip said. “This album is different in many ways. I think that Paper Trail was a lot more about thoughts; this is more about feelings. This is significantly more aggressive, or at least at this period in production. Who knows? I can do 10 love songs tomorrow and change the direction. At this point, right now, it’s going hard. It’s going hard like classic T.I.” What do you think of T.I.’s new video? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos MTV News Extended Play: T.I. Related Artists T.I.

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B.o.B Says Debut Album Has Some ‘Surprising Factors’

Posted on April 27, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘You can’t just understand me with one song,’ he says of B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray. By Steven Roberts Photo: MTV News B.o.B has forged quite a path for himself during his brief time in the music industry. The promising young MC is set to release his debut album, B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray, on Tuesday (April 27) after a year that included announcements of alleged retirements , label squabbling and two name changes (Bobby Ray and then back again to B.o.B). Now B.o.B finds himself with the #2 record in the country and his collaboration with Paramore’s Hayley Williams following close behind. B.o.B said that he and his fans are finally ready for his full-length effort. “Getting to this point and finally getting an album out — I know I speak on behalf of all my fans — it’s been a very long wait and I feel like everybody’s finally ready for it,” he explained. “Even though I’ve had a lot of music in the past, I feel like now it’s timing, because timing plays a huge role in the success of things — especially me, and getting here really took a lot of online presence, a lot of performing. It took a lot of shows. “It took a lot of building relationships,” he continued. “Even with the fans, you have to build the relationship with the fans. Someone may just like one song, but that’s just one song. You really have got to build and grow. My music has a wide variety to it, so you can’t just understand me with one song.” B.o.B joked that it would probably take the average listener 10 songs to get to know him — his album is eclectic and not short on guest appearances, featuring T.I., Lupe Fiasco, Rivers Cuomo of Weezer and Eminem . “I think now people know what they should expect, and even still, playing the album for people they’re still like, ‘Wow, I didn’t know it was going to be that,’ ” he said of fans’ reactions. “I think the fans know to expect decent music. I don’t think anybody’s expectations will be low for it, but I feel like it will definitely have some surprising factors to it.” What do you think of B.o.B’s debut? Let us know in the comments below! Related Artists B.o.B

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Dondria Signed By Jermaine Dupri Thanks To YouTube Videos

Posted on April 26, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘I put a video on YouTube just to see what people would say,’ singer says of path that led her to a contract with So So Def Recordings. By Steven Roberts Dondria Photo: MTV News YouTube has given plenty of singers a shot at stardom, the most notable being teen sensation Justin Bieber. The website offers people a venue to showcase their talents, and sometimes they cultivate their own fanbase using the power of the Internet — in the case So So Def’s newest R&B sensation Dondria, the right person just happened to be watching her channel. Dondria began posting videos to the site under the alias Phatfffat in 2006, because she wanted to see what people really thought of her as a singer. “I put a video on YouTube just to see what people would say — besides my mom or my friends, because they could tell you you can sing but you probably can’t. I wanted to get that honest opinion on YouTube. A year later I had 25 videos up, people were coming out [from] everywhere trying to sign me or collaborate with me [and] one of those people was [Jermaine Dupri].” The So So Def boss flew her and her mother out Atlanta to start work — but it took a couple of months to convince Dondria he was actually JD. “First, he tried to reach me over YouTube, but I never got that message. Then he went over to MySpace, and at first I didn’t think it was him, so I was kind of ignoring him. ‘Don’t play with me, I’m smarter than that,’ ” Dondria replied. “But it was really him. I’m so mad — like, what if he had stopped writing me. I wouldn’t be here,” she offered. “I finally responded and realized that it was really him, and ever since then I’ve bugged him like, everyday. ‘Let’s work, like, right now! Let’s get it done!’ ” Dupri worked her tirelessly in hopes of bringing out her best and gave her the chance to work with the likes of Johnta Austin and No I.D., learn about the recording process and discover her own sound. Her debut album, Dondria vs. Phatfffat, is expected to be released in June. However, despite the title’s implications, the album isn’t a fight between personalities. “It’s not really an alter-ego thing — it’s really kind of explaining to everbody that I could be more than Phatfffat that you saw on YouTube that was singing other people’s songs, forgetting words and eating pizza. Dondria, she’s singing her own music. She’s proving to everybody that she can be an artist and not just a person on YouTube.” Are you looking forward to Dondria’s debut album? Let us know in the comments below! Related Artists Jermaine Dupri

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Diplomats Are ‘Getting Back On Track,’ Jim Jones And Cam’ron Say

Posted on April 20, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘If it makes sense, it can happen,’ Cam says of getting the Dipset back together. By Steven Roberts Diplomats Photo: Diplomats The Diplomats were a staple of New York hip-hop for much of the past decade. The group, formed by Cam’ron and Jim Jones, rose to prominence with the release of Cam’s third album, Come Home With Me, and continued their momentum with the constant barrage of mixtapes, two compilation albums and various solo projects. The collective, also known as the Dipset, hit a rocky patch in late 2007 after disagreements between Cam’ron and Jones. The various parties went their separate ways, due to what seemed like irreconcilable differences. But a reunion looks to be on the horizon. Cam’ron and Jones phoned Miss Info last week to talk about their current relationship. “It’s 2010, and this is something I gotta get off my chest. … You’ve known us from back when we didn’t have what we have now, so you remember, that above all, me and Cam, we still brothers,” Jones said. “And we’re building on getting back on track, but first, I apologize for being a rude brother, for saying things publicly without first trying to handle them privately. I apologize for not leading by example, because what I didn’t realize at the time, I was venting, but it wasn’t all about me. There were other people whose dreams were also part of this movement.” Jones said his emotions got in the way of the group’s business and messed things up. He apologized for airing grievances publicly before discussing them privately. He also said that he, Cam’ron and Juelz were all successful and blessed, but the other Dipset members were not as fortunate. “We had this luxurious life, but the rest of the family, they had a slowdown because of the ball I started rolling,” Jones said. “I’d be pissed at me too.” He said God works in mysterious ways, and that since their breakup, they have grown as individual artists. He needed to clear his conscience before they worked on building a bigger and better movement, Jones said. Cam’ron said there isn’t any Dipset music for fans just yet, since they all had their own obligations. “I have this Boss of All Bosses Pt. 2.5 mixtape with Vado and DJ Drama dropping soon,” Cam said. “But yes, me and Jim have been speaking, we’re working out the mechanics of this and looking at our options right now. If it makes sense, it can happen.” Do you want to hear new music from the Diplomats? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Cam’ron Jim Jones

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B.o.B’s ‘Airplanes, Part 2,’ Featuring Eminem And Hayley Williams, Hits The Net

Posted on April 19, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘Since the album is leaking, I want this one to come from ME,’ B.o.B tweets about posting song. By Steven Roberts B.o.B Photo: MTV News There’s been much hype surrounding B.o.B’s debut album, B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray, which is slated to drop April 27. The album’s lead single and surprise hit, “Nothin’ on You,” featuring Bruno Mars, currently sits at #1 on iTunes’ songs chart . But once the album’s track listing was released, anticipation began to grow even more, thanks in large part to the Eminem feature on “Airplanes Part II.” B.o.B decided to unleash the track Monday afternoon (April 19) via his website , and it lives up expectations. The song features Em spitting another song-stealing verse, rapping hypothetically about what could have been failed opportunities. “Let’s pretend Marshal Mathers never picked up a pen/ Let’s pretend things would’ve been no different/ Pretend he procrastinated, had no motivation, pretend he just made excuses that were so paper thin.” Em continues, listing off scenes from his now-famous narrative of a tortured childhood and his tumultuous relationship with his mother. “Now pretend they ain’t just make him angry with this sh–/ And there was no one he could even aim [at] when he’s pissed at/ And his alarm went off to wake him, but he didn’t make it to the Rap Olympics/ Slept through his plane and he missed/ He’s going to have a hard time explaining to Hailey and Laney this food stamps and this WIC sh–/ Because he never risked sh–/ He hoped and he wished it.” The retrospective track also features Paramore’s Hayley Williams on the hook , who was as surprised as anyone by the Eminem collaboration. “I only found out about Eminem getting on the track like a month ago,” she told MTV News. “As if the song couldn’t get any better. He just slays me, he’s such a genius.” B.o.B told MTV News last week that it was a gift to work with one of his heroes. He said Em’s manager Paul Rosenberg grabbed Slim Shady’s attention with B.o.B’s first mixtape, Cloud 9, and he kept Em abreast of B.o.B’s work. He tweeted Monday that he wanted to share the song first, since his album was leaking. “Since the album is leaking … I want this one to come from ME. Hear ‘Airplanes Pt. 2’ ft. EMINEM & Hayley Williams of Paramore.” Related Artists Eminem Paramore B.o.B

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Michael Jackson Doctor Conrad Murray Won’t Make A Plea Deal

Posted on April 16, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘Plea bargains are for guilty people,’ Murray’s attorney, Ed Chernoff, says. By Mark Maurer Dr. Conrad Murray Photo: Frederick M. Brown/ Getty Images The lawyer for Michael Jackson doctor Conrad Murray announced Friday (April 16) that there will be no plea bargain in his client’s involuntary-manslaughter case, according to The Associated Press. No matter what Deputy District Attorney David Walgren presents, attorney Ed Chernoff contends that “plea bargains are for guilty people.” Chernoff also expressed concerns about the jury remaining impartial in a case regarding a revered entertainer. Murray, a 57-year-old cardiologist, previously pleaded not guilty to the involuntary-manslaughter charges brought up against him in Jackson’s death. Murray gave the singer anesthetic propofol and other drugs, as indicated by the autopsy report. Murray’s bail was set at $75,000 bail, nearly triple the amount set for comparable crimes. Walgren is attempting to prove the doctor demonstrated gross negligence when he gave the singer propofol to help him sleep. More specific evidence might come to light at the June 14 preliminary hearing. Murray continues to declare his innocence, and Chernoff reasons that nothing that he gave Jackson “should have” resulted in death. “You may find after you are done watching the trial that it is not nearly as cut-and-dried as has been presented,” Chernoff told the AP. “One thing that simply will never be the truth is that Dr. Murray pumped a bunch of drugs into Michael Jackson and walked out of that room. He’s not that kind of guy.” Murray admitted to police that he administered those drugs to help Jackson sleep and subsequently left his bedside. Cell phone records reveal that Murray made at least three personal calls around that time. A Jackson employee who said he was present in the hospital room told police that Murray interrupted CPR to collect drug vials. Earlier this month, Los Angeles Judge Michael Pastor delayed the California State Attorney General’s Office’s motion to revoke Murray’s medical license until the June hearing. Members of Jackson’s family , including father Joe, mother Kathleen, sister Janet and brothers Randy and Jermaine, were in attendance. Events and new developments surrounding the singer’s sudden death have persisted for the past 10 months. Jackson died June 25 at the age of 50 in his rented Bel Air mansion mere days prior to a comeback tour in London. He had hired Murray to keep tabs on his health during the rehearsals. Related Photos Michael Jackson: A Life In Photos Related Artists Michael Jackson

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Lil Wayne’s ‘I’m Single’ Video Preview Leaves Fans ‘Hungry’ For More

Posted on April 16, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘This is almost tiding his fans over until he gets out,’ one fan tells MTV News. By Steven Roberts Lil Wayne Photo: Johnny Nunez/ WireImage NEW YORK — Lil Wayne ‘s newest video, for “I’m Single,” premieres Sunday at noon ET on MTV Jams and MTV2’s “Sucker Free Countdown.” The song is one of the cuts featured on Wayne’s 2009 mixtape, No Ceilings , and the clip was directed by DJ Scoob Doo. The video is one of many clips Wayne filmed before heading off to serve a one-year prison sentence at New York’s Rikers Island for weapons charges. MTV News hit the streets of Times Square to show fans a sneak peek of the video and see if Wayne’s forward thinking will keep his fans satisfied. “Even though he is incarcerated, he’s still making music, he’s still out there, he’s still got music for his fans, he’s putting it out there, and I like it,” Deanna Brown said. “I think this is something different,” she added. “Even with other incarcerated rappers, everybody’s like, ‘Wait till they get out. Wait till they get out.’ And they can’t wait for that release. This is almost tiding his fans over until he gets out. It makes you even more hungry, like, ‘Ahh, if he’s doing this while he’s incarcerated, I can’t wait to see what happens when he gets out.’ ” Other fans echoed Brown’s sentiments. Jonathan Edmonston said fans will appreciate Wayne’s dedication while he’s behind bars. “It will capture the fans’ interest,” Edmonston said. “And it will just let his fans know that he’s there for them, he loves them. I just feel he’s reaching out to them.” Are you excited to see Lil Wayne’s new video? Let us know in the comments below! Related Artists Lil Wayne

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