Tuesday 31 July 2012

Man who discovered Drake suing his management over royalties



James "Jas" Prince, the son of Rap-A-Lot Records CEO J. Prince, filed a lawsuit in Manhattan Supreme Court against Cortez Bryant, Gerald Roberson, Derrick Lawrence and their firms, including Aspire Music Group LLC, Laurant Management and Three Kings. Prince says they have refused to provide an accounting of what he is owed.

In his papers, Prince said Drake himself is being cheated by his managers and is "on the brink" of suing Aspire and Bryant, who also manages Lil Wayne and Kanye West. He attached an April 2012 letter from Drake's lawyer, Robert Meloni, to Aspire which terminates Drake’s exclusive contract with Aspire.

In that letter, Meloni says that Drake's royalty account got nothing though his worldwide sales "are in excess of five million units." He said Drake had received "inexcusably delayed, incomplete, confusing and misleading" statements listing what he was owed.

McMillan said that Drake, who gave Prince a Lamborghini for his birthday in October 2010, still has strong ties to his client. "Neither one of them has been paid," he said.

Sunday 22 July 2012

50 Cent Moves Into Boxing

A hustler never sleeps and 50 Cent can testify to that. Love him or hate - he's making moves and making paper.

Fiddy is stepping into the world of boxing promotion on his new business venture. His longstanding friendship with championship boxer Floyd Mayweather is no secret. Fif has regularly attended Mayweather's fights, and has participated in the fighter's entrance to the ring several times.

Now, 50 looks to begin his own boxing promoting business, founding TMT Promotion, with the TMT standing for The Money Team.

The Vitamin Water mogul and purveyor of video games, energy drinks and various books has TMT licensed in New York, and is in the process of applying for a license in Nevada.

Sports Illustrated reports that 50 will be working with Mayweather and that he is expected to sign former featherweight title holder Yuri Gamboa and super middleweight contender Andre Dirrell.

Saturday 21 July 2012

Malcolm X Lyrical References

Seated reflecting on Mandela Day (July 18), as the whole world wished the old man blissful 94 years on earth - we started thinking… who else has influenced the world of lyricism? Malcolm X 

The slain activist is one of the greatest inspiration to the hip-hop culture. Hustle takes a looks at 20 songs with Malcolm X lyrical references surprisingly not just in hip-hop.

20. Kendrick Lamar – HiiiPower
"Malcolm X put a hex on my future, someone catch me."

19. Drake - Forever
"Whoda thought a country-wide tour be the outcome/Labels want my name beside an X like Malcolm?"

18. Krs One - Ah Yeah
Other times, I had to come as Nat Turner/They tried to burn me, lynch me and starve me/So I had to come back as Marcus Garvey, Bob Marley/They tried to harm me, I used to be Malcolm X/Now I'm on the planet as the one called KRS."

17. Pitbull - Castle Made Of Sand
Just like most kids, a father I did it without one Come from the city/ X you like Malcolm, then you wonder how come I can move in the room full of wolves so swift so smooth."

16. The Maccabees – Right to Bare Arms
"I grab my strap, ride for the Hebrew Macks/Blackout on the president and the cop's presidents/CIA killed Malcolm X, lied on national news/Then flew out on a jet."

15. Lowkey – Blood, Swear & Tears
Who adjusted and found normality in the madness/Fight the power 'til I'm out of breath like Malcolm X/You empower the powerful, I empower the powerless."

14. Kendrick Lamar – I Am
"The way he piece up trooper, then round up shooters/Like Malcolm X did, I stand for what I believe in/Family, God and honor."

13. Fatal - Outlaws
"It's the merciless X/Like Malcolm/Black as a falcon."

12. 50 Cent – Many Men (Wish Death)
"I'm like Paulie in Goodfellas, you can call me the Don/Like Malcolm by any means, with my gun in my palm."

11. Killah Priest feat Nas – Gun for Gun
"I'll make Mussolini wear a Kufi/I talk like Dr. Ben but look like Malcolm holding his Uzi."

10. Pac - Words of Wisdom
“No Malcolm X in my history text, why is that? / Cause he tried to educate and liberate all blacks.”

9. Guru “Feed The Hungry”
“And I doubt we’ll see another Martin or Malcolm/Cause the rims and the blimps, have distorted the outcome/And how come, we’d rather floss than get our souls right.”

8. The Roots - Tip The Scale
"Lot of niggas go to prison/How many come out Malcolm X?"

7. Lupe Fiasco - Building Minds Faster
“I think I’m Malcolm X, Martin Luther, add an X add a Jr.”

6. Jay Z - Intro
I'm tryin to be calm but I'm gon' get richer/through any means, with that thing that Malcolm palmed in the picture."

5. Lil' Kim - Whoa
"Man I do's it in heels or a pair of crisp Nikes/Stand behind Martin Luther King, but I'm more like Malcolm X/Guerillas beatin on they chest, get it right on Malcolm X."

4. Nas
"What did Malcolm think split second before he was shot?/Did he think to hit the deck on the floor before he dropped?/Or did he just say "Fuck it" I'm ah die for my brothers?"

3. Kanye West – Good Morning
"Good morning, on this day we become legendary/Everything we dreamed of/I'm like the fly Malcolm X."

2. Jamie Green - Malcolm X
"Tears are no justification/But they flow nonetheless/And I'm sorry, Malcolm X/So sorry, Malcolm X."

1. 2Pac - Blasphemy
"while the preacher bein richer you say honor God's people/Should we cry, when the Pope die, my request/We should cry if they cried when we buried Malcolm X/Mama tell me am I wrong?"

Friday 20 July 2012

Feds Drag Rapper Swizz Beatz Into Megapload Case



In their most recent filing the U.S. authorities have mentioned Grammy winning rapper/producer Swizz Beatz as a potential U.S. representative for Megaupload. In response to Megaupload’s motion to dismiss based on lack of jurisdiction, the feds are trying to find a way to serve the company on U.S. soil. Beatz, husband of R&B superstar Alicia Keys, was previously listed as Megaupload’s CEO but the authorities say he is refusing to cooperate with the investigation.

On the day Megaupload was shut down, the company website listed rapper/producer Swizz Beatz as company CEO. The popular rapper/producer was one of the stars who endorsed MegaUpload in public and he reportedly recruited several artists for the Mega Song promotion. But despite his strong ties to Megaupload, Beatz was not named in the indictment as a member of the “Mega Conspiracy.” However, now that the case is progressing, Beatz is being involved by the U.S. authorities.

In the most recent filing the U.S. opposes Megaupload’s motion to dismiss based on a lack of jurisdiction. The defense team argued that Megaupload can’t be subjected to a criminal prosecution, because the law doesn’t allow foreign companies to be served. However, the U.S. disagrees. United States Attorney Neil MacBride sums up a variety of reasons why it can, and in a footnote it is mentioned that Megaupload previously employed two CEOs living in the U.S.

“After Defendant Dotcom became Defendant Megaupload’s Chief Innovation Officer, the company appears to have employed at least two Chief Executive Officers in the United States: first David Robb and then Kasseem David Dean (also known as Swizz Beatz),” the filing reads.

MacBride goes on to state that Beatz officially represented Megaupload before the United States Trade Representative, when it was accused of being a piracy haven December last year. In addition, the authorities have requested Beatz’s cooperation with the Megaupload investigation, which he has refused.

“Mr. Dean through counsel has refused to cooperate with the government’s investigation,” the United States Attorney writes.

Voluntarily or not, the U.S. authorities believe Beatz may become involved in the case since they view him as one of the individuals through which they can serve the company.

“Delivering a summons to Mr. Dean, a resident of the United States, in his capacity as apparent Chief Executive Officer should also constitute proper service of process upon an officer of the company,” the filing reads.

Whether the above will help to overcome the jurisdiction issues, and the fact that foreign companies can’t be served, is now for the courts to decide.

A few months ago District Court Judge O’Grady already acknowledged that this “issue” warrants further investigation, suggesting that it could be the beginning of the end for the Megaupload case. A case that just got even more high-profile now Swizz Beatz has been dragged into it.

Mbombela Music Festival Brings On The Heat



The city of Nelspruit will shine bright with stars on 28th July. The legendary TKZee will set the stage on fire with classic hits.

Daily Sun and Hilltop Live present the Mbombela Music Festival on Saturday 28 July at the Mbombela Stadium Precinct, in association with Amstel Lager and White Star Maize Meal.
Turning on the heat where Music and People meet, gates open at 14:00 and you get to catch Big Nuz, Zakes Bantwini, Toya Delazy, Teargas and Black Motion. Veteran kwaito outfit TKZee will take to stage during the popular Amstel Golden Hour – proudly supported by Amstel Lager.

To heat things up even more you can enter a competition on the day, to win the opportunity to watch TKZee’s performance on stage – on the Amstel Golden couch.

Fans stand a chance to legally download one third of TKZee, Zwai’s latest single from his solo album, The Indigo Child at the show with every ticket bought. Visit the merchandise table at the festival to get the download code to use at www.balabrothers.co.za/zwai to get your free download. Pre-sale tickets are priced at R70 and available from www.ticketbreak.co.za and Sneakers Edition outlets in Riverside, Ilanga and Promenade malls.
Tickets at the gate on the day will cost R100. Gates open at 14:00 and the first 500 festival goers through the gate get a free gift from Daily Sun.

The programme starts at 16:00 with local support acts DJ Sdunkero, DJ Stax and DJ Shabba. Festival goers may bring cooler boxes into the stadium precinct until 17:00.

Please note: No glass bottles or containers of any kind may be brought in (it will be confiscated), so decant any beverages before-hand into plastic and use plastic cups. No cooler boxes may be brought in after 17:00.
Apart from music performances, this festival also offers food stalls, bars, braai area and live broadcast of the game between Soweto soccer giants, Orlando Pirates and Kaiser Chiefs on big screens.

Thursday 19 July 2012

Former Cash Money Records Gets 14 years In Prison



One of the first signees to Cash Money, Christopher Dorsey AKA B.G. (Baby Gangsta) will be doing hard time in prison.

According to Nola.com, 31-year-old former Hot Boy was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for gun possession and witness tampering.

Prosecutors reportedly sought a 25-year prison sentence, citing B.G.'s past criminal activity. Prosecutors also claimed that he was "profiting off of New Orleans' "cycle of violence," pointing to his music videos as an example, but U.S. District Judge Ginger Berrigan declined to use them as a basis for a lengthier sentence.

BG rose to fame for his gritty songs detailing drug dealing, violence and a no-snitch mantra, was an original member of the 1990s rap super group the Hot Boys that also featured Lil Wayne. He was arrested in 2009 at a traffic stop in eastern New Orleans - The report provides that B.G. arrived in a jumpsuit and sat in a wheelchair.

Wednesday 18 July 2012

John Legend Set To Wow SA Ladies This August



It is official, international headlining sensation John Legend will be back in SA for an exclusive and intimate show to celebrate Woman’s Day this August. Taking place at the Sandton Convention City on August 10th, he will be supported by SA songstress / Idols judge Unathi Msengana and multiple SAMA winning outfit MiCasa.

Cleverly leaked on social networks mid last week, Trademark Entertainment today announced their partnership with SABC3 to bring the iconic musician to SA in celebration of women all over the country. The night is especially dedicated to SA ladies but promises to entertain and wow all John Legend fans alike.

With the inclusion of two of SA’s hottest acts at the moment, the choice was obvious to include the talented, sexy and sassy Unathi and the SA favourites MiCasa to the line-up. Event ambassador Minnie Dlamini who will MC the show tweeted that the night will offer a more intimate show than all his previous SA concerts. “This intimate seated show only offered a limited number of fans an experience to remember”, stated MetroFM's Tbo Touch on his radio show last week.

With only 4000 tickets on sale nationwide, sales opened this week at Computicket. General access tickets are available for R900 while VIP costs R1400. For a more exclusive experience, VVIP tickets / hospitalities packages are also available at R1750 via special bookings on 011 844 1103.

Sunday 8 July 2012

J Cole & Kendrick Lamar In The Studio


G.O.O.D Music In The Studio


Why Is South African Rap Music Suffering?

Besides a few rappers like Lil Wayne and Eminem - just to name a few that are selling millions of albums - many MCs are battling to move 500 000 units which is gold in the States.

We albums online months before they hit the stores - faced with survive, adapt or die mentality - US rappers started seeing the internet as a friend than foe. The new cats started using it to their advantage and the old cats joined in after debates or ringtone rappers or online rappers faded off, giving away quality free music for downloads - that way they remain relevant and still make cash in bookings. Who can forget Soulja Boy? The now fallen off rapper blew up on YouTube without a record deal.

But this is not to blow the US' horn but highlight one of the factors affecting local hip-hop. South Africa is blessed with talent, MCs who have a way with words, clever rhymes - great talent from the likes of the veterans in the game - Amu, Skwatta, HHP, ProVerb to the new cats Zakwe, AKA - talent is undeniable there but what is the problem then? why can't SA music be at the level say where Naija music is? Can we blame radio stations, that they don't play local music? Well Soulja Boy never waited for radio - he used the internet to grab people's attention and successfully so, now he's known across the globe.

It is simple as ABC - some local artists fail when it comes to marketing, fail is even an understatement, they suck at it - simple as that. Everyone needs marketing - you you have any idea how much global companies like Coke, Nissan or BMW pay on marketing? I remember once I wanted to interview Tuks and he sent me to speak to his manager…like really? dude are you for real right? Right there he missed the point, an opportunity to get free publicity. And there are many like him that will send you to g speak to their manager.

We are living in an era were online is a community by it self - people can't go a day without Facebook, BBM or Twitter. Yet only a few rappers out their have their own websites(don't give me the websites are expensive speech). For some of them that do, their sites haven't been updated in ages. Some don't even have YouTube accounts(sigh SMH). These are the factors we are facing, how can I even tell my overseas buddies about your music when we can't find you online?

These are platforms to market one's self and get your music to the world but yet again it's seems as if it's a taboo.

They need to change their strategies and learn from musicians across the globe. Pollute the internet with your presence, be in our face - as much as some will get annoyed by that - the point is you will be known, you will drive your message across. Only a few give away music for free(if you say I won't give away mine - well, either way we end up getting the album for free from a friend), hell even Kanye gives away music online for free and he's an industry major player. People get excited before his album drops cause of the leaked material.   

South African rap is suffering not because of house music but because artists can't utilize social media effectively. Facebook and Twitter alone aren't enough - and statuses about you chilling in the VIP won't make us wanna buy your album. Instagram us pictures of you in the studio, brief us about your performance - flood us with your music online and importantly update your website. The more people flock to your site, you can make money on the Google ads also from ringtones. Give us enough music for us to trust you enough that your are a sick artist and we will gladly pay for your single on iTunes.

The lesson is use the internet to your full advantage - it's like the matrix - choose the red or blue pill. One being that the internet can help push your career to the next level, if it's music people feel - money will be spent on it, your name mentioned in the who's the best MC debates or choose the other pill... keep waiting for radio or a miracle.

Monday 2 July 2012

Lauryn Hill Faces Jail Time



Perhaps this is the right time for The Fugees to link up and drop another album, hell it doesn't even have to be an album - they can tour and make money so that Lauryn Hill can pay her taxes.

The former Fugees star pled guilty for not paying her taxes, admitting she intentionally failed to file several tax returns in the past decade and now Lauryn faces 3 years in prison.

Hill pled guilty to three counts of failure to file tax returns for the years 2005, 2006, and 2007 - when she earned more than $1.8 million.
When the judge asked if Hill "intentionally and willingly" failed to file the returns, she replied, "Yes."
In addition to the 3 years behind bars, Hill could be smacked with $75,000 in fines.
Hill was released on $150,000 bail. Her sentencing hearing is set for November.