It’s 8:30 p.m. at Madison Square Garden, and the crowd of people outside is restless. They’re here to see Dipset and the Lox’s Verzuz battle, and some members of Dipset’s entourage aren’t being allowed in. Security is telling everyone to move back, encountering issues with holding down a crowd of folks waiting to get into the media entrance. Despite the hectic scene, nobody seems too pressed. After all, when you are putting on a hip-hop event, you can expect this sort of thing — big...
- 8/4/2021
- by Jayson Buford
- Rollingstone.com
Dmx was a larger-than-life force in rap music at the turn of the millennium. The Yonkers, New York, rapper, who died April 9th at age 50 after being hospitalized with a heart attack days earlier, burst onto the scene in the Nineties with one of the most distinctive voices on the radio — a commanding presence on the mic, from his earliest guest appearances to the five straight multi-platinum albums he released starting in 1998. Effortlessly balancing raw charisma with hit-making savvy, X had a major impact on the sound and direction of an era in hip-hop,...
- 4/9/2021
- by Jayson Buford, Christian Hoard, Jeff Ihaza, Elias Leight, Mosi Reeves, Rob Sheffield and Simon Vozick-Levinson
- Rollingstone.com
Styles P is a hip-hop star whose rise to become one of the best rappers in the music industry is admirable. His style of music is a clear representation of philosophy and the hypocrisy in America. Like any other rapper, styles P likes to use thought-provoking metaphors in his songs which depict the vile and dangerous conditions that many African-Americans were experiencing in America. He first started in a rap group known as The Lox alongside his two friends; Jadakiss and Sheek Louch. Together, they started performing on the streets and other local entertainment spots. They quickly became a success
10 Things You Didn’t Know about Styles P...
10 Things You Didn’t Know about Styles P...
- 2/24/2020
- by Aiden Mason
- TVovermind.com
Ghostface Killah teams with Snoop Dogg, E-40 and La the Darkman for a triumphant new track, “Saigon Velour.” The song will appear on the Wu-Tang Clan rapper’s new solo album, The Lost Tapes, out October 5th.
“Saigon Velour” finds its all-star crew spitting over a classic Big Ghost beat of dusty drums, resonant horns and soulful vocal samples. Ghostface kicks off the proceedings with a hilarious barrage of punchlines, spitting, “I smoke two Cuban cigars and a Newport/ And an ounce of the Blueberry, big bottle of Tito’s...
“Saigon Velour” finds its all-star crew spitting over a classic Big Ghost beat of dusty drums, resonant horns and soulful vocal samples. Ghostface kicks off the proceedings with a hilarious barrage of punchlines, spitting, “I smoke two Cuban cigars and a Newport/ And an ounce of the Blueberry, big bottle of Tito’s...
- 8/14/2018
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
This article originally appeared on EW.com.
Faith Evans has confirmed her new duets album, The King & I — which will include unreleased vocals from the Notorious B.I.G. — is set to arrive on May 19, two days before Biggie’s birthday.
The King & I will be Evans’ first album in 10 years and will also feature duets with Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss, Snoop Dogg, Lil’ Cease, Lil’ Kim, Sheek Louch, Styles P, and Biggie’s mother, Voletta Wallace.
“I remember telling Ms. Wallace years ago that one day it would be really dope if I could do something similar to Natalie & Nat King Cole’s Unforgettable,...
Faith Evans has confirmed her new duets album, The King & I — which will include unreleased vocals from the Notorious B.I.G. — is set to arrive on May 19, two days before Biggie’s birthday.
The King & I will be Evans’ first album in 10 years and will also feature duets with Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss, Snoop Dogg, Lil’ Cease, Lil’ Kim, Sheek Louch, Styles P, and Biggie’s mother, Voletta Wallace.
“I remember telling Ms. Wallace years ago that one day it would be really dope if I could do something similar to Natalie & Nat King Cole’s Unforgettable,...
- 2/3/2017
- by Jessica Goodman
- PEOPLE.com
Last week, Puff Daddy debuted his new Pharrell-assisted single “Finna Get Loose” as the grand finale of his Bad Boy mega-medley at the BET Awards. Now, the rapper has unveiled exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of that all-star performance soundtracked by Puff Daddy’s latest single. In the Armani Ortiz-directed black-and-white video, we watch as the Bad Boy mogul and a score of dancers prep for the performance, one of the many highlights from Bad Boy’s 20th anniversary celebration.
The BET Awards performance of “Finna Get Loose” has sparked a...
The BET Awards performance of “Finna Get Loose” has sparked a...
- 7/3/2015
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Diddy's Bad Boy Records, the rapper gathered many of the label's original artists together for an epic performance at the Bet Awards on Sunday. The all-star roster, which included Lil' Kim, Faith Evans, Sheek Louch, and even Ma$e, hit the stage to belt out some of their biggest nostalgia-inducing hits; hearing "Mo Money Mo Problems," "All About the Benjamins," "Love Like This," "Hypnotize," and 112's "Peaches & Cream" will definitely take you back in the best way possible. In one sad/hilarious moment, Diddy fell into the same hole that Lil' Kim popped out of - but he kept the party going, which is the true sign of a legendary artist. Watch the amazing Bad Boy reunion above now, and check out more signs that you were a teenager in the 2000s.
- 6/29/2015
- by Brittney-Stephens
- Popsugar.com
Wu-Block, "Wu-Block" (E1)
Wu-Tang Clan and D-Block are two of the most respected groups within the hip-hop realm.
Now, some of the members from the clans have joined forces to produce an album under the name Wu-Block, spearheaded by rappers Ghostface Killah and Sheek Louch. Their collaborative effort results in a solid piece of work on the 16-track album, which also features Jadakiss, Method Man, Styles P, Raekwon and Inspectah Deck.
The self-titled album has a soulful vibe meshed with hardcore, metaphoric rhymes. That's certainly evident on the album's first track, "Crack Spot Stories," featuring Raekwon and Jadakiss, and "Guns for Life," with Styles P.
The album hits its peak on "Drivin' Round," featuring Erykah Badu, Masta Killa and Gza. It's a smooth track with each rapper offering a thoughtfully harsh perspective, detailing the state of his or her poverty-stricken neighborhood.
Other enjoyable tracks include "Been Robbed," "All in Together" and "Stella,...
Wu-Tang Clan and D-Block are two of the most respected groups within the hip-hop realm.
Now, some of the members from the clans have joined forces to produce an album under the name Wu-Block, spearheaded by rappers Ghostface Killah and Sheek Louch. Their collaborative effort results in a solid piece of work on the 16-track album, which also features Jadakiss, Method Man, Styles P, Raekwon and Inspectah Deck.
The self-titled album has a soulful vibe meshed with hardcore, metaphoric rhymes. That's certainly evident on the album's first track, "Crack Spot Stories," featuring Raekwon and Jadakiss, and "Guns for Life," with Styles P.
The album hits its peak on "Drivin' Round," featuring Erykah Badu, Masta Killa and Gza. It's a smooth track with each rapper offering a thoughtfully harsh perspective, detailing the state of his or her poverty-stricken neighborhood.
Other enjoyable tracks include "Been Robbed," "All in Together" and "Stella,...
- 11/26/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
'We gave him a shot at it,' Jadakiss tells 'Sway in the Morning.'
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Styles P and Jadakiss of the Lox
Photo: Phil McCarten/ Getty Images
There will be a new Lox album, eventually, but it won't be released on Diddy's Bad Boy Records.
"Nah, we went over there, we gave him a shot at it," Jadakiss told MTV News correspondent Sway Calloway when he appeared on his "Sway in the Morning" satellite radio show on Tuesday (May 8).
In 1998, the Lox — comprised of 'Kiss, Styles P and Sheek Louch — released their debut album, Money, Power, Respect, with the house that Diddy built, but their relationship soon soured. When it came time to drop their sophomore LP, We Are the Streets, the Lox made the move to Ruff Ryders Entertainment. It's been 12 years since the Yonkers, New York, trio dropped an album,...
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Styles P and Jadakiss of the Lox
Photo: Phil McCarten/ Getty Images
There will be a new Lox album, eventually, but it won't be released on Diddy's Bad Boy Records.
"Nah, we went over there, we gave him a shot at it," Jadakiss told MTV News correspondent Sway Calloway when he appeared on his "Sway in the Morning" satellite radio show on Tuesday (May 8).
In 1998, the Lox — comprised of 'Kiss, Styles P and Sheek Louch — released their debut album, Money, Power, Respect, with the house that Diddy built, but their relationship soon soured. When it came time to drop their sophomore LP, We Are the Streets, the Lox made the move to Ruff Ryders Entertainment. It's been 12 years since the Yonkers, New York, trio dropped an album,...
- 5/8/2012
- MTV Music News
Swizz Beatz also onboard for U.S. and overseas dates, Rr co-ceo Joaquin 'Waah' Dean tells MTV News.
By Rob Markman
Dmx
Photo: Larry Busacca/ Getty Images
At their height, Ruff Ryders were one of the most electrifying crews in rap. Now, Dmx, Swizz Beatz, Eve and the Lox are planning to reunite on an upcoming Ruff Ryders Tour.
"Everybody's on deck. It's just that we're making sure all of the schedules are intact," Rr co-ceo Joaquin "Waah" Dean told MTV News.
Dates are still being finalized, but Dean confirmed that he expects the tour to start between March and April. The plan is for the crew to begin their run overseas and then come over to the U.S.
"We gonna take it nice and slow. We ain't gonna do like how we used to do, 30 or 40 cities; we not gonna go that far just yet," he said. "We gonna take it slow.
By Rob Markman
Dmx
Photo: Larry Busacca/ Getty Images
At their height, Ruff Ryders were one of the most electrifying crews in rap. Now, Dmx, Swizz Beatz, Eve and the Lox are planning to reunite on an upcoming Ruff Ryders Tour.
"Everybody's on deck. It's just that we're making sure all of the schedules are intact," Rr co-ceo Joaquin "Waah" Dean told MTV News.
Dates are still being finalized, but Dean confirmed that he expects the tour to start between March and April. The plan is for the crew to begin their run overseas and then come over to the U.S.
"We gonna take it nice and slow. We ain't gonna do like how we used to do, 30 or 40 cities; we not gonna go that far just yet," he said. "We gonna take it slow.
- 1/19/2012
- MTV Music News
'He said a lot of stuff that doesn't get said,' Jada tells MTV News of Irv's 'RapFix Live' appearance last month.
By Alvin Blanco
Jadakiss
Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/ Getty Images
Irv Gotti has another endorsement in his quasi-campaign to become president of Def Jam: Jadakiss thinks the producer and executive would be a good fit at the storied record label.
The Yonkers rapper "loved" Gotti's early October appearance on MTV News' "RapFix Live," when he insisted he was the "best man" for Def Jam's currently vacant presidency.
"It was one of the best 'RapFix' [interviews] ever," Jada told MTV News. "He said a lot of stuff that doesn't get said. He was able to [vent] without hating on the record labels or channeling any hate. ... Everything he said — me being on the inside looking out and him being on the inside looking out but now on the outside looking in...
By Alvin Blanco
Jadakiss
Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/ Getty Images
Irv Gotti has another endorsement in his quasi-campaign to become president of Def Jam: Jadakiss thinks the producer and executive would be a good fit at the storied record label.
The Yonkers rapper "loved" Gotti's early October appearance on MTV News' "RapFix Live," when he insisted he was the "best man" for Def Jam's currently vacant presidency.
"It was one of the best 'RapFix' [interviews] ever," Jada told MTV News. "He said a lot of stuff that doesn't get said. He was able to [vent] without hating on the record labels or channeling any hate. ... Everything he said — me being on the inside looking out and him being on the inside looking out but now on the outside looking in...
- 11/3/2011
- MTV Music News
'It's my job to say something,' rapper tells 'RapFix Live' of his responsibility as 'Master of Ceremonies.'
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Styles P
Photo: MTV News
Styles P takes the title of Mc very seriously. On his upcoming album Master of Ceremonies, the Ghost expands the acronym to exemplify what it means to be a rapper of the highest caliber. The Lox rhyme spitter broke it all down with Sway on Wednesday's "RapFix Live."
"I named it Master of Ceremonies because I'm an Mc and I felt like I'm gonna bring something to the table that a lot of people forgot about — a lost art," Styles told Sway of his album, which drops October 4.
In the beginning, it was the DJ who was the star in hip-hop. During the early house parties and park jams, the Mc's main function was to toast to the...
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Styles P
Photo: MTV News
Styles P takes the title of Mc very seriously. On his upcoming album Master of Ceremonies, the Ghost expands the acronym to exemplify what it means to be a rapper of the highest caliber. The Lox rhyme spitter broke it all down with Sway on Wednesday's "RapFix Live."
"I named it Master of Ceremonies because I'm an Mc and I felt like I'm gonna bring something to the table that a lot of people forgot about — a lost art," Styles told Sway of his album, which drops October 4.
In the beginning, it was the DJ who was the star in hip-hop. During the early house parties and park jams, the Mc's main function was to toast to the...
- 9/28/2011
- MTV Music News
'It's my job to say something,' rapper tells 'RapFix Live' of his responsibility as 'Master of Ceremonies.'
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Styles P
Photo: MTV News
Styles P takes the title of Mc very seriously. On his upcoming album Master of Ceremonies, the Ghost expands the acronym to exemplify what it means to be a rapper of the highest caliber. The Lox rhyme spitter broke it all down with Sway on Wednesday's "RapFix Live."
"I named it Master of Ceremonies because I'm an Mc and I felt like I'm gonna bring something to the table that a lot of people forgot about — a lost art," Styles told Sway of his album, which drops October 4.
In the beginning, it was the DJ who was the star in hip-hop. During the early house parties and park jams, the Mc's main function was to toast to the...
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Styles P
Photo: MTV News
Styles P takes the title of Mc very seriously. On his upcoming album Master of Ceremonies, the Ghost expands the acronym to exemplify what it means to be a rapper of the highest caliber. The Lox rhyme spitter broke it all down with Sway on Wednesday's "RapFix Live."
"I named it Master of Ceremonies because I'm an Mc and I felt like I'm gonna bring something to the table that a lot of people forgot about — a lost art," Styles told Sway of his album, which drops October 4.
In the beginning, it was the DJ who was the star in hip-hop. During the early house parties and park jams, the Mc's main function was to toast to the...
- 9/28/2011
- MTV Music News
D-Block Mc will share the couch with Glasses Malone and host Sway on Wednesday at 4 p.m. on MTV.com.
By Alvin Blanco
Styles P
Photo: MTV News
The second episode of the second season of MTV's "RapFix Live" is guaranteed to be another amazing show thanks to special guest Styles P.
Last week, Philly rapper Freeway came through and chopped it up about his past, current and future endeavors. This week's invitee is a New York City hip-hop veteran who also has plenty of news to share. Styles P, a.k.a. the Ghost, is a member of the Lox (with partners Sheek Louch and Jadakiss) but he has enjoyed a successful solo career too.
After dropping a couple of official mixtapes last year (as well as authoring a book titled "Invincible"), the Yonkers Mc is preparing to release his fourth proper solo album, Master of Ceremonies, on October 4. Recently,...
By Alvin Blanco
Styles P
Photo: MTV News
The second episode of the second season of MTV's "RapFix Live" is guaranteed to be another amazing show thanks to special guest Styles P.
Last week, Philly rapper Freeway came through and chopped it up about his past, current and future endeavors. This week's invitee is a New York City hip-hop veteran who also has plenty of news to share. Styles P, a.k.a. the Ghost, is a member of the Lox (with partners Sheek Louch and Jadakiss) but he has enjoyed a successful solo career too.
After dropping a couple of official mixtapes last year (as well as authoring a book titled "Invincible"), the Yonkers Mc is preparing to release his fourth proper solo album, Master of Ceremonies, on October 4. Recently,...
- 9/27/2011
- MTV Music News
'Nah, we ain't longer than Detox,' Styles tells MTV News, comparing group's first album since 2000 to Dr. Dre's long-awaited project.
By Rob Markman
Jadakiss and Styles P
Photo: MTV News
When the Lox dropped their last album, We Are the Streets, the world had just finished breathing a collective sigh of relief, thankful that their computers didn't crash in the Y2K scare. Not that the Yonkers, New York, rap trio made up of Jadakiss, Styles P and Sheek Louch haven't been busy dropping solo albums and mixtapes over the past 11 years.
"Paperwork, paperwork, it ain't on us. All I'm gonna say is, Lox-wise, you hear how many verses we do, freestyles we do, songs we do, Lox songs we drop here and there," Styles P said about the group's long-awaited third album. "Due to common sense, it's paperwork. When the paperwork pans out, you got Lox. That's all I'm gonna say.
By Rob Markman
Jadakiss and Styles P
Photo: MTV News
When the Lox dropped their last album, We Are the Streets, the world had just finished breathing a collective sigh of relief, thankful that their computers didn't crash in the Y2K scare. Not that the Yonkers, New York, rap trio made up of Jadakiss, Styles P and Sheek Louch haven't been busy dropping solo albums and mixtapes over the past 11 years.
"Paperwork, paperwork, it ain't on us. All I'm gonna say is, Lox-wise, you hear how many verses we do, freestyles we do, songs we do, Lox songs we drop here and there," Styles P said about the group's long-awaited third album. "Due to common sense, it's paperwork. When the paperwork pans out, you got Lox. That's all I'm gonna say.
- 8/3/2011
- MTV Music News
Lox partners Jadakiss and Sheek Louch will be featured on release, the Ghost tells Mixtape Daily.
By Rob Markman
Jadakiss and Styles P
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/ WireImage
Don't Sleep: Necessary NotablesMixtape: The World's Most Hardest Mc
Headliner: Styles P
Key Cameos: Jadakiss and Sheek Louch
Real Spit : The Lox's Styles P is a busy man. In between running his juice bar in the Castle Hill section of the Bronx, New York, and penning a new fiction novel, the Yonkers rap vet is prepping a mixtape that he's looking to release within the next two weeks and he plans to follow that with his fourth studio album in September.
"I'll probably drop a mixtape next week, the week after that, real soon: The World's Most Hardest Mc and then Master of Ceremonies will be like September," Styles told Mixtape Daily on Monday.
Throughout his career, the Ghost has built a...
By Rob Markman
Jadakiss and Styles P
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/ WireImage
Don't Sleep: Necessary NotablesMixtape: The World's Most Hardest Mc
Headliner: Styles P
Key Cameos: Jadakiss and Sheek Louch
Real Spit : The Lox's Styles P is a busy man. In between running his juice bar in the Castle Hill section of the Bronx, New York, and penning a new fiction novel, the Yonkers rap vet is prepping a mixtape that he's looking to release within the next two weeks and he plans to follow that with his fourth studio album in September.
"I'll probably drop a mixtape next week, the week after that, real soon: The World's Most Hardest Mc and then Master of Ceremonies will be like September," Styles told Mixtape Daily on Monday.
Throughout his career, the Ghost has built a...
- 8/2/2011
- MTV Music News
Monday show was in honor of sixth anniversary of his debut LP, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101.
By Alvin Blanco
Young Jeezy
Photo: MTV News
According to , New York is his second home. The Atlanta-based rapper looked quite comfortable onstage Monday night at the Highline Ballroom for a special TM101: Live! show. The performance was in honor of the sixth anniversary of his platinum-selling debut album, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101. Jeezy ran through other selections from his catalog of commercial and street hits, too, while bringing out a number of special, crowd-hyping guests, including Jay-z and Kanye West.
Doors to the show didn't open until 9 p.m., and those on a line that stretched down 16th Street who made it past the logjam at the front door and into the venue were greeted by Funkmaster Flex of Hot 97 (the station and The Source magazine were among the event's...
By Alvin Blanco
Young Jeezy
Photo: MTV News
According to , New York is his second home. The Atlanta-based rapper looked quite comfortable onstage Monday night at the Highline Ballroom for a special TM101: Live! show. The performance was in honor of the sixth anniversary of his platinum-selling debut album, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101. Jeezy ran through other selections from his catalog of commercial and street hits, too, while bringing out a number of special, crowd-hyping guests, including Jay-z and Kanye West.
Doors to the show didn't open until 9 p.m., and those on a line that stretched down 16th Street who made it past the logjam at the front door and into the venue were greeted by Funkmaster Flex of Hot 97 (the station and The Source magazine were among the event's...
- 7/26/2011
- MTV Music News
'I got a lot more to offer the game than what I had back then,' he tells Mixtape Daily.
By Alvin Blanco, with reporting by Ade Mangum
Papoose
Photo: Streetsweepers
Mixtape Daily Main Pick
Artist: Papoose
Representing: Brooklyn, NY
Mixtape: The 2nd Coming
Real Spit: For those wondering what Papoose has been up to, here is your answer. Mixtape Daily caught up with the Brooklyn wordsmith recently at Gleason's Gym. While the Bk institution is where boxers go to train and sharpen their knuckle game, Pap is back with a new mixtape (#24, by his count) that he insists will let heads know his verbal jabs are still sharp.
"The reason why I called the mixtape The 2nd Coming is because when I first came in the scene, I shook the ground, I had the whole industry petrified, I took a million-plus," Pap told Mixtape Daily, referring to the reportedly...
By Alvin Blanco, with reporting by Ade Mangum
Papoose
Photo: Streetsweepers
Mixtape Daily Main Pick
Artist: Papoose
Representing: Brooklyn, NY
Mixtape: The 2nd Coming
Real Spit: For those wondering what Papoose has been up to, here is your answer. Mixtape Daily caught up with the Brooklyn wordsmith recently at Gleason's Gym. While the Bk institution is where boxers go to train and sharpen their knuckle game, Pap is back with a new mixtape (#24, by his count) that he insists will let heads know his verbal jabs are still sharp.
"The reason why I called the mixtape The 2nd Coming is because when I first came in the scene, I shook the ground, I had the whole industry petrified, I took a million-plus," Pap told Mixtape Daily, referring to the reportedly...
- 4/25/2011
- MTV Music News
Take a look back at what happened to Lil Wayne, Guru, Nicki Minaj and other rap stars in the past 12 months.
By Jayson Rodriguez
Lil Wayne
Photo: John Parra/ WireImage
In 2010, the biggest stories in hip-hop imbued the community with collective cheers (as new stars like Drake and Nicki Minaj began to break out) and sobs (as Guru passed and T.I. returned to prison). There were also stories we'll probably still remember years from now, like when Eminem and Jay-z joined forces in their hometown ballparks or when Weezy was freed from Rikers. Here, MTV News takes a look at the top 10 hip-hop stories of the year.
"B.M.F." Bawses
Rick Ross' industrial-strength anthem was hip-hop's biggest street record of the year and transformed the Miami Mc from punching bag to Teflon Don following his feud with 50 Cent. His textured voice delivered a series of massively catchy...
By Jayson Rodriguez
Lil Wayne
Photo: John Parra/ WireImage
In 2010, the biggest stories in hip-hop imbued the community with collective cheers (as new stars like Drake and Nicki Minaj began to break out) and sobs (as Guru passed and T.I. returned to prison). There were also stories we'll probably still remember years from now, like when Eminem and Jay-z joined forces in their hometown ballparks or when Weezy was freed from Rikers. Here, MTV News takes a look at the top 10 hip-hop stories of the year.
"B.M.F." Bawses
Rick Ross' industrial-strength anthem was hip-hop's biggest street record of the year and transformed the Miami Mc from punching bag to Teflon Don following his feud with 50 Cent. His textured voice delivered a series of massively catchy...
- 12/28/2010
- MTV Music News
Raekwon, Method Man, Redman, Ghostface: all on one of the most stellar heavy-hitting collab tracks of 2010. "Troublemakers" is hot off the press of Ghostface Killah's forthcoming "Apollo Kids," arriving late in a stocking near you on Dec. 21. The Def Jam set has a whole host of eye-popping contributors -- like the Game, Busta, Sheek Louch and Jim Jones -- but also a host of Wu Tang rep, including Gza, U-God, Method Man and a pair of tracks with Raekwon (who won over the heart of 2009 with his "Cuban Linx, Pt. 2). "Troublemakers" is a treat mostly in that...
- 12/17/2010
- Hitfix
'I been surrounded by hip-hop all my life,' he tells Mixtape Daily.
By Jayson Rodriguez
Tray Chaney
Photo: MTV News
Celebrity Favorites: Tray Chaney
During the heyday of "The Wire," when the Baltimore-based HBO series earned critical praise and fan love (but no hardware from the Emmys?!?), Tray Chaney, who played the character Poot, could barely take a trip anywhere without being recognized.
Now that the gritty urban drama is re-airing on DirecTV, it's as if things never changed. Case in point: While visiting the MTV News offices, Chaney was stopped in his tracks by Busta Rhymes, who shared his appreciation for the Washington, D.C., native.
"At the time, we didn't really know how big the show would eventually become," Chaney told Mixtape Daily. "We had an idea that it was big. But how big, nah, no one could really tell. And now, for us to have a...
By Jayson Rodriguez
Tray Chaney
Photo: MTV News
Celebrity Favorites: Tray Chaney
During the heyday of "The Wire," when the Baltimore-based HBO series earned critical praise and fan love (but no hardware from the Emmys?!?), Tray Chaney, who played the character Poot, could barely take a trip anywhere without being recognized.
Now that the gritty urban drama is re-airing on DirecTV, it's as if things never changed. Case in point: While visiting the MTV News offices, Chaney was stopped in his tracks by Busta Rhymes, who shared his appreciation for the Washington, D.C., native.
"At the time, we didn't really know how big the show would eventually become," Chaney told Mixtape Daily. "We had an idea that it was big. But how big, nah, no one could really tell. And now, for us to have a...
- 10/13/2010
- MTV Music News
Southerner tells Mixtape Daily, 'We got four records in already.'
By Jayson Rodriguez and Rahman Dukes
Big K.R.I.T. and Yelawolf
Photo: MTV News
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Mixtape: The Country Cousins: Trunk Muzik Wuz Here
Headliner: Yelawolf and Big K.R.I.T.
Key Cameos: Tbd
Essential Info: Yelawolf is a big proponent of Southern hospitality. The Alabama native was low-key on the Bet Hip-Hop Awards black carpet last weekend when we caught up with him to talk about his Interscope debut. But when the talk turned to other new jacks, Yela lit up and delivered praise like he was serving sweet tea to a neighbor.
The Trunk Muzik rapper was effusive over Big K.R.I.T.
"Big K.R.I.T. is another one to look out for," he told Mixtape Daily. "Honestly, he's one of my favorite MCs coming up."
The two are...
By Jayson Rodriguez and Rahman Dukes
Big K.R.I.T. and Yelawolf
Photo: MTV News
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Mixtape: The Country Cousins: Trunk Muzik Wuz Here
Headliner: Yelawolf and Big K.R.I.T.
Key Cameos: Tbd
Essential Info: Yelawolf is a big proponent of Southern hospitality. The Alabama native was low-key on the Bet Hip-Hop Awards black carpet last weekend when we caught up with him to talk about his Interscope debut. But when the talk turned to other new jacks, Yela lit up and delivered praise like he was serving sweet tea to a neighbor.
The Trunk Muzik rapper was effusive over Big K.R.I.T.
"Big K.R.I.T. is another one to look out for," he told Mixtape Daily. "Honestly, he's one of my favorite MCs coming up."
The two are...
- 10/12/2010
- MTV Music News
Southerner tells Mixtape Daily, 'We got four records in already.'
By Jayson Rodriguez and Rahman Dukes
Big K.R.I.T. and Yelawolf
Photo: MTV News
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Mixtape: The Country Cousins: Trunk Muzik Wuz Here
Headliner: Yelawolf and Big K.R.I.T.
Key Cameos: Tbd
Essential Info: Yelawolf is a big proponent of Southern hospitality. The Alabama native was low-key on the Bet Hip-Hop Awards black carpet last weekend when we caught up with him to talk about his Interscope debut. But when the talk turned to other new jacks, Yela lit up and delivered praise like he was serving sweet tea to a neighbor.
The Trunk Muzik rapper was effusive over Big K.R.I.T.
"Big K.R.I.T. is another one to look out for," he told Mixtape Daily. "Honestly, he's one of my favorite MCs coming up."
The two are...
By Jayson Rodriguez and Rahman Dukes
Big K.R.I.T. and Yelawolf
Photo: MTV News
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Mixtape: The Country Cousins: Trunk Muzik Wuz Here
Headliner: Yelawolf and Big K.R.I.T.
Key Cameos: Tbd
Essential Info: Yelawolf is a big proponent of Southern hospitality. The Alabama native was low-key on the Bet Hip-Hop Awards black carpet last weekend when we caught up with him to talk about his Interscope debut. But when the talk turned to other new jacks, Yela lit up and delivered praise like he was serving sweet tea to a neighbor.
The Trunk Muzik rapper was effusive over Big K.R.I.T.
"Big K.R.I.T. is another one to look out for," he told Mixtape Daily. "Honestly, he's one of my favorite MCs coming up."
The two are...
- 10/12/2010
- MTV Music News
D-Block loyalist and Evil Genius talk latest mixtape and perks of Sheek's newly appointed major label.
By Rahman Dukes
Sheek Louch
Photo: Def Jam
Monday's Main Pick
Street King: Sheek Louch
Holding It Down For: Yonkers, NY
Mixtape: Donnie Def Jam: Guerilla Warfare, Vol. 1
Real Spit: In honor of his signing to the home that Russell built, one third of the D-Block boys linked with mixtape messiah DJ Green Lantern for Donnie Def Jam: Guerilla Warfare, Vol. 1 Sheek goes back to his roots to show rap fans what landed him at a major label after years of riding shotgun with boutique indie Koch Records.
Released at the top of the month, Donnie Def Jam is just the latest effort from the Evil Genius and the Yonkers Boys. (Green also dropped the Styles P mixtape The Green Ghost Project and the highly touted Jadakiss series The Champ Is Here, Pt. 3, both this year.
By Rahman Dukes
Sheek Louch
Photo: Def Jam
Monday's Main Pick
Street King: Sheek Louch
Holding It Down For: Yonkers, NY
Mixtape: Donnie Def Jam: Guerilla Warfare, Vol. 1
Real Spit: In honor of his signing to the home that Russell built, one third of the D-Block boys linked with mixtape messiah DJ Green Lantern for Donnie Def Jam: Guerilla Warfare, Vol. 1 Sheek goes back to his roots to show rap fans what landed him at a major label after years of riding shotgun with boutique indie Koch Records.
Released at the top of the month, Donnie Def Jam is just the latest effort from the Evil Genius and the Yonkers Boys. (Green also dropped the Styles P mixtape The Green Ghost Project and the highly touted Jadakiss series The Champ Is Here, Pt. 3, both this year.
- 10/11/2010
- MTV Music News
'Now that we all there at the same time, it brings better energy and better thoughts,' he tells Mixtape Daily.
By Shaheem Reid
The Lox
Photo: MTV News
The O.D.: A Mixtape Daily Exclusive
Styles P says the Lox are cooking up a slew of products individually and collectively. All three members, Jadakiss, Sheek Louch and, of course, Sp the Ghost, are recording together.
"We working on the Lox right now and all the solos at once — Sheek solo, my solo, 'Kiss solo, mixtapes. That's our plan for the summer right now," he said. "Since we all in the lab, we going in. Now that we all there at the same time, it brings better energy and better thoughts. Even while I'm working on my solo, I like that input: 'All right, P, go here with it' or 'go there with it.' 'You should do that kinda song.
By Shaheem Reid
The Lox
Photo: MTV News
The O.D.: A Mixtape Daily Exclusive
Styles P says the Lox are cooking up a slew of products individually and collectively. All three members, Jadakiss, Sheek Louch and, of course, Sp the Ghost, are recording together.
"We working on the Lox right now and all the solos at once — Sheek solo, my solo, 'Kiss solo, mixtapes. That's our plan for the summer right now," he said. "Since we all in the lab, we going in. Now that we all there at the same time, it brings better energy and better thoughts. Even while I'm working on my solo, I like that input: 'All right, P, go here with it' or 'go there with it.' 'You should do that kinda song.
- 6/9/2010
- MTV Music News
'Now that we all there at the same time, it brings better energy and better thoughts,' he tells Mixtape Daily.
By Shaheem Reid
The Lox
Photo: MTV News
The O.D.: A Mixtape Daily Exclusive
Styles P says the Lox are cooking up a slew of products individually and collectively. All three members, Jadakiss, Sheek Louch and, of course, Sp the Ghost, are recording together.
"We working on the Lox right now and all the solos at once — Sheek solo, my solo, 'Kiss solo, mixtapes. That's our plan for the summer right now," he said. "Since we all in the lab, we going in. Now that we all there at the same time, it brings better energy and better thoughts. Even while I'm working on my solo, I like that input: 'All right, P, go here with it' or 'go there with it.' 'You should do that kinda song.
By Shaheem Reid
The Lox
Photo: MTV News
The O.D.: A Mixtape Daily Exclusive
Styles P says the Lox are cooking up a slew of products individually and collectively. All three members, Jadakiss, Sheek Louch and, of course, Sp the Ghost, are recording together.
"We working on the Lox right now and all the solos at once — Sheek solo, my solo, 'Kiss solo, mixtapes. That's our plan for the summer right now," he said. "Since we all in the lab, we going in. Now that we all there at the same time, it brings better energy and better thoughts. Even while I'm working on my solo, I like that input: 'All right, P, go here with it' or 'go there with it.' 'You should do that kinda song.
- 6/9/2010
- MTV Music News
'It's another hustle for me,' Lox member says of his fiction.
By Shaheem Reid
Styles P
Photo: MTV News
Styles P the Ghost is not your average author. His methods are a little unorthodox. The Lox member took two years to write his first novel, "Invincible" ... on his Blackberry.
Styles told MTV News that he often wrote the book in the D-Block studio while recording his latest solo LP, The Ghost Dub-Dime, and the Lox's next group album, which they hope to release later this year.
"The way I did it was so left field," Sp said. "It's another hustle for me; it's another way for me to express art."
Styles said he has wanted to write a book for over five years, but had trepidation because he didn't go to school to be a writer and worried he would get things like punctuation wrong. Ironically, he never actually writes down his rhymes,...
By Shaheem Reid
Styles P
Photo: MTV News
Styles P the Ghost is not your average author. His methods are a little unorthodox. The Lox member took two years to write his first novel, "Invincible" ... on his Blackberry.
Styles told MTV News that he often wrote the book in the D-Block studio while recording his latest solo LP, The Ghost Dub-Dime, and the Lox's next group album, which they hope to release later this year.
"The way I did it was so left field," Sp said. "It's another hustle for me; it's another way for me to express art."
Styles said he has wanted to write a book for over five years, but had trepidation because he didn't go to school to be a writer and worried he would get things like punctuation wrong. Ironically, he never actually writes down his rhymes,...
- 6/1/2010
- MTV Music News
Plus: DJ Kay Slay enlists Cam'ron, Jim Jones, Beanie Sigel, 50 Cent and more for his tape, in Mixtape Daily.
By Shaheem Reid
"Best Rapper Alive" mixtape
Photo: DJ Trackstar
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Mixtape: Best Rapper Alive?
Headliners: Lil Wayne and Royce Da 5'9"
Co-Stars: DJ Trackstar and the Smoking Section
We Can't Stop Playing: The "D.O.A." freestyles; the "Ignant Sh--" freestyles
Essential Info: This is just a mixtape you put on and forget about the fast-forward button. This is one of those gem mixtapes, because you know there's a guarantee that lyrics will be as sharp as a Peyton Manning pass. DJ Trackstar plays Butch Lewis, promoting a dream rhyme fight between Weezy F. Baby and the Nickel Nine. Trackstar took beats that Lil Wayne and Royce Da 5'9" rapped over separately on mixtapes and on proper albums and mixed a tape to make it sound like...
By Shaheem Reid
"Best Rapper Alive" mixtape
Photo: DJ Trackstar
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Mixtape: Best Rapper Alive?
Headliners: Lil Wayne and Royce Da 5'9"
Co-Stars: DJ Trackstar and the Smoking Section
We Can't Stop Playing: The "D.O.A." freestyles; the "Ignant Sh--" freestyles
Essential Info: This is just a mixtape you put on and forget about the fast-forward button. This is one of those gem mixtapes, because you know there's a guarantee that lyrics will be as sharp as a Peyton Manning pass. DJ Trackstar plays Butch Lewis, promoting a dream rhyme fight between Weezy F. Baby and the Nickel Nine. Trackstar took beats that Lil Wayne and Royce Da 5'9" rapped over separately on mixtapes and on proper albums and mixed a tape to make it sound like...
- 11/17/2009
- MTV Music News
'Mike Beck was a good friend of mine,' Maino says of young rapper who was killed last month.
By Rahman Dukes, with additional reporting by Steven Roberts
Mike Beck
Photo: Heavy Bank
Next week, a number of New York rappers will hold a benefit concert in the aftermath of the death of up-and-coming rapper Mike Beck, who was gunned down on October 30 in Brooklyn, New York. Former Diplomats member Hell Rell, Grafh, Littles, Saigon, Maino, Papoose and Webstar are just a few of the people who plan to come out and support their fallen soldier, with proceeds going to Beck's young son.
"Mike Beck was a good friend of mine outside of music," Maino said. "It's sad because it's hard making the transition from the streets to the music industry, so this could have been me five years ago when I didn't have a deal. When I was...
By Rahman Dukes, with additional reporting by Steven Roberts
Mike Beck
Photo: Heavy Bank
Next week, a number of New York rappers will hold a benefit concert in the aftermath of the death of up-and-coming rapper Mike Beck, who was gunned down on October 30 in Brooklyn, New York. Former Diplomats member Hell Rell, Grafh, Littles, Saigon, Maino, Papoose and Webstar are just a few of the people who plan to come out and support their fallen soldier, with proceeds going to Beck's young son.
"Mike Beck was a good friend of mine outside of music," Maino said. "It's sad because it's hard making the transition from the streets to the music industry, so this could have been me five years ago when I didn't have a deal. When I was...
- 11/17/2009
- MTV Music News
'We have to sit down and have a real meeting about it,' Bad Boy honcho tells Mixtape Daily.
By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Yasmine Richard
Diddy and Jadakiss
Photo: Bad Boy
The O.D.: A Mixtape Daily Exclusive
People have been talking about Diddy and Mase reuniting ever since an online video surfaced in which the Harlem Mc said he was coming from a meeting with the Bad Boy head honcho. But a different reunion might be going down between Diddy and one of his other acts.
"I would definitely love to do the next Lox album," he told Mixtape Daily recently in Los Angeles. "I would love to collaborate with them. I think it's important just to do. ... I would look forward to it."
Puff and the Warlocks together again? That would be big news for New York. The two factions were at odds for years before eventually patching things up.
By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Yasmine Richard
Diddy and Jadakiss
Photo: Bad Boy
The O.D.: A Mixtape Daily Exclusive
People have been talking about Diddy and Mase reuniting ever since an online video surfaced in which the Harlem Mc said he was coming from a meeting with the Bad Boy head honcho. But a different reunion might be going down between Diddy and one of his other acts.
"I would definitely love to do the next Lox album," he told Mixtape Daily recently in Los Angeles. "I would love to collaborate with them. I think it's important just to do. ... I would look forward to it."
Puff and the Warlocks together again? That would be big news for New York. The two factions were at odds for years before eventually patching things up.
- 10/7/2009
- MTV Music News
We get info on the Yonkers collective and the Murder Inc. alum in Mixtape Daily.
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Rahman Dukes
Lox
Photo: D-Block
We have a lot of the hip-hop superstars circulating in the underground current this week. You already saw what we did with 50 on Friday — and the G-Unit general has a lot more to say. Check for that soon. Today though, we're giving the ball to one of the best rap groups of all-time, the Lox. Obviously we all know they have their crew of artists, D-Block, and we went up to Yonkers to their new studio to check the fellas out. (Sheek, we missed you — catch you on the rebound!) Also, in Streets Is Talking, we have a cat that hasn't been heard from in a while.
Anyway, we had so much content for our Miami Week last week that we decided to drop some gems on you.
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Rahman Dukes
Lox
Photo: D-Block
We have a lot of the hip-hop superstars circulating in the underground current this week. You already saw what we did with 50 on Friday — and the G-Unit general has a lot more to say. Check for that soon. Today though, we're giving the ball to one of the best rap groups of all-time, the Lox. Obviously we all know they have their crew of artists, D-Block, and we went up to Yonkers to their new studio to check the fellas out. (Sheek, we missed you — catch you on the rebound!) Also, in Streets Is Talking, we have a cat that hasn't been heard from in a while.
Anyway, we had so much content for our Miami Week last week that we decided to drop some gems on you.
- 6/15/2009
- MTV Music News
Plus, our list of guest performers we'd most like to see at this Sunday's show.
By Shaheem Reid
Jadakiss
Photo: Brad Barket/ Getty Images
This Sunday, if you miss Jadakiss at the Hot 97 Summer Jam concert at New Jersey's Giants Stadium, it's on you. After years of getting an opening slot, Jadakiss says he's going on much later in the show.
"They ain't gonna make me go on before the people get there this year," Jada recently told us. "That's in the negotiations. 'Don't even call me if y'all ain't trying to let me go on at a reasonable slot, man.' "
Jadakiss revealed the obvious: that he's going to bring out a few cameo appearances.
"I always try to give one or two surprises," he said. "I know they wanna see me. I just dropped a new [album, The Last Kiss], so I gotta keep the surprise guests to a minimum. I might...
By Shaheem Reid
Jadakiss
Photo: Brad Barket/ Getty Images
This Sunday, if you miss Jadakiss at the Hot 97 Summer Jam concert at New Jersey's Giants Stadium, it's on you. After years of getting an opening slot, Jadakiss says he's going on much later in the show.
"They ain't gonna make me go on before the people get there this year," Jada recently told us. "That's in the negotiations. 'Don't even call me if y'all ain't trying to let me go on at a reasonable slot, man.' "
Jadakiss revealed the obvious: that he's going to bring out a few cameo appearances.
"I always try to give one or two surprises," he said. "I know they wanna see me. I just dropped a new [album, The Last Kiss], so I gotta keep the surprise guests to a minimum. I might...
- 6/5/2009
- MTV Music News
By Rahman Dukes
Jason Phillips, better known to the hip-hop community as Jadakiss, was out on his grind in the mean streets of New York City this week, filming the video for his latest club knocker, “Who’s Real,” from his new LP, Last Kiss.
While it hadn’t been confirmed at press time whether Atlanta newcomer Oj Da Juiceman, who’s featured on the song, will make the final cut of the clip, D-Block cohort Styles P, Sheek Louch and the track’s producer, Swizz Beatz, all came out to show love.
Jada talked with MTV News about the album — which he had just done some last-minute work on — last month. “I just went back in,” ‘Kiss said. “I did two joints with Swizz [Beatz]. I got one from [DJ] Khaled by [producers] the Inkredibles [Rick Ross' 'Mafia Music,' Young Jeezy's 'Vacation,' Fat Joe's 'One']. I got Mary [J. Blige] on it. I got another Pharrell joint. You know what it is. As long...
Jason Phillips, better known to the hip-hop community as Jadakiss, was out on his grind in the mean streets of New York City this week, filming the video for his latest club knocker, “Who’s Real,” from his new LP, Last Kiss.
While it hadn’t been confirmed at press time whether Atlanta newcomer Oj Da Juiceman, who’s featured on the song, will make the final cut of the clip, D-Block cohort Styles P, Sheek Louch and the track’s producer, Swizz Beatz, all came out to show love.
Jada talked with MTV News about the album — which he had just done some last-minute work on — last month. “I just went back in,” ‘Kiss said. “I did two joints with Swizz [Beatz]. I got one from [DJ] Khaled by [producers] the Inkredibles [Rick Ross' 'Mafia Music,' Young Jeezy's 'Vacation,' Fat Joe's 'One']. I got Mary [J. Blige] on it. I got another Pharrell joint. You know what it is. As long...
- 5/12/2009
- by MTV News
- MTV Newsroom
While Nas and Jay-z battle for the "King Of New York" throne, Jadakiss has quietly become the undisputed prince.
Play a Jadakiss track at your local house party or favorite watering hole, and New Yorkers resoundingly take notice.
The road to the top for Kiss started at age 17, when he gained aclaim for his battle-rap skills at the "Jack the Rapper Competition" in Florida. Dee and Wah of the Ruff Ryders (then a management company) took notice. Kiss began battling outside the Ruff Ryders' studio where artists like Dmx made their first hits.
In 1994, Jadakiss, Sheek Louch and Styles P formed a group they called the Lox and were signed to Bad Boy Records. The Lox formed a close relationship with deceased rap legend Biggie Smalls, and got their first multi-platinum single with "We'll Always Love Big Poppa", a tribute to B.I.G.
Play a Jadakiss track at your local house party or favorite watering hole, and New Yorkers resoundingly take notice.
The road to the top for Kiss started at age 17, when he gained aclaim for his battle-rap skills at the "Jack the Rapper Competition" in Florida. Dee and Wah of the Ruff Ryders (then a management company) took notice. Kiss began battling outside the Ruff Ryders' studio where artists like Dmx made their first hits.
In 1994, Jadakiss, Sheek Louch and Styles P formed a group they called the Lox and were signed to Bad Boy Records. The Lox formed a close relationship with deceased rap legend Biggie Smalls, and got their first multi-platinum single with "We'll Always Love Big Poppa", a tribute to B.I.G.
- 4/18/2009
- icelebz.com
A tracklisting showing what songs will be included in Jadakiss' forthcoming third studio effort "The Last Kiss" has been disclosed. From the list, it is revealed that single "Letter to B.I.G.", which serves as a soundtrack for biopic film "Notorious", is among new materials in the album.
Out of fourteen new singles, Jadakiss prefers to join forces with Pharrell Williams in single "Two-Step". Meanwhile for a duet with Lil Wayne, he chooses to share the mic in song called "Death Wish". Other stars to be featured in "The Last Kiss" are Young Jeezy, Jazmine Sullivan and Ne-Yo among others.
Previously, Jadakiss revealed to MTV that putting "Leter to B.I.G." in "The Last Kiss" might be corny. Though feeling reluctant to list "Letter to B.I.G." in his new effort, Jadakiss admitted he is tempted to do a remix for the song with either D-Block or Junior M.
Out of fourteen new singles, Jadakiss prefers to join forces with Pharrell Williams in single "Two-Step". Meanwhile for a duet with Lil Wayne, he chooses to share the mic in song called "Death Wish". Other stars to be featured in "The Last Kiss" are Young Jeezy, Jazmine Sullivan and Ne-Yo among others.
Previously, Jadakiss revealed to MTV that putting "Leter to B.I.G." in "The Last Kiss" might be corny. Though feeling reluctant to list "Letter to B.I.G." in his new effort, Jadakiss admitted he is tempted to do a remix for the song with either D-Block or Junior M.
- 1/17/2009
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
A music video to support LL Cool J's new song "Mr. President" has been debuted. Having Wyclef Jean, who also provides backing vocals for LL Cool J on the song, as a cameo, the music video gives a look at America's recent political issues and reveals questions that the rapper wants to ask to the current and forthcoming presidents.
Along with a scene where a mother cries over her son's death on a war, LL Cool J raps, "Mr. President, are you aware/our flesh and blood is dying over there/when the coffins come back." The rapper also questions the head of the country at the verses saying, "Do you care/when only the poor kids die, is it fair/Don't get me wrong I respect the flag/but it hurts to see a kid in a body bag/he fought for his country with all he had...
Along with a scene where a mother cries over her son's death on a war, LL Cool J raps, "Mr. President, are you aware/our flesh and blood is dying over there/when the coffins come back." The rapper also questions the head of the country at the verses saying, "Do you care/when only the poor kids die, is it fair/Don't get me wrong I respect the flag/but it hurts to see a kid in a body bag/he fought for his country with all he had...
- 10/20/2008
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
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