iTunes To Hike Prices...

Apple's iTunes music store plans to hike prices of hit songs and some classic tracks on April 7, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Prices of the selected songs will go up to $1.29 from 99 cents, a 30 percent boost.

"Apple has been notifying record lables it will go into effect on [April 7]," according to the Times.

The Times further reports: "The move, part of a new 'variable-pricing' strategy that will also lower the price of selected songs, is an attempt by the music industry to wring more revenue from digital downloads in the battle to offset declining CD sales. Label executives contend the new pricing will allow them to offer packaged downloads of songs that might entice consumers to spend more on music.

"Some music industry veterans are criticizing the 30% hike price, saying the timing is tone deaf because it comes in the midst of a recession and at a time when spending for online music appears to have reached a plateau."

Wow. First swishers, and now the price of music's goin up, too. 

Via: The Chicago Sun-Times

Coming To A B96 Near You...

Kevin Rudolf Feat. KiD CuDi - Welcome To The World

It's straight and CuDi got off. CuDi just broke the bankm cause you already know this is getting CRAZY rotation.

Via: onsmash

NEWBOs = New Black Overclass

Stop What Your're Doing and PAY ATTENTION!!!

It's an American success story. Self-made black multimillionaires, many of whom grew up poor, 
have made vast fortunes in the sports, entertainment and media industries.   

The new moguls made their millions under the age of 40, primarily by taking more ownership and control over their brands than their predecessors. Collectively, black athletes in the NFL, NBA, and in Major League Baseball earned nearly $4 billion last year and the nation's 20 highest-paid hip-hop entrepreneurs brought in more than $500 million.   Now, with their newfound wealth come responsibilities to their family, friends, and community.

Based on Lee Hawkins' forthcoming book of the same title, NEWBOs: The Rise of America's New Black Overclass examines the growing responsibilities of black celebrities in the Obama age. The project features personal stories and interviews with some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment.  It's an inside look into how each successful NEWBO surmounted challenges to achieve the American Dream.

Baby...

 

LBJ...

Bob Johnson...

T.O...

Knowledge. Inspiration. Whatever you wanna call it. Straight-up brilliance on the behalf of Lee Hawkins.  

Via: dimewars

RIHANNA PIC!!!!

Daaaaaaaaaaaaaamn. That shit crazy.

Via: TMZ

Album Review: Ryan Leslie

Ryan Leslie - Ryan Leslie

In the past few years, Ryan Leslie has made his mark on the music game producing and writing songs for everyone from Britney Spears to Cassie, and New Edition to Jim Jones. A Harvard graduate at age 19 with degrees in Government and Economics, Leslie - singer/songwriter/producer/musician/ - is one of the most talented cats in the game. Since 2006, Leslie's developed a huge buzz on the web via his YouTube channel, and in 2007, Leslie began recording songs for his official debut album (his first debut album, Just Right, was shelved in 2003). After two years of mild airplay with singles "Diamond Girl" and "Addiction", Leslie's self-titled debut album finally hit stores this past Tuesday, February 10. 

(click to enlarge)

Ryan Leslie is one of the best, most balanced, R&B albums in recent years. While many R&B artists have struggled, being "too hip-hop", or "too soft", Leslie finds a happy medium between the two. The singles,  "Diamond Girl", "Addiction", and "How It Was Supposed To Be" are definitely the standout tracks. They're synth-heavy cuts with a nice club bounce to satisfy those looking for a more upbeat hip-hop feel. On the other hand, for those that prefer a more traditional R&B ballad, tracks such as, "You're Fly, "Valentine", and "I-R-I-N-A" are up that alley. He's even got songs for the Pop-Crossover crowd, particularly, "Quicksand", which has a beat that could've made it on a Maroon 5 album.

Why his songs aren't all over the radio, I have no idea, especially since he's got the type of songs that rappers love to hop on, as Fabolous ("Addiction") and Jadakiss ("How It Was Supposed To Be (remix)" - not on the album), have already shown. Even Leslie occasionally starts spitting over a couple of his tracks. 

Although Leslie's not the best vocalist, his melodies, production, and ability to hit the falsetto notes are through the roof. All that makes for a great debut for Ryan Leslie, and one of the best R&B albums in a minute. As long as he keeps making music, and doesn't go back to his behind scenes work of songwriting and production, Leslie will be a mainstay on the R&B scene.

Video: "How It Was Supposed To Be"...

Chris Brown x Rihanna Update...

Chris Brown and Rihanna seemed like the perfect couple on the outside, but after his recent arrest for felony battery, we’ve learned that it wasn’t the first time Chris raised a hand on her.

According to Police reports, Rihanna claims that Chris has hit her in the past and she referred to it as an ongoing and escalating abusive relationship.

When Rihanna first spoke to LAPD she refused to tell them what started the argument that night. We’ve now learned that it was the result of another woman sending Chris a text message about meeting up later on in the night.

During the argument, according to the police report, she ordered him to drive her home and “faked a call” to someone, saying things like, “He’s dropping me off. Make sure the cops are there,” reports TMZ. This enraged Chris.

He then said something to the effect of “You are really fu**ed up now. I’m going to kill you.” That’s when Chris allegedly began his violent attack with his fists.

At some point during the attack Rihanna took the car keys out of the ignition and threw them outside. He reportedly went outside to look for them, and returned back to the car and allegedly choked her. That’s when she lost consciousness and a witness called 911.

Based on Rihanna’s statement and her injuries Chris will definitely face a felony domestic battery charge, but it’s unclear at this time whether or not that’s the only charge he’ll get because evidence that he made criminal threats against Rihanna is kind of thin.

Damn. This story just gets more and more extreme with every update. 

Via: bossip

Peep These...

Montega Jada Does Work!!!

"I'll probably be one of the nicest until I'm senile"

New Skull Gang...

Skull Gang - Body Like A Maserati...

Anybody Seen Cam'ron? Cont'd

Snowman Goes In Over "Cash Flow"...

Young Jeezy - Bang Bang

Via: worldstarhiphop & nahright

Chris Brown x Rihanna Update...

Law enforcement sources confirm to TMZ Chris Brown received a text message from a woman while he was driving with Rihanna and that’s what started the confrontation that left Rihanna battered and bruised.

We’re told the text message was from a woman who wrote about hooking up with Brown later.

We’ve also learned there is a reference in the police report to an argument over a rapper, but we’ve learned this is NOT what triggered the argument. The woman who text messaged Brown is not a rapper.

As for Rihanna’s injuries, we continue to learn more. Cops took multiple pictures at the scene. Chris Brown allegedly hit Rihanna so hard with his fists, she could barely open her eyes for the photos — they were almost completely swollen shut. She had a fat lip, her mouth was swollen, her nose was badly bloodied, and she had contusions on her forehead and both sides of her face.

Via: bossip

Music News...

Rick Ross' Latest Jabs In His Beef With "Monkey"...

"Damn Fif"

LMAO!!!!! 

Ross also came with a diss track...

Rick Ross - Push 'Em Over The Ledge

Huff. Ross is 0-2 with the diss tracks.

Ross Says 50's Career Is A Wrap...

Did he actually just say his niggas was colder than Dr. Dre???

AL-QUEDA JADA DOES IN...

"Way over these young boys heads, with the '90s flow...I give it to any rapper you name, Eeny-Miny-Mo"

Ludacris Feat. Plies - Nasty Girl...

There is a God somewhere.

The-Dream - Rockin' That Thang...

Wayne Does "Around The Horn"

Weezy holds it down as usual. He's always on point with the ESPN 

gigs.

Check Out The Cover For King Magazine Issue #50...

Via: nahright & worldstarhiphop

Chris Brown x Rihanna Update...

As rumors circulate and new information is slowly being revealed about the recent unfortunate events surrounding R&B singers Chris Brown and girlfriend Rihanna, both artists are already feeling the backlash.

After leaving Clive Davis’ annual pre-Grammy bash at around 12:30 a.m. Sunday morning, 19 year-old Brown reportedly got into a physical altercation that left a female victim with visible bruises and cuts to her face. Later on, police confirmed that the victim was indeed pop singer, Rihanna. Both artists, who were scheduled to perform that night at the Grammy Awards, bowed out of the night’s events. Brown turned himself in later on that evening and was released hours later on $50,000 bail. After being arrested and facing charges of making criminal threats, Brown has hired criminal attorney Mark Geragos who is most known for defending Pop star Michael Jackson and actress Winona Ryder.

After Brown was booked and released on bail following the incident, the Wrigley Corporation released the following statement.

"Wrigley is concerned by the serious allegations made against Chris Brown," stated the Doublemint owner, who funded Brown's advertisement/hit single "Forever". "We believe Mr. Brown should be afforded the same due process as any citizen. However, we have made the decision to suspend the current advertising featuring Brown and any related marketing communications until the matter is resolved."

The advertisers behind the Milk Mustache campaign expressed similar concern and stating they are "taking the allegations against Chris Brown very seriously."

Meanwhile, NBA representatives confirm Brown has withdrawn from all of this year's scheduled events at the NBA All-Star Weekend in Phoenix. Rihanna has also postponed Friday's sold-out concert in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as well.

After both TMZ.com and the Los Angeles Times quoted unnamed sources stating Rihanna was the victim of a horrific attack, most likely by Brown, a family member has stepped forward. Yesterday, Rihanna's grandmother, Clara Brathwaite, told Barbados' leading newspaper The Daily Nation, "I don't want people to worry. Rihanna is fine and she is doing well."

Brown is scheduled to appear in court on March 5.

Via: hiphopdx

Grammy Recap...

Favorite Performances...

Coldplay x Jay-Z...

Jay's verse is from a freestyle session with Funkmaster Flex a few years ago. Still on point though.

Jay-Z x T.I. x Lil' Wayne x Kanye...

No homo, I LOVED this performance. The band. The suits. THE SWAGGER.

Al Green x Justin Timberlake x Boyz II Men x Keith Urban...

Smokey Robinson x Duke Fakir (original Four Tops member) x Jamie Foxx x Ne-Yo - Four Tops Tribute...

Notable Winners....

RECORD OF THE YEAR: "Please Read This Letter" - Robert Plant and Alison Krauss

ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Raising Sand - Robert Plant and Alison Krauss

SONG OF THE YEAR: "Viva la Vida" - Coldplay

BEST NEW ARTIST: Adele

R&B

BEST FEMALE R&B VOCAL PERFORMANCE: "Superwoman" - Alicia Keys

BEST MALE R&B VOCAL PERFORMANCE: "Miss Independent"- Ne-Yo

BEST R&B PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP WITH VOCALS: "Stay With Me (by the Sea)" - Al Green Featuring John Legend

BEST TRADITIONAL R&B VOCAL PERFORMANCE: "You've Got The Love I Need" - Al GreenFeaturing Anthony Hamilton

BEST URBAN/ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE: "Be OK" - Chrisette Michele Featuring will.i.am

BEST R&B SONG: "Miss Independent" - Ne-Yo (Mikkel S. Eriksen, T.E. Hermansen & S. Smith, songwriters)

BEST R&B ALBUM: Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Hudson

BEST CONTEMPORARY R&B ALBUM: Growing Pains - Mary J. Blige

RAP

BEST RAP SOLO PERFORMANCE: "A Milli" - Lil Wayne

BEST RAP PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP: "Swagga Like Us" - Jay-Z & T.I. Featuring Kanye West & Lil Wayne

BEST RAP/SUNG COLLABORATION: "American Boy" - Estelle Featuring Kanye West

BEST RAP SONG: "Lollipop" - Lil Wayne Featuring Static Major

BEST RAP ALBUM: Tha Carter III - Lil Wayne

Chris "Ike" Breezy...

Chris Brown didn't make it to the Grammy's last night. Neither did Rihanna. Why not???

Chris Brown is being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department for allegedly assaulting a female. 

According to TMZ.com, law enforcement sources revealed that Brown and an unidentified woman were arguing inside a vehicle around 12:30AM yesterday (Feb. 8) morning when things allegedly turned violent.

Police say they received a 911 call, and when they arrived on the scene, the woman had visible injuries. Brown was not at the scene by the time police had arrived.

Due to the altercation, Rihanna, who was scheduled to perform with Brown at the Grammys, neither appeared or performed at the awards ceremony. A statement from Rihanna's publicist said, "Rihanna is well. Thank you for your concern and support."

In the evening, Brown turned himself in to the LAPD, where he was interviewed by detectives. He was charged with one count felony criminal threats, and his bail was set at $50,000.

The singer has paid his bail, and was released. More on this story as it develops.

Damn. 

Via: hiphopdx & bossip

New Music...T-Wayne, Keri Hilson, Ryan Leslie, & Brooklyn's Finest

T-Pain + Lil' Wayne = T-Wayne

T-Pain Feat. Lil' Wayne - Snap Your Fingaz

"And call us by our new names, and that's featuring T-Pain and Lil' Wayne"

This joint is nice. He Raps, He Sings Coming Soon???

Keri Hilson adds her flavor to Ryan Leslie's burner...

Ryan Leslie Feat. Keri Hilson - How It Was Supposed To Be (rmx)

Cold. Ryan Leslie got that shit. No homo. By the way, his self-titled album drops Tuesday. Don't sleep, cause everyone song I've heard of his is a banger.

More From Keri Hilson...

Keri Hilson - Turn Up The Radio (Produced by Polow Da Don)

Another banger from Ms. Hilson. Polow Da Don is a MONSTER with the beats.

Now Back To The Hip-Hop...

Here's one from a few of Brooklyn's Finest...

Lil' Cease Feat. Fabolous & Busta Rhymes - Talk Go Through Us

Cease: "My body shaped like a action figure"...LMAO

Yeah. This one's pretty official. Fab's whole verse is a quotable, I swear he's one of the most underrated cats. Busta keeps it consistent and comes with his usual dope ass verse.

Via: onsmash

Check 'Em Out....

FIGHT KLUB!!!! Serius Jones vs. Moonface...

Anybody Seen Cam'ron, Cont'd...

Skateboard P Discusses Shoes & Music...

Push Ton Talks "Till The Casket Drops" With KAWS...

Jimmy Fallon x The Fifth Dynasty...

Lil' Wayne x Katie Couric Interview...

Wayne makes alotta good music, that's why I fuck with him, and have been since long before the recent influx of "Wayne-heads" in the past couple years...But there's something slightly disturbing that he of all people could say he's not a role model. I understand you may think that's not your job, but it comes with the territory. Charles Barkley said the same thing about athletes in '93, but I have to believe their actions were nowhere near as extreme as those of Wayne, and a musical connection with people is different than a sports one. Being a musical artist involves words directly from your mouth going into the heads of your fans over and over, as opposed to athletes, with whom you mainly see their actions on the court, and rarely hear about their personal lives and habits. The League governs over the players actions anyway, so they are not allowed to participate in many of the things Wayne does regardless.

And this nigga said he smokes medicinal for migraines. LMAO....Get the fuck outta here!!!

New Music...

THIS S*** GOES HARD!!!

Gucci Mane Feat. OJ Da Juiceman, Fabolous, 8Ball & MJG, & Shawty Lo - Bricks (Remix)

This is already one of those joints where the beat knocks so hard you gotta love it. But now Loso and Ball & G LACE this one with potent lyrics. 

Young Chris Searching For A Hot 16!!!

Young Chris Feat. Wale & Bun B - Searching

This is the third version of this song. Young Chris & Wale's verses are the same, but it's the first time for Bun's verse. There's an extra minute or so of instrumental for the additional verse Chris is looking for.

Rick Ross - Mafia Music...

"Paper that I'm makin' got 'em takin' photos naked"

Cold ass video. Forget about the 50 beef, it looks like Ross is cookin up some crack for Deeper Than Rap.

GET IT NOW!!!



DJ RTC x SC - Guns 'N Doe Mixtape (Hosted by Just Blaze)...

All beats by Chicago's own SC (S. Choir). Tracklist below...


(click to enlarge)

Raekwon Interview....



"Came to the studio, got mad cases of patron, made pounds of weed, niggas around wit ratchets, and good boy cars and all, you know, all the things that make a G comfortable when he zonin"

You Don't Got Wave Like That!!!



Max B speaks on The Wave:

My swag is crazy man. The ladies love me, so you do the rest. The ladies love me, the niggas love me and the kids love me. I'm fly make good music, I drive a good car, I'm sexy, and my swagger is impeccable! I'm one of the top 100 niggas out here. I ain't say 50, I said 100! Niggas got a lot of money out here, and I'm still up-and-coming you know? I'm realistic with mines.

LMAO, Owwww.

See the entire interview at hiphopdx.

Speaking of the Dips, Check The April XXL Cover...KILLA

Via: nahright, hiphopdx, & fakeshoredrive