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DJ Vajra isn't just one of the best turntablists in Colorado -- he's one of the best in the nation. Vajra was recently tapped to do a showcase at this year’s DMC World Finals at London's indigO2 on Saturday, September 27. And even though Vajra himself is a four-time DMC USA Finalist, he’s pretty much done with the DJ battle scene. “I don't battle because I’d rather be able to do what I do with no six minute time limits or restrictions, and without being officially judged,” Vajra says. “But it's definitely an honor to go to the World Finals!”
In the meantime, Vajra is offering his mixtape, B-Boy’s Best Friend, for free download through his MySpace page. And in case anyone forgot, he’s also been uploading some of his past DMC Championships routines on his YouTube page. Check out his wicked 2004 routine:
Lil Wayne re-ups with Cash Money Records
Lil Wayne is basically the only artist making Cash Money Records any money, so why not secure him for the long haul? Label CEO, Bryan “Baby” Williams, put the franchise tag on Weezy and secured him for a multiple album deal. Details weren’t disclosed.
“Working with our son Lil Wayne throughout the many years has helped us build Cash Money into the empire it is today,” Williams told AllHipHop.com. “Cash Money is a family and Lil Wayne has been part of our family since day one.”
Wayne’s latest album, Tha Carter III, has sold 2.4 million copies since its release last month, a virtually unheard of feat in the music industry nowadays.
Nate Dogg suffers another stroke
According to various reports, former Death Row artist Nate Dogg suffered a stroke sometime last week and is currently hospitalized. This is his second stroke in the last year. He was paralyzed on the left side of his body. There’s no word on how the most recent stroke is affecting him this time, but TMZ.com is reporting that he can’t move anything below his neck. Nate is due in court on September 24 to face felony charges after he allegedly made death threats to his estranged wife, but his health may be cause for rescheduling the date.50 Cent vs. Kanye West: Part 2?
Last year, 50 Cent and Kanye West went head-to-head on September 11, releasing their albums Curtis and The Graduation on the same day. Kanye trounced 50 by selling at least 300,000 more albums than him. But could there be a rematch?
Kanye recently announced he’ll be releasing his new album, 808s & Heartbreaks, on December 16, with the song “Love Lockdown” as the lead single. This week, MTV news reported that 50 Cent mocked Kanye’s new song at a New York and announced that his new album, Before I Self Destruct, will be dropping December 9. Both artists have the power to shift their release dates in order for some marketing gimmick. Could we see a sequel to last year’s showdown?
NEW RELEASES
Nelly Brass Knuckles
One of the first things you notice about Nelly’s new album is the plethora of guests: Rick Ross, Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, T.I., Akon, Chuck D, LL Cool J, R. Kelly, Jermane Dupri -- actually, there’s only one song on the album without a guest. He seems a bit insecure with his own talent. All of the guests outshine Nelly on every track, but it probably doesn’t matter because he’ll still probably go platinum. If Akon wasn’t on “Body On Me,” would it still be a hit? DJ Khaled We Global Once again, Miami DJ, Khaled returns with a new compilation featuring everyone and your momma. Nas, Kanye West, Rick Ross, Fat Joe Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, T.I., and a bunch of others make appearances on the album. The sound is your basic Southern fried hip-hop that’s made for the radio. Expect a couple of hits out of this one. Ill Bill The Hour of Reprisal Ill Bill has always been one of underground hip-hop’s treasures. Sometimes even under the underground. With his new album he addresses everything from the war to racism and other current happenings in the world. Plus with appearances from B-Real (of Cypress Hill), Immortal Technique, Raekwon and some beats from DJ Premier and DJ Muggs, this one is worth checking out.
