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Veteran Denver emcee D.O. The Fabulous Drifter is still putting the finishing touches on his new album D.irector of O.perations while working overtime for a collaborative venture. He connected with Canadian songbird JaQe for a project called His and Hers, a combination of hip-hop and soul that D.O. has dubbed “retro electro.” The album, Resilience, is slated to drop this summer but the duo blessed us with their first single, aptly titled “His and Hers,” produced by Solpowa. Check it out:
50 Cent, Timbaland, Wyclef on ‘roids?
Who knew you needed steroids to bust a rhyme? According to a story published in the Albany Times Union, 50 Cent, Timbaland, Wyclef Jean, Mary J Blige, and writer/director Tyler Perry, among other celebrities, have all been named in a New York State steroids investigation. According to the investigation’s report, the celebs have ordered Human Growth Hormones (HGH) and anabolic steroids, sometimes using fake names. The investigation was launched by Albany District Attorney David Soares. The investigation is focusing on those who prescribed the drugs and it’s not known if any of the artists violated any drug laws. Blige has been the only one to respond to claims, saying that they’re totally false.
Grandmaster Flash, LL Cool get Smithsonian love
Even though no hip-hop will be inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame this year, it is getting some shine at the Smithsonian. The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. will launch Recognize! Hip-Hop and Contemporary Portraiture, on February 8. The exhibit will feature photos of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, LL Cool J, Common, Erykah Badu and other art and photographs inspired by hip-hop culture.
"Recognize! Hip-Hop and Contemporary Portraiture shows that much of the art inspired by the Hip-Hop movement is a form of portrayal," gallery director Marc Pachter said. "Music, photography, painting, poetry and even graffiti provide a medium for self-expression and establishing identity." The exhibit will run until October 26. Foxy Brown asks for early jail release
Rapper Foxy Brown isn’t even halfway through her jail sentence and she’s begging the judge to let her out. Her excuse, however, is that being in jail is creating problems for her surgically repaired ear.
"I ask you to please take into consideration that my health is in jeopardy," Brown reportedly wrote to the New York State Supreme Court. "Yes, I've made some bad choices and stupid mistakes. But please understand that sitting in a prison with murderers and criminals is not rehabilitating or what I need to deal with my inner issues. Up until now, you've only heard about Foxy Brown the artist. I'd like to show you Inga Marchand the beautiful person that my mom raised me to be. Jail has shaken me to my core, and my time away has impacted me greatly."
Foxy has been locked up since August 22, serving a one year sentence after violating her probation on multiple occasions.
NEW RELEASES
Breez Evaflowin & Dirt E Dutch R Troublemakers Breez and Dirt E are both underground solo artists who have united as the Troublemakers for a collaborative album. As one can expect from Breez and Dirt, the lyrical aspect is top-notch and the beats are rough, rugged and raw.
Edo G & The Bulldogs Acting This one is for the hardcore Edo G fans. Originally released in Japan in 1996, Acting, was an EP that was only available on vinyl and with very few copies made. But Edo G recently dug out all the original reels and dats, remastered the EP, which is now an 18-track album that features not only the original EP, but never before released tracks, remixes and interludes. -- Quibian Salazar-Moreno
