For those of you discontent with the hip-hop scene, Ghostface Killah released an excellent album this week along with this accompanying video.
Veteran rapper Pimp C dies in L.A.
Rapper Pimp C, of the veteran and legendary Houston rap group UGK (Underground Kingz), was found dead in a Los Angeles hotel on Tuesday morning. Prescription drugs were found in the room, but authorities believe that he may have died of natural causes. The hip-hop nation was shocked by the news as fellow Houston rappers Willie D (of Geto Boys) and Lil Flip recently gave tributes to the fallen rapper at our sister paper, The Houston Press.
Kanye West nominated for 8 Grammys
The Grammy nominations were announced this week and Kanye West walked away with the most at eight nods. He’s nominated for Album of the Year for “The Graduation” and is nominated in every Rap category including two nominations in Best Rap Song (“Stronger” and “Good Life”) and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group (“Southside” with Common and “Better Than I’ve Ever Been” with KRS, Nas, and Rakim). Anyone familiar with Kanye and award shows knows that he’s thrown a temper tantrum or two when he doesn’t win. But with the passing of his mother last month, could we expect a more solemn Kanye at this year’s awards?
Spice 1 shot while sleeping in a car
Bay area rapper Spice 1 came to prominence in the early '90s with classic songs like “187 Proof” and “Jealous Got Me Strapped,” featuring Tupac. This dude has like 15 albums so to hear about getting shot while he was asleep in his car is a bit bizarre. Shouldn’t he be in a mansion or posh hotel room by now? Police say the rapper is still in critical condition and they have no motives for the shooting. "The victim was asleep in his car, parked in the driveway of his house when an unknown suspect apparently came up to the side of the car and [shot] him in the chest," Lieutenant Reid Lindblom of the Hayward Californina police told SOHH.com.
Wyclef Jean still talking about Lauryn Hill
In the new issue of Rolling Stone, Wyclef Jean talks about his new album Carnival Volume II (Memoirs of an Immigrant) of course, but no interview is complete without mention of the Fugees and Lauryn Hill. He shared what it was like going on tour with Ms. Hill during their ‘reunion’ by saying, “Man, it was like pulling thirty-two teeth out of my mouth. You can't be on a stage an hour and a half late, like she was,” ‘Clef told Rolling Stone. “So I blew up on, like, the tenth night. Cursed her out. I was like, ‘Listen, either you want to f*cking do this sh*t, or I'm going to f*cking go home.’” It looks like we aren’t going to see that Fugees reunion album anytime soon.
New Releases:
Ghostface Killah Big Doe Rehab Anything Ghostface drops is pretty guaranteed to be hot. This album is no exception with appearances from his Wu brethren Method Man, Raekwon, U-God and Masta Killa.
Wyclef Jean Carnival Volume II (Memoirs of an Immigrant) Wyclef is going back to his Haitain roots with a hip-hop twist. Expect hot verses from Lil Wayne, T.I., and Chamillionaire. Even Shakira reconnects with Clef for the song “King & Queen.”
Birdman 5* Stunna It doesn’t matter that he got arrested for holding some weed, Birdman is still a Five-Star Stunner. Whatever that means. His surrogate son, Lil Wayne is all over the album. How long do we have to keep calling him “lil”?
Styles P Supa Gangsta Extraordinary Gentleman It’s been five years since Styles P released a solo album. He’s got heat, but I think everyone is waiting for him to reunite with Jadakiss and Sheek for that new Lox album next year.
DJ Drama Gangsta Grillz: The Album Despite getting his offices raided and getting arrested for “bootlegging,” that can’t hold DJ Drama down. His debut album features verses from T.I., Young Jeezy, Outkast, Rick Ross and beats from Jazze Pha, Don Cannon and Drumma Boy. Yeah, it’s a Southern thang! -- Quibian Salazar-Moreno
