Hip Hop News: Dom Kennedy Announces New Album and Release Date

Dom Kennedy just announced his new album is coming next month. The Cali MC recently took to Instagram and unveiled the cover art for the self titled LP. The Liemert Park legend keeps it simple using a photo of himself in front of a white background rocking black Chuck Taylor All-Stars, blue jeans, a black and red sweatshirt and aLos Angeles Dodgers hat. In the caption he revealed the album will be distributed on June 2.

The announcement comes as somewhat of a surprise, especially with the date being only a few weeks away. Dom hasn’t been pumping music out recently either. But then again, he isn’t known for dropping an abundance off loose tracks. Last December, he tested the water with two songs dropping in back-to-back weeks with “Represent (I Like That)” and “Posted In The Club.”

The laid back rapper’s second studio album Get Home Safely dropped back in October 2013 and featured appearances from Skeme, Krondon,Ty Dolla $ign, Nipsey Hussle and TeeFLii, with most of the production being handled by The Futuristiks and Drewbyrd. Despite being released independently through his label The Other Peoples Money Company, the album peaked at No. 4 on Billboard’s US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

Kennedy was mum on info about the new album, but more details on the project should be dropping soon.

Hip Hop News: Jay Z Reunites Roc-A-Fella at Starred-Studded ‘B-Sides’ Concert

You ever feel like you’re just part of a moment? Not in the pretentiously philosophical way, but in the sense that you’re witnessing history as its happening?

Thats how everyone at Terminal 5 felt thanks to Jay Z.

Last night (May 16), only the purest of hip-hop heads were treated to a two hour show at New York City’s Terminal 5 put on by Jay Z and Roc Nation. Tidal X: Jaÿ-Z B-Sides was to promote Jay’s recently launched and much debated music streaming service. Advertised as only “the deep cuts,” B-Sides was meant to cater to the true Jay Z fan who was with the Brooklyn boy back when he was slinging rock in ’96.

The energy was electric. Despite the rainy humidity of the outside world, once inside, wet shoes be damned, everyone just vibed. All three floors of Terminal 5 were packed wall to wall and yet not a single fight or scuffle broke out. This rare occurrence of instant crowd camaraderie was because everyone knew they were about to be a part of something special. Whether you won your tickets by submitting a playlist on Tidal or bought your way in, everyone in the spot knew they pulled the right finesse to be a part of the moment.

As promised, HOV delivered a set full of decade-spanning B-side cuts to appease his audience of diehards. Strolling on stage promptly at 9 p.m., he was welcomed by burning blunts and chants of “HO-VA” almost instantly. Jay started off strong with “Intro” from 2000′s The Dynasty: Roc La Familia and the front row rapped every word right along with him.

After taking to Twitter a few weeks ago to defend Tidal, Jay also took this opportunity to deliver a one-two punch to his business critics in the form of a monologue and brand new freestyle.

“Don’t go with the flow, be the flow,” HOVA said to cheers. Going on to reference the early pioneering moments in his career, he explained, “When The Source was the number one magazine out here…I was the first one on the cover of XXL.”

Hip Hop News: Tink Unveils Official Artwork To Her Debut Album, “#ThinkTINK”

Tink has been lighting things up since stepping on the scene. With her breakout singles Around The Clock & Ratchet Commandments already setting the pace, & then her release of her rendition to Aaliyah’s One In A Million earlier this week, Tink is on the right track leading up to her debut album release.

Still no date set for the Chicago femcee’s debut release, but today she unveils the official cover art to the project. #ThinkTINK will appear sometime this year via Mosley Music Group/Epic Records, so you’ll just have to stay tuned for more details as they surface.

Hip Hop Now: Offset & Rich The Kid Call Into Hot 107.9 in Atlanta From Jail, Give Updates On Release

Last month, Migos and several other members of their entourage, including label mate Rich The Kid, were arrested during a show at Georgia Southern University on drugs and felony gun charges. Quavo and Offsetwere released on $10,000 bond, however, Offset was to remain due to violation of his probation.

Offset and Rich The Kid recently called into Hot 107.9’s Durtty Boyz radio show in Atlanta from jail to give an update on their incarceration. Rich The Kid states that the two have been locked up on false charges, specifically pertaining to the firearms that were found on the tour bus.

Offset also got on the phone to clarify that he did not curse out the judge who denied his bail, however he should be released in three weeks. Though he cannot talk about the case, he does say that the prosecutor has been pulling up videos from Noisey as well as other Youtube clips in efforts to tarnish his image.

Listen to the phone call below.

Hip Hop News: Jazz legend B.B. King Passes away at age 89

Legendary blues singer B.B. King passed away at age 89. The singer died in his sleep in Las Vegas, according to his daughter. King is credited with bringing blues music to the mainstream. He began singing in his church choir before moving to Memphis, Tennessee from Mississippi to be closer to the music scene. He released his first hit in 1951 with “Three O’Clock Blues.”

Riley B King was nominated for a total of 30 Grammy awards throughout his career. He was awarded 15 of them including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also honored with the Presidential Media of Freedom, and be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame throughout his career. King continued to tour, despite being diabetic, until April of this year when he was forced to rest due to dehydration.

B.B. King’s music, contributions to blues, and his influence will continue to live on forever.

Hip Hop News: P. Diddy Has Announced His Last Ever Recording Album “MMM” Will Drop June 29th

Sean “Puffy” Combs will go down in history as one of the, if not THEE, hardest working man Hip-Hop culture has ever produced. Let’s talk about an overly ambitious entrepreneur who elevated the culture to an entire different realm after introducing the late great Christopher Wallace, better known as Biggie Smalls, The Notorious B.I.G, or simply just “Big”. He alone shifted the culture into a new direction after creating “Bad Boy Records” which went on the become of the largest labels in rap.

Diddy has broken acts such a Biggie, Lil Kim, Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, 112, Ma$e, Carl Thomas, Total, & the list goes on. Every single artists aforementioned became hit sensations, all thanks to the genius likes of P. Diddy & BBE.

Even beyond breaking artists, Diddy has had a bit of a run on his own as a solo artist. He released his debut album, No Way Out in 1997, which went on to become a 7-time platinum album. He’s released 3 more albums since his debut, & recently announced that his 5th solo LP MMM would be his last.

It only makes sense for Diddy to walk away from his solo career  with one more solid album being that he’s embarked on many new endeavors since his start with music. From introducing his Ciroc Vodka brand that has gone completely viral throughout the industry, to than branching off into a new endeavor of liquor & presenting Deleon Tequila, & his latest move with launching an entire music network with Revolt TV, I’d say Puff has done quite well for himself & his brands. With that being said, according to his latest Instagram post, we can expect his farewell album to be released next month, June 29th.

We learned during his recent visit to The Ellen Show that he will also go on one last world tour with few set locations to bid his farewell to his rap career. Expect this to be major.

Hip Hop News: Warner Music Group Now Making More From Streaming Services Than Digital Sales!

According to reports by The Fader, Warner Music Group will for the first time, have made more money from streaming than digital sales. Revenue from streaming services increased by 33%, while digital sales increased 7%.

“The rate of this growth has made it abundantly clear that in years to come,” Stephen Cooper, CEO of the label said during an earnings call, “streaming will be the way that most people enjoy music.”

The uprising of streaming has seemed to be the new wave of the millennial generation, who have been subscribing to services like Pandora and Spotify for years. This may be a sign of the times, no more having to actually buy CDs, but being able to pay a monthly fee to have unlimited music has quite the appeal.

Hip Hop Now: Meek Mill – Energy (Freestyle)

After teasing us with his visual effort on Instagram, Meek Mill gives Funk Flex the go ahead to bless the airwaves with his freestyle to Drake‘s IYRTITL-album cut, “Energy.” Be sure to check back for the CDQ version. Meek’s sophomore album, Dreams Worth More Than Money, coming soon.

Hip Hop Now: El Da Sensei x DJ Devastate & J57 – Show Stoppa (J57 Remix)

In lieu of the one year anniversary of Coalmine Records’ decennary compilation album, Unearthed, mixed by DJ Revolution, the Brooklyn-based indie is pleased to present the J57 Remix of the El Da Sensei featured favorite, “Show Stoppa,” which boasts Sweden’s DJ Devastate and Young Pacino on the hook duties, over J’s head nodding remix. To further celebrate the milestone, Coalmine’s pleased to release a limited edition run of Unearthed on cassette. Dubbed the ‘Green Slimes’ for being pressed on green shells, the hour long mix serves as a who’s who of today’s independent Hip-Hop scene, packed with features from both veteran and burgeoning emcees such as Pharoahe Monch, Kool G Rap, Large Professor, The Artifacts, Blu, Sean Price, Billy Danze (of M.O.P.), Big Noyd, One Dae, Skillz, Guilty Simpson, Rah DIgga, Maffew Ragazino, El Da Sensei, and Fashawn, among others. Producers tapped include Diamond D, Nottz, Ayatollah, Marco Polo, Khrysis, along with the Grammy Award Winning, M-Phazes, among others.

Hip Hop Now: AR-AB x Kylledge – Cold War (Video) (Dir. by Melle Films)

Philly hip-hop artist AR-AB has linked with fellow artist Kylledge for this new video. Take a moment and watch the visual for AR-AB’s single “Cold War” featuring Kylledge below. The video was directed by Melle Films.

             

Hip Hop Now: Cam’Ron Talks Merchandising Himself As A Brand, Forthcoming Projects, & Upcoming Film “Too Honorable” With Revolt TV

Cam’Ron recently sat down with Revolt TV to discuss a few things that have been keeping his name in headlines this year. First off, his Cam’Ron/Dipset merchandise started BOOMING once he began selling the Cam’Ron face masks during the “Ebola Crisis”. After seeing how others were using the brand to make money, he decided that it was about that time for him to make profits off of what he built.

He also got into his previously mentioned next solo album, which is said to be his last ever recorded project, Purple Haze 2. He gave a bit of insight on the status of that project, as well as getting back in the studio with A-Trak for another project.

Dame Dash is back in the Director’s chair & brought is almost-original cast back, this time partnering with Kanye West on the upcoming Roc-A-Fella film, “Too Honorable”. Let’s see if everyone’s still got it.

Hip Hop Now: 50 Cent Keeps It As Real As He Can: Talks The Game, Diddy, & more on 97.9 The Box (Video)

       

50 Cent has a tendency to go on record, say whatever, & make it become a standard… And he’s done again. His history of rap beefs include artists such as Ja Rule, Rick Ross, The Game, & his most recent shot at P. Diddy has gone on to raise a few eyebrows.

He’s stopped by  97.9 “The Box” multiple times & spoke on the happenings, but it was brought up again in topic of 50 having a normalcy of taking shots, even at his friends. However, he says what he meas & he doesn’t apologize for it, which contributes to his “mighty mighty” Empire.

50 put it like this:

The competitive nature of Hip-Hop is going to create altercations over-and-over… When you dominate, when you’re in that position, you get that energy.

He spoke on matters with Ross, & even writing songs for The Game–be basically descredited Game, denied him, & just overall underdog’d him–thats the thing about 50, he’ll say how he feels.

A lot of other topics were thrown on him & he kept it 1000%, you’ll definitely want to just watch this one for yourself.. (haha)

Hip Hop Now: Kanye West Performs at Game (Video)

Kanye West headed to the United Center in Chicago to support the Chicago Bulls. Ye took to court before the Bulls took on the Cleveland Cavaliers to pump up the crowd. During a commercial break, he performed “All Day” for the game four attendees.

For video and more info Click Here

Hip Hop News: Migos New album cover

Migos will be bringing fans their anticipated debut album on June 16. The album suffered a few push-backs and fans were concerned that Offset’s current legal issues would further delay the release. YRN (Yung Rich Nation)‘s cover art was shot when the trio were in Paris earlier this year. The Eiffel Tower serves as the perfect backdrop for Migos’ debut which features Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, and more. Meek Mill, who recently enlisted Migos for “Basic Bitch,” will also be on the release.

Hip Hop Now: Jadakiss Two Curse Words (Freestyle)

Once again we want to help you start your Friday off right. Yonkers native and Hip-hop wordsmith Jadakiss continues his theme of releasing new freestyles on Friday with his latest record “Two Curse Words”. Jadakiss hops on The Roc-A-Fella classic “4 Da Fam” on this one. Don’t but bangers to start your day. Shout out to the good folks over at DBlock and Walk Like Us! Listen to Jadakiss’ new freestyle “Two Curse Words” below.

Listen to Here

Hip Hop Now: Fabolous Black Girl Lost Freestyle

Continuing with his #FridayNightFreestyles series,Fabolous spits over Nas‘ 1996 It Was Written-album cut, “Black Girl Lost,” produced by L.E.S & Trackmasters.

Listen to Here

Hip Hop Now: DJ Clue releases mixtape (Tracklist) (Stream)

DJ Clue follows up the release of his lead-off single withFrench Montana and Yo Gotti earlier today, Clueminatti also releases the full  mixtape, Banned From CD 2015. The street music pioneers new tape features 20-tracks with cuts fromFabolous, Jadakiss, Ransom, Omarion; a few exclusive throwback freestyles from Paul Cain, Murda Mook, and T-Rex; and a loosie from Problem.

This highly-anticipated mixtape is ready to stream below, and before you get into it check out the tracklist after the break!

01 Fabolous – “B.A.S. Freestyle”
02 Jadakiss – “Two Curse Words”
03 DJ Clue – “Clean Up” f. French Montana & Yo Gotti
04 Fetty Wap – “My Way (Remix)” f. Drake
05 Meek Mill – “Basic Bitch” f. Migos
06 Jim Jones – “Gang” g. Trav & Neek Bucks
07 Chinx – “Two On Me”
08 Ransom – “The Commission Freestyle”
09 Paul Cain – “Murder Was The Case Freestyle”
10 DJ Clue & Chedda Da Connect – “Flicka Da Wrist (Remix)” f. Rick Ross, French Montana, Plies & Maino
11 Good Squad – “The Waviest” f. Jadakiss
12 Problem – “Major Problem”
13 Jim Jones – “Be Real” f. Trav
14 Migos – “Scooby & Shaggy”
15 Omarion – “Post To Be (Remix)” f. Dej Loaf, Trey Songz, Rick Ross & Ty Dolla $ign
16 Murda Mook & T-Rex – “Deep Cover Freestyle”
17 Ransom – “Dynasty Freestyle”
18 Neek Bucks – “24 Hours Freestyle”
19 Jadakiss & Styles P – “Block Work”
20 Oun P – “Pain Freestyle”

Link to the Stream

Hip Hop News: Bow Wow leaves Cash Money

The artist formerly know as Bow Wow, Shad Moss is making his departure from his most recent record label Cash Money Records. Since signing to the label in 2009, the one time chart-topping rapper hasn’t exactly been given any shine as far as releasing a major project. He hasn’t been resting on his laurels though, he was a host on Bet’s 106 & Park and is now co-starring in the CBS drama, CSI.

In the clip below, he explains it as a mutual agreement, and he will be back working with Snoop and mentor Jermaine Dupri.

           

For more information Click Here

Hip Hop News: Lil Durk's Release Date & Tracklist for new LP

Lil Durk's debut Remember My Name is set for a June 2nd release date. Here's the cover art and tracklist for the Chicago rapper's Def Jam debut.

Tracklist:

1. 500 Homicides

2. Amber Alert

3. Like Me (ft. Jeremih)

4. Lord Dont Make Me Do It

5. Dont Judge Me

6. Tryna Tryna (ft. Logic)

7. Higher

8. Resume

9. What Your Life Like

10. Why Me

Hip Hop Now: Emc new music video

eMC releases new music video for single "The Monologue" to support ther new album "The Tonite Show" that released on May 5th