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Written By: White Chicks On Rap

Snoop Dogg To Release A New Album Through MTV

Snoop Dogg has signed a multi-rights deal with MTV to distribute, market and promote his upcoming album “Malice In Wonderland”. The album will be released later this year and will feature Pharrell, composer Lalo Schifrin, and Dr. Dre.


Nas Recording With Damian Marley

Nas is recording with reggae star Damian Marley for a project that might be released in the spring. It is not clear which label will release it as both artists are signed to two different labels.

Nas is working with Dr. Dre for the Detox album and he hopes to tour this summer.

Lil’ Kim Not Happy With Notorious Movie

Lil’ Kim has expressed her anger at the biography movie Notorious, which shows the life and death of rapper The Notorious B.I.G.

The film was produced by P. Diddy and B.I.G.’s mother Voletta Wallace and based on the biography “Unbelievable: The Life, Death And Afterlife Of The Notorious B.I.G. by Cheo Hedari Coker.

Lil’ Kim said that the film portrays her as a bitch and a home wrecker and that she had a relationship with B.I.G. to advance her own rap career. Kim said that "I'm very disappointed in Faith (Evans- B.I.G’s widow). There's nothing Faith or Ms. Wallace could do to stop me from repping B.I.G. all day. I'm gonna always do that...It's time for Ms. Wallace to be exposed".

Faith Evans responded with "I try my best not to think about it; It's kinda sad. I got four kids, and I definitely don't have time for this type of shit. It's just sad. This is not my movie. I didn't write the script. Any characters in the film had to agree for their life rights to be in the movie. I don't think I would have signed anything had I felt I was not portrayed properly. I think she had the opportunity to do that. I could be mistaken. I wasn't there.”

Violette Wallace said that the film was about her son and that it is not the Lil’ Kim story and that if she does not like how she was portrayed, it is her problem.

In other Lil’ Kim news, she will be one of the contestants of this season’s Dancing With The Stars.

Death Row’s Assets Auctioned

The assets of Death Row Records, which include master recordings of Tupac, Snoop and Dr. Dre were auctioned for $18 million to WIDEawake, a Canadian development company. The company does not have distribution in the US and it has not been determined who the company will partner with to distribute the catalog.

Lara Lavi who represents WIDEawake said that they have ideas about what to do with the catalog and that “we're very respectful of Death Row's legacy and when the time is right we'll announce that."

Death Row filed for Chapter 11 protection in April 2006 and in July 2006, a CA judge ordered a bankruptcy trustee to take over the label.

Warner Music Group and Koch Entertainment originally put bids on Death Row (some estimates say the bids were up to $25 million), but because of Death Rows inadequate accounting and record keeping made it impossible to determine the label’s true value, they pulled out of the auction.

Cypress Hill Finishing New Studio Album

Cypress Hill is finishing recording their first album in five years and hope to have it out for a Fall 2009 release. The album is in the mixing stages. The untitled album will feature Everlast, Evidence and The Alchemist as guests.

The group has spent the last five years working on their own solo projects. B-Real has been working on “Smoke N Mirrors” which features Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, Buckshot, Damian Marley, Too $hort, Kurupt, Sen Dog and B-Real's protege Young De.

DMX Charged With Assault

DMX, who is serving a 90 day jail sentence for felony theft, drug possession and misdemeanor animal cruelty, has been recharged with assault after he threw a tray of food at a detention officer.

This recent charge of assault is not DMX’s first time he has gotten into trouble while in jail. He threatened to fight the guards. According to the guards, DMX started cursing and threatened to “assault somebody to get some respect”. While in lockdown, DMX is on a diet of bread and water.

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C-Murder To Remain In Jail

A Louisiana judge ordered Corey Miller, better known as rapper C-Murder, to remain in jail for allegedly breaking the rules of his house arrest.

Authorities said that they lost the signal from Corey’s monitor device, but Corey’s attorney said that the rapper was at home sleeping and that the device malfunctioned.

The rapper is scheduled for trial on April 20th on a second-degree murder charge in connection with the 2002 death of 16-year-old Steve Thomas during a fight at a nightclub.

Since the rapper’s arrest, he changed his name to C-Miller and has written a novel and released a CD.

Tupac’s Mother Counter-Suing Film Company Morgan Creek

Amaru Entertainment (the company set up by Tupac’s mother Afeni Shakur) is counter-suing film company Morgan Creek, who is alleged with trying to sabotage the company from partnering with another studio to release a bio on Tupac.

Amaru released this statement about the suit, "Instead of negotiating in good faith with Amaru, they sought to obtain the rights by concocting a non-existent 'agreement' and engaging in heavy-handed threats, coercion and intimidation to interfere with and ultimately destroy the film project."

Last month, Morgan Creek filed a suite in Los Angeles Superior Court claiming that Amaru backed out of a deal to sell Tupac’s life rights for biopic. Morgan Creek said that they received a final term sheet in December and an agreement was about to be reached, but in January, Amaru pulled out.

Amaru is seeking a court declaration saying that there was never a deal with Morgan Creek, but that Amaru was speaking to several film companies about creating a biopic.

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Snoop Dogg Joins The Nation Of Islam

Snoop Dogg has joined the Nation Of Islam saying that he is "doing what's right and representing what's right, it's just about the way I live, and I live how I'm supposed to live as far as doing what's right and representing what's right - that's why I was here today." The announcement was made at The Nation Of Islam's Saviors' Day event in Chicago.




Kanye West Calls Out 50 Cent

Kanye recently performed on VH1’s Storytellers and he took a moment to call out 50 Cent.

The story goes that on 50’s underground song “Play This On The Radio”, 50 supposely calls Kayne a fag. 50 said that the song was not about Kanye and that he knows that Kanye is not a homosexual. 50 did make a comment about a picture taken of Kayne and his friends wearing spandex. “I seen the picture. It was so crazy. It was him and four or five other people. They had on some spandex, cheetah, leopard. That wasn't gay; that was interesting. Where I come from, you only see [those clothes on] gay people. Once he says gay people are his inspiration, it's understandable. I don't have anything against gay people, I just say what I think I'm seeing."

Kanye took the opportunity during Storytellers to do a freestyle during “Heartless” by saying "50 look at me now, singing on the ground with my pink shirt on, does this look gay to you?" (Kanye was wearing a gray suit with a pink shirt during the performance).

Kayne also expressed that he did not like the fact that people are profiting from his mother’s death by writing false books and articles.

Reality Check - Vistosso Bosses 0 comments

Vistoso Bosses are a new act from Atlanta on Interscope/Collipark. The group is made up of 17 years old Taylah P and Kelci, whose sound has been likened to a punkier version of TLC. Their influences include 80s freestyle, Miami bass, R&B and British indie pop. After 500,000 indie Myspace streams and hoards of You Tube girls lip-synching their song "Delirious" they were scooped up by Mr.Collipark himself, the same executive who found and produced Souljah Boy. They will release their album “Confetti” through Interscope this spring; the single, “Delirious” is making the rounds.

Check them out on MySpace:

Interview By: White Chicks On Rap

CWG: There aren't a lot of teenage artists out there. What's it like being young and on stage?

Kelci: Being young and on stage is a great feeling! As you said there aren’t a lot of Young people out there so we feel very blessed to be amongst the few! We love what we do. Our music is up on iTunes, its available as ringtones and soon our album, Confetti, will be in stores. Its so cool and makes us proud we did it all before graduation.
CWG: What can we expect from your album?

Taylah.p: You can expect a lot of things you didn't expect that's for sure! We had a lot of fun making this album. We work with a lot of great producers and song writers. Everybody was very understanding and they gave us - Kelci and myself - a lot of creative input. She and I had a lot freedom to just be us and experiment, very involved!

CWG: Getting 500,000 Myspace streams is great! How did you get on Myspace and how did you promote your group so people would go to Myspace?

Kelci: That's so funny!

Tay and I talk about that because we have been promoting since we became a group. Lol!

We had other Myspace pages and we were working so hard to get our name out. Getting people to come was the hardest. We had to just keep posting comments and trying our best to draw people in.

The night we got signed we instantly had people coming to our page. Lol!

CWG: You were a featured pick in Blender magazine. What is it like to get the kind of exposure?

Taylah.p: Being in Blender was crazzzy! We were like freaking out! It was really exciting. To get that kind of exposure for us is unbelievable.

We're still taking it all in, and with everything {happening} so fast, it just makes it more confusing. It feels so, so amazing to watch our dreams come true right in front of us.

CWG: Your group has been described as a punkier version of TLC. Are you fans of TLC?
Kelci: Yes, we actually are and it's an honor to be compared to them. We hope for the same great accomplishments.

At the same time we are trying to set our own path. We're just Vistoso that's it.

CWG: What are your musicial inspirations?

Taylah.p: We are inspired by everything! Not just music. Not just musicians. We don't really like to name specific people, but we are inspired from everything that surrounds us.

Also certain situations will inspired is to write a song or make a video. We get inspirations from just living!

CWG: Where you do you see yourself a year from now?

Kelci: Superstars! Everyone asks us that.

We're still fine-tuning, lol! We definitely want to still be as strong as we are together! Tay and I are SO close and that's one thing we never want to change no matter what!

CWG: You were scooped up by Mr. Collipark (the same producer who found Souljah Boy). What has he done for your career? What advise has he given you?

Taylah.p: Mr.collipark has done a lot for our career! He believed in us! He gave us a chance.

We have such a funny, weird relationship with him, Lol!

If we have an idea or opinion he always tries to keep an open mind and hear us out. He gives us a lot of good advice. We've learned a lot from him and I think he has learned a lot from us as well. He's slipped up a couple of times and said something "Vistoso." Also, if you watch our video, you can see him driving the school bus.

CWG: What advice have you been given you as your career is starting?

Kelci: Since we've began we heard so much.

So many people have been so protective and given us all the tools we'll need for now and the future. I think the thing that EVERYBODY has all been on the same page about is "don't ever let anybody come between us."

Our parents, managers, everyone at Interscope, have just been drilling it in that we're going to have a lot of people in our ear, but our friendship is important and we have to be strong. We know that, but you know when other things get involved anything can happen I guess.

CWG: Is there an artist or producer you would like to work with and why?

Taylah.p: Of course! There are so many people we loved to work with! At this moment the first that comes to mind is M.I.A! We love her and her style!

Common - Universal Mind Control 0 comments

Label: G.O.O.D./Geffen
Rating: 2.5 Guns

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Written By: White Chicks On Rap

Common’s eighth album, is an echo of his 2002 album Electric Circus; a blend of electronica, rap and soul. Originally, the album was due to be released summer 2008 under the name, “Invincible Summer”. On making the album, Common said "I created this music for the summer time, it's about feeling good... this is the type of music I felt was missing from my body of work."

Even though the album was released during the winter, the summer club vibes from tracks like “Universal Mind Control”, “Sex 4 Suga” and “Punch Drunk Love” flow easily and makes you feel like you are partying on a warn summer night.

Common knows how to have a good time, but he also knows the time to be serious. The track “Changes” is a song of hope and a tribute to Obama.


Fans and critics are divided about this album, as they were about Electric Circus. Some feel that these albums are too experimental or that Common is above club tracks and rapping about sex. I can see where the fans and critics are coming from, but I think artists grow by experimenting and discussing different topics. Common is still discussing serious issues, but he also sees that there is room to talk about lighter subjects.

I like the fact that Common is bringing electronica back to rap as rap started by sampling electronica. The album is showing respect to what has come before and adding new layers for a new generation of hip hop fans.

Like Common? You may also like: Kanye West, Q-Tip, Erykah Badu

White Chicks On Rap - Coldplay - Prospekt’s March 0 comments

Label: Capitol
Rating: 3 Guns

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Written By: White Chicks On Rap

"Prospekt’s March" is an EP follow up to "Viva La Vida." While the latter is an excellent album, "Prospekt’s March" is good in its own right. The EP is mostly remixes, including a Jay-Z cameo on "Lost +," but there are new songs that are a nice bonus for any Coldplay fan.

"Life In Technicolor II" is a really treat for fans who enjoyed the instrumental track "Life In Technicolor" on "Viva La Vida."

"Life In Technicolor II" includes vocals and is 4:05 minutes long (almost double the length of the original track). The vocals add such a new dimension to an already great track.

New tracks include the 48 second instrumental "Postcards From Far Away," "Glass Of Water," "Rainy Day," "Prospekt’s March/Poppyfields" and "Now My Feet Won’t Touch The Ground. " The tracks feel like they could have stood next to any of the tracks on "Viva La Vida."

"Now My Feet Won’t Touch The Ground" has a demo feel to it. Chris Martin’s voice almost sounds tinny against the simplistic strumming of the guitar. It is different from the spacey, electronic heavy produced sounds of the other tracks (both on "Viva La Vida" and this EP).

Like Coldplay? You may also like: Snow Patrol, Keane, Radiohead, The Verve.

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Dr. Dre’s Son Died Of An Overdose

The LA coroner ruled that Andre Young Jr. (who died in August 2008) died from an overdose of heroin and morphine.

The death is ruled as an accidental overdose and the case is considered is closed.

Dr. Dre or Andre Young Jr.’s mother have commented on the ruling, but Dr. Dre’s representatives are asking for the public’s respect at this time.

No word if this affects the recording and/or release of Dr. Dre’s anticipated album Detox.

Lil Wayne Had The Most Successful Album Of 2008


Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III sold 2.88 million making it the most successful album of the year. In second place is Coldplay’s Viva La Vida which sold 2.15 million.

In 2008, there were 428.4 million albums sold, down 14.4% compared to 2007's 500.5 million. 2008 was the first year since SoundScan began tracking sales (which started in 1991) that the top album sold less then 3 million.

DMX Going To Jail

DMX will be sentenced to 90 days in an Arizona jail after he pleated guilty to drug, animal cruelty and theft charges. As part of the deal, DMX has agreed not to own any animals or process any firearms.

The prosecutor, Andrew Thomas said "I am pleased that this defendant will be held accountable for both his drug and animal cruelty offenses.” DMX or his attorney have not commented on the case.

White Chicks On Rap - Cat Power - Dark End Of The Street EP 0 comments

Label: Matador
Rating: 3 Guns

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Written By: White Chicks On Rap

Like a Christmas present for her fans, Cat Power has released an EP of songs that did not make it on 2008’s Jukebox album. Cat adds her deep soul to songs from Otis Redding, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Pogues, Aretha Franklin and Sandy Denny.

In these times of war, a bad economy and job loss, “Fortunate Son” still rings pretty true as it did in 1969. Cat’s version is very haunted, with what sounds like a faint wailing sound in the background.

“Who Knows Where The Times Goes” is another haunting song. Cat takes her time to stress each word in her performance.

My only problem with the album is that Cat’s cover of Space Oddity is not included. The song has gained attention in the new Lincoln MKS commercial and I think it is just a beautiful song. Hopefully, Cat will release it.

Unlike most cover albums, you can tell that Cat is a fan of the songs she singing. She strips the songs down and rebuilds them in her own vision and meaning and you do forget that you are listening to a cover.

Like Cat Power? You may also like: PJ Harvey, Lucinda Williams, Fiona Apple

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Update On Eminem’s New Album

Everyone else has been commenting on Eminem’s music plans and now the man himself is confirming a new album and book.

Eminem is in the studio with Dr. Dre working on Relapse. No release date has been given and Dr. Dre has put his own album Detox on the backburner so he can help Eminem and 50 Cent.

The track “Crack A Bottle” has been leaked to the internet which has upset Eminem because the track was not completed. The leaked track contains a dialogue between Dre and Eminem that Dre has not recorded yet, so you can only hear Eminem’s part.

Eminem also addresses the rumor that there will be a Stan Part 2. Producer Swizz Beats’ said that he submitted a track to Eminem that is a Stan Part 2, but Eminem said that he is not working with Swizz Beats and that the idea of doing a Stan Part 2 would be “corny” as Stan died in the first song. “I'm not writing a song as Stan's ghost.”

Before I Self Destruct To Be Release In February 2009

50 Cent and his record label have confirmed that “Before I Self Destruct” will now be released in February 2009 instead of December 2008. 50 is in the studio now with Eminem and Dr. Dre to put the finishing touches on the album. Eminem commented to Billboard that “I have a couple of tracks on there with him. It's sick."

White Chicks On Rap - 808’s & Heartbreak by Kanye West 0 comments

Label: Rock-A-Fella/Def Jam
Rating: 4 Guns

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Written By: White Chicks On Rap

Kanye knows heartbreak…in the past year he lost his mother and broke up with his fiancé. Kanye’s forth album is his deepest yet…gone are days of the swagger, boasting about Louis Vuittons and his legendary status...now Kanye talks about loss and how material wealth does not equate to happiness.

The songs are sung in a cold robotic voice set against dark synth beats. Not typical for Kanye or any rap album.

The grief and loneness are so present in each song it is like a window into Kanye’s soul. In listening to the album it is like a therapy session…a man so broken, trying to rebuild his life.

Key tracks and lyrics are “Love Lockdown” (“I can't keep myself and still keep you too”), Pinocchio Story- a six minute freestyle track recorded live in Singapore (“There is no Gucci I could buy/There is no Louis Vuitton I could put on to get my heart out of this hell"), “Heartless” ("The coldest story ever told/Somewhere far along this road he lost his soul/How could you be so heartless"), “Welcome To Heartbreak” ( “My friend showed me pictures of his kids/And all I could show him was pictures of my cribs").

Personally, I believe this is Kanye’s best album because I can see him as a human instead of the image, instead of the swagger.

Like Kanye? You might like: Jay-Z, Q-Tip, Lupe Fiasco

Reality Check - 88 Keys Tells All 0 comments

Our White Chicks On Rap columnist caught up with buzz-worth hip-hop artist, 88 Keys.

Buy 88 Keys' "The Death Of Adam" on:


WCR: How does it feel to get such a positive vibe from the industry?

It's been amazing to get so much people seeing this project that I’ve labored on over the past 2 years…I tried to make something that would be fun, light hearted but still have you get down with the funkiness.

WCR: Kanye West begged to produce your debut album…how does that feel?
Kanye has been my best friend for about 8 years or so, I’ve always been doing my thing and he’s always been doing mine. Initially I didn’t want him to go near it because it was my baby for so long and I didn’t want to jeopardize our friendship but after a long talk it actually ended up being a cool thing to work together on.

WCR: How did you come up with the concept of "The Death Of Adam?"

It’s a really long story but I’ll tell you the condensed version….In different spurts I believe God always talks to you and tells you how to live and the album was one of those moments when I just had to listen. It started out as a collection of instrumentals I was making for an album that I was putting together, I ended up making one beat called “ There’s Pleasure In It” where the sample was so annoying but hot that I had to figure out a way to make sense out of it…and it kept repeating “pleasure” and after a while I thought about what gave me pleasure…money, cars & bling was too played out and family would’ve been cool but a little corny…so i zeroed in on the “va jay-jay” which made total sense, but at that point was just one song.

Meanwhile Dj Homicide of Sugar Ray and I would always hit each other online to keep in touch, and one day he hit me with a riddle saying “how many names do you know for ‘the punai’.”…I could only come up with the obvious 4 or 5…then he slapped me with 360 different names, one of the “the death of adam” which just looked pretty to me…I put 2 and 2 together and from then God spoke to me again and said…

“88-Keys you’re album should be about this…” and form then on I went about constructing the story.

WCR: How much of your life is injected to this album?

Adam is me, Adam is your brother , your father, the postman that always gives you the wrong mail…he’s every guy.

WCR: You list Q-Tip has an influence, what is it about Q-Tip that inspires you?

Q-Tip as well has been a major friend in my life since the beginning when I was starting out I gotta say his attention to detail, always being creative and never losing he is as an artist has inspired me to hold that at number one.

I’m really into people putting a lot of effort and taking time for the art work for their album. I wouldn’t say half, but that makes up a third of the album for me. I loved everything they came with. I loved the photos, Q-Tip’s rap style and his voice…He has so many rap styles on that one album that have been copied and duped by so many people, his flows and his patterns.

I started buying the singles on vinyl and singles back then had real remixes on there and b-sides and stuff like. I was listening to “When The Papes Come” and getting my mind blown away.

WCR: You released a mixtape called "Adam’s Case Files," which is a prequel to "The Death Of Adam," and now you have The Death Of Adam, in what direction do you think your second album is going to go?

Actually The Death of Adam came before Adam’s Case Files which was really more to get people hyped about the project I was working on at the time…it got so much buzz from online and underground fans that it actually pushed up the release for the death of adam. I have about 7 more conceptual albums that I have planned to release, but its all a secret! A magician never reveals his secrets right?

WCR: You have worked and produced for many hip-hop artists, what is it like now to be the artist? What made you want to go from a producer to a performer?

It’s amazing, to be creative and have no limits is what I’ve always wanted to strive for. Many times I would make something that I know was hot, but the artist couldn’t execute or couldn’t get my vision so we’d have to “compromise” or scrap it. Now the only person I have to “compromise” with is me…and we usually tend to get along, (laughs).

Only problem is that if it doesn’t come out hot, I can’t blame anyone...

WCR: Your sound separates you from a lot of hip-hop artists, what goes into your music to create a fresh, futuristic sound?

Really its cuz I’m just so fresh! Ha! (Laughs)

Actually its because I just try to listen to everything and have no bounds, from Lykee li to Portishead to Tribe Called Quest, I’m all about good music. So when I produce it I try to go left of what people expect…

White Chicks On Rap - Q-Tip - The Renaissance 0 comments

Label: Universal/Motown
Rating: 4 Guns

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Written By: White Chicks On Rap

I don’t care if you agree with me on this statement, but I believe that Q-Tip is one of the best rappers in the game. As a member of A Tribe Called Quest and as a guest and solo artist, Q-Tip has been on some of the greatest songs in hip-hop, electronica and pop since 1989.

Q-Tip has spent the last six years in label hell. In 2002, he tried to release Kamaal The Abstract (a follow up to his 1999 debut Amplified), but his label refused to it release it because it was seen as an non-commercial album.

With a new label, Q-Tip is back in full force. Q-Tip has always been a renaissance artist, so it is fitting that his return to the music scene is called The Renaissance.


On the opener “Johnny Is Dead”, Q lets you know what his purpose is…”it is up to me to bring back the hope” and he does not fail. Q still has his rapid fire deliver over jazzy and soul beats.

Guests on the album include Amanda Diva on ManWomanBoogie, D’Angelo on Believe, Norah Jones on Life Is Better and Raphael Saadiq on WeLove/WeFight.

On Dance On Glass, Q is rapping with no music for at least one minute. That is what hip-hop was. Standing on a corner with no music, freestyling.

It might have taken ten years for Q-Tip to return, but it was worth the wait.

Like Q-Tip? You may also like: A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Talib Kweli.

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Written By: White Chicks On Rap

Is Lupe Fiasco Retiring?

There are rumors that rapper Lupe Fiasco will retire from hip-hop after he releases his third album “LupEND”.

Atlantic Records will not comment on the rumors, but some are citing a comment made by Lupe last December when he was asked about his future plans. “LupEND' -- that's going to be my last album's title. When you play a videogame, you can only put in three letters for your name and when the game's over, those three letters and 'END' pop up. My next record might be my last one."

Lupe told fans at a Halloween Chicago show that the “END” stands for “Everywhere, Nowhere & Down Here”.

No release date has been set for the album.

Early Release Dates For Ludacris, Kanye and The Killers

To capitalize on the Thanksgiving shopping weekend, Island Def Jam is moving up the album release dates for Ludacris, Kanye and The Killers.

Ludacris’ “Theater Of The Mind”, Kanye’s “808s & Heartbreak” and The Killers’ “Day & Age” will now be released on Monday, November 24th. All the albums will be available in physical and digital formats.


Kanye Arrested In The UK

Kanye West was arrested in London, England after hitting a paparazzo who was trying to get his picture coming out of a club. Kanye was leaving the Tup Tup club with 4 girls when a paparazzo started taking pictures. The paparazzo said that Kanye shoved him and tried to take the camera. The paparazzo was left a cut above his nose.

Fourth Anniversary Of Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s Death

On the fourth anniversary of Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s death, his mother wrote a letter criticizing those who have wrongly profited off and spoke ill of the rapper. In the letter, the rapper’s mother accused Ol’ Dirty’s widow of taking loans and denying the rapper’s children the funds.

The mother also said that the widow is blocking the release of the Ol’ Dirty’s final album. Ol’ Dirty’s mother also said that she is angry about an unauthorized bio written by the rapper’s one time lawyer Robert Shapiro. She said the book is full of lies and that she will spend the rest of her life making sure that the public image of her son is upheld in a positive light.

The Hushpuppies – Silence Is Golden 0 comments

Label: Minty Fresh
Rating: 3 Guns

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Written By: White Chicks On Rap

When I was given this album, I asked, "Who are The Hushpuppies?"

I was told, "All you have to know is that they are like a French version of The Hives."

While I agree that the Hushpuppies are a similar to The Hives, the reality is that the band not a copy of anyone.

The Hushpuppies are a five-piece band from France that are starting to make a name for themselves in the US thanks to their song “You’re Gonna Say Yeah” being included on “Guitar Hero: World Tour”.

“You’re Gonna Say Yeah” is one of the tracks off their album Silence Is Golden.

The album has a unique 60’s garage sound, reminiscent of early work of The Who or The Animals. Silence Is Golden has a great flow; the songs well-crafted and written.

There are pumped up songs like “You’re Gonna Say Yeah”, “Lost Organ” and “Bad Taste And Gold On The Doors” and slow songs “Love Bandit” and “Harmonium”.

Personally, my favorite track is “Harmonium” because it’s edgy, moody and reminds me of something that The Smiths would offer up.

I think The Hushpuppies are an interesting band and have a lot of promise…really the US is the last place for a band to break these days. The Hushpippies' 2005 debut album The Trap was a huge hit in France and 20 other countries; they've also toured Europe, Japan and Russia.

Like this band? You may also like: The Hives, The Kaiser Chiefs, Franz Ferdinand.

The White Shoes & The Couples Company Rock Spaceland 0 comments

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Written By: White Chicks On Rap

Last Thursday, I had a wonderful opportunity to listen to an up-and-coming band from Indonesia called The White Shoes & The Couples Company. They've been touring in the US and made their first trip to Los Angeles, playing at world-famous venue, Spaceland.

Before the band took the stage, I had the chance to meet some of the band members (vocalist Sari, keyboardist Mela and bass player Ricky) backstage to talk about coming to the US, their influences, how they got their catchy name and their goals.

I asked the band how it felt to be named by RollingStone “One of the best bands on Myspace” and “One of the most crushworthy bands of 2006” by Allmusic.com. Their response couldn't have been more humble:

"It's a a true honor," they said, "Especially since we're from Indonesia."

They said that many people are not familiar with Indonesian music and culture and the fact that people are taking the time to listen to their self-titled album is really an honor.

"We're enjoying the US and playing for our fans."

White Shoes & The Couples Company’s sound is a mix of traditional Indonesian music, jazz and pop; their lyrics mostly in the native Indonesian language.

I asked White Shoes who their influences are:

"The soundtracks of Indonesian 70’s cinema," they replied, "Because of the lush instruments and the visual stories the music creates. The lyrics are like literature and their sound helps push the stories forward. "

When I asked if the band would record more songs in English, they said that maybe they would, but that would be further down the line in their career.

I happened to notice that the whole band was decked out in white shoes. Naturally, I asked how they got their name.

White Shoes met at Art School near a shoe store that sold white Converse All-Stars. A lot of the students started wearing the shoes - including the band. When the band starting making music together they needed a name and a friend suggested "The White Shoes & The Couples Company." The rest is history.

When asked about their goals as a band, they said, "Ultimately, the goal is to keep doing what we're doing…recording."

White Shoes & The Couples Company are currently working on a second album and touring.

After our conversation, the band took the stage, and rocked the house for 45 minutes straight.

Sari (vocalist) has a beautiful sweet voice and her easy spirit carries out into the audience. She has a gentle presence on the stage which captivated the whole audience.

Although the lyrics weren't in English, the set was bubbly and catchy; I forgot I was listening to music in another language. The energy of the band was amazing, as the set closed with a 10 minute drum solo from John that brought the audience to roars and cheers of admiration.

The band may be heading back to Indonesia, but I know that they'll strike the U.S. again with more great music and live shows.

Music News 0 comments

Written By: White Chicks On Rap

Will.I.Am Releases A New Obama Track

A new track (“It’s A Good Day” ) will be released from Will.I.Am to celebrate Obama’s victory. The track was recorded a week before Election Day. This will be Will.I.Am’s third pro-Obama track. Will.I.Am has released “Yes We Can” and “We Are The Ones.”

Two More Tracks From 808s & Heartbreak Released

Two more tracks from Kanye West’s album 808s & Heartbreak have been released. “Heartless” is now on iTunes and “Anyway” (a collaboration with rapper Kid Cudi) has been leaked onto the internet. 808s & Heartbreak will be released on November 25th.

50 Cent: “Turn Shit Into Sugar”

For those struggling financially, 50 Cent has some advice…”Turn Shit Into Sugar”.

MTV and 50 Cent have partnered up for a new competition show called The Money And The Power. The show will be hosted by 50 Cent and will feature members of G-Unit. Fourteen wannabe entrepreneurs will complete for the chance to have 50 Cent invest $100,000 in their business plan. Last year, 50 Cent pulled in $150 million, making him the world’s richest rapper. The show starts on November 6th.

White Chicks On Rap - Snow Patrol - A Hundred Million Suns 0 comments

Label: Universal/Polydor
Rating: 3 Guns

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Written By: White Chicks On Rap

You may have not heard of Snow Patrol, but I am sure if you watch “Grey’s Anatomy”, you know one of their songs (“Chasing Cars”). That song may have introduced them to American audiences, but for UK audiences, Snow Patrol is one the best bands on the Britpop scene.


If you are not familiar with Snow Patrol, their albums are very epic. The vocals are distorted, the music and lyrics are dramatic and emotional and A Hundred Million Suns continues the tradition. The space theme of the album title carries into the songs “If There Is A Rocket Tie Me To It”, “The Planets Bend Between Us”, “Engine” and “The Lightening Strike”. I was very impressed with “The Lightening Strike”. The song is 16 minutes and has everything…choirs, orchestras, guitars all describing the end of the world. Trust me when I say, that you will be entertained for the full 16 minutes.

Gary Lightbody always writes lyrics that I have to listen to again and again because I can’t figure out the meaning. In “Engine”, Gary sings "Use me forever as rocket fuel/Love me like the silence of the turning earth." I will be pondering this line for weeks.

What I have always loved about Snow Patrol is their passion. Their passion just pours over every aspect of their music and they are unapologetic for expressing their emotions. A Hundred Million Suns is a beautiful album that shows the bands continued growth.

Like Snow Patrol? You may also like: Coldplay, Oasis, Keane, British Sea Power, Doves.

White Chicks On Rap - Solange Knowles - Sol-Angel & The Hadley St. Dreams 0 comments

Label: Geffen
Rating: 2.5 Guns

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Written By: White Chicks On Rap

Solange makes it clear that she doesn't want to be compared to her sister, Beyonce Knowles.

You might be able to pick up that vibe on the opening track “God Given Name.” You can’t mistake the lines "I'm not her and never will be.../Let my starlight shine on its own.”

Solange creates a Motown and 70’s funk/soul sound on "Hadley St. Dreams" with the help of producers Mark Ronson and producer legend Lamont Dozier, among others.

The album takes a very independent strong vibe such as on the track, “I Decided,” but also a personal vibe such as on the track , “Valentine’s Day,” which is about breaking up.

Solange’s voice is great, but at times doesn’t fit the song she’s trying to sing.

“Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams” is a good album. As Solange grows in this industry I think her talent will not be overshadowed by her sister’s fame.

White Chicks On Rap - Keane - Perfect Symmetry 0 comments

Label: Universal
Rating: 3 Guns

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Written By: White Chicks On Rap

Keane’s third album is really a perfect symmetry as it blends the piano drive sounds that Keane is known for and introducing a new element not heard yet on a Keane album- 80’s pop.


I am a huge fan of 80’s music (especially new wave and pop) and you can clearly hear the influence on the tracks Spiralling, Black Burning Heart and Better Than This. Just because the music bright, the lyrics are still very deep. On Spiralling, the line that stood out for me was “When we fall in love/We're just falling in love with ourselves." Better Than This has the best cold diss I’ve heard outside of a rap album. “Could have been something, but you're too late/And you weren't invited anyway."

Tracks like The Lovers Are Losing, Again And Again and Love Is The End keep carry on where the album Under The Iron Sea left off…more piano driven and introspective lyrics.

I admire that Keane has taken a chance and tried something new musically. The band has always been unfairly compared to Coldplay because both bands use pianos and write deep lyrics. I love both bands, but I can listen without comparing the two because these comparisons detract from the talent on display.

Personally, I think Under The Iron Sea is more of a classic, but Perfect Symmetry is an example of a band knowing where they came from, but still expanding out beyond the comfort zone. I believe this album stands well on it’s own and is very entertaining.

Like Keane? You may also like: Coldplay, The Verve, Snow Patrol.

White chicks On Rap - VH1 Counts Down The 100 Greatest Songs Of Hip Hop 0 comments

Written By: White Chicks On Rap

Leading up to the 2008 VH1’s Hip Hop Honors, VH1 has compiled a list of the 100 greatest songs of hip hop. The songs span the different styles of hip hop such as old school, house, party, gangsta rap, crunk, East Coast, Southern, etc.

There has been debates on the order of some songs on the list, but personally I agree with the top five choices because they are the songs that defined their respected styles of hip hop.
“Fight The Power” showed that hip hop can be political and inspire a generation to act instead of taking the abuse of society. “Rapper’s Delight” started hip hop and without this song, hip hop would not be the 30 year movement it has been. “Nuthin But A ‘G’ Thang” helped put West Coast rap on the map, introduced Snoop Dogg and proved that Dr. Dre is one of the greatest hip hop producers. “Walk This Way” merged rock and rap and lead the way for Korn and Kid Rock and whole rock-rap genre. “The Message” showed the rap can educate and be the voice of the streets.

100 Biz Markie: Just A Friend
99 Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz ft/ Ying Yang Twins: Get Low
98 Warren G ft. Nate Dogg: Regulate
97 Eve: Who's that Girl
96 DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince: Parents Just Don't Understand
95 L'Trimm: Cars With The Boom
94 Master P ft. Sikk, Fiend, Mia-x and Mystical: Make 'Em Say Ugh
93 N.E.R.D. ft. Lee Harvey and Vida: Lapdance
92 Yo-Yo: Can't Play with my Yo-Yo
91 Chamillionaire ft. Krayzie Bone: Ridin'
90 Pete Rock & CL Smooth: They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y)
89 Cam'ron: Oh Boy
88 Jungle Brothers: What U Waitin' 4
87 Wyclef Jean ft. Refugee All Stars: We Tryin' to Stay Alive
86 Heavy D. and the Boyz: Now That We Found Love
85 Black Star: Definition
84 UTFO: Roxanne Roxanne
83 2 Live Crew: Me So Horny
82 Chubb Rock: Treat 'Em Right
81 PM Dawn: Set Adrift On Memory Bliss
80 Three 6 Mafia ft. Paula Campbell- Hard Out Here For A Pimp
79 DMX: Ruff Ryders' Anthem (Stop Drop)
78 Arrested Development: Tennessee
77 Cold Crush Brothers: Cold Crush Bros. at the Dixie
76 Big Punisher ft. Joe- Still Not A Player
75 Lil' Kim ft. Lil' Cease- Crush on You
74 EPMD: You Gots To Chill
73 Black Sheep: The Choice Is Yours
72 J.J. Fad: Supersonic
71 Whodini: Freaks Come Out at Night
70 3(rd) Bass: Pop Goes the Weasel
69 Common: I Used to Love H.E.R.
68 Deleted due to artist being crappy
67 Mase: Feel So Good
66 House Of Pain: Jump Around
65 Spoonie Gee and The Treacherous Three: Love Rap
64 The Roots: What they Do
63 Kid 'n Play: Rollin' With Kid N Play
62 Digable Planets: Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)
61 Slick Rick: Children's Story
60 L.L. Cool J: I Need Love
59 Ol' Dirty Bastard: Shimmy Shimmy Ya
58 Ludacris ft. Shawna- What's Your Fantasy
57 Big Daddy Kane: I Get the Job Done
56 Busta Rhymes: Woo-Ha! Got You All In Check
55 Terror Squad ft/ Fat Joe and Remy: Lean Back
54 MC Lyte: Cha Cha Cha
53 Lox ft. DMX and Lil' Kim: Money, Power, Respect
52 Foxy Brown ft. Jay-Z: I'll Be
51 Doug E. Fresh & the Get Fresh Crew: The Show
50 Lil' Wayne: Tha Block Is Hot
49 Boogie Down Productions: My Philosophy
48 Nas: One Love
47 Young MC: Bust A Move
46 De La Soul: Me, Myself, And I
45 Geto Boys: Mind Playing Tricks On Me
44 Method Man ft/ Mary J. Blige: I'll Be There For You/You're All I Need to Get By
43 Game, The ft. 50 Cent: Hate It or Love It
42 Roxanne Shante: Roxanne's Revenge
41 Funky 4 + 1: That's the Joint
40 Run-DMC: It's Like That
39 Tone-Loc: Wild Thing
38 Coolio: Gangsta's Paradise
37 Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock: It Takes Two
36 Nelly: Hot In Herre
35 Queen Latifah ft. Monie Love: Ladies First
34 Cypress Hill: Insane In The Brain
33 Bone Thugs-N-Harmony: Tha Crossroads
32 Puff Daddy & The Family ft/ Notorious B.I.G., Lil' Kim and The Lox: It's All About The Benjamins
31 Kool Moe Dee: How Ya Like Me Now
30 Tribe Called Quest: Check the Rhime
29 Digital Underground: The Humpty Dance
28 Ice Cube: It Was A Good Day
27 Beastie Boys: Hold it Now, Hit it
26 MC Hammer: U Can't Touch This
25 Fugees: Killing Me Softly
24 Eric B and Rakim: Paid in Full
23 Outkast: B.O.B.
22 Naughty By Nature: OPP
21 Afrika Bambaataa & Soul Sonic Force- Planet Rock
20 Kanye West ft/ Jamie Foxx: Gold Digger
19 Ice T: Colors
18 50 Cent: In Da Club
17 Sir Mix-A-Lot: Baby Got Back
16 Missy Elliott: Get Ur Freak On
15 Eminem: Stan
14 Tupac: I Get Around
13 Wu-Tang Clan: C.R.E.A.M.
12 L.L. Cool J: I Can't Live Without My Radio
11 Jay-Z: Hard Knock Life
10 Kurtis Blow: The Breaks
09 Salt-N-Pepa: Push It
08 Snoop Doggy Dogg: Gin and Juice
07 Notorious B.I.G.: Juicy
06 N.W.A.: Straight Outta Compton
05 Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five: The Message
04 Run-DMC ft/ Aerosmith: Walk This Way
03 Dr. Dre: Nuthin But A 'G' Thang
02 Sugarhill Gang: Rapper's Delight
01 Public Enemy: Fight The Power