DJ Khaled's new album We Global

DJ Khaled is set to release his highly-anticipated third album, We Global on Tuesday, September 16, 2008.
DJ Khaled recently leaked “Go Hard,” the 2nd single from the forthcoming new album. “Go Hard” featuring Kanye West and T-Pain can be heard here.

DJ Khaled enthuses about “Go Hard,” “This is the biggest record in music right now ! ‘Go Hard’ is what we doing to survive in this world. This anthem is timeless !!!! There are so many hip hop quotables on this record !!!!!”

The first single, “Out Here Grindin’,” is currently Top 20 at urban radio and features Akon, Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, Lil Boosie, Plies, Ace Hood, and Trick Daddy with production from The Runners.

The “Out Here Grindin’” video co-directed by Gil Green & pLot can be seen on BET and MTV2 and is currently on the countdown for both BET’s 106th & Park and MTV2’s Sucker Free Countdown. To date, the video has already been streamed over 7 million times online.

Khaled’s third and most anticipated album to date, We Global, features Kanye West, Fabolous, Fat Joe, Nas, Ace Hood, Sean Paul, Busta Rhymes, Flo Rida, Akon, Rick Ross, Trick Daddy, Plies, Lil Boosie, Trey Songz, Lil Scrappy , Birdman, Bun B, Pitbull and many more.

Producers The Runners, Danja, DJ Nasty, The Inkredibles, Cool and Dre, Goldrush, Isaac Opus, Lu Diaz and of course Beat Novacaine, are handling production on what are sure to be the hottest tracks of 2008 on We Global.

DJ Khaled was recently nominated for a 2008 BET Award for Best Collabo for his song “I’m So Hood (Remix)” feat. Young Jeezy, Ludacris, Big Boi, T-Pain, Busta Rhymes, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne and Birdman.
XXL recently called Khaled “the gatekeeper of the Sunshine State sound.” And with good reason.

On his first two albums, Khaled helped the burgeoning Miami hip hop scene explode nationally by featuring local as well as national talent on his numerous singles/collaborations. Khaled’s last album, 2007’s We The Best, debuted at #8 on the Billboard Top 200 and has sold over 400,000 copies on the strength the album’s two huge hits, “We Takin’ Over” and “I’m So Hood” and its massive Remix.

Khaled has also sold well over 3 million combined Digital/Mobile units on the strength of “I’m So Hood” and “We Takin’ Over” and his newest banger, “Out Here Grindin’.”

DJ Khaled, who currently has the most popular radio show in Miami (WEDR/99 Jamz), released his debut, Listennn…The Album, last year debuting at #1 on the Billboard Independent Chart. The album spawned 3 singles/videos including “Holla At Me,” “Grammy Family,” and “Born N’ Raised.”

HYPE REPORT: J.C aka Mr. IL

Artist Name: J.C aka Mr. IL
From: Southside Chicago
Myspace: myspace.com/daquicksouthside
Hard working. No other words can describe J.C aka Mr. IL as he makes his way to the top. Struggling for some kind of publicity, his will to be heard is just the beginning of his story. Five long years he has been waiting for his respect, but it seems like it just haven't came yet. He says 2008 "is my year". If thats true, he has the ability to shut all the critics up. Born in the early 90's, J.C lived with his grandmother on the south side of Chicago. He never listened to hip-hop until later on in his life, when he moved with his mother in the south suburbs. There, with 3 brothers, he first was brought into the world of hip-hop. His older brother(Hona) mutually put J.C on rap at the age of about 10. Spitting on cassette tapes & radios, he was an awful freestyler and writer. But "hard work" soon payed off. He soon started getting the hang of the rap thing and started writing seriously. By age 12, he finally he recorded his first song with 3 verses & a chorus. He then started his first group, Come Quick. Soon after that, his drive to be an MC was just beginning.

Jedi Mind Tricks & AOTP Fam - Busy 2nd Half

2008 is sure to be a great year for Jedi Mind Tricks & Babygrande Records. This summer look out for them because they have a whole lineup of JMT related gems dropping including their first DVD and some new heat from the studio. Their first ever DVD is titled Divine Fire: The Story of Jedi Mind Tricks and said to be the explosion of underground roots and the exclusive insight into Jedi that you've been waiting for.

As well as their first DVD release this summer, Jedi gets together with Army of Pharaohs fam on three records including Doap Nixon’s Sour Diesel to come out July 22nd. This is Doap's debut even though he's been on the independent scene for a minute now. You might know Doap from his performance on Army of the Pharaohs' underground smash Ritual of Battle and from appearances with the AOTP clique.

Followed by Doap is King Syze's album The Labor Union set to release August 5th and Outerspace's God's Fury out September 30. If that isn’t not enough for you, save the date for Jedi Mind Tricks' sixth album A History of Violence to be released October 14, 2008. And for all you anxious cats peep the first track "The Wait Is Over" from Doap Nixon's album feat. Reef The Lost Cauze & Vinnie Paz
HERE

The Roots Perform w/ Bun B

If you've ever seen The Roots live, you know they don't just perform their catalog like clockwork. A lot of times, they don't even do their own songs. Proof is below, with the Roots and Bun B performing "International Player's Anthem" together live.

Sadat X Signs with Affluent Records

Sadat X has recently signed with Affluent Records to distribute his fifth solo album Generation X. The album, produced mostly by Will Tell and Affluent Records’ CEO Oscar Sanchez, features 10 tracks. Songs include the biographical radio single “This is Your Life,” the club hit “Never,” and a track featuring Thirston Howl III. Sanchez boasts, “Generation X is Sadat X at his best…I am very honored to be working with Sadat on this one.”

Ras Kass Preps New LP

The silence of Ras Kass these past few years has confused many, and left the hip-hop world begging for more. After a barely promoted release earlier this year, Ras Kass is prepping a major release for August 5th, titled Institutionalized Vol. 2. While many details are a mystery at this point, we have a release date, and a label, Babygrande Records. We'll bring you more as we learn more!

Two New Tracks From ILL BILL's New LP

The Non-Phixion vet and UGHH favorite is about to drop a new album. The Hour of Reprisal, set to hit stores August 26 has an underground all-star roster of features, from more than just the hip-hop world. The album will feature Immortal Technique, Raekwon, B-Real, Tech N9ne, and former metal group Sepultura frontman, Max Cavalera. The CD will also include a free DVD of an Ill Bill performance at New York's CBGB. Even better for thttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.quote.gif
insert blockquotehe fans, you don't have to wait to hear some of it; below are two leaked tracks (credit: Soul Assassins Blog).


Immortal Tech

Coka

Rise To “The Awakening” with Stacy Epps

Hip-Hop Soulstress Stacy Epps’ New Album, “The Awakening,” dropping August 5th on New Directions in Sound/Japanubia Musik.

Miami, Florida US – June 6, 2008 – Stacy Epps has recently announced the release of her worldwide debut solo album, “The Awakening.” Scheduled for August 5th, the album is an 11-track composition of enchanting soulful sounds and deep-rooted boom-bap flavor. The album parallels her ideals of unity and grass-roots movements and is a completely independent effort, released on New Directions in Sound/Japanubia Musik. The album features production from Apex, Amdex, S1, Everett James, Slugabed, and others, along with guest-artist features such as Muhsinah, Finale, and Bilal Salaam. “Floatin’” is the first single, which demonstrates Stacy’s archetypical blend of soft, heartfelt vocals and strong yet sensual lyrics. The single has already garnered praise from influential DJs such as Gilles Peterson (Radio 1, BBC), who’s featuring the song on his Brownswood Bubblers Volume 3 release. Numerous bloggers have taken notice, including an Artist Spotlight on the mammoth ConcreteLoop.com and feature on the main page of Mp3.com.



“Love that shit! Best tune I've been sent as a download this year” – Gilles Peterson (Radio 1, BBC)



Stacy Epps is currently scheduling a US Summer Tour; dates have yet to be released. She will be in Europe from August 20 – September 22, 2008, touring with Roxanne Shante & Bahamadia in support of her album. This album is a follow up to her long list of international accolades, including collaborations with MF Doom, OH NO, Madlib, Madvillain, Scienz of Life, Wildchild, and even the Europe-based group, Jazz Liberators. She also recently released a limited-pressed project, “Ruff Drafts.”



"Floatin' hits at the core of javascript:void(0)
Publish Postsoulful music. Looking forward to more tunes." - Dj Junior (Recordbreakin.com | Eavesdrop Radio, Philly)

About Stacy Epps:

Stacy Epps is a true rare groove vocalist and emcee that delivers heavy messages that flow like a summer breeze over hard- hitting beats. The musical career of this Atlanta-based progressive-soulstress has reached a global audience, with guest-features on multiple artists from the west-coast-based label Stones Throw, J Rawls, and Scienz of Life, as well as overseas with Jazz Liberators, along with numerous European shows and tours. Her accomplishments have led her to the release of a recent project, “Ruff Drafts,” followed now by her upcoming solo album, “The Awakening.” She continues sharing her gift of avant-garde music to fans across the globe. Her plans include travels to Europe for album promotion and community work.



“The goal is to promote healing, change and independence through music. The focus is the new direction of sound & life and sharing it with the world.”

– Stacy Epps



More Info: Http://www.myspace.com/stacyepps

The Sneaker Store Terrorist Is Raising The Stakes

Miami, Florida US – June 10, 2008 – Rahsaan bridges two realms of Hip-Hop with the release of his most recent single, “Sneaker Store Terrorist,” an ode to urban sneaker fiends and the resurging retro scene. Here, Rahsaan displays his fresh, fly swagger while delivering precise lyricism over a nostalgic 80’s freestyle beat, courtesy of Needlz from The Marksmen (responsible for 50 Cent’s “Piggy Bank” and countless others). Unlike gimmicky sneaker songs of the past, Rahsaan uniquely describes his passion for kicks as an addict’s account to a therapist. His adoration for sneakers is just one element that comprises his heavy-fashionable persona, also known as A Fly Guy. This is justified by his 9 years as a fashion professional, designing for Mecca, his own line, and more. Being a true MC at heart, he uses this as a reflection of the blend between new Hipster style and traditional Hip-Hop flavor, proving his authentic fusion of the two, also seen on the single’s b-side track, “Bonafied Lovin’ (The Chromeo Flavor).”



“He's not trying to be totally retro like The Cool Kids, nor is he stuck in the fantasy that the '80s can be brought back. Instead, dude is fusing crisp, 2000 and now beats with fresh urban apparel and Big Daddy Kane-esque flow.” – Jonathan Cunningham, The Broward-Palm Beach New Times



Rahsaan earned himself the “Best Male Solo Performer” award at the prestigious Underground and Indie Award Show in New York in early 2007. He recently moved back to South Florida where he quickly embedded himself into the music scene, performing consistently at various clubs and established himself as a recurring premier act at Miami Live, an exclusive industry weekly in South Beach. In his short time back in Miami, Rahsaan has graced several blogs and ezines, including 305HipHop.com, and has already showcased his talents on CBS News.



“Sneaker Store Terrorist” can be found alongside 20-some more tracks in Rahsaan’s upcoming FLY PAPER street project, scheduled for release in mid-July on Fortune Entertainment. The majority of the material will consist of original tracks, where Rahsaan’s variety ranges from party-anthem joints to songs with more artistic substance, mixed seamlessly with golden-era classics, coining this project his very own “blendtape.” FLY PAPER demonstrates Rahsaan’s transformation and growth into a universal, captivating sound that remains authentic to his character – plain and simple, “A Fly Guy.”


About Rahsaan:



Rahsaan has a mission that harkens back to the early days of hip-hop, bringing forth realness and heartfelt stories through rhyme. Born in Georgetown, Guyana, his vision of society began in a country enduring endless political violence and corruption; a vision that slightly improved when he relocated to Brooklyn in the mid-80’s, during New York’s crack epidemic. He spent the next decade of his life traveling back and forth between Miami and New York, two places he considers home. It was through years of life-altering experiences that Rahsaan: the man, the MC, and superstar began to emerge. Rahsaan has always submerged himself in Hip-Hop culture, returning to New York to work briefly at Def Jam and designing clothes for Mecca, two accomplishments that helped catapult his music career, leading to national performances with Trey Songz and J. Ivy, and appearing in several Mecca ad campaigns. His impeccable character and stage presence earned him an award at New York’s Underground and Indie Award show. Now, a Miami resident, Rahsaan continues to add to his accolade’s with a new upcoming project, FLY PAPER, that will inevitably show his extraordinary style, as a man, an MC, and a superstar. “When I think of Rakim’s ‘Microphone Fiend…,’” Rahsaan says, “I’m the epitome of that shit!”



FLY PAPER will be available for full download online at-

Http://www.myspace.com/rahsaan1

Http://www.AFlyGuy.com

Ghost // DOOM // Dilla Collabo ???

Back in 2005, Ghost and DOOM shared the experiences of working with some of J Dilla's instrumental compositions originally off of Donuts. Some of the tracks were released on Ghostface's Fishscale in 2006, some were released on various Stones Throw compilations, while other Dilla / DOOM tracks were postponed indefinitely. Now the good news is, Stones Throw's digital webstore, due to launch in late June, will exclusively release the never before heard Dilla/ Ghostface / DOOM combos "Sniperlite" & "Murder Goons" digitally.

Usher Explains Where He Stands

Usher’s Here I Stand not only marks his triumphant return to the R&B scene, but as he explains to VIBE.com, the album documents a journey from boyhood to manhood, one that has taken on new meaning since the birth of his son. Read Usher in his own words explain why Here I Stand is more than just an album to him.

I know it sounds cliché to say that all of [the songs] equally are my favorite, but my favorite thing that I did on this album are the interludes because honestly I feel like it's one cohesive effort to make an album. The actual song that was written – it's actually not a full song; it's an interlude. I did an interlude to my son that I call "Pray for You" – one of my greatest written pieces of work in life. That would be the most rewarding out of all of them, you know?

There are several songs that are built off of the topic of personal position, personal reflection. That's why I kind of made a difference between those songs that are on the album and in the interludes. That's always the most fun part for me. But seeing that it was for my son, specifically, was really incredible. I want to make sure that I'm proud of the father that I am to my child.

But there [are topics] of life, love, decisions, choices that are made, repercussions, the reality, you know, of the journey of life, of manhood. Here you have before you a young man, who stepped into true manhood, not only because of my child but also because of the decisions that I made in the span of two years. You know, it was all of the things that happened before that led up to this brilliant moment. But, you know, now I'm able to voice how I feel about certain things and allow myself to be vulnerable in exposing certain things through my music.

The most challenging thing about making this album was… I got to say it like this: It is very hard to tell the truth, but it's even harder to tell yourself a lie. And in making each and every song, I realized this. It was just very painful to talk about certain things, in life – just the honesty in it, and finding the voice to feel comfortable and vulnerable in a way, in a sense to say certain things. I'm sharing these intimate thoughts and this intimate place that I'm in with everybody. Of course, that is really what it is, and that's what makes it authentic soul R&B music. But it was a hard one. The ability to not conform to the standard of what music was considered at the time, and find that voice and find that place where people will understand that this is a savior of love, this is a savior of real music.

I kind of modeled this one as an example for my son to someday understand that when you stand and you stand for what's right, regardless to what anyone else's opinion may be, you are right because no man is able to judge another for what he stands for. So Here I Stand, you'll understand what I stand for.

Peedi Crakk Signs With Amalgam Digital

After five years, North Philly rapper Peedi Crakk has parted ways with Roc-A-Fella Records in favor of booming independent, Amalgam Digital. The tech-savvy company responsible for launching hip hop's first genre specific digital retail store attracted Peedi with their innovative business model and creatively fostering environment. Peedi Crakk joins a roster made up of both commercially successful artists and underground hip hop icons, including Grammy-nominee Joe Budden, Kurious, Tash (of Tha Alkaholiks), and the Juggaknots. His highly anticipated debut album Camel Face Hunting Season, will be released in September 2008.

A founding member of State Property, alongside Beanie Sigel, Freeway, and Young Gunz, Peedi Crakk has earned respect for his lyrical talent and rhythmic flow. "The Prince of State Property" created buzz with his single "One for Peedi" which was featured on the Paid in Full soundtrack. He has also made a name for himself by collaborating with the likes of Twista, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Ne-Yo on the singer's hit "Stay". He has showcased his versatility as a featured artist on two albums from Grammy award winners, The Roots, including his recent feature on their single "Get Busy." Additionally, Peedi will be featured in the upcoming film Next Day Air, directed by Benny Boom.

When asked about his new relationship with Amalgam Digital, Peedi made the following statement:
"Yup. I’m back! And I feel unstoppable. My flow is advanced and as an artist, I'm getting better, especially without the claws of Roc-A-Fella digging at my back. I’ve been a free agent for the past 3 months and now signing with the Amalgam Digital label for my first project I feel even more unstoppable. They are providing exactly what Peedi always needed... proper promotion and distribution. BANG! It's Camel Face Hunting Season"

"Camel Face Hunting Season" will hit retail stores and digital outlets in September 2008. The first single entitled "More Towels," features production by Vinny Idol. AmalgamDigital.com will offer exclusive bonus tracks when the album is downloaded from the website.

Peep the Peedi Video Below...

1 Million And Running

Just like Kanye’s fans did last September, Weezy’s stans have come out to support their man in full swing. Tha Carter III is said to have topped 700,000 in sales and is expected to arrive at or near the 1 Million mark in its first full week. That’s a lot of CDs exchanging hands. Carter III’s already the top selling album in Canada for the week ending June 11.

Keep in mind that Tha Carter II sold 1.4 million overall. Now, we all know that Carter III pales in comparison to the outstanding Carter II. So, what’s going on here? Well, the French coined a word for this phenomenon back in the 1400s: loyalty. In other words, if you’re a Lil Wayne hater there’s nothing he could say or do to make you buy his album. But if you’re a Lil Wayne fan, there’s nothing he could say or do to keep you from buying his album.

Update: In its first week on the market, the rapper’s “Tha Carter III” sells just over 1 million units. The last album to top that milestone was 50 Cent’s “The Massacre” in March 2005.