Hades Forum

Russell Simmons, Rev. Run Talk VH1 Hip-Hop Honors


Russell Simmons and Reverend Run have united once again to host the second annual "VH1 Hip-Hop Honors," which pays homage to the Hip-Hop pioneers who??€�ve transformed the genre into a global phenomenon.

This year's celebration was taped last Thursday (Sept. 22) at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York.

The special, which airs tonight (Sept. 26) on VH1, will honor LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, Notorious B.I.G., Ice T, Salt -N- Pepa, and the film ??€?Boyz N The Hood.??€?

??€?The pioneers are not yet in the history books,??€? host Russell Simmons told AllHipHop. ??€?This show should help position them so they can share in the good fortune that Hip-Hop has had.??€?
The selection of the Simmons brothers as host of the event cements an already strong working relationship between the two.

With business ties that span over several decades, Russell and Run are no strangers to working with each other.

Early in their careers, Russell began managing his brother Run (real name Joseph Simmons) and served as the mastermind behind the Hip-Hop mega-group Run DMC.

As the VH1 co-host duties demonstrate, the brothers show no signs of slowing down.

??€?VH1 Hip-Hop Honors will be the first time we've hosted an event on television together,??€? Reverend Run told AllHipHop. ??€?We host our sneaker events all around the world bi-weekly and we do autograph sessions in many cities. We've hosted sneaker parties from London to LA and back to NY and this has been a key to our $100 million dollar-a-year success with our footwear business.??€?

Through the years, they have continued to work with each other on a variety of business ventures.

Most recently, Russell made Run president of his American fashion line Phat Farm Athletics, after successfully running the Phat Farm footwear division.

In related news, the brothers have partnered with MTV and Sean "Diddy" Combs to produce a reality series, "Run's House."

Coming in October, the show will give viewers a peak into the family life of Reverend Run.

The ??€?VH1 Hip-Hop Honors??€? premiers tonight at 9pm EST and will feature performances by Kanye West, Eve, Nelly, Common, Jazzy Jeff, Snoop Dogg and Missy Elliott as well as surprise guests.

A Piece of Strange
Artist: CunninLynguists
Title: A Piece of Strange
Rating: * * *
Review by AHH


Before Little Brother was all the rage, the Cunninlynguists held down the South with their own brand of soulful production and humble-minded lyrics. Kno and Deacon have seen both of their previous albums go into second-pressings, as they plow onward after a two year hiatus with A Piece of Strange (QN5). The third album moves away from the woe-is-me world of underground Rap elitism and pushes towards a higher level of sophistication in lyric and sound.

The descriptions in the boys??€� verses have improved immensely. Not only are they talking about more mature subjects, but they??€�re doing so vividly. Deacon??€�s accounts of suffering society on ??€?Nothing to Give??€? are as apocalyptic as Aesop Rock, only with a much more melodic delivery. ??€?America Loves Gangstas??€? doesn??€�t fare as well. Though it??€�s a smart statement, albeit accurate ??€� an awkward chorus and costumed deliveries sounds like it actually belongs on a Mack 10 album. ??€?What??€�ll You Do???€? best exemplifies the maturity of the group. Yes, they??€�re still openly discussing the struggles of being underground ??€� but in a new light. This work really builds upon early CunninLynguists gems like ??€?Mic Like a Memory??€? and ??€?Missing Children.??€? They??€�re a few years older, a few steps higher, but the personal relationship Kno and Deacon have with their audience is ever in tact.

Although Deacon has proved himself an accomplished producer, Kno??€�s work has always stood out on the group work. A Piece of Strange is entirely the music of Kno, and shows a lot of progression from the chipmunk Soul he delved in. Tracks such as ??€?Caved In??€? don??€�t rely on the trodden, and incorporate more original singing (courtesy of Cee-Lo) than sampling. Just as in the past, the result is comforting to the ear. Kno remains one of the best in allowing his sound to really live in the past. ??€?Beautiful Girls??€? has a lot of hisses and pops and uses a sped-up horn loop that shines, despite its simplicity. Still, as needed, Kno proves to be a master of soul-sampling, and finds his own trademark within the movement. Scratch-choruses and a great deal of Gospel and World minded vocals make this his most comprehensive, and proudest work. ??€?Hellfire,??€? from its snowballing intro to its on-the-spot chopped up beat show how lethal Kno is with records and samplers.

As 2005 gives Southern Hip-Hop its due propers, the CunninLynguists arrive with their best album to date. Fans of Paul Wall and the Nappy Roots should check for the Georgia/Kentucky link that rehashes yesterday??€�s records with today??€�s problems as good as anybody doing it.

ATMOSPHERE - "YOU CAN'T IMAGINE HOW MUCH FUN WE'RE HAVING" - LIMITED 2CD / 2LP



Oct. 4 Streetdate. While Atmosphere helped kick off 2005 with their compilation release, "Headshots Se7en", they help close it out with the brand new full-length release, "You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having", which people are already calling their greatest effort to date. 13 new tracks, produced by Ant, rhymed by Slug, and scratched by Dibbs - what else do you need to know?

Tracklist:
1. "The Arrival"
2. "Panic Attack"
3. "Watch Out"
4. "Musical Chairs"
5. "Say Hey There"
6. "Hockey Hair"
7. "Bam"
8. "Pour Me Another"
9. "Smart Went Crazy"
10. "Angelface"
11. "That Night"
12. "Get Fly"
13. "Little Man"

preacher wrote:
Here is the track list for "The Rose, Vol. 2":

Intro featuring Black Ice

"Power of a Smile" featuring Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
"The Eternal Lament" featuring Celina Nixon
"Fallen Star" featuring Talib Kweli
"In the Depths of Solitude" featuring Ludacris
"Movin' On" featuring Lyfe Jennings
"Life Through My Eyes" featuring Memphis Bleek and Tupac Shakur
"When Ure Heart Turns Cold" featuring Outlawz
"Black Woman" featuring Jamal Joseph and Che Davis
"Only 4 the Righteous" featuring Yoyo
"Where There Is a Will" featuring Boot Camp Clik
"When Ur Hero Falls" featuring Impact Kids
"And 2morrow" featuring Shock G
"If I Fail" featuring Dead Prez
"Poetry" featuring Amber and Morgan of Pac's Kids

1. Intro (featuring Black Ice)
Based on and inspired by poems written by Tupac Shakur
Produced by Jukebox

2. Power Of A Smile (featuring Bone Thugs-N-Harmony)
Based on and inspired by poems written by Tupac Shakur
Produced by Kush and Kato
Co-Produced by Romeo Antonio

3. The Eternal Lament (featuring Celina)
Based on and inspired by the poem "Eternal Lament" written by Tupac Shakur
Produced by Jukebox

4. Fallen Star (featuring Talib Kweli)
Based on and inspired by the poem "Fallen Star" written by Tupac Shakur
Produced by 88 Keys

5. In The Depths Of Solitude (featuring Ludacris)
Based on and inspired by the poem "In The Depths Of Solitude" by Tupac Shakur
Produced by Icedrake

6. Movin On (featuring Lyfe Jennings)
Based on and inspired by the poem "In The Event Of My Demise" written by Tupac Shakur
Produced by Lyfe Jennings

7. Life Through My Eyes (featuring Memphis Bleek and Tupac)
Based on and inspired by the poem "Life Through My Eyes" written by Tupac Shakur
Produced by D/R Period

8. When Ure Heart Turns Cold (featuring the Outlawz)
Based on and inspired by the poem "When Ure Heart Turns Cold" written by Tupac Shakur
Produced by the Outlawz

9. Black Woman (featuring Jamal Joseph and Che Davis)
Based on and inspired by the poem "Black Woman" written by Tupac Shakur
Produced by Charles Mack and Jamal Joseph

10. Only 4 The Righteous (featuring YoYo)
Based on and inspired by the poem "Only 4 The Righteous" written by Tupac Shakur
Produced by Clint "Mr. Payback" Sands
Background Vocals: Joyce Tolbert and Wyann Vaughn

11. Where There Is A Will... (featuring Boot Camp Clik and Maya Azucena)
Based on and inspired by the poem "Where There's A Will" written by Tupac Shakur
Produced by Ayatollah

12. When Ure Hero Falls (featuring Impact Kids)
Based on and inspired by the poem "When Ure Hero Falls" written by Tupac Shakur
Produced by Raydon Coleman and Vinney Idol

13. And 2morrow (featuring Shock G)
Based on and inspired by the poem "And Tomorrow" written by Tupac Shakur
Produced by Shock G

14. If I Fail (featuring Dead Prez)
Based on and inspired by the poem "If I Fail" written by Tupac Shakur
Produced by Fabrizio Sotti

15. Poetry (by Amber & Morgan of Pacskids)
Based on and inspired by poems written by Tupac Shakur
Produced by Jukebox

http://www.spinemagazine.com/music/sept ... inlove.mp3
produced by J Dilla

http://www.counterflowdistribution.com/ ... Judges.mp3
The new single

uuu...Sun|Rah ... ... mi-ai luminat dimineatza cu stirea de mai devreme

ma bucur

2. Power Of A Smile (featuring Bone Thugs-N-Harmony)
Based on and inspired by poems written by Tupac Shakur
Produced by Kush and Kato
Co-Produced by Romeo Antonio

Pe mine ma cheama Kato -Tebenszki . . . am ajuns sa fiu si producatoare

si sa fiu si on-topic

Beanie Sigel Acquitted Of Attempted Murder
By Nolan Strong and Remmie Fresh

Rapper Beanie Sigel was acquitted of attempted-murder charges today in a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania court, after jurors spent two days deciding the rapper??€�s guilt or innocence.
The jury delivered their verdict today (Sept. 26) vindicating Sigel of shooting Terrance Speller in front of a Philadelphia bar on July 1, 2003.
Damon Dash, CEO of Damon Dash Music Group, the label that released Sigel??€�s latest album The B. Coming, was happy with the verdict.

??€?It??€�s a beautiful thing, he??€�s [Sigel] an honorable dude,??€? Dash told AllHipHop.com from an undisclosed hotel room where he was celebrating with Sigel and associates. ??€?We wanted to keep it more low profile this time. We had to keep it low and focus on the trial."

The need for secrecy was made clear at the beginning of Sigel??€�s second trial, as the judge, Karen Shreeves-Johns issued a gag order on lawyers and chose jurors in secrecy.
The jury based their decision on the testimony of David Aimes, a close friend of Speller??€�s.Both Aimes and Speller testified during the first trial that they received daily threats against their lives. In the first trial, Aimes testified he witnessed Sigel shoot Speller. During the second trial, Aimes changed his story and claimed he couldn??€�t remember what happened.

??€?I really don't want to be involved in this case, because I got to think about my own life," Aimes testified during the second trial.

Speller testified he instructed Aimes to corroborate his story that they were robbed by unknown assailants out of fear.

??€?I wanted to make sure I was all right and my family would be all right," Speller testified.

Speller then testified he witnessed Sigel point him out in a crowd and then shot him twice.
However, Sigel??€�s lawyer Fortunato Perri Jr. pointed to a number of inconsistencies in Aimes??€� and Spellers testimony, from police statements, to statements made during the first and second trials.

"Rather than identify the person who shot you, you tried to make up a lie with your last dying breath that ??€?they tried to rob us???€�" Perri asked Speller, who reiterated hit motive was based out of fear.

"All the evidence was put out there and he was found not guilty, which is what he should have been [found] in the first place,??€? Dash concluded.

Source

Official Street Single To Busta Rhyme's "The Big Bang" On Sale !


http://www.juno.co.uk/ppps/products/193062-01.htm
http://www*****istdirect.com/nad/st...3442735,00.html

Busta Rhyme's Much anticipated album "The Big Bang" is scheduled to hit stores real soon. But for now, Interscope has greenlighted the release of the official street single "Where's Your Money" feat. ODB, produced by Hill.

"The Big Bang" (Aftermath) will be executive produced by Dr. Dre and will feature production from Dr. Dre, Scott Storch, Hi-Tek among others. Guest stars include Eminem, Stevie Wonder and Ol' Dirty Bastard plus more!

Also...
Rate Busta Rhyme's New Street Single & Win Signed Copy Of 'The Big Bang' !!!

Official Street Single: Busta Rhymes - Where's Your Money f/ ODB.

Lyrical contortionist Busta Rhymes is back with The Big Bang, and he brought friends. Before his death, Ol' Dirty Bastard managed to ignite the mic, alongside Busta, over a signature Dr. Dre track. Will the track be a classic? Well you tell us! That's right, just listen to and rate "Where's Your Money," and you could win one of three iPod minis, plus an autographed copy of Busta's forthcoming album.

Go to http://www.mp3.com/busta-rhymes/art...37/summary.html for details.
(Dre probably mixed it but it was produced by DJ Hill)

Tupac Shakur immortalised in bronze

A commemorative statue of the late rapper is unveiled...



Tupac Shakur became the first rapper to be immortalised in a bronze when a new statute of the late star was unveiled last week.
Over 1,000 people turned out for the ceremony which was held at the Peace Garden in the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center For The Arts (TASCA) (September 13).

The statue is the latest addition to the centre, which recently opened the first of three phases of construction, and founder of the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation (TASF), Ms Afeni Shakur - Tupac's mother - is said to have found the event "an emotional, yet joyful experience".

Occupying the centre of the six-acre Peace Garden, the seven-foot bronze statue is surrounded by poetry and quotations from the rapper's work and sits atop a three foot base.

The sculpture - designed by Tina Allen - shows Tupac dressed in a suit and holding a copy of his book of poetry penned when he was just 19, 'The Rose That Grew From Concrete'.

Allen said: "I was deeply moved to see so many people brought to tears upon first seeing the sculpture - it was clear that something very special had come into all of our lives through this remarkable young poet."

She added: "Usually, people will applaud or cheer - but these people were reacting to Tupac's statue on an entirely different level. Every generation picks their own heroes - and from the incredible display of emotion I was blessed to witness on Tuesday, this generation's hero is clearly Tupac Shakur."

frumos ...

Noel Gallagher (Oasis) against Hip Hop

What's all the noise about?
KANAK HIRANI NAUTIYAL
TIMES NEWS NETWORK [WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2005 09:39:10 PM]


Guitarist Noel Gallagher says there's nothing good about hip hop. But does it really send out negative messages?

"YA'LL ni—-s better lay down, yeah I mean stay down Get hit wit a K' round - ya a— ain't gonna make it You ni—-s'll get laid out, with blood and ya brains out"

That's the latest from 50 Cent. Cool at the night clubs, hot with the teenagers, and outrageous for society's watchdogs. Only recently Oasis band member Noel Gallagher has accused rappers Eminem and 50 Cent of encouraging youth violence.

The guitarist recently told a music magazine that he hates hip hop because of the negative messages it gives to fans. "I despise hip hop. Loathe it. Eminem is an idiot and I find 50 Cent the most distasteful character I have ever crossed in my life," adding that rap stars should take part of the blame for escalating levels of youth violence.

He isn't alone in his battle against hip hop. Rev. Al Sharpton, former presidential candidate and civil rights activist in the United States, is now leading a crusade against what he sees as an increase in violent criminal acts that are becoming hip hop's major selling point. Sharpton said in an interview recently. "I think that that is the wrong signal to send to young Americans."

But according to music professionals and youngsters in Bangalore, hip hop is purely a reflection of present day culture. "These artistes take it upon themselves to portray reality," says music professional Bipin. "Their society is exposed to drugs and violence and that's what their music reflects."

While that doesn't make their style of music righteous, Bipin believes that it doesn't influence negatively to that extent either. "At least not in India. On the other hand, there are other artistes within that genre who are making music with a positive message. And every style of music can make a change. However, music shouldn't be too cheesy either."

Musician and theatre personality Preetam Koilpillai says that music doesn't cater to the tangible senses. So whether it's rock, classical or hip hop, it has tremendous power to influence one's psyche. "I'm a big Eminem fan. He's no different from other artistes who have used music as an individual expression of the environment." Eminem and 50 Cent are the voice of a particular kind of America in the 21st Century. Preetam adds, "If you look at the Blues, it was a reaction to circumstances. That's why it's so spiritual, because it was the collective anguish of the Blacks in America. Hip hop too is a reaction; it's the voice of the underbelly of urban society." But music expert Clement says it's unfair to blame hip hop for spreading negative messages. "Bands like Blink 182, Limp Bizkit or even the earlier hard rock bands didn't give out positive messages." College student Pooja Sinharoy agrees, "Not all of Eminem's songs are about sex, violence or drugs. His music deals with real-life issues. In fact, in a recent song he said that what hip hops artistes sing about is purely for entertainment and it's not meant to influence youngsters."

Sursa: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/arti ... 155832.cms

word!

io cre ca omu nu e under ca noi

Brooklyn's M.O.P have returned once again with a new album titled First Family Salutes The St. Marxmen. The album will feature more of the gritty, street flavor that has won over critics and fans alike over the years.

This release will be on Koch Records, which General Manager and Executive Vice President Ernie Grunblatt promises will be another classic M.O.P. record.

"Cliff Cultreri and I signed M.O.P. First Family to Relativity Records, where the group had the most success," explained Grunblatt. "We've been friends for a long time, so it's a natural fit for Koch to put out their next great release."

Notable tracks include "Put it in the Air" featuring Jay-Z, "Big Boy Game," "Party Like a Rockstar" and "Pop Shots remix" featuring ODB.

Billy Danze and Lil' Fame have spent the summer doing shows on the Anger Management Tour and are still working on their yet untitled debut on G-Unit.

First Family Salutes The St. Marxmen will hit the streets October 18.

Source ...