9/10/2009
Jay-Z, Will Smith Back $11 Mil "Fela" Play
Rappers Jay-Z and Will Smith are among the investors in a Broadway play about the life of Nigerian singer/activist Fela Kuti.
The heavyweight Hip-Hop duo are backing an $11 million dollar production of Bill. T. Jones' musical "Fela," which will open in November.
The original version of the play opened off-Broadway last September, starring actor Sahr Ngaujah, who will reprise his critically acclaimed role as Fela Kuti.
Financial concerns due to the recession briefly halted production of the play, which was written and co-produced by Steve Hendel.
Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones choreographs and directs "Fela" using the pioneering Afro-Beat style of music Kuti created with his Black-Panther inspired group, Africa 70.
Kuti was one of Africa’s most well known musicians and activists and was eventually imprisoned and released by the Nigerian government on a currency smuggling charge.
The singer died in 1997 due to complications from AIDS.
The 2-hour "Fela" play is slated to debut at the Eugene O’Neill theater on October 19 and will run until April 4.
Box office opens September 28th, while previews of the play start October 19th.
Unreleased Death Row LP's By Snoop, Tupac Heading To Stores
The re-established Death Row Records will release a brand new album by Snoop Dogg featuring unreleased material.
Snoop Doggy Dogg’s album The Lost Sessions Vol. 1 features all-new material recorded by Snoop Dogg while he was an artist on Death Row Records.
The album features a number of high profile artists, including Dr. Dre, The Lady of Rage, Bad Azz, The Lady of Rage, K-CI & JoJo, Nate Dogg and others.
Death Row’s assets were bought for $18 million dollars in January 2009 after the label filed for bankruptcy.
According to Death Row’s new CEO Lara Lavi, the label is also planning to release a brand new album featuring unreleased material from Tupac Shakur in 2010.
“We’re trying to put if out as part of our birthday celebration of Tupac,” Lari told AllHipHop.com. “It isn’t just the music, what’s happened in the course of this whole exercise is so many people have come out of the woodwork for video content that no-one’s ever seen before and suggestions for playlists etc. The fans have been wonderful. The release will include a huge DVD of unreleased, never before seen video also."
Snoop Dogg’s The Lost Sessions Vol. 1 is due in stores October 13th.
The track listing is below:
1. Soldier Story (Intro)
2. Doggystyle (ft. Dr. Dre, George Clinton and Jewell)
3. Fallin' Asleep on Death Row (ft. Dr. Dre)
4. Eat A D**k (ft. Dr. Dre)
5. H**z (ft. Dogg Pound)
6. O.G. (Original Version ft. Nate Dogg)
7. Keep It Real Dogg
8. One Life to Live (ft. Techniec & The Lady of Rage)
9. The Genie (ft. Bad Azz, Bo Rock)
10. Funk With Ya Brain (Interlude)
11. Caught Up
12. Put It In Ya Mouth
13. Gravy Train (ft. Bad Azz & Tray Deee)
14. Life's Hard (Dedicated to 2pac) (ft. K-Ci & JoJo, Big Pimpin')
15. The Root Of All Evil (Outro) (ft. Dr. Dre)
16. Quite Obvious (ft. Rappin' 4 Tay)
17. Once Again
18. Got to do Wrong
9/04/2009
LIL WAYNE'S "HURRICANE" TO STORM INTO THEATERS, MOVIE RECEIVES FINANCIAL BACKING
Lil Wayne's Hurricane Season film, which co-stars Forest Whitaker and Bow Wow, will reportedly be headed to the big screen after suffering multiple delays and budget difficulties.
According to reports, the film will now receive financial backing and avoid a straight-to-video release.
Back in June we exclusively reported that Hurricane Season, the basketball film starring Bow Wow, Forest Whitaker and Lil Wayne was being shelved by the Weinstein Company because the film studio could not afford to market and distribute it. At that time, The Weinstein's were facing dire financial hardship and had invested a big part of their theatrical marketing spend in Quentin Tarantino's Inglorious Basterds. If Tarantino's film failed, films like Hurricane Season would go from shelved to sold off in a matter of months, Inglorious Basterds will turn a profit as it already has grossed over $140 million world-wide and cost $70 million to make. So what does this mean for Hurricane Season? It means The Weinsteins will have replenished funds to release and market a select few of their upcoming titles and we have the exclusive drop that Hurricane Season is one of them that will be resurrected.
9/03/2009
Jin The MC Becomes Christian Rapper
Former battle rap champ Jin is making his way back into the spotlight as a Christian rapper signed to Universal Hong Kong.
Now a born again Christian residing in Hong Kong, Jin has changed the content of his music, but still manages to showcase his lyrical prowess.
Recently Jin released a new track titled “Welcome to the Light Club,” which is fueled by a catchy beat.
Here is an except from the track:
"I got a session booked for7 and its 6:35/ so I got 25 minutes to conjure up this rhyme/its been a long time right stepped away from the limelight/ but the breaks over Holy Spirit takeover/they say the truth will set you free if you so believe/ Jesus is the truth with Him freedom can be achieved"
Via his ayojin.com webpage, Jin chronicles his adventures in this new lifestyle and he describes one trip by saying, "Did a quick performance, gave a testimony and just enjoyed God’s presence."
Jin initially gained his popularity as the "Freestyle Friday Champ” on BET's 106 and Park, then went on to sign with the Ruff Ryders.
In 2004, Jin released his debut album, The Rest Is History, which garnered the lead single “Learn Chinese.”
He also made his acting debut in a the blockbuster film 2 Fast 2 Furious.
BREAKING NEWS: Max B. Sentenced To 75 Years
Harlem, New York rapper Max B. was sentenced to 75 years in prison today (September 3) for his role in a botched robbery that led to a double murder in a Fort Lee, New Jersey hotel.
Max B., born Charly Wingate, appeared in a Hackensack, New Jersey court today with co-defendant Kevin Leerdam.
Max B. and Leerdam were convicted on charges of felony murder, kidnapping and armed robbery for planning and robbing Allan Plowden and David Taylor at a Holiday Inn in September of 2006.
Taylor was shot and killed during the robbery, which was planned with Max B.’s ex-girl friend Gina Conway, who testified against the pair during their June trial.
Max B. was not happy with the situation and fired his attorney Gerald Saluti, just before the 75-year sentenced was handed down.
Leerdam received a life sentence, plus 35 years for his role in the murder, while Conway is facing an 18-year sentence today.
9/02/2009
9/01/2009
R. KELLY TO FINISH MICHEAL JACKSON'S UPCOMING ALBUM
R&B star R. Kelly says he is planning to finish and release the album Michael Jackson was working on when he died.
Kelly had worked with the King of Pop on numerous occasions and claims Jackson reached out to him shortly before his June death to discuss his upcoming release.
The pair never arranged any studio time, but Kelly is convinced Jackson would have chosen him to complete his final masterpiece.
The singer tells Blackvoices.com, "I recorded five joints for Michael Jackson (in the past). And we had been talking on the phone about his new album, and I was going to finish what Michael was doing at the time. We're going to get it out though. Michael liked the way I would try to sing the songs just like him
Chilli Seeking Men For New VH1 Reality Show
TLC group member Chilli is the latest celebrity to land a reality show seeking to find true love.
Chilli, along with VH1, Doron Ofir Casting and FremantleMedia North America seek eligible bachelors to appear on the show in an attempt to win the R&B singer’s heart.
Casting agents are seeking eligible males between the ages of 25-40 years-old for the untitled show, which is slated to broadcast as part of VH1’s upcoming new programming lineup.
Chilli, born Rozonda Thomas, is part of TLC with Tionne “T-Boz“ Watkins and deceased group member and rapper Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes.
She also has baby by super producer Dallas Austin.
The pair will play their first American show in over seven years, as part of the “Justin Timberlakeand Friends” benefit concert at Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Events Center.
The benefit concert takes place October 17 for the Shriners Hospital for Children.
The concert also features performances by Alicia Keys, Ciara and Taylor Swift.
To apply for Chilli’s untitled reality show, send an email to TheChilliProject@gmail.com.
SNOOP IS BACK AS NIGGARACHI
Rapper Snoop Dogg will shed his famous name on an upcoming album titled Bacc To Tha Chuuch Vol. 1.
As "Niggarachi," Snoop has produced the new compilation as a continuation of his long running Welcome 2 Tha Chuuch mixtape series.
The new installment is the follow-up to Snoop’s 2007 official release Welcome 2 Tha Chuuch - Tha Album on Koch.
Under his alia "Niggarachi," Snoop produced every song on the new album with the exception of one track, which was originally recorded for his hit album Ego Trippin’.
Bacc To Tha Chuuch Vol. 1 features an all-star cast that includes Snoop, Daz, Kurupt, Ray J., Damani, Uncle Chucc and Tha Twinz.
Additionally, Snoop introduces a crop of new talent on the album including Hustle Boyz, Tha Raw Doggz, the TC’s and singer Chris Starr.
A video for The TC’s track "Shut U Down" featuring Snoop Doggrecently hit the net. Bacc To Tha Chuuch Vol. 1 is available on iTunes.
NIKKI MINAJ BECOMES YOUNG MONEY'S FIRST LADY
Nicki Minaj has officially inked a deal with Lil Wayne’s Young Money imprint.
She joins the Young Money roster after releasing several critically acclaimed mixtapes, including her most recent, Beam Me Up Scotty.
The mixtape featured vocals by artists like Busta Rhymes, Gucci Mane, Lil Wayne and fellow Young Money artist Drake.
Although Nicki Minaj is featured on the Young Money Presents: America’s Most Wanted Festival, it wasn’t until today that the label broke the news that she was signed as an artist on the roster.
"I am honored to have Nicki Minaj as Young Money's First Lady,” Lil Wayne said in a press release. “She is a star."
Like her label mate Drake, Nicki Minaj’s independent work laid the ground work for a lucrative deal with Young Money/Universal Motown.
Under the new deal, Minaj owns and retains all of her 360 rights, including publishing, merchandising, sponsorships and endorsement deals.
"To say I'm excited would be an understatement. It's validation. It's proof. It's empowerment. I represent every little girl in a hood near you,” Nicki Minaj stated. “To everyone that supported me two years ago when I was on underground mix-tapes and DVDs and to the people that only caught on two weeks ago, I say thank you. Be proud of yourself. You've given girls all around the world the permission to change the face of female rap."
Nicki Minaj’s major label debut, which is slated to drop in 2010, will be distributed through Young Money/Universal Motown.
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