Kulikoni Ughaibuni : HIP-HOP

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9 Nov 2011

Rest in Peace HEAVY D, One of the Greatest Rappers of all time

Sad news out of Los Angeles this evening, as TMZ reports that rapper Heavy D has died.

The 44-year-old star, who found fame with his 1991 hit Now That We Found Love and appeared in several movies, was reportedly rushed to a hospital this afternoon after a 911 call was made from his

Officials tell TMZ that no foul play is suspected, and they are investigating the death.

Heavy D, whose real name is Dwight Arrington Myers, had just performed at two special events last month: the Michael Jackson tribute concert in Wales and the BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta. He also has a minor role in the new Eddie Murphy comedy Tower Heist.

The overweight star tweeted a simple final message earlier today: "BE INSPIRED!"

Famous fans from throughout Hollywood are taking to Twitter to remember Heavy D and express shock at his sudden death. A roundup of who's saying what:

-Samuel L. Jackson: "Ahhh man! Heavy D?! Dwight wz a dear friend. Fond memories of a truly cool brutha."

-Usher: "This is too heavy, I can't believe it. HEAVY D was just here. Truly gone too soon. My heart and support goes out to his family. R.I.P HEAVY"

-Ne-Yo: "Man. I was just with Heavy D recently in London. Had I known it'd be the last time I'd see him, I woulda told him he was truly great. RIP..."

-LL Cool J: "May GOD embrace the soul of Heavy D and Bless his family. I respected you Heavy and I always will."

-Fred Savage: "Rest in Peace Heavy D. You provided the soundtrack to some of the best times of my teenage years. Your music will always make me smile."

-Eve: "RIP HEAVY D... Sending my prayers and condolences to family and friends"

-Joel Madden: "Heavy D was a truly positive and uplifting man. Rest in peace Heavy. Its a very Sad day today."

-Keyshia Cole: "When I met Heavy D.. He said 'believe U have a good soul, Sing with always having Something to say'"

-Big Boi: "R.I.P Heavy D a true pioneer may god bless your soul"

-Sinbad: "It is a sad day today .. My younger yellow brother from another mother 'heavy D' passed away today. I loved that brother. He was a good man"

-Alyssa Milano: "Heavy D gave me advice when I was pregnant. He said, 'Cherish every single moment. It goes by way too fast.' Rest in peace, Heavy D."

-Jill Scott: "Oh my heart aches!! In shock. Can't believe Heavy D is gone. Such a positive sweet hearted man. Please pray for his daughter."

-Wilmer Valderrama: "We have lost another member of Hip Hop's legacy, a TRUE Rap legend... 'Heavy D' RIP...... WV"

-Missy Elliott: "U will be missed Heavy D so many laughs we've shared but your Music is Timeless and will Always be Around 4ever Love u Heav..."

Cash Kings 2011: Hip-Hop's Top 20 Earners,Jay-Z Tops the List

1. Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, $37 million

Hip-hop’s reigning Cash King continues to reap the benefits of a 10-year $150 million Live Nation deal, as well as stakes in the New Jersey Nets, the 40/40Club chain, ad firm Translation and others. This year marked the first time he out-earned wife Beyonce since their marriage in 2008. For more on the business of hip-hop, check out Empire State of Mind: How Jay-Z Went From Street Corner to Corner Office.

2. Sean "Diddy" Combs, $35 million

Music now accounts for less than 20% of earnings for the artist formerly known as Puff Daddy, thanks to big stakes in clothing lines Sean John and Enyce,record label Bad Boy and marketing firm Blue Flame. But it's his Ciroc vodka deal that led FORBES to estimate his net worth at $475 million this winter.

3. Kanye West, $16 million

The self-proclaimed Louis Vuitton Don returns to the top three for the first time since 2009. His new album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, hit stores in November, earned critical raves and quickly went platinum. His follow-up, Jay-Z collaboration Watch the Throne, debuted on August 8th.

4. Dwayne "Lil Wayne" Carter, $15 million (tie)

The lyricist reportedly wrote his first song at age 8 and signed a record deal with Cash Money a year later. Today he's one of rap's richest, despite serving eight months in jail last year. His latest release, I Am Not A Human Being, made him the first artist since Tupac Shakur to have a No. 1 album while incarcerated

4. Bryan "Birdman" Williams, $15 million (tie)

The Cash Money chief continues to rake in cash from the label he cofounded, home to fellow Cash Kings Lil Wayne, Drake and Nicki Minaj. Excluded from previous lists because we deemed him more executive than rapper, Birdman was included this year because most of his peers now have a similar job description.

6. Marshall "Eminem" Mathers, $14 million (tie)

Eminem doesn't tour as much as many rappers and his outside business interests are limited, but music alone was enough to blast him back into the upperreaches of the list this year. His album Recovery sold 5.7 million copies worldwide and earned 10 Gramm nominations. Normally non-commercial, he added to his coffers with Super Bowl spots for Lipton and Chrysler.

6. Andre "Dr. Dre" Young, $14 million (tie)

The man who launched the careers of fellow Cash Kings including Snoop Dogg, Eminem and 50 Cent keeps bringing in cash—namely from producer fees and Beats by Dre, his lucrative headphone venture with Interscope chief Jimmy Iovine.

6. Calvin "Snoop Dogg" Broadus, $14 million (tie)

The ageless wonder of the West Coast turned in another strong year, boosted by new albumDoggumentary, heavy touring and endorsements with companies from Metro PCS to Pepsi Max. Icing on the proverbial cake: A verse on Katy Perry’s smash hit “California Gurls.”

9. Aliuane "Akon" Thiam, $13 million

The Senegalese-American singer-songwriter-producer extraordinaire caked up on a string of international concerts from Australia to Zimbabwe, a lucrative World Cup spot with Pepsi, a host of business ventures and hit song “I Just Had Sex,” which has garnered over 115 million YouTube views since its December debut.

10. Christopher "Ludacris" Bridges, $12 million

The self-proclaimed Mouth of the South makes money from much more than just music. This year, he earned big on movie roles including Fast Five, No Strings Attached and New Year’s Eve, as well as endorsements with Tag body spray and Trojan condoms. He also struck partnership deals to launch Soul By Ludacris headphones and a cognac called Conjure.

11. Cameron "Wiz Khalifa" Thomaz, $11 million (tie)

Riding high off hit single “Black and Yellow,” Pittsburgh’s most famous rapper has been touring nonstop, playing well over 100 shows in the past 12 months. Adding to his coffers: a robust merchandise business centered on his identity as a marijuana enthusiast.

11. Aubrey "Drake" Graham, $11 million (tie)

His debut Thank Me Later debuted last fall and quickly went platinum; another record is in the works. Touring and endorsements generate plenty of cash in the meantime: he shills for Kodak and Coca-Cola’s Sprite, and even has a Drake-emblazoned Virgin America airplane already in the sky

13. Pharrell Williams, $10 million

The Virginia-born super-producer continues to earn industry-leading production fees even while touring and releasing albums with his funk-rock group N.E.R.D. Not included in this year’s tally: proceeds from the recent licensing deal struck between his Billionaire Boys Club clothing line and Jay-Z’s Rocawear.

14. Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley, $7 million

The superstar beat-maker had something of a quiet period in between album cycles, leading to a steep earnings drop from last year. But he still makes akilling by peddling his production talents and should earn more in the coming year--his third solo album,Shock Value III, is scheduled for release later this fall.

15. Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean, $6.5 million (tie)

It’s been more than a decade since Swizz burst onto the scene by producing DMX’s “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” at age 16; since then, he’s added hundreds of credits to his catalog, most recently on Jay-Z and Kanye West’s Watch The Throne. He tied the knot with singer Alicia Keys last summer and recently announced a lucrative partnership with Reebok

15. Onika "Nicki Minaj" Maraj, $6.5 million (tie)

Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Nicki Minaj grew up in Queens and is now the first female rapper to grace our Hip-Hop Cash Kings list. Her debut Pink Fridaywent platinum shortly after its launch this fall, and she’s not shy about her earnings: on Kanye West’s “Monster,” she boasts that she gets $50,000 for her guest verses.

17. William "Rick Ross" Roberts, $6 million (tie)

The rotund rhymester makes his third-straight Cash Kings appearance on the strength of solid album sales and touring. His latest, Teflon Don, wascertified gold; he’s been supporting it by hitting the road with Lil Wayne and performing lucrative gigs on his own.

17. Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, $6 million (tie)

Though he holds the record for the highest single-year earnings of any Cash King—$150 million in 2008, fueled by a nine-figure Vitamin Water windfall—50’s fortunes have fallen of late. But he still earns from his G-Unit empire, as well as acting roles, concerts and recorded music, most notably a verse on Michael Jackson’s posthumous album.

17. Armando "Pitbull" Perez, $6 million (tie)

Better known by his stage name, Armando Christian Perez is one of the most prolific artists on our list, releasing two albums and performing 50-plus showsover the past 12 months. But it’s his endorsement deals that really set him apart; he earned seven figures for a deal with Kodak this year.

20. Faheem "T-Pain" Najm, $5 million (tie)

AutoTune may be dead, but T-Pain’s earnings are alive and well. The “I’m On A Boat” crooner has racked up over 60 guest appearances since the beginning of 2010. He also beefs up his bank account with concerts and side ventures like the I Am T-Pain iPhone app.

20. Bobby "B.o.B" Simmons, Jr., $5 million (tie)

The 22-year-old rapper-singer-songwriter burst onto the scene in 2010 with the smash hit “Nothin’ on You,” featuring Bruno Mars. The duo performed thesong at the Grammys, helping to fuel sales of B.o.B’s first album, The Adventures of Bobby Ray. Touring, guest appearances and a viral Adidas commercial boosted him to his Cash Kings debut.

SOURCE: Forbes

50 Cent - From Hip-Hop to Hollywood

50 Cent - From hip-hop to Hollywood
Curtis Jackson, aka 50 Cent, is moving into movies. He tells Kaleem Aftab about his next lead role and his $200m production company
Friday, 29 July 2011

Well, it's a pretty fair exchange: in exchange for not being able to walk around in the mall, you can buy everything in it." Curtis Jackson, aka 50 Cent, is fairly relaxed about the price of fame. Nor does he have to worry about heeding the mantra of his first album Get Rich or Die Tryin'. Album sales galore, a burgeoning film and writing career and several sound investments – including a multi-million dollar payday when the vitamin water company he had shares in sold to Coca-Cola – have seen the latest estimates of his wealth hit half a billion dollars.

Eight years after his debut album turned the former New York drugs-runner into an international superstar, the 36-year old proffers the following assessment of his wealth and success: "I see money as a facilitator," he elaborates. "If airlines don't have a plane that goes to where you want to go, a private jet will. If a studio doesn't go after a project and think it's the right project for right now, I can go and get it made. I think that to some people I may appear a little off, but they're just not on the same page as me."
His back story has been told many times, most notably on that best-selling debut album, which in turn inspired Jim Sheridan's 2005 movie, starring Jackson, and in his autobiography From Pieces to Weight: Once Upon a Time in Southside Queens. Briefly, Jackson grew up in Queens, New York. His drug-dealing mother died when he was aged eight, he was bought up by his grandmother, and started dealing crack at the age of 12. Then, just days before he was about to film his first music video, the rapper was shot multiple times in front of his grandmother's house.

It was his musical hero Tupac who made the "thug life" tag a badge of honour for rappers and to start with 50 Cent tried hard to live up to the stereotype: "My first CD contained all of the dysfunctional behaviour that was affecting me. And you become your music to the general public, so I became exactly what the CD was in their eyes. Having it go on to be the widest-selling hip-hop album and sell 12 million CDs worldwide made it intense. So people have a perception of me that's going to be like that until I continue to be successful in other fields. Eventually that will open people's minds up so they think in different ways about me."

One of the ways he's trying to change those perceptions is through film. I meet him after the international premiere of his new film, Things Fall Apart, in Aruba. He wrote, produced and stars in the film, all under his real name Curtis Jackson, distancing himself from his musician persona. "Growing up, I had to be two people anyway," he says. "I had to be aggressive enough to get by in the environment that I grew up in, and I had to be my grandmother's baby in the house. You wouldn't believe it, but I wasn't allowed to curse in the house at all."

I admit that I have quite a fondness for his third cognomen "Fiddy" but apparently only close friends or Robert De Niro get to call him that. Jackson met De Niro and Al Pacino when he appeared with them in Righteous Kill in 2008. "It's interesting being around them, because when you are around someone that has that much aura, and so much attention focused on them, I get a chance to be a regular guy on the side, so it's kind of cool to hang out with them."

Try as he might, Jackson has so far failed to find that breakout role that will make people see him as something other than a rapper-turned-actor. In his only major starring role, Get Rich... he pretty much played himself, in the newsroom comedy Morning Glory he did play himself, Righteous Kill saw him play a drug dealer who meets with an untimely death, and Joel Schumacher's lamentable Twelve found him selling drugs once again.

So it's no surprise that he had to write and produce himself to land a lead role. Things Fall Apart is another tale from Jackson's childhood in which he plays a promising young American footballer whose chances of a professional career are dashed when he is diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. "Charles Pringle was my best friend growing up," explains Jackson. "Some of the dialogue in the film is close to what he actually said to me. Over 12 million people will die this year from cancer and hopefully this film will help us to become more conscious of it.

But I don't want to become a spokesperson for cancer. I could have done that without making this film. I thought to be part of a project that has some personal value was interesting. I try to be part of projects that have some sort of artistic integrity. It was a passion project and that helped me to have the discipline to make the physical transformation."

Indeed, the most remarkable moment of Things Fall Apart comes after a time lapse when Jackson goes from bodybuilder physique to gaunt and skinny. The actor lost 60lbs in three months, citing Tom Hanks in Philadelphia, Robert De Niro in Raging Bull and Christian Bale in The Machinist as inspirations. In difficult dieting moments, he would find solace by reading interviews online in which the actors talked about how tough it was to lose weight.

A keen sports fan – he follows only basketball star Carmelo Anthony and his best friend, the boxer Floyd "Money" Mayweather, on Twitter, though he has 4.7million followers – Jackson is now back to his physical peak. When we meet, he's wearing a natty suit and sunglasses adorned with gold cheetahs for arms. This is dressing "business", he says, and in keeping with that mode he wants to talk about the $200 million (£120m) he has raised for his company Cheetah Vision to make 10 films, in the action genre and in which he will appear: "The first of the 10 is Setup, which stars myself, Bruce Willis and Ryan Phillippe. My character has a revenge plot. And then there is Freelancers with Robert De Niro and Forest Whitaker in which I play a rookie police officer." Also upcoming is Vengeance with Danny Trejo.

Jackson feels strongly that he's capable of transcending artistic fields: "When you make it in one portion of art, people doubt you in others. I don't take it personally," he says. "I think it's a reflection of how they feel about themselves. They doubt themselves in different areas and they just reflect that off on you. When I'm passionate about something I pretty much get to it. People say, 'He's a rapper, he can't act'. I guess they forgot about Will Smith, right? And they forgot about Mark Wahlberg, and they forgot about Queen Latifah. They forgot about a lot of people."
Jackson has also turned to books and next year will publish Playground a tale of a 13-year-old facing up to the consequences of his actions, aimed at teenagers who have been bullied in school.

Mall boast aside, he feels that emotional well being cannot be sated by mere untold riches: "When you grow up without money, money feels like it's the answer to all your problems, because every problem in front of you is financial. But when you acquire money, you realise that it just creates other problems, and they have nothing to do with money."

His major problems at the moment seem to be largely music related. His fourth album, Before I Self Destruct, flopped in 2009. That album was attached to a film that 50 Cent wrote and directed, which in turn flopped. His fifth album, inspired by his experiences listening to dance music in UK clubs, has been continually delayed. "That album", he says. "Will only play in the comfort of my own home". Recently he announced that he expects his next record to drop in November – and he's feeling the weight of expectation: "I've got a lot of pressure on me releasing the next record. I'm still trying to top my first album. I don't think I can match the actual sales on that record, but I can match the energy."

'Things Fall Apart', 'Vengeance' and 'Setup' are released later this year

SOURCE:The Independent

Snoop Dogg Launches his new Album (Doggumentary) in London...in a STRIP CLUB

He has been enjoying his freedom to travel back to the UK of late.

And upon his return to London Snoop Dogg looked right at home, conducting a press conference from a gold throne and surrounded by scantily-clad pole dancers.

The rapper played host to the UK media in a strip club yesterday to promote his new album Doggumentary during his second trip to the UK since the ban was lifted.

Snoop Dogg strolled in to the press conference in a sky blue Adidas tracksuit and sipped on tea from a Union Jack mug.

'I'm grateful for being here and proving to the authorities that I deserve to be here. I have had so much love and support from the UK,' The 39-year-old said told the Daily Star.

'When I was a young rapper I would dream of coming here, and when I came I didn't want it to end.'

Snoop Dogg, real name Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr, was banned from entering the UK following a brawl between his entourage and security at Heathrow airport in 2006.

The following year the Home Office prevented him from obtaining a visa to enter the country with fellow rapper P Diddy, claiming allowing him in the UK could inspire violence and crime amongst fans, despite that his intention was to hold a seminar for youths against gun crime and gang violence.

A judge ruled in 2008 that Snoop had not been at fault during the incident and that he had actually cooperated fully with immigration officials - the ban was fully overturned last year in time for Snoop to play Glastonbury over the summer.

The What's My Name hitmaker is looking forward though, and yesterday announced plans to create his own X Factor-style show.

'X Factor is great but I need to do a show that goes straight to the hood,' he told reporters.

I want to find that raw untamed talent that hasn't been dressed up all nice for the TV. 'Any TV companies want to help me, then they know where I am,' he added.

The competition would feature artists 'with no money, just raw talent and natural ability.'

Snoop Dogg received a warm welcome from fans at a gig later that night before heading to Madame JoJo's and then The Box in Soho.

Earlier this week Snoop performed in Brighton as part of his promotional tour for Doggumentary.

The album features guest performances by Kanye West, David Guetta and also Willie Nelson. At the press conference the rapper named Sade as his ultimate collaborator.

He also defended a more controversial collaboration - his recent record with Charlie Sheen, 'Winning' which was released earlier this month.

'Sheen was my friend before all this happened so I do not judge him,' Snoop Dogg insisted. 'He called on me and I came through for him.

'He is conducting his business, living and functioning. But if the station (CBS, the network behind Two And A Half Men) wanted to put him in a box, then what would have been crazy is staying in that situation.'

SOURCE: The Daily Mail

P. Diddy Tops Hip-Hop's Richest Artists List, Followed by Jay-Z and Dr Dre

With nearly half a billion dollars in the bank Sean Combs, aka 'Diddy' has beaten rap colleague Jay-Z to the top of Forbes magazine's list of Hip-Hop's Wealthiest Artists..

The Bad Boy Records founder has an estimated wealth of $475 million, which he has acquired from his clothing line Sean John, his record label, and several product endorsements.

Jay-Z, meanwhile, closely follows with $450 million.

The Forbes list was put together by taking into consideration the artists' current holdings and past earnings.

Only performers were included on the list, which is why hip-hop tycoon Russell Simmons didn't place.

Following Diddy and Jay-Z is Dr. Dre with $125 million, 50 Cent and Birdman are tied at fourth place with $100 million.

In Pictures: Hip-Hop’s Wealthiest Artists

1. P.DIDDY

Sean "Diddy" Combs Worth: $475 million Fast Facts: Artist formerly known as Puff Daddy built fortune chiefly through clothing line Sean John, record label Bad Boy and Ciroc vodka. Acting gigs, television shows and guest appearances add to coffers. Told Forbes in 1999: "I'm gonna be bigger than David Geffen." Not there yet

2. JAY-Z

Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter Worth: $450 million Fast Facts: Beyonce's husband sold Rocawear clothing label for $204 million in 2007; signed 10-year $150 million Live Nation deal in 2008. Holds stakes in New Jersey Nets, 40/40 Club chain, ad firm Translation, other businesses. Lyrical boasts appear accurate: "I'm like really half a billie . . . you got baby money."

3. DR DRE

Andre "Dr. Dre" Young Worth: $125 million Fast Facts: Superproducer/rapper helped launch careers of Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent. Expanded wealth with Aftermath record label, Beats headphones and HP laptop line. Likens himself to world's first billionaire: "Young black Rockefeller ... gettin' money like a bank teller."

4. BIRDMAN

Bryan "Birdman" Williams Worth: $100 million Fast Facts: Cofounded Cash Money Records with brother Ronald and inked $30 million distribution deal with Universal in 1998; affiliated Young Money lineup now includes rappers Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj. Lyrical boasts ("Richer than the richest!") are simply not true.

5. 50 CENT

Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson Worth: $100 million Fast Facts: Received nine figures for Vitaminwater stake in 2007; spent freely on cars, renovations to mansion formerly owned by Mike Tyson. Cushion remains from catalog, acting gigs and 50 Cent-themed videogames, books, clothes and headphones. Future billionaire? Told Forbes in 2008: "It's probably going to take me 10 years."

SOURCE: Forbes.com

When the Doctor Needs a Doctor

TWELVE years is an eternity in music - but it's taken hip-hop legend DR. DRE that long to return.

The reclusive veteran producer, who launched SNOOP DOGG and EMINEM, finally issued his comeback single, I Need A Doctor, yesterday.

Dr. Dre f. Eminem I Need A Doctor CDQ

Its crashing rock drums and squealing guitars are far from the electro beats he's known for. And the lyrics are gushing, as Dre and Eminem swap verses saying they would be nothing without each other.

Dre also has a foul-mouthed pop at his critics, which is par for the course.

Universal insist his follow-up album to 1999 collection 2001, will come this year. I'll not hold my breath - but it's intriguing.

SOURCE: The Sun

Prior to the release of this joint,Dr Dre had earlier dropped another track,Kush, featuring his protege Snoop Dogg and Akon.As usual,it's as exceedingly explicit as blunt-themed.Check the video below.