I Heart Musics (News): R.I.P Nate Dogg

Nate Dogg, born Nathaniel D. Hale has died at the age of 41. The news was reported via The Long Beach Press-Telegrams  last night, however the cause of the artist's death is still unknown. The west coast rapper/singer had been in poor  health for sometime when he suffered two strokes, back in 2007 and the other in 2008.


Nate Dogg had one of the most incredibly unique voices that could easily transform a hook of a song into a classic anthem, creating the soundtrack to may of or lives. 



R.I.P Nate Dogg.




Source: Madnewsblog

I Heart Music (News): Jay Z Signs Santogold Gold To Roc Nation

Singer/songwriter Santogold is the latest artist to join the Roc Nation roster. The Philadelphia native  has already worked with Jay Z in the past when she collaborated with him on his track 'Brooklyn We Go Hard' and will be joining the likes of recent signees J Cole, Jay Electronica, K Koke and Willow Smith.


This is great news and future of music continues to shine bright. 


Source: Pressparty

I Heart Music (News): Kanye West And G.O.O.D Music Team To Headline South By South West?

Rumors have it that Kanye West and his G.O.O.D Music protege will be headlining the annual Texan music festival South By South West (SXSW) this year. According to sources, West and the GM team will take over the stage on March 19th, at midnight and a promo video for the event- which also happens to feature Kanye West's 'Runway' in the background adds further speculation to a possible performance. 


I guess we'll have to wait and see.


SXSW kicks off from March 11th-20th.

I Heart Music (News): Notorious B.I.G Case Exposes New Evidence Suggesting LAPD Scandal

The murder of rapper Notorious B.I.G born Christopher Wallace, has gone unresolved for fourteen years, however, new evidence exposed by independent LA-based station KCAL TV have suggested that that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) tried to conceal vital evidence from the rapper's murder case. 


According to the television station, LAPD officers David Mack and Rafael Perez may have been involved in the murder of B.I.G and  for the first time explosive statements made by Perez's  cell mate during his prison sentence at LA county jail, have been brought into question linking David Mack and Raphael Perez to Death Row Records- and Perez to the scene of the rapper also known as Biggie Small's murder in 1997.

Press play for more details on the case.




Source: Soulculture

I Heart Music (News): Sade Announces John Legend Will Join Her On Tour

Queen of timeless music, Sade has appointed icon in the making, John Legend to join her on tour. 


The legendary singer announced today that the supreme pianist and singer/songwriter will be sharing the stage with her throughout her summer tour. Legend who is currently nominated for five awards at this years Grammy, declared "I'm very excited to join Sade on her summer tour.  She is an incomparable artist and I'm honored to share the stage with her," said John Legend.  "I know we'll provide our fans with an experience to remember.  I can't wait to start the tour." 


Details of the tour everyone and their third generation wants to attend, are below.

Sade And John Legend Tour Dates:

June 16:  Baltimore, MD   1st Mariner Arena

June 19: Philadelphia, PA   Wells Fargo Center

June 21: Uniondale, NY  Nassau Coliseum

June 24: East Rutherford, NJ Izod Center

June 28: Toronto, ON  Air Canada Centre

June 30: Montreal, QC   Bell Centre

July 6: Boston, MA   TD Garden

July 15: Ft. Lauderdale, FL  BankAtlantic Center

July 17: Orlando, FL  Amway Center

August 5:  Chicago, IL  United Center

August 6:  Chicago, IL  United Center

August 13:  Vancouver, BC  Rogers Arena

August 19:  Los Angeles, CA  Staples Center

August 20: Los Angeles, CA  Staples Center

August 25:  San Jose, CA  HP Pavilion

August 27: Oakland, CA  Oracle Arena

August 30: Anaheim, CA  Honda Center

Click here for ticket information. 

I Heart Music (News): Vybz Kartel Responds To Skin Bleaching Rumours

If you're an avid fan of the Dancehall scene, you may have caught wind of the recent rumours that have been circulating around Vybz Kartel's allegedly bleached skin. Despite the noticeable change in his skin complexion, Vybz has released a statement via the popular online Hip hop Magazine, Vibes.com to address the rumours.

"I'm my own man, and as such I do my own thing. When black women stop straightening their hair and wearing wigs and weaves, when white women stop getting lip and butt injections and implants, when bald men stop getting hair transplants, and when people stop getting nose jobs and cosmetic surgery then I'll stop using the 'cakesoap' and we'll all live naturally ever after. Until then F**k you all."


Really Vybz, is that your best defence?  It is also rumoured that the dancehall artist is set to release his own range of skin lightening products. Yes, you read right. 


Of course I had to offer my two cents on the whole subject with hilarious consequences. Click here to find out what I'm talking about. 


Thanks for the shout out Janice!

I Heart Music (News): R.I.P World Star Hip Hop?

Earlier today the famous video site World Star Hip Hop was shut down and apparently 50 Cents is to blame . Rumours suggest that the recent demise of the video site was a decision made by the Homeland Security due  to copy right infringement. However; 50 Cent has arrived at his own conclusion  and took to twitter to claim the following..


"I don’t know why people underestimate me. I just shut down WORLDSTAR for future advertising contact thisis50.com suckers lol. I put worldstar to bed, you don’t believe try me I will shut your sh*t down. Lol. I predict 2 more websites will shut down this week. Take a guess who they are. I’m sick of the hate I’m to strong.. Me and @FloydMayweather don’t thing worldstar was good representation of black people as a hole. We will present better. I want to thank howard gordon and the good folks over at homeland .hahaha suckers your move"


Although Fiddy's involvement in the whole process is yet to be confirmed, he may just be telling the truth as the rapper filed a lawsuit against WSHH back in 2009, accusing the site of using his image and content without permission.


Is it me or does the whole idea of a rapper having this much power leave a nasty taste in your mouth? *cue X-Files theme tune*


Source: Nicolebitchie.com


*Update*  The CEO of WSHH  who is named Q has since confirmed that the recent shut own of the site was none other than a technical hitch. Speaking  to the team over at New York's famous Hot 97.9 radio station, Q confirmed the following, 
"It’s a technical difficulty and has nothing to do with 50 or homeland security or hackers,” he continued. “We’re more or less having difficulties with the site itself as far as our server. We’re getting so much traffic we constantly have to upgrade. We were down in ‘07 because we got hacked. We got hacked last year and we’ve also had problems with our bandwidth before,” he concluded. "


I've checked the website myself and it is indeed, back to normal. So much for 50 Cent's so-called claim to fame!

I Heart Music (News): Jay Z Signs UK Rapper K. KoKe

UK artist K.Koke is the latest singnee to join the Roc Nation roster. Joining the likes of  Cher Lloyd  (sorry minor spelling error), J  Cole and Willow smith, the rapper has also managed to bag himself a joint deal between Jay's Roc Nation and Suspect Entertainment, of which Koke is a member. 

K.Koke is said to be in the process of making his forthcoming mixtape, "Pure Koke Vol.2" and it is also rumoured that Tinie Temper could be the next UK artist in the firing line of Jay Z's British invasion.

And suddenly the future looks bright for the UK music scene...

Source: Hip Hop Blog

I Heart Music (News): Kanye West And Jay Z's Collaborative Album Due In One Week

Kanye West announced that his collaborative album with Jay Z, 'Watch The Throne' will be released next week. West made the champagne induced  announcement whilst partying at the Marquee night club in Las Vegas with Jay Z on New Years Eve (31st December 2010). 


Your guess is as good mine as to whether the news is true, however,watch the moment as captured by Seth Browarnik, to make your own decision.


Jay-Z After Party at Marquee from Seth Browarnik on Vimeo.

As for Rihanna's sudden splashment outburst, absolutely hilarious!

I Heart Music (News): 9th Wonder And Phonte Start The Year On A Good Note

It's been a long time coming but one time group members, 9th Wonder and Phonte of the rap trio, Little Brother have finally resolved their four year long dispute. Original members Big Pooh, 9th Wonder and Phonte built up a respectable following after the release of their renowned underground Hip hop album 'The Listening', however, group members Phonte and Big Pooh went on to release their fourth album 'Leftback' without 9th Wonder, who left the group in 2007 for reasons on known until the group confirmed their split in 2010.


The news of the two members reconciliation was announced on twitter via Phonte's twitter page.


"Took 4 years, 2 plates of food and 6 hrs. of convo, but we squashed it. #brotherhood, I appreciate the love for me and @9thwondermusic, but us mending our rift had nothing to do with music and everything to do with manhood."


Though this comes as good news, Phonte went on to state that the two members are not intent on forming a Little Brother reunion, with the exception of a possible Phonte and 9th Wonder collaboration in the future. Whatever the case, this is great news and an even greater way to start the year!

I Heart Music (News): Q-Tip To Produce Esperanza Spaildings Forthcoming Album

Apparently the news was delivered via twitter last night. This can only mean great music lies ahead. Can't wait!

Source: Pinboardblog

I Heart Music (News): 9th Wonder And David Banner Launch New Comic

The beat supremo 9th Wonder and rapper David Banner have released a new comic series in an unconventional effort to promote their forthcoming collaborative album, 'Death Of A Pop Star'. The first episode of their joint comic is entitled 'The Shake Down' and it will witness the dirty south duo combat crime using their superhero powers. 

Talking to the guys over at the Boom Box website, 9th explained..
"Comics, sneakers and hip-hop have always been close-knit with each other for years and years," the former Little Brother producer said. "This comic strip will show you exactly how CLOSE the relationships between those entities are."


The album 'Death Of A Pop Star' drops on the 21st December  and you can head over to www.deathofapopstar.com to indulge in some comic action. 


Source: Boom Box

I Heart Music (News): Cee-Lo's Profanity Earns Him A 2011 Grammy Performance

2010 has been a great year for Cee-Lo and it looks as though his current flow of good fortune will see him through into 2011 with a performance at the imminent Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. The 'F*** You' singer will perform his smash hit at the award ceremony and is up for several Grammy nominations. Needless to say the  Gnarls Barkely member will have to perform the clean version of the song, 'Forget you', in line with the FCC regulations. Bummer!


With the viral video for 'F*** You' (the integral part of the track's success)  viewed over 28 million times is comparison to the mere 2 million views which the clean version received- in the words of Jay Z "Men lie. Women lie. Numbers don't."


Give the people what they want!


The 53rd Grammy Award will be aired on February 13th  at 8pm EST. For the rest of the world, I guess we'll have to catch it on you tube.

I Heart Music (News): Janelle Monae Announces 2011 UK Tour Dates

Janelle Monae is set to cross these shores once again, only this time the singer will be performing a set of shows across the UK for her 2011 tour. In addition to her up and coming show in London on the December 5th and Manchester on the 6th December, the quiff shaking, ArchAndroid will be performing on the following dates:

Bristol 02 Academy-February 24th

Birmingham HMV Institute-February 25th

Glasgow 02 Academy-February 26th

Manchester Academy -February 28th

London Roundhouse-March 1st

I love Janelle Monae and so should you. That's all.

I Heart Music (News): Common To Host Annual National Tree Lighting Ceremony

Common will be joining in on the festivities this year, acting as host of the 87th yearly National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Washington D.C. The Chi-Town rapper will be among many musicians who are also scheduled to appear including iconic blues singer BB King, singer songwriter Jim James and Maroon 5.


The National Parks services, the organization behind the ceremony, help to preserve the natural and cultural resources of over 350 Nation Parks for the fulfilment and inspiration of the US public. If only we had a similar project here in London with the same quality of performers. one can only live in hope...

I Heart Music (News): Kanye West Interviews Rihanna

It looks as though Kanye West is becoming a jack of all trades, with music and film now under his belt, his most recent venture into journalism seems to be the latest addition to his body of work.

Interviewing label buddy Rihanna for the latest issue of Interview Magazine, the rapper asks Rih Rih a few unconventional questions we all secretly want to know the answers to.

Kanye: How does it feel to know you could have any man in the world? Or Woman. How does it feel to know that you can turn straight women gay?
Rih Rih: Is that a real question?
Kanye:Yeah
Rih Rih: Well thank you. I don't know how to feel about that (laughs) I guess that's flattering.
Kanye: But just to have that level of power. No one woman should have all that power.

Loving the slight pun at the end of the interview Mr West, very cheeky of you!

Source: DJ Semtex

I Heart Music (News): Jazmine Sullivan Set To Win Rising Star Award At Billboard Women In Music Award

According to reports, singer/ songwriter Jazmine Sullivan will be badged with the Rising Star Award at the 2010 Billboard Women In Music Event on December 2nd in New York. The Grammy award winning songstress has already enjoyed great success with her break through 2008 album 'Fearless' and it looks as though her forthcoming Sophomore album, 'Love Me Back' isn't far behind.

The prestigious award honours artists that have achieved a level of success and have shown rapid potential at the onset of their career and Jazmine definitely fits the bill as her first single 'Need U Bad', reached no.1 on  Billboard's Hot R&B and Hip hop songs. 

Sullivan  will also be joining the likes of Lady Gaga who has also received the award and will no doubt continue to impress the music world with her talent.

I have the unforgettable experience of interviewing Jazmine a few years ago just before her  first London show at the Jazz Cafe, so congratulations are definitely in order!

I Heart Music (News): Jay Electronica Joins Roc Nation Family Tree

It was announced on Friday during Jay Z's secret event held at The Box NYC, that New Orleans Rapper, Jay Electronica is now the latest signee to Roc Nation.

Check out some footage of the event below.

Speaking of Jay Electronica..

Apparently Diddy wasn't best pleased with Jay's decision to sign with Roc Nation and took to twitter to vent his disappointment: 

Moments later the following tweet was posted by Erykah Badu ( Mother of JE's daughter):

It hasn't been confirmed whether the above tweets were in relation to Electronica's recent signing but if they were, Diddy is clearly quite cut up about it.

More importantly, does this mean we'll finally get an album, from JE?

Source: Rap Radar

I Heart Music (News): Russell Pens Open Letter To Kanye West

Kanye West is no stranger to harsh criticism and media scrutiny. However; Russell Simmons distinctly  highlights why (in his opinion) there is much to be admired about Ye, in his recent open letter to the ChiTown rapper via his Global Grind web site.

I Heart Music (News): Kanye West Graces 'Back To The Future Edition' Of I-D Magazine

Kanye West (my secret lover..shh, don't tell anyone!) is doing the media round. Only this time he's showing his i-D.-no, not to verify his age but for the latest issue of I-D Magazine for its 'Back To The Future' edition. Drenched in gold chains, Kanye never fails to add his own spin on things.

Speaking of I-D....
In honour of I-D Magazine's 30th Anniversary, book publisher Taschen  recently created a book that highlights the magazine covers over the last three decades. Originally founded by ex Vogue art director, Terry Jones in 1980, the book pays tribute to the British magazine's dedication to art, music and youth culture. Seen as Ye is on its latest cover, I wonder if he made the cut in time?

Only one way to find out, purchase the book at the Colette online store.