Key Art for Mixtape, streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Paramount+ announced that Mixtape, a new documentary exploring how the creation of mixtapes launched hip hop into mainstream culture, will premiere exclusively on the service Tuesday, August 1 in the U.S. and Canada and Wednesday, August 2 in the U.K., Australia, Latin America and Brazil, with further international markets to follow later in the year. Mixtape is the story of hip hop refusing to take no for an answer. Before radio play, the internet, and social media, there were mixtapes. DJs were tastemakers, trendsetters and creators of the sound that became the biggest musical genre on the planet. The importance of mixtapes goes well beyond the tapes themselves. Mixtapes were a form of currency and a signifier that someone was “in the know” and had their ear to the streets. The culture was too strong to be stopped, and the artists were too...
- 7/15/2023
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
Robb McDaniels has a habit of seeing around corners. The Los Angeles-based exec foresaw the independent artist boom long before many of his competitors, when he founded indie distributor Ingrooves — since acquired by Universal Music Group — in 2002. After leaving Ingrooves in 2014, McDaniels foresaw a related trend: Artist managers were spurning record company offers for their artists, and therefore would require bigger “in-house” resources. With this in mind, McDaniels founded Faction, an indie conglomerate offering centralized, shared services, from office space to technology, for talent manager members keen to resist those early major-label checks.
- 12/23/2020
- by Tim Ingham
- Rollingstone.com
Leaves are on the ground, jackets are off the coatracks, and now everybody is looking for someplace warm to go. Luckily, now that fall is in full effect and winter will arrive sooner than you think, there are plenty of concerts planned to give you a break from the cool air. Whether it’s Mariah Carey singing what may now be her biggest hit to ring in the season or Bob Dylan playing his most classic songs, there are plenty of options to pick from. Here are 10 that will send off 2019 right.
- 11/5/2019
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
It may have been the most New York moment in years.
Robert De Niro, onstage Wednesday night at the Beacon Theatre, introduced Time Is Illmatic, the new documentary on Nas' 1994 landmark debut Illmatic, to kick off the Tribeca Film Festival. "Twenty years ago, I would've been 20 years too old for this music," quipped the actor and festival co-founder to a boisterous crowd of fans, media and seemingly every important hip-hop figure in mid-Nineties New York.
Nas: My Life in 20 Songs
Unlike music docs that attempt to deify or elevate the obscure — Anvil,...
Robert De Niro, onstage Wednesday night at the Beacon Theatre, introduced Time Is Illmatic, the new documentary on Nas' 1994 landmark debut Illmatic, to kick off the Tribeca Film Festival. "Twenty years ago, I would've been 20 years too old for this music," quipped the actor and festival co-founder to a boisterous crowd of fans, media and seemingly every important hip-hop figure in mid-Nineties New York.
Nas: My Life in 20 Songs
Unlike music docs that attempt to deify or elevate the obscure — Anvil,...
- 4/17/2014
- Rollingstone.com
Kia is taking its sponsorship of the YouTube Music Awards (YTMAs) all the way to the assembly line. The South Korean automobile manufacturer just unveiled a custom 2014 Kia Soul YouTube Edition to accentuate and supplement its presenting partner sponsorship of the video sharing site’s premiere musical event. The custom job was designed by Lux Motorworks under the direction of Harris Publications and Rides Magazine and features “a wireless keyboard embedded in the rear center armrest, a webcam for high-definition video recording, 10 WiFi-enabled iPad2 Minis in the rear cargo area and a Mac Mini2 with high-speed WiFi Hot Spot for instant uploads and streaming.” Basically, it’s a mobile recording booth and video viewing station slash video fo an online video blogger’s dream. The car will be unveiled at Soul Live, a Kia-hosted live streamed, pre-show to the YTMAs that kicks off this Saturday, November 2 at 7Pm Et from...
- 11/1/2013
- by Joshua Cohen
- Tubefilter.com
Deadites! Unite and converge!!
IGN and Sony invite the die hard Deadites to meet with director Fede Alvarez and actress Jane Levy at a release party for “Evil Dead.”
It takes place at The Commons, 901 Fourth Avenue in Downtown San Diego from 8 p.m. to midnight. There will be musical performance from of Corey Taylor of Slipknot and DJ Green Lantern. You must be over 21 to attend this party.
So come to meet and get autographs from Alvarez and Levy. Free for the fans!
See you there!!
Your printed invite is below.
IGN and Sony invite the die hard Deadites to meet with director Fede Alvarez and actress Jane Levy at a release party for “Evil Dead.”
It takes place at The Commons, 901 Fourth Avenue in Downtown San Diego from 8 p.m. to midnight. There will be musical performance from of Corey Taylor of Slipknot and DJ Green Lantern. You must be over 21 to attend this party.
So come to meet and get autographs from Alvarez and Levy. Free for the fans!
See you there!!
Your printed invite is below.
- 7/17/2013
- by Gig Patta
- LRMonline.com
That's right! As if Comic-Con wasn't shaping up to be cool enough, add the Evil Dead Blu-Ray Release Party to the list of must-attend events! There'll be red carpet photo ops with Fede Alvarez and Jane Levy. Groovy!
The Evil Dead Blu-ray Release Party will be held on Saturday, July 20th, at The Commons, 901 Fourth Ave. The photo ops with Alvarez and Levy will be held at 8 p.m. sharp. And, as you can see on the promo poster below, you'll even get treated to some kick-ass tunes from Corey Taylor of Slipknot and DJ Green Lantern. You're living the dream, Comic-Conners. Living the dream.
Details below. See you there!
From the Press Release
From producers Sam Raimi (Spider-Man trilogy, original Evil Dead trilogy),Bruce Campbell (original Evil Dead trilogy) and Rob Tapert (original Evil Dead trilogy) comes the highly anticipated box office hit Evil Dead, available July 16th on...
The Evil Dead Blu-ray Release Party will be held on Saturday, July 20th, at The Commons, 901 Fourth Ave. The photo ops with Alvarez and Levy will be held at 8 p.m. sharp. And, as you can see on the promo poster below, you'll even get treated to some kick-ass tunes from Corey Taylor of Slipknot and DJ Green Lantern. You're living the dream, Comic-Conners. Living the dream.
Details below. See you there!
From the Press Release
From producers Sam Raimi (Spider-Man trilogy, original Evil Dead trilogy),Bruce Campbell (original Evil Dead trilogy) and Rob Tapert (original Evil Dead trilogy) comes the highly anticipated box office hit Evil Dead, available July 16th on...
- 7/17/2013
- by Scott Hallam
- DreadCentral.com
Appropriately titled, The Wonder Year, the film's synopsis reads: "A year in the life of CEO, NAACP ambassador, Duke University professor, husband, father, son and Grammy Award winning producer 9th Wonder. The film follows one of soul music’s most dynamic figures from his childhood home to late nights in the studio and everywhere in between." Featuring: DJ Premier, DJ Green Lantern, J. Cole, Murs, Phonte, Sha Money Xl, Young Guru, The Alchemist, Drake & more. 9th Wonder (aka Patrick Douthit) has worked with the likes of Mary J. Blige, Jean Grae, Wale, Jay-z, Erykah Badu, Ludacris, and others. Directed by Kenneth Price, the 78-minute feature...
- 11/6/2012
- by Courtney
- ShadowAndAct
'I wanted to pick a wild name,' N.O.R.E. tells Mixtape Daily of his new Crack on Steroids tape.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Adam Murphy
N.O.R.E.
Photo: MTV News
Main Pick
Headliners: N.O.R.E. and DJ Green Lantern
Representing: Queens, New York
Mixtape: Crack on Steroids
Real Spit: The Super Thug is back at it again. Almost a year after dropping his N.O.R.E.aster Ep, Noreaga returns with the drug-induced Crack on Steroids. "I wanted to pick a wild name so when people look at it, they'll say, 'What the hell is that?' " N.O.R.E. told Mixtape Daily about his latest release.
Picking up where he left off last year with his street single "Nore Shot Somebody," the C-n-n rapper keeps things "Grimey" on the tape-opening "Kenny Powers." It's not exactly an ode to the popular HBO comedy; instead,...
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Adam Murphy
N.O.R.E.
Photo: MTV News
Main Pick
Headliners: N.O.R.E. and DJ Green Lantern
Representing: Queens, New York
Mixtape: Crack on Steroids
Real Spit: The Super Thug is back at it again. Almost a year after dropping his N.O.R.E.aster Ep, Noreaga returns with the drug-induced Crack on Steroids. "I wanted to pick a wild name so when people look at it, they'll say, 'What the hell is that?' " N.O.R.E. told Mixtape Daily about his latest release.
Picking up where he left off last year with his street single "Nore Shot Somebody," the C-n-n rapper keeps things "Grimey" on the tape-opening "Kenny Powers." It's not exactly an ode to the popular HBO comedy; instead,...
- 4/16/2012
- MTV Music News
'I wanted to pick a wild name,' N.O.R.E. tells Mixtape Daily of his new Crack on Steroids tape.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Adam Murphy
N.O.R.E.
Photo: MTV News
Main Pick
Headliners: N.O.R.E. and DJ Green Lantern
Representing: Queens, New York
Mixtape: Crack on Steroids
Real Spit: The Super Thug is back at it again. Almost a year after dropping his N.O.R.E.aster Ep, Noreaga returns with the drug-induced Crack on Steroids. "I wanted to pick a wild name so when people look at it, they'll say, 'What the hell is that?' " N.O.R.E. told Mixtape Daily about his latest release.
Picking up where he left off last year with his street single "Nore Shot Somebody," the C-n-n rapper keeps things "Grimey" on the tape-opening "Kenny Powers." It's not exactly an ode to the popular HBO comedy; instead,...
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Adam Murphy
N.O.R.E.
Photo: MTV News
Main Pick
Headliners: N.O.R.E. and DJ Green Lantern
Representing: Queens, New York
Mixtape: Crack on Steroids
Real Spit: The Super Thug is back at it again. Almost a year after dropping his N.O.R.E.aster Ep, Noreaga returns with the drug-induced Crack on Steroids. "I wanted to pick a wild name so when people look at it, they'll say, 'What the hell is that?' " N.O.R.E. told Mixtape Daily about his latest release.
Picking up where he left off last year with his street single "Nore Shot Somebody," the C-n-n rapper keeps things "Grimey" on the tape-opening "Kenny Powers." It's not exactly an ode to the popular HBO comedy; instead,...
- 4/16/2012
- MTV Music News
DJ Green Lantern's protégé Emilio Rojas talks to Mixtape Daily about his super lyrical tape.
By Rob Markman
Emilio Rojas
Photo: MTV News
Main Pick
Headliners: Emilio Rojas and DJ Green Lantern
Representing: Rochester, New York
Mixtape: Breaking Point
Real Spit: Emilio Rojas has reached his breaking point, and on his mixtape of the same name, the Rochester, New York, Mc proves he's ready to break through — whether the rap world is ready or not.
"I named the tape Breaking Point after the record 'Breaking Point' that we dropped in April [2011]," Emilio told Mixtape Daily. "The record just had a really good response, so it just made sense."
The title track details all of the problems the Mc has endured in the rap game and beyond. For Rojas, the drama started at home — or so he says on the song, because when he's talking about his childhood,...
By Rob Markman
Emilio Rojas
Photo: MTV News
Main Pick
Headliners: Emilio Rojas and DJ Green Lantern
Representing: Rochester, New York
Mixtape: Breaking Point
Real Spit: Emilio Rojas has reached his breaking point, and on his mixtape of the same name, the Rochester, New York, Mc proves he's ready to break through — whether the rap world is ready or not.
"I named the tape Breaking Point after the record 'Breaking Point' that we dropped in April [2011]," Emilio told Mixtape Daily. "The record just had a really good response, so it just made sense."
The title track details all of the problems the Mc has endured in the rap game and beyond. For Rojas, the drama started at home — or so he says on the song, because when he's talking about his childhood,...
- 1/30/2012
- MTV Music News
Emilio also enlists J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League and V12 the Hitman for his upcoming mixtape Breaking Point.
By Rob Markman
Emilio Rojas
Photo: MTV News
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Mixtape: Breaking Point
Headliner: Emilio Rojas
Real Spit: Emilio Rojas puts a lot into his lyrics. It's that attention to detail that got him noticed by Xxl in December, when the popular rap magazine launched a 50-artist poll for their upcoming 2012 Freshman cover. Though he's a rap newcomer, the Rochester, New York, native has been grinding for years. On Thursday, Emilio will drop his fourth mixtape, Breaking Point, for free online with his mentor DJ Green Lantern.
"It's a little bit of a different sound. Less sample-based sound, a little more synthy, mid-tempo," Emilio told Mixtape Daily of Breaking Point's production.
With beats from the Grammy-winning trio J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League and V12 the Hitman,...
By Rob Markman
Emilio Rojas
Photo: MTV News
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Mixtape: Breaking Point
Headliner: Emilio Rojas
Real Spit: Emilio Rojas puts a lot into his lyrics. It's that attention to detail that got him noticed by Xxl in December, when the popular rap magazine launched a 50-artist poll for their upcoming 2012 Freshman cover. Though he's a rap newcomer, the Rochester, New York, native has been grinding for years. On Thursday, Emilio will drop his fourth mixtape, Breaking Point, for free online with his mentor DJ Green Lantern.
"It's a little bit of a different sound. Less sample-based sound, a little more synthy, mid-tempo," Emilio told Mixtape Daily of Breaking Point's production.
With beats from the Grammy-winning trio J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League and V12 the Hitman,...
- 1/24/2012
- MTV Music News
'It's album-quality music, it's not just a bunch of throwaways,' Green Lantern tells Mixtape Daily of Maino's I Am Who I Am.
By Rob Markman
Maino
Photo: MTV News
Main Pick Headliners: Maino and DJ Green Lantern
Representing: Brooklyn, New York
Mixtape: I Am Who I Am: The Album Before the Album
Real Spit: While Maino is known to keep close ties with the streets, the Brooklyn Mc has a knack for making rap hits that transcend his 'hood. From 2008's "Hi Hater" to his T-Pain-assisted "All the Above" and his current Lil Wayne-featured banger "Cream," Main has managed to keep a stash of radio gems but has never compromised his underground appeal. Now, as he gets set to finally release his sophomore album, The Day After Tomorrow, Maino leads first with a mixtape prelude, I Am Who I Am: The Album Before the Album.
"It's the album before the album,...
By Rob Markman
Maino
Photo: MTV News
Main Pick Headliners: Maino and DJ Green Lantern
Representing: Brooklyn, New York
Mixtape: I Am Who I Am: The Album Before the Album
Real Spit: While Maino is known to keep close ties with the streets, the Brooklyn Mc has a knack for making rap hits that transcend his 'hood. From 2008's "Hi Hater" to his T-Pain-assisted "All the Above" and his current Lil Wayne-featured banger "Cream," Main has managed to keep a stash of radio gems but has never compromised his underground appeal. Now, as he gets set to finally release his sophomore album, The Day After Tomorrow, Maino leads first with a mixtape prelude, I Am Who I Am: The Album Before the Album.
"It's the album before the album,...
- 1/22/2012
- MTV Music News
'I basically rhyme from the perspective of someone who is richer than the richest rapper,' Mc tells Mixtape Daily.
By Rob Markman
Immortal Technique
Photo: MTV News
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Mixtape: The Martyr
Headliner: Immortal Technique
Key Cameo: "Angels & Demons" (featuring dead prez and Bizarre Royale)
Essential Info: Don't get Immortal Technique's message confused with his ability to rap.
The Harlem, New York, Mc made his name as one of hip-hop's most powerful political voices. With his Revolutionary album trilogy, Tech has spoken out through his music against government corruption and corporate greed, but on his latest mixtape, The Martyr, he wants to make it clear that while his message is still strong, his music is equally mighty.
"When people think of Immortal Technique, they automatically assume that it's going to be something incredibly aggressive or violent or something very political," he told Mixtape Daily.
On The Martyr,...
By Rob Markman
Immortal Technique
Photo: MTV News
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Mixtape: The Martyr
Headliner: Immortal Technique
Key Cameo: "Angels & Demons" (featuring dead prez and Bizarre Royale)
Essential Info: Don't get Immortal Technique's message confused with his ability to rap.
The Harlem, New York, Mc made his name as one of hip-hop's most powerful political voices. With his Revolutionary album trilogy, Tech has spoken out through his music against government corruption and corporate greed, but on his latest mixtape, The Martyr, he wants to make it clear that while his message is still strong, his music is equally mighty.
"When people think of Immortal Technique, they automatically assume that it's going to be something incredibly aggressive or violent or something very political," he told Mixtape Daily.
On The Martyr,...
- 11/2/2011
- MTV Music News
'As I listen to the music, I'm like, this is it, this is perfect,' DJ Green Lantern tells Mixtape Daily of Now or Neva.
By Rob Markman
L.E.P. Bogus Boys and DJ Green Lantern
Photo: MTV News
Main Pick
Headliners: L.E.P. Bogus Boys and DJ Green Lantern
Representing: Chicago
Mixtape: Now or Neva
Real Spit: It's no secret that the authentic brand of street music that used to dominate rap isn't as abundant as it once was. That's not to say that there isn't a demand for harder-edge hip-hop, and L.E.P. Bogus Boys prove that with their latest mixtape, Now or Neva.
"I been rocking with them for a while, had them on my radio show a couple of times. I've been living with their music for a long time, been a fan, been a connoisseur of street music for the longest, and...
By Rob Markman
L.E.P. Bogus Boys and DJ Green Lantern
Photo: MTV News
Main Pick
Headliners: L.E.P. Bogus Boys and DJ Green Lantern
Representing: Chicago
Mixtape: Now or Neva
Real Spit: It's no secret that the authentic brand of street music that used to dominate rap isn't as abundant as it once was. That's not to say that there isn't a demand for harder-edge hip-hop, and L.E.P. Bogus Boys prove that with their latest mixtape, Now or Neva.
"I been rocking with them for a while, had them on my radio show a couple of times. I've been living with their music for a long time, been a fan, been a connoisseur of street music for the longest, and...
- 11/1/2011
- MTV Music News
Jay and Kanye's Wtt Tour opening in Atlanta did not disappoint.
By Rob Markman
Kanye West and Jay-z (file)
Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Jay-z and Kanye West appear to have another hit on their hands. Musically, the two titans have accomplished just about all there is — #1 LPs, top Billboard singles, Grammys, gold and platinum plaques, and high-grossing world tours. So when the pair embarked on their Watch the Throne Tour as an official duo, the expectations were no doubt high.
The reviews are in, and with its grandiose stage design, ginormous set list and striking onstage chemistry, it is clear that the Watch the Throne Tour does not disappoint. After two dates in Atlanta, Georgia (the tour's opening October 28 date and another the very next night), the critics sung the two rap heroes an overwhelming praise.
You've already read what MTV News and DJ Green Lantern had to say about it,...
By Rob Markman
Kanye West and Jay-z (file)
Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Jay-z and Kanye West appear to have another hit on their hands. Musically, the two titans have accomplished just about all there is — #1 LPs, top Billboard singles, Grammys, gold and platinum plaques, and high-grossing world tours. So when the pair embarked on their Watch the Throne Tour as an official duo, the expectations were no doubt high.
The reviews are in, and with its grandiose stage design, ginormous set list and striking onstage chemistry, it is clear that the Watch the Throne Tour does not disappoint. After two dates in Atlanta, Georgia (the tour's opening October 28 date and another the very next night), the critics sung the two rap heroes an overwhelming praise.
You've already read what MTV News and DJ Green Lantern had to say about it,...
- 10/31/2011
- MTV Music News
Producer/DJ recounts his Watch the Throne concert experience, in his own words.
By DJ Green Lantern, as told to Rob Markman
DJ Green Lantern and Jay-z
Photo: Lenny Santiago
DJ Green Lantern knows a thing or two about high-profile hip-hop tours. With a long production and DJing résumé that includes hitting the road with Eminem and Jay-z, the Rochester, New York, disc jock took a trip down to Atlanta to see the second show of Hov and Kanye West's Watch the Tour Tour.
Friday night's opening show was a hit, and according to the Evil Genius, who was seated with his son in the second row, Saturday's second show didn't disappoint either. After the concert, Green Lantern checked in with MTV News to give his review. You are now watching the Throne:
Man, it was a real experience. They pulled out all the stops. They got a real crazy production,...
By DJ Green Lantern, as told to Rob Markman
DJ Green Lantern and Jay-z
Photo: Lenny Santiago
DJ Green Lantern knows a thing or two about high-profile hip-hop tours. With a long production and DJing résumé that includes hitting the road with Eminem and Jay-z, the Rochester, New York, disc jock took a trip down to Atlanta to see the second show of Hov and Kanye West's Watch the Tour Tour.
Friday night's opening show was a hit, and according to the Evil Genius, who was seated with his son in the second row, Saturday's second show didn't disappoint either. After the concert, Green Lantern checked in with MTV News to give his review. You are now watching the Throne:
Man, it was a real experience. They pulled out all the stops. They got a real crazy production,...
- 10/30/2011
- MTV Music News
'I'm speaking my album into existence this year,' Mc tells Mixtape Daily of The Hard Way Musical.
By Jayson Rodriguez
CyHi Da Prynce
Photo: MTV News
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Mixtapes: The Allies and Royal Flush 2
Headliner: CyHi Da Prynce
Key cameos: Big Sean, Pusha T, J. Cole, etc.
Essential info: CyHi Da Prynce knows what his next two projects are (a pair of mixtapes), but the Georgia rapper is calling on a higher power when it comes to getting a release date for his debut album. No, he's not calling on mentor Kanye West; rather, the "So Appalled" star is seeking an answer in the biblical sense.
"At the end of April, I want to put out Royal Flush 2 and I wanna release The Allies when school is coming back in," CyHi told Mixtape Daily. "Those two projects, I want them to be my last mixtapes that I put out before my album.
By Jayson Rodriguez
CyHi Da Prynce
Photo: MTV News
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Mixtapes: The Allies and Royal Flush 2
Headliner: CyHi Da Prynce
Key cameos: Big Sean, Pusha T, J. Cole, etc.
Essential info: CyHi Da Prynce knows what his next two projects are (a pair of mixtapes), but the Georgia rapper is calling on a higher power when it comes to getting a release date for his debut album. No, he's not calling on mentor Kanye West; rather, the "So Appalled" star is seeking an answer in the biblical sense.
"At the end of April, I want to put out Royal Flush 2 and I wanna release The Allies when school is coming back in," CyHi told Mixtape Daily. "Those two projects, I want them to be my last mixtapes that I put out before my album.
- 3/29/2011
- MTV Music News
Mc formerly known as Killer Mike tells Mixtape Daily his upcoming PL3DGE corrals 'emotions' of Americans mid-recession.
By Jayson Rodriguez
Mike Bigga
Photo: MTV News
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Indie LP: PL3DGE
Headliner: Mike Bigga p.k.a. Killer Mike
Key cameos: T.I., Young Jeezy, Twista and Gucci Mane
Essential info: Killer Mike is as imposing vocally as he is physically, from his riotous verses on "Pressure" to his outspoken (and instructional) social commentary. But when the Atlanta rapper decided to put together the third volume of his Pledge series, he decided he needed to make a change.
According to Mike, it didn't matter how loud he said something if listeners decided he was yelling at them instead of raging with them. So for "Burn," a smoldering call-of-arms cut, he learned less could mean much, much more.
"When I went into Pledge III, I knew what I...
By Jayson Rodriguez
Mike Bigga
Photo: MTV News
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Indie LP: PL3DGE
Headliner: Mike Bigga p.k.a. Killer Mike
Key cameos: T.I., Young Jeezy, Twista and Gucci Mane
Essential info: Killer Mike is as imposing vocally as he is physically, from his riotous verses on "Pressure" to his outspoken (and instructional) social commentary. But when the Atlanta rapper decided to put together the third volume of his Pledge series, he decided he needed to make a change.
According to Mike, it didn't matter how loud he said something if listeners decided he was yelling at them instead of raging with them. So for "Burn," a smoldering call-of-arms cut, he learned less could mean much, much more.
"When I went into Pledge III, I knew what I...
- 3/9/2011
- MTV Music News
It was a great year for street albums, and Mixtape Daily salutes the street kings.
By Jayson Rodriguez, with additional reporting by Hillary Crosley, Rahman Dukes, Steven Roberts and Richard Sancho
DJ Drama, DJ Holiday and DJ Scream
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
The mixtape game took a shot to the heart a few years ago when DJ Drama's office was raided by the feds. Artists increasingly opted to make mixtapes that were essentially albums, projects produced without help from DJs and comprised mostly of original material.
But slowly Gangsta Grillz began populating blogs, the same way they used to populate the streets, and those sites served as the new Burkinas. In the last 12 months, the mixtape circuit has never been healthier — just look at Dram still putting out his trademark rap heat and getting his slow jam on, pushing collections by the likes of Chris Brown, among other R&B stars.
By Jayson Rodriguez, with additional reporting by Hillary Crosley, Rahman Dukes, Steven Roberts and Richard Sancho
DJ Drama, DJ Holiday and DJ Scream
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
The mixtape game took a shot to the heart a few years ago when DJ Drama's office was raided by the feds. Artists increasingly opted to make mixtapes that were essentially albums, projects produced without help from DJs and comprised mostly of original material.
But slowly Gangsta Grillz began populating blogs, the same way they used to populate the streets, and those sites served as the new Burkinas. In the last 12 months, the mixtape circuit has never been healthier — just look at Dram still putting out his trademark rap heat and getting his slow jam on, pushing collections by the likes of Chris Brown, among other R&B stars.
- 12/14/2010
- MTV Music News
D-Block loyalist and Evil Genius talk latest mixtape and perks of Sheek's newly appointed major label.
By Rahman Dukes
Sheek Louch
Photo: Def Jam
Monday's Main Pick
Street King: Sheek Louch
Holding It Down For: Yonkers, NY
Mixtape: Donnie Def Jam: Guerilla Warfare, Vol. 1
Real Spit: In honor of his signing to the home that Russell built, one third of the D-Block boys linked with mixtape messiah DJ Green Lantern for Donnie Def Jam: Guerilla Warfare, Vol. 1 Sheek goes back to his roots to show rap fans what landed him at a major label after years of riding shotgun with boutique indie Koch Records.
Released at the top of the month, Donnie Def Jam is just the latest effort from the Evil Genius and the Yonkers Boys. (Green also dropped the Styles P mixtape The Green Ghost Project and the highly touted Jadakiss series The Champ Is Here, Pt. 3, both this year.
By Rahman Dukes
Sheek Louch
Photo: Def Jam
Monday's Main Pick
Street King: Sheek Louch
Holding It Down For: Yonkers, NY
Mixtape: Donnie Def Jam: Guerilla Warfare, Vol. 1
Real Spit: In honor of his signing to the home that Russell built, one third of the D-Block boys linked with mixtape messiah DJ Green Lantern for Donnie Def Jam: Guerilla Warfare, Vol. 1 Sheek goes back to his roots to show rap fans what landed him at a major label after years of riding shotgun with boutique indie Koch Records.
Released at the top of the month, Donnie Def Jam is just the latest effort from the Evil Genius and the Yonkers Boys. (Green also dropped the Styles P mixtape The Green Ghost Project and the highly touted Jadakiss series The Champ Is Here, Pt. 3, both this year.
- 10/11/2010
- MTV Music News
Esco says he's focused on 'owning the streets again' and reveals to MTV News that hotly anticipated sequel is due December 14.
By Shaheem Reid
Nas
Photo: C. Flanigan/ Getty Images
Esco, let's go. Nas isn't the most prolific on Twitter, but he sent out a big blast on Wednesday (September 15), leaving a message all of his fans will love.
"It's coming... Lost Tapes Volume Two!!!" Nas posted on his page @nas.
The Queens native is finally following up his 2002 classic compilation, The Lost Tapes. That record was a potent mix of his tracks left on the cutting-room floor over the years. On Wednesday afternoon, MTV News got word from Nas' camp that The Lost Tapes: Vol. 2 will be released on December 14.
Speaking to us exclusively, Nas revealed he was feeling inspired these days and the Lost Tapes sequel is just a small taste of what's to come. He's about to...
By Shaheem Reid
Nas
Photo: C. Flanigan/ Getty Images
Esco, let's go. Nas isn't the most prolific on Twitter, but he sent out a big blast on Wednesday (September 15), leaving a message all of his fans will love.
"It's coming... Lost Tapes Volume Two!!!" Nas posted on his page @nas.
The Queens native is finally following up his 2002 classic compilation, The Lost Tapes. That record was a potent mix of his tracks left on the cutting-room floor over the years. On Wednesday afternoon, MTV News got word from Nas' camp that The Lost Tapes: Vol. 2 will be released on December 14.
Speaking to us exclusively, Nas revealed he was feeling inspired these days and the Lost Tapes sequel is just a small taste of what's to come. He's about to...
- 9/15/2010
- MTV Music News
'It was done the day Guru passed,' Preemo recalls to Mixtape Daily.
By Shaheem Reid
DJ Premier and Fat Joe
Photo: MTV News
Celebrity Favorites: DJ Premier
Man, we were digging in our crates this week and came across a gem. Not too long ago in New York City, Fat Joe had a show S.O.B.'s to celebrate the release of his 10th album, The Darkside, Vol. 1.
Mr. Crack brought out a host of celebs, from Redman and Joell Ortiz to M.O.P. and Jeru the Damaja. Moments before the leader of the Terror Squad touched the stage, we caught up with him and DJ Premier. Preemo gave us some insight into a song he produced for Darkside: "I'm Gone," a tribute to his late Gang Starr partner Guru.
"It was done the day Guru passed, April 19," Premier said. "I wasn't in the mood to make a beat.
By Shaheem Reid
DJ Premier and Fat Joe
Photo: MTV News
Celebrity Favorites: DJ Premier
Man, we were digging in our crates this week and came across a gem. Not too long ago in New York City, Fat Joe had a show S.O.B.'s to celebrate the release of his 10th album, The Darkside, Vol. 1.
Mr. Crack brought out a host of celebs, from Redman and Joell Ortiz to M.O.P. and Jeru the Damaja. Moments before the leader of the Terror Squad touched the stage, we caught up with him and DJ Premier. Preemo gave us some insight into a song he produced for Darkside: "I'm Gone," a tribute to his late Gang Starr partner Guru.
"It was done the day Guru passed, April 19," Premier said. "I wasn't in the mood to make a beat.
- 9/1/2010
- MTV Music News
'I was feeling the vibe of the streets and sewers,' Queens Mc tells MTV News of Internet burner that leaked as 'Power, Paper & Pu---.'
By Thomas A. Harden
Nas
Photo: C. Flanigan/ Getty Images
Don't call it a comeback.
The Internet was set abuzz over the weekend, when a new Nas track, "Power, Paper & Pu---," was leaked from DJ Green Lantern's latest mixtape, Invasion Radio 2K10. The stellar freestyle features the Queensbridge Mc in rare form. In recent years, fans and critics alike have mulled the direction of the rapper's artistic output. Some even argued that Nasty Nas had gone on hiatus. But to hear God's Son tell it, he's still the same Mc who gave the game Illmatic.
"[Nasty Nas] never left," Nas confirmed to MTV News via e-mail. "I recorded the song in my hometown of New York City. I was feeling the vibe of the streets and sewers,...
By Thomas A. Harden
Nas
Photo: C. Flanigan/ Getty Images
Don't call it a comeback.
The Internet was set abuzz over the weekend, when a new Nas track, "Power, Paper & Pu---," was leaked from DJ Green Lantern's latest mixtape, Invasion Radio 2K10. The stellar freestyle features the Queensbridge Mc in rare form. In recent years, fans and critics alike have mulled the direction of the rapper's artistic output. Some even argued that Nasty Nas had gone on hiatus. But to hear God's Son tell it, he's still the same Mc who gave the game Illmatic.
"[Nasty Nas] never left," Nas confirmed to MTV News via e-mail. "I recorded the song in my hometown of New York City. I was feeling the vibe of the streets and sewers,...
- 9/1/2010
- MTV Music News
Duo performed material from their joint album, Distant Relatives, at this year's summer festival.
By James Dinh
Nas and Damian Marley perform at the Gathering of the Vibes festival in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on Saturday
Photo: James Dinh/ MTV News
Bridgeport, Connecticut — It was an unexpected move, but adding Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley and Nas to this year's Gathering of the Vibes bill couldn't have made for a sweeter end to the four-day festival in Seaside Park this weekend.
Before Marley and Nas lit up the stage on Sunday, a series of acts earlier in the day kept the crowd moving. Groups like the Ryan Montbleau Band turned the green lawn into a dance floor extravaganza, featuring groups of skilled hula-hoopers and ribbon twirlers. Jimmy Cliff treated the crowd with his flavorful reggae as he bounced from side to side of the stage in his head-to-toe yellow ensemble. At 62, Cliff proved...
By James Dinh
Nas and Damian Marley perform at the Gathering of the Vibes festival in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on Saturday
Photo: James Dinh/ MTV News
Bridgeport, Connecticut — It was an unexpected move, but adding Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley and Nas to this year's Gathering of the Vibes bill couldn't have made for a sweeter end to the four-day festival in Seaside Park this weekend.
Before Marley and Nas lit up the stage on Sunday, a series of acts earlier in the day kept the crowd moving. Groups like the Ryan Montbleau Band turned the green lawn into a dance floor extravaganza, featuring groups of skilled hula-hoopers and ribbon twirlers. Jimmy Cliff treated the crowd with his flavorful reggae as he bounced from side to side of the stage in his head-to-toe yellow ensemble. At 62, Cliff proved...
- 8/2/2010
- MTV Music News
'It's a term of endearment around my way,' he tells Mixtape Daily of the invented word.
By Shaheem Reid
Joell Ortiz
Photo: MTV News
The O.D.: A Mixtape Daily Exclusive
Brooklyn's Joell Ortiz now has one of the most recognizable call-outs in hip-hop. If you're not familiar, after his mixtape drops this month, you'll be saying: "Yaowa!"
"I got so many meanings of yaowa, it's crazy," Ortiz laughed. "First, it's used as a term of endearment for dudes around my way. How you say, 'What up?' We say, 'Yaowa!' It came from my man Smash. Shout to Smash. He used to be really drunk around the way. It's a distance between the buildings. He used to be saying, 'Yo, what up?' But he'd be so drunk, it sounded like he was saying, 'Yawhuhup?' He'd be twisted. I just turned it into yaowa. Every...
By Shaheem Reid
Joell Ortiz
Photo: MTV News
The O.D.: A Mixtape Daily Exclusive
Brooklyn's Joell Ortiz now has one of the most recognizable call-outs in hip-hop. If you're not familiar, after his mixtape drops this month, you'll be saying: "Yaowa!"
"I got so many meanings of yaowa, it's crazy," Ortiz laughed. "First, it's used as a term of endearment for dudes around my way. How you say, 'What up?' We say, 'Yaowa!' It came from my man Smash. Shout to Smash. He used to be really drunk around the way. It's a distance between the buildings. He used to be saying, 'Yo, what up?' But he'd be so drunk, it sounded like he was saying, 'Yawhuhup?' He'd be twisted. I just turned it into yaowa. Every...
- 6/1/2010
- MTV Music News
'It's a term of endearment around my way,' he tells Mixtape Daily of the invented word.
By Shaheem Reid
Joell Ortiz
Photo: MTV News
The O.D.: A Mixtape Daily Exclusive
Brooklyn's Joell Ortiz now has one of the most recognizable call-outs in hip-hop. If you're not familiar, after his mixtape drops this month, you'll be saying: "Yaowa!"
"I got so many meanings of yaowa, it's crazy," Ortiz laughed. "First, it's used as a term of endearment for dudes around my way. How you say, 'What up?' We say, 'Yaowa!' It came from my man Smash. Shout to Smash. He used to be really drunk around the way. It's a distance between the buildings. He used to be saying, 'Yo, what up?' But he'd be so drunk, it sounded like he was saying, 'Yawhuhup?' He'd be twisted. I just turned it into yaowa. Every...
By Shaheem Reid
Joell Ortiz
Photo: MTV News
The O.D.: A Mixtape Daily Exclusive
Brooklyn's Joell Ortiz now has one of the most recognizable call-outs in hip-hop. If you're not familiar, after his mixtape drops this month, you'll be saying: "Yaowa!"
"I got so many meanings of yaowa, it's crazy," Ortiz laughed. "First, it's used as a term of endearment for dudes around my way. How you say, 'What up?' We say, 'Yaowa!' It came from my man Smash. Shout to Smash. He used to be really drunk around the way. It's a distance between the buildings. He used to be saying, 'Yo, what up?' But he'd be so drunk, it sounded like he was saying, 'Yawhuhup?' He'd be twisted. I just turned it into yaowa. Every...
- 6/1/2010
- MTV Music News
Trio also predict who will win Saturday's big fight: Floyd 'Money' Mayweather or 'Sugar' Shane Mosley.
By Shaheem Reid
DJ Drama, Jadakiss and DJ Green Lantern
Photo: MTV News
New York — One of hip-hop's lyrical heavyweights is placing his bets on the motormouthed boxing champ. Jadakiss predicts that Floyd "Money" Mayweather is going to beat "Sugar" Shane Mosley in their much anticipated boxing match Saturday night in Las Vegas.
To commemorate the big night, Jada has released the third installment of his heralded Champ Is Here mixtape series with Green Lantern and another underground great, DJ Drama. The trio are calling Champ Is Here, Part 3 a "Gangsta Grillz Invasion" because it is a joint venture between Drama's "Gangsta Grillz" and Lantern's "Invasion" tapes.
Mixtape Daily caught up with the three this week at the Church Street Boxing Gym in lower Manhattan. Along with talking about the mixtape, the trio predicted...
By Shaheem Reid
DJ Drama, Jadakiss and DJ Green Lantern
Photo: MTV News
New York — One of hip-hop's lyrical heavyweights is placing his bets on the motormouthed boxing champ. Jadakiss predicts that Floyd "Money" Mayweather is going to beat "Sugar" Shane Mosley in their much anticipated boxing match Saturday night in Las Vegas.
To commemorate the big night, Jada has released the third installment of his heralded Champ Is Here mixtape series with Green Lantern and another underground great, DJ Drama. The trio are calling Champ Is Here, Part 3 a "Gangsta Grillz Invasion" because it is a joint venture between Drama's "Gangsta Grillz" and Lantern's "Invasion" tapes.
Mixtape Daily caught up with the three this week at the Church Street Boxing Gym in lower Manhattan. Along with talking about the mixtape, the trio predicted...
- 4/30/2010
- MTV Music News
'We speak a few times a week,' Cam says.
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Rahman Dukes
Cam'ron
Photo: Johnny Nunez/ WireImage
There's nothing official yet, but Diplomat fans can get ready to rejoice: Cam'ron says that he and Jim Jones are now in constant conversation and that a deal is being put together for a new Dip Set LP.
"Realistically, we working out business," Cam'ron told website Nowwut.com today. "Me and Jim are speaking. I don't want people to think me and Jim aren't speaking," Cam'ron said. "We speak a few times a week. Right now, we talking out the business. The deal is on the table. But until the business gets situated, it's [Cam's group], the U.N.; me and [protégé] Vado. We not about to stop. All the bosses meet at the roundtable. To be honest, we missed out on a lot of money on the Diplomat thing the first time.
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Rahman Dukes
Cam'ron
Photo: Johnny Nunez/ WireImage
There's nothing official yet, but Diplomat fans can get ready to rejoice: Cam'ron says that he and Jim Jones are now in constant conversation and that a deal is being put together for a new Dip Set LP.
"Realistically, we working out business," Cam'ron told website Nowwut.com today. "Me and Jim are speaking. I don't want people to think me and Jim aren't speaking," Cam'ron said. "We speak a few times a week. Right now, we talking out the business. The deal is on the table. But until the business gets situated, it's [Cam's group], the U.N.; me and [protégé] Vado. We not about to stop. All the bosses meet at the roundtable. To be honest, we missed out on a lot of money on the Diplomat thing the first time.
- 4/30/2010
- MTV Music News
'Sky's the limit on this one,' Green Lantern says of The Champ Is Here Part 3.
By Shaheem Reid
Jadakiss
Photo: MTV News
Jadakiss is enlisting the services of DJ Green Lantern to close out his recent mixtape trilogy with the final installment, The Champ Is Here Part 3. A new name has been brought into the mix as well: DJ Drama, and the project will be a Gangsta Grillz invasion.
Both Green and Dram spoke to MTV News about the project.
"Honestly, everything you could think of in the sense of creatively coming together, mapping out beat selection," Green Lantern said of expectations for the mixtape. "There's original production on it. There's what you would call freestyles, getting on other people's beats. There's some nice guest appearances on this one. It's time to spice things up. Part 3. We didn't really touch the guest appearances to much in the past outside...
By Shaheem Reid
Jadakiss
Photo: MTV News
Jadakiss is enlisting the services of DJ Green Lantern to close out his recent mixtape trilogy with the final installment, The Champ Is Here Part 3. A new name has been brought into the mix as well: DJ Drama, and the project will be a Gangsta Grillz invasion.
Both Green and Dram spoke to MTV News about the project.
"Honestly, everything you could think of in the sense of creatively coming together, mapping out beat selection," Green Lantern said of expectations for the mixtape. "There's original production on it. There's what you would call freestyles, getting on other people's beats. There's some nice guest appearances on this one. It's time to spice things up. Part 3. We didn't really touch the guest appearances to much in the past outside...
- 4/16/2010
- MTV Music News
A crew including Fabolous, Shanell, DJ Green Lantern and more show support for Waka on Atlanta set of 'O Let's Do It' remix.
By Shaheem Reid
Waka Flocka Flame (file)
Photo: MTV News
A host of guest stars came down to Waka Flocka Flame's video set at Atlanta's Central Station to shoot the clip for his upcoming "O Let's Do It" remix.
Diddy, Rick Ross and Fabolous all rap on the track, while Young Money's Shanell and Lil Chuckee, Jazze Pha, Lyfe Jennings, DJ Green Lantern and DJ Trauma came down to show support. Of course a highlight was Diddy sitting on top of a Rolls Royce Phantom wearing a fur coat, gold teeth and speaking his clout: "Bi---es come in combos/ Pictures of Christopher on my wall all in my condo/ I don't f--- with fake ho's/ All I touch is J.Lo's/ All I drink is my sh--/ Ciroc by the caseloads.
By Shaheem Reid
Waka Flocka Flame (file)
Photo: MTV News
A host of guest stars came down to Waka Flocka Flame's video set at Atlanta's Central Station to shoot the clip for his upcoming "O Let's Do It" remix.
Diddy, Rick Ross and Fabolous all rap on the track, while Young Money's Shanell and Lil Chuckee, Jazze Pha, Lyfe Jennings, DJ Green Lantern and DJ Trauma came down to show support. Of course a highlight was Diddy sitting on top of a Rolls Royce Phantom wearing a fur coat, gold teeth and speaking his clout: "Bi---es come in combos/ Pictures of Christopher on my wall all in my condo/ I don't f--- with fake ho's/ All I touch is J.Lo's/ All I drink is my sh--/ Ciroc by the caseloads.
- 3/17/2010
- MTV Music News
'I love this record,' DJ Khaled says.
By Shaheem Reid
Drake
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images
Although Drake has had a string of hits on radio and in the club, from his own "Best I Ever Had" to collaborations like "Forever" and "Say Something," the pressure was on for the first official single from Thank Me Later to deliver. And, judging from the reaction he's getting from some of hip-hop's biggest tastemakers, Drizzy has another smash on his hands with "Over."
" 'Over' is real dope," DJ Statik Selektah said. "He could have chose to run with a soft, candy-coated record, but he didn't. The beat is crazy. I'm looking forward to his album!"
"I love this record," DJ Khaled told MTV News. "It's amazing! It's special! Drake did it again! It's a hit!"
"I think Drake's record is dope," said host of MTV2's "Sucker Free" and Power 105.1 on-air personality DJ Envy.
By Shaheem Reid
Drake
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images
Although Drake has had a string of hits on radio and in the club, from his own "Best I Ever Had" to collaborations like "Forever" and "Say Something," the pressure was on for the first official single from Thank Me Later to deliver. And, judging from the reaction he's getting from some of hip-hop's biggest tastemakers, Drizzy has another smash on his hands with "Over."
" 'Over' is real dope," DJ Statik Selektah said. "He could have chose to run with a soft, candy-coated record, but he didn't. The beat is crazy. I'm looking forward to his album!"
"I love this record," DJ Khaled told MTV News. "It's amazing! It's special! Drake did it again! It's a hit!"
"I think Drake's record is dope," said host of MTV2's "Sucker Free" and Power 105.1 on-air personality DJ Envy.
- 3/5/2010
- MTV Music News
'DJ and artist come together and really put out a quality product,' Lantern tells Mixtape Daily.
By Shaheem Reid
Styles P and DJ Green Lantern
Photo: MTV News
This Week's Main Pick
Street Kings: Styles P and Green Lantern
Holding It Down For: NYC
Album: The Green Ghost Project
Real Spit: Step your bar code up! That's how we moving in 2010 — so says the Evil Genius, DJ Green Lantern. He and Styles P locked in for the new album The Green Ghost Project.
"We never did a whole joint together," Green said about how the project came together. "We was like, 'When we do it, it's gonna be groundbreaking.' Nobody never did nothing like this before. It's groundbreaking. Normally, when people do these types of things, they pair up and do a mixtape. This is more than that. This is a collaboration. It's a mixtape feel, 'cause it's me and him,...
By Shaheem Reid
Styles P and DJ Green Lantern
Photo: MTV News
This Week's Main Pick
Street Kings: Styles P and Green Lantern
Holding It Down For: NYC
Album: The Green Ghost Project
Real Spit: Step your bar code up! That's how we moving in 2010 — so says the Evil Genius, DJ Green Lantern. He and Styles P locked in for the new album The Green Ghost Project.
"We never did a whole joint together," Green said about how the project came together. "We was like, 'When we do it, it's gonna be groundbreaking.' Nobody never did nothing like this before. It's groundbreaking. Normally, when people do these types of things, they pair up and do a mixtape. This is more than that. This is a collaboration. It's a mixtape feel, 'cause it's me and him,...
- 1/20/2010
- MTV Music News
'DJ and artist come together and really put out a quality product,' Lantern tells Mixtape Daily.
By Shaheem Reid
Styles P and DJ Green Lantern
Photo: MTV News
This Week's Main Pick
Street Kings: Styles P and Green Lantern
Holding It Down For: NYC
Album: The Green Ghost Project
Real Spit: Step your bar code up! That's how we moving in 2010 — so says the Evil Genius, DJ Green Lantern. He and Styles P locked in for the new album The Green Ghost Project.
"We never did a whole joint together," Green said about how the project came together. "We was like, 'When we do it, it's gonna be groundbreaking.' Nobody never did nothing like this before. It's groundbreaking. Normally, when people do these types of things, they pair up and do a mixtape. This is more than that. This is a collaboration. It's a mixtape feel, 'cause it's me and him,...
By Shaheem Reid
Styles P and DJ Green Lantern
Photo: MTV News
This Week's Main Pick
Street Kings: Styles P and Green Lantern
Holding It Down For: NYC
Album: The Green Ghost Project
Real Spit: Step your bar code up! That's how we moving in 2010 — so says the Evil Genius, DJ Green Lantern. He and Styles P locked in for the new album The Green Ghost Project.
"We never did a whole joint together," Green said about how the project came together. "We was like, 'When we do it, it's gonna be groundbreaking.' Nobody never did nothing like this before. It's groundbreaking. Normally, when people do these types of things, they pair up and do a mixtape. This is more than that. This is a collaboration. It's a mixtape feel, 'cause it's me and him,...
- 1/20/2010
- MTV Music News
Hip-hop masters Styles P and New York heavyweight DJ Green Lantern are teaming up for a new album. "The Green Ghost Project" will feature new songs including "Invasion," "Make Millions From Entertainment" and "Born in These Streets" featuring Tre Williams.
Green talked about how they came up with the idea for the new album to Mixtape Daily, saying, "We never did a whole joint together. We was like, 'When we do it, it's gonna be groundbreaking.' Nobody never did nothing like this before. It's groundbreaking. Normally, when people do these types of things, they pair up and do a mixtape. This is more than that. This is a collaboration. It's a mixtape feel, 'cause it's me and him, but it's really got an album feel. I produced half of the joints. Then I put on my executive-producer hat, called up the homies. They came through with some fire joints.
Green talked about how they came up with the idea for the new album to Mixtape Daily, saying, "We never did a whole joint together. We was like, 'When we do it, it's gonna be groundbreaking.' Nobody never did nothing like this before. It's groundbreaking. Normally, when people do these types of things, they pair up and do a mixtape. This is more than that. This is a collaboration. It's a mixtape feel, 'cause it's me and him, but it's really got an album feel. I produced half of the joints. Then I put on my executive-producer hat, called up the homies. They came through with some fire joints.
- 1/20/2010
- icelebz.com
'It's got a bounce to it,' the Evil Genius tells Mixtape Daily.
By Shaheem Reid
Snoop Dogg
Photo: Priority
The O.D.: A Mixtape Daily Exclusive
Snoop Dogg sent out a warning on his Twitter page earlier this week to look out for the "Kings G-Mix" of his hit "I Wanna Rock." Shortly after, the track featuring him and Jay-z was igniting the Net.
"I wanna rock right now," Jay raps. "The name is Hov, and I came to shake the town/ Yeah, your boy's internationally known, but I'm from the 'hood/ Got a pocketful of stones."
From there, Jigga drops an assortment of rappers' names, such as Big Daddy Kane, Notorious B.I.G., Doug E. Fresh and Rob Bass, as he talks about his rise from street drug czar to greatest Mc ever.
Fellow New York hip-hop heavyweight DJ Green Lantern said that's not the only "I Wanna Rock" remix you'll hear.
By Shaheem Reid
Snoop Dogg
Photo: Priority
The O.D.: A Mixtape Daily Exclusive
Snoop Dogg sent out a warning on his Twitter page earlier this week to look out for the "Kings G-Mix" of his hit "I Wanna Rock." Shortly after, the track featuring him and Jay-z was igniting the Net.
"I wanna rock right now," Jay raps. "The name is Hov, and I came to shake the town/ Yeah, your boy's internationally known, but I'm from the 'hood/ Got a pocketful of stones."
From there, Jigga drops an assortment of rappers' names, such as Big Daddy Kane, Notorious B.I.G., Doug E. Fresh and Rob Bass, as he talks about his rise from street drug czar to greatest Mc ever.
Fellow New York hip-hop heavyweight DJ Green Lantern said that's not the only "I Wanna Rock" remix you'll hear.
- 1/15/2010
- MTV Music News
'It's got a bounce to it,' the Evil Genius tells Mixtape Daily.
By Shaheem Reid
Snoop Dogg
Photo: Priority
The O.D.: A Mixtape Daily Exclusive
Snoop Dogg sent out a warning on his Twitter page earlier this week to look out for the "Kings G-Mix" of his hit "I Wanna Rock." Shortly after, the track featuring him and Jay-z was igniting the Net.
"I wanna rock right now," Jay raps. "The name is Hov, and I came to shake the town/ Yeah, your boy's internationally known, but I'm from the 'hood/ Got a pocketful of stones."
From there, Jigga drops an assortment of rappers' names, such as Big Daddy Kane, Notorious B.I.G., Doug E. Fresh and Rob Bass, as he talks about his rise from street drug czar to greatest Mc ever.
Fellow New York hip-hop heavyweight DJ Green Lantern said that's not the only "I Wanna Rock" remix you'll hear.
By Shaheem Reid
Snoop Dogg
Photo: Priority
The O.D.: A Mixtape Daily Exclusive
Snoop Dogg sent out a warning on his Twitter page earlier this week to look out for the "Kings G-Mix" of his hit "I Wanna Rock." Shortly after, the track featuring him and Jay-z was igniting the Net.
"I wanna rock right now," Jay raps. "The name is Hov, and I came to shake the town/ Yeah, your boy's internationally known, but I'm from the 'hood/ Got a pocketful of stones."
From there, Jigga drops an assortment of rappers' names, such as Big Daddy Kane, Notorious B.I.G., Doug E. Fresh and Rob Bass, as he talks about his rise from street drug czar to greatest Mc ever.
Fellow New York hip-hop heavyweight DJ Green Lantern said that's not the only "I Wanna Rock" remix you'll hear.
- 1/15/2010
- MTV Music News
Rapper says online leak caused sales dip.
By Gil Kaufman
50 Cent
Photo: MTV
For a man who has talked big about sales figures for much of his career, 50 Cent seems to have had a change of heart when it comes to his latest, Before I Self-Destruct. The rapper's fourth solo album had the lowest opening week of his career, bowing at #5 on 160,000 sales, trailing his next-smallest debut, 2007's Curtis, by more than 500,000 copies.
Self-Destruct did leak weeks before its release, causing a one-week push-up for the physical release and an even earlier release for the album's digital incarnation. And 50 doesn't appear to be sweating the sales dip.
"For myself, I'm asking myself, 'What did you expect, bro? Your fans got it when it was available, at the first available opportunity,' " he said in an interview on DJ Green Lantern's Sirius Satellite radio show earlier this week, before the numbers were official.
By Gil Kaufman
50 Cent
Photo: MTV
For a man who has talked big about sales figures for much of his career, 50 Cent seems to have had a change of heart when it comes to his latest, Before I Self-Destruct. The rapper's fourth solo album had the lowest opening week of his career, bowing at #5 on 160,000 sales, trailing his next-smallest debut, 2007's Curtis, by more than 500,000 copies.
Self-Destruct did leak weeks before its release, causing a one-week push-up for the physical release and an even earlier release for the album's digital incarnation. And 50 doesn't appear to be sweating the sales dip.
"For myself, I'm asking myself, 'What did you expect, bro? Your fans got it when it was available, at the first available opportunity,' " he said in an interview on DJ Green Lantern's Sirius Satellite radio show earlier this week, before the numbers were official.
- 11/25/2009
- MTV Music News
Fitty responds to Jay's possible dig during American Music Awards.
By Rahman Dukes
50 Cent
Photo: MTV News
50 Cent certainly can't be accused of not speaking his mind.
Late Monday, the G-Unit general phoned in to DJ Green Lantern's Sirius Satellite radio show and discussed the lukewarm early sales for his latest LP, Before I Self Destruct — and Jay-z's possible dig at him during Sunday night's American Music Awards. During his acceptance speech, Jay said, "Men lie, women lie — numbers don't," and then burst out laughing, which many perceived as a response toward 50's recent baiting of Hov.
"He's said that before," 50 said. "I didn't really take that as disrespect. If you wanna be disrespectful, just be disrespectful. Once we start I'm not gonna stop. I'll make you aware of that, 'cause I'm not the type of guy that goes away. So if that's the kind of energy we getting ready to go into,...
By Rahman Dukes
50 Cent
Photo: MTV News
50 Cent certainly can't be accused of not speaking his mind.
Late Monday, the G-Unit general phoned in to DJ Green Lantern's Sirius Satellite radio show and discussed the lukewarm early sales for his latest LP, Before I Self Destruct — and Jay-z's possible dig at him during Sunday night's American Music Awards. During his acceptance speech, Jay said, "Men lie, women lie — numbers don't," and then burst out laughing, which many perceived as a response toward 50's recent baiting of Hov.
"He's said that before," 50 said. "I didn't really take that as disrespect. If you wanna be disrespectful, just be disrespectful. Once we start I'm not gonna stop. I'll make you aware of that, 'cause I'm not the type of guy that goes away. So if that's the kind of energy we getting ready to go into,...
- 11/24/2009
- MTV Music News
'With Am, It wasn't a party; it was an experience,' DJ Green Lantern tells MTV News.
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Jayson Rodriguez
DJ Am
Photo: Chris Weeks/ WireImage
DJ Am was one of the biggest marquee names when it came to the turntables for a reason: talent. He could hold down the duties for Jay-z at a concert or play records to keep clubgoers dancing all night.
"I saw DJ Am play in a mansion in Miami, and he amazed me with his skills and the music he picked to make the crowd move," DJ Khaled told MTV News following DJ Am's sudden death Friday. "He made sure everyone — I mean everyone — had a good time!"
"Am was really dope," DJ Green Lantern told MTV News. "He was dope on another level. He innovated the live DJ experience a bunch of ways. His transitions from song...
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Jayson Rodriguez
DJ Am
Photo: Chris Weeks/ WireImage
DJ Am was one of the biggest marquee names when it came to the turntables for a reason: talent. He could hold down the duties for Jay-z at a concert or play records to keep clubgoers dancing all night.
"I saw DJ Am play in a mansion in Miami, and he amazed me with his skills and the music he picked to make the crowd move," DJ Khaled told MTV News following DJ Am's sudden death Friday. "He made sure everyone — I mean everyone — had a good time!"
"Am was really dope," DJ Green Lantern told MTV News. "He was dope on another level. He innovated the live DJ experience a bunch of ways. His transitions from song...
- 8/30/2009
- MTV Music News
DJ Hero doesn't come out until October, but it's not the only turntable game in town: Hip Hop All Star, for ye olde iPhone or iPod touch, scratches (get it?!) more or less the same itch. Play as one of four DJs -- including actual person DJ Green Lantern -- and, as in other games in the genre, tap when the spirit says tap. Er, when the buttons line up. Hhas comes out Sept. 13, but I got to try it this week, and my real-life DJ skills (do you guys not want to listen to the same Blind Pilot song on repeat, literally for hours? Too bad, that's what I'm playing!) miraculously did not inhibit my in-game ones. You can't even believe how badly I want to make a Spinderella reference right now, but it will just make me seem old and out of touch, so instead I'll just say...
- 8/19/2009
- by Margaret Lyons
- EW.com - PopWatch
Save your money and spend some time outside enjoying NYC's best summer concerts, dance lessons and kayaking on the Hudson... all for the Price of a Movie or less! Citysol 2009: A Celebration of Urban Sustainability and Creativity Solar 1, NYC's green energy, arts and education center, presents Citysol, a celebration of urban sustainability and creativity in a mini music and arts festival. Acts will perform under a solar tent by Eco-Pioneer, who will also provide the site design with a tiki lounge, bar and bike area. Enjoy a day of Live Music, installation art, and exhibits created in the Habitat for Artists, a temporary, recycled-and-recyclable shed-as-art-studio by Simon Draper. Live performances include mixtape legend DJ Green Lantern, hip-hop activists Dead Prez, Brooklyn punk brothers So So Glos, hip-hop/soul artist Outasight, teen instrumental sensation Fiasco, and Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers. Where: Solar 1 (S1), 2420 Fdr Drive, Service Road East...
- 7/8/2009
- TribecaFilm.com
'You make the best music when you're going through the hardest situations,' Atlanta Mc tells Mixtape Daily.
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Rahman Dukes
B.o.B
Photo: MTV News
The mixtape game is looking real big out there — street CDs are getting cats big free-agent deals, superstars are warming up the terrain for their albums and, in the case of Bobby Ray, the circuit is a way to release frustration and connect with fans while he waits for his debut to finally be released. He already has Tip's ear, and Eminem is checking for his music now as well. We got the goods all week — stay locked.
This Week's Main Pick
Street King: Bobby Ray
Holding It Down For: Atl
Street Album: B.o.B vs. Bobby Ray
Real Spit: No matter who wins in B.o.B vs. Bobby Ray, the artist who is known...
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Rahman Dukes
B.o.B
Photo: MTV News
The mixtape game is looking real big out there — street CDs are getting cats big free-agent deals, superstars are warming up the terrain for their albums and, in the case of Bobby Ray, the circuit is a way to release frustration and connect with fans while he waits for his debut to finally be released. He already has Tip's ear, and Eminem is checking for his music now as well. We got the goods all week — stay locked.
This Week's Main Pick
Street King: Bobby Ray
Holding It Down For: Atl
Street Album: B.o.B vs. Bobby Ray
Real Spit: No matter who wins in B.o.B vs. Bobby Ray, the artist who is known...
- 7/6/2009
- MTV Music News
'You make the best music when you're going through the hardest situations,' Atlanta Mc tells Mixtape Daily.
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Rahman Dukes
B.o.B
Photo: MTV News
The mixtape game is looking real big out there — street CDs are getting cats big free-agent deals, superstars are warming up the terrain for their albums and, in the case of Bobby Ray, the circuit is a way to release frustration and connect with fans while he waits for his debut to finally be released. He already has Tip's ear, and Eminem is checking for his music now as well. We got the goods all week — stay locked.
This Week's Main Pick
Street King: Bobby Ray
Holding It Down For: Atl
Street Album: B.o.B vs. Bobby Ray
Real Spit: No matter who wins in B.o.B vs. Bobby Ray, the artist who is known...
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Rahman Dukes
B.o.B
Photo: MTV News
The mixtape game is looking real big out there — street CDs are getting cats big free-agent deals, superstars are warming up the terrain for their albums and, in the case of Bobby Ray, the circuit is a way to release frustration and connect with fans while he waits for his debut to finally be released. He already has Tip's ear, and Eminem is checking for his music now as well. We got the goods all week — stay locked.
This Week's Main Pick
Street King: Bobby Ray
Holding It Down For: Atl
Street Album: B.o.B vs. Bobby Ray
Real Spit: No matter who wins in B.o.B vs. Bobby Ray, the artist who is known...
- 7/6/2009
- MTV Music News
Plus: Jadakiss working on new music with Cam'ron for joint tour; Dead Prez still looking out for the People, in Mixtape Daily.
By Shaheem Reid and Jayson Rodriguez, with additional reporting by Rahman Dukes
Lil Wayne and Drake
Photo: Young Money
It's a new week — let's all get new money and make this history. Mixtape Daily keeps rolling. We're rammed with that killer content this week. Jadakiss reveals that he and Killa Cam have more tracks coming, and Drake tells us what it's like to roll with Lil Wayne.
Also, we have Dead Prez and Green Lantern come talking about their new collaboration. Funny story: When the Dpz came up for their interview, Red and Meth were up here at the same time. It was a dope hip-hop moment to see both groups show love and respect to one another, with no cameras running. Real, genuine saluting.
This Week's Main...
By Shaheem Reid and Jayson Rodriguez, with additional reporting by Rahman Dukes
Lil Wayne and Drake
Photo: Young Money
It's a new week — let's all get new money and make this history. Mixtape Daily keeps rolling. We're rammed with that killer content this week. Jadakiss reveals that he and Killa Cam have more tracks coming, and Drake tells us what it's like to roll with Lil Wayne.
Also, we have Dead Prez and Green Lantern come talking about their new collaboration. Funny story: When the Dpz came up for their interview, Red and Meth were up here at the same time. It was a dope hip-hop moment to see both groups show love and respect to one another, with no cameras running. Real, genuine saluting.
This Week's Main...
- 6/1/2009
- MTV Music News
Rapper Nas has just released a song in honor of yesterday’s historical election. He has been on tour in Norway, and was unable to get to the polls, so he decided to write a track in honor of Barack Obama instead. Producer DJ Green Lantern tells MTV.com, "I'm currently on tour in Europe with Nas and we were at dinner talking about how crazy it is that we're not in the states on Election Day. Someone quoted his verse from (his song) Black President, when he said 'What's the Black Prez thinkin' on Election Night?'...
- 11/5/2008
- Hollyscoop.com
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