ON POINT // Mon. Oct. 11 2004
[ON TOUR]
“The man” - [GEORGE BENSON], is returning to Australia for a series of live shows all around the country - here’s the remaining dates… THIS THURSDAY (Oct. 14) @ the Gold Coast Convention Centre.
To promote their new Obese Records release – ‘Flowers in the Pavement’, Sydney’s [BLISS'N'ESO] are to BNE. with DJ Izm for shows THIS THURSDAY (Oct. 14) @ Quest nightclub (Gold Coast) and THIS SATURDAY (Oct. 16) @ Mary St. nightclub (BNE.).
Canadian Rap crew [SWOLLEN MEMBERS] are set to head downunder thanks to Hive Creative + DC Shoes to promote their fourth album – ‘Heavy’, with shows planned for mid/late Oct. Mad Child, Prevail, Moka Only + Rob the Viking will play shows in… BNE. – Sat. Oct. 20 (The Rev), ADL. – Fri. Oct. 22 (Traffic), SYD. – Sat. Oct. 23 (Gaelic Club) and MEL. – Sun. Oct. 24 (Prince of Wales). Swollen Members will also play support for Black Eyed Peas at their SYD. shows on Sat. Oct. 16, Sun. Oct. 17 + Mon. Oct. 18 @ the Hordern Pavillion.
Great One Enterprises presents the “Temple Of Hip-Hop Tour” throughout late Oct., featuring Hip-Hop pioneer – [DJ KOOL HERC] on his first Australian tour with special guest DJs; Peril, Blaze, Kool Kutz and Karey Taktchi. Herc will play five shows in Australia… Sun. Oct. 17 – Gaelic Club SYD., Wed. Oct. 20 – Prince of Wales MEL., Thu. Oct. 21 – Tivoli BNE., Fri. Oct. 22 – Heaven ADL. and Sat. Oct. 23 – Monkey Bar PER. For more info on the “Temple Of Hip-Hop Tour” head to www.greatoneenterprises.com
The Frontier Touring Company present… [ALICIA KEYS] live in Australia throughout Oct. The 23 year-old Keys will play MEL. on Fri. Oct. 22 (SOLD OUT!) + 23 @ Palais Theatre, SYD. on Sat. Oct. 23 (NEW SHOW!), Mon. Oct. 25 (SOLD OUT!) + 26 (SELLING FAST) @ Enmore Theatre and BNE. on Sat. Oct. 30 @ the Lyric Theatre. Please notice that the BNE. Alicia Keys has been CHANGED to SATURDAY OCTOBER 30! Q-Tix will exchange tix without any dramas…
For the first time ever [AND 1] will bring their AND 1 Mixtape Tour streetball team to Australia for a national tour, bringing some of the best streetballers (Alimoe, AO, Escalade, Flash, Go Get It, Half Man, Helicopter, High Octane, Hot Sauce, Main Event, Prime Objective, The Professor, Shane, Sik Wit It and “50” – only a select few of the listed will hit Oz in Nov.) to go up against some of Australia’s finest local talent! Tickets available now from Ticketek and Ticketmaster7 for the following dates… BNE. – Wed. Nov. 10 @ BNE. Entertainment Centre, SYD. – Fri. Nov. 12 @ SYD. Entertainment Centre, PER. – Wed. Nov. 17 @ Challenge Stadium and MEL. – Sat. Nov. 20 @ Rod Laver Arena. If you think you’ve got skills to go up againsdt the AND 1 mixtape crew or want more info on the mixtape tour head to www.and1.com.au
Here’s another hot tour hitting Australia… [THE NEXTMEN], [DYNAMITE MC], [STEINSKI] and [DJ SIGNIFY] are set to undertake a national tour downunder with shows on: Thu. Nov. 18 + Fri. Nov. 19 – MEL., Sat. Nov. 20 – SYD., Fri. Nov. 26 – Byron Bay, Sat. Dec. 04 – ADE. And Sun. Dec. 05 – BNE.
“The man” - [GEORGE BENSON], is returning to Australia for a series of live shows all around the country - here’s the remaining dates… THIS THURSDAY (Oct. 14) @ the Gold Coast Convention Centre.
To promote their new Obese Records release – ‘Flowers in the Pavement’, Sydney’s [BLISS'N'ESO] are to BNE. with DJ Izm for shows THIS THURSDAY (Oct. 14) @ Quest nightclub (Gold Coast) and THIS SATURDAY (Oct. 16) @ Mary St. nightclub (BNE.).
Canadian Rap crew [SWOLLEN MEMBERS] are set to head downunder thanks to Hive Creative + DC Shoes to promote their fourth album – ‘Heavy’, with shows planned for mid/late Oct. Mad Child, Prevail, Moka Only + Rob the Viking will play shows in… BNE. – Sat. Oct. 20 (The Rev), ADL. – Fri. Oct. 22 (Traffic), SYD. – Sat. Oct. 23 (Gaelic Club) and MEL. – Sun. Oct. 24 (Prince of Wales). Swollen Members will also play support for Black Eyed Peas at their SYD. shows on Sat. Oct. 16, Sun. Oct. 17 + Mon. Oct. 18 @ the Hordern Pavillion.
Great One Enterprises presents the “Temple Of Hip-Hop Tour” throughout late Oct., featuring Hip-Hop pioneer – [DJ KOOL HERC] on his first Australian tour with special guest DJs; Peril, Blaze, Kool Kutz and Karey Taktchi. Herc will play five shows in Australia… Sun. Oct. 17 – Gaelic Club SYD., Wed. Oct. 20 – Prince of Wales MEL., Thu. Oct. 21 – Tivoli BNE., Fri. Oct. 22 – Heaven ADL. and Sat. Oct. 23 – Monkey Bar PER. For more info on the “Temple Of Hip-Hop Tour” head to www.greatoneenterprises.com
The Frontier Touring Company present… [ALICIA KEYS] live in Australia throughout Oct. The 23 year-old Keys will play MEL. on Fri. Oct. 22 (SOLD OUT!) + 23 @ Palais Theatre, SYD. on Sat. Oct. 23 (NEW SHOW!), Mon. Oct. 25 (SOLD OUT!) + 26 (SELLING FAST) @ Enmore Theatre and BNE. on Sat. Oct. 30 @ the Lyric Theatre. Please notice that the BNE. Alicia Keys has been CHANGED to SATURDAY OCTOBER 30! Q-Tix will exchange tix without any dramas…
For the first time ever [AND 1] will bring their AND 1 Mixtape Tour streetball team to Australia for a national tour, bringing some of the best streetballers (Alimoe, AO, Escalade, Flash, Go Get It, Half Man, Helicopter, High Octane, Hot Sauce, Main Event, Prime Objective, The Professor, Shane, Sik Wit It and “50” – only a select few of the listed will hit Oz in Nov.) to go up against some of Australia’s finest local talent! Tickets available now from Ticketek and Ticketmaster7 for the following dates… BNE. – Wed. Nov. 10 @ BNE. Entertainment Centre, SYD. – Fri. Nov. 12 @ SYD. Entertainment Centre, PER. – Wed. Nov. 17 @ Challenge Stadium and MEL. – Sat. Nov. 20 @ Rod Laver Arena. If you think you’ve got skills to go up againsdt the AND 1 mixtape crew or want more info on the mixtape tour head to www.and1.com.au
Here’s another hot tour hitting Australia… [THE NEXTMEN], [DYNAMITE MC], [STEINSKI] and [DJ SIGNIFY] are set to undertake a national tour downunder with shows on: Thu. Nov. 18 + Fri. Nov. 19 – MEL., Sat. Nov. 20 – SYD., Fri. Nov. 26 – Byron Bay, Sat. Dec. 04 – ADE. And Sun. Dec. 05 – BNE.
One of the original pioneers of “mashed-up remixes” - [DJ Z-TRIP] and the most recent signing to the Quannum label - [LIFESAVAS], are headed to Australia in Dec. for a series of shows around the country… Lifesavas will be dropping joints from their recently released album – ‘Spirit In Stone’ whilst Z-Trip will just be slamming joints together on the 1s and 2s, check them out in the following cities; BNE. – Sat. Dec. 04 (the Rev), Byron Bay – Sun. Dec. 05 (the Great Northern), SYD. – Wed. Dec. 08 (Metro), MEL. – Thu. Dec. 09 (Prince of Wales), ADE. – Fri. Dec. 10 (Traffic) and PER. – Sat. Dec. 11 (Monkey Bar).
With two years having passed since his last national tour, the Bay Area’s underground champion - [SAGE FRANCIS] is set to return for a Dec. tour, hitting… SYD. - Tue. Dec. 07 (the Basement), BNE. – Thu. Dec. 09 (the Rev), Meredith - Sat. Dec. 11 (Meredith Music Festival – Vic.), MEL. – Tue. Dec. 14 (Corner Hotel) and Wed. Dsec. 15 (Manchester Lane – spoken word show).
Thanks to Illusive Entertainment and Frontier Touring… [CYPRESS HILL] are hitting Australia in Dec. for their “Still Smokin’ national tour including shows in; BNE. @ the Arena - Tue. Dec. 07, CAN. @ ANU Bar - Thu. Dec. 09, MEL. @ Festival Hall - Fri. Dec. 10, SYD. @ Hordern Pavillion - Sat. Dec. 10, ADE. @ Thebarton Theatre - Sun. Dec. 12 and PER. @ Metro City - Mon. Dec. 13. Tickets go on sale Wed. Oct. 13… for more info on Cypress Hill’s Australian tour hit up www.illusive.com.au
Bizarre, Kon Artis, Swift, Kuniva + Proof - better known as [D-12], are headed to AUS. in Dec. for a national tour without their main man – Eminem, but backed by a live band. Shows are scheduled for… Dec. 11 – PER. (Robinson Pavillion), Dec. 13 – MEL. (Festival Hall), Dec. 15 - SYD. (Hordern Pavillion) and Dec. 18 - BNE (River Stage) - Tickets are $74.80!
Word is that… Scratch that, [DE LA SOUL] are headed back to Australia to lavish upon us some of the finest Hip-Hop there ever was! An Adelaide show has been confirmed for Dec. 29 at the Old Queen’s Theatre, supported by Terra Firma and the Beat Smugglers - tickets are $50 + b/f. De LA have also recently been confirmed as on the bill for the Falls Festival (Lorne – Vic. + Marion Bay – Tas.), which takes place from Dec. 30 to Jan. 01… No doubt dates for the rest of Australia will be announced soon (I hope)!
The first release of bands for the 2005 [BIG DAY OUT] have been released with rumours confirmed that the Beastie Boys will headline the BDO! Along with the Beasties, Butterfingers and The Streets are representing Hip-Hop but there’s still more line-up announcements to be made so watch out! The 2005 BDO kicks off in Auckland on Fri. Jan. 21 and then heads to Australia for the remainder of shows – Sun. Jan. 23 @ Gold Coast, Wed. Jan. 26 @ SYD., Sun. Jan. 30 @ MEL., Fri. Feb. 04 @ ADE. and Sun. Feb. 06 @ PER. For all the latest on the Big Day Out head to www.bigdayout.com
Crazy fresh dope DJ – [PAUL NICE] is rumoured to be making his first trip to Australia in Dec., let’s hope he makes it north to BNE. for a show as this guy has mad remixes and a decidedly different take on things – should be a very entertaining show!
Especially for Kina, [BRIAN McKINGHT] is rumoured to be heading to Australia accompanied by K-Ci + JoJo for shows in SYD., MEL. + BNE. – but unfortunately the BNE. show will not feature K-Ci + JoJo. Apparently the tour is scheduled for early Dec. and rumoured to be hosted by Mary Street nightclub.
Former Roachford frontman - [ANDREW ROACHFORD] is headed to Australia in Oct. for a national tour to promote his new Jazz/Soul fusion LP – ‘Heart Of The Matter’. More details as they are released…
In mid-Oct [THE PHARCYDE] will be passing us by as part of their “Passing Me By” tour of AUS. and N.Z. Remaining Pharcyde members – Booty Brown and Imani will be joined by a tour DJ, drummer and keyboardist for the tour.
Apparently [BIG BOI] (of OutKast) is headed to Australia for a national tour in the coming months, most probably with Sleepy Brown and some select members of the Dungeon Family to make up for Andre 3000’s obvious absence – as he no longer tours as part of OutKast. By the way… Big Boi does NOT perform ‘Hey Ya!’ so don’t go to hear that one song!
Lookout for a huge upcoming national tour featuring; 1200 Techniques (Nfamas + DJ Peril only), Butterfingers, Maya Jupiter, Koolism and many other Australian acts… What’s more the tour will be [ALL AGES]!
Other Hip-Hop and R&B acts rumoured to be planning tours of Australia include; [XZIBIT], [KANYE WEST] + [TALIB KWELI], [JANET JACKSON], [DILATED PEOPLES], [USHER], [TIMBALAND], [NELLY] + the St. Lunatics, [JAY-Z] (or S. Carter), [REDMAN] + [METHOD MAN], [THA ALKOHOLIKS] and another show you never thought you’d see here in Australia… Keep your eyes and ears peeled as On Point will bring you all the news as to whether or not these shows go ahead.
[QUIKSHOTZ]
Like Young Buck and Lloyd Banks’ debut album releases, [EMINEM’s] new album ‘Encore’, will be released in a standard and limited edition versions when it hits stores on Nov. 16. The limited edition version of ‘Encore’ will be packaged in a special “telescoping” box and feature 25 glossy pics of Marshall Mathers, lyrics for the entire album, an exclusive Eminem photo and an exclusive ringtone (U.S. only). Also set to be included with ‘Encore’ will be a bonus disc full of Eminem tracks that were leaked to the internet over the last year.
G-Unit’s next release from Compton native - [GAME], looks like it will be delayed until Jan. 18 2005 thanks to Eminem. Game’s ‘Ni**a Witta Attitude: Vol.1’ has already seen two single be dropped (‘Westside Story’, ‘Higher’ + ‘This Is How We Do (Fresh 83)’) with other joints dropped on mixtapes to promote the release but Aftermath and Interscope felt Game’s LP release was just to close to Eminem’s ‘Encore’ and may hurt his sales! Most of the details surrounding ‘Ni**a Witta Attitude: Vol.1’ has been on the DL but Game recently revealed that production from the album will come from Just Blaze (2 tracks), Kanye West (2 tracks), Hi-Tek, Denaun Porter and Dr. Dre.
After only a couple of weeks of heat between [GAME] and [YUKMOUTH], the pair have apparently squashed their beef thanks to fellow West Coaster – Speedy a.k.a. Gotti Gotti. Speedy managed to get Game + Yuk to even record a joint together called ‘Incoming Mail’, which will appear on Speedy’s new album – ‘Flight Risk’.
Having been busy playing G.I. Joe for a spell and M.I.A. from recording, [CANIBUS] has been creeping back with spots on DJ Kay Slay mixtapes – most recently Can-I-Bus popped up on a Kay Slay mixtape with a verse over the ‘Lean Back’ beat along with another joint with Royce Da 5’9” and Chino XL. Look out… ‘Bis is back!
Despite his legal dramas in Canada, [JA RULE] is preparing for the Nov. 09 release of his sixth solo LP – ‘R.U.L.E.’. ‘Wonderful’, the lead single featuring R. Kelly and Ashanti is already getting play here in Australia and when ‘R.U.L.E.’ drops we can expect to find guest appearances on the album from; Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Trick Daddy, Ciara, Black Child, Lloyd and Cadillac Tah.
[XZIBIT’s] new album – ‘Weapons of Mass Destruction’ is set for a Dec. 14 release with ‘Hey Now (Mean Muggin')’ to be the album’s first official single off the back of the street single – ‘Mutha, Mutha’.
Eminem’s latest music-video for ‘Just Lose It’ has infuriated [MC HAMMER] as Em ridicules Hammer (and many others – Michael Jackson, Madonna, etc) with an impersonation, inspiring Hammer to record a dis’ track aimed at Slim Shady.
Ruff Ryder [JIN] took out Shells, Jae Millz and Wreckonize in a Fight Klub battle that took place at the Mixshow Power Summit in Puerto Rico, winning US$50,000 and a new Chevrolet Cobalt! Wreckonize was the winner of the MTV/Roc-A-Fella emcee battle but was beaten by Jin in the semi-finals, J Records signing – Shells beat out Jae Millz in the other semi to face Jin in the final and was lyrically dissected by the Chinese-American emcee. Game, Cassidy, Alchemist, Swizz Beats, Cuban Link, Nick Cannon and Kardinal Official along with hundreds of DJs and MCs from around the world were on hand to see Jin take out the battle.
Melbourne’s [DANIEL MERRIWEATHER] has just signed a production deal with NYC record label - Allido Records, which is owned by Mark Ronson and Rich Kleiman. Marriweather is signed to Marlin Records here in Australia and under his deal with Allido the label will work to get a distribution deal for Daniel stateside. Mark Ronson (who is associated to Roc-A-Fella Records) has played Daniel’s material for artists such as Jay-Z and Q-Tip, who have apparently loved Daniel’s work!
Philadelphia based Roc-A-Fella Records artist - [BEANIE SIGEL] has been convicted on gun and drug charges in Philly and will now serve twelve months behind bars with two years probation and must also pay a US$25,000 fine. Sigel’s legal woes don’t end there though… he still has to face court in relation to a n incident where Sigel punched a 53 year-old man in the face along with a re-trial in relation to a shooting incident which saw Sigel shoot a man in the stomach outside a Philly nightclub. Sigel could have faced up to 37 months behind bars but wrote a three page letter to the presiding judge pleading for leniency, which saw his sentence reduced to twelve months – with time already served Sigel could be out by Jul. 2005… Sigel has to report to federal prison within thirty days. Sigel must have known he was going down as he has worked overtime to complete his upcoming album – ‘The B-Coming’, in anticipation of its Dec. release. Sigel also made sure to complete all his scenes in the sequel to ‘State Property’ so the film can be completed in his absence. Beanie Mac has even filmed a couple of music-videos to promote ‘The B-Coming’.
[KRUMBSNATCHA] is finally finishing his second solo LP – ‘Let The Truth Be Told’, with Nottz once again handling things as executive producer with contributions from Scram Jones, Emile, Joey Chavez, Bravo, Sa-Ra, G-Squared, J Clyde, Blick + Ed Roc, Rich 5 and Styx. Guru, Styles P, Ghostface Killah, Famlay, Soloman Childs, Dina Rae, Sa-Ra, Thuggy Dixwell all make guest appearances on ‘Let The Truth Be Told’, which is set for an Oct. 12 release through Golden Eyes Entertainment.
[FABOLOUS] is back with a new album entitled ‘Real Talk’ for release on Nov. 09 through Desert Storm, with the Just Blaze produced ‘Breathe’ the first single from the LP. ‘Real Talk’ features guest spots from; Sean Paul, Pharrell Williams, T.I., Lil' Mo, Charlie Murphy, Thara, Mike Shorey and Young Jeezy.
Keeping things on the lowdown, [JUVENILE] married Shadonna Jones on Sept. 04 in New Orleans, with details of the ceremony only being revealed recently. Members of Juvie’s UTP crew and Brian McKnight were amongst attendees of the ceremony.
A few months back On Point reported on the rumoured signing of [PHAROAHE MONCH] to Eminem’s Shady Records through Denaun Porter’s production company, well it now appears that Shady Records’ interest in the former Rawkus spitter has developed into a full blown bidding war for Monch! Monch is apparently sitting pretty waiting for the numbers to get higher and higher before he signs on the dotted line.
[THE DIPLOMATS] are preparing for the Nov. 23 release of their second group album but not under Roc-A-Fella Records, rather ‘Diplomatic Immunity 2’ will be released through the Diplomats’ deal with KOCH Records. Cam'ron, Jim Jones, Freeky Zeeky, Juelz Santana, J.R. Writer, Hell Rell, 40 Cal and Jha Jha are now preparing for the release of the album’s first official single – ‘S.A.N.T.A.N.A.’, a solo cut from Juelz Santana, foloowing up the mixtape buzz created by ‘Push It’.
Former Def Jam producer Rick Rock has once again come back to the Rap fold with recent work with Jay-Z and has now put together another Rap project with West Coast crew – [FEDERATION] who hail from the Bay Area with their singles ‘Hyphy’ w/ E-40 and ‘Go Dumb’. Doonie Baby, Stres, and Goldie Gold have been lucky enough to have Rick Rock produce the entire album, which also includes guest spots from; Twista, Daz Dillinger, Kinsmoke, Battle Loc and more. ‘Rick Rock presents Federation: The Album’ dropped on Oct. 05 – so look out for it now!
Replacing Justin Timberlake in spots for McDonald’s as part of their ‘I’m Lovin’ It’ campaign, [DESTINY'S CHILD] have apparently been signed to a billion dollar deal (I doubt)!
The 2004 [MTV EUROPE] Video Music Awards are set to take place in Rome on Nov. 18 with OutKast once again leading nomination with five nods, followed by Usher who has garnered four nominations capping off the most successful year of his career… Beyoncé, Black Eyed Peas and Jay-Z are amongst other nominees with three nominations each. Eminem, Usher, the Beastie Boys and Nelly are amongst the scheduled performers for the MTV Europe VMAs.
Sony Music UK have announced the eight finalists in its competition to record with [NAS]; Trebor, TB, Arcane, Lavish, Baby Blue, Yungun, Rising Sun and Lowkey are all one step closer to recording a verse for ‘Thief’s Theme’ to appear on the UK edition of Nas’ upcoming ‘Street’s Disciple’ LP. Sony Music UK received over 2,000 entries for the competition and now it’s down to Nas to choose the final winner who will meet Nas in London to record their verse for ‘Thief’s Theme’ in a couple of weeks. Nas’ ‘Street’s Disciple’ is set for a Nov. 29 release in the UK.
The Williams brothers are loking to expand their music empire beyond their Cash Money Records label with their new [ROUN'TABLE ENTERTAINMENT], which is set to focus on R&B and Pop. The first signing to Roun’table is 18 year-old singer KC. On other Cash Money news… Cash Money’s inhouse producer Mannie Fresh is working on his debut album – ‘The Mind of Mannie Fresh’, which is due on Dec. 07. Cash Money co-CEO – Baby is working on his second solo album, ‘Fast Money’, for release in Feb.
Having settled his legal drams in the U.S. (probation violation), [T.I.] recently headed to Puerto Rico for the Mixshow Power Summit to make some new connection and lay down some new tracks… Already T.I. has landed himself on a new Destiny’s Child track entitled ‘Soldier’ alongside Lil’ Wayne. Look out for the Swizz Beatz produced ‘Bring ‘Em Out’, the first single from T.I.’s new album – ‘Urban Legend’, due on Nov. 30. Upon his return to the U.S., T.I. will begin whittling down his catalogue of 70 tracks recorded for his new album to a final 13 for ‘Urban Legend’, which will feature production from; DJ Toomp, Scott Storch, Daz Dillinger, Jazze Pha, Swizz Beatz and Organized Noize.
Misa Hylton-Brim, the babymama of [P. DIDDY’s] ten year-old son Justin, has won her legal suit to be awarded more money in child support from Diddy - Misa will now receive US$35,000 instead of the former amount of US$2,795 Diddy was paying per month, which Diddy plans to appeal against! The presiding judge rationalized the dramatic raise in child support by disclosing Diddy’s annual income as being no less than US$50 million (a figure Diddy’s legal team disputes as being grossly inflated)! Diddy and his legal team believe that Misa’s increased payments are not child support, rather adult support as they claim the extra money will be used to enhance the lifestyles of Misa (who is currently going theough a divorce) and her three children (of which Diddy is father to only one). Diddy was further ordered to pay US$398,000 to cover past medical and educational costs as well as legal fees for Brim. Brim was apparently inspired to file the suit after hearing that Diddy’s current boo – Kim Porter, receives US$35,000 a month in child support for their son Christian.
[UNDAGROUND SOUNDS]
Phat Stuff are up to episode TEN of their [STRICTLY BATTLE RHYMES] freestyle emcee/beatboxer battles and SBR: 10 is set to take place THIS SUNDAY (Oct. 17) with special guests – Bliss ‘n Eso (backed by DJ Izm), who will drop a special live set in store! There will be heaps of give-aways from Movement Clothing, Shogun Distribution and Damage Clothing, plus mad cuts from DJs Horse, Kaution plus CoXster and Sabre on the m.i.c. The show starts at 2pm (‘til 5pm) - to enter the battle hit up Sabre on (07) 3852 2202 or sabre@phatstuff.com.au
SYD. radio station FBi 94.5fm has compiled a new album of Australian Hip-Hop entitled [‘STOLEN RECORDS’], featuring tracks from; Koolism, 1200 Techniques (f/ Krondon), Hyjack-N-Torcha, Vice Squad (TZU + Good Buddha), Bass Elefant (Urthboy + Ozi Battla), Bliss-N-Eso, Sleek The Elite, Lordz Of The Fly and Macromatics. For more info on ‘Stolen Records’ head to www.fbi.org.au
Whilst judging a freestyle emcee comp at a Bay Area Hip-Hop Summit, Hieroglyphics member [CASUAL] ended up on the receiving end of an eight-man beat down! Apparently an entrant who was knocked out of the competition disagreed with Casual’s opinion and got all up in Casual’s face stating he could rap rings around the Hieroglyphics member. Thing got heated when the kid got all up in Casual’s face as Casual started laying the smack down! The young guy’s crew stepped up and the tables were turned on Casual as he then had to face eight guys by himself!
Toyota’s new U.S. based urban car manufacturer – Scion, has finished up its [NEXTUP] competition with underground Brooklyn rap duo, Junk Science, taking out the comp and scoring themselves a professionally produced music-video and opportunity to tour on Scion’s national Hip-Hop tour of the U.S. Baje One (emcee) + Snafu (DJ) beat out 950 other competitors with over 9,000 votes for their single ‘Roads’.
[UTHA STUFF]
Cali Untouchables member – [DOW JONES] has recently dropped a new mixtape featuring Xzibit’s Strong Arm Steady (Phil The Agony, Will Blast, Krondon, Mitchy Slick + Xzibit) crew entitled ‘The Best of Strong Arm Steady – Gangs of L.A. Vol. 1’, co-hosted by SAS member – Will Blast. ‘The Best of Strong Arm Steady – Gangs of L.A. Vol. 1’ features contributions from; Talib Kweli, Kurupt, 50 Cent, Young Buck, Game, Tash, Phil Da Agony, Planet Asia, Chace Infinite, Self Scientific, Jelly Roll, Flipmode, Chuck Hustle and Mobb Figgaz – plus it’s only US$6.99! Dow Jones and Xzibit are also planning to drop another mixtape entitled ‘Farenheit 11/9 – Armed & Dangerous’ on Nov. 09.
Also from the Cali Untouchable crew… [THEDJSTRONG] has dropped an exclusive Kurupt mixtape entitled ‘WAR Vol. 1’, featuring hot new joints featuring; M.O.P., Mobb Deep, Jayo Felony, Kokane, Eastwood, 40 Glocc, Stacey Adams, Roscoe, Y.A., Bigg Tri (a.k.a. Lil ‘Kurupt), Tristar and Tone amongst others. Kurupt is also working on a new mixtape with the Riflemen and DJ Warrior - ‘WAR Vol. 1’ is available now from www.stronghouserecords.com
Despite his legal dramas in Canada, [JA RULE] is preparing for the Nov. 09 release of his sixth solo LP – ‘R.U.L.E.’. ‘Wonderful’, the lead single featuring R. Kelly and Ashanti is already getting play here in Australia and when ‘R.U.L.E.’ drops we can expect to find guest appearances on the album from; Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Trick Daddy, Ciara, Black Child, Lloyd and Cadillac Tah.
[XZIBIT’s] new album – ‘Weapons of Mass Destruction’ is set for a Dec. 14 release with ‘Hey Now (Mean Muggin')’ to be the album’s first official single off the back of the street single – ‘Mutha, Mutha’.
Eminem’s latest music-video for ‘Just Lose It’ has infuriated [MC HAMMER] as Em ridicules Hammer (and many others – Michael Jackson, Madonna, etc) with an impersonation, inspiring Hammer to record a dis’ track aimed at Slim Shady.
Ruff Ryder [JIN] took out Shells, Jae Millz and Wreckonize in a Fight Klub battle that took place at the Mixshow Power Summit in Puerto Rico, winning US$50,000 and a new Chevrolet Cobalt! Wreckonize was the winner of the MTV/Roc-A-Fella emcee battle but was beaten by Jin in the semi-finals, J Records signing – Shells beat out Jae Millz in the other semi to face Jin in the final and was lyrically dissected by the Chinese-American emcee. Game, Cassidy, Alchemist, Swizz Beats, Cuban Link, Nick Cannon and Kardinal Official along with hundreds of DJs and MCs from around the world were on hand to see Jin take out the battle.
Melbourne’s [DANIEL MERRIWEATHER] has just signed a production deal with NYC record label - Allido Records, which is owned by Mark Ronson and Rich Kleiman. Marriweather is signed to Marlin Records here in Australia and under his deal with Allido the label will work to get a distribution deal for Daniel stateside. Mark Ronson (who is associated to Roc-A-Fella Records) has played Daniel’s material for artists such as Jay-Z and Q-Tip, who have apparently loved Daniel’s work!
Philadelphia based Roc-A-Fella Records artist - [BEANIE SIGEL] has been convicted on gun and drug charges in Philly and will now serve twelve months behind bars with two years probation and must also pay a US$25,000 fine. Sigel’s legal woes don’t end there though… he still has to face court in relation to a n incident where Sigel punched a 53 year-old man in the face along with a re-trial in relation to a shooting incident which saw Sigel shoot a man in the stomach outside a Philly nightclub. Sigel could have faced up to 37 months behind bars but wrote a three page letter to the presiding judge pleading for leniency, which saw his sentence reduced to twelve months – with time already served Sigel could be out by Jul. 2005… Sigel has to report to federal prison within thirty days. Sigel must have known he was going down as he has worked overtime to complete his upcoming album – ‘The B-Coming’, in anticipation of its Dec. release. Sigel also made sure to complete all his scenes in the sequel to ‘State Property’ so the film can be completed in his absence. Beanie Mac has even filmed a couple of music-videos to promote ‘The B-Coming’.
[KRUMBSNATCHA] is finally finishing his second solo LP – ‘Let The Truth Be Told’, with Nottz once again handling things as executive producer with contributions from Scram Jones, Emile, Joey Chavez, Bravo, Sa-Ra, G-Squared, J Clyde, Blick + Ed Roc, Rich 5 and Styx. Guru, Styles P, Ghostface Killah, Famlay, Soloman Childs, Dina Rae, Sa-Ra, Thuggy Dixwell all make guest appearances on ‘Let The Truth Be Told’, which is set for an Oct. 12 release through Golden Eyes Entertainment.
[FABOLOUS] is back with a new album entitled ‘Real Talk’ for release on Nov. 09 through Desert Storm, with the Just Blaze produced ‘Breathe’ the first single from the LP. ‘Real Talk’ features guest spots from; Sean Paul, Pharrell Williams, T.I., Lil' Mo, Charlie Murphy, Thara, Mike Shorey and Young Jeezy.
Keeping things on the lowdown, [JUVENILE] married Shadonna Jones on Sept. 04 in New Orleans, with details of the ceremony only being revealed recently. Members of Juvie’s UTP crew and Brian McKnight were amongst attendees of the ceremony.
A few months back On Point reported on the rumoured signing of [PHAROAHE MONCH] to Eminem’s Shady Records through Denaun Porter’s production company, well it now appears that Shady Records’ interest in the former Rawkus spitter has developed into a full blown bidding war for Monch! Monch is apparently sitting pretty waiting for the numbers to get higher and higher before he signs on the dotted line.
[THE DIPLOMATS] are preparing for the Nov. 23 release of their second group album but not under Roc-A-Fella Records, rather ‘Diplomatic Immunity 2’ will be released through the Diplomats’ deal with KOCH Records. Cam'ron, Jim Jones, Freeky Zeeky, Juelz Santana, J.R. Writer, Hell Rell, 40 Cal and Jha Jha are now preparing for the release of the album’s first official single – ‘S.A.N.T.A.N.A.’, a solo cut from Juelz Santana, foloowing up the mixtape buzz created by ‘Push It’.
Former Def Jam producer Rick Rock has once again come back to the Rap fold with recent work with Jay-Z and has now put together another Rap project with West Coast crew – [FEDERATION] who hail from the Bay Area with their singles ‘Hyphy’ w/ E-40 and ‘Go Dumb’. Doonie Baby, Stres, and Goldie Gold have been lucky enough to have Rick Rock produce the entire album, which also includes guest spots from; Twista, Daz Dillinger, Kinsmoke, Battle Loc and more. ‘Rick Rock presents Federation: The Album’ dropped on Oct. 05 – so look out for it now!
Replacing Justin Timberlake in spots for McDonald’s as part of their ‘I’m Lovin’ It’ campaign, [DESTINY'S CHILD] have apparently been signed to a billion dollar deal (I doubt)!
The 2004 [MTV EUROPE] Video Music Awards are set to take place in Rome on Nov. 18 with OutKast once again leading nomination with five nods, followed by Usher who has garnered four nominations capping off the most successful year of his career… Beyoncé, Black Eyed Peas and Jay-Z are amongst other nominees with three nominations each. Eminem, Usher, the Beastie Boys and Nelly are amongst the scheduled performers for the MTV Europe VMAs.
Sony Music UK have announced the eight finalists in its competition to record with [NAS]; Trebor, TB, Arcane, Lavish, Baby Blue, Yungun, Rising Sun and Lowkey are all one step closer to recording a verse for ‘Thief’s Theme’ to appear on the UK edition of Nas’ upcoming ‘Street’s Disciple’ LP. Sony Music UK received over 2,000 entries for the competition and now it’s down to Nas to choose the final winner who will meet Nas in London to record their verse for ‘Thief’s Theme’ in a couple of weeks. Nas’ ‘Street’s Disciple’ is set for a Nov. 29 release in the UK.
The Williams brothers are loking to expand their music empire beyond their Cash Money Records label with their new [ROUN'TABLE ENTERTAINMENT], which is set to focus on R&B and Pop. The first signing to Roun’table is 18 year-old singer KC. On other Cash Money news… Cash Money’s inhouse producer Mannie Fresh is working on his debut album – ‘The Mind of Mannie Fresh’, which is due on Dec. 07. Cash Money co-CEO – Baby is working on his second solo album, ‘Fast Money’, for release in Feb.
Having settled his legal drams in the U.S. (probation violation), [T.I.] recently headed to Puerto Rico for the Mixshow Power Summit to make some new connection and lay down some new tracks… Already T.I. has landed himself on a new Destiny’s Child track entitled ‘Soldier’ alongside Lil’ Wayne. Look out for the Swizz Beatz produced ‘Bring ‘Em Out’, the first single from T.I.’s new album – ‘Urban Legend’, due on Nov. 30. Upon his return to the U.S., T.I. will begin whittling down his catalogue of 70 tracks recorded for his new album to a final 13 for ‘Urban Legend’, which will feature production from; DJ Toomp, Scott Storch, Daz Dillinger, Jazze Pha, Swizz Beatz and Organized Noize.
Misa Hylton-Brim, the babymama of [P. DIDDY’s] ten year-old son Justin, has won her legal suit to be awarded more money in child support from Diddy - Misa will now receive US$35,000 instead of the former amount of US$2,795 Diddy was paying per month, which Diddy plans to appeal against! The presiding judge rationalized the dramatic raise in child support by disclosing Diddy’s annual income as being no less than US$50 million (a figure Diddy’s legal team disputes as being grossly inflated)! Diddy and his legal team believe that Misa’s increased payments are not child support, rather adult support as they claim the extra money will be used to enhance the lifestyles of Misa (who is currently going theough a divorce) and her three children (of which Diddy is father to only one). Diddy was further ordered to pay US$398,000 to cover past medical and educational costs as well as legal fees for Brim. Brim was apparently inspired to file the suit after hearing that Diddy’s current boo – Kim Porter, receives US$35,000 a month in child support for their son Christian.
[UNDAGROUND SOUNDS]
Phat Stuff are up to episode TEN of their [STRICTLY BATTLE RHYMES] freestyle emcee/beatboxer battles and SBR: 10 is set to take place THIS SUNDAY (Oct. 17) with special guests – Bliss ‘n Eso (backed by DJ Izm), who will drop a special live set in store! There will be heaps of give-aways from Movement Clothing, Shogun Distribution and Damage Clothing, plus mad cuts from DJs Horse, Kaution plus CoXster and Sabre on the m.i.c. The show starts at 2pm (‘til 5pm) - to enter the battle hit up Sabre on (07) 3852 2202 or sabre@phatstuff.com.au
SYD. radio station FBi 94.5fm has compiled a new album of Australian Hip-Hop entitled [‘STOLEN RECORDS’], featuring tracks from; Koolism, 1200 Techniques (f/ Krondon), Hyjack-N-Torcha, Vice Squad (TZU + Good Buddha), Bass Elefant (Urthboy + Ozi Battla), Bliss-N-Eso, Sleek The Elite, Lordz Of The Fly and Macromatics. For more info on ‘Stolen Records’ head to www.fbi.org.au
Whilst judging a freestyle emcee comp at a Bay Area Hip-Hop Summit, Hieroglyphics member [CASUAL] ended up on the receiving end of an eight-man beat down! Apparently an entrant who was knocked out of the competition disagreed with Casual’s opinion and got all up in Casual’s face stating he could rap rings around the Hieroglyphics member. Thing got heated when the kid got all up in Casual’s face as Casual started laying the smack down! The young guy’s crew stepped up and the tables were turned on Casual as he then had to face eight guys by himself!
Toyota’s new U.S. based urban car manufacturer – Scion, has finished up its [NEXTUP] competition with underground Brooklyn rap duo, Junk Science, taking out the comp and scoring themselves a professionally produced music-video and opportunity to tour on Scion’s national Hip-Hop tour of the U.S. Baje One (emcee) + Snafu (DJ) beat out 950 other competitors with over 9,000 votes for their single ‘Roads’.
[UTHA STUFF]
Cali Untouchables member – [DOW JONES] has recently dropped a new mixtape featuring Xzibit’s Strong Arm Steady (Phil The Agony, Will Blast, Krondon, Mitchy Slick + Xzibit) crew entitled ‘The Best of Strong Arm Steady – Gangs of L.A. Vol. 1’, co-hosted by SAS member – Will Blast. ‘The Best of Strong Arm Steady – Gangs of L.A. Vol. 1’ features contributions from; Talib Kweli, Kurupt, 50 Cent, Young Buck, Game, Tash, Phil Da Agony, Planet Asia, Chace Infinite, Self Scientific, Jelly Roll, Flipmode, Chuck Hustle and Mobb Figgaz – plus it’s only US$6.99! Dow Jones and Xzibit are also planning to drop another mixtape entitled ‘Farenheit 11/9 – Armed & Dangerous’ on Nov. 09.
Also from the Cali Untouchable crew… [THEDJSTRONG] has dropped an exclusive Kurupt mixtape entitled ‘WAR Vol. 1’, featuring hot new joints featuring; M.O.P., Mobb Deep, Jayo Felony, Kokane, Eastwood, 40 Glocc, Stacey Adams, Roscoe, Y.A., Bigg Tri (a.k.a. Lil ‘Kurupt), Tristar and Tone amongst others. Kurupt is also working on a new mixtape with the Riflemen and DJ Warrior - ‘WAR Vol. 1’ is available now from www.stronghouserecords.com
[TALIB KWELI’s] latest album – ‘The Beautiful Struggle’ has been receiving mediocre reviews from press due to some bad production choices according to critics. From what has so far has been published it appears that many do not question Talib’s skills on the mic, rather they suggest the beats are not up to par and drag the album back to an average effort rather than a truly outstanding release. Perhaps grab Talib Kweli’s ‘The Beautiful Struggle’ and decide for yourself?
Terror Squad’s Miami based in house production duo – [COOL + DRE], who have also laced joints for Ja Rule, Game, G-Unit and others, have recently signed a production deal with Jive Records worth US$2 million. Jive beat out Shady Records and Def Jam, who were also bidding for Cool + Dre’s services and their Epidemic Records imprint.
Terror Squad’s Miami based in house production duo – [COOL + DRE], who have also laced joints for Ja Rule, Game, G-Unit and others, have recently signed a production deal with Jive Records worth US$2 million. Jive beat out Shady Records and Def Jam, who were also bidding for Cool + Dre’s services and their Epidemic Records imprint.
Continuing to pursue his dream of playing professional basketball, [MASTER P] has now signed with ABA (American Basketball Association – like our CBA) franchise – Long Beach Jam as point guard. P played with the Las Vegas Rattlers last season and has had a few chances with various NBA teams, making pre-season camps only to be cut before pre-season trials were undertaken. Master P does have skills on the court, don’t be fooled, he gained a full scholarship to the University of Houston after finishing high school but failed to finish university or advance his basketball career thanks to a knee injury.
Golden Eyes Entertainment will issue the debut release from [C. GREEN], who has been described as a young Scarface with his soulful gangsta sound which will be executive produced by Nottz. Expect to hear C. Green’s debut in early 2005.
The U.S.’s Comedy Channel is organizing [‘THE BLOCK PARTY’] featuring G-Unit, DJ Clue, Dead Prez, the Sugarhill Gang, DJ Whoo Kid and others in an effort to promote youth voting. The Hip-Hop/Comedy event is to take place on Oct. 15 in NYC – hopefully the event will be recorded and televised at a later date.
Houston, Texas emcee – [CHAMILLIONAIRE], has recently signed a deal with Universal Records for his Chamillitary record label, which will release Chamillionaire’s major label debut – ‘Controversy Sells’. You can check Chamillionaire out at www.chamillionaire.com
[JENNIFER LOPEZ] is so past her relationship with Ben Affleck that she has requested that MTV and VH1 pull her ‘Jenny From The Block’ music-video as it features her and her former beau in romantic scenes together.
[SHYNE's] most recent album release – ‘Godfather Buried Alive’, has been doing next to nothing as far as sales and according to reports Def Jam is ready to abandon the project! ‘Godfather Buried Alive’ was released on Aug. 10 with considerable media and marketing support and has not even reached Gold status – selling only 354,000 copies. AS far as Def Jam is concerned, Shyne’s ‘Godfather Buried Alive’ has been a financial failure as they dropped US$3 million to sign Shyne and a further US$1 million to record and market the album but only recouped US$1.3 million through sales, with only 15,000 units sold last week Def Jam have had no other option but to abandon further promotion. Shyne apparently stated early on in the album’s development that he wasn’t concerned with slaes as he was merely happy to be relevant and record again.
Award winning UK “femcee” - [MS. DYNAMITE] apparently exploded in a Chinese restaurant when she got into a heated argument with a fellow patron at the restaurant’s entrance on Sept. 17. The 23 year-old Dynamit-ee was to meet her mother at the SoHo (London) restaurant but after getting into an argument with unidentified woman in question she slapped the woman and has only recently (Oct. 01) turned herself in to London Metropolitan Police. Dynamite a.k.a. Niomi McLean-Daley is now out on bail with a hearing scheduled for Nov.
In an effort to further his acting career, [EMINEM] has apparently bought a US$3 million home in Hollywood. Em’s now shares the same ‘hood as Jennifer Aniston + Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck, Halle Berry and Ice-T. Eminem denies that he has bought the home, even ringing in to MTV’s TRL last week to deny the claims on air – but does that really mean anything as Em could be just covering his ass as he has a new album coming out and there’s a chance fans might not support him if they know he’s going to move from music to movies?
Chauncey Dillion, the man who shot and injured Diplomats member [FREEKY ZEEKY] and killed Zeeky’s friend – Eric Mangrum last Apr., has been convicted of second degree murder and assault along with other charges in relation to the attack. Dillion now awaits sentencing on Nov. 05, where he could land as much as a 25 to life stretch – his two accomplices, Herndon Williams and Jon Mingo, currently await trial on lesser murder and assault charges. In an interview held with an incarcerated Zeeky, Zeeky stated that he will financially take care of Mangrum’s daughter. Zeeky is currently in jail serving a three-year term, whilst imprisoned Zeek is working on a new album and a movie which he wrote.
According to reports from the recent MOBO Awards in London, [ANITA BAKER] had refused to accept her Lifetime Achievement Award from presenter Janet Jackson as she felt that Jackson would try to upstage her. Baker was very angered when she realized Jackson was to present her with the award and even threatened to not accept the award but organizers managed to calm the diva down and coax her into going through with the presentation.
Tennis clothing company - Ellese USA Inc., are suing [P. DIDDY] and his Sean John clothing line for copyright/trademark infringement after Ellese discovered a Sean John T-Shirt in Macy’s NYC department store emblazoned with the Ellese logo above the Sean John name. Ellese USA claims that Sean John’s use of the Ellese logo would "cause confusion, mistake or deception as to the source, association, affiliation or sponsorship of the goods being offered". Ellese in seeking that Sean John stop using the Ellese trademark and unspecified damages from P. Diddy.
[JA RULE] will head back to Canada for trial on Mar. 07 2005 in regards to charges of assault causing bodily harm, which stem from a Jun. 05 incident at Toronto’s La Rouge nightclub. Ja’s legal team faced a pretrial hearing last week at which time the tentative Mar. 07 date was set for the beginning of his trial. On a rather hypocritical tip… Ja Rule’s L.I.F.E. (Love Ignites Freedom and Education) Foundation is working to stop killings and violence amongst African-American youth in his old neighbourhood of Queens, NY. The two-year old foundation provides arts, sports, counseling and other activities for kids who have behavior, attendance problems or are underachieving in school.
Tupac Shakur’s younger sister – [SEKYIWA SHAKUR] is making quite a name for herself as an entrepreneur… Sekyiwa is preparing to release her own clothing line called Madame Velli, has her own image consulting firm called LBS Styles, writes a column for Black Elegance magazine and is currently planning a couple of books for publication.
Actor, [ANTHONY ANDERSON] has had the rape charges against him thrown out of court by the presiding judge as the judge deemed the victim’s testimony as “suspicious and bizarre”. Charges against ‘Hustle & Flow’ assistant director Wayne Witherspoon were also dropped. Both Anderson and Witherspoon stood accused of raping an extra in a trailer on set.
posted by thaBeast at 4:02:00 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home