"Fame" Remake [Trailer]


This isn’t your typical high school musical. “Fame” – the Academy, Golden Globe and Grammy-winning musical film – is gearing up for an encore performance in theatres. The early eighties movie and television series is being remade with an all-new cast and instructors at the High School for the Performing Arts in New York. BET was on set to get the exclusive.

For many of the actors and actresses “Fame” is their first time in a major film. “This is my first feature film, and I’m so excited to be a part of it,” Anna Maria Perez de Taglé said.

This is not just a revamped version of the classic movie, however. “Our movie takes the idea of the original, but we’ve added our own twist with new characters and storylines,” Kay Pantabaker said. “We’re not doing it better; we’re doing it differently.”

With a young director in Kevin Tancharoen, “Fame” hopes to reach a new generation of fans. “Kevin has been an amazing director,” Perez de Taglé said. “And because he is close to a lot of the casts’ age it’s so comfortable and easy to talk to him, but at the same time he’s got a strong vision of what he wants and you’ll be able to see it in the movie.”

Teaching the students is a venerable faculty including Kelsey Grammer and Charles S. Dutton, with Debbie Allen as the school’s principal. Naturi Naughton, fresh from her role as Lil Kim in “Notorious,” says that the shift in roles is both hard work and satisfying at the same time. “Playing Lil Kim and now this role is kind of the total opposite. I must say that it’s the most exhilarating, wonderful experience because I get to play two kinds of roles, “ Naughton said. “I’ve been able to show so much range as an actress.”

Will fans get to hear the original “Fame” theme song as well? “I’m waiting for that moment,” Naughton said. “They haven’t said anything officially, but I have already put it out there that hopefully I will be the one to sing that classic song.”

As someone who is old enough to remember the original "Fame" movie, Im looking forward to the remake.

Paris, Talib Kweli, dead prez and others on 2009's Biggest Hip-Hop Tour‏

San Francisco, CA - Rapper/activist Paris' Guerrilla Funk Touring and Promotions, LLC officially launches this year's biggest hip-hop concert series, the Hard Truth Soldiers Tour 2009, on May 1st in Eureka, CA.

Boasting an impressive 45-city schedule, the tour is not only noteworthy for its scope, but for its lineup of today's most focused and socially aware hardcore hip-hop talent - talent which includes Paris, dead prez, Immortal Technique, Talib Kweli, Kam, Pete Rock, Planet Asia, T-K.A.S.H., The Conscious Daughters, Uno the Prophet, Jasiri X, NYOil, Sellassie and guest performers in select cities.

The tour - which promises to be an annual concert series - blends seasoned talent with up and coming young lions fierce in their commitment to quality music, the importance of independent media, and the ongoing fight for social justice.

"The idea here is to provide a platform for artists to be seen and heard who have important voices that have been marginalized," says Guerrilla Funk CEO Paris. "All too often certain segments of hip-hop are focused on by the mainstream that don't accurately or adequately reflect us or our communities. This is a perfect way to counteract that, and to provide balance to an art form that has become increasingly corporatized and diluted for mass consumption."

The Hard Truth Soldiers Tour 2009 is one of several projects Paris is currently working on.

His Guerrilla Funk Recordings recently released his latest album, 2008's critically-acclaimed Acid Reflex, featuring Chuck D. and George Clinton.

GFR also recently released one of the first albums by a female hip-hop group in recent memory, The Nutcracker Suite, by The Conscious Daughters, and 2 new Paris-produced albums are set to be released on May 12, T-K.A.S.H.'s Brains All Over the Streets and Paris Presents: Hard Truth Soldiers, Vol. 2.

Several additional album and film projects are in production as well, and supporters are encouraged to subscribe at www.guerrillafunk.com for news and updates. For more information about the Hard Truth Soldiers concert series, log onto: www.hardtruthsoldiers.com.

DJ Rob A f/ MF Doom & Aarophat - "She Still Got Dimples" - Rugged Soul Records - CLEAN/MAIN

DJ Rob A is veteran in the VA hip hop scene having crafted beats for MF Grimm and many others. On "She Still Got Dimples" Rob A teams up with Aarophat (Rawkus 50) and MF Doom over a Doom produced track to talk about the seriousness of domestic violence. Grab the b-side "Hush It" at www.foundation-media.com/current.html. For more on DJ Rob A and his upcoming release The New Mortal Sin please visit www.ruggedsoul.com.

Aceyalone - The Way It Was Feat. Bionik



Aceyalone & The Lonely Ones in stores March 31, 2009.

April 21st Marks The Release of Parable’s First Self-Titled Mini-EP.

Miami, Florida US – April 17, 2009 – Parable has recently announced the release of his self-titled mini-EP, available online independently. Originally created for promotional use at shows, response for the EP escalated when some of the songs appeared in his recent Canada mini-tour recap videos. The first leaked single, “Mathematics of a Dream” has been featured on 2ManyMCs.com, Hip-HopKings.com (UK), RapCypher.com (France), among many others, while breaking into college radio on stations such as KHDC (RadioBoise.org), CKUT (We Funk Radio, Montreal), and KSMT (RhythmeLoungeRadio.com). The production of this 4-track EP features an array of new-school boom-bap, mixed with subtle hints of robotic soul, as Parable explores stories of love, dreams, politics, and more, through his balance of profound yet aggressive lyrics.

"'Mathematics of a Dream' [is] more in the classic b-boy-esqe flavor (with a dope beat), Parable’s other single 'Utopia,' is what I mean when I say the guy is intense.” – 2ManyMCs.com

Currently, Parable is performing at spot dates throughout South and Central Florida while plotting an upcoming US tour, and his return to Canada, scheduled for late summer. The mini-EP is a prelude to an upcoming full-length album set for mid-Fall release, while working on the release of several other projects in between including an upcoming release with his new group collaborative, Think Tank.

Tracklisting

01. Your Eyes
02. Mathematics of a Dream
03. Utopia (We At War)
04. Freeform
05. Parable vs. Stacy Epps – Addicted (Unrequited Love Remix) **bonus track**

Raekwon Gushes That ‘The Wait Is Finally Over’ For Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2

(NEW YORK – April 15, 2009) – Ready to give his worldwide following what they’ve been waiting for, the Wu-Tang Clan’s rhyme slinger extraordinaire Raekwon is set to return this summer with Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2.

Raekwon, whose 1995 platinum classic Only Built 4 Cuban Linx was universally hailed as a rap classic and has sold more than 1.1 million units in the US, according to Nielsen Soundscan, has signed a distribution deal with EMI Label Services for his ICEH20 Records label to release Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2 in the US and Canada later this summer. EMI Label Services will also provide Raekwon with additional radio promotion support and licensing and synchronization services.

“The wait is finally over,” Raekwon says. “Words cannot describe how extremely happy I am to work with EMI Music to put out my album.”

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2 buzz single and video “The New Wu” features fellow Wu-Tang Clan members Method Man and Ghostface Killah and is getting mixshow airplay at radio stations across the country, including Hot 97 in New York. The album features a spectacular line-up of guest appearances and producers: The RZA, Dr. Dre, J Dilla, The Wu-Tang Clan, Jadakiss, Busta Rhymes, Bun B and The Game, among others.

"We are thrilled to have a chance to work with the legendary Raekwon,” said Dominic Pandiscia, Senior Vice President and General Manager, EMI Label Services. “He has had a massive impact on the history of Hip Hop and Urban music overall. Everyone at EMI is excited to be working on this record and continuing his legacy.”

Rap fans were mesmerized by Raekwon’s distinctive brand of street slanguistics when he emerged as a member of the Wu-Tang Clan. The Staten Island, New York rap group’s debut album, 1993’s Enter The Wu-Tang Clan (36 Chambers), was a landmark collection that introduced the group’s signature blend of kung-fu inspired reality rap. Raekwon established himself as a solo star in 1995 with the release of Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. The mafia minded album, which peaked at No. 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Album chart, unfolded like a cinematic crime caper, with such imaginative songs as “Criminology,” “Incarcerated Scarfaces” and “Ice Cream” propelling the album to platinum status.

Raekwon’s second album, 1999’s Immobilarity, was certified gold. To date, Raekwon has career sales of more than 1.6 million units in the US, according to Nielsen Soundscan.

Now, with the impending release of Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2, Raekwon is ready to release his second masterpiece. “It’s been a long time coming,” he says, “and I’ve put my blood, sweat and tears into making this classic album for my fans.”

Immortal Technique Embarks on New Tour After Return From Afghanistan‏

Miami, Florida US – April 13, 2009 – Immortal Technique kicks off a new tour starting at New York City’s legendary B.B. King on April 14th. This initial show is in conjunction with “Rock to Save Darfur,” and will then begin his brief US tour in New Mexico, including an appearance at the Gathering of Nations on April 24th. Fellow Rebel Arms members will accompany Immortal Technique, with expected dates in New Mexico, California, Colorado, Texas, Vermont, Massachusetts, Maine and Minneapolis.

Immortal Technique returns from a two-week expedition in Afghanistan, where he assisted with the final construction of the Amin Institute, an orphanage, school and medical facility. He made this promised prior to his 2008 album release of, “The 3rd World”, and called this The Green Light Project. In conjunction with Omied International, Immortal Technique acquired the property of the institute, food, clothing, appliances, beds for the children, medical supplies and the infrastructure of the school by raising funds at benefit concerts and his very own personal monetary donation. His travels was filmed and documented by long-time friend, C. Stuart, for a movie based on Immortal Technique’s revolutionary work. A more detailed account of his experience will be featured in an upcoming issue of The Source Magazine.

“You know, there are always cynics who cannot see anything but their own inability to succeed in anything besides a ‘cleverly written’ denigration of anyone else’s hard work while being unable to produce any example of their own. But if you forget your own ego for a minute, this is the proof that ordinary people like us, who work through problems and fight through set backs can succeed. And not only that, we can succeed anywhere. I say again, WE can succeed.” – Immortal Technique

The release of “The 3rd World” debuted in the Billboard charts and has sold over 60 thousand units to date through Viper Records/Koch. This third independent full-length release features DJ Green Lantern, Pharoahe Monch, Ras Kass, Chino XL, SouthPaw, Crooked I, Buckwild, Scram Jones and more. With famed reviews by XXL Magazine, The Source, XLR8R, his esteemed fans and publications across the globe, Immortal Technique has proven the international acclaim of his music and message. Now the anticipation builds for his next release, “The Middle Passage.”

Tour Dates:

April 14 New York City, NY- B.B. King
April 18 La Cures, NM- Corbett Outdoor Stage
April 22 San Diego, CA- Cane’s
April 26 Durango, CO- The Abbey Theatre
April 27 Espanola, NM- Ohkay Casino
April 28 Boulder, CO- Fox Theatre
April 29 Denver, CO- Bluebird Theatre
April 30 Colorado Springs, CO- Black Sheep
May 6 New haven, CT- Toad’s Place
May 7 Northampton, MA- Pearl Street
May 8 Burlington, VT- Higher Ground
May 9 Portland, Maine- The Asylum
May 24 Minneapolis, MN- Canterbury Park

Torae & Marco Polo Set to Release "DOUBLE BARREL" Album On June 2nd‏

Featuring Lil Fame of M.O.P., DJ Premier, Sean Price, Guilty Simpson, Masta Ace, Saukrates, S-Roc & Cuts By DJ Revolution

Rapper Torae & Super-Producer Marco Polo have joined forces to release the New York rap album that fans of raw, hardcore Hip-Hop have been waiting for.

When it comes to beats and rhymes, Canadian producer Marco Polo and Brooklyn MC Torae don’t play, just check the résumé. On his 2007 critically acclaimed album Port Authority, Polo recruited a who’s who of MC’s like Kool G Rap and Kardinal Offishall to ride over his hard-hitting instrumentals. Torae, on the other hand, has certified his rep as one of the game’s illest lyricists in a similar fashion, with remarkable wordplay on his highly touted 2008 street album Daily Conversation. So, in the spirit of great hip-hop duos, the producer and the MC signed with Duck Down Records to release their collaborative album "Double Barrel," on June 2nd.

"He’s bringing the hardest production that he can bring, I’m bringing the hardest rhymes I can bring; together its like a double barrel blast,” says Torae of the album’s persistent theme. The two first hooked up when Marco tapped the MC to guest on his Mick Boogie-helmed mixtape, The New Port Authority, in 2007. In turn, Marco went on to produce “Casualty” on Tor’s Daily Conversation. “I think we just had a connection in the studio,” says Polo, “We wanted to make an album that we wanted to hear with banging beats and aggressive rhymes.”

Sonically Double Barrel pays homage to New York’s mid-‘90’s rap scene, when artists like Gang Starr and Wu-Tang Clan reigned supreme. The album’s lead track “Party Crashers” is a definite standout, harkening back to that era with its chest thumping percussion and rock solid rhymes. So rather then try to fit in with Hip-Hop’s pop set, Torae & Marco chose the unconventional route. “I think the sound of the album is not the most popular or trendy, but we’re going to crash the party,” says Tor, “We’re coming in with this sound and we’re coming in doing what we want to do.”

Songs like the dramatic “But Wait” and the free associative “Word Play” display Tor’s forward-thinking conceptual abilities, while the rock-infused “Danger” stands as one of Marco’s finest productions to date. Overall the album is chock-full of the street-influenced rap that fans have come to expect from the two Hip-Hop upstarts.

Torae sums up the collaboration perfectly when he spits, “He makes violent beats, I’m from the violent streets/That Double Barrel sound, that’s where violence meets.”

Torae & Marco Polo will also be hitting off the vinyl heads with both a 12" and LP of the album; the 12" line up will include “Double Barrel,” “Hold Up” f/ Sean Price & Masta Ace and “Combat Drills” (an exclusive cut not found on the Double Barrel CD).

**The Digital Deluxe-Edition of "Double Barrel,'" will include the complete album, an exclusive bonus track and Marco Polo's instrumentals from the LP; will be available exclusively through iTunes worldwide for only $9.99

Tracklisting and credits for Torae & Marco Polo’s Double Barrel:

1.) Intro f/DJ Premier
2.) Double Barrel featuring cuts by DJ Revolution
3.) Smoke f/Lil Fame of M.O.P.
4.) Party Crashers
5.) But Wait
6.) Lifetime featuring cuts by DJ Revolution
7.) Rah Rah Sh*t
8.) Danger
9.) Stomp f/Guilty Simpson
10.) World Play
11.) Hold Up f/Masta Ace & Sean Price
12.) Coney Island
13.) Get It
14.) Crashing Down f/Saukrates & S-Roc (***Bonus Track)

***All Tracks Produced By Marco Polo

Black Eyed Peas Score Their First #1 On Hot 100


Black Eyed Peas - Boom Boom Pow (Audio)

The Black Eyed Peas set the mark for best single-week and debut download totals by a group as "Boom Boom Pow" shifts 465,000 in its first week of release. The title easily tops Hot Digital Songs and is set to become the act's first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1, with a hefty 39-1 leap, when the chart is released tomorrow morning.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

In the post "Deconstructing Illmatic" on the Oh Word blog about Nas classic first album, I like how he talks about Nas' father's horn solo at the end of the track "Life's A Bitch":

The trumpet solo that brings the cut to a close is in fact played by Nas’s father Olu Dara (born Charles Jones III), and it provides a beautifully wistful end to a track that feels drenched in the dying rays of a crimson sunset over the city.

Thats some real poetic stuff. I was thinking that when I first heard the track when I brought the album back in '94.

Fat Joe and the Economy....

Fat Joe Speaks On The Economy from MC Endeezy on Vimeo.

Whats Fat Joe got to say about the economy? This should be interesting. He's doing his thing while most other artists gettin' dropped. Even Bow Wow flopped. Economy isn't easy on any of us, for real.

By the way,his 9th album, J.O.S.E. 2, drops May 19th!!!

ITunes Sucks.....

Im still going to use it, but I hate how they are raising the price on Hip Hop tunes more than rock and country. I've been buying more of the videos anyway, I dont really buy the music from them that much anymore. Check this out on Billboard!

Attack of the dummy Republicans....


Got this off the Jasiri X blog, the Republicans are trying to say that in Obama saying we aren't trying to go to war with Islam, that he is talking in some secret "code". These Republicans are dumb as you know what.

Cash Money the Pimp:The Name His Momma Gave Him

According to Seattle News, a pimp who was caught pimpin' underage kids had the middle name Cash Money.

Now, thats not unusual for a pimp to have a cool street name, but hold up; thats the name his mother gave him!

Kinda unusual, but why not name him that? Whats wrong with gearing up your kid for success?