You can now catch The Cipher at www.thehiphopcipher.com!
Much luv goes out to all of you that are peepin the site. I updated the pics in the flix section and make sure you vote for my site at one of the topsites lists under the mail log-in before you leave...thanx!
For previous news stories click here.
If you have any questions, comments, or press releases e-mail me at webmaster@thehiphopcipher.com! E-mail me especially if you are a graffiti artist and would like me to display your work on the site!
August 31, 2001
Busta Rhymes Launches Flipmode Records
From SOHH.com. Now that Busta Rhymes has found a secure home at J Records, the rapper is launching his label, Flipmode Records on the Clive Davis label. The rapper will set it off by dropping his new album, The Genesis on November 13 which will feature appearances from Dr. Dre, Mary J Blige, Sisqo and Jill Scott. "I feel confident that within this new structure, we will finally be able to accomplish what is that we've set out to do," Bussa Bus said in a statement. "I'm looking forward to what will inevitably be a tremendously successful year." Following Busta's album will be the sophomore effort from the first lady of Flipmode, Rah Digga; and then the second posse album from the Flipmode Squad, The Rulership Movement, which now consists of Busta, Rah, Rampage, Serious, and Spliff Star. In addition, the label will also release an R&B project from vocalist, Meka.
August 29, 2001
Sign the petition to kick starr off of Hot 97
Click here to sign a petition to get starr kicked off of Hot 97 because off disrespectful comments and jokes he made about Aaliyahs' death on air.
August 21, 2001
Q-Tip Changes His MC Name
From SOHH.com. Every now and then, a legendary Hip-Hop artist goes through a transformation and changes their name and attitude toward the game. So is the case with Q-Tip. The former Tribesman has changed his recording name to Kamaal (he changed his legal name to Kamaal a few years ago) and will drop his album, Kamaal The Abstract on October 23. The album is said to be "a rare mix of hip-hop, rock, jazz and funk." "This is music I always wanted to create, something that allows me to explore all sides of myself," Kamaal said in a statement. "This music is fearless, this band is incredible. You can't name something after yourself unless it represents a part of you. This is ultimately about new beginnings and taking back real music!" In addition to the album, Kamaal will create a film short to be the visual portion of "The Abstract experience."
Nate Dogg Gets Probation
Nate Dogg pleaded guilty to possession of an unmarked gun on Tuesday in Norwalk, California, avoiding jail time in a case that began when he allegedly kidnapped his ex-girlfriend and set her mom's car on fire. In sentencing the rapper, Norwalk Superior Court Judge Michael Cowell placed him on three years' probation and ordered him to pay a $1,000 fine, according to Deputy District Attorney Marc Burnley. Cowell also ruled that the firearm be destroyed. Nate Dogg faced up to three years in state prison if convicted of the initial charge, possession of a firearm by a felon; he cannot legally possess a gun because he was convicted in a 1996 drug case. But on Tuesday the MC accepted Burnley's offer to reduce the felony charge to misdemeanor possession of an unmarked firearm (a gun with no serial number) in return for a guilty plea. The 31-year-old Nate Dogg (born Nathaniel Dawayne Hale) had played two dates on Dr. Dre's Up in Smoke tour when he was arrested at his Pomona, California, house in June 2000 for allegedly holding his ex-girlfriend against her will, assaulting her and setting her mother's car on fire. The Los Angeles County SWAT team busted the rapper and discovered the weapon in his home. He quickly rejoined the hip-hop bill after posting $1 million bail. Five of six charges in the case were dropped in March, when a Los Cerritos Superior Court judge ruled that there was insufficient evidence to hold him to charges of arson, kidnapping, domestic abuse, battery and terrorist threats. His ex-girlfriend wouldn't cooperate with prosecutors, a spokesperson for the district attorney said. "[When] this case started ... there were a host of charges against him," Nate Dogg's attorney, Mark Geragos, said. "We're delighted it was resolved with a misdemeanor."
August 14, 2001
Neptunes To Re-Record Debut LP
From SOHH.com. When an album gets pushed back several times from its original release date, the material on the album gets a bit dated. Production duo, The Neptunes, who's album has been pushed back for several months now, realize this dilemma and are planning to re-record their album. Recording under the name N*E*R*D, Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams will re-do the entire album using live instruments- drums, bass, guitar, and organ. "The music and the lyrics were there but the magic wasn't," Hugo told Entertainment Weekly. "With the old album, you had to drink or smoke to get into it," Williams added. "The new album will intoxicate you." Look for the album, In Search Of... to drop around October. Meanwhile, you can enjoy Neptunes production from all over the Hip-Hop to the likes of Tha Liks, Philly's Most Wanted, Jadakiss, Busta Rhymes, Usher and almost everyone else in the industry.
August 13, 2001
Eminem Turns Up On Jay-Z's "Blueprint"
From MTV.com. Roc-A-Fella Records CEO Damon Dash put just a little more of a pimp stroll than usual in his confident swagger as he walked into the penthouse of Manhattan's Hotel Giraffe Thursday night. Dash was about to show a handful of invited guests his trump card — the new Jay-Z album, The Blueprint, which features appearances by Eminem and, apparently, Michael Jackson. "I don't want to say we're the backbone of hip-hop, because that may sound arrogant, but it is what it is," Dash said before playing seven songs from the LP, which comes out September 18 and features the single "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" (see "Jay-Z Gets Serious, 'Soulful,' On New Video And Album"). "Y'all can't f--- with Jay, what type of ex y'all on?" Jigga asks on the first track, an intense barrage of metaphors and punchlines called "The Ruler's Back." Staking claim to the title of "king of hip-hop" on the cut, Jay's letting everybody know that although he's reaped the benefits of reigning supreme in the rap world, he's still "representin' for the seat where Rosa Parks sat." Speaking of the Ruler, Slick Rick, who earned that title in the '80s with his superb wordplay, helps Jay out on the hook on "Girls, Girls, Girls," as do Q-Tip and Biz Markie. The Diabolical B.I.Z. beatboxes, while Ricky Dee and Tip sing, "Girls, girls, girls, girls/ Girls I do adoorrrrre." Meanwhile, Jay humorously describes the women he has in his stable, including a "young chick" who complains about him not buying her Reeboks and a "project chick" who hides his guns for him. Things turn more serious as Jay Hova teams up with none other than Eminem for "The Renegades." Eminem, who also produced the track, provides a dementedly savory piano-chord backdrop while he and Hov release some stress. "Do you listen to music or just skip through it?" Jay asks critics who call his tunes one-dimensional. He then blasts the government, saying that he was "influenced by the ghetto you ruined." Slim Shady, who likens himself to a "modern day Shakespeare," tells everyone (this is a shocker) that he's "never been afraid to say what's on his mind." On the soulful "Song Cry," Jay says, "I can't see it coming down my eyes so I gotta make the song cry." Like "Soon You'll Understand" on his last LP, Jay raps about losing a true love because of his unwillingness to settle down. He tells the "good girl turned bad" it's a struggle to "live with the fact I did you wrong, forever." Dash said that the Timbaland-produced "Hola O Vito" will be the third single — "Girls, Girls, Girls" will be the second. On the club knocker, Timbo uses a buzzer-sounding bassline and Jigga boldly proclaims to be "Michael, Magic and Bird rolled up in one." He goes on to say that "If I'm not better than Big, I'm the closest one." One track that Dash didn't play is Jay's duet with Michael Jackson. He did, however, confirm that M.J. is supposed to be on The Blueprint and that Jay-Z will be on Michael Jackson's upcoming album. Dash also said that Jay has worked on a dis record to address all the MCs who have been coming at him, and that the song is so harsh that the careers of Jay's foes won't be able to be rehabilitated. Jay probably won't be lashing out at DMX. Dash admitted that there was speculation as to whether X was aiming at Jay in a recent song, but he says the two are friends, they talked and that is not the case — it's all gravy. "It was never going to be a beef," he said of the friction between his artist Beanie Sigel and Jadakiss, noting that Roc-A-Fella and the Ruff Ryders have had a good relationship over the past few years. He did say that Russell Simmons wanted to act as a mediator between the two MCs, but things were squashed before "the Godfather of rap" needed to get involved (see "Jay-Z, Jadakiss Say Beef Good, Violence Bad"). The Blueprint marks the end of Roc-A-Fella's contractual partnership with Def Jam. Dash said they are going through renegotiations but are contemplating selling off half of their company to other parties. The exec also said that he and Jay could start up a whole new enterprise elsewhere. This uncertainty hasn't stopped Dash from trying to sign a few artists, both new and established. He wouldn't mention any names except Brownsville, Brooklyn, headbangers M.O.P.
Lil' Cease Arrested
From SOHH.com. According to Launch, Lil Cease his partner Banger and body guard Suif Jackson were arrested Friday (8/3) morning on attempted murder charges. Apparently, 15 shots were fired at a man on Brooklyn's Myrtle Avenue and Adelphi Street while he talking on his cell phone. Police first caught Suif Jackson and searched the Lincoln Navigator, that was described by witnesses, he was standing by and found that it was registered to Lil Kim. The police also found two 9mm guns that they believed were used in the shooting and found the flight itinerary for Cease and Banger's flight to Detroit. They arrested Cease and Banger at LaGuardia Airport and all three men were charged with attempted murder. Officers also believe that there was a fourth individual involved with the attack. The victim, who's name was not released, suffered a gun shot to the leg and was able to walk to the hospital for medical attention. Earlier this year, both Cease and Banger were arrested after police found marijuana and a .22-caliber handgun while driving Lil Kim's 1999 Jaguar.
August 7, 2001
Busta Rhymes Talks About Genesis
A day after MTV's 20th anniversary celebration, some people were nursing hangovers, but Busta Rhymes was feeling the kind of pain a cup of coffee wasn't going to cure. Apparently old Bussa Bus injured his right leg during the show's hip-hop medley (click for photos from the event). Gone was his usual regal swagger as he limped badly into Manhattan's Hit Factory to play his new album, The Genesis, for a small group of guests that included his manager, Chris Lighty, and another of Lighty's clients, Jo Jo Peligrino. "I feel so good right now," Busta said with his usual animation. "This is the first album since the first Leaders of the New School album where I didn't have to worry about recouping." With no debt and a clean slate with his new label, J Records, Busta — whose injury seemed to clear up as he got excited playing his music (at one point he even started running in place and doing jumping jacks) — said he was able to record with a clear head and focus. "As I Come Back," which was produced by the Neptunes, features the duo's space-age funk styling highlighted by a looped bassline that sounds like a tugboat horn. On the chorus, Busta repeats some of his lyrics from his guest spot on A Tribe Called Quest's "Scenario": "Ugh, ugh, ugh/ All over the track, man/ Ugh, pardon me, ugh!/ As I come back," he roars. He then played three consecutive tracks produced by Dr. Dre, "Truck Volume" (where he professes to be a giant among Goliaths), "Full Moon" and "Break Ya Neck." "This sounds like a magic carpet in Saudi Arabia," Busta said of "Full Moon." He then began to lip-synch along with the song, on which the words effortlessly flow like water from a faucet. "Break Ya Neck," which he said would be the album's first single, finds Dre trading in his vintage g-funk and experimenting with a more pop sound. "Give it away, give it away, give it away now," Busta screams, echoing his fellow MTV party performers the Red Hot Chili Peppers, on the rapidly paced song before going into a down-South bounce flow. Other parts of the album find the dreadlocked MC taking it back to the old school: included is a remake of Public Enemy's "Shut 'Em Down," produced by Pete Rock. "I was a fan of this, so I wanted to touch on it again," he said. "I felt I wanted to give to the new generation that never had the chance to absorb this kind of hip-hop when this kind of hip-hop was bangin'." Michael Angelo Saulsberry, former member of the '90s R&B group Portrait, provided an '80s-sounding thump to the blatant sex anthem "Hump on You," which features Sisqó. "Glorify that ass," Sisqó sings, before asking for an "hour or two" of late-night bumping and grinding from a honey who has to go to work in the morning. Saulsberry produced a yet-to-be-titled track that features Mary J. Blige on the hook. Too bad Cash Money already put out "Get Your Roll On," because the cut conjures up those feelgood visions of going to the roller-skating rink. Snoop Dogg's protégé Butch Cassidy joins in on the Just Blaze-produced "Get Flat," and Jill Scott lends her soul-touching vocals to the autobiographical tale "Other Side of the Road." Elsewhere, Kokane asks, "Why you got your ass on your shoulders?" on the song of the same name. Here, Busta, who sang along and did a loose performance of all the songs played at the session, strikes out at girls who act stuck up in the club. Busta also goes back to his Caribbean heritage on "Nuff Gun Shot," which was produced by Redman, singing rudeboy melodies, and "Run 'Em Down" is a total reggae song produced by ragamuffin heavyweight Dave Kelly. It was pretty much a wrap after both of the studio's speakers blew out. Busta seemed ready to play his tracks all night. He was unabashed at letting his confidence in the LP shine through. "I'm on my own di--," he joked. Later he told everyone "I'm sticking around [in the music game], y'all ain't got no choice." The Genesis is slated to drop sometime this fall.
D-12 and Esham Kicked Off of Warped Tour
From SOHH.com. It looks like a few rappers can't behave themselves while they're away from home. D-12 have been kicked off the Warped Tour because of a brawl that ensued at the Camden, New Jersey show last Friday (8/3). According to Billboard, about 40 associates of D-12 stepped off the tour bus and jumped rival Detroit emcee Esham and his partner T.N.T. back stage leaving them with cuts and bruises. Esham walked away with a broken nose, a ruptured eyeball, a concussion and some hearing damage. Esham, T.N.T. and Mastamind make up the group Natas, who were billed on the tour, but they were also kicked off. The beef stems from lyrics directed at Eminem and D-12 from Esham on his latest album, Tongues. The track "All Night Everyday" which features porn star Heather Hunter and Kool Keith lyrics read: "The styles that you runnin' 'round wit' is ours/You and them 'Shady' suckas is nothin' but cowards/Bang ya brains in the dirt, make ya go bezerk/If you rap wit' Emily, your ass gon' get murk/I'm the E to the S to the H-A-M/If I wasn't then why would I say I am/ Pull a jack, sell a sack 'cuz the babies need similac/You remember that rollin' in a Cadillac/You wanna' battle rap, I swing the battle axe/Chop ya head off until Haile go tattle that (da-da)" Even though Eminem was not on the tour, Esham believes that he made it happen. "Mathers gave the word," Esham tell Billboard. "He didn't even show up for the tour. That's how premeditated this was. This was a straight up attempted murder on my life. I could have been dead."
August 6, 2001
DPG Member Daz Sues Death Row
While Death Row Records dropped the new Dogg Pound album last week, it seems that Daz is fed up. The producer/rapper filed a lawsuit against Death Row Records last week claiming breach of contract, intentional misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, conversion, unjust enrichment, declaratory relief, demand for accounting, and constructive trust. According to the suit, Daz claims that Suge Knight and Death Row exploited him between 1993 and 1999. "They collected tens of millions of dollars in record sales and royalties," the suit states. "They violated agreement after agreement, each time promising to honor the new one. They never gave accounting to Daz, and failed to pay his rightful royalties, all the while holding him hostage to unconscionable and unenforceable agreements. But greed knew no bounds at Death Row and each of the prior agreements, though ridiculously favorable to Suge Knight and Death Row, was breached by them." In addition to all those claims, Daz says that he was "bullied into" a new contract in 1999 which supposedly gave him creative and financial freedom from the label. Daz is seeking more than $2 million in damages. Death Row Records had no comment on the suit.
Forgot
Password URL
Signup
URL
Help Section
URL
Can't open random2
No files in directory to display.
