Mike Swift

Late emcee famous for dissing Compton might not be dead at all

Two of hip-hop's most notorious emcees performing from beyond the grave

Timothy Blair better known to the world as rapper Tim Dog became famous at the height of the East Coast/West Coast rivalry for his dis record 'Fuck Compton'. Blair was reported to have died from complications of diabetes
back in February, but a woman in Mississippi is claiming that he faked his own death to get away with a scam to swindle her and at least 20 others out of $2 million dollars. Dateline NBC did a story on Tim Dog and the scam
allegations last summer after a Mississippi judge ordered him to pay restitution in the amount of $19,000 and a Memphis television station launched their own investigation recently and were unable to discover a death certificate for Tim Dog, which adds more legitimacy to the suspicions.

Photo: Dateline

The world famous Rock The Bells music festival is gearing up for its 10th anniversary kick off on September 7th in San Bernardino, CA. The official line up has been announced and just as in year's past, it features some of
the best of the new and old school. On the bill: Wu-Tang Clan, Common, Immortal Technique, Talib Kweli, TechN9ne,Rakim, Dilated Peoples, Too Short, E-40, Eazy-E and Ol' Dirty Bastard. Oh yeah, you heard right, Eazy-E and O.D.B. will both be appearing in 'original virtual performances.' You can get the entire line-up below and show dates at rockthebells.net.

Photo: Guerilla Union

Where are they now? Right where they've always been. In the studio making hits. Several of hip-hop's elite emcees are hard at work giving you music to move to. Havoc and Prodigy of Mobb Deep have reunited to push out a
new album, but in the meantime, Prodigy has dropped a cut off of his collaboration album with legendary producer Alchemist. The cut is called 'Dough Pildin.' Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon the Chef just dropped a new cut with esteemed vocalist Estelle from the Funkmaster Flex project called 'All About You,' and Raekwon has been sighted in studio sessions with Brooklyn king Jay-Z clearly working on new projects. Finally, we get our first taste of the new Wu album with the release of their new joint 'Execution in Autumn.' You can hear all these songs below or by visiting our facebook page.

Prodigy - Dough Pildin: http://youtu.be/6Szw0dflE5I

Raekwon ft. Estelle - All About You: http://youtu.be/0kqlPKHlo4g

Wu Tang Clan - Execution in Autumn: http://youtu.be/Bcqr1jbQTd0

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Public Enemy's Chuck D. Receives Doctorate

Public Enemy front man and motivational speaker Chuck D. (born Carlton Douglas Ridenhour) received an honorary doctorate degree today from Adelphi University during the university's 117th Commencement ceremony.

The Rock-and-Roll-Hall-of-Famer received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the university in 1984 and in an interview with Ebony magazine, credits his time at the college's radio station, WBAU, for sparking his music career.

"I always used to do a lot of hosting and I was on college radio in the early 80s. So I was always a part of something that wanted to break deejays and parties out," he said. "And that was with Hank Shocklee and Spectrum [City] back on Long Island. What made me want to become a recording artist; I was the first artist that was repeatedly asked by a label to record with them. That label was Def Jam Records."

"So I was the first recruited artist ever by them. I originally told them no, but a year later, I eventually said yes. It wasn't like I sent someone a demo. I was feverishly requested to make records."

Photo - James Esche

Treach disses group member Vinnie on track 'Tall Midget' but continues to tour

Dame Dash drowning in personal debt

First the Fat Boys break up, now this. Unbeknownst to us all, hip-hop anthem kings Naughty By Nature group members Treach and Vinnie have been embroiled in a beef for the past 2 years. So much so that disses flew across Twitter and super emcee Treach dropped a dis record called "Tall Midget" aimed at Vinnie. Treach and Kay G sat down with DJ Envy and the crew at Power 105 to talk about it and you can Check the entire interview below and hear about how Vinnie sucker punched Treach in a business meeting and just barely escaped the fade: http://www.power1051fm.com/pages/onair/breakfast-club/?mid=23200601

Photo: Power 105.1

Former Roc-a-Fella Records co-founder Dame Dash is facing mounting personal debt that has him filling court proceedings to stop garnishment of his wages according to the New York Daily News. In a statement from the 5 page filling he says 'I am currently several months behind in paying my personal bills. For instance, I am currently over $100,000 behind in rent for the only home in which I live and at risk of being evicted.' Financial troubles aren't new to the former Roc-a-wear executive. In 2010 he lost two New York lofts to foreclosure and was left holding the bag for 7.3 million dollars in mortgage debt. In a recent interview with the Combat Jack show, Dame denounced his baller ways he became known for during his days with Roc-a-fella, but alluded to his financial stability with an art gallery and motor oil deal that keeps him stable.

Photo: Sara Jayeabaca

Jay-Z seems to be involved with everything these days most notably heading up the soundtrack for the movie The Great Gatsby. Now it looks like Sean Carter is dabbling in time travel. A picture surfaced late last week from 1930's Harlem that depicts an group of well dressed young men, one of which whom bears a striking resemblance of Hov. Is it his rumored Illuminati connections that gives Jay immortality, is he a vampire or is it Jay-Z at all? Judge for yourself. You can see a larger picture below.

Photo: New York Public Library

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Lauryn Hill Sentenced To 3 Months In Prison For Ducking Tax Debt

Kriss Kross member dead at 34, autopsy results completed

File this under 'things we thought would never happen.' Despite paying $970,000 of an over 1 million dollar tax debt and releasing a single on her newly founded Sony Entertainment backed label, rapper/singer Lauryn Hill was still sentenced to 3 months in prison for failure to pay her outstanding tax debt from 2005, 2006 and 2007. And the hits keep coming...she was also sentenced in Newark with an additional 3 months of home confinement according to the Associated Press. The silver lining...it could have been worse as she was facing a maximum one year imprisonment for each charge. Hit our Facebook page to check out the aptly named new single 'Neurotic Society.'

Photo: Associated Press

The hip-hop industry was filled with shock and sadness on May 1st when it became publicly known that Chris Kelly, better know as 'Mac Daddy' from the child, hip-hop group Kriss Kross passed away. Chris was pronounced dead at 5pm on May 1st in an Atlanta hospital and though the autopsy has been completed, the toxicology report is 'not ready.' Why is this important? Word is getting out that Chris died from a reaction to a lethal drug cocktail combination of heroin and cocaine. This is a rumor and details on the true cause of his death are forthcoming. Lauryn Hill made a statement about the passing of former label mate in association with the release of her new single 'Neurotic Society.' Rest in power Chris Kelly.

Check out Kriss Kross' final performance at the February, So So Def 20th Anniversary reunion concert in Atlanta: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCLXChS2eBQ
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Photo: Thaddaeus McAdams/Exclusive Access

May 4th marked the one year anniversary of the passing of Beastie Boys member Adam Yauch, better know to the world as MCA. What most don't know is that the hard rock emcee was a devot Brooklynite and loved his home state of New York. So what better way to mark the anniversary of his passing then by dedicating a park in his honor. The former Palmetto Playground will now be known as Adam Yauch Park. The dedication ceremony was attended by band mate Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz and his friends and family. MCA grew up in the neighborhood and even learned to ride his bike at the playground that now bears his name. Be on the look out for the Beastie Boys memoirs to be released in 2015.

Photo: USA Today

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Chris Kelly, half of 1990s Kris Kross rap duo, dead at 34

One-half of the 1990s rap duo Kris Kross, 34 year old Chris Kelly, was found unresponsive at his home on Wednesday and later died at an Atlanta area hospital.

The cause of death is yet unknown, and an autopsy is planned for Thursday according to the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office.

Known by the stage name 'Daddy Mac,' Kelly, with his partner Chris Smith, known as 'Mac Daddy,' took the 90's by storm with their 1992 hit 'Jump' from their Jermaine Dupri produced, debut album 'Totally Krossed Out'. The song spent eight weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, and the album was a success earning multi-platinum status.

The two were discovered at the tender age of 13 at a mall by super-producer Jermaine Dupri in 1991, following the release of his first project from Atlanta group Silk Times Leather.

The duo went on to release two additional albums, 1993's 'Da Bomb,' and 1996's 'Young, Rich and Dangerous.' Rest in power Chris Kelly.

Check a video of Kriss Kross' performance at the So So Def 20th Anniversary concert here: http://youtu.be/xyle7Kqe2w

Jay-Z Co-Executive Producer Of Indie Film An Oversimplification Of Her Beauty [VIDEO]

Lauryn Hill Issues Statement, Reveals Label Deal With Sony

Jay-Z has his hands in multiple deals and ventures at any given moment. Besides divesting from the Brooklyn Nets, executive producing The Great Gatsby soundtrack and signing WNBA draft pick Skylar Diggins to Roc Nation Sports, the rapper/mogul, and soon to be official sports agent, is a co-executive producer of an independent film called An Oversimplification of Her Beauty.

Besides Jay-Z, the film's other executive producers include author/director dream hampton and Wyatt Cenac. Directed by Terence Nance, who also has a starring role, the film is touted as blurring 'the line between narrative, documentary, and experimental film as it explores the fantasies, emotions, and memories that race through Terence's mind as he examines and re-examines a singular moment in time.'

Also worth noting is that the film will feature new music from renowned producer Flying Lotus. An Oversimplification of Her Beauty, an Official Selection at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, was released in limited theaters on April 26 and has received a 79% approval rating by film critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

It was hampton who co-authored Hova's 2010 book, Decoded.

Watch the trailer for An Oversimplification of Her Beauty here: http://youtu.be/ycC3sKweQyc

Photo: Youtube

Lauryn Hill has been in the news plenty lately thanks to a pending sentence for tax evasion, which inadvertently revealed that she has a new record deal with Sony Music. Ms. Hill has issued a statement clarifying her new venture (it's a label deal) that also partly comments on her legal and financial troubles, as well as her future plans.

The 'Everything Is Everything' rapper/singer revealed that she has entered a deal with Sony Worldwide Entertainment to launch her own label. She has plans to release, and has been working on, a new album on said label.
Part of Hill's self-imposed exile from the music industry was her disdain from its practices, which she has also pointed to as an explanation for not paying her taxes. But the irony getting back down with the machine, as well as earning a label millions upon millions of dollars with her only getting a relatively small bit of that loot, is not lost on her.

'Only a completely complicated set of traps, manipulations, and inequitable business arrangements could put someone who has accomplished the things that I have, financially in need of anything,' she wrote.

Hill is due back in front of the judge to find out her sentence on May 6. She is hoping for probation.

Read her full statement, which she dropped via Tumblr, below:
It has been reported that I signed a new record deal, and that I did this to pay taxes. Yes, I have recently entered into an agreement with Sony Worldwide Entertainment, to launch a new label, on which my new music will be released. And yes, I am working on new music.

I've remained silent, after an extensive healing process. This has been a 10+ year battle, for a long time played out behind closed doors, but now in front of the public eye. This is an old conflict between art and commerce... free minds, and minds that are perhaps overly tethered to structure. This is about inequity, and the resulting disenfranchisement caused by it. I've been fighting for existential and economic freedom, which means the freedom to create and live without someone threatening, controlling, and/or manipulating the art and the artist, by tying the purse strings.

It took years for me to get out of the 'parasitic' dynamic of my youth, and into a deal that better reflects my true contribution as an artist

Lauryn Hill Signs New Record Deal, Tax Evasion Sentencing Delayed

LRaekwon Speaks On Wu-Tang Clan Reunion Album, Unreleased ODB Tracks & More [VIDEO]

Lauryn Hill's tax evasion struggle just revealed a new twist in her musical career. While in court today it was revealed that the former Fugees singer has a new record deal.
Reports TMZ:
Lauryn Hill just bought herself a couple weeks of freedom.
The R&B legend was to be sentenced to prison today after pleading guilty to blowing off her 2005-2007 tax returns ... but the sentencing was moved to May 6 to give Lauryn a chance to repay a chunk of her $968,000 tax debt.
Hill's attorney said the singer recently signed a million-dollar recording deal with Sony ... she was also planning to take out a $650,000 loan to put toward the bill.
Hill faces several years in prison ... but her attorney is hoping for probation.
A pricey new record deal would certainly help L Boogie's cause that she'll be able to pay Uncle Sam all their dough if she is able to drop a new album and tour. Late last year she hit the road with Nas for the 'Life Is Good/Black Rage' tour.
'Black Rage' was the name of a single that Ms. Hill was thought to be dropping. However, that has not happened as of yet.

Photo: AP

Raekwon has been on a tear lately, dropping consistent heat rocks and leaving his much younger competition in the dust. After two decades in the game, the Chef is reuniting with his Wu-Tang Clan brothers for the upcoming 20th anniversary album, A Better Tomorrow.
Raekwon chopped it up with Sermon's Domain over the weekend after rocking a set at Coachella and dropped some thoughts, including not knowing the name of the upcoming Clan record.
'For that particular title right there, I didn't have no knowledge of that,' says Raekwon. 'I found out like a fan too, but RZA, that's the Abbot and he do what he do. I liked the title overall. Titles can change anytime anyway.'
Rae knows that fans are expecting a lot out of the Wu with A Better Tomorrow, and he explains that he and his crew are going in with the best intentions.
'It gotta be a hit, it gotta be a smasher,' he explained. 'The 20-year balance, it's balanced itself out. It's time for another record. That's why business is so adamant.'
This fall will mark nine years since the passing of popular clansman Ol' Dirty Bastard. Rae was pressed on whether or not ODB will have some possible verses from the vaults make it on the album. 'Yo, it's a lot of things in the archives, things I haven't even seen yet,' answered Rae.
Check out the rest of the interview below where Raekwon speaks on a possible Wu-Tang Clan tour, a new solo record and more.

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Photo: YouTube

Brooklyn wears the festival crown once again as the Brooklyn Bodega announced today that the 9th Annual Hip-Hop Festival will commence this Summer on July 13. Bring your sunscreen and love of hipsters, as Brooklyn Bridge Park will be holding the event featuring the old school and the new school of Rap greats including Redman, Pusha T, EPMD and more.
'This is the 40th Anniversary of Hip-Hop so we as a culture have a lot to celebrate,' explains Festival Founder and Executive Director Wes Jackson in a press statement. 'The Hip-Hop generation is growing in numbers, influence, and power. We see The Festival as a gathering, a convention if you will, for Hip-Hop. A place old school and new school can get together and build.'
And build they will, as legends like EPMD and Redman will b

LL Cool J Talks Accidental Racist

Lauryn Hill Say She Didn't Pay Taxes Because Of 'Threats' To Family

In Hip-Hop, and life in general, there are no do-overs. But LL Cool J is nevertheless doing his best to explain and support his slander inspiring 'Accidental Racist' single with Country music artist Brad Paisley. Last night, Uncle L discussed the tune on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
From the 'I'm Bad' rapper's commentary, he has been listening to at least some of the criticism of the song, mainly that it makes light of racism.
'The song wasn't perfect,' admitted LL to Leno. 'You can't fit 300 or 400 years of history in a three or four-minute song.'
LL was clear in that he couldn't defend the song, but could explain some of his lyrics. One in particular was comparing a du-rag to the Confederate flag, which he adamantly said was not his intent.
'When you think about a kid like Trayvon Martin and you think about some of the things that happen in society based on clothing, when you put it in its proper context, it makes sense. I would never, ever, ever suggest to anyone that we should just forget slavery and act like that didn't happen. I understand the systemic racism that exists, I get that. But you know what, if the playing field is unlevel and if you feel it's unfair, then maybe putting down some of that baggage will help you make it up that hill a little easier.'
Watch the rest of the interview, where a very eloquent LL Cool J makes his case, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?

Photo: YouTube/NBC

Lauryn Hill is going to have a tough time proving this one. After already pleading guilty to tax evasion last year, the enigmatic singer has filed paperwork that says she didn't pay Uncle Sam because she felt 'threatened.'
Reports TMZ:
Lauryn just filed legal docs asking for mercy before her sentencing later this month, claiming there was a good reason she failed to file tax returns for 2005, '06 and '07 ... when she earned a total of more than $1.8 million. She already pled guilty and faces several years in prison.

According to docs ... Lauryn stopped paying taxes 'when she withdrew from society at large due to what she perceived as manipulation and very real threats to herself and her family.'
She's not specific about the threats -- but it's a new explanation for her mysterious disappearance from the music scene after her rise to fame in the '90s.
Lauryn previously claimed she went underground to get back in touch with her musical roots.
Lauryn's asking the court to consider a bunch of other factors before her sentencing -- including her claim that she can pay off the debt much faster if she's not behind bars.
Hill's previous explanation to her tax struggle included a Tumblr rant where she claimed that she removed herself from society in order to keep her family 'safe, healthy, and free from danger.'
So it seems like L Boogie is basically saying her fame resulted in an inability to write a check to the United States Treasury. For the sake of her children-she has six-good luck with that.
Lauryn Hill will be sentenced on April 22 and hopes to receive probation instead of any jail time.
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Photo: Getty

Flavor Flav is in big trouble. A judge in Las Vegas has ruled that there is evidence that the Public Enemy rapper and OG reality show star threatened his girlfriend's son with a butcher knife. Thus, Flav must stand trial on a pair of felony charges.
Reports USA Today:
The cloc

The Notorious B.I.G.'s Childhood Apartment In Brooklyn Selling For $725,000

10 Athletes Jay-Z Should Sign To Roc Nation Sports

Gentrification is a mother. The Notorious B.I.G.'s childhood apartment in Brooklyn's Clinton Hills neighborhood has been put up for sale for a hefty $725,000.

The Daily Intelligencer reports:
Before he was rap martyr Notorious B.I.G., a young Christopher Wallace lived at 226 St. James Place, apartment 3L, in Brooklyn, and worked as a bag boy at the Met Food around the corner. Now immortalized as a hip-hop landmark, the apartment was listed for sale yesterday for the very 2013 price of $725,000. While Biggie referred to his 'one-room shack' in Bed-Stuy, times have changed: 'This three-bedroom plus den/office condominium was renovated a few years ago preserving traditional styling while answering the needs of modern usage,' and now the area is referred to as Clinton Hill.

The listing agent, Judith Lief, is well aware of the apartment's cultural significance but doesn't feel it will have much of an affect on the apartment's sale. 'The tour buses that come by regularly are enough,' she told the Daily Intelligencer. 'I don't really know yet what impact, if any, [Biggie's looming presence] will have on the sale. I think it'll be notable, but I don't know if novelty translates to a purchase.'

On the apartment's listing on StreetEasy, the unit is partly described as having 'wonderful light' and is 'beautifully proportioned' with 'spacious east-facing living room to the formal dining room to its very well-appointed kitchen with lots of storage and prep space.'
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Photos: StreetEasy, New York Daily News

Having proved this time and time again, does the announcement that Brookylyn rapper/mogul Jay-Z is opening a sports representation agency called Roc Nation Sports truly surprise you?

We can't help but to recall Denzel Washington's infamous, 'The sh-t's chess. It ain't checkers!' line from Training Day, when we think of Jay-Z's latest venture. As they say, hindsight is 20/20 and now the legendary MC's alignment with the Brooklyn Nets and Victor Cruz signing a management deal with Roc Nation seems like a premeditated check to the proverbial checkmate that's forthcoming. The signing of New York Yankees All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano only reaffirms that Jigga Man is looking to win in yet another business forum.

ESPN journalist Darren Rovell broke the news, and was also sure to mention that though Roc Nation Sports' initial partnership is with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), it plans to eventually become a full service sports agency. That means that Mr. Carter will undoubtedly sign more talent.
Who will be next though? Jay-Z is known to be affiliated with a bevy of athletes one way or another. He's also named dropped a bunch that are still actively playing professionally.
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Photo: Twitter

The Wu-Tang Clan referred to member GZA as the crew's de facto genius for a reason. The veteran rapper and science junkie combined his love of music and education recently at New York's Park East High School, assisting the ninth graders in writing educational rhymes.

CBS News profiled GZA, who entered the science class on the invitation of Columbia University educator Dr. Chris Emdin. Dr. Emdin has spearheaded a new program that aims to teach via the popular music art form, hoping to connect students with scholastics in a way that relates to their love of Hip-Hop. 'The people who most embrace hip-hop cultur

RZA Tells Dutch Singer Suing Him For Royalties To Kick Rocks

Michael 'Blue' Williams' 'Guns For Greatness' Buyback Event Snags 115 Firearms

RZA is basically telling the Dutch singer who is suing him to kick rocks. Late last year, Thea Van Siejaen filed a lawsuit alleging that the rapper, producer, actor and movie director owed her a significant amount of money in royalties and other payments.
Van Siejaen's soulful vocal were featured on a number of songs on the RZA's Digi Snacks solo album and The RZA Presents: Afro Samurai Resurrection soundtrack. She is reportedly suing for 14 songs (claiming that she co-wrote them), including RZA's "Baby Boy" from the Jet Li film's Unleashed soundtrack.
TMZ reports that the RZA believes that Van Siejaen has already received all the money she was due. According to paperwork the Wu-Tang Clan's Abbot filed, he claims that Van Siejaen was a work-for-hire and not a songwriter on any of the music she appeared on. Thus, what she was already paid is all she is entitled to.
Also, RZA claims that he never promised Van Siejaen royalties or any additional payments for her work. At the time of the lawsuit's initial filing, one of the producer's reps said the situation was 'a groundless lawsuit by someone RZA had helped get off the streets, lent a helping hand to, and now thinks he's an easy target to mark looking for money.'
Bong bong.

Photo: TMZ/Facebook

Over the weekend, Michael 'Blue' Williams' 'Guns for Greatness' gun buyback program held its first exchange event in Brooklyn. According to reports from the NYPD, the program was successful in getting 115 weapons off the streets. With just under a week to prepare for the inaugural event, Williams and his team can count the program an early success.
As previously reported, NYPD commissioner Ray Kelly approved the buyback plan on March 25th. Taking place last Saturday (March 30), gun owners were lured by the promise of tickets to the upcoming concerts of Beyoncé, Alicia Keys and the joint Justin Timberlake & Jay-Z show in exchange for firearms. A large part the guns were turned in by Black and Latino males, which served as the main target demographic for 'Guns for Greatness.'
A tally of the weapons include 55 revolvers, 33 semi-automatic handguns, nine rifles, five shotguns, four rifles, one assault rifle and a collection of BB guns and starter pistols. Similar 'guns for cash' programs have been popping up nationwide, especially in neighborhoods and cities ravaged by violence. Recently in New Jersey, the cities of Camden and Trenton set records with 1,137 and 2,600 guns collected respectively. In Los Angeles, one man showed up at a gun buyback event last December with 22 pistols alone.
A press conference with Commissioner Kelly and Williams will take place this evening. 'Guns for Greatness' partners will also be in attendance as well.
To get connected with the 'Guns for Greatness"'program, please follow this link.

Photos: New York Daily News

The world of Hip-Hop and comic books are more intertwined than you may know. Ghostface Killah, who also goes by the moniker Tony Starks otherwise know as Ironman, comes from the era where DC and Marvel reigned supreme, and has in turn prepped a comic to accompany the release of his forthcoming Twelve Reasons To Die project.
Until now, fans have been so excited about his recent collaborative offerings with producer Adrian Younge, that many forgot about the other portion of the release. Today, we receive a sneak peak at