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Former Hot Boy B.G. Pleads Innocent To Gun Charges In Louisiana Could Face Lengthy Jail Sentence If Found Guilty

Posted by ChasinDatPaper on February 12, 2010 at 4:30pm

B.G., a prominent local hip-hop artist and longtime collaborator with superstar Lil Wayne, pleaded innocent to a gun charge Thursday in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court.

Christopher Dorsey, 29, who raps under the moniker B.G. or Baby Gangsta, was arrested with two other men in November for allegedly possessing three weapons, along with loaded magazines and two extended clips, while driving in eastern New Orleans. Police said two of the three guns had been previously reported stolen.

Officers from the NOPD's 7th District halted the late-model Chevrolet Tahoe after watching the driver commit a traffic violation, police said. Dorsey and Jerod Fedison, 18, were each booked with a count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. A third man, Demounde Pollard, was booked on gun and drug charges, but prosecutors later dropped the case, according to court records. Fedison, meanwhile, has pleaded innocent.

Dorsey, a resident of St. Rose, has a lengthy rap sheet, and is facing stiff penalties if found guilty on the gun charge.

A request for comment from Dorsey's publicist was not immediately returned Thursday evening.

Last year, he pleaded guilty in Jefferson Parish to driving while intoxicated and was ordered to a serve two years' probation. As part of his sentence, he was to undergo drug testing. He failed a test late last year, and was ordered in Orleans Parish on Thursday to pay $350 to the judicial expense fund and undergo another drug test next week, court records show.

Amid the mounting legal troubles, Dorsey released a well-received rap album, "Too Hood 2 Be Hollywood, " in December on Atlantic Records.

Dorsey has been rapping for more than 15 years. He grew up in Uptown, and was member of the Hot Boys ensemble, which boasts such big names as Lil Wayne, Juvenile and Young Turk.

Lil Wayne, or Dwayne Carter, an international superstar raised in Hollygrove, is facing his own legal troubles in New York. He is due to be sentenced next month on a gun charge and has a plea deal worked out that calls for a one-year stint in jail, according to the Associated Press.

Source: The Times Picayune

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Square Off "More Milli" Freestyle (Music Video)

Posted by ChasinDatPaper on February 15, 2010 at 7:30am

Video After The Jump

Slim, Trips and Nick Gleamz better known as Square Off are repping Harlem to the fullest.

The Cory Gunz associates are in full time grind mode as they prepare their new mixtape 'Last Of A Dying Breed'

Peeps the visuals from their latest freestyle "More Milli"

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Birdman Goes In On R.Kelly "I Could Have Made Money If I Wasn't F*ckin With That Clown A** N*gga"

Posted by ChasinDatPaper on February 12, 2010 at 10:00am

Cash Money Records CEO Bryan "Baby" Williams has made a lot of wise investments over the years, but one he truly regrets is working with R. Kelly.

When asked by Ozone Magazine what his worst investment ever was Birdman said.

"Probably the worst investment I did was f*ckin’ with R. Kelly. That was a waste of my time. I could’ve made money if I wasn’t f*ckin’ with that clown-a** n*gga."

The two were supposed to record the album 'Best Of Both Worlds 2' back in 2003 but for whatever reason the album never came out.

Birdman also confirms that the star tattoo on top of his head represents an oil rig. He and his brother slim have been in the oil business for 5 years now.

To read the rest of the article go to www.OzoneMag.com

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Thank Jay-Z For Robin Thicke, Nicki Minaj Collabo. Says Nicki "I Didn't Think He Knew Who I Was"

Posted by ChasinDatPaper on February 6, 2010 at 10:30am

Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne's Young Money First Lady, is definitely buzzing in the music biz. As of late, she's been making her rounds on TV, performing alongside Robin Thicke for his single, "Shakin' It 4 Daddy."

While she definitely appreciative to Thicke for the guest spot, Nicki should probably send Jay-Z a thanks as well, because he's the one that recommended her to the singer.

Thicke told MTV weeks ago that after playing a rough version of track for Jay, he told him he needs to get Nicki to jump on it stat!

"It was Jay's idea," Thicke told MTV of the "Shakin' It 4 Daddy" collabo. "We were in the studio and I played him the whole album. He was like, 'You should get Nicki Minaj on that. She's got that voice. She's got that swag.' So I leaned over and was like, 'Somebody get Nicki Minaj on the phone! Jay-Z said so!' Next thing you know, we called Nicki. She was excited.

"Once we told her it was Jay-Z's idea to get her on the track, she started screaming on the phone," he added. "She was all excited. She's a super, super talent. I can't wait to do a video with Nicki. There's a power in her. It's not just that she's sexy and that's the only way she can get you to like her. She's got charm -- not just sex. Some women may use sex to get what they want; others have charm. She's got charm."

MTV recently tracked down Nicki to see how she felt regarding the referral from Jay. She said she was filled with joy.

"I cannot put into words how I felt when he told me that," the female rapper said. "I was like, 'What?'

"I didn't think he knew who I was, let alone recommend me for something," Nicki continued. "If he did know who I was, I didn't know if he liked my style or approved. It was weird. It was like getting that stamp of approval from the most popular jock in high school and being a freshman in high school and thinking no one knows you exist."

At press time, it was unknown when Robin Thicke would be shooting a video for the "Shakin' It 4 Daddy" single.

Source: BallerStatus

Robin Thicke feat Nicki Minaj "Shakin It For Daddy"

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Drake Announces 15 City College Campus Tour

Posted by ChasinDatPaper on February 8, 2010 at 1:00pm

While the rest of us may be hoping to one day quit our day jobs and record a single mixtape which will catapult us into rap stardom. We might have to settle for living vicariously through Drake

The Canadian rapper and actor continues to make the most of the opportunity the mixtape 'So Far Gone' has afforded him.

Drake is caking up off of tour dates and XXL is reporting he's added a college tour to his itinerary.

The "Campus Consciousness" tour will see Drake making stops at Penn State, Michigan State University, West Virginia University, University of Central Florida and the University of Kentucky among other schools.

The tour will make 15 stops and runs from April 8 - May 9

For more info go to PrettyPolly.com

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Tim Westwood Interviews Young Money/Cash Money's Birdman & Gudda Gudda [3 Videos]

Posted by ChasinDatPaper on February 16, 2010 at 2:00pm

Videos After The Jump

Radio One's Tim Westwood made the trek from the UK over to Miami to interview part of the Young Money/Cash Money family.

Birdman talks about what the absence of Lil Wayne when he goes to jail will mean to the camp. He says there is plenty of music to come from Drake, Nicki Minaj and the rest of the gang.

Gudda Gudda is up next, he talks about his mixtape "Guddaville" and the pressure he feels following in the footsteps of Lil Wayne.

Birdman Interview with Tim Westwood

Gudda Gudda Interview Part 1 of 2 (Gudda speaks on his mixtape)

Gudda Gudda Interview Part 2 of 2 (Gudda shows off his tats)

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Complex Magazine's Top 25 Most Anticipated Albums Of 2010

Posted by ChasinDatPaper on January 20, 2010 at 4:00pm

In a business where release dates shift for multiple years before an LP actually drops, it’s tough to really get excited for an artist’s new album. But we’re starting the new year off with an optimistic attitude—2010 is gonna be filled with some fuckin’ amazing albums. Halfway through January, we’ve already seen a few solid releases (Vampire Weekend’s Contra and Kanye’s Storytellers), but the best is yet to come. To let you know what’s in store for 2010, we rounded up all the albums we’re expecting this year (key word being expecting—forget pipe-dream releases like Detox), including everything from the psychedelic indie rock of Yeasayer to Drake’s long-awaited debut. See who made the cut with Complex’s 25 Most Anticipated Albums of 2010…

#25: Beastie Boys Hot Sauce Committee, Pt. 1 RELEASE DATE? First Half of 2010 PRODUCERS/COLLABORATORS: Nas, Santigold WHAT WE KNOW: The iconic NYC trio’s first proper album in 5 years was originally supposed to drop last fall, but was delayed after MCA was diagnosed with cancer. Expect the boys to build on the retro style of To The 5 Boroughs for an album they described as “strange” and “bizarre” in a BBC interview. After their Nas duet “Too Many Rappers” got a good buzz going last summer, we’re eager to see what they drop next.

#24: Nicki Minaj TBD RELEASE DATE? Third Quarter PRODUCERS/COLLABORATORS: Polow Da Don (rumored), JR Rotem (rumored), Young Money WHAT WE KNOW: Fresh off a hit mixtape and some song-stealing verses on the Young Money album, our recent Hot Complex is easily the most buzzed-about female rapper in a decade. She recently took a break from touring to focus on finishing her debut, and teased the fact that she might leak a single called “Married In The Club” (nope, no sign of it yet). With mixtape records like “I Get Crazy” and “Itty Bitty Piggy” still getting burn, expectations for her debut are high.

#23: Pac Div Grown Kid Syndrome RELEASE DATE? Summer 2010 PRODUCERS/COLLABORATORS: Swiff D, The Neptunes (rumored) WHAT WE KNOW: These three Cali kids had everyone bumping their Church League Champions mixtape last year (even Diddy…in the lambo!), and their new mixtape “Don’t Mention It” should be dropping any day. Their official debut is now slated for some time this summer—expect more futuristic boom-bap goodness from in-house producer Swiff D, along with whatever came out of that week they spent in Miami with Pharrell.

#22: Common The Believer RELEASE DATE? Summer 2010 PRODUCERS/COLLABORATORS: Kanye West, No I.D. WHAT WE KNOW: Right around the time Common’s last LP, Universal Mind Control, dropped and people didn’t like it so much, due to its dance faux-future feel, he began talking up his next endeavor: an entirely No I.D. and Kanye West produced album. While no details have leaked, Common has clearly made the best music of his career with these guys so The Believer will hopefully recapture that magic.

#21: Hot Chip One Life Stand RELEASE DATE? February 8, 2010 PRODUCERS/COLLABORATORS: N/A WHAT WE KNOW: The kings of British electropop never disappoint, so we’re expecting their fourth album to bring them even more mainstream exposure than their 2008 album Made In The Dark (are we the only ones who want them to cross over?). In fact, the new LP leaked last week, led by the single “One Life Stand,” and from our first listen, it seems like their most pop-friendly album to date

#20: The-Dream Love King RELEASE DATE? May 2010 PRODUCERS/COLLABORATORS: Tricky Stewart, Los Da Mystro WHAT WE KNOW: His first two albums—2007’s Love/Hate and 2009’s Love Vs. Money—were R&B masterpieces (LVM was our #2 album of 2009), so it’s pretty safe to say that the third installment in the trilogy will be more of the same (which is a good thing). Love King—Dream’s supposed “final album”—was being mixed last weekend, so expect a lead single to leak any day now.

#19: Justice TBD RELEASE DATE? “Early 2009″ PRODUCERS/COLLABORATORS: N/A WHAT WE KNOW: Three years ago, their gritty electro-house debut peeked its head up into the mainstream and warmed a hell of a lot of indie rock and hip-hop kids to dance music for the first time. But after touring, releasing a live album and a handful of dope remixes in ’08, the duo went radio silent. Last summer, Billboard reported that they would be a part of the relaunched Elektra Records roster, with a new album in “early 2010.” Whenever it comes out, we’re expecting something next-level. “We are at the beginning of knowledge about production and music-making,” Xavier de Rosnay told Pitchfork about their new material back in ’08. “It’s changing every two months.”

#18: Gorillaz Plastic Beach RELEASE DATE? March 2010 PRODUCERS/COLLABORATORS: De La Soul, Mos Def, Snoop Dogg, Lou Reed, Barry Gibb, Bobby Womack WHAT WE KNOW: Our favorite animated band is ready to take over 2010 with their first new album in 5 years and a headlining performance at Coachella. It’s gonna be hard for Damon and Jamie to top the success of their first two—which sold a whopping 15 million combined—but it will no doubt be another genre-bending mix with mass appeal. Damon premiered some rough demos on Radio 1 last January, before going off to record with the Syrian National Orchestra. The requisite eclectic guest list was announced, and Mos Def said a track he’s on is “one of the greatest thing’s I’ve ever done.” Okay, we’re excited.

#17: B.o.B. The Adventures of Bobby Ray RELEASE DATE? May 25, 2010 PRODUCERS/COLLABORATORS: Eminem, Lupe Fiasco, T.I., Rivers Cuomo, JR Rotem WHAT WE KNOW: It seems like we’ve been waiting on B.o.B.’s album for years (listen to Shake’s excellent compilation Should Have Been The First Album to hear all the hits he’s made in the meantime) but it looks like his debut is finally dropping at the end of May. After sorta changing his name, aligning with Grand Hustle, and dropping a pop-friendly single “Nothin’ On You,” all the stars finally seem to be aligning. He’s been working with everybody, and he’s one of the most versitile artists in hip-hop, so it’s hard to say exactly what will end up on the finished product. Expect the unexpected.

#16: Ghostface, Raekwon & Method Man The Wu-Massacre RELEASE DATE? First Half of 2010 PRODUCERS/COLLABORATORS: RZA, Inspectah Deck WHAT WE KNOW: If there’s one thing we learned from the fuckery of 8 Diagrams, its that a Wu-Tang reunion is a bad idea. Luckily, Raekwon went a long way towards repairing the Wu brand last year with his shockingly good Cuban Linx sequel, setting the stage for another dream Clan fan project: The Wu-Massacre. Let’s face it, Rae, Ghost and Meth have always been the crew’s real stars, each as lyrically sharp as they are charismatic, so an album with all three should be an easy win for Def Jam. P.S.— they’re looking for a group name!

#15: Yeasayer Odd Blood RELEASE DATE? First Half of 2010 PRODUCERS/COLLABORATORS: N/A WHAT WE KNOW: Their 2007 debut put this Brooklyn crew on the indie map, but their stock rose last year thanks to work on the Bat For Lashes album and a high-profile performance at the Guggenheim. Fortunately (for us, anyway), their sophomore LP Odd Blood leaked back in December, and it’s pretty clear that they have the talent to back up the hype. No matter what your normal listening habits are, we guarantee you’ll fuck with their irresistible mix of psychedelic electro-rock. Odd Blood is definitely worth picking up when the official version drops next month.

#14: J. Cole TBD RELEASE DATE? Late Spring/Summer 2010 PRODUCERS/COLLABORATORS: No I.D., Syience, Pharrell WHAT WE KNOW: Roc Nation’s marque act has been busy since dropping his mixtape The Warm Up this past summer; between promoting his “Lights Please” single, touring with Jay-Z on the Blueprint 3 tour, making records with vets like Reflection Eternal and Mos Def, and stealing the show on Wale’s “Beautiful Bliss.” His debut will feature production from himself, No I.D., and his characteristic deep, hard-hitting rhymes. Pictures recently surfaced of him working with Pharrell. Cole’s rhymes over Skateboard P beats? Yessir, indeed.

#13: T.I. TBD RELEASE DATE? First Half of 2010 PRODUCERS/COLLABORATORS: Jim Jonsin WHAT WE KNOW: The high-drama of T.I.’s legal troubles over the last few years were played out perfectly in the music (and marketing) of his last album Paper Trail, an introspective step forward that hinted at the next phase in Tip’s career. He toned down the tough-talk, completely removing any references to guns, and remarkably, it worked—Paper Trail was Tip’s most commercially successful album to date, and one of his best. Producer Jim Jonsin recently revealed that Tip is working on the follow-up while staying in a halfway house, and we have no doubt that he’ll be coming back with a bang…just not from a gun.

#12: Jay Electronica Act II: Patents of Nobility RELEASE DATE? First Quarter PRODUCERS/COLLABORATORS: Just Blaze, Nas, Mos Def, Eminem (rumored) WHAT WE KNOW: He’s dropped only two songs in the last 12 months, but we can’t front, they’re good enough that we’re literally chomping at the bit waiting for more. Long teased, Act II is something between an EP, a mixtape and a video art project, but will certainly be a compelling piece of rarely heard lyricism. Add to that the best beats Just Blaze can craft, and appearances by Nas and Mos Def (and possibly even Eminem… to hear Jay tell it, at least), and you have an effort that should occupy real rap fans’ iPod’s for the rest of the year.

#11: Lupe Fiasco Lasers RELEASE DATE? First Half of 2010 PRODUCERS/COLLABORATORS: Soundtrakk WHAT WE KNOW: Lupe keeps getting better and better and all signs point to Lasers being his best full-length to date. There aren’t a lot of hard facts about the effort available, but his mixtape Enemy of the State proves his lyrics are better than they’ve ever been, and between his Twilight joint and his Japanese Cartoon material it’s clear that his palatte is expanding with his ear. An early single “Shining Down” leaked last summer, and now it seems another leak called “I’m Beaming” is getting a proper single release.

#10: LCD Soundstsyem TBD RELEASE DATE? April 2010 PRODUCERS/COLLABORATORS: N/A WHAT WE KNOW: Little has been said about UK dance-punk group’s new album—so far we have the faux title: ‘Internet Sensation!’ and the band’s cover of Alan Vega’s “Bye Bye Bayou” (which will not appear on the album) to hold us over. We do know recording has taken place in LA and New York with work from members Al Doyle, Pat Mahoney, and Gavin Russom. Most recent word from front man James Murphy (as told to NME) is that the new album is “definitely better than the other two” and will have a “wider palette of sound” than the group’s self-titled debut and wildly influential Sound of Silver album.

#9: Kid Cudi Cudder: The Revolution of Evolution RELEASE DATE? Second Quarter PRODUCERS/COLLABORATORS: Kanye West, The Neptunes, Snoop Dogg WHAT WE KNOW: Party time, excellent! See, it’s like this: Kid Cudi’s life has changed and his new album will reflect it. Where MOTM was maudlin, thoughtful and self-deprecating, Cudder will be buoyant and exuberant. And where MOTM had barely any guests, and was produced mostly by his in-house team, Cudder will feature the likes of Snoop and beats by The Neptunes. Yeah. That happens when you score a number one record, fuck mad hoes, and cop a crib in Tribeca. Trust us. We know.

#8: MGMT Congratulations RELEASE DATE? Spring 2010 PRODUCERS/COLLABORATORS: Sonic Boom, Dave Fridmann, Chemical Brothers (rumored) WHAT WE KNOW: Having ridden to improbable success in 2008, the boys from Brooklyn (by way of Boston burbs) are ready to follow up the album that spawned anthems like “Kids” and “Time To Pretend.” But don’t a hit parade—in fact, they have no plans to even release singles from their sophomore album. “We’ve been talking about ways to make sure people hear the album as an album in order,” Ben Goldwasseer recently told NME. “Not just figure out what are the best three tracks, download those and not listen to the rest of it.” Early rumors had them working with the Chemical Brothers, but all recent reports say the album was created with their old producer Dave Fridmann, along with Spacemen 3’s Peter Kember (aka Sonic Boom).

#7: Lil’ Wayne Tha Carter 4 RELEASE DATE? 4th Quarter PRODUCERS/COLLABORATORS: Deezle WHAT WE KNOW: During last summer Universal said this record would be released in the 4th quarter of 2009, after Rebirth, so clearly there are songs recorded. But with Rebirth’s release at a standstill due to lack of interest and the Best Rapper Alive ‘pon lock for most of 2010, we’re thinking Universal, and more importantly their shareholders, are gonna force this LP’s release by the end of the year. The big question is, will it be a frankenstein of the rap records he’s made post-Rebirth, or will he scrap everything when he gets out of jail and put together an entirely new LP reflecting his presumably changed world view?

#6: Santigold TBD RELEASE DATE? First Half of 2010 PRODUCERS/COLLABORATORS: Pharrell, Diplo, Switch, Spank Rock (rumored) WHAT WE KNOW: Santigold has been busy as hell since her ’08 debut blew up, battling informercial jeweler Santo Gold over her name, touring with Coldplay, and popping up in a million commercials. While we haven’t heard any of the new music, she’s been producing for Devo, co-writing for Christina Aguilera’s upcoming Bionic album, and working with everyone from the Beastie Boys to Basement Jaxx. Last summer she told Nylon about some potential producers, but we’re still waiting for more concrete info on the album that could really take her to the next level.

Young Jeezy Thug Motivation 103 RELEASE DATE? First Half of 2010 PRODUCERS/COLLABORATORS: Kanye West (rumored), Drumma Boy (rumored), Tha Bizness (rumored) WHAT WE KNOW: Young Jeezy is like Ghostface, Redman, Too Short and AC/DC before him: Every album hits basically the same notes, and is basically a great listen, too. A year ago Jeezy teased that he’d done 7 songs with Kanye West behind the boards, which might indicate a slight change in sound, but then the two records he’s leaked thus far have been straight back to the trap. However it breaks, though, Jeezy has a consistent track record and shows no signs of chasing crossover hits.

#4: M.I.A. TBD RELEASE DATE? Summer 2010 PRODUCERS/COLLABORATORS: Blaqstarr, Rusko WHAT WE KNOW: M.I.A.’s whole world has changed since her anti-crossover album Kala crossed over, thanks to the Grammy-nominated, boundry-smashing anthem “Paper Planes.” She’s had a baby and hunkered down with Baltimore producer Blaqstarr for most of her third album (which is rumored to be titled Mission.Impossible.Area), which will include the recently-leaked track “Space Odyssey” and a song called “I’m Down Like Your Internet Connection” that reportedly features an actual Verizon customer service employee on the hook. “Paper Planes” might have been a pop radio fluke, but you can bet whatever she does will be one of the year’s most original albums.

Eminem Relapse 2 RELEASE DATE? First Half of 2010 PRODUCERS/COLLABORATORS: Dr. Dre, Just Blaze WHAT WE KNOW: Our current cover star is extremely focused and has moved on from the punchline driven shock-rap that dominated Relapse, for a more enduring, emotive sound. Working for the first time in years with outside production, courtesy principally of Just Blaze, we expect Em’s attention on the intricacy of the rhymes, and the candor of the sentiment. Given Em’s vocal appreciation of T.I.’s Paper Trail, and Blaze’s involvement, perhaps he’s sitting on a “Live Your Life” meets “Lose Yourself” type anthem.

#2: Kanye West TBD RELEASE DATE? 3rd Quarter PRODUCERS/COLLABORATORS: Kid Cudi, Consequence, Common, Mr. Hudson, Drake, No I.D., Tony Williams WHAT WE KNOW: Rap! That’s what we expect from Kanye’s much-anticipated follow up to 808s & Heartbreak. If his last LP embodied the emotional rollercoaster he went through in ‘07 and ‘08, it seems likely his forthcoming effort will address his chaffing discomfort with the mainstream (yeah, you MTV.) with aggressive and dangerous RAP! Never a slouch on the mic, since 808s release ‘Ye has made a pointed effort to blaze all of his cameo verses, so we’re expecting some very forcused, very articulate vitriole on a variety of topics, along with his usual memorable one-liners, etc… Recorded mostly in Hawaii (so far), it seems ‘Ye has surrounded himself and all of his key collaborators (Kid Cudi, Consequence, Common, Mr. Hudson, Drake, No I.D., and Tony Williams) in seclusion. There haven’t been indicators of where ‘Ye’s taking the beats these days, but each of his albums has been one-half departure, one-half evolution, so we’re imagining tracks in the vein of 808s with a decidedly more aggressive, hip hop edge.

#1: Drake Thank Me Later RELEASE DATE? March 2010 PRODUCERS/COLLABORATORS: Boi-1da, 40, The-Dream, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Sade WHAT WE KNOW: He absolutely owned 2009 with a classic mixtape and a slew of guest appearances, so expectations could not be higher for Drizzy’s long-awaited debut. By sticking with his trusty in-house producers and sprinkling in a few superstars, he should be able to match the perfect balance of punchlines and R&B that made So Far Gone such a hit. At this point, 2010 is his to lose. Complex Follow Me @Twitter.com/ChasinMoPaper

New Generation Of Rappers Following 50 Cent's Blueprint By Securing Major Label Record Deals From Hot Mixtapes

Posted by ChasinDatPaper on January 30, 2010 at 7:30am

NEW YORK (Billboard) – Detroit rapper Hayes takes inspiration for his mixtapes from -- of all things -- magazines. "I want to give people a little taste of what a Hayes album would be like," he says. "It's like getting a trial subscription to your favorite magazine -- you get my music for free, you get to know me, and then hopefully you'll appreciate me enough to come back and support me." Tellingly, neither of Hayes' two mixtapes -- 2006's "24 Songs of Power" and 2010's "The First 48" -- traffic in two staples of the form: beats lifted from other official songs ("jacked beats," in mixtape parlance) and DJ scratches. "I have my own format," Hayes says. "I like to use original beats. I call my mixtapes 'street albums' -- I don't like to rap over other people's beats." Hayes' self-reliance is about to pay dividends: Two months ago he signed to Interscope through a joint deal with producers Timbaland's Mosley Music Group and Dr. Dre's Aftermath Records. "For Tim, it wasn't just Hayes' lyrical prowess but his craftsmanship that really caught his ear," says Rick Frazier, Hayes' manager and vice president of Mosley Music Group. It was the entire package, Frazier says -- from lyrics to the original production by his in-house team, the Breakfast Club -- that got Hayes noticed. Following the mixtape-to-major-label success in 2009 of Toronto rookie Drake and Atlanta's Gucci Mane, labels are taking a new look at artists who make professional-caliber mixtapes -- a highly personalized form of unauthorized music compilation -- their calling card. In addition to Hayes -- who's touring with Timbaland and has started recording his debut album -- up-and-coming Houston rapper Chalie Boy and Atlanta-born Pill recently signed to labels on the strength of their mixtapes. GETTING NOTICED Nicole George, vice president of the rhythm and soul membership department at performance rights organization ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers), says that her team listens to mixtapes and follows the industry talk, which leads them to artists and writers whom ASCAP could sign. Chalie Boy put out mixtapes for a decade before recently signing to Dirty3rd/Jive/Battery Records. "As I was shopping around for deals, mixtapes kept my name afloat in the music industry," he says. "Eventually, the buzz off my mixtapes not only got me signed, but it got me paid work through features on others' albums and mixtapes as well as show performances." Now, Chalie Boy is prepping the release of his major-label self-titled debut album; the lead single, "I Look Good," peaked at No. 20 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in December.

Chalie Boy Another rapper, Pill, had the Internet buzzing the last few months with his own "4075: The Refill" -- hosted by DJ Skee and Empire and released in November -- as well as his February 2009 mixtape, "The Prescription." Both releases largely featured original production. "Anyone can jack a beat, put hot metaphors together and sound convincing," Pill says of his decision to use new beats from the likes of Illfonics and Drum Majors. "I wanted people to hear me over original tracks. You can tell the difference between a mixtape artist and an actual artist who can make a real track." Eskay, founder/owner of Nahright.com, a Web site focused on posting music by new hip-hop artists, notes that after Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson's underground tapes triggered a massive bidding war in 2002, "everyone jumped on the bandwagon and tried to release mixtapes at a rapid pace." But quickness can be the death of quality -- and the industry is looking for polish, not just potential. Pill signed to Asylum at the end of last year following his own bidding war. "If you're putting out a mixtape that is on a level of most other artists' studio albums, then people will support your music," says Hof, of New Music Cartel's mixtape specialist OnSmash.com. ROUTE TO THE CHARTS Aubrey "Drake" Graham, a graduate of TV's "Degrassi High," stunned the hip-hop world in 2009. In February, he released "So Far Gone" for free on his own blog. In May, the song "Best I Ever Had" entered Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs at No. 78; by the end of June it topped the chart. Soon, the majors came in hot pursuit, and in midsummer Drake signed to Universal Motown. He has since collaborated with hip-hop's elite, including Jay-Z, Kanye West, Eminem and mentor Lil Wayne. Drake's early mixtape songs were released on an official EP, "So Far Gone," which has sold 344,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Gucci Mane's route to hip-hop stardom was far less direct. After leaving prison in March 2009 (on charges stemming from a 2005 conviction for aggravated assault), the prolific Atlanta rapper released a torrent of mixtapes -- "Writing on the Wall," "The Movie 3-D: The Burrprint!" and the three-part Cold War series ("Guccimerica," "Brrrussia" and "Great Brrritain"), among others -- all filled with original material. During the summer he signed to Asylum, which released his second official studio album, "The State Vs. Radric Davis"; by then he'd already been featured on 12 charting songs, and his mixtape profile brought a string of klieg-light guest appearances, including spots on the remix of the Black Eyed Peas' "Boom Boom Pow" and Mariah Carey's "Obsessed." "Pow" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, while "Obsessed" peaked at No. 7. "The State Vs. Radric Davis" has sold 215,000, according to Nielsen SoundScan. (Mane is back in prison for violating probation.) Beyond generating sales and superstar hookups, mixtapes have garnered underground radio airplay and helped to nurture relationships with fans. After 50 Cent was shot nine times in 2001, his recording contract was terminated by Columbia Records. In turn, 50 Cent started to flood the streets with mixtapes that were built to dazzle. "He revolutionized the art of stealing songs and changing hooks and getting more airplay for his version than even the original song," says Whoo Kid, a pioneering mix master known for releasing unauthorized music from the likes of the Notorious B.I.G. and 2Pac -- as well as for being 50's official DJ.

Whoo Kid In 2006, industry vet Lil Wayne famously reinvented his career by releasing mixtapes featuring his hallucinogenic rapping over beats from recent hits. "Dedication 2," hosted by DJ Drama, came first, trailed a year later by "Da Drought 3." Although Drama was arrested in 2007, after a police raid of his Atlanta office over alleged bootlegging, Wayne, for one, wouldn't be slowed, releasing "Dedication 3" in 2008 and "No Ceilings" in '09. "What happened to me hit the mixtapes circuit hard," DJ Drama says. "It's still in the rebuilding process, but 2009 proved that mixtapes are just as important to hip-hop music as they ever were. They're just changing with the times, much like the record industry." For Hayes, Chalie Boy and Pill, the make-it-sleek lessons of Drake and Gucci Mane might have led them to record deals, but it's the entrepreneurial spirit of 50 Cent and Lil Wayne that's keeping them in business. "Mixtapes will always be a viable marketing tool to help promote artists, whether there's money involved or not," Whoo Kid says. "I don't make most of my money selling mixtapes anymore, but I constantly give away tapes for free on the Internet, and I'm booked now through 2011 for paying gigs all around the world. Without that exposure, I won't be able to connect the dots in other ways." Yahoo Follow Me @Twitter.com/ChasinMoPaper

Cool Fan Or Obsessed Geek? Dude Gets Nicki Minaj's Name Tattooed On His Hands

Posted by ChasinDatPaper on February 4, 2010 at 2:06pm

Nicki Minaj is no doubt the hottest female rapper on the planet right now. You can try to knock her rapping style or the way she looks but you can't knock her hustle game. She's inspired female fans to want to look like her and male fans to want to get her name tattooed on their bodies. Wait a minute let me back up, Nicki has inspired ONE guy to get that name tat. At what point do you go from being a regular fan to a Stan or just plain obsessed? What do you guys think, Is this cool? What does this guy tell his job or God forbid his girlfriend?

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Full Grammy Awards Recap. Including Winner's List And Performance Videos

Posted by ChasinDatPaper on February 1, 2010 at 7:42am

Videos After The Jump The 52 Annual Grammy Awards were held at L.A.'s Staples Center last night (Sunday January 31). It was a night dominated by two beautiful women. Beyonce and Taylor Swift barely had time to sit down between performances and having to get up to accept awards. Beyonce made history by winning six Grammys, making her the most decorated woman in one night in the 52-year history of the awards show. Taylor Swift took home four trophies including the biggest one, Record Of The Year for 'Fearless' Check out the entire winner's list and performances below. Album of the Year - Taylor Swift, Fearless Record of the Year – Use Somebody, Kings of Leon New Artist – Zac Brown Band Song of the Year – Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It), written by Thaddis Harrell, Beyonce Knowles, Terius Nash and Christopher Stewart Female Pop Vocal Performance – Halo, Beyonce Male Pop Vocal Performance - Make it Mine, Jason Mraz Pop Performance, Duo Or Group – I Gotta Feeling, The Black Eyed Peas Pop Collaboration – Lucky, Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat Pop Instrumental Performance – Throw Down Your Heart, Bela Fleck Pop Instrumental Album – Potato Hole, Booker T. Jones Pop Vocal Album – The E.N.D., The Black Eyed Peas Dance Recording - Poker Face, Lady Gaga Electronic/Dance Album – The Fame, Lady Gaga Traditional Pop Vocal Album – Michael Bublé Meets Madison Square Garden, Michael Bublé Solo Rock Vocal Performance – Working on a Dream, Bruce Springsteen Rock Performance, Duo or Group With Vocals – Use Somebody, Kings of Leon Hard Rock Performance - War Machine, AC/DC Metal Performance – Dissident Aggressor, Judas Priest Rock Instrumental Performance – A Day in the Life, Jeff Beck Rock Song – Use Somebody, written by Caleb Followill, Jared Followill, Matthew Followill and Nathan Followill Rock Album – 21st Century Breakdown, Green Day Alternative Music Album - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, Phoenix Female R&B Vocal Performance – Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It), Beyoncé Male R&B Vocal Performance - Pretty Wings, Maxwell R&B Performance, Duo Or Group With Vocals - Blame It, Jamie Foxx and T-Pain Traditional R&B Vocal Performance - At Last, Beyonce Urban/Alternative Performance - Pearls, India.Arie and Dobet Gnahore R&B Song – Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It), written by Thaddis Harrell, Beyonce Knowles, Terius Nash and Christopher Stewart R&B Album – BLACKsummers’ Night, Maxwell Contemporary R&B Album – I Am … Sasha Fierce, Beyonce Rap Solo Performance -D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune), Jay-Z Rap Song – Run This Town, written by Jeff Bhasker, Shawn Carter, Robyn Fenty, Kanye West, Ernest Wilson and Athanasios Alatas Rap Album – Relapse, Eminem Female Country Vocal Performance - White Horse, Taylor Swift Male Country Vocal Performance - Sweet Thing, Keith Urban Country Performance, Duo Or Group With Vocals - I Run to You, Lady Antebellum Country Song - White Horse, Liz Rose and Taylor Swift Score Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media – Up Song Written for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media -Jai Ho, written by Gulzar, A. R. Rahman and Tanvi Shah, from “Slumdog Millionaire” Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package Neil Young Archives Vol. I (1963-1972), Gary Burden, Jenice Heo and Neil Young Short-Form Music Video - Boom Boom Pow, the Black Eyed Peas Long-Form Music Video - The Beatles Love — All Together Now

Grammy Awards Red Carpet Recap

Lil' Wayne, Eminem & Drake - Drop The World/Forever

Michael Jackson Tribute

Jamie Foxx - Blame It (feat. T-Pain)

Beyonce - If I Were A Boy

Maxwell - Pretty Wings

Lady Gaga & Elton John - Poker Face/Speechless

Black Eyed Peas - Imma Be/I Got A Feeling

Mary J. Blige & Andrea Bocelli – Bridge Over Troubled Water

Pink - Glitter In The Air

Green Day - 21 Guns

Lady Antebellum - Need You Now

Zac Brown Band

Taylor Swift ft Stevie Nicks - Medley

Bon Jovi - Medley Follow Me @Twitter.com/ChasinMoPaper

Coast 2 Coast Mixtape Vol. 110 - Hosted by Roccett

Posted by Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes on January 25, 2010 at 2:42pm

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OR STREAM THIS MIXTAPE FOR FREE!Coast 2 Coast Mixtape Vol. 110 - Hosted by RoccettTRACK LIST:01 Roccett Intro02 Roccett - I Do That03 Juelz Santana & Lil Wayne - Home Run04 Tone Trump - Live It Up05 Roccett ft Dae One - How We Roll06 Coop - Swagga Jacka07 G.R.E - Ima Smoke08 T Pain & Lil Wayne - Beehive Waist09 Roccett ft Primo - I Don't Think So10 K.O. Konfusion G.B.A - Code Red11 Roccett - Yea You Like That12 Livin Proof ft Unique Beats and JG - Aint No Stoppin Me Now13 Nipsey Hussle ft Iyaz - Return Of The Mack14 Roccett ft Primo - City I Know15 Mizz - They Say16 Nick Nemesis ft Freck Billionaire - We Right Here17 Dj Kay Slay ft Tony Yayo, Papoose, Lloyd Banks, Jim Jones and Rell - Men of Respect18 Roccett - Bang That 119 Pop Dollarz - its Goin Down (Best Teenage Rapper Alive)20 Scholar ft Young Ika Turna - Future Me21 Roccett - You Aint HeardARTISTS: SUBMIT SONGS TO COAST 2 COAST AT WWW.C2CSUBMISSIONS.COMNEED SINGLE OR MIXTAPE PROMOTION? VISIT WWW.COAST2COASTPROMO.COM

New Dirty Presents: Bedo Turkoglu - Awake of Da Sleepin Giant - Hosted By DJ Drama

Posted by Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes on January 25, 2010 at 2:05pm

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OR STREAM THIS MIXTAPE FOR FREE!TRACK LIST:01 Roccett Intro02 Roccett - I Do That03 Juelz Santana & Lil Wayne - Home Run04 Tone Trump - Live It Up05 Roccett ft Dae One - How We Roll06 Coop - Swagga Jacka07 G.R.E - Ima Smoke08 T Pain & Lil Wayne - Beehive Waist09 Roccett ft Primo - I Don't Think So10 K.O. Konfusion G.B.A - Code Red11 Roccett - Yea You Like That12 Livin Proof ft Unique Beats and JG - Aint No Stoppin Me Now13 Nipsey Hussle ft Iyaz - Return Of The Mack14 Roccett ft Primo - City I Know15 Mizz - They Say16 Nick Nemesis ft Freck Billionaire - We Right Here17 Dj Kay Slay ft Tony Yayo, Papoose, Lloyd Banks, Jim Jones and Rell - Men of Respect18 Roccett - Bang That 119 Pop Dollarz - its Goin Down (Best Teenage Rapper Alive)20 Scholar ft Young Ika Turna - Future Me21 Roccett - You Aint HeardARTISTS: SUBMIT SONGS TO COAST 2 COAST AT WWW.C2CSUBMISSIONS.COMNEED SINGLE OR MIXTAPE PROMOTION? VISIT WWW.COAST2COASTPROMO.COM

Coast 2 Coast Mixtape Vol. 111 - Hosted by Trae Tha Truth

Posted by Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes on January 31, 2010 at 9:29pm

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OR STREAM THIS MIXTAPE FOR FREE!Coast 2 Coast Mixtape Vol. 111 - Hosted by Trae Tha TruthTRACK LIST:1. TRAE - INTRO2. TRAE, LIL WAYNE, RICK ROSS, WAKA FLOCKA - O LETS DO IT RMX3. WILL VILL - COP SHIT4. BUN B - BEST IN THE WORLD5. REDMAN - OH MY6. GUCCI MANE FT TRAE - 2 SEATER7. CHEVY P - BACK SEAT8. DAMIAN MARLEY FT NAS - AS WE ENTER9. CHARLIE B - DO IT FOR THE HOOD10. TRAE FT LIL WAYNE - INKREDIABLE11. REESY WRIGHT - ALL THESE HOES12. SUPPLYA FT GUCCI MANE, NICKI MINAJ - DIAMONDS ON MY NECK13. TRAE - WHITNEY & BOBBY14. iLLAJ - CALL ME15. JOE BUDDEN FT ROYCE DA 59 - 40 4016. AZ, RAEKWON, GHOSTFACE KILLAH - SEE THE LIGHT17. KAPABAL - VIOLENT THOUGHTS18. BXCLUsIVE FT YUNG CHEVY AND QUANTE - BALLAS19. BLAZZE - PRETTY GIRL BULLSHIT20. SOULJA BOY FT TRAE - 1 FOR DA MONEY21. FLYBOY - DEY KNOW22. TRAE FT SLIM THUG, PLIES, BRIAN ,ANGEL , JODECI, - SOMETHING REAL23. SEAN GARRET FT NICKI MINAJ - GET IT ALL24. TRAE OUTROWWW.MYSPACE.COM/TRAETHATRUTHARTISTS: SUBMIT SONGS TO COAST 2 COAST AT WWW.C2CSUBMISSIONS.COMNEED SINGLE, ALBUM OR MIXTAPE PROMOTION? VISIT WWW.COAST2COASTPROMO.COM

Jimmy Amokk Presents: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony - European Thugs

Posted by Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes on January 22, 2010 at 5:07pm

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OR STREAM THIS MIXTAPE FOR FREE!TRACK LIST:01. Intro02. Thuggish Ruggish Bone03. Young Thugs (ft. Aftermath + 2Pac)04. Extasy (ft. Eminem)05. Windblow (ft. Drake + Lil Wayne)06. I Tried (ft. Akon)07. Wildin (ft. Kevin Little)08. Bump In The Trunk (ft. Notorious B.I.G.)09. Thug Luv (ft. 2Pac + 50 Cent)10. First Of The Month11. Lil Love (ft. Mariah Carey + Bow Wow)12. CrossroadsTO DISTRIBUTE YOUR MIXTAPE THROUGH THE COAST 2 COAST NETWORK VISIT WWW.COAST2COASTPROMO.COM

Drake Focused On Making Album Full Of "Emotion". Hopes Fans Are Able To "Get Lost" In His Music

Posted by ChasinDatPaper on January 8, 2010 at 1:30pm

Drake isn't a singer-and he's the first to admit it. When he released his highly touted 2009 mixtape "So Far Gone," which finds the Toronto-raised artist singing and rapping, he thought he made a huge mistake. "People were like, 'What is this? There's way too much singing on here,' " he says. "We were really nervous about it and for like a week I was having a serious breakdown." But a month later, Drake, born Aubrey Graham, realized there was a method to the madness. "Within like four weeks I noticed I had a brand-new sound that takes a while to digest and understand. Things started to pick up and I started to learn the value of taking risks," he says. Now, the venture is paying off. Last month when the Grammy nominations were announced, Drake learned he was up for best rap solo performance and best rap song for "Best I Ever Had" off "So Far Gone." "I can't say this is unexpected, because, I mean, it's something that's kept me up many nights," the 23-year-old says. "I dreamed about this for a lot of years and have lost lots of sleep over it. This is like the highest honor and I am humbled by this. It's one of the few awards that isn't a popularity contest; you have to make great music to be honored, and this is completely surreal to me." It's an honor, however, that has an unintended side effect. With the two nominations that stemmed from his mixtape, that puts Drake out of the running for best new artist in 2010, when his debut album is released. Lady Gaga experienced a similar technicality in 2009, as she was ineligible for best new artist since her track "Just Dance" was nominated for best dance recording the previous year. The best new artist rules say the nominated performer is eligible for "the first recording which establishes public identity," and a prior nomination indicates that this threshold has already been reached. But that may be just a tiny regret for Drake, who is set up to receive tremendous exposure for his forthcoming set. Drake, who got signed to Universal Motown through mentor Lil Wayne's Young Money label shortly after the release of "So Far Gone," is prepping "Thank Me Later," slated for a February release. "The best part about 'So Far Gone' was that I didn't focus on structure. The only thing that was consistent was the story and the emotion. That's what I want to do with this album," Drake says. "I make music for people to get lost in it, so, as long as it takes you somewhere, then I've succeeded." So far, the album features Kanye West, Wayne, Young Jeezy and Jay-Z, and a collaboration with Sade is on Drake's wish list. "Something happened last night too that might be great-it might serve as the legendary sprinkle for the album," Drake says about another potential partnership on the set. "Shut It Down" and "Fireworks" are two tracks slated to make the album's final cut. "In 2010 I'm really hoping I can stay true to this new way of life I've committed myself to," he says. "I have a special plan to keep the free flow of music going after the album is released. This is definitely a unique path I'm setting out on, and honestly, it's great. I'm honored to be in this position." Source: Billboard Follow Me @Twitter.com/ChasinMoPaper

Lil Wayne "On Fire" (Official Music Video)

Posted by ChasinDatPaper on January 6, 2010 at 5:23pm

Bow Wow "G2" Mixtape [Hosted By DJ Ill Will & DJ Rockstar][Download Link Inside]

Posted by ChasinDatPaper on January 4, 2010 at 11:35am

1. Bow Wow - G2 Intro (0:48) 2. Bow Wow - I Do Dis (3:06) 3. Bow Wow - All Talk (3:33) 4. Bow Wow - I Wanna Rock feat Short Dawg (2:23) 5. Bow Wow - Boyfriend for the Night (2:37) 6. Bow Wow - I'm Gon' Make It feat Pleasure P (2:34) 7. Bow Wow - December 4th Freestyle (2:09) 8. Bow Wow - Every Other Prod by Cool N Dre (3:33) 9. Bow Wow - Say Something (YOUSO Remix) feat Lupe Fiasco & Drake (5:13) 10. Bow Wow - The Game Speaks (Kobe LeBron) (0:34) 11. Bow Wow - Mo Milly Freestyle (2:16) 12. Bow Wow - Dangerous (3:53) 13. Bow Wow - Come Smoke With Me Part 2 (3:11) 14. Bow Wow - Patna Dem Freestyle (2:56) 15. Bow Wow - Put In Work (Bow Speaks) (0:11) 16. Bow Wow - Shine (2:52) 17. Bow Wow - Big Everything (2:08) 18. Bow Wow - Slow It Down (Interlude) (0:17) 19. Bow Wow - Addicted to Women (1:58) 20. Bow Wow - Come Over feat Pleasure P (3:11) 21. Bow Wow - Blonde Or Brunette (2:56) Download Here Follow Me @Twitter.com/ChasinMoPaper

A Day In The Life In Birdman Part One. Follows Baby In New York, New Orleans For Thanksgiving & Album Release Party

Posted by ChasinDatPaper on December 26, 2009 at 7:30am

Video After The Jump Follow Birdman along with Jay Sean & Mack Maine on the album release week of "Priceless" & "All or Nothing" This video includes:: Day 1: in New York goin dif radio station and doin live tv also goin to pace university to talk to students Day 2: goin to New Orleans for his 15th annual Thanksgiving day turkey give away Day 3: cameo album release party featuring Lil Wayne

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Lil Wayne "On Fire" Music Video (Behind The Scenes)

Posted by ChasinDatPaper on December 26, 2009 at 2:00am

Video After The Jump Director Derrick G takes us behind the scenes on the video shoot of "On Fire" with Lil Wayne with his new band Mayday. This is either the first or second single off of "Rebirth" depending on whether or not you count "Prom Queen". The album is full on rock and roll which could be considered risky for Weezy F. Baby since his core audience is Hip Hop. I guess we will find out when the cd drops. The album has been leaked heavily due to a shipping mistake by Amazon. So the release date is up in the air as the project gets reworked.

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We Are Young Money: The Cartoon Hilarious

Posted by ChasinDatPaper on December 29, 2009 at 9:30pm

Video After The Jump There's no question Lil Wayne's Young Money crew has some colorful characters. They've become one of the favorite targets of the Broken Equipment crew. This has to be one of BE's funniest clips yet. Whoever voices Lil Wayne is spot on and even Gudda Gudda will have to laugh at their impersonation of him.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.