The choice to have Kanye West close the three day Coachella Festival was not a popular one among the festivals' traditional audience. But Kanye proved any naysayers wrong by closing things out in style.
Having gone through a really rough patch both on and off the field recently for dog fighting, Michael Vick has climbed back into many fans good graces.
The Philadelphia Eagles QB talked with the Wall Street Journal about coming out of prison a better man, what choices he would change in his life, mentoring younger players and advice for Chris Brown and Charlie Sheen.
On Chris Brown : “Just put your faith in God. Don’t worry about what people say about you. Words will never hurt you. The things that people can say out of their mouth can cut you deep. And sometimes a tongue can be sharper than a knife. But at the same time, you should never allow that to push you over the edge. You should have more self-control. You control your own destiny. You’re still admired by so many people.”
On Charlie Sheen: "Charlie Sheen's going to be Charlie Sheen. He's gonna be successful whatever he do, and Chris Brown too."
In anticipation of his first project since returning to the world, The Ellsworth Bumpy Johnson EP, Complex caught up with P to discuss his autobiography and all of the Mobb Deep history contained in it’s pages. Topics include: him and Hav being free agents, their next album and deal, the 70 songs they’ve layed down since he came home, his history and recent reconciliation with Nas, putting Cam’ron onto pink (how dare you question his trendsetting?!), Capone of CNN supposedly testifying against Hav’s brother Killer Black, throwing N.O.R.E. a beatdown (seriously, I gotta read this book), bumping into Jay-Z at Justin’s and later agreeing that the beef was just about the music, his run-in with Saigon, how he thought Biggie and Wu-Tang were type corny when he first heard them, Hav not visting him until a year and a half into his bid, the Mr. Cee incident, how he feels about the new class of MCs in the game and his thoughts on Rick Ross and the comparisons to Big.
On Big:
When Havoc was talking about producing “Last Dayz” in the book and he was telling you to get on it, I was surprised that your reaction was that Biggie was corny. A lot of people was feeling him, I just wasn’t feeling him. Another thing is that, I used to take things real personal. I was real serious when it came to rapping. I still do, but even more so when I was real young. I was on some other shit dun.
I wasn’t fucking with nobody else but Mobb Deep. I had tunnel-vision, straight up. I ain’t see nothing but Mobb Deep. I ain’t hear nothing but Mobb Deep. And niggas can’t fuck with Mobb Deep. That was my opinion, how I was thinking, and my life. Mobb Deep, fuck everybody else. So when I used to hear certain shit that Biggie used to say, he used to take some of my lines from my lyrics, and use them. That used to piss me off, because I was like, “Damn, this nigga just bit my shit.”
Like what lines? Like “Niggas bleed just like us,” that’s my shit, and certain other things. But at that time it would piss me off, but now when I look back at it, it’s a compliment. He wasn’t trying to steal. He was basically kind of like a fan. And now I realize because I feel the same way about him. And I feel the same way about certain other rappers too. Just had a different mentality back then. It was little things like that.
Read the full interview here. The Ellsworth Bumpy Johnson EP drops tomorrow (via Complex) as does P’s autobiography, My Infamous Life.
Queens legend, Cormega visited earthquake ravaged Haiti recently, and what he saw was a lot of people still in need of help. With all of the millions that have been generated through donations, Mega said the country looks as if it hasn't received a dime.
"They deserve honorable people helping them, instead of all this f*ckery that's going on." Cormega says in an interview with Mikey T The Movie Star.
Mega said that some people will be surprised at the work actor Sean Penn is putting in behind the scenes.
"I gained a lot of respect for certain people while I was out there, and I lost a lot of respect for some," Mega said. "The person that surprised me the most is Sean Penn. "Here you have an "A" list actor, he was out there while I was and he was in those tents helping those people."
Entertainers like Shakira, Wyclef Jean and George Clooney have also been huge contributors in helping Haiti get back on it's feet. While some in he media accuse certain celebrities of capitalizing on tragedies like the one in Haiti for personal gain, Cormega said Penn was he real deal.
"I've seen a story in the media where they said he was trying to do it for attention - that's a lie, he was out there when there was no media attention," Mega insists.
The biggest shock for Cormega and those who have visited the country recently is the lack of progress being made in rebuilding the country.
"I thought, and a lot of people in America thought Haiti was straight. Like all of the money that was generated. We thought 'oh they made such and such millions they're straight.' Bet when I went out there a lot of people were saying it's like the money never came ... and it shows."
(AllHipHop News) Representatives for Eminem and a variety of rappers and R&B acts have denied reports that they will participate in a show that was billed as supporting Haiti.
Reps for Eminem, Fabolous and Justin Timberlake claim the "Celebrities for Haiti Legends Weekend" was supposed to take place at the Punta Cana Hard Rock Hotel in the Dominican Republic.
The only issue is, none of the acts on the bill have been booked to perform during the show, which has infuriated the artists' managers and booking agents.
According to the New York Post, in addition to the aforementioned artists, reps for acts such as Jon Bon Jovi and Marc Anthony are considering legal action agains the promoters of the event, which was supposed to take place April 29th.
Reps for the artists fear that the organizers of the charity event are using the stars' names to pocket donations.
Nothing like a little time on the beach to brighten your day.
Serena Williams, who recently recovered from surgery to have a blood clot "the size of a grapefruit" removed from her lungs two months ago, was spotted on the beach in Miami with friends recently.
The 29-year old 13-time Grand Slam tennis singles champion just returned to training last week, but looks good after having so much time off.
Lil B has shown in the past his bizarre sense of humor when it comes to his sexuality.
Last year he made the controversial tweet that if Kanye West didn't respond to him on twitter he was going to "f*ck him in the ass." Now he's announced he will be naming his new album 'I'm Gay.'
"I'm gonna do the most controversial thing in hip-hop," Lil B told the Coachella crowd in Indio, California this weekend. "Ya'll heard it first. And I'mma just show you that words don't mean sh*t. I'mma make an album called 'I'm Gay,' right?" he continued. "Now I'mma tell you why I'm the first person to do it in hip-hop and why you're the first people to know my reasons," the rapper explained. "I'm just gonna tell you. So many people be worried about what people mean and definitions of words and sh*t... Now I like women, I love women, you feel me. But within yourselves, no matter what you do, it doesn't matter, it's like live life. You've only got one life to live. Be happy."
What do yall think of 'I'm Gay' as the title of an album? Is Lil B going overboard or just being a comedian?
Day two of the Coachella Music Festival saw Raphael Saadiq and Erykah Badu grace the stage.
Badu performed a bit of everything during her 36 minute set. She had to wake the lazy crowd up during "On & On" asking them "damn yall don't feel that?"
Saadiq would take the stage later in the evening. with a damn good band in tow. Raphael's set was a lengthy 45 minutes, but seemed to fly by as he jammed out to hits like "Be Here" and "Staying in Love."
Solange Knowles put down the mic for a night and picked up a pair of headphones.
Beyonce's little sister hopped in the dj booth Friday (April 15) to provide the grooves at Roberto Cavalli Trunk Show in Las Vegas.
The singer seemed to have a good time, reportedly spinning Motown oldies for those in attendance. After the show she tweeted her nearly 600,000 followers about the experience.
Check out pics of Solange styling in that dress below.
Helping to kick off the first day of the Coachella Festival, Lauryn Hill and Cee Lo both performed, but only one of them left happy Saturday (April 15) in Indio, California.
Hill's nearly 40 minute set included everything from "Lost Ones" to "Ex Factor." Hill then asked the crowd "how many Fugee fans do we have in the house tonight?" before tearing into "Fu Gee La" and "Ready Or Not."
The crowd of mostly teen kids didn't seem to recognize a lot of her songs and Hill was raspy voiced throughout, but she made up for that with enthusiasm and a solid band.
Meanwhile, Cee Lo got a raw deal as his set for cut short after only 3 songs.
After apparently starting his set late, the festival's organizer's pulled the plug on the Goodie Mob member as he sang Journey's"Don't Stop Believing."
Earlier this year Birdman was named one of the top 5 wealthiest artists. It's Stunnas first time on the list. He was joined by 50 Cent, Dr Dre, Diddy, Jay-Z, all estimated to be worth $100 Million or more.
During a recent interview with Uptown Angela, Birdman said his numbers weren't calculated correctly.
"I don't know where they get that sh*t from. I'm valued at more than $100 million," Birdman said. "That's a low number for a n*gga like me, but it's cool though."
Known for stunting every chance he can get, Birdman talked about his desire to buy a one-of-a-kind $8 million dollar Maybach.
"I offered them $10 mil for it, but they won't sell it." Birdman says.
Looks like there are still a few things money can't buy.
Swizz Beatz had Webster Hall going wild earlier this week during his appearance at Girls Night Out. Professor Beatz performed his Haute Living single “Everyday (Coolin’),” bringing special guest Eve to the stage. “You know that’s my motherfu**in’ sister, right?” Swizz told the crowd, adding, “How many people wanna see Eve back?”
He also debuted his party starter “Dance Like a White Girl” for the ladies. “Everyday is your birthday so hit the floor,” commanded Swizzy. “When this shit come on, this is the excuse for you to go as fu**ing crazy as you want to go.” Watch him kick off his shoes and cut a rug to the bouncy anthem.
There have been quite a few rumors surrounding who might be next to sign to G-Unit. A couple of weeks ago Shawty Lo said he was on deck with the house that 50 built. Now comes news that DJ Pauly D of New Jersey Shore would be signing on the dotted line.
According to TMZ the twp parties are discussing a 3-album deal that could include a line of headphones for Pauly.
Reportedly 50 wants to get the deal done before Pauly leaves for Italy soon to film to next season of New Jersey Shore.
This is called feeding the streets. Prodigy has announced the release of a new EP named after Harlem gangster Ellsworth Raymond “Bumpy” Johnson which is supposedly dropping April 19th. The Mobb is coming, watch out.
DJ Pauly D signing to G-Unit Records might be a Shore Thing. The “Jersey Shore” star is reportedly in serious discussions to ink a deal with the house that 50 Cent built.
TMZ reports that Pauly is “dangerously” close to signing a three-album deal with G-Unit, with the music mogul pushing to wrap negotiations ASAP.
The reality star, who appeared at a screening of 50’s film Things Fall Apart last week, met with the Queens rapper while in New York to discuss the potential partnership. In addition to music, Fif is interested in launching a merchandise line with Pauly including headphones.
While a deal has yet to be finalized, 50 wants things to close before Pauly ships off to Italy to film the fourth season of MTV’s hit show.