Roc Nation says Jay-Z has big news to share Monday morning.

When Jay-Z has planned announcements in the past, momentous occasions such as squashing his beef with Nas have occurred.

So it is with baited breath that Hip Hop await his next one, scheduled to take place at 10:30 AM on Monday (May 14).

According to Roc Nation, Hov will join Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter atop Philadelphia's Art Museum steps to make a "Major Announcement."

No further details have been released, though the Philadelphia Daily News' speculation that Jay would reveal that he was performing with The Roots during the July 4 Wawa Welcome America! Festival concert was apparently repudiated. The two acts collaborated on stage for Jay-Z's MTV Unplugged 2.0 performance in 2001.

Big K.R.I.T. enlists Devin The Dude, Anthony Hamilton, B.B. King and more for his Def Jam debut.

Big K.R.I.T. was originally set to release his debut Live from the Underground on September 27^th, but decided to push it back on his own terms. During an interview with WCGI’s DJ Moon Dawg (via FSD), the Def Jam signee revealed that the LP will arrive in January 2012 and that its delay was due to sample clearance issues.

“Live from the Underground will drop 2012, first quarter, next January. It originally was supposed to come out September 27^th. I pushed it back because of sample clearances. I realized I’ve given away a lot of free music. It’s cool to sample anything you want when it’s free. Retail? They’re not having that,” he said. “So reaching out to people as far as sample clearances. There’s one feature I had the opportunity to try to get on the album. It is going down and I will not say who it is. Nobody will figure this out anyways. It’s an amazing feature. It’s crazy. I produced a lot of the stuff.”

He also explained how his recent feature and production on T.I.’s “I’m Flexin’” came to be, stating that Tip reached out to him two days after he got out of prison.

“He reached out to my folks Sha Money just on the producer, beats. I was like, yeah man, I got two records. At the time, I was getting ready to go on the road, I was still working on my album, I hadn’t been producing much for other artists. I sent him two tracks, he picked ‘I’m Flexin.’ It had a vintage vibe and I think when he heard it, he knew exactly where I was trying to go with it as well. It just worked out.”

Scarface reveals the contributing artists on his latest project.

In preparation for his next album Rooted, Scarface has gathered quite the collection of artists to feature and produce for the project.

In an interview with MTV's "RapFix Live", Face revealed that features on the project will include Akon, Cee Lo, John Legend, and Jadakiss.

The album will also feature production from Nottz, Jake One, and Kardiak, though most of the credit goes to Ervin "EP" Pope. "I got some good stuff. EP saved the project," said EP of the California native.

"I just sent him my whole album, that's how much I cared if he leaked it or not, but instead he finished the tracks, he put the hooks on, he put some instruments in and he made the album. I appreciate EP for what he did."

2win (@WhoElseBut2win)



Imagine






I was pondering who was deserving of asurprise review in this esteemed publication. I wanted to reviewsomeone with good buzz, but slightly off of the mainstream radar. Onenight while I was DJ-ing I played “Whole Thang” by 2win(pronounced Twin, in case you were wondering), which reminded me ofthe fact that he had a new mixtape. So without further ado, allow meto introduce you to 2win and his latest mixtape titled “Imagine”.






Since I had limited exposure to 2win'smusic, I didn't quite know what to expect. So I was interested to seeif he could carry a full-length release. Well I'm pleased to say thathe can carry it, bench press it and spin it on his finger like abasketball. Dude is an excellent example I've seen of a new genre ofmusic I'd like to call “Hood Hop” (trademark). Hood Hop artistcombine elements of drug, street and club life without over-emphasison either element. In other words...life that the average person inthe hood would experience on the day-to-day basis.







The project is solid from stem to stern(from beginning to end). “Streets Ain't For The Week” is a songthat both trappers and non-trappers can (and will) appreciate. Healso did a great job re-imagining (every pun intended) the TeddyPendergrass classic “My Place”.  His flow/delivery is eerilyreminiscent of West Coast veteran Domino; not that he's singing onvery song, only that he's very melodic.








2win's mixtape, “Imagine”, isdefinitely worth you all's support. I believe that in this crowdedmixtape  market, there is room for an artist that original, talentedand entertaining.  I expect many good things from him in both thenear and distant future. Imagine that!!! (okay that was one pun toomany)











Best Song On The CD: “Imagine”,“Streets Ain't For The Week”, “MLK”








Song I Enjoyed The Most: “RollModel”, “Shine”, “My Place”








Overall Rating: 4.0...excellent...wellworth looking up and listening to








Rating System:








1—Recycle Bin



2—Could've Been



3—Aight



4—Tiiiiiiiite



5—Ri-DAMN-diculous




Reviewed by DJ KontraDikshun (@KlubKD)

Baby Chronic (@BabyChronic)



TDM1.5 (Thugs, Drugs & Music Pt.1.5)








All my regular readers may rememberthat I recently reviewed an artist from Duval (Jacksonville) namedBaby Chronic.  I spoke highly of his mixtape TDM Pt. 1 (which I rated3.75).  Well heeeeee's baaaaaack; this time with a system upgradetitled TDM 1.5.








I'm pleased to say that he's picked upright where he left off...making hot trap/strip club music.  Dude hasactually enhanced his winning formula without sounding forced orcontrived.  As the title states, this cd is primarilyabout...well...thuggin' and clubbin'.  The mixtape starts off with aroar with the club banger “I'm Live”.  This song pretty much setsthe tone for the remainder of the cd.








As he did last time, Baby Chronicprovides the trappers with hood anthems: namely  “All I Need” and“Trap”.  The homie did his thing all the way thru this mixtape. Many fans of the Florida rap scene have been searching for the nextPlies (because for some reason they think he's fallen off).  I'mconvinced that Baby Chronic is that dude!!!  I've said it before andI'll say it again...y'all need to get to know this dude likeYESTERDAY!!!  I know there are some majors looking at him. With thatbeing the case I have one question:  What are you waiting for?!?










Best Song On The CD: “I'm Live”,“Put Em To Bed”








Song I Enjoyed The Most: “Fade Away”,“Stressin'”








Overall Rating: 4.25...an improvementon his previous effort...ready for prime time








Rating System:








1—Recycle Bin



2—Could've Been



3—Aight



4—Tiiiiiiiite



5—Ri-DAMN-diculous




Reviewed by DJ KontraDikshun (@KlubKD)

Miscellaneous (@MiscDaBoss)



Violentine's Day







A couple of months ago I review andartist out of Memphis named Miscellaneous, and his mixtape “The LilMike Project”.  I was mesmerized and overwhelmed by the superiorquality of the mixtape (I rated it 5.0).  Little did I know that,while I was reviewing his last mixtape, he was in the finishingstages of his latest mixtape titled “Violentine's Day”.








Now as I've stated before,Miscellaneous is one of the best lyricists out there. I was expectingmore verbal gymnastics similar to what he displayed on “The LilMike Project”. Well he did that, but he also added an unexpectedtwist.  Over 90% of the subject matter on this mixtape revolvedaround...around...well how can I clean this up...causing major (yetpleasurable) damage to a woman's vaginal walls during copulation(TRANSLATION: beating the nookie up).  This is a far cry from hisprevious effort.  Then I remember that this project was releasedaround February 14 (get it...Valentines, Violentines).








As far as the individual songs go, thequality speaks for itself. The tone for the mixtape is immeidatelyset by the first track, titled “I'm A Beast”. Any strip club DJ(or fans of strip club anthems) will find plenty of bangers on thisproject (“Take Control”, “Lil Mama Fiendin'” for example). Healso added a couple of hidden jewels too, namely “I Love You” and“Work”.








“Violentine's Day” isn't anexpansion upon “The Lil Mike Project”. I give Miscellaneous majorkudos; not only did he take a chance by tackling subject matteroutside of his perceived comfort zone (thereby potentially expandinghis fan base), he did so in exceptionally grand fashion. I'm reallydumfounded as to what more he has to do to get the deal he deserves.It's obvious to me that he's able to make quality music that wouldappeal to multiple markets.  Keep bangin' out hits homie...your daywill come.











Best Song On The CD: “I'm A Beast”,“I Love You”, “Swagga Sex”








Song I Enjoyed The Most: “Lil MamaFiendin'”, “15 Minutes of Fame”, “Work”








Overall Rating: 4.5...not his bestwork, but better than just about everyone elses's work though








Rating System:








1—Recycle Bin



2—Could've Been



3—Aight



4—Tiiiiiiiite



5—Ri-DAMN-diculous




Reviewed by DJ KontraDikshun (@KlubKD)

Rogue MC (@TheRogueMC)



The Black Baccara








As many of you know, the bosses at thisexcellent magazine are constantly looking for artists to review.  Theput out the call, I get the links...then the waiting game starts LOL. As a result, I get the pleasure of getting to know artists that Imay not have ordinarily heard of or had access to.  I was recentlyasked to review a female MC straight outta the ATL, named Rogue MC,and her mixtape titled “The Black Baccara” (the black rose).








First I gotta give credit where creditis due...she can hold her own lyrically.  Not only that (hold yourhats fellas), she can produce too. No she's not Kanye, but she damnsure isn't a hack either.  She produced two songs on the mixtape: “2People 2 Lives” and “The Pain”; the latter being one of themost open and honest songs you'll come across. She can also flow ontracks that she didn't produce as well.  She did an excellent job onsongs like “Bait”, “Stop Me” and “Get It In”.








With all the goodness that this mixtapehas (and there is plenty), there is one glaring deficiency: thehosting DJ.  Being that I'm a DJ (and a damn good one at that...justask my mom) I know what helps and what hinders an artists mixtape. For example, if a DJ is going to backspin a record it needs to startagain ON TIME!!! Also, if a DJ is going to restart a song, it has tobe restarted ON TIME!!!  There were too many instances (too many tooverlook) where the hosting DJ (I won't put dude on blast becausethis isn't a personal attack) totally ruined the flow of the mixtapeand let the artist down (this is the reason why I primarily listen tothe no DJ version of mixtapes).  Artists need to remember that theirproduct is competing with everyone else in the market.  If yourproduct isn't of professional quality, no one (important) is going totake your project seriously.








Having said all that, Rogue MC isdefinitely an up-and-comer worth keeping an eye one.  She knows howto write, produce and record quality material.  Now she (and herteam) needs to learn the overlooked (and underrated) task of projectmanagement.  I firmly believe that her next mixtape will havesignificant improvements.  We have our eyes on you Rogue...make usproud!








Best Song On The CD: “The Pain”,“Stop Me”, “Bait”








Song I Enjoyed The Most: “2 People, 2Lives”, “In My Dreams”








Overall Rating: 3.5...very solid asidefrom the host DJ








Rating System:








1—Recycle Bin



2—Could've Been



3—Aight



4—Tiiiiiiiite



5—Ri-DAMN-diculous



Reviewed by DJ KontraDikshun (@KlubKD)

Trouble (@TroubleDTE)



431 Days




This is one of my favorite types ofreviews to do: a purely unsolicited one.  If you're familiar with theATL rap scene, then you've definitely heard of Duct TapeEntertainment (DTE).  Many of you are familiar with their primaryartist: Alley Boy (see my previous review of his latest mixtape“Nigganati”). Another featured artist on DTE, the one that I'llbe reviewing today, is Trouble. His latest release is titled “431Days”.








Maaaaaannnnnn...this dude definitelydoesn't get enough credit. He is absolutely one of the purest streetlyricists you'll ever hear.  He has a effortless delivery that bringslife (or death, depending on the song's subject matter) to the wordshe speaks...straight laced, no chaser.








If you're not a fan of the trap musicgenre (which as you all know I'm not a big fan of), I wouldn't be soquick to dismiss this as stereotypical “trap rap crap” (that'swhat most critics of the genre call it). Yes there are your expectedtrap anthems (“Go”, for example), but this isn't an all trapmixtape. Trouble has always been one that criticizes the rampant“frontin'” that goes on among alleged trap rappers (“Let ThemTell It”).  He also has a dark sense of humor that'll have youshaking your head and laughing at the same time (as exhibited on “UDon't Deserve That”).








There are several featured artists onthis mixtape: the usual suspects (Alley Boy, Veli Sosa) and thepurely unexpected (Verse Simmonds!?!). This is an extremely well-donemixtape that actually expands upon the potential of “Trap Rap”(much like Alley Boy's “Nigganati”). Street life is gritty anddirty; music about life the the streets are going to be similar.  Butif you want to see the artistic potential of “Hood Hop”(trademark lol), then definitely check out Trouble's “431 Days”.













Best Song On The CD: “ATL”, “WouldYou”, “Let Them Tell It”








Song I Enjoyed The Most: “It's Time”,“U Don't Deserve That”, “Take”








Overall Rating: 4.25...superiorproject...deserving of more attention








Rating System:








1—Recycle Bin



2—Could've Been



3—Aight



4—Tiiiiiiiite



5—Ri-DAMN-diculous








Reviewed by DJ KontraDikshun (@KlubKD)

YC (@1YungChris)

Back From Vacation







Here is a fact that a lot of y'allwould like to act like it didn't happen: two years ago “Racks” byYC (featuring Future) was the hottest song in the clubs and the hood.The only song I can think of (as I type this) that had a similarimpact was Shop Boys “Party Like A Rock Star”. “Racks” was apivotal moment for both YC and Future, but for seemingly differentreasons.  Future took off and became the hottest name in the streets(I heard those snide remarks 2 Chainz fans), while YC appeared tofall off the map.  Well you'll be pleased (or displeased depending onyour point of view) to know that he hadn't fallen off the map, butwas on vacation.  So on that note, let's take a closer look at YC'slatest mixtape “Back From Vacation”.




Apparently, while on vacation, YC waswriting new material and new lingo for the streets. For example, fatbands in your pockets are now called “Saggers” and swag is nowcalled “Taste”. I'm sure all y'all lovers of drama would say thatYC's song, “Circles Around You Squares”, is a subtle dig at Rockoand Future (I'm not offering any opinions pro or con, just wantedy'all to know that I noticed). All puns and lingo aside, the mixtapeis actually pretty solid.




The only problem I had with the mixtapeis a problem that is becoming more pervasive on mixtapes lately: theoveruse of Auto-Tune. I really, really, really, really wish thatrappers wouldn't be sooooo dependent on that feature. There are songson this cd that would be infinitely better if YC hadn't employedAuto-Tune. Rappers, it is okay to use any vocal effect withmoderation; if you're not a somewhat decent singer (T-Pain forexample), I wouldn't recommend using Auto-Tone as heavily as you guysare doing right now. I'd like to be able to understand the words thatare coming out of your mouth (Chris Tucker voice).




Auto-Tune issues aside, “Back FromVacation” is an a pretty solid project. I'm not sure if he'll evermake it back to the heights he previously experienced; however, thatdoesn't mean that he's not still making good music. Check him out.




Best Song On The CD: “Taste”, “WhatIt Took”, “Saggers”




Song I Enjoyed The Most: “CirclesRound You Squares”, “Wonder Feelin'”




Overall Rating: 3.75...a little lessAuto-Tune next time sir. Time for the real YC to stand up.




Rating System:




1—Recycle Bin

2—Could've Been

3—Aight

4—Tiiiiiiiite

5—Ri-DAMN-diculous




Reviewed by DJ KontraDikshun (@KlubKD)

A writer named Phil Mushnick says that the Nets should call themselves the "New York N-----s" because of Hov's involvement.

After Jay-Z unveiled the new black-and-white logo for the Brooklyn Nets, NY Post writer Phil Mushnick has some sharp words to share about his ownership of the team.

In an article posted earlier today, Mushnick framed the ownership in a racist context, stating that “as long as the Nets are allowing Jay-Z to call the marketing shots, […] why not have him apply the full Jay-Z treatment?”

Mushnick then said that the Nets should rename themselves to reflect Hov’s lyrics. “Why the Brooklyn Nets when they can be the New York N------s? The cheerleaders could be the Brooklyn B----hes or Hoes. Team logo? A 9 mm with hollow-tip shell casings strewn beneath. Wanna be Jay-Z hip? Then go all the way!”

Mushnick issued a statement to Village Voice's James King about the article, offering a cursory explanation of his original article.

"James - did you actually read what I wrote and what I've been writing for 30 years? I don't call black men niggas; my kids never heard the word until folks such as Jay-Z came along. I'd suggest you talk to him about it. What I wrote today was on Jay Z's artistry, and only the wishful and foolish would so badly misinterpret and mischaracterize it as you plan to do. Thanks - mushnick."