Rap Radar

Talib and Blacksmith Music put together this mixtape featuring new tunes from Jean Grae, Wale, Asher Roth and others. Download it here. Titles down bottom.

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The L.A. Times reports that DJ AM’s cameo in Iron Man 2 will remain in the film. The DJ passed away last summer from an accidental drug overdose. According to director Jon Favreau:

“We tried to make it respectful, and for people who know him, they’ll get a kick out of it and for people who don’t, it will sort of slide by without much notice,” Favreau said.

In the scene, AM spins 2Pac’s “California Love” at the request of the film’s protagonist, Tony Stark. Iron Man comes to theaters May 7th.

My how the mighty have fallen. Kimberly becomes the latest to tack a verse onto Waka Flocka’s hit. Might be a good time to rethink strategy, Kimmy.

Producer Scott Storch’s mother Joyce recently spoke to The Miami Times and expressed her frustration on the lack of financial support she’s received from her son. Read the full article here.

“Scott always told me he had plans to do certain things for the family,” she says. “But then I guess things got bad before he got around to it. I read about all these other rappers’ mothers — P. Diddy’s mother, Kanye West’s mother, Jay-Z’s mother. Their sons all took care of them.”

Then Yolanda worries, “If he reads this, he would be very angry at me. He’s not going to ever give me anything.”

So, exactly what would she like to see in print? She thinks and begins again: “I think that maybe you should make sure your mother has her retirement taken care of before you buy another $2 million necklace for some hotel heiress. You don’t just have a miracle from God like that and then take all that money and throw it in the garbage pail.”

Luda and his Disturbing Tha Peace familia are set to cover the next issue of The Source. And two days ago, they took their photographs for the magazine. Above is a behind the scene look from the shoot.

HHNM

Yesterday on the Ricky Smiley Morning Show, Ross confirmed that Diddy was now indeed his manager. Last week, Billboard got the heads up that he and Nicki Minaj were entrusting Puff with their careers.

305

Last month, we broke the news that Jim Jones was set to teach a music course at a New York City public high school. Phoning into the Morning After With Angela Yee, Jimmy said he’s been cleared by the Board of Education and spoke on the logistics of the course.

Live from his bubble bath, Diddy send his condolences to his competitors after Ciroc vodka took home the gold at the San Francisco World Spirits competition. Can’t front, that coconut flavor is the business. Take that Martin Silver.

Yesterday evening, American Idol gave back and Alicia Keys did her part with another stunning performance of ”Empire State Of Mind Pt. 2″ and “Unthinkable”. Then with Travis Barker on the drums, MJB takes to the sky performing “Stairway To Heaven”. Amen to that.

UMD

The most hated man in rap sat down with Sway yesterday and gave his side of the story regarding Guru’s final days. He denies that he and the Gifted One were romantically involved and stands by the authenticity of the rapper’s letter.

Previously: DJ Premier Addresses Guru’s Passing