Rap Radar

Just previewed this last Tuesday. But here’s the remix in it’s entirety. Great way of incorporating the old with the new.

thi

So after Martin Bashir peeled off, Puff continued his walk up Park Ave. At the 1:10 mark, he confirmed to me that he’s conversed with Black Rob since his release from prison and says BR would be welcomed back to the label. Hey, it’s never too late to bet on Black…again.

Home is where the heart is. And recently, J.Cole returned to Fayetteville, North Carolina to shoot his new video, “Who Dat”. Local newspaper, The Fayetteville Observer was on hand and gave their take of the shoot. Tons of flicks can be found here.

The concept of the video wasn’t clear, but a charred vehicle, smoking from what appeared to be a staged fire, lay about about 200 feet away near the railroad tracks.

Shot on 35 mm film – unusual for music videos, which are now almost exclusively filmed digitally – the video was a “one-shot,” Cole said, which meant everything had to be perfect.

“I was nervous with it being a one-shot,” Cole said. “We spent hours just in getting ready. Everything had to be right.”

Looks like Curtis doesn’t look as bad as yesterday’s photos appeared. Let’s remember in the movie, he’s supposed to be stricken with cancer so of course make-up is added to make him look at his worst. Two days ago, Fif was with his aunt in South Carolina filmin’ his 50′s Roots special for VH1 where he attempts to trace his family genealogy. Do remember: Tomorrow his Invitation Tour kicks off in Cleveland. That’s right, Boo Boo stays busy.

ybf via aikenstandard

This is sounding crazy. Last night, Raekwon held a listening session for his new mixtape, Brinks Boyz Presents: Cocainism Volume 2. The project drops this Memorial Day weekend and to build some anticipation, he played a new song featuring Mobb Deep. Tracklist below.

1. “Searching For”

2. “Alphabet Soup”

3. “Big Beat”

4. “Wallys & Pringles”

5. “LizZ”

6. “Traphouse”

7. “City Of God”

8. “Shake” Ft. Freeway

9. “Keep On” Ft. Selasi

10. “Slow Down”

11. “Just 4 Laughs”

12. “Disposable Gunz”

13. “Calligraphy”

14. “Pulling Teeth” Ft. Tommy Nova

15. “Dragon Styule”

16. “Do It In The Park”

17. “Piss In The Shark Tank”

18. “Sunset Strip” Ft. Mean Doe Green

vid: ahh

Man, where do we begin? This afternoon, Puff held a press conference for his Diddy Beats headphones at the Best Buy in Union Square, NY. He was joined by Monster Cable founder Noel Lee, Dr. Dre, and Jimmy Iovine. Unlike the previous in-store, the panel only answered set questions. However, Puff and Dre did participate in a 106 & Park interview via Skype. (Check clip above).

After the conference, I made my way to the backstage area and checked in with the Doc. Sorry guys, no footage of that. He gave me an ineffable response when asked to describe the sound of “Under Pressure” and speculated that it should drop sometime next month. I know, I know. Don’t shoot the messenger.

Next, we took a freight elevator down to 13th St. Peep Puff in the corner. That’s Dre with his back turned.

Outside, Puff and Biggie’s former right hand man, D-Roc braved the heat and walked to their next location. Along the way, I asked Puff to clear something up. Last March, word spread that he was set to purchase the Crystal Palace soccer team. He confirmed that he was interested in franchise, but said “nah we rolling off on that, right now”. No goal.

By now, Diddy’s making his way north of Park Ave and is followed by a thick entourage. Eventually, journalist Martin Bashir catches up and interviews him all the way to an ice cream truck parked on the corner of 15th St. Of course, this story’s far from over.

With her new do and all, Janet closed out the season finale of American Idol with her latest “Nothing” and her oldie-but-goodie, “Nasty”. She’s still got it. Missy thinks so too.

yardie

A week after the unreleased track from Curtis was finally introduced to the world, Crooked I pens a death wish for you too. Say hello to the reaper.

Our pal Al discusses how he made his move from Cali to NY and how he first got down with Mobb Deep. The producer also speaks on sampling, why he says “Keep It Thoro” lifted his career and mentions that his all-time favorite beat is in the stash for a lucky contender.

It’s less than 24 hours until Ross drops his mixtape, The Albert Anastasia EP. But until then, Styles and Ricky got some money to blow on track number tree.

Mr. X

Previously: New Music: Rick Ross “Money Maker”