Say word. We all know my homie Jon Caramanica sleeps with Diplomats boxers on so it’s only fitting on the day that Prey IV Reign drops, Jim Jones get a big profile in the NY Times. That’s right, the Capo in the paper of record. This guy’s come a long way from slappin’ kufis. I mean he’ll still do that… you know what I mean.

Here’s a quote you don’t see Jomo say every day. 

“I don’t want to be around the action-packed stuff now. I just want to be a rapper. I want to be like MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice and them. I’m living a cliché. I don’t want the bad part. I want the fluffy part sometimes.”

Jim Jones, Longtime Sidekick, Moves His Rap Act To Center Stage

 [vimeo http://vimeo.com/3810500]

In the second installment of Grind Tube, NO I.D. speaks on scoring movies, Chicago MCs, and his favorite producers. 

Previously: Killer Mike Has No I.D.

 
“I’m kinda running with Orlando right now. I mean, I got a place down there in Florida. And I like the Magic not just cause of Rafe, but because Dwight Howard is a monster, man.”

Guess Lil Wayne was busy ’cause ESPN took the time to chop it up with Killa Cam about his baller past and his love of roundball. No homo.

Harlem, hoops and hip-hop

Is it just me, or does Joe’s flow sound similar to Beyonce’s husband’s? *shrugs shoulders* Well in any event, here is a new freestyle from YN’s amigo over Officer Ricky‘s “Magnificent.”

{mp3}magnificent freestyle{/mp3} 

Late Night Props: Dre

Just in case you missed it, here is the April/May edition of Complex featuring ashy albino Kanye West. Shot by music video director Chris Milk, ‘Ye talks about self branding, fashion, and rolling with men in tights.

Why do you think there’s such a fixation on your sexuality?
Kanye West: I really think it’s because society tries to dictate the way a guy is supposed to dress and the way a guy is supposed to act, and I refuse to conform. A lot of these dudes would never be accused of being gay just because they all look exactly alike. If people could just realize the amount of mundaneness and followers that lack creativity… I think people’s mentality is like, Only gay people are that creative. And it’s true there are a lot of gay people who are incredible creative minds, but there are straight people who are incredible creative minds—and there’s gay people who can’t dress or create at all, too. Closed-minded gay people probably say they dress “straight.”

Uh, whatever nigga. The issue hits newsstands April 7th, but the cover story is already available to peruse online.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD9l9nsUjdc]

As the above video shows Bun B recently had a birthday and what better way to celebrate than to rock the house in front of his fellow Texans. The Bawse loss was the UGK’s legend’s gain.

Mo’ performances after the jump. Including a shout-out on stage to yours truly. Thanks, Bun.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x907c9SvjFU]

I’ll admit at first I ignored and/or hated on this guy. But maybe another white rapper on top wouldn’t be a bad thing. Asher Roth breaks down his newly-mastered debut (can anyone say Keri Hilson collabo?) and his love of the ladies. Can’t believe this guy’s goin’ up against Officer Ricky. I love it. 4/20. Roth! Ha!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iu9KCoS-Z4]

Had a wonderful time connectin’ with rap’s new generation at the NahRight/TSS showcase in Austin. No disrespect to my fellow jefes, eskay and Gotti but I had to pull your man Cudi to the side and build with him.

Flaunting a fresh RapRadar sticker, Kanye’s protege clarifies his “retirement” blog, professes his respect for Snoop Dogg and lets you know stoned is the way of his walk.

 [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZbCnm-34Es]

Me and Mistachuck chop it up some more! He breaks down the Rhymefest beef and explains the drama behind his impending Interscope debut album.