Hip Hop Leaders form Partnership w/ NNPA (National Newspaper Publishers Association) @NNPABlackPress

         By.

Jimmie Davis, Jr.    

Special to the NNPA from the Miami Times

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Upcoming hip-hop artists may find it challenging to get a DJ to play their songs or a mainstream media critic to review their music, but if they belong to Core DJs World Wide, they have nothing to worry about.

Last week, leaders of the group representing, representing more than 500 of the nation’s most influential DJs, met with National Newspaper Publishers Association Chairman Cloves Campbell and a partnership was established that will give them access to approximately 200 Black newspapers. In turn, NNPA will have a strong connection with a new generation of readers.

“We want to merge the hip hop community with the Black media,” Tony Neal, CEO and founder of Core DJs World Wide said in an exclusive interview with the Miami Times. “Now we have two well-defined voices reaching the people.”

Core DJs World Wide instructs young executives on how to polish their talent and business skills. That was done during a 3-day that ended Monday at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel  on South Beach amid celebrating the group’s 10-year anniversary.

A third – and perhaps most important – factor was Jineea Butler, president of Hip Hop Union. She was responsible for forming the union between Hip Hop Union, Core DJs World Wide and the NNPA.

“There was no type of conversation taking place between the Black Press and the hip hop community,” Butler said. “We have to support one another.”

In addition to creating the unique alliance, Butler is a columnist for the NNPA News Service, reaching nearly 19 million readers.

Whether you’re a DJ, singer, rapper or model – Core DJs is the team to belong to, because as the premier coalition of DJs, they have the inside track on the goings and comings of the industry.

Jineea Butler brought Black Press and Hip Hop community together.

Getting air play is the number one concern for rappers and R&B singers, and Neal has made this course of action relatively simple for his members. Throughout the conference, artists had opportunities to  network and establish a rapport with DJ’s and producers.

Once the DJ’s listens to the music – the artist’s stands a better a chance of getting their music played in clubs and on the radio.

“I’m trying to push my entertainment career to the next level,” said Rapper Pedro “Bizz” Juan Julio, who travelled from Topeka, Kansas to attend the conference. “I want to sign with a label, so I can feed my family.” His debut CD is entitled “Count Me In”.

These days it takes more than charisma to get noticed by a DJ. Musicians have to promote their strengths through establishing what’s called a “brand.”

“Your brand is your image,” Bizz said. “It’s who you are.”

R&B singer and songwriter Sincere Grant, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma performed his hot new single “Red Carpet Ready.” He has a very delightful CD that’s going to catch the eyes of a major record label. Don’t be surprised, because has a very productive future in the entertainment field.

There was also a “Wrap” Session moderated by George E. Curry, editor of the NNPA News Service and BlackPressUSA.com .

“The ‘Wrap’ session was all about the role that the NNPA is going to play at bridging the gap between the hip hop community and the Black Press. “We are here to let the collective know that the Black Press is a means of communication that they need to take advantage of,” said Cloves C. Campbell, Jr., Chairman NNPA. “Our role as the Black Press is to give them positive exposure in the community they serve.”

Entertainer, Owner and CEO of Pack Rat Productions Sheryl Underwood is also a member of Core DJs World Wide and she says the gathering made a tremendous impact on the lives of individuals striving to get their foot in the door.

“I just love what I’m seeing here because there’s so much unity,” Underwood said. “This is how you select the next president.”

Neal, Butler and Campbell all agree that by utilizing the principles set forth during the civil rights era a movement has flourished where Core DJs Worldwide, the NNPA and Hip Hop Union  is a powerful political unit.

“We have created a political interest group,” said Brooklyn Recording artist and Producer Jaz-). “Musicians as well as members of the community will benefit from this partnership.”

OTF NuNu: More Shots Fired at Tyga and The Game?

More rap game ridiculousness.  Did NuNu blast off at Tyga and The Game?

This week started off with a run of the mill rap beef betweenTyga and Lil Durk, with several other rappers jumping in the mix, including The Game andChief Keef.

Durk started the nonsense when he name dropped Tyga during a diss on Meek Mill’s “Chiraq Remix.”  Upset that Tyga had stopped responding to texts regarding a collabo, Durk called his authenticity and street cred into question, saying Tyga could never show face in the characteristically violent streets of the Chi.

Tyga responded almost immediately, dropping his own diss track, “Chiraq to LA,” which featured The Game, who stole the show, finishing the song off with a scathing verse.

Then Chicagoan Chief Keef jumped in out of nowhere, surprisingly siding with the L.A. boys when he cosigned the record by posting it on Instagram.

Durk took to the radio waves to say the beef will remain on records and stay out of the streets.  He also denounced Keef’s Chi town roots, saying now Keef is “from L.A.”

Today a new song hit the web from Durk’s artist, OTF NuNu, possibly bringing a new player into the already confusing mix.  While Durk has claimed there would be no further response on his end because The Game is trying to get off exposure off the beef, his label mate has said no such thing.  Could NuNu be stepping up in defense of his fellow OTF label mate?

We’ll let you decide.

The song is a banger.  Called “We Dem Mobsters,” it featuresWonder of GPK (Garbage Patch Kids), a group started byCokeboy’s Droop Pop, which is an imprint under French Montana’s Cokeboy label.  Also on the track is T-Bird of Skyy High Entertainment, who’s responsible for  the street classic “Call My Connect,” featuring Montana and Max B.

C’mon guys, can’t we all just get along?

Take a listen below and tell us what you think.

Suge Knight Says Diddy B!tch Ass Knows He Didn't Murder Tupac

 

Suge Knight just fired a metaphorical shot at P. Diddy ... telling TMZ he's a "bitch ass" who should be getting more heat for the murder of Tupac Shakur.

Suge was leaving 1Oak last night when he unleashed a rant about Tupac's death, saying ... "Everybody know off the top, I ain't the n**** killed Tupac. I'm the n**** protected Tupac!"

Then he points a finger directly at Diddy -- "Bitch ass Puffy can get him a mutha******* star, and every rat in the world say he's the one who killed Tupac, or had him shot."

You gotta hear Suge go in even more on "rats" in general ... and Diddy in particular.

As for why no one's been charged in 'Pac's death -- even though an inmate confessed in 2012 -- Suge's explanation is simple ... "Tupac's not dead!"

Superstar-rihanna-shares-nude-pics-

It’s nothing new for R&B diva Rihanna to be seen all over the web, but lately even more of Rihanna can be seen online.  Depending on what day you are online you can catch Rihanna either topless or bottomless. 

Today, we have Rihanna both topless and bottomless.  I think I just heard the sound of multiple jaws hitting the floor.  Earlier today RiRi surprised fans by sharing her unclothed pics via her Instagram and Twitter accounts.   The pictures are from a photo shoot for French magazine Lui.

Instagram quickly took down the pictures as it violated their rules of conduct.  The pictures still appear on Twitter, but no need to check, because we have them right here for you.

Styles P Releases New LP “Phantom And The Ghost

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Yesterday one third of the illest trio to ever do it released a new album.  Yonkers rapper Styles P dropped his new retail album entitled Phantom And The Ghost and it could have not been at a better time.  Known for repping the streets, Styles P continues to stay true and proves that you don’t have to sell your soul to sell albums.

For this indie album Styles P enlist the help of his comrades Jadakiss and Sheek Louch, along with Rocko, Vado, Raheem DeVaughn, Chris Rivers (Big Pun‘s son), and more.  This album really goes in.  I mean, honestly, you can never go wrong with Styles P over a Vinny Idol beat, but you should already know that.  Emcees don’t typically stay relevant over the twenty-year span that the Lox have been doing it. Think about every rapper that has come and gone in the last twenty-years and yet the LOX stay solid.  Other production for this album comes from Harry Fraud, Joe Milly, Buda Da Future, and more.

Styles P is a true emcee, so it’s great to actually hear bars that speak measures.  The lead single “Sour” is evidence enough that the real is back.  “Sour” features Jadakiss and Rocko and is one of my favorite tracks off of the 12-track LP.  

Check out the album in its entirety along with bonus tracks: Stream & Download. 

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Author Paul Gilmour Releases New Book, Jeremiah’s Codes

                     Author 

Paul Gilmour Releases New Book, Jeremiah’s Codes  Author, Paul Gilmour, combines fact with fiction to create a fast-moving tale of sinister secrets and devious plots that span the globe.  Brisbane, Australia – March 14, 2014 - In his electrifying new book, Jeremiah’s Codes, Paul Gilmour tells the story of a heinous plot that spans decades and involves factual historical events.  The author weaves together an intricate story where real-world events like the Holocaust, Roswell, 9/11, the creation of the nuclear bomb and other historical events are actually intricate parts of a master plan created by The Trust. The Trust and its members are influential wealthy people from all walks of life who have a hidden agenda that’s much bigger than anyone can imagine. All The Trust needs to implement their devious scheme are the Thirteen Codes and the only person standing between them and their agenda is Jon Bennett, an ex-CIA officer. Bennett finds himself in the midst of a complex plot that could spell the end of civilisation as we know it. He has no idea how important his role is, but works tirelessly to defeat The Trust. Though the story is fiction, the author suggests that we should all question the things that government officials tell us. How can we possibly know the truth behind such events as the September 11th attacks or the true reason for the creation of nuclear weapons? Author, Paul Gilmour believes that ordinary citizens must get more involved and do their best to learn the truth instead of accepting what the news media says. As the story unfolds, Jon Bennett learns more about the workings of The Trust and their ingenious plan becomes more and more clear to him. Though even he doesn’t fully see the true scope of the plan, he knows that these people must be stopped by any means necessary.  Paul Gilmour adds, “Jon Bennett is a man who knows how to survive. Though he is a very flawed individual, his instincts have kept him alive against all odds. Now he must use all his CIA training, instincts and every other item at his disposal in order to destroy The Trust. Bennett knows that if he can’t stop them, they will eventually commit unimaginable crimes against humanity.”  Anyone who enjoys finely woven stories involving conspiracy theories will love this book.

 Jeremiah’s Codes by Paul Gilmour can be purchased at Amazon, Book Depository and at other major book sellers.  It is available in both print and e version. About the Author  Paul Gilmour grew up on the beach in Queensland, Australia and spent his youth chasing sporting dreams. After representing Australia at the Olympic Games, he learnt to fly aircraft and went to college before entering the hard-core world of law enforcement.  Now in his role as an Intelligence Analyst for the Police Force, he uses his work tradecraft to formulate explosive storylines aimed towards exposing the truth. 

Check out "[THIS JUST IN ... AGAIN] Dozens of girls’ have ‘harrowing’ lawsuits against singer R. Kelly" on Dagrahyndmusic

R&B crooner R. Kelly has settled a number of sexual misconduct suits — the most high-profile involving teen girls in the 1990s before his infamous child pornography indictment in 2002. But sources say not all the settlements have been made public.

Page Six has exclusively learned that Kelly was accused of sexual harassment as recently as 2010 by a 36-year-old housekeeper, but he settled the case out of court for $100,000 to avoid litigation.
According to sources, the woman worked for Kelly for about a year, beginning in 2008 when the “Bump n’ Grind” singer did just that: talked dirty and groped his employee.

A source close to Kelly further told us that there’s been discord in the singer’s inner circle lately, and further secrets about him are “starting to float to the surface about the millions he paid out over the years to a wide variety of women.”

Kelly was acquitted on the child porn charges. But veteran music writer and Kelly chronicler Jim DeRogatis said last year that there have been “dozens of girls — not one, not two, dozens — with harrowing lawsuits.”

He added in a blockbuster Village Voice interview: “I think in the history of rock ‘n’ roll, rock music or pop culture people misbehaving and behaving badly sexually .. rare is the amount of evidence compiled against anyone apart from R. Kelly.”

Page Six reported earlier this year that Kelly dumped Coran Capshaw’s Red Light Management and is being repped by Devyne Stephens’ Upfront Megatainment.

Stephens did not comment.

How to Craft Your Music's Story?

“We were a band of white boys from Ohio that hitch-hiked our way to New York to try and make it big. Needless to say, by the time we arrived we were completely broke. We had nothing but the gear we hadn’t pawned yet and the clothes on our back. So when it came to finding a place to stay we were limited by the budget of what we were able to scrape together by busking in front of Yankee Stadium and ‘donating’ plasma.

Our first stroke of luck came in the form of a cab driver that was inspired by our tenacity and offered us the spare room in his townhouse in Queens. So we found ourselves the proverbial ‘fish out of water’ in a neighborhood that was racially, culturally, and financially worlds away from anything we had ever known.

Honestly, we were scared and intimidated. We really weren’t sure we were in a position to find any success in such unfamiliar territory. What we discovered was that music is a bond that builds bridges across unknown expanses. Beyond the differences separating us from the community that had taken us in, we realized that we were all blue-collared Americans looking to blow off steam after a hard day’s work.

We quickly established a reputation as the neighborhood good-time band by playing house parties and getting paid with fried chicken and cheap liquor. And from there it snowballed into steady gigs at the hottest clubs in the city and a national touring circuit that took us places we never imagined. We became more than just a band of musicians. We became cross-cultural ambassadors for sonic manipulation!”

It’s true that there are bands out there whose music is so compelling and instantly connects with such a mass audience that the story doesn’t matter. But that’s a one-in-a-million shot. You would be better off buying a lottery ticket. But then you’d have a story to tell.

The truth of the matter is that if you want to take a proactive approach to getting attention for your music you have to think about that kind of stuff. Whether you are looking for some press or simply to connect on a deeper level with your fans, your story matters.

That’s right. Not only do you have to write and record the songs, but you also have to tell an engaging story.

What stories are people looking for?

Press and fans alike want to know what makes you stand out, what makes you unique. You’re awesome voice and catchy melodies are actually pretty much meaningless. That stuff is white noise because it doesn’t separate you from the competition. That’s not to say that skills don’t matter. Your musical ability is the first thing you must master on your way to becoming a professional musician. However, it is the context with which your present your music that will give you the edge when it comes to getting the gigs, fans, and attention you will need in order to sustain your career.

The good news is that the stories are already there. All you have to do is develop the narrative. Think about that throughout your creation process so that it doesn’t sneak up on you. What you will discover is that you have a way to present your music with context.

Did your crazy producer help you develop your sound by locking you in a basement full of vinyl and throwing hammers at you? Did your neighbor call the cops on you because of your noisy rehearsals, thus inspiring you to steal his girlfriend and write a song about it? Was growing up next to the airport the catalyst for your love of tube screamers? Did a spiritual journey to the homeland shape your vision of the world? The key is that you have to dig deeper than, “We showed up in New York and paid our dues.”

The stories are imbedded in your life, your music, your career, your lyrics, and your inspiration. All you have to do is apply a simple process to formalize the narrative. Then you can string a thread from all of those pieces that illustrates an overview of your entire career and creates a philosophy that resonates deeply with your fans.

Try this:

Go though every song you have ever written or played and ponder the most interesting thing about each one. It could be something you are doing musically, a technique you are using, your inspiration, or an idea you are trying to articulate with the song. It could have something to do with the instrumentation, the lyrics, the arrangements, the context of the music, or the band dynamics when you recorded the song. It could be about the traditions that you are drawing from, adapting, or changing. It could be an experience from your tour or feedback from a fan. Well, I think you get the idea.

For each song, write that singular element on a post-it note and stick it on your wall. Then rearrange, expand, and rearticulate the narrative as your catalogue grows and your music matures.

Love & Hip Hop Atlanta season 3 is on its way and the trailer

Love & Hip Hop Atlanta season 3 is on its way and the trailer for it is right here!  Love and Hip Hop Atlanta gives viewers a taste of the hip hop world seen through the eyes of several women involved in the industry and it never fails to entertain.  Many reality television shows forget to be real, but LHHA gives audiences a true look behind closed doors.

Season 3 clearly shows that there are levels to these seasons.  This season is filled with drama, love triangles, babies, and a sex-tape.  Yes, I said a sex-tape.  Mimi Faust and boyfriend Nikko Smith are giving fans an even deeper look into their lives with their homemade sex-tape that will be released by the same company that made Kim Kardashian a star, Vivid Entertainment.

Joining the cast this season is Waka Flocka and his fiance Tammy Rivera.  Also expect to see Karlie Redd‘s new man, Yung Joc adding to the drama.

Love & Hip Hop Atlanta Season 3 premieres Monday, May 5th at 8 p.m. ET. 

- See more at: http://hiphopenquirer.com/love-and-hip-hop-atlanta-season-3-trailer-video/#sthash.vAtdTMfF.dpuf

Alicia Keys feat. Kendrick Lamar “It’s On Again” [Official Video]

Grammy award winner Alicia Keys and certified platinum rap artist Kendrick Lamar recently collaborated on a Pharrell-produced track for the upcoming Amazing Spiderman 2 soundtrack.

The track entitled It’s On Again opens with a hard-hitting verse from Compton’s own and from there is guided by the incredible voice of Ms. Keys.  This is the first time that the two have worked together and hopefully it is not the last.

Pharrell joins Kendrick and Alicia in this visual jam packed with scenes of the new Spiderman movie.

The Amazing Spiderman 2 hits theaters May 2nd.

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The Bar-Kay's are back in full effect... Come check them out

Where there’s smoke there’s fire,” the saying goes. But where there’s smoke and fire, it just might be a live performance by a certain funkomatic group of Memphians who have been setting audiences ablaze for the past five decades. THE BAR-KAYS BIO Fire, smoke, vibrant costuming, and even a live, 12-foot python snake are all just part of what’s in store for audiences these days at a typical stage performance by the Bar-Kays.  Spontaneity and excitement has been a trademark of the group ever since their inception in the late 60’s. 

Today’s Bar-Kays have boosted their high-energy act into an even higher gear for the new millennium crowd.  An energy that’s equally present on their upcoming new CD. While the musical tastes of the fans have evolved many times since the band’s origination, the Bar-Kays have proven no strangers to evolution. Beginning as a house band with Stax Records in Memphis in 1966, their potent, dynamic sound would carry them to a chart-topping perch the very next year with their first smash single, “SOUL FINGER.” It was that dynamism that landed them the spot as the backup group for the legendary soul singer, “Otis Redding,” on his final worldwide tour. That tour, however, was to have a disastrous finale, as Otis Redding and four members of the band would perish in a tragic plane accident. The young surviving members, James Alexander and Ben Cauley, then reformed the band, with the help of Allen Jones who later became their producer and manager.  In the rebuilding process, there would be no diminishing of the standards of showmanship and professionalism.  Among those recruited would be Larry Dodson, who would evolve into not only another pillar of the band (as well as lead singer), but the corner stone of their future. Soon the new Bar-Kays were the premier house band for Stax Records playing on millions of records behind such artists as Carla Thomas, Rufus Thomas, Johnnie Taylor, Eddie Floyd, The Emotions, The Dramatics, Albert King, and Isaac Hayes which includes “Hot Buttered Soul” “Black Moses” and the Grammy Award winning album “Shaft.” Throughout the 70’s they would be backing some of the most distinguished names in R&B music.  

However, “The Bar-Kays” ran a string of their own hits pioneering a trail in the “Funk” music genre including, “SHAKE YOUR RUMP TO THE FUNK,” “ATTITUDE,” “MOVE YOUR BOOGIE BODY,” “SEX-O-MATIC,” “ANTICIPATION,” “FREAKSHOW ON THE DANCE FLOOR,” “HIT AND RUN,” “SHE TALKS TO ME WITH HER BODY,” “TOO HOT TO STOP,” and many other hit singles. In the late 80’s, after over twenty years of grueling demands, James Alexander left the Bar-Kays to form his own promotion company.  Shortly thereafter, producer/manager Allen Jones passed away. The Bar-Kays decided to take a hiatus from radio and just travel and perform abroad. It was in 1991, that Alexander and Dodson, would join forces once again to record again. They went to great lengths to insure that it retained the freshness 

Come follow us on twitter @Mrsprdiva, @Barkays, @Dagrahynd_Radio @TheNeelyAgency 

Eminems-recent-milestones-looking-like-rap-god

It has been an incredible journey for rap superstar Eminem. A journey that can easily be expressed as starting from the bottom; from 8 mile to an iPod near you. Last week Eminem achieved hip-hop kingpin status as he entered unknown territory for rap. Eminem, arguably a top five rapper dead or alive, has now become the second-best-selling male artist of the SoundScan era.

With the continued success of Slim Shady’s The Marshall Mathers LP 2, his cumulative album sales have reached close to 45 million according to Nielsen SoundScan.  A huge portion of these sales comes from two particular albums for Eminem. Slim Shady’s first major album release, The Marshall Mathers LP released nearly fifteen years ago and 2002’s The Eminem Show.   Both have passed 10 million in sales. What is even more impressive is that all of Eminem’s albums have now each sold more than 2 million in sales.

Slim Shady now joins an elite group of artists. The only artists to have sold more than Eminem include the Beatles, Metallica, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, and Garth Brooks who leads all artists with nearly 70 million albums sold.

To add more to this already huge week for Eminem, his latest single “Headlights” hit the Hot 100, making Eminem the seventh rapper to score at least 50 Hot 100 chart entries. This feat lands Eminem in yet another elite group, joining the ranks of fellow rappers Lil Wayne, Jay Z, Drake, Kanye West, Ludacris, and T.I.

Days ago in this already remarkable week for Eminem, he and R &B diva Rihanna shared the dates and venues for their summer Monster mini tour.

 

Rihanna will join Eminem for eight shows with no further dates currently scheduled. These shows will be held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, as well as MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, and Comerica Park in Detroit. Eminem and Rihanna are even taking this mini tour cross the border as they visit Logger Sports Grounds in Canada’s British Columbia. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10 am local time and can be purchased through Live Nation’s website.

Regardless of your opinion of Eminem, whether Rap God, Rap Genius, or the illest white rapper to ever do it. Numbers don’t lie.