From The Slumb just wants to apologize for the delay in days of updating. Between school and traveling it makes the task become sort of difficult, and i've always been plotting on how to make your experience when visiting my site more enjoyable and professional. But i promise to never stop. I thank you for all the support thus far. Checkout the fugees rock the crowd in the above fottage from 1996.
29.7.13
DDS with Pro Era.
Droz Daily Steezin sits down over seas with some of the pro's for a dope ass interview discussing Summer Knights, the European tour, and more.
New Music: Def Bananas "All Around The World"
Checkout this dope track from Hip Hop trio out of New Jersey, Def Bananas. Smooth hip hop feel i definitely can vibe to.
New Music: Teekay "Psyychology"
Teekay is better known as the rhyming half of the acclaimed Calgary hip hop duo Dragon Fli Empire. Dude's also a skilled beatmaker, which will be more evident next Thursday, August 1st when his PSYYCHOLOGY compilation drops via Makebelieve Records. For now, just checkout his latest single.
New Music: Audio Push "Shine"
Remember those "teach me how to jerk" boys? Yea? Well they're trying to make a comeback, and surprisingly, it doesn't sound that bad. Check it out below and feel free to comment your opinion.
New Music: Action Bronson "Water Sports" Prod. Harry Fraud
Big Bad Bronsalinio and Harry Fraud never cease to disappoint us. They collab yet again for bam bam's latest offering after releasing their collaborative EP last month, SAAAB Stories.
New Music: Fredro Starr "That New York" Prod. Audible Doctor
Second single off Fredro and Audible Doctor’s upcoming collaborative EP.
New Music: DuRu Tha King "Smoked Out" Feat. Magic Tha Don & Deniro Farrar
North Carolina lyric slinger comes with a new cut produced by J. Pilot.
ASAP Ferg's "Trap Lord" Tracklisting
Album hitting the shelves August 20th.
1. Let It Go
2. Shabba (ft. A$AP Rocky)
3. Lord (ft. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony)
4. Hood Pope
5. Fergivicious
6. 4:02
7. Dump Dump
8. Work (Remix) (ft. A$AP Rocky, French Montana, Trinidad James & Schoolboy Q)
9. Didn’t Wanna Do That
10. Murda Something (ft. Waka Flocka Flame)
11. Make A Scene
12. Fuck Out My Face (ft. D-Real, Onyx & Aston Matthews)
13. Cocaine Castle
Schoolboy Q Sits With Real Talk Hip Hop
Real Talk Hip Hop got a chance to catch up with TDE’s ScHoolboy Q last month and Q speaks on his mindset while working on Oxymoron, naming A$AP Rocky as a feature on the upcoming album, and how he loves Californication.
Kevin Sinatra "Crystal Children" Feat. OG Dutchmaster Official Music Video
DMV's own delivers his visual offering dedicatde to 90's babies with world healing powers.
Neek The Exotic "Dream Catcher" Feat. Mic Handz & Satchel Page Official Music Video
The MC from Queens will be releasing Hustle Don't Stop on Aug. 20th.
New Music: Taj Mahal "Blow Ya Mind"
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Yaj comes with the single from his upcoming project Authenticity.
New Mixtape: Wade Be Chillin "Seven"
Up and coming artist from Wade Be Chillin shows everyone spitta isn't the only lyrical MC outta New Orleans as he comes with his latest audio offering Seven. Stream and download provided below.
24.7.13
"Born Sinner" Goes Gold
After beating Yeezus earlier this month in sales, Born Sinner has finally reached gold status. Look like the underdog comes out on top out of the three that dropped on the same day.
23.7.13
New Mixtape: LoThraxx "Player Of The Year"
The homie LoThraxx finally comes with his much anticipated mixtape, Player of the Year. Enjoy this player ass shit with the stream available below and download at lothraxx.com
From The Slumb Interviews Jmula
From The Slumb had the oppurtunity to catch up with Little Rock recording artist, Jmula. Checkout some of his tunes while you enjoy our run in.
FTS: First off, who is Jmula? For those who may be unaware.
Jmula: Jmula is a young determined Indie Recording Artist from the West End of Little Rock , Arkansas.
FTS: Now it's been awhile since we heard from u besides a track here & there. What has Jmula been up too?
Jmula: I been grinding mane. Soaking up life as I live and learning as I go.
FTS: Word word I can feel that. How has life changed since the release of your last project "Baggage Claim"?
Jmula: Mane , Life has been moving very fast for me since I've dropped out of college from Grambling state . Coming back home to Arkansas being hit with life challenges in the streets and responsibilities at home. All I can do is strive for better outcomes and grind harder towards my success.
FTS: Yea that's real shit homes. I also understand you have a upcoming tape entitled "Green Crack". Is there an official release for it or has one yet to be determined ?
Jmula: July 31st right after my label mate Lothraxx POY mixtape drops on the 23rd of July. (Today)
FTS: Cool Cool, so what can we expect on "Green Crack" that we didn't get to experience on "Baggage Claim" ?
Jmula: You can expect More of ME ....hype ness and more chilled whammin! iPhone type music...I put a piece of my life in every project I do but this time I'm giving people more of what they want to hear !
FTS: No doubt my brotha. Now having indulged in my fair share of Mary Jane, I understand Green Crack is the name of a particular strain. Is the tape also named in honor of this strain?
Jmula: Yes it is . But I have a meaning of my own far as GREEN being the symbol of money and Mary j. CRACK is dope like drugs to your ears .
FTS: Haha, dope shit brah brah. So after the release of this tape, what will be next in the works for Jmula?
Jmula: I have another project I'm working on now ...title will be released soon with artwork ...but alotta shows will take place with this mixtape ...so book me !...501-607-3589 Sidney moe, I put on a show.
FTS: How much time did it take for you to put together this project? I know you put prolly put in overtime with this being your comeback tape, if that's safe to say.
Jmula: Yeah I been working on this tape since I was at Grambling in 2012 ...took a Lil down time to live a bit shape my sound and here it is.
FTS: Fasho homes. So if you had to compare this tape to any cartoon character, whether it be the personality or appearance, who would it be & why?
Jmula: it'll be Bugs bunny...lol dude was like the FACE of loony tunes and he was always the one with the master plan...he was a G too !
FTS: Hahaha good choice doc! Any last remarks you would like to add? S/O's or any information you think fans would like to know?
Jmula: Yeah S/o to my Team G3MGC my nigga LoThraxx ,he putting on fa da city real shit! And every artist ,producer , engineer from Arkansas to Louisiana , up east to the west coast doing they thang...follow me on Instagram : @Datniggamula Twitter: @tharealjmula I talk back to my fans !!!! BlackItaly.
Schoolboy Q on Trayvon: "Black Kids Die Every Day"
South Central rapper Schoolboy Q shares his thoughts on the Trayvon Martin case, and says that while the situation is sad, black kids die every day. He also explains why he doesn't think there will be riots in L.A. over the situation.
Rich Homie Quan On ThisIs50 (VIDEO)
Rich Homie Quan talks about when he realized he made it, taking over the south, comparisons to Future, getting locked up for Burglary, where his name comes from, untitled project, his relationship with Trinidad James, feature with Gucci Mane, crazy groupie stories & much more.
2Chainz On Hot 97's Juan Epstein (VIDEO)
Sitting down with the 3 main vessels to Hot 97's Morning Show, 2chainz speaks on his current relationship with Ludacris, his long steady grind to the top, "swag rap" and much more. If you have 50 mins to spare, might well enjoy this interview.
Shawn Chrystopher "The Revolution" Official Music Video
Along with his debut album The Lovestory LP coming out today, Shawn Chrystopher delivers a self directed clip as the final prelude.
Big K.R.I.T. "Multi Til The Sun Die" Official Music Video
Big K.R.I.T. returns with a set of visuals from his King Remembered In Time project available now.
Lauryn Hill Opens Up About Prison Life In New Letter
The very talented Lauryn Hill recently was sentenced to serve 3 months in prison on tax evasion charges. She released a small letter via her Tumblr page explaining her transition to this new lifestyle she has been living for a few weeks now. Check out Lauryn’s letter, below.
“I have known since very young to look for the purpose and lesson in everything, including the trials. Although it has taken some adjustment, I cannot deny the favor I have encountered while in here, and general warm reception from a community of people who despite their circumstances, have found unique ways to make the best of them. Thank you for the letters of concern and well wishes that I receive in the mail every day. Although I may not be able to write everyone back, please know that they have been received, read, acknowledged, and appreciated. With Love back, MLH”
New Music: King Chip "Fresh At My Funeral" Feat. GLC x Chevy Woods
The King himself comes with a smooth on assisted by GLC and Taylor Gang's Chevy Woods. The Cleveland spit kicker will be releasing his 44108 mixtape in September which will be followed by his much anticipated album, Clevelafornia.
New Music: A$ton Matthews "Kamikaze"
Mr. Matthews delivers the first single from his upcoming project dropping September 2nd entitled A$ton 3:16.
Ying Yang Twins "Sayin My Word" Diss Track
Lol, not sure what to think about them attempting to make a comeback,, but they're trying. Ying Yang twins deliver a new record from the recent mixtape, Ass In Session, coming at all rappers they feel need to pay homage for their word "HAHN". Kanye, French, Jay, watcha gon do? Nothing? Yea, i wouldn't either lol.
King Louie "Time" Official Music Video
King Louie comes with a set of visuals for the opening track from his recently released project, Jeep Music.
Wordspit "Tough Luck" Official Music Video
New York repper releases some visuals from his upcoming project, Wrath Of The Illest, coming out this summer.
19.7.13
New Mixtape: Big K.R.I.T. "King Remembered In Time" (DJ Michael “5000″ Watts & Swisha House Remix)
Swisha House grabs up Big K.R.I.T.'s latest album and leaves his trademark all over it with his latest offering to the streets. Steam and download available below.
P. Blackk "Reality Check" Official Music Video
Bakers Club very own P. Blackk returns with a video for his "Reality Check" record from his latest EP, ONE.
Curtis Williams "Philmore Slim" Official Music Video
Two-9 member comes with a video as we wait on his Half Forgotten Dreams project coming forth August 3rd.
Problem "I Be On" Official Music Video
Problem gives us a video offering from his latest project The Seperation, out now.
Chuuwee "K.I.L.L." Official Music Video
For a West Coast/Chitown collabo, Chuuwee and Hippie Sabotage come forth with a new set of visuals. Be on the lookout for Thrill coming July 30th.
Beyond the Booth With Rittz (VIDEO)
For the first episode of "Beyond The Booth", A3C talks with Atlanta's very own Rittz to discuss being considered an underdog, his various rapping styles, and more.
Schoolboy Q Performs "Gangsta Shit" At The Boiler Room
As Groovy took the stage at the Boiler Room, he performed "Collard Greens" and "Yay Yay" only to end his performance with a unreleased track. Lets pray Oxymoron is coming soon.
Show TuFli "Dedication" Official Music Video
Show TuFli delivers his first set of visuals from his upcoming project entitled RAW (Right All Wrongs).
Behind The Scenes Of Jay Z "Picasso Baby" Music Video
Jay went to perform at the Pace Gallery in New York City, but the performance quickly turned into a video shoot. Checkout what you can expect as we wait for the final cut.
Jabee & Thelonious Martin "Catch That Feeling" Official Music Video
Jabee returns with a visual for his collaboration EP with Thelonious Martin, As It Is In Heaven. Available for stream or download below.
New Music: Stalley "Raise Your Weapons"
With his new mixtape dropping August 8th, Stalley leaves us a new record to hold over.
“We recorded the song a year ago. We had a conversation about what’s going on in our lives and the lack of substance and activism in our community. They say I’m the last of a dying breed. Someone who embodies the glories of success, but also embraces the failings of my path. This song is inspired by my own personal push forward, how it now parallels with larger societal trends, and a desire to want more for the people of this country.”
-Stalley
Joey Badass "Alowha" Official Music Video + Concert Footage
"Alowha my negus , this is all the footage while eye was overseas these past few weeks.... i used to take walks round lil italy now i rome round sicily & im plottin on a milly"
- Joey Bada$$
Fred The Godson "Jodeci" Offical Music Video
With his upcoming mixtape Fat Boy Fresh on the way, Bronx's very own Fred The Godson returns with a visual for some bars he laid over Drake's "Jodeci" record.
New Music: Casey Veggies "Baby Don't Cry"
In honor of him celebrating his 20th birthday yesterday, Young Veggies lets fly a record he laid way back in the Sleeping In Class day.
Juicy J "Bounce It" Feat. Trey Songz x Wale
With Wiz having cameos here and there, on his boss shit, watch as Juicy, Folarin, and Trigga Trey give us a visual for this strip club banger.
Ibn Inglor "Cold Storm" Prod. Mhone Glor
Checkout Ibn's newest release as he gears up to release his upcoming project New Wave, hopefully coming before the year's end.
Sikai "Don't Know Your Name" Official Music Video
Hailing all the way from Connecticut, Sikai delivers a visual from his project that released in January, Painkilling: 1500mg.
New Music: Dom Kennedy "Erica Pt. 1"
With his Get Home Safely project having everybody waiting in anticipation, Dom keeps everyone happy with his new release dedicated to someone special. Hopefully actually hear a part 2.
Wiz Khalifa and Tuki Carter Perform "Rise Above" Live
Wiz Khalifa brings out Tuki Carter to perform "Rise Above" during the Under The Influence Of Music Tour he kicked off with ASAP Rocky lastnight. Shout to HipHopHeisinberg for the footage.
E 40 "All My Niggas" Feat. Danny Brown and Schoolboy Q
Listen as OG 40 shows love for the new school by collabing with Danny Brown and Puffy for this leak from Young California's leak week.
XXL Interviews Jay Z
XXL: Who’s your new artist?
Jay-Z: He’s out of Houston.
What’s his name?
I ain’t ready to disclose all that information.
Okay, so I guess the first question a lot of people are wondering about is: Why the split with Dame and Biggs?
I knew that was going to be your first question. Like, I’m not in the business to talk about guys I did business with—I want you to print all this—been real tight with, for over 10 years. But since there’s so much out there, so much has been said, I will say this one thing: I’ma just ask the people in the world to put themselves in my shoes. However the situation happened, whether we outgrew the situation or what have you, it was time for me to seek a new deal in the situation. While I was doing that, I was gonna leave Roc-A-Fella Records, and if anybody can imagine building something from nothing, and being the main driving force for that, and then having to leave all your legacy and everything behind, I know that’d be a tough situation for anyone. While I was seeking out another deal, whether it was with the S. Carter Records or what have you, there was a deal on the table to be the president of Def Jam, continue running Roc-A-Fella, CEO-president of Roc-A-Fella also, and get all my masters back. But since I was the one that wanted to leave, I was like, let me try to figure out some way where everyone can be happy. So I said, let me have Reasonable Doubt. It’s not a money thing. Reasonable Doubt, if you look at it, it sells, whatever it sells in catalog. Maybe a hundred thousand a year.
It’s very little money, but it meant everything to me because it was my baby. It was my first one. And it was also more of a principle thing: Just give me something, something to walk. Something to hold on to. I don’t wanna walk away from Roc-A-Fella Records if you can imagine that with nothing… So I was like, let me get Reasonable Doubt and I’ll give up [the rest of] my masters. I’ll give up Roc-A-Fella, I’ll give up president and CEO of Def Jam Records—everything. Just give me my baby to hold on to so 10 years down the line, I can look back and I got something—I’m not empty-handed. And I was the one being offered everything. I thought it was more than fair… And when that was turned down, I had to make a choice. I’ll leave that for the people to say what choice they would’ve made. That’s about it. I don’t really wanna talk about Dame or Biggs. I don’t have nothing negative to say about them.
A lot of people look at the Summer 2002—when you were away on vacation and Dame brought Cam’ron into Roc-A-Fella and gave him the VP position—as the moment. Everyone went, “Uh-oh, here comes the split.” Is that legitimate? To see that as the moment when things crystallized?
Um…I would guess yes and no. I’m not a petty person, but I can say maybe it was one of those things. Just ask the question back: If you’re on vacation and you own a record company and someone makes, or says they’re making, a move like that… ‘Cause if you ask Dame, I think he’d regret that. And I think what he was trying to say was—and I don’t really want to speak forhim, he has to speak for himself—but what I think he was trying to say was, he wants everyone to be vice presidents. And then people ran with it and took it that way, and it really got outta hand for the most part. But for that to happen when you’re on vacation, you’ll feel a way. But to say that’s the direct reason for us going and doing different things? I just think that was inevitable. We all bosses. I like the analogy, although it’s petty, but it’s real: We all bosses, but there’s only one presidential suite. If we in a hotel, somebody gotta move to another hotel. It ain’t as simple as that, but it’s sorta like that. We all bosses. We have a lot of things to do. In the beginning it was one common thing. It was Roc-A-Fella. Now it’s so many different things. Rocawear. Armadale, It was so many different things that we had to focus on that it would naturally draw us apart to do different things.
You’re a boss, but you’re an artist, too. If you had to choose, how would you want to be remembered, as artist or businessman?
If I had to choose, that’s an easy choice: I’m an artist in my heart. I’m an artist first. Without my artistry, none of this would be current right now. No Reebok deals, no ownership of the Nets. It was all because of my artistry. I’m not a sneakermaker by trade. I don’t love that. I mean, I love being fresh, but I’m an artist by trade.
So when’s the next Jay-Z album? Are you going to make another one?
Naah. Hell nah.
So, you’re still retired? Just from making albums.
Just from making albums. I still make songs. It bugs me when people say, “I thought you was retired.” I clearly said—and I also said that I’m human. So maybe one day if I’m on the corner and it’s calling me—I don’t wanna just box myself in where I can’t make another album—I’ll do it anyway. But it bothers me when people say, “I thought you was retired,” if I make a song or if I do a verse on somebody’s joint. I never said I wasn’t making anymore music. I should’ve shut up. That’s what I should’ve did. Me and my big mouth.
You said you wanted to find a different situation from Roc-A-Fella. What were you looking to find in a new situation?
I guess it’s a fresh start. Just a fresh start. To start all over without any complications, without anything. I’ll just say a fresh start.
Was it a matter of being unhappy with the way Roc-A-Fella was going?
I just wanna say we outgrew the situation. We all bosses. And as all bosses, we like different things. And it’s nothing wrong with that. Everyone’s doing wonderful, great. No one’s kicked out on the streets. No one’s starving, you know what I’m saying?
Was it a matter of wanting to get more into things like sneakers and basketball? Get away from music?
Nah. If it was to get away from the music, I would’ve just stepped away from the music. I’m not here…this isn’t paying my bills. It’s great money, but it’s not… I’ll probably, from what I do, I’ll probably lose more money here, ’cause it takes a lot of my time that I could be out doing other things. It was more so about… I don’t know. It’s just the next chapter. This insures the success of an artist through music—through not being able to get a deal, to having your own label, to running a major like Def Jam. Who knows what’s next.
And with Dame starting his own label, also under Universal—you’re cool with that?
I think that’s great. Like I said, no one’s kicked out on the streets.
I think there’s a perception that, at Roc-A-Fella, you were the artist, you handled the music, and Dame handled the business stuff. Is it a matter of trying to prove—
I don’t really have to prove anything. Dame is a great businessman. That doesn’t mean that I’m not a businessman because I’m a great artist, or perceived as a great artist. That’s for the people to say [Laughs]. I mean, I’ve been through a lot worse things in my life. I think I can sell CDs [Laughs]. I think I can do that. I think I know how to do that.
You’ve spoken in the past about how difficult it was for some of the artists that were under you at Roc-A-Fella to sell records. Guys like Memphis Bleek and Beanie Sigel.
I mean, relatively, ’cause they’ve all sold records. People think that having a gold album is a failure nowadays. I remember before, it was like the greatest thing in the world. A gold album, that’s 500,000 people. People fail to realize Bleek’s highest-selling album was 900,000. He was right at the door of platinum. Beans too: seven, 800,000, his highest-selling album. So, they doing great numbers. Not nowhere near Vol. 2, which was my highest-selling CD, like 5 million records. I think that it was a gift and a curse. They was getting the recognition of my celebrity, but it was also the weight of my celebrity. Like, “That’s not a Jay-Z album.”
At a certain level, especially at the corporate level that Def Jam is at, there seems to be less and less room for artists that sell 350 or 400,000 albums. Like, everyone needs to be going platinum or artists get dropped. Isn’t that the way the music business is nowadays?
Only because we push the cost of doing business up so high. The making of albums, I’ve seen budgets over $3 million. That’s just outrageous. I made Vol. 2 for $350,000, sold 5 million records. So, spending more money doesn’t mean—people get excited about getting million dollar deals. But like, you just really putting yourself up against the 8-ball. Because what happens is, you get a million-dollar deal, and then you get a video, 750, whatever the video cost. That money’s coming back. And now you have to make that money up. So when you don’t hit that first-week SoundScan, the project gets shut down. ‘Cause the marketing was set up too high. The cost of doing business is so high that companies gotta tuck and run when it’s getting too hot. “Oh, that’s it. We can’t keep spending money on this. We don’t know…we gotta leave.” So we have to bring the cost of doing business back down. It’s too hot.
Are you going to try to scale back at Def Jam? Is that possible in this environment?
It’s tough, because artists are spoiled. But they gotta know the reality of the situation. Just because you don’t get a million-dollar deal doesn’t mean you’re not worth a million dollars. Let’s work together. Let’s spend less on an album so we can make a artist out of you, instead of one video and you gone. A case like a Joe Budden last year. If the money spent was low and the videos were low, they would’ve been able to go further in that project.
With you controlling both Roc-A-Fella and Def Jam, do you think there’s gonna be any problems with people thinking that you’re not working as hard on the Def Jam-
Favoritism?
Yeah, favoritism.
Well, anyone that knows me knows that I’m a very prideful person. And my reputation’s on the line at both places. If I’m successful at Roc-A-Fella and not successful at Def Jam, it’s like it’s a failure for me. I want everybody to be successful equally. I’ve just never been that type of person. Guys had that faith in me to bestow that type of position on me. I’m not gonna take… I believe in Def Jam and the culture. I grew up watching Russell Simmons and these guys. I wouldn’t take that for granted.
The longtime Def Jam artists, have any of them expressed concerns to you about that?
It was never said in words, but it’s only natural to feel that way. But I’m not here to play those types of games. I didn’t take the job to play with their careers. This is how they feed they kids. I’m not playing with them like that. I wouldn’t want nobody playing with me like that.
What are some of the things you’ve done in the first couple of months on the job?
I mean, the first thing I did was reach out to the artists that were on the label. I had some type of dialogue with them. I’m a person that they can relate to more, ’cause I’ve been through the things they’ve been through. I wanted to get a deal, couldn’t get a deal. I wanted to hear my record on the radio. I jumped up and down when my record first got played on the radio. So, I’m really there to just really share my experiences with them, you know what I’m saying. I’m not there to be anybody’s “boss.” I’m really there to move the culture forward, make great music and show that we, as artists, can ascend to an executive level. My man called me and said, “The inmates are running the asylum now.” I love that saying. Maybe you should put that in the tag line or something.
Do you feel pressure from the executives at the parent company?
The great thing about that, Doug Morris was an artist. I think he wrote songs and was a drummer back in the day. So it’s all art. Jimmy Iovine is a producer. L.A. Reid is a producer. So it’s all music guys. I’m here to be smart and be prudent about the budget and shit like that, but at the same time, to not compromise the art because of it. I’m an artist. I’m artist-friendly. There’s no way I can be boss there and be expected to be a corporate guy. They might as well kick me out the building now. You know what you’re getting. So, if in three years I’ve lost the company $100 million, I’ll have made some great records. Just know that.
What if you’re put in a position where an artist’s making great music that you like, doing everything that they can to sell, and it still doesn’t sell. What if you were put in a position where you had to cut an artist?
I mean, as with anything, I believe an open and honest conversation is the best way to go. I can only be honest with them. If there’s something, and we’re throwing money at it and we’re losing money and losing money, then it is what it is. I’m not manipulating the numbers or anything like that. It’s in black and white. It is what it is. It’s just the reality of the business. I find those conversations very easy usually, because it is what it is. It’s math.
A guy like Bleek—would you give him more leeway due to the personal connection?
Bleek, of course. Because I took him out of his house when he was 15 years old and put him on the road. That’s natural. Outside of that, it’s the business. Even with Bleek, I can’t be foolish because it wouldn’t be fair to everybody else. I’m not gonna spend a million dollars on Bleek and $500,000 on the Young Gunz. I gotta do the same thing for Bleek that I do for the Young Gunz, that I do for Ghostface, that I do for whoever.
It seems like that sort of rational thinking has been a key to your success-making decisions based on logic rather than emotions. You’ve spoken about certain mistakes you’ve made in the past, moments when you’ve let that get away from you. Like you said, “Wow. Three seconds could have changed my life…”
Right, and I’m a person that’s aware of it. So, it shows you how important being logical about situations is. So absolutely, I try to think about every situation logically and devoid of emotions. That doesn’t mean that I’m a robot or anything. I’m a human being. But even if I’m upset, I try to calm myself and look at the situation. Because like I said, I’m a person that’s aware of it and it can still get outta hand at times. So, imagine people just running around off the hook. That’s how some people get locked up, and get dead.
The music business has a reputation for hyper-competitiveness. Like, you need to screw somebody else over to make money. Or, you can only make money at the expense of somebody else losing money. Does that come into play with you?
Well, I came from the streets. That’s the same game, but with peril included. I’ve never been that type of person to do that type of business. I just believe in doing your best work, and that’s it. I don’t worry about outsiders. I honestly believe that if we do the best job that we can do, nobody can touch us. We don’t have to spend our energy trying to backstab the next boutique label, trying to block the other major. We just worry about ourselves. As long as we have the best product, it speaks for itself [Laughs].
Have you seen that kind of backstabbing in your years in the business?
Of course. I mean, but that’s anything. It’s a table full of money and people are fighting for the same money at the same table. That’s how it goes. Some people take unethical approaches and some people are gentlemen about it. This is the saying that will tell you about me and my approach to it: I love to win, I don’t hate to lose. There’s a difference. When you love to win, you wanna beat the other team when everyone’s at their best. Some people be like, “Damn, I want Michael Jordan to be injured so the Knicks can win.” That’s terrible. I don’t even want that win. That’s just me. I love to win. I don’t want a game by forfeit. I don’t want none of that. I wanna beat your best team. That’s loving to win. Hating to lose is when you cheat, you want someone to be injured. Anything other than winning when the other person is at their best is hating to lose.
Now that we’re talking about basketball—
Don’t cut that out, that’s a very important mantra in my life right there. That’s a key point. That’s a big thing right there.
What’s happening with LeBron James? Are you trying to get into business with him?
No, he’s a friend of mine. That’s it, nothing more. A young guy coming up, grew up looking up to me, and that’s it. I give him advice like I would give anybody else. I can’t do nothing with him. I have a stake in the Nets. I can’t do nothing with LeBron James, nothing. It’s silly to even say. It’s silly. There’s no such thing as Def Sports Management. There’s no such thing.
With your stake in the Nets, though, it’d be great to get him to Brooklyn, right?
Of course. I mean, I would love to get him to Brooklyn. I’m an NBA owner. I would love to have LeBron James. But like I said, I love to win. I don’t have nothing behind the scenes. I’ll pay my money like anybody else. That’s it. If we got a great deal and he wants to come to Brooklyn, great. If we don’t have enough money—or a team in place where he can win a championship, ’cause that’s important too—he’ll go somewhere else. He’ll still be my friend… It is what it is. Life is very simple if you pay attention. It is what it is. It’s not complicated. People make it more complicated than what it is.
Jhené Aiko Covers Tupac's "Keep Ya Head Up" (VIDEO)
Jhené Aiko performs an acoustic version of Tupac's "Keep Ya Head Up" for Rap-Up Sessions. Jhené releases the Sail Out EP later this summer with guest spots from Wiz Khalifa, Kendrick Lamar, Ab Soul, and her alter ego J. Hennessey.
BBC Radio Jay Z Interview Pt. 4 (VIDEO)
In the final part of his interview series with BBC Radio 1′s Zane Lowe, Jay-Z talks openly and intimately about Blue Ivy, finding time to tour in a household with two entertainers and potentially working with Kanye on another Throne album.
A La Sole "Torture"
Pro Era is literally full of babies that grew up on the best of hip hop. Checkout another member emerging from the background with his new cut "Torture"
G.o.D. Jewels "New G.o.D. Flow" Official Music Video
Chitown MC G.o.D Jewels laid a couple bars over Ye's and Pusha's track for his latest visual offering. Checkout his collaboration mixtape with Hero George Glimpse Of Destiny below.
Shad Da God "Ball Out" Feat. T.I. Official Music Video
This guy has been laying low in the background behind T.I. for quite some time now. Shad Da God finally decides to deliver his own set of visuals with help from the boss. G.D.O.D. out now for download.
18.7.13
Danny Brown DDS Interview (VIDEO)
Watch as Detroit's very own sits down over seas with DrozDailySteezin to discuss selling dope, black plannet, his first rap name, mouth condoms (lol), and more.
Spenzo "Heaven Can Wait" Official Music Video
The Chiraq spitter drops a video for "Heaven Can Wait" from his latest tape In Spenzo We Trust available here via Livemixtapes.
Chance The Rapper Performs "Pusha Man" Live
Chance The Rapper performs "Im Your Pusha Man" live in Philly on July 13, 2013 while on "The Space Migration Tour. Even in the pouring rain he managed to have the whole crown rocking with him.
Kris Kasanova "Brain On Drugs" Official Music Video
The Brooklyn MC lets fly a new video for a track from his most recent tape 24K. Check out the video and the mixtape is available below.
Xclusivezone Interviews Iamsu (VIDEO)
Watch Iamsu's interview with Xclusiveszone where he talks about his new mixtape 'KILT II', his growth, linking up with Problem, going back to school, future projects and who he is listening to now.
Migos Visit The Breakfast Club
Migos travel up to New York to sit down with the infamous Breakfast Club discussing meeting Drake, what's it like being an artist in Atlanta, and more.
Ghostwridah "Buckets" Official Music Video
Miami native Ghostwridah sets it off with a video for his "Buckets" track produced by Don Cannon. Be sure to grab his recent projcect Flu Game available here via Datpiff.
HipHopSince1987 Interviews Migos (VIDEO)
Migos talk about being family, and the third member Offset coming home soon. He talks about their buzz in Atlanta, friendly competition with Rich Homie Quan & Trinidad James. They breakdown their "Bando" record as well as "Versace" featuring Drake. They also talk about rappers freestyling on their "Versace" record. They mention they are six songs in on their mixtape with Soulja Boy. They talk about their video "Jumping Out The Gym" being shot in LA and ATL. They talk about staying independent and keep grinding.
Casso "U.O.E.N.O. Freestyle" Official Music Video Dir. Quincy Scott
Jet Life Casso drops a new visual for his U.O.E.N.O freestlye.
Souls Of Mischief Freestyle On Sway In The Morning (VIDEO)
The Hip Hop super crew Souls Of Mischief has a real deal cypher while visiting Sway in the studio.
Webbie Visits Breakfast Club (VIDEO)
The interview bounces all over place, from the BET situation, to how he disciplines his kids, marriage and his altercation in the Chi. Mr. Savage life even talks about his aspiration to command the pulpit. #FREEBOOSIE
Uptown XO "Finding My Way" Official Music Video
DC native Uptown XO delivers a visual for the 4th track off his album Colour De Grey released in January.
Joey Bada$$ Interview With Dj Self (VIDEO)
Joey Badass and a couple of the pro's stop by DJ Self's Midnite Mixx to dicuss the Pro Era movement, working with the Migos, and more.
Travis Scott Sits Down On Rosenburgs Real Late Session (VIDEO)
Houston artist Travi$ Scott recently sat down with Hot 97's Peter Rosenberg, where he discussed how he went from being homeless to inking deals with T.I.'s Grand Hustle and Kanye's Very G.O.O.D. Beats. Travi$ also reveals what it was like working with Kanye on "Cruel Summer."
Honey The Hippie "Psychedelic" Official Music Video
The talented 18 year old Houston MC delivers a really dope visual for a track from her most recent project entitled Peace Of Mind.
Maliibu Mitch "Valid" Official Music Video
Here's the video for the first single from South Bronx MC Maliibu Miitch's debut EP, Hood Foreign out this month.
Skyzoo "All Black Walls" #PennySeriesPt2
Skyzoo returns with his Penny Series in which he releases a new track every thursday for the next month over a new or rare instrumental. First one up is Jay's "Picasso Baby" instrumental.
Roach Gigz "It's Lit" Feat. IamSu
Representing the Bay to the fullest, Roach Gigz keeps it all in the West with his newest release featuring land native Iamsu. Be on the lookout for Roachy Balboa III dropping July 25th.
Larry King Live With Snopp Dogg On GGN Pt. 1 (VIDEO)
In part 1 of this one of a kind interview, Snoop helps Larry find his inner emcee, they briefly try walking in each others' shoes, talk about Jackie Robinson, Chicken & Waffles, and medical marijuana.
Bishop Nehru "strictlyFLOWZ" Mixtape
Just four months after linking up with The DJBooth to drop his debut mixtape, Nehruvia, 16-year-old rapper/producer Bishop Nehru has unleashed the follow-up, strictlyFLOWZ. Presented by Peter Rosenberg and the UK's DJ Semtex. Download and stream available below.
Earl Sweatshirt "Hive" Feat. Vince Staples & Casey Veggies
Vince Staples and Casey Veggies assist Earl Sweatshirt on the latest single off his forthcoming album Doris entitled Hive.
Killa Kyleon "My N*gga" Official Music Video
Michael Artis teams up with Killa Kyleon to present a visual to the popular song off his new mixtape "Lean On Me" for the track "My Nigga"
Nipsey Hu$$le "Blessings"
Recently Nip got caught up with the laws at a Trayvon Martin protest. He was detained by the LAPD only before they searched his vehicle and found nothing. Be expecting his TM3: Vistory Lap to be here soon.
BBC Radio Interviews Jay Z Pts. 1-3
Below are the first 3 parts of the 4 part interview BBC Radio conducted with Jay Z. Part 4 available later today.
ASAP Ferg "SHABBA" Feat. ASAP Rocky (Cookin Soul Remix)
Cookin Soul gets their hands on ASAP Ferg's recent banger "Shabba". The oringinal version will be featured on his upcoming project Trap Lord.
Chamillionaire "True Religion Freestyle"
Listen as Texas representative Chamillionaire goes in over Travis Scott's "Upper Echelon" instrumental.
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