The Streets Is Talking: Curren$y

For many upcoming MC’s it seems getting offered that highly sought after recording contract equates to hitting the Rap jackpot. While a feat such as signing on the dotted line is not something to sneeze at, it sure does not guarantee a fast track to stardom. Ask Curren$y; the New Orleans protégé has been down that road a couple of times.

Originally on a local independent Curren$y would catch the attention of C-Murder. With C catching a murder case, his brother Master P would step in and scoop the young boy up for No Limit Records’ second generation run.

With no movement there, Curre$y then hooked up with Lil Wayne for a stint on the milli selling rapper’s Young Money imprint. What seemed like an ideal situation didn’t materialize like all parties involved would have hoped. Now a free agent, Curren$y is manning up and taking things into his hands. Peep his past, present, and future.


AllHipHop.com: Let’s start with your days with No Limit Records.

Curren$y: I was originally on a label called Tough Guy Entertainment my brother started with another artist from the Calliope projects. They were cool with Master P and C Murder. When my homey got killed I ended up going to TRU records. C Murder reached out trying to get certain situations going for me but he ran through some hard times with his case and s**t. Then P reached out and I ended up over there.

AllHipHop.com: How long were you with No Limit Records?

Curren$y: Maybe two years. I was on that 504 Boyz album; the second one [Ballers]. I did whatever music was coming out in ‘01-‘02. I was there but too much didn’t come from it so I couldn’t date it properly.

AllHipHop.com: Is it true you were doing a lot of ghostwriting during your time there?

Curren$y: I mean I wrote on projects, I don’t [know] if the bulk of what I wrote ever came out. I was doing some writing when Romeo was doing his thing during the second album.

AllHipHop.com: What was your impression of Master P’s while you sat on the label for two years.

Curren$y: I had saw what it had grown to become. So I had a level of respect for the situation when I got there. People were telling me that they weren’t really popping over there, but I had so much respect for what they had become, I figured I could go over there and make it all good.

AllHipHop.com: How did you get out of the deal?

Curren$y: I had the paperwork that we had to release an album, but by nothing ever coming out of it, it was an amicable split.

AllHipHop.com: So you move from that situation to the Cash Money/Young Money situation correct?

Curren$y: Yeah I had bumped into [Lil] Wayne and we chopped it up for a second and I asked him about doing a record. We did like six records that night. He let me know he was still doing that label thing, and I was like alright let’s see what’s good. So I was like I’m going to do this.

AllHipHop.com: What was your first impression of him?

Curren$y: He worked hard, the same way I do. So it was just good because I went into a situation were music was being pumped out so surely it was productive. So it was a good enough impression for me to get down, you know?

AllHipHop.com: Did you get at him to sign with the company or is that something Lil Wayne pursued?

Curren$y: He put it together and everything went from there. He told me come kick it and see what’s good in the studio and it pretty much went without saying after that. I was down for like three years but I didn’t officially sign until January or February of last year. What I’m saying if I’m down, I’m down. I wasn’t really tripping off no paperwork you know? I wasn’t really signed that entire time but I had been rocking with them so long, people thought I was. If we eating, we eating.

AllHipHop.com: So even when you weren’t signed, they were hitting you with some paper?

Curren$y: Yeah it was all family; it was a good situation where I was eating,

AllHipHop.com: Any comment from you on Lil Wayne doing a million units his first week?

Curren$y: That’s great! Dude is getting money, and he is from my city so I would never hate on him. A million records first week is awesome. I’m not even tripping; I’m just trying to get my bread.

AllHipHop.com: At the time did you ever get concerned of Wayne hitting that drank too hard?

Curren$y: Nah I don’t too much about that or what it does. So I never even had time to grow a concern about it. I didn’t even know it was something to be concerned about.

AllHipHop.com: Did you ever see any of them kiss or anything like that?

Curren$y: Nah (laughs); that must have been before my time. When I got there it was all good. It just didn’t work out.

AllHipHop.com: When did you notice things weren’t going to take off for you?

Curren$y: After my buzz single (“Where Da Cash At?”) started to wear out at radio without having a video shot. That’s when I was like uh oh. We eventually shot one but it didn’t get put into rotation and programming and s**t like that. That’s when I knew this might not go how it’s supposed to go. There were no more moves being made on my project and I just fell back and waited to see what was going on. I seen it before; I know how the backburner look so I was like, Yeah it’s that again.

AllHipHop.com: At that point did you voice your concerns to Wayne?

Curren$y: Yeah we spoke about the album and everything that was going on. I felt like I didn’t need to talk. I’m there and I know how things are supposed to go and once it wasn’t going that way I realized I should just do it myself. It was no point in talking to anybody about it because I just went through it before. Rather than speak on it and fix another situation, I was like it’s time to create my own. So at any problems I’ll ever have it will be with me. Me walking away from Wayne wasn’t any explosions or anything like that, some people realized that they can work for people or they can’t. Like college isn’t for anybody. I just realized like some other situations I’ve been in, this situation isn’t the situation for me to do what I got to do.

AllHipHop.com: So there wasn’t any beef when you left or missing money issues?

Curren$y: It wasn’t nothing like that. It’s just I have some s**t that needs to be heard. It was no beef or nothing; I just had to do what I had to do. I can rap too!

AllHipHop.com: Wayne was really pushing for you, did he try to hold on to you and ask you to stick around?

Curren$y: They couldn’t, after a while what is understood doesn’t have to be said. He had to understand it. There wasn’t any confusion because it was the same thing with No Limit, nothing happened.

AllHipHop.com: When’s the last time you talked to any of them?

Curren$y: When it was all good; when I stopped, I stopped.

AllHipHop.com: What are you working on now?

Curren$y: Another tape, I’m working on Super Techmo Bowl right now. I’m putting that out next month. I’ve been putting out tapes every month since March. I’m just leaving the studio right now. There have been some people reaching out, I’m still doing my independent thing and building my buzz up so [can] I really get all the things I want. I don’t want to entertain things until my buzz is to a point where I need it. Every tape brings offers from another label. I figured out the formula, if I keep grinding I’m going to get exactly what I want.

Gym Class Heroes (Feat. Busta Rhymes) - Peace Sign/ Index Down

Gym Class Heroes' video for 'Peace Sign / Index Down' (feat. Busta Rhymes) from The Quilt - in stores September 9th.

Nike Dunk High Premium SB - Shoe Goo

An interesting Nike Dunk High Premium SB has recently popped up nicknamed “Shoe Goo”, a product used in skating. The Dunk High’s are made up of coated canvas, crinkled patent leather and a translucent mid-sole.

A little unusual and isn’t particularly the best looking Dunk High out there, but definitely is something to talk about. Unfortunately, no official information has been released about this particular model, but it should be only a matter time till word gets out. Via Arktz.

Nike Dunk High Premium SB - Shoe Goo

Wayne's World

Weezy is one of the hardest working MCs in the game right now and has been for a couple years now. The other day there was an audio clip leaked on the internet of Wayne airing out the Mixtape DJs, he even went as far as saying “fuck the mixtape DJ's, I’m anti mixtape DJ”. After hearing this clip I said to myself “damn Wayne is really feeling himself”, but after hearing his interview with DJ Drama, I now understand where he’s coming from. Wayne wasn’t saying “fuck DJ Drama, DJ Khaled, DJ Mick Boogie, DJ BIG Mike, Kay Slay, or Cutmaster C”, Wayne was saying fuck you to DJ Sweaty Balls, DJ Loser, DJ Nobody, and DJ Fake Ass DJ. He was talking to the unknown DJ’s who have his face plastered all over their Mixtapes to get their own buzz without getting it cleared through him at the least.

Before hearing the interview he had with Drama I started to feel a certain way about Wayne, because I know what part the real mixtape DJ’s played in his career, so I felt like that wasn’t right of him to say. After hearing Wayne’s side I completely understand where he’s coming from. Every mixtape that has come out in the last year or so has either had Wayne’s picture on the cover or at least three to four songs from Wayne on their track listing, niggas are eating off of this man without even the slightest courtesy of hitting him up and asking could he clear the tracks or the mixtapes. I was just on Canal St the other day where a lot of mixtape DJ’s drop off their CD’s for promotion purposes, and I have to say that there was at least 30 mixtapes with Wayne on them with no exaggeration. There’s not even 30 hot mixtape DJ’s out right now so you do the math. These no name niggas are getting tracks from past CD’s or shit that was leaked on the internet putting it on a CD with an ill Wayne cover and calling it an official Wayne mixtape, and this nigga never even spoke to these niggas ever in his life.

There’s niggas out there that have a Wayne’s World Series 1-7 and this nigga doesn’t even know who these niggas are, I’ve seen these CD’s before and I thought he had something to do with it. Wayne has been working very hard in the last few years and niggas are really using this man’s hard work to get their shine on and that shit is really just fucked up. It’s bad enough a lot of these clowns are not real DJ’s anyway, but the fact that their putting out shit with this nigga draped all up and down their shit without little as even myspacing this nigga asking him to clear the shit or at least informing the nigga that they’re using his shit is just fucking wrong. Niggas are always trying to eat off the next man instead of trying to work with a nigga and doing it the right way. It’s fucked up that some people heard the clip before hearing the interview and decided to leak the Carter III on the internet hoping to show Wayne how they felt about what was said. Sometimes it’s not best to react at the height of your anger, because you could end up doing something that’s not necessary, and it’s possible that the person responsible for the leak wasn’t even someone Wayne was talking about. Truthfully speaking before I heard the interview I was going to write a different type of article, but I saw the link for the interview and decided to take a listen, and I’m glad I did, because I feel Wayne all the way. You bum ass no name DJ’s need to step your game up, if you want Wayne on your shit at least make an attempt to get in touch with ole boy. I know it’s easier said than done, but if you’re trying to be on top of your game, and want to be one of the top DJ’s out there, then do it the right way and stop eating off of another niggas name. Pick up that Carter III on June 10th and support one of the hardest working artists out right now. These are just my thoughts.

DJ Drama & Brisco: Gangsta Grillz: The Underworld Rise

Artist: Brisco
Hosted By: DJ Drama & E Class
Mixtape: Gangsta Grillz: The Underworld Rise



From the mixtapes Intro Brisco gets right to work and gives listeners an in-depth outlook on his life form the beginning to now with verses like "I'm a Food Stamp baby/raised in the 80's/in a era where crack had bitches going crazy/Regan couldn't save us and Clinton never lied/nobody never helped us and Bush never tried". At a time where artist seem to follow trend Brisco decides to make his own lane. Like him or not Brisco is determine to be himself clearly shown on with his Street Anthem "Bitch I'm Me" produced by J Rock. Not forgetting to give the ladies something to vibe to "Just Know That" featuring Flo Rida seems like the perfect fit. On "Ski Mask Way" he lets everyone know exactly why a Goon has to be a Goon and get things done the ski mask way featuring Torch and Gunplay of Triple C's. The Birdman pays a visit on "Let's Ride" and Lil Wayne on the "In The Hood" which is the record most of you probably know Brisco from. Just like when Rick Ross dropped "Maybach Music" before "Trilla" and Young Jeezy's "Trap Or Die" before "Thug Motivation:101". The Under World Rise is a small dosage before "Street Medicine". Other key records on The Underworld Rise are "Task Force", Fresh Out" and "This My Life".

Lil Wayne: Tha Carter III

Artist: Lil Wayne

Album: Tha Carter III

Label: Cash Money Records/Universal Motown Music Group

Rating: 4 out of 5 Clocks

'Tha Carter III' has been in the works for over two and half years, the anticipation for this album expanded over the course of its successful sequel. This is the final installment to his distinguished trilogy. Between that time and where he is now, Lil Wayne has become a force to be reckoned with; he has individually kept Hip-Hop afloat where many others have failed. After being pushed back numinous amount of times and even leaked once before, the third Carter is finally released to a world of impatient fans. The album cover alone follows the same concept of Nas with 'Illmatic' and Biggie with 'Ready to Die.'

Between the completely vivid lyrics and the mega production he incorporated into this album, the final chapter is by far a great conclusion; even the artists that feature on the album put forth that extra effort to keep up with Wayne's lyrical matter. Many of the tracks evident an advancement in his lyrical level, you can definitely sense the maturity in his music from the production to the storyline. As a matter of fact he includes pieces of himself in each individual track. It is quite obvious that every track comprises elements that blend very well. It seems as though he took each track like an experiment and incorporated many different ideas. The originality and the concept he intentionally pushes to delivery is definitely there. Many different tracks prove this theory; all you have to do is take a gander at 'Mr. Carter,' 'Phone Home,' 'Playin' with Fire,' 'La La,' 'Dr. Carter,' 'Tie My Hands,' and 'Misunderstood.' I put emphasis on both 'Dr. Carter' and 'Tie My Hands,' between creativity and personal characteristics; he shows you a different side of Wayne. Mr. Carter features the other famous Carter, Jay-Z, while Tie My Hands incorporates the soulful talents of Robin Thicke. The production he chose to express his lyrics further proves that he can adapt to maturity.

On the real, I've been listening to Lil Wayne since 'Tha Block Is Hot' and I can honestly say his style and lyrical flow have initially sky-rocketed from his younger days in the Hot Boys. This album deserves a 4 out 5 Clocks for originality and conceptual lyrics that incorporate a storyline. This is a collector's item that will become a masterpiece in its own time. The best rapper alive has given you three reasons why he claims the throne. The trilogy is over; let's just wait and see what Wayne has up his sleeves in the next two and half years. Before that he'll probably be in every mixtape from now until the year 2010.

Other notable tracks include: '3 Peat,' 'Comfortable,' 'Good Girl Gone Bad,' and 'Shoot Me Down.'

G-Uint:TOS (Terminate On Site)

Artist: G-Unit
Album: TOS (Terminate On Site)
Label: G-Unit/Interscope



With the start of Thisis50.com 50 Cent and the whole G-Unit has been taking it back to the basics and heating up the streets again with their last two mixtape releases. TOS brings back flashes of the old 50 Cent before the deal heard on the albums into "Straight Outta Southside" and a new improved Tony Yayo. But a G-Unit album just would not be the same with out some drama, so even Young Buck was kicked out of G-Unit he still shows up on the album on five records including the lead singles "Rider Pt.2" and "I Like The Way She Do It". Personally I don't think this album will sell well and I'm waiting to see the numbers but with records like "Let It Go" featuring Mavado and produced by Don Cannon places The Unit in a great space. Some other key tracks to look out for are "Casualties of War", "I Don't Wanna Talk About It" and "Get Down" produced by Swizz Beatz.

Nas: Untitled

Artist: Nas
Album: Untitled
Label: The Jones Experience/Def Jam



Just when you thought Nas' last album entitled "Hip Hop Is Dead" ruffled a couple feathers when the word got around that Mr. Nasir was naming his second album on Def Jam "Nigger" the controversy began. A couple months later the album title was changed but his message couldn't be anymore clear after one listen to his official first single "Hero" featuring Keri Hilson and produced by Pollow Da Don. The album touches on topics your average artist would not dare speak on much less make a record about on "Nigger" and even answer back to the news channel Fox 5 on "Sly Fox". But after "Testify" one of my personal favorite records outside of "Hero" Nas falls victim to a lack of good production once again which creates records such as "Black President" and "Make The World Go Round" featuring The Game and Chris Brown. Other highlights on the album are "Queens Get The Money", "America" and "Fried Chicken" featuring Busta Rhymes.

N.E.R.D: Seeing Sounds

Artist: N.E.R.D.
Album: Seeing Sounds
Label: Star Trak/Interscope



After a unsuccessful solo album, Pharrell decided to get back into the lab with group members Chad and Shae to create "Seeing Sounds". On this album Pharrell seems to find his mojo back from his lack of effort on "In My Mind" clearly shown on the lead single "Everyone Knows" which all the females at the club should be able to relate to soon as the chorus starts "All The Girls Standing In Line For The Bathroom" ! Not to mention the remix featuring CRS (Pharrell, Lupe & Kanye West new Super Group), Kanye West and Pusha T. Pushing the envelope since coming in to the as producers The Neptunes "Spaz" which most of you might of heard from the Zune Commercial and "Sooner Or Later" lets N.E.R.D. continue to bridge the gap. Blending Hip Hop, Rock and Soulful Harmony "Seeing Sounds" is definitely worthy of picking up powered by track like "Anti Matter", "You Know What" and "Love Bomb".

Plies: Who Hotter Then Me!

24: What was your mind state coming into this album compared to your first album?

Plies: Just to continue to keep making good music and taking my brand to another level. Showing people that I'm here to stay and making sure my company goes to another level with this album.

24: I don't know any other artist that continues to drop albums back to back with out big appearances other then on a hook or two so what do you think contributes to that?

Plies: Before my record I had a huge following and I think it has spread and people buy into me and not who I'm friends with or hang out with they like Plies music.

24: Outside of Ne-Yo on "Bust It Baby Pt.2" who else did you work with as far as being on the album hooks?

Plies: I worked with the boy Trey Songz on a song called "I'm Da Man" and Keyshia Cole which I think is going to be a real big song when its drops.

24: Who did you work with as far as production on the album?

Plies: I really don't like to name drop producers but I have worked with J.R. Rotem and Drumma Boy on both albums and they have blessed me with some huge records.

24: A lot of artist normally do a whole 360 degree turn on their second album and go against what made them successful in the first place but But I feel like you did what worked for you the first time around just on a bigger scale?

Plies: Exactly, and at the end of the day I can only be Plies so I have to give the people who I am so they can never be a 360 degree turn and if the labels wanted me to do that I would not put out another record again.

24: Every time you drop anthem you make sure you follow up with a street record which is something I think artist want to do but you actually shoot the video and really do it?

Plies: I think I have to give the people both sides of Plies I can make a song like "Shawty" and "100 Years" or "Bust It Baby Pt.2" and "Somebody(Loves You)", "I'm Da Man". I started my own film company and I shoot the videos myself with out waiting for a label to do something for me its my career at the end of the day.

24: I know a lot of people who really related to your record "Runnin My Momma Crazy" and "100 Years" so should they except some of those type records on this album?

Plies: Through out the rest of my career they can expect to hear those type of records from me because thats what I represent and I speak for those who cant speak for themselves due to the prison system.

24: What's your definition of real?

Plies: Taking care of my family and being true to myself and the people around me. A lot of people feel like it means something different to them and thats understandable but I think its more of being a man and handling your business.

24: Did you ever think you would be this successful going into your second album with this music industry low record sales and is it a bitter sweet feeling for you with your brother in prison?

Plies: I always believed in myself but its really a blessing because like you said of the low record sales thats effecting everyone in the game. It is a bitter sweet thing because me and my brother started this together but he's still very much apart of the day to day running of the company as I am out here and free.

24: I know there a lot of up and coming artist that look up to you so what would you tell them is the best way to get ready for this music industry?

Plies: I would say to just make good music and market yourself in the best way you can by taking over your own area one city at a time.

24: Any last words you want to leave with the readers?

Plies: Yeah, look out for more to come from Big Gates Records of course the reality show coming soon and I'm on a record with DJ Khlaed called "Out Here Grindin" and Fat Joe "Aint Sayin Nuthin" so support that as well as picking up my album you wont be disappointed! I got a couple of other videos on the way for "Please Excuse My Hands" with Jamie Fox and "Worth Goin' Fed Fo".


For more info on Plies Log on to www.myspace.com/plies.

Shawty Lo Speaks On The Fight Incident & Responds To Meatball "How The Hell I Steal Yo Swag" Plus Says "T.I. F*ck You N*gga. Everyone Know You Fake P*

*WSHH Exclusive*

Shawty Lo interview. Speaks on whats going on with the allegeded getting jumped rumors, T.I, & more.

Nicki Minaj Interview On Rock Me TV

Nicki Minaj interview. Courtesy of Rock Me TV

Method Man Stage Dive Goes Wrong

From Wu Tang Concert in London, UK. Shout out to Harry Method Man commits 'stage dive suicide' at Day 2 of the Wu Tang's 8 Diagrams Tour! It was packed out but that cluster of crowd just all moved out the way! (Shepards Bush Empire, London UK)

Bloods & Crips (L.A Gangs) [Full TV Documentary]

National Geographics presents Bloods & Crips (L.A Gangs

Jim Jones Interview "Kanye West Better Keep My Name Out Of His Mouth, I'll Deck Kanye Old School Style" Plus Says Max B's Album Will Never Come Out

Jim Jones stops by to kick it with Jenny and talk about his upcoming 3 albums, his relationship with Cam'Ron & slapping both Max B & Kanye West???. Shout out to badboy4life for sending this through

Hell Rell Goes In On Red Cafe "That Stupid Clown Azz Nigga Red Cafe, Hes A F*ckin Roach"

HELL RELL PRESENTS "RUGA STORIES" PART 3?A MESSAGE FOR RED CAFÉ, TALKS FABOLOUS & MORE!!! In the next chapter of the Ruga Stories webisode series prefacing the imminent July 22nd release of ?Black Mask Black Gloves,? Rell keeps it gully about Red Café, talks Fab and why they cool & more.

Ace hood - Im Me

Ace hood we the best music and jordan tower films are making history...this off that ace won't fold mixtape...directed by jordan tower of jordan tower films...JTF TO THE DEATH!!!!

Hell Rell - Get Ready

Hell Rell "get ready" **official video*.

Rick Ross Responds To Trick Daddy Bout Claiming Ross Was A Corrections Officer! "If You A G , Come See Me"

Street Certified DVD. Rick Ross a former corrections officer?

Street Rappers / Smugglaz (Thug Life In Canada) [Full CBC Documentary]

CBC National News documentary about thug life in Toronto's Jane-Finch.

SYMBOLS OF SUCCESS

In Hip-Hop's world of fashion, everyone wants to show what their worth. Whether it be designer clothes and shoes, or flashy cars and jewelry these entertainers strive to show off "THE BANG" in their bucks. The bigger the better is what most wealthy individuals look for when purchasing extravagent accessories to add to their luxurious lives. In today's fashion industry the most purchased accessories to show off what you're worth range from designer shades, to multi-million dollar estates. As far as shades and handbags are concerned, the bigger they are the better. The more expensive their purchase the more acknowledgement these celebrities obtain through these symbols of success. The style of handbags and shades reflect either the simplicity or flamboyancy of a person. Celebrities such as Beyonce, Kimora Lee Simmons, and Ciara, have all been seen engaging in this fashion frenzy. Nevertheless, today's most successful men are also getting hip to the shades trend. Take Kanye for example, you never know what type of outlandish outfit he's going to wear accommodated by an outlandish pair of shades. Men also tend to show off their prestige through cars and jewelry.These items show off how big their bank accounts are. When selecting diamonds for rings, watches, or chains, size and color matter. The uniqueness of your jewelry portrays to the public that you've spent major cash on it. When choosing a car to show off what you're worth, the guts, wheels, paintjob, the style and model reflect if you're really ballin.

P.Diddy's Back With A New Reality Show On VH1

VH1 GETS TO WORK AND JOINS FORCES WITH DIDDY IN THE SEARCH TO FIND HIS NEXT PERSONAL ASSISTANT.........

13 aspiring assistants do whatever it takes to get the ultimate dream job when “I Want To Work For Diddy” premieres Monday, August 4 at 9 PM ET/PT.

New York, NY July 11, 2008 – Diddy. He only needs one name, but he needs a virtual army of help to keep his legendary empire of music, acting, fashion, sports, fragrance and television running. The ultimate secret weapon in that army? Diddy’s personal assistant. VH1’s new competitive reality series “I Want To Work For Diddy” tracks 13 hungry applicants as they compete to land the job of a lifetime. This isn’t some boring job interview. They’ll be challenged emotionally, physically and mentally to earn the privilege of doing Diddy’s bidding, and just one lucky person will get the chance to call him “My Boss.” “I Want To Work For Diddy” premieres Monday, August 4 at 9 PM ET/PT.

After a nationwide search, VH1 found 13 determined young men and women with the raw potential to assist and exist with of one of the world’s most high profile CEOs. Each one-hour episode showcases a range of challenges, many based on the real life experiences of Diddy’s previous assistants. In addition to completing these tasks, the applicants must also do their best to impress an intimidating panel of judges: self-made business prodigy and Executive Vice President of Warner Music Group Kevin Liles, Sean John Marketing Director and former Diddy assistant Capricorn Clark and Diddy’s ultimate henchman, Island Def Jam Chief of staff, Phil Robinson. Throughout the series Diddy will share his business acumen with viewers by setting up a series of challenges that run the gamut from “The Art of Multitasking” to “No Bitchassness Allowed.”

Will determination, motivation and drive pay off, or will the pressure be too much to bear? Tune in for all the tears and meltdowns as we find out who will ultimately work for Diddy.

For more information on “I Want To Work For Diddy”, please log onto VH1.com.

“I Want To Work For Diddy” was created and executive produced by Sean “Diddy” Combs. For Left/Right Inc. Banks Tarver, Ken Druckerman and Danny Salles served as Executive Producers and Sean Rankine served as Co-Executive Producer. For VH1 Jeff Olde, Shelly Tatro and Danielle Gelfand served as Executive Producers and Kari McFarland as Supervising Producer. Former Diddy personal assistants Tommy Popps and Norma Augenblick served as Co-Producers for Bad Boy Entertainment.

What Is Trill?

In light of the speculations that have been swarming all across the net and the media about Rick Ross’ past and his apparent role as a Correctional Officer, 24hourhiphop.com is personally investigating this outlandish claim of a false photo and report that was posted on mediatakeout.com. This is a blatant act of defamation of character from an enemy that cannot be seen, why would anyone try and fail, mind you, to break down any artist’s career that he or she has been working on for over 15 long years. This is what you call envious thoughts.

Apparently this act of character defamation is something this anonymous person was out to do. Let me school ya’ll on the Boss, so you know what the real story is. Rick Ross’ career stems over a long period of time, since back in 1999 when he was initially signed to Suave House, after his return from college. Sometime in 2001, Ross inked a deal with Miami-based labels Poe Boy and Slip-N-Slide. The world finally recognized him on the scene with Trina on the Soundtrack to the film ‘All About The Benjamins.’ By then he was already a known rapper in Miami and the East Coast. In 2006, he finally caught his big break with the fast chart-climbing ‘Hustlin.’ This single became an anthem all over the world in a short period a time. The release of ‘Hustlin’ led him to ink a multi-million dollar deal with Def Jam Recordings under the wing of, at the time CEO, Jay-Z. Ross’ debut album ‘Port of Miami’ put his city back on the map. That first studio LP under the Def Jam imprint eventually went Platinum. After that, Ross began popping up everywhere and doing features on practically everyone’s track. He was unstoppable, everywhere you would go, you would hear Ross verses left and right. This finally led to his most established, yet subtle, sophomore studio LP, Trilla. Both LPs reached number one status on the billboard charts opening week. Let me remind you, MTV News ranked Ross number four in its 2008 ‘Hottest MCs in the Game’ List amongst ten other rap artists. Just to release some news that has yet to reach any media outlet desk, Rick Ross’ third studio album is entitled ‘Deeper Than Rap’ and is scheduled to drop sometime this summer, so get ready for yet another classic Hip-Hop album. There will be new material coming from Ross within the following months. As a matter a fact, his group, Carol City Cartel, will also be releasing an album sometime later this year as well. So Ross, in essence, has a lot on his plate within the next several months, while he’s still promoting his most recent album Trilla.

If anyone else has anything to say about Ross and his past, realize that he is what defines the true meaning of Trill. Just for ya’ll speculators and haters out there, he never was a correctional officer or anything of the sort. 24hourhiphop.com does not stand by this false allegation and will continue to investigate further on this whole outlandish charade.

Ozone Awards Going Down August 8-11 in Houston, Texas

OZONE Magazine today announced actor/comedian, DeRay Davis [MTV’s Wild ‘n’ Out, BET’s Comic View] as host for its 3rd Annual OZONE Awards show in Houston, Texas, Monday August 11th, at the George R Brown Convention Center. Topping the list of nominees for this year’s award ceremony is Lil Wayne, with 8 nominations in more than 5 categories including TJ’s DJ's Hustler Award, Club Banger of the Year and Best Lyricist. Other Nominees include T-Pain, Rick Ross, Plies, Kanye West, Killer Mike, Trick Daddy, Shawty Lo, Bun B, Trey Songz, Flo Rida, Usher, Young Jeezy, DJ Khaled, Greg Street, Akon, Ice Cube, Snoop and The Game.

Honoring the memory of the late UGK rapper, Pimp C, OZONE will dedicate a new category, the “PIMP C AWARD (TRILLEST ARTIST)”, to a list of nominees who have expressed personal views and been outspoken about controversial topics in and outside of music. Nominees included Kanye West, David Banner, Killer Mike, Lil Wayne, Trae and Trick Daddy.

“We wanted to dedicate a category this year for the Trillest Artist Award,” explains OZONE Founder and producer of the OZONE Awards, Julia Beverly. “Since Pimp C was one of the most vocal members of our community we felt it was appropriate to name the award after him. While we are guests in Houston, we hope to do as much as we can to represent the city's unique culture, which includes remembering Pimp C and other Texas legends who have passed, like DJ Screw, Big Hawk, Fat Pat and Big Moe."

A complete list of nominees across more than 25 categories including “Best Rap Album”; “Breakthrough Artist”; “Best Rap Group”; Best Video”; and “DJ of The Year” listed below.

To vote for this year’s nominees please log onto www.ozonemag.com/toa_voting/

BEST RAP ALBUM

Plies - Real Testament

Rick Ross – Trilla

Shawty Lo - Units in the City

UGK – Underground Kingz

BEST RAP ARTIST

Bun B

Lil Wayne

Plies

Rick Ross

T.I.

Young Jeezy

BEST R&B ARTIST

Chris Brown

Keyshia Cole

Ne-Yo

T-Pain

The Dream

Trey Songz

BEST RAP GROUP

Birdman & Lil Wayne

Grit Boys

Little Brother

Playaz Circle

Three 6 Mafia

UGK

BEST LYRICIST

Andre 3000

Bun B

Lil Boosie

Lil Wayne

Scarface

T.I.

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST

Flo Rida

Gorilla Zoe

Rocko

Shawty Lo

Soulja Boy

BEST RAP/R&B COLLABORATION

2 Pistols f/ T-Pain “She Got It”

David Banner f/ Chris Brown & Yung Joc “Get Like Me”

Plies f/ Ne-Yo “Bust It Baby Pt. 2”

Ray J f/ Yung Berg “Sexy Can I”

Rick Ross f/ R Kelly “Speedin’”

Usher f/ Young Jeezy “Love In This Club”

CLUB BANGER OF THE YEAR

DJ Khaled f/ Rick Ross, Plies, & Trick Daddy – “I’m So Hood”

Flo Rida f/ T-Pain “Low”

Lil Wayne f/ Static Major “Lollipop”

Playaz Circle f/ Lil Wayne “Duffle Bag Boy”

Shawty Lo “Dey Know”

Webbie f/ Lil Boosie & Lil Phat “Independent”

MIXTAPE MONSTER AWARD

B.O.B.

Gucci Mane

Lil Wayne

Shawty Lo

Trae

Yo Gotti

MOST SLEPT ON ARTIST

BloodRaw

B.O.B.

Killer Mike

Trick Daddy

Z-Ro

PIMP C AWARD (TRILLEST ARTIST) (Not afraid to speak what’s on their mind)

David Banner

Kanye West

Killer Mike

Lil Wayne

Trae

Trick Daddy

TJ's DJ's HUSTLER AWARD

Akon

Bigga Rankin

DJ Khaled

Lil Wayne

T-Pain

TJ's DJ's TASTEMAKER AWARD (Trendsetter in music, fashion/style, etc.) Greg Street

Jermaine Dupri

Pimp C

Polow da Don

Soulja Boy

T-Pain

BEST VIDEO

Chamillionaire f/ Slick Rick “Hip Hop Police”

Lil Wayne “Lollipop”

Lupe Fiasco “Hip Hop Saved My Life”

Rick Ross f/ R Kelly “Speedin’”

UGK f/ Outkast “International Players Anthem”

DJ OF THE YEAR

Bigga Rankin

DJ Drama

DJ Khaled

DJ Q45

Greg Street

Tony Neal

BEST MIXTAPE / STREET ALBUM

B.G. & DJ Drama - Gangsta Grillz: Hood Generals

B.O.B. & Mick Boogie - Hello My Name Is BOB

Bigga Rankin & Brisco - From Dade to Duval: WRNR

Chamillionaire – Mixtape Messiah 3

Rich Boy – Bigger Than The Mayor

Shawty Lo & DJ Scream – I’m Da Man 2

Yelawolf - Stereo Y

Gotti & DJ Smallz – Cocaine Muzic

BEST PRODUCER

DJ Montay

DJ Toomp

Drumma Boy

J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League

Polow the Don

The Runners

BEST RAP ARTIST (WEST COAST)

Ice Cube

Keak da Sneak

Mistah FAB

Snoop Dogg

The Game

BEST RAP GROUP (WEST COAST)

Dem HoodStarz

DPG (Dogg Pound)

Mob Figaz

Strong Arm Steady

The Pack

BEST RAP ALBUM (WEST COAST)

Blu “Below the Heavens”

Keak Da Sneak “Deified”

Mistah FAB “Baydestrian”

Snoop Dogg “Ego Trippin”

Too Short “Get Off The Stage”

LIVING LEGEND AWARD

J Prince

PATIENTLY WAITING: FLORIDA

Ace Hood

BallGreezy

Brisco

Frank Lini

Grind Mode

Haitian Fresh

PATIENTLY WAITING: GEORGIA

Alfamega

B.O.B.

O.J. Da Juice Man

Rock City

Yung LA

Yung Ralph

PATIENTLY WAITING: TEXAS

Damm D

Lil Will

Spark Dawg

TMI Boyz
Trai D

PATIENTLY WAITING: MISSISSIPPI

Gutta Twins

Lil C

Rob Gold

XVII (“Seventeen”)

Scrilla Boy

PATIENTLY WAITING: ALABAMA

C Hall

Deuce Komradz

Jackie Chain

Yelawolf

PATIENTLY WAITING: LOUISIANA

3 Deep

9th Ward

Lil Cali

Mack Maine

PATIENTLY WAITING: TENNESSEE

All Star

Cowboy

JAG

Novokane

PATIENTLY WAITING: CAROLINAS

Carlos Cartel

Shelly B

Snook Da Rokk Star

Sonny Rich

PATIENTLY WAITING: KENTUCKY

Hurricane

Kasanova

R Prophet

YV

PATIENTLY WAITING: CALIFORNIA

Bishop Lamont

G. Malone

Jay Rock

Kuzzo Fly

Roccett

The Jacka

PATIENTLY WAITING: ARIZONA

Cinque

Hot Rod

Jiggolo

Willy Northpole