Ludacris Launches Web Site, Drops Album Same Day As Kanye West Nov 6, 2008
" Theater of the Mind's standout track is definitely "I Do It for Hip-Hop," which features ... uh, co-stars Nas and Jay-Z. It's a collaboration Luda has been waiting his whole career for. "The best way I can explain that sh-- is that I feel like almost when you say, 'I've done that and can move on,' " Luda said of the collabo. "After doing a song with Nas and Jay-Z, I feel like a part of me is more complete than I was in hip-hop. I've always wanted to do something that extreme and historic in... (VHI.com -- Music News)
Service planned Nov 5, 2008
He was named executive vice president about five months ago, succeeding rap superstar Jay-Z.. It is difficult to express or explain in words what led to the tragic occurrence on Saturday, Stewart s fiance, Michelle Rivers said in a statement released through Island Def Jam Music Group. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
PRIMARY FLASHBACK: Obama makes one-fingered gesture while speaking of Hillary... Nov 4, 2008
The brushing his shirt is a rap reference to a Jay-Z song ... That gesture is one of a series, including the Jay-Z shoulder dust-off and the "got to scrape that sh*t right off your shoes" gesture, not to mention the Best of Reverend Wright "ridin' dirty" hand motion presented in the guise of a knife twist and quickly performed twice, with cheers from the crowd and smirks from Obama. (The Drudge Report)
His 'deep pain' Nov 4, 2008
Stewart was named executive vice president of Def Jam just five months ago, succeeding hip-hop mogul Jay-Z. ... And when Stewart earned his most recent executive title, he was excited when he talked to the AJC about the challenge; if not reluctant to be looked at as the guy filling Jay-Z s shoes : I don t really say I m replacing Jay-Z. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Record exec Stewart dies from self-inflicted gunshot Nov 3, 2008
He was named executive vice president about five months ago, succeeding rap superstar Jay-Z.. Christopher Hicks, a friend of 18 years and fellow music executive, last spoke with Stewart about a week ago. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Travel)
It's a High-5 Night for U2 Nov 3, 2008
" McCartney performed his newer music, but he also returned to the Beatles songbook with an incandescent version of "Helter Skelter" and, later, a version of "Yesterday" that was meshed with a performance by L.A. rock band Linkin Park and rapper Jay-Z. Then there was the matter of Sly Stone, the eccentric music hero who had not made a major public appearance in 13 years. Stone's music was the subject of an all-star medley at the center of the show and, for Grammy producers, there was more than a... (Yahoo News -- Grammy Awards)
Def Jam Exec VP Shakir Stewart Commits Suicide Nov 2, 2008
Stewart succeeded Jay-Z at the top of the Def Jam ladder in June and also retained his duties as senior VP of Asland Def Jam ... Stewart succeeded Jay-Z at the top of the Def Jam ladder in June and also retained his duties as senior VP of A&R at Island Def Jam. (Billboard.com)
T.I. delivers with help of guest artists Oct 31, 2008
The Kanye West-produced "Swagga Like Us" features verses by West, Jay-Z and Lil' Wayne over a sample from M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes." The sentiment might as well be the theme for the entire album. T.I. emerged from a tough year with his swagger intact, and it shows. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Jay-Z And Coldplay Make 'Sonic Alchemy' On Viva La Hova Mixtape Oct 31, 2008
Because any time you read about Jay-Z in a nonurban magazine, they talk about his relationship with Chris and Gwyneth [Paltrow] and how Jay is an international star rather than just a rap star," said Boogie, 30, who recently created the mash-up mixtape, The Honor Roll for VH1's "Hip-Hop Honors ... "So, Boogie and frequent collaborator Urban listened to "Lost +" when it leaked last month, got a feel for the sound of the dynamic music combo, and a project was born. "It was exactly what I thought... (VHI.com -- Music News)
Hasty judgment Oct 29, 2008
Scheduled to play a 50-minute set before headliner Jay-Z, Lil Wayne eventually was coaxed out of his van and back into the venue. Reluctantly, he passed through the metal detector, but when someone in his posse set off the alarm, the rap star bolted again. (Boston Globe)
Putting a rap on the Suns Oct 28, 2008
"I try to keep most of the cultured images off of my Web site because that's my speaking company," he said, explaining his appearance, which is more Opie than Jay-Z.. "If someone from a business or school administration looks at it, I don't want to look like a complete thug," he said. (AZCentral -- Sports)
* Eminem resurfaces in new role: memoirist Oct 27, 2008
In an era when stars like Jay-Z famously do not write down their rhymes, instead constructing them in their head and committing them to memory, The Way I Am is a celebration of a sort of artisanal approach to rhyme. In the older hip-hop he has a connection to, lyric sheets have always played an important role, Jenkins said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Celizic: Optimistic Knicks, Nets have long roads ahead Oct 26, 2008
James is the big prize, and there has been buzz for more than a year about his love of New York and his close friendship with entrepreneur, rap impresario and Nets co-owner Jay-Z.. The Nets got rid of Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson last year, leaving just Vince Carter from when they were a decent team. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Stars' pay borders on criminal Oct 26, 2008
From the Forbes list, I also learned that gangster rapper Jay-Z pulled down $82 million. In 30 years, he'll endorse a line of recliners for aging rap fans called the Jay-Z Boyz. (Florida Times-Union)
The truth about Heath Ledger's women Oct 25, 2008
Like A Knight's Tale, the movie is livened up by contemporary music, rap from artists like Snoop Dogg and Jay-Z. But Heath and Heather had more in common than starring in ye olde movies featuring modern music. He had split up with Christina (Cauchi). (NEWS.com.au)
Beyonce adopts 'Fierce' alter-ego Oct 25, 2008
The singer married rap star Jay-Z earlier this year in New York. Bookmark with. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
The untouchables Oct 25, 2008
So tonight, starting at roughly the same time, there s an Alan Jackson concert at the Spectrum and, at the larger Comcast Center, there s a rap show with Jay-Z, T.I., T-Pain and someone else I can t recall ... And some contemporary hip-hop like Wu Tang, Clipse, Common and Kanye (and that last Jay-Z album was very good, the one with songs inspired by the movie American Gangster). (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Lil Wayne To Perform 'Mr. Carter' With Jay-Z For The First Time, Hitting The Studio With Hot Boys Oct 24, 2008
Carter' With Jay-Z For The First Time, Hitting The Studio With Hot Boys. Weezy is also concentrating on his upcoming tour, which he hopes will be 'more an event than a concert. (VHI.com -- Music News)
Lil Wayne Named MVP At BET Hip-Hop Awards; T-Pain Fills In For Katt Williams As Host Oct 21, 2008
" Weezy beat out DJ Khaled, T.I., Jay-Z and Kanye West for MVP. He also took home Lyricist of the Year and People's Champ. More important, though, was "any day. " Rookie of the Year went to Shawty Lo, and DJ Khaled won Best Hip-Hop Collabo for the "I'm So Hood" remix. He also took home the unofficial award for best speech of the night. With half of the hip-hop community standing behind him, including Lil Wayne and Rick Ross, Khaled thanked just about every rapper and employee at Koch and Def... (VHI.com -- Music News)
Track-ing Our Times Oct 20, 2008
Meanwhile, the music coverage feels out-of-touch, heavy on reports and pictures of aging rock and rap stars like Bruce Springsteen, Jay-Z and Madonna. Blender, now dominated by former Rolling Stoners, remains the anti-RS, embracing the fun and absurdity of current pop stardom. (New York Post -- Business)
Jay-Z Christens New Hollywood Palladium Oct 17, 2008
15) rap mogul Jay-Z helped re-launch the venue with a sold-out show ... "An artist of Jay-Z's caliber is the perfect way to open a new chapter for such a classic and legendary venue," president of California Rick Mueller tells Billboard ... Dressed in a black leather jacket with a dark Rocawear T-shirt and sunglasses, Jay-Z swaggered across the stage for nearly an hour-and-half, backed by an eight-piece band and , who played his first show after surviving a plane crash last month in South... (Billboard.com)
DJ AM joins Jay-Z in first post-crash show Oct 15, 2008
NEW YORK - DJ AM, who survived a plane crash last month in South Carolina, will appear on tour with Jay-Z.. DJ AM, whose real name is Adam Goldstein, will join the rap mogul Wednesday at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, said Jenni Weinman, the celebrity disc jockeys publicist. (MSNBC -- Music)
Critic's picks Oct 15, 2008
Nominees: Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Nas, T.I. and Kanye West ... Nominees: American Gangster, Jay-Z; Tha Carter III, Lil Wayne; The Cool, Lupe Fiasco; Untitled, Nas; Graduation, Kanye West ... Nominees: A Milli, Lil Wayne (produced by Bangladesh); Dey Know, Shawty Lo (produced by Balis Beatz); Good Life, Kanye West featuring T-Pain (produced by West and DJ Toomp); Lollipop, Lil Wayne featuring Static (produced by Jim Jonsin and Deezle); Roc Boys And The Winner Is, Jay-Z (produced by Sean Combs and The... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
DJ AM tours after plane crash Oct 15, 2008
DJ AM joins Jay-Z on tour in first post-crash show ... NEW YORK (AP) -- DJ AM, who survived a plane crash last month in South Carolina, will appear on tour with Jay-Z.. (The Palm Beach Post)
T.I. has dual No. 1s but claims underdog status Oct 14, 2008
T.I. also performed a song with the pregnant M.I.A., and called the lyricist "the hottest rap chick in the game right now, period." T.I. recently sampled "Paper Planes" for a collaboration with Jay-Z, Kanye West and Lil Wayne. The song, "Swagga Like Us," appears on "Paper Trail.". (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Half of Glastonbury tickets sold Oct 6, 2008
US rap star Jay-Z was a surprise choice for 2008's headline act. Half the tickets for 2009's Glastonbury music festival have been sold already, eight months before the Somerset festival is due to take place. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
Fifth Wheel: Hanging out with Flo Rida Oct 5, 2008
Trust me, if you know Jay-Z, it's a good one. As we parted ways at 2:30, having learned a lot about each other and how quickly entertainers can sweep up 5,000 dollar bills with a broom and put them into plastic bags, I was sad to give up my posse membership. (Time.com)
De La Soul, Slick Rick, Isaac Hayes To Be Crowned Rap Royalty At VH1 Hip Hop Honors Oct 4, 2008
"Short to Oakland is like Jay-Z to Brooklyn," Mistah F.A.B. said. A video was played during the rehearsal in which Naughty by Nature recalled being accosted by New York crowds early on in their career because they were from New Jersey. (VHI.com -- Music News)
T.I. wont let jail stop him from making music Oct 3, 2008
Other producers on the CD include Kanye West, Nate Danja Hills and Just Blaze, while Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Usher and Rihanna are among the collaborators. The album has already notched No. 1 hit with the female-friendly song Whatever You Like, which features the rapper singing sweet nothings to a lover instead of spitting out tough raps. (MSNBC -- Music)
Buzz Briefs: Nicole Kidman, Rapper T.I. Sep 25, 2008
Salt 'N Pepa was the only female act in the top 10, with their early hit "Push It." Two of rap's biggest names - Jay-Z and Eminem - didn't make the top 10, though they are in the top 20. Other acts on the list include Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Snoop Dogg, Biz Markie, Black Sheep and J.J. Fad. (CBS News)
'Fight the Power' named best hip-hop song Sep 25, 2008
Two of raps biggest names Jay-Z and Eminem didnt make the top 10, though they are in the top 20. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Music)
VH1: Fight the Power is Rap's Best Sep 25, 2008
VH1 said the Notorious B.I.G., 2pac, Black Sheep, J.J. Fad, Eminem, Jay-Z and Biz Markie would also be included in the list. Party starters like EPMD's "You Gots to Chill" and Eric B. and Rakim's "Eric B. for President" were notably absent from VH1's top five. (Suite101.com)
U2 Trumps Mariah, Kanye At Grammy Awards Sep 25, 2008
Jay-Z and Norwegian songwriting/production duo Stargate have joined forces under the StarRoc banner, which will encompass a record label and publishing company under Jay-Z's Roc Nation venture with Live Nation. Advertisement. (Yahoo News -- Grammy Awards)
VH1 crowns 'Fight the Power' as best hip-hop song Sep 24, 2008
Salt 'N Pepa was the only female act in the top 10, with their early hit "Push It." Two of rap's biggest names Jay-Z and Eminem didn't make the top 10, though they are in the top 20. Other acts on the list include the Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Snoop Dogg, Biz Markie, Black Sheep and J.J. Fad. (Florida Times-Union)
Glastonbury stars secured 'soon' Sep 22, 2008
" 'No repeats' The festival broke new ground by booking US rap star Jay-Z to headline this year - a controversial move, but one that turned out to be a success. Asked whether Glastonbury was looking to do something different again, Ms Eavis replied: "We can't repeat that can we. That was amazing. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
'Brass Knuckles' may not land a hit Sep 17, 2008
He sees himself the same way people see Jay-Z, a rapper who made a killing off making hits. Now he's on his victory lap trying to figure out what to do with it all. (Boston Globe)
Q&A: LL Cool J Sep 13, 2008
LL Cool J discusses 50 Cent, Jay-Z ... LL Cool J discusses 50 Cent, Jay-Z ... Q: You were critical of Jay-Z's tenure as president of Def Jam. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Fall music: 12 candidates for swift career transition Sep 12, 2008
It wouldn't be a complete shock to see a new album from Jay-Z before the year is up, and there's an outside chance for a Kelly Clarkson release ... He has an A-list of guests and producers backing him: Jay-Z, Kanye West, Rihanna, Lil Wayne and Usher appear, while West, Just Blaze, Swizz Beatz, Mannie Fresh and DJ Toomp provide the beats. (USA Today -- Life)
LeBron's team loyalties irking fans in Cleveland Sep 11, 2008
His affection for New York has prompted speculation that he intends to sign with either the Knicks or the , who are partly owned by his good friend, rap mogul Jay-Z.. Copyright 2008. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
LeBron's sports loyalties irritate hometown fans Sep 10, 2008
His affection for New York has prompted speculation that he intends to sign with either the Knicks or the , who are partly owned by his good friend, rap mogul Jay-Z.. Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. (ESPN -- Golf News)
James' loyalties irk Cleveland fans Sep 10, 2008
His affection for New York has prompted speculation that he intends to sign with either the Knicks or the New Jersey Nets, who are partly owned by his good friend, rap mogul Jay-Z.. Sponsored Links. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Ludacris Vs. Jay-Z -- You Decide Aug 25, 2008
Ludacris Vs. Jay-Z You Decide ... And he s going up against the greatest rapper alive (according to Lil Wayne), Jay-Z (below); while Eminem matches lyrical firepower with The Game ... This one definitely goes to Jay-Z Ludacris has a long way to go before he is on that level. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Executive Suite: It's nothing but Nets for this hard-working CEO Aug 25, 2008
It's also the birthplace of ex-Yankees manager Joe Torre and rap star Jay-Z, who is part of the investor group, headed by developer Bruce Ratner, that owns the Nets. The walls are also graced with sketches of the Barclays Center done by architect Frank Gehry, perhaps best known for the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. (USA Today -- Money)
T.I. Talks About 'Swagger Like Us,' Leaked Single Featuring Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Kanye West -- MTV News Exclusive Aug 24, 2008
On Friday, thousands of hip-hop fans might have felt just like the Geto Boys' Bushwick Bill: "Ah man, homie, my mind's playin' tricks on me!" A song called "Swagger Like Us" -- featuring the rap dream team of T.I., Jay-Z, Lil Wayne and Kanye West. leaked onto the Internet. (VHI.com -- Music News)
Too Much Tina Turnover? Aug 23, 2008
Ask Billboard: Tina Turner, Top-Selling Rap, Lauper. Experts answer your questions. (Billboard.com)
Barack Obama And Hip-Hop: Does The Support Of Jay-Z, Nas, T.I. Hurt His Chances? Aug 20, 2008
Barack Obama And Hip-Hop: Does The Support Of Jay-Z, Nas, T.I. Hurt His Chances ... Barack Obama And Hip-Hop: Does The Support Of Jay-Z, Nas, T.I. Hurt His Chances ... "What [Obama] represents is, we as a people are a part of the American Dream," Jay-Z who displayed a giant photo of Obama onstage during his recent told Vibe recently. (VHI.com -- Music News)
CD Review: Tha Carter III - Lil Wayne Aug 19, 2008
An uninspiring guest verse from Jay-Z all-but confirms Wayne's boasts. If he can out-rhyme the former king of hip hop, who else is there to dethrone. (University News, MO)
Hip-Hop's Cash Kings 2008 Aug 19, 2008
It's been some year for Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter ... While Jay-Z topped Forbes ... com's inaugural Hip-Hop Cash Kings list of the top-earning people in the business last year, in 2008 he cedes the throne to Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, who raked in $150 million over the past 12 months--almost twice what Jay-Z made. (Forbes -- Business)
The 50 Cent Machine Aug 19, 2008
His earnings were nearly twice as much as last year's hip-hop cash king, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, and over four times the sum garnered by Sean "Diddy" Combs, who ranked third for the second year in a row ... Perhaps as a hedge, Jay-Z signed a 10-year, $150 million deal with concert promoter Live Nation (nyse: - - ) in April. (Forbes -- Business)
A soul talent's divine future Aug 18, 2008
vehicle, I half-expected to hear a cameo rap by Jay-Z.. Bebe, a catchy patter song that features tight choral vocals. (Globe and Mail)
Game Slams Jesse Jackson -- Twice -- On New Tracks With Lil Wayne, Nas Aug 15, 2008
MC also challenges Jay-Z, G-Unit (again) on tracks from forthcoming LP. ... In some interviews Game has said that this will be his last album, but this week he told us his ultimate goal was to be known as the "best lyricist." It may take a couple more albums before he's there or maybe just a battle with Jay-Z.. (VHI.com -- Music News)
More than 'Shaft': Hayes was goldmine of influence Aug 13, 2008
Though his last big hits on the charts ended in the 1980s, Hayes' presence in contemporary music continued as his songs were sampled on numerous hits by rap and Rormers, ranging from Ashanti to Public Enemy to Jay-Z.. "The rappers have gone in and created a lot of hit music based upon my influence," he said. (The Delaware County Times, PA)
Listen Up: Jonas Brothers get a 'Bit' stronger Aug 12, 2008
BB Good is a dull rocker by numbers, and hit single Burnin' Up, though pleasantly reminiscent of 'N Sync's rockier moments, is marred by a rap by the band's bodyguard, which meets the expectations you'd have if one of your close associates freestyled (unless your close associate were Jay-Z). MORE. (USA Today -- Life)
It's a High-5 Night for U2 Aug 11, 2008
AWARDS DATABASE All of the winners, all of the nominees, all of the awards shows. Up Next Aug 6-16 Locarno Film Festival. (Yahoo News -- Grammy Awards)
Soul legend Isaac Hayes dead Aug 11, 2008
Though his last big hits on the charts ended in the 1980s, Hayes' presence in contemporary music continued as his songs were sampled on numerous hits by rap and Rormers, ranging from Ashanti to Public Enemy to Jay-Z. "The rappers have gone in and created a lot of hit music based upon my influence," he said. "And they'll tell you if you ask." Stanback said: "A lot of artists owe Isaac his career because a lot of music was based on his foundation." He garnered another audience and cult following... (The Trentonian, NJ)
Advertising: The colour of money Aug 10, 2008
The woman herself no fool when it comes to reinvention since leaving Destiny's Child for greater success as a solo artist and marriage to rap star Jay-Z has been known to alter her own image. In May this year she was photographed at a nightclub party with, yes, straightened blond hair and a pale complexion and there's no way to retouch live on the red carpet. (Independent)
Steal this hook? DJ skirts copyright law Aug 8, 2008
Instead he mixes clips of contemporary hip-hop artists like Jay-Z and OutKast with time-tested rock riffs from groups like Aerosmith, Cheap Trick and AC/DC. The first track on "Feed the Animals," "Play Your Part (Pt. 1)," starts with a sample of a rap song by UGK and the ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-DUM rhythm of the Spencer Davis Group's "Gimme Some Lovin,' " among other things. At times the album sounds like a cleverly programmed K-tel compilation that presents catchy riffs instead of full songs, and part... (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
Jay-Z Announces Blueprint 3, Premieres New Kanye West-Produced Track At Kanye's NYC Show Aug 8, 2008
Jay-Z and Kanye West (file) (Photo: Matthew Peyton/ Getty Images). NEW YORK Kanye West closed his Glow in the Dark show at Madison Square Garden Wednesday night with a major announcement: He's producing tracks for Jay-Z's next album, Blueprint 3 ... As the bass kicked in for a song that is sure to heat up the clubs and streets before the summer is done, Jay-Z walked out and started to rap. (VHI.com -- Music News)
Rap's crossroads Aug 5, 2008
" Both albums were group efforts, something that has become a rarity in today's hip-hop world, which focuses on such solo stars as Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Beyonce Knowles and Young Jeezy. "These are two real rap groups with more than one emcee (as well as) producers and DJs," Fennessey says of Public Enemy and N.W.A. "There's no one carrying on that tradition. " Current acts Nelly, Jay-Z, 50 Cent and West tour with large backup groups, but the spotlight is squarely on the superstar rappers. N.W.A. and... (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Violence in pop culture: Why does rap take the rap? Aug 5, 2008
In 2007, Sean "Jay-Z" Carter released a song entitled "Ignorant [expletive]" on his "American Gangster" album, which highlights numerous inconsistencies in society. Jay-Z discusses how people criticize him for his thought-provoking songs but praise his songs about trivial subjects ... Recent developments indicate that Jay-Z and Nas may have been on to something. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Obama's Rapper Friend Curses Hillary Jul 31, 2008
Obama responded, in part, by saying: I know Jay-Z. I know Ludacris. I know Russell Simmons. (Townhall.com)
Richt warns team about dangers of preseason boasting Jul 30, 2008
" Ellerbe said if this year's team came up with their own "Bulldog Rap," the Bulldogs would have some players that could rival Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy or Jay-Z. "I'd probably say me and Charles White, and Bryan Evans tries to do a little something," Ellerbe said. "I've never heard too many other people rap. Everybody else is shy. (Athens Banner-Herald)
* [PLANET POP] Jul 28, 2008
The Stones turned down the chance to sign up with Live Nation, the concert promoter that has album deals with the likes of Madonna, U2 and the rapper Jay-Z. Universal capitalized its release earlier this year of the soundtrack to Shine a Light, the Martin Scorsese film of a Stones live performance in New York in 2006. Singer Britney Spears will pay US$20,000 a month in child support to ex-husband Kevin Federline for the care of their two children and will make a final payment of US$250,000 to... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Dr. Dre Hopes To Drop Detox This Year, With Guest Spots From Lil Wayne, Nas, Jay-Z Jul 24, 2008
He also confirmed that Jay-Z, and are on the potential masterpiece. revealed to MTV News that he has made records for the project, and told Rolling Stone that he also completed tracks. (VHI.com -- Music News)
LONG-AWAITED ALBUM: Dr. Dre's 'Detox' could finally arrive this fall Jul 22, 2008
" All "the usual suspects" will make guest appearances, including Nas, Jay-Z and Lil Wayne. As long as the wait for the upcoming album has been, Dre says it'll be even longer before there's another one. "I'm going to put this record out, promote it, tour and then become a hermit. I'm going to stay in the studio and produce. (USA Today)
