The Boombox Music Blog

The Boombox Music Blog

The Boombox Music Blog

  • Chelsea Handler to Have Sex with Eminem -- Say What!

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    Comedian Chelsea Handler is hosting the VMA's this year, and she has big plans for the evening. "I'll probably have sex with [Eminem] after the show is over. Probably. I don't see why I wouldn't," she told MTV, adding that Swizz could get it too. "I like Swizz Beatz, just because I would like to yell out in bed, 'Swizz Beatz! Keep it coming!'" Awesome. [MTV]

    Former 'Girls Gone Wild' insider Ryan Simkin has the inside dope on Paris Hilton. Get it? "I asked if she was flying private, and she said, 'No, commercial.' And then as politely as I could, I asked her how she planned on traveling with that amount of blow and X. She held the box in her right hand, and then with an underhand swoop like a lower case J, she demonstrated exactly how she intended to beat airport security. She even whistled as she did it. A little alley-oop with the Camel Box, straight up her snatch. Classic." That's my roommate!!! Seriously, who does something like that? [Dlisted]


  • Snoop Dogg's Football League Takes Over 7-Elevens

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    Snoop Dogg's Youth Football League is taking over your local 7-Eleven.

    Since it began six years ago, the inner-city football league has seen four of its former players go on to play football at NCAA Division 1 colleges. In an effort to raise more money for the non-profit, Snoop designed the logo on the cups -- an appropriate animated version of the rapper holding a football and a mic -- as part of the chain's Coffee Cup with a Cause program. 7-Eleven promises a donation of at least $250,000 to SYFL, and more money if more cups are sold.

    Snoop called the venture "huge" for the league. "It means many good things are in store for the players, and the league can reach out to more kids and touch more lives," he said in a statement. Snoop plans on expanding the league across the country, beginning with Chicago this year.

    Another SYFL season kicks off this weekend in Los Angeles, with the first official games on Sept. 11 and 12. The cups will be on sale at 7-Elevens through Oct. 18.

  • Jay-Z Confirms Roc Nation Deal With Willow Smith

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    If 30's the new 20, as Jay-Z claims in his '30 Something' lyrics, then his new 9-year-old signee, Willow Smith, has yet to be born. Just two days after her first song 'Whip My Hair' appeared online, Will Smith's tween daughter has been confirmed as the newest addition to Jay's Roc Nation lineup.

    In an appearance on Ryan Seacrest's radio show this morning, Willow discussed the life and times of a 9-year-old singer and the meaning behind her first song's title. "It means just be an individual," she chimed. "Like, you can't be afraid to be yourself, you have to be yourself, and you can't let anyone tell you that that's wrong."

  • Emile Jansen Reaches South African Youth Through Hip-Hop

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    South African artist Emile Jansen is one of those rare, selfless characters that seems to honestly operate out of the goodness of his heart. He has been active in international hip-hop culture since the '80s and recently returned to the neighborhood where he grew up in Cape Town in order to help disadvantaged youth. Jansen, subject of a recent 'First Person' video prepped by the BBC, introduces teens and younger children to the joys of hip-hop music and encourages them to learn and express themselves through breakdancing.

    "We created projects for young people to be a part of -- from something as simple as breakdancing to having discussions with each other about issues or race or xenophobia," explains Jansen in the video. "Getting young people to interact and write about what they're thinking, to put up murals about what they're thinking, to make people aware that the youth is not this lost generation that everyone is talking about."

  • 50 Cent Wants a Track With Kanye West

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    50 Cent has officially turned over a new leaf, instead of making enemies in the rap game, he's looking to join forces with them. According to the Queen's rapper, for his forthcoming release, 'The Return of the Heartless Monster,' he wants to do a few different collaborations including one with Kanye West.

    "Don't even be surprised if you hear me and Kanye, just talented artists period," 50 said in an interview. "I'mma collaborate and make a monster this time. Ain't nobody off limits to me in my head. If creatively they have something they feel is something for the project, I'm with it."

  • The Pen vs. The Mic: When Music Meets the Press

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    In the opening lines of 'Tyrone,' Erykah Badu provides a disclaimer: "Now keep in mind that I'm an artist, and I'm sensitive about my s---." No truer words could be spoken in regards to the tumultuous relationship between artist and critic. Artists need the press to fuel their careers; yet when the press doesn't like what an artist is producing or misquotes what an artist says in an interview, there are problems.

    Hip-hop is never shy at hot-boxing the press when it comes to poor album reviews. Like any beef, some remain on wax, others don't. In response to an unfavorable review, Wyclef rapped on the Fugees' 'Zealots:' "These cats can't rap, Mr. Author I feel no Vibe/ The magazine says the girl should've went solo/ The guys should stop rapping, vanish like Menudo/ Took it to the heart, but every actor plays his part/ As long as someone was listening, I knew it was a start ... "

    No one can forget Eminem on 'Marshall Mathers' where he says: "Hey-hey! And then to top it off, I walked to the newsstand
    to buy this cheap-a-- little magazine with a food stamp/ Skipped to the last page, flipped right fast and what do I see? A picture of my big white a--/ Okay, let me give you motherf---ers some help: uhh, here - DOUBLE XL, DOUBLE XL/ Now your magazine shouldn't have so much trouble to sell/ Ahh f--- it, I'll even buy a couple myself ... "

    But, the most notorious incident between a rapper and a reporter happened in the early 90s, when TV personality Dee Barnes interviewed Ice Cube about his departure from NWA. Dr. Dre, feeling NWA was misrepresented in the interview, later slammed Ms. Barnes against a wall at an industry event. Eminem makes reference to it in the track 'Guilty Conscience,' rapping, "You gonna take advice from somebody who slapped Dee Barnes?"

  • Busta Rhymes, DMX and Lil Jon Added to Def Jam Rapstar

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    Def Jam Rapstar is poised to be the year's biggest new hip-hop video game, and its team has added more songs to the game's roster, including tracks by Busta Rhymes, DMX and Lil Jon.

    Rapstar has received a large amount of pre-release attention due to its seamless connection with social networking sites. Gamers can rap, sing and mix their favorite hip-hop tracks, record the performance with on the game's video mode and easily upload their results to the Rapstar community site. There, other fans can vote on their favorite performances and freestyles.

  • M.I.A. Heading Out on Fall North American Tour

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    Controversial singer M.I.A. has announced plans to embark on a 12-date North American tour at the end of the month.

    Though the fiery singer has performed some rocky gigs, including a disastrous show in New York this past July, the Sri Lankan/British phenom has promised fans that she will once again take to the road. Her protege, Baltimore rapper Rye Rye will accompany her on the road.

    The tour kicks off in Montreal on the Sept. 21, and ends in Oakland, Calif. on Oct. 12, with stops at two major music festivals -- the Virgin Mobile FreeFest outside of Baltimore on Sept. 25 and Austin City Limits on Oct. 9. She will be finishing the year up touring the U.K. and Europe.


    Check the M.I.A.'s North American tour dates after the jump.

  • Soulja Boy and Fabolous End Twitter Beef

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    The Twitter feud between Soulja Boy and Fabolous has come to a brief and unspectacular end. The short-lived beef began when Fab poked fun at the 'Pretty Boy Swag' rapper for getting himself caught up with nefarious hip-hop groupie Kat Stacks, who posted footage of a hotel room containing several lines of cut-up cocaine allegedly belonging to Soulja Boy.

    Fab, being the self-proclaimed "King of Twitter" that he is, immediately launched a "stupidboyswag" campaign against the 20-year-old artist, cracking jokes about his naiveness and alleged drug problem. In response, Soulja Boy went on a 2AM Twitter rampage, threatening to "murder" Fab in a rap battle.

  • Eminem Confirmed as 2010 VMA Opening Act

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    Eminem was a late addition to the lineup of performers for MTV's 2010 Video Music Awards -- following Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Drake and B.o.B -- but now it's been confirmed that Slim Shady will be the opening act of the night.

    "We thought that there's no better way to kick off the show than a performance from Eminem," MTV general manager Stephen Friedman told the Associated Press. The VMAs opening slot is usually reserved for a memorable performance, such as last year's Michael Jackson tribute. No further details about Eminem's performance have been revealed, but there have already been rumblings about guest appearances from artists like Jay-Z and Dr. Dre.

  • Snoop Dogg Eyeing David Beckham's Kids for Supergroup

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    Snoop Dogg is planning a little collaboration with David Beckham. The only odd part is that neither of the superstars will be directly involved. It's all about the kids this time around.

    Snoop recently revealed that he's facilitating a new supergroup that includes his kids -- Corde, 15, and Cordell, 12 -- as well as Beckham's three sons, who range in age between 5 and 11-years-old. While this could be a fun afterschool activity for all involved, there's enough star power to actually churn out legitimate tween hits. Snoop has also apparently discussed the project and gotten preliminary commitments from both Bow Wow and Soulja Boy.

  • Jay-Z Leads BET Hip-Hop Awards With 11 Nominations

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    Jay-Z leads the pack of contenders with a record 11 nominations for the fifth annual BET Hip-Hop Awards.

    Hov's nominations include Lyricist of the Year, Best Live Performer and CD of the Year for his 'Blueprint 3' album, in addition to Track of the Year and Perfect Combo for his 'Empire State of Mind' collaboration with Alicia Keys.

    His closest contenders are Young Money rappers Drake and Nicki Minaj, who have earned eight and six nominations respectively. Jay will face-off against Drake, Minaj, Eminem and Lil Wayne for Lyricist of the Year, while challenging him for Best Live Performer are Drake, Wayne, Kanye West and Busta Rhymes.

  • T.I. Might Lose AXE Endorsement Deal

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    T.I. may be getting the ax from his endorsement deal with AXE. Following the rapper's arrest for felony drug possession last week, the grooming product company is currently reviewing their relationship with the troubled emcee, most likely fearing that their endorsement could be seen as backing his poor decisions.

    According to TMZ, a rep for the company said that they were "troubled by [T.I.'s] arrest" and are currently "reviewing our promotional activities." Though the endorsement never really took form through any specific product promotions, the business deal saw Tip throwing an AXE-sponsored comeback concert last month in New York City.

  • Tupac's Mike Tyson Fight Song Focus of New Documentary

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    Tupac Shakur's triumphs and tribulations were showcased during a special documentary that aired as part of ESPN's '30 for 30' series on Tuesday night. Titled 'One Night in Vegas,' the 52-minute video detailed the night of September 7, 1996, where Mike Tyson claimed the heavyweight championship title against Bruce Sheldon and, unfortunately, Tupac was shot shortly after.

    While the doc described both men's accomplishments on the come-up -- Tupac starring in 'Poetic Justice' and Tyson holding the WBC, WBA and IBF titles at just 21-years-old -- it also featured their respective prison stints and their blossoming friendship. As a result of the latter, the boxing champ called on the rapper to create an introductory song, which would play as Tyson entered the ring to face Bruce Sheldon on that fateful night.

    Scott Guiterrez, a producer working out of Track Record studios in North Hollywood, Calif., revealed the story surrounding the famed track, in which Tupac dubbed Mike a "ghetto gladiator."

  • Mike Tyson Regrets Not Smoking with Tupac -- Say What!

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    Of all the things Mike Tyson regrets not doing in his life, smoking with Tupac is #1. "[Tupac] always wanted me to smoke weed with him, and I never did it. I wish I did. That's my biggest regret." Feel like owning a tiger and being the heavyweight champion were probably much more fun, for some reason. [PopWrap]

    Zooey Deschanel is in a new movie called 'Your Highness,' and it's dirty. "I don't know anything about the porn industry, but it's the dirtiest medieval comedy you will ever see," said Deschanel. "I will guarantee you that. Oh my God, it's ridiculously dirty. I mean, it's like the most dirty humor that you could possibly come up with." Medieval sex, so gross. [AV Club]

  • Death Row CEO Files Suit Against Label for 'Self-Dealing'

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    At this point, ownership of famed gangster rap label Death Row has passed hands so many times that it's hard to know who exactly is in charge. In the label's post-Suge Knight era, ownership was taken over by Lara Lavi, the leader of a company called WIDEawake Entertainment Group. Lavi and her group paid nearly $18 million to get the company out of bankruptcy and gain access to its storied catalogue, which features classics by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur.

    Well, somewhere along the way, Lavi was ousted by Death Row and she has just filed a lawsuit to "compel inspection of books and records to investigate potential self-dealing and breaches of fiduciary duty by Ronald Ovenden, a member and manager of Death Row LLC." In simpler terms, this means that Lavi is suing the guy who supplied money for the new Death Row for acting in his own interests and ultimately taking money from shareholders, artists and others involved in the company.

  • Will Smith's Daughter 'Whips' Towards Roc Nation Deal

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    Willow Smith has had quite a week thus far. She started things off as Will Smith's 9-year-old daughter -- obviously not such a bad position to be in -- and then released her first single and initial foray into the music industry called 'Whip My Hair.' It's an oddly successful number that actually splits the difference between the glossy dance pop of Rihanna and Lil Mama. Now, a source at the Jay-Z-helmed label has confirmed to The BoomBox that the youngest Smith is already signed to Roc Nation, but the news isn't going public until tomorrow.

    This is big news on the strength of one single that has only been out for a couple of days. Already, Willow is listed on the Mediabase website with the Roc Nation/Columbia tag, which is generally a reliable resource for the ownership of songs. It's no surprise, either, considering the Rihanna comparisons that Willow is receiving for her style and music so far.

  • Usher Kicks Off OMG Tour in November

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    Usher is taking his platinum album 'Raymond v. Raymond' to the road this November. The OMG tour will kick off in Seattle, Washington on November 10 and cover 25 cities before it ends on December 18.

    "Songs like 'OMG,' 'DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love,' 'There Goes My Baby,' 'Papers,' 'Daddy's Home,' 'Lil Freak,' with Nicki Minaj and 'Hot Tottie,' with Jay-Z have dominated the airwaves since last February," said Randy Phillips, president & CEO of AEG Live. "Now is the time for one of our greatest entertainers to go live and we are thrilled to be part of the ultimate Usher experience. Usher is bringing his fans an evening they will not soon forget."

  • Bangladesh Buries Beef With Lil Wayne

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    Earlier this year producer Bangladesh -- the man behind hits for the likes of Ludacris and Beyonce -- put Lil Wayne on blast for failing to pay his $500,000 production bill, but it seems that the two have settled their fiscal squabble. The BoomBox caught up with the Atlanta based producer, born Shondrae Crawford, who was singing a very different tune at the mention of Wayne.

    "Everything is being worked out through the legal process," he told The BoomBox. "It's really out of his control honestly. I mean he don't run the label, he don't own the label -- he's just on the label. I just got an email from my attorney saying they're getting the exact number of what I'm owned and things will be taken care of. "

  • Diddy and J.Lo Team Up for Macy's Ad

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    Diddy and Jennifer Lopez are officially getting back together, but this time around it will be all business. The twosome both appear in Macy's upcoming Find Your Magic commercials, along with fellow celebrity designers Donald Trump, Martha Stewart and Jessica Simpson. The ads, which begin airing this month, plus each celebrity's brand that is sold trough the retail giant. "I'm in great company," Diddy said during the shoot. "These are people that really work hard to have successful brands."

    The latest commercial begins with a customer request for the perfect shoe, and follows a Macy's associate through the store's stockroom where he runs into Diddy, Lopez, Stewart and other designers prepping their products for the upcoming holiday season.

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