Paid In Full Entertainment: Street Talk

Custom Search

----Termanology feat. Bun-B--
Produced by: Dj Premier

-----Touchscreen Turntables? The Way of the Future. The attigo TT's


--Devin the dude freestyle--

------Common Talks about new CD----------------------------

• MTV
• Music Videos
• MTV Shows
• Entertainment News

Controvesial Tyra Banks Show about stupidity in our community with the Light Skin / Black skin thing. Watch for yourself

Michael Jackson is reportedly feeling the pressure placed on his forthcoming 'comeback' album. According to sources the 'King of Pop' is making sure his writers and producers understand that this has to be on a 'Thriller' level or better.

"Michael is very nervous as he knows he is the underdog and people want him to fail" says singer/songwriter Ne-Yo who has submitted songs for the as-yet-untitled album.

While a release date has yet to be set for the highly anticipated project, Jackson has reportedly spent time with Ne-Yo, Akon, and a host of other producers.

In recent years Jackson has been very quiet even with the release of the "25th Anniversary of Thriller" disc that has gone Platinum.

Critics have speculated that the iconic singer is feeling the pressure of the new generation, namely Chris Brown, Usher, Ne-Yo and Justin Timberlake and thus is putting a lot of time into crafting his project.

"This album needs to be better than Thriller. He wants killer melodies" -- Ne Yo was quoted saying recently.

Michael Jackson's last studio album "Invincible" was released in 2001 featuring the hit singles "You Rock My World," "Butterflies," and "Cry." "Invincible" also included guest performances from Carlos Santana and Brandy, it has sold over 8 million copies to date

Big Boi- "Something's Gotta Give"

Yung Jeezy in H-town


Young Jeezy - Live in H-Town
Free Music Videos at Blastro

URBAN NETWORK'S ENTERTAINMENT-MARKETING SUMMIT IN HOUSTON: Yolanda Adams to be honored on September 25.
September 2, 2008


*The Urban Network continues it long legacy of Music-Entertainment & Marketing Conferences in Houston, Texas, September 24 - 27, 2008 at the Hilton Americas Hotel & George Brown Convention Center.

The publication, an industry leader in dispensing music and entertainment information, will present a monumental conference bringing in consumers, music enthusiasts and professionals from the entertainment industry.

The continuation of the Summit will expand upon the notable groundwork that was laid in the previous Urban Network Conference in Newport Beach, Calif. earlier this year.

Already a number of top music industry professionals have signed on to participate, including Kevin Black, Office of the Chairman, Warner Bros. Records; Big Jon Platt, President, West Coast Office, EMI Music Publishing; Interscope Geffen A&M Vice Presidents, Shawn Holiday & Troy Marshall; members of the Go DJs Coalition; local Music Retailers; Gospel recording artists such as Phil Tarver, and Cynthia Jones (with more TBA); as well as executives from MySpace, Beta Records, Music World, Universal Music, KOCH Records, Rap A Lot, the Warner Music Group, Concord Music, ASCAP, SESAC; and artists and execs from the worlds of Hip-Hop, R&B, and Gospel. Urban Network will honor Music World President Mathew Knowles (Beyonce, Solange Knowles) and Rap A Lot Records CEO James Prince at its Saturday evening Awards Presentation.

Grammy-winning artist Yolanda Adams will be honored at the Thursday evening Gospel Music Dinner & Celebration. Urban Network will host a special screening of the Stax Film "Soul Man," starring Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes, who ironically past away within a day of one another. The film also stars Samuel L. Jackson. www.urbannetwork.com/houston

Urban Network CEO, Miller London has chosen Houston based Diamax Promotions and Management Corporation founded by Carletta Shepherd, CEO to co-host the event. The company's staff, led by its President, Paris Eley, a veteran entertainment and music industry executive, has joined with the distinguished Urban Network team to present a comprehensive and detailed conference focused on networking, careers in music, broadcasting, theatre, fashion, film and the basic "How to be effective" in the industry.

URBAN NETWORK ENTERTAINMENT-MARKETING SUMMIT – Houston 08 is open to industry professionals and consumers from throughout the world. Hundreds of registrants, attendees and vendors are expected to come together with corporate and individual sponsors. Early registration is advised. A schedule of Events is enclosed.

The chicago-Sun times is reporting that Usher has separated from his, now pregnant wife Tameika Foster. Rumors have been circulating for months, but now it has apparently become true. Is the baby, his? Hmmmm! Time will tell. Personally, as soon as I heard she converted him to scientology, I knew is was a wrap from there. His career and records sales have declined ever since. I guess, he finally had enough strength to break away from the P***Y OF DEATH.... Man, when it is so good that you are willing to sacrifice your career, whew!! I don't want none of that.. Lol.... We will see if this turns out to be true, it could just be a rumor. But I would not doubt it.

Solonge Knowles goes bitchy at a news interview. She overherd talk about her family and Jay-Z's club closing in Vegas by the news anchors off air while waiting to be interviewed. But she thought the comments were on air and responded bitchy but immediately found herself in an awkward moment after finding out that it was said off air. Well just look at the video below....


DMX Cusses at Judge in Miami while at a hearing..


Be sure and check out the street talk tab for the latest news about the h-town and national music scene and the state of the music industry. Also look for upcoming video blogs with H-town artists covering Hip Hop and R&B.



Jeezy Tribute to pimp -c at the Ozone awards.

• MTV
• Music Videos
• MTV Shows
• Entertainment News

Jodeci Reunion Concert ends in distaster while in Switzerland. Jojo falls out. Check story on Street Talk tab. Video Below.


<

Update: Jodeci New CD and K-Ci talks about JoJo's Fall Out




Jodeci’s K-Ci says JoJo passed out due to a documented medical condition over the weekend, dismissing reports that the singer had passed out due to drug use.

According to an exclusive interview with Hot 97's Cipha Sounds & Rosenberg on Monday, K-Ci repeatedly refuted claims that his brother passed out after smoking cocaine. Calling the rumors false and dropping the F*** bomb on Bill Gates for creating the internet, K-Ci says his brother suffers from epilepsy and has seizures which caused him to pass out on stage Saturday night.

In an attempt to explain why the security guard who was shown in the video picking up Jojo’s mic and walking past him while K-Ci himself continued to sing, the singer said “During “Crazy”(the hit single), Jojo normally acts crazy and lays down on the stage and I’m used to that, but that night it wasn’t crazy. When I looked at him my brother, he not crazy now, he’s for real now and I got scared.”

Although no explanation was provided for Devante Swing’s no-show at the well attended show in Sydney, Australia, K-Ci says the much-talked-about Jodeci reunion album is done. “We just finished it, we did like thirty songs and we’re trying to pick which ones we’re going to put on the album.”

Listen to the exclusive interview below:

Jodeci Reunion Ends In Chaos, Group Member Collapses On Stage

By Njai Joszor
Posted on 08/25/08


A failed Jodeci reunion concert ended in chaos over the weekend after a series of events which came to ahead when a group member collapsed on stage.

According to reports, fans became outraged after Jodeci member Donald "Devante Swing" DeGrate pulled out, leaving brothers Cedric and Joel Hailey - known as K-Ci and JoJo to perform alone at the highly anticipated show in Sydney, Australia.

Fans booed and threw bottles at the stage as the duo seemingly forgot song lyrics, occasionally left the stage for several minutes, and repeatedly sat down to perform songs.

According to a concertgoer, the show was thrown into further chaos after JoJo appeared to pass out, lying still as a security guard came on stage to pick up the star's microphone. (Video Below)

"The whole thing was a disaster. First, one of the guys... didn't even show up, so it became a K-Ci and JoJo concert."

The furious fan added: "JoJo walked off stage for about five minutes, then came back out to sing All My Life - and passed out mid-song. His brother told the audience that they were tired after their 24-hour flight and that JoJo had gotten dizzy."

Artist: Chamillionaire

Representing: Houston

Mixtape: Mixtape Messiah 4

411: King Koopa isn't going to stop with just three. Chamillionaire's Mixtape Messiah 4 will arrive on August 27.

"I think the other ones are so critically acclaimed by fans, I wanna keep that competiveness up with myself," he told us in Houston, where he was waiting to record a freestyle with Killer Mike. "They'll compare this one to the other Mixtape Messiahs. Mixtape Messiah 1 is probably my biggest one thus far. It came out of nowhere. At that time, I had the beef with Mike Jones, and it was a triple-disc CD. Nobody did that. It was real shock value. I'm gonna keep on competing with myself. I might not drop a triple disc; it's a double disc this time. But it's two CDs full of nothing but new material."


Koopa describes this CD as a return to full-throttle rawness with hard punch lines.

"Sometimes I say punch lines to myself and be like, 'This punch line is trying a little too hard,' " he said. "But I know my fans like that. So I'mma give it to them. A lot of fans that like me, like me because I used to take whoever's beat was hot and even beats that weren't hot, that were classic. Let's get it."

You'll be able to get a hard copy of this mixtape in the streets, unlike the last MM.

"I released a part three not too long ago," the Houston native said. "We did the digital [release]. A lot of people were hesitant to put out music a little while ago in the mixtape game. I seen a lot of DJs stop dropping mixtapes. I put mine out online for free. I think it says a lot, though, when you're taking the time to press it up and doing the actual CD. It needs to be physically in the street and hit them nooks and crannies. There's spots where the big artists don't go, but that's where I'm gonna go. We gonna start off slow and go with it."

But fans won't get too long to let this CD marinate, because Mixtape Messiah 5 is coming soon. Chamillionaire has been talking to a slew of DJs — from Drama to Cannon to Whoo Kid — about possibly collaborating with them on the next tape.

Then he'll drop his third album.

"I been working on it for a minute, since The Ultimate Victory," the Grammy winner revealed. "That's crazy, because a lot of my fans think I been on vacation."

Chamillionaire has over 30 records in the can for the still-untitled official project.

Joints To Check For


"Roll Call Reloaded." "On a couple of the other Mixtape Messiah records, I did a roll call, and it's a fire drill of all the other rappers," he said. "I call it a fire drill because we run down a list of everybody that's hot, and I'm gonna exactly rap their styles just to be creative. I start off with Jeezy, then I do Jim Jones, I do Rich Boy, Game, Jay-Z. I do E-40, Lil Weezy, Rick Ross. I had to cut the record because I did a whole bunch of people. I took a B.G. beat and just repped that. This is just one thing to show creativity."

"Internet Nerd's Revenge." "The online thing is real big right now," Cham said. "Even though I'm dropping this in the streets ... I see rappers online, and it matters what's said online. You go to MTVNews.com and see what they saying on Mixtape Monday. Fans complain about everything. They complain about Weezy when he does right, when he do wrong. Same thing with Kanye and everybody. Me and my boys went to all these Web sites, and we took a whole list of everything everybody said bad about Chamillionaire. I did a rap like I'm the person sitting at the computer typing and saying bad stuff about Chamilllionaire. It's some little kid that's on the Internet. He's young; he's getting all this stuff he's saying about me. His mother comes in and asks him, 'Did you take your medication? Are you on those porno sites again?' I'm rapping like I'm him in his voice."

"Go Hard." "I heard this beat that the Clipse did," Chamillionaire told us. "I don't know what album it's on. I really mess with the Clipse too. I remember saying, 'Who did this beat?' It was just knocking. I told my DJ to send the instrumental and said, 'I'm about to rip this.' No purpose, just a whole bunch of punch lines, bringing a little aggressiveness to the mixtape. People might have seen me in my last video dressed like a white man, they might have got it twisted. We're bringing it back to the streets."

Ice Cube Reps For 'Mature' Fans

Artist: Ice Cube

Representing: The W

Independent Album: Raw Footage

"The only rapper who wanna fistfight the president." Ice Cube is still militant and down for whatever. His bravado is turned up to 10, and his ego has him feeling as confident as ever. Still, Cube wants to show his fans the power of street knowledge. It's all there in his new LP Raw Footage.

"People look over the old heads — basically, the fans who are over 25," Cube said of the folks he's trying to reach with the August 19 release. "People look over them, I don't. That's my wheelhouse. My true fans are probably 10 years younger than me, 10 years older than me. That world doesn't buy a lot of records now, but it's my job to get them to check for what I'm doing.

"My record is catering towards the mature hip-hop fan," he added. "The kids might be able to get with it, but it ain't just playing, it ain't just partying — it's reality. To me, this album, Raw Footage, is a real spiritual record. I don't know if I've ever mentioned God on as many records as I do on Raw Footage. But it's a lot that needs to be said. It's an instructional record too. Hopefully some of these people can sidestep some of these pitfalls out there once they hear Raw Footage."

Cube is going on domestic and international promo runs during the next few weeks and said he'd be open to doing a major tour with people such as Young Jeezy, Snoop Dogg and Lil Wayne. There will definitely be more albums in the years to come.

"Going independent in 2006 really re-energized me. It rejuvenated me [and] my feelings for the game," he said. "Being on [major] record labels is for the birds. It sucks all your energy out. Because the good ideas you come up with, a lot of times they don't wanna do it. Especially on the promotional tip. They follow these same ancient formulas to sell a record. You gotta be creative in 2008 to sell a record. That's the first thing. When I started doing it independent, it gave me my swagger back and made me feel like I was doing hip-hop and not just doing records for somebody. I just went back to the essence and stopped worrying about the hip-hop fans and started worrying about Ice Cube fans."

Joints To Check For

"It Takes a Nation." "I wanna take it back to the real hip-hop," Cube said. "It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back by Public Enemy is one of the records I cherish, I love. I wanted to flip that and put the emphasis more on us and our community, on what we're doing to hold us back. I also wanted to talk about what's going on in the world and how I feel about it and what I'm ready to do. It's not a game. People playing hip-hop like it's a game. Let's get back to talking about what people going through so we can solve some of these issues."

"Why Me?" (featuring Musiq Soulchild). "It's the perspective of a victim," Cube said. "[He's] basically asking his shooter, 'Why me? Why you pick me out of all this?' It goes to random violence. People kill people they don't know. I wanted somebody soulful on the hook to make you really feel what you trying to say. Musiq, I'm a fan of his. I like his voice, I like his vibe. He always keeps that soul in it. He was a perfect pick. 'Why Me?' is gonna be the next video. I haven't done a song like this kinda since 'Dead Homiez,' which was on my Kill at Will album. I'm looking forward to people hearing this song. It's one of the strongest songs on the album."

"I Got My Locs On" (featuring Young Jeezy). "We've established a good relationship with Jeezy because he's also in a movie I wrote called 'Janky Promoters,' " the West Coast legend explained. "Me and Mike Epps play two shady rap [concert] promoters. We bring Jeezy to town and don't have enough money to pay him. We kinda got close doing the movie. [Jeezy] was like, 'Yo, I want you to do a record on my album.' I was like, 'I want you to do a record on mine.' We exchanged songs and concepts, and made it happen. We got a heater on my album called 'I Got My Locs On.' We made it happen."

Forget Batman And The Hulk…Meet The Newest Superhero: Chamillionaire?!?

Chamillionaire is on the way to save the day! The Texas MC is putting out the fourth installment of his acclaimed Mixtape Messiah series on August 27.

The first taste he’s giving us of his latest studio sessions is a freestyle over Nas’ “Hero” record.

However, judging from the emailed jpeg we received from his camp this morning, Cham is all about a certain SUPER Hero.

Mike Jones to Perform at Kingwood Summer Jam Kingwood, TX August 16, 2008
================================================================================
Pirate’s Cove Car Wash is sponsoring the 1st Annual Kingwood Summer Jam at
Town Center from 12:00-7:00.

Local and internationally known Houston HipHop/Rap artist have agreed to perform on this date to assist in establishing a scholarship for Kingwood and Kingwood Park High Schools.

Additionally, a donation will be made in the memory of two Kingwood High students fatally
injured in a car accident in Kingwood.

Other artist confirmed to appear: Lil Flip, Slim Thug, LilWil,FatPimp, BigTuck, Big Pokey, OG Ron C, Trae The Truth, Kiotti, The Go DJ’s, Sundance Head, Lil O, Trapstar, the Jimmie Hunter Band and others are being added daily!

There will also be a special guest performance by Seattle artist Shyan Selah, President and CEO of Brave New World, Inc. and the Spokesperson/COO of the Jimi
Hendrix Foundation.

Tickets to the Kingwood Summer Jam can now be purchased online at ShowClix.com, Keyword: Kingwood. Tickets prices are $20.00 or at the door on the day of the event for $25.00. Additionally, tickets can also be purchased at Pirate’s Cove Car Wash 2314 Northpark Drive Kingwood, TX 77339 (281)358-6946.

This event
has partnered with the Kingwood High School All Sports Booster Club, a nonprofitorganization. This partnership allows all donations and ticket purchases to be
designated as tax deductible.

Monica explains a rumored beef between her and Beyonce'

PAUL WALL FIGHTS POISON INK: Houston rapper promotes bloodstream cleanser.

July 28, 2008
*Paul Wall is marketing a new product which he says will cleanse your bloodstream of heavy metals and other toxins that can seep in from tattoos.

Wall developed "Tattoo Detox" with his dad, Michael Slayton, who believes strongly in alternative health methods.

"Tattoo Detox" is a liquid formula that you take in small doses every day.

“I love my tattoos, but I was really upset to find out tattoo ink contains toxic metals. Fortunately I found 'Tattoo Detox,' and it’s all good now," Wall said of the product in a statement. "I can get as many tats as I want and a few drops of Tattoo Detox a day keeps me feeling great.”

For complete info, log on to www.tattoodetox.com.

Jay-Z Goes after Twista!!




Word on the Street is Jay-z is
going after Twista with a passion. He has always wanted to sign him back in the Roc-a-fella days but ya'll no them boyz at Atlantic wasn't trying to hear that. But now things may be changing, we'll see when it happens. If it does we'll let ya'll know.

Mar 21, 2008 14:00 ET
Mathew Knowles' Music World Entertainment Announces Digital Initiatives at Annual Digital Summit in Houston, TX

IB3 performing with Jesse of The Bamaz HOUSTON, TX--(Marketwire - March 21, 2008) - Mathew Knowles and Music World Entertainment hosted their annual digital summit March 17 and 18 at the House of Dereon Media Center on the grounds of their Houston-based corporate offices. Music World announced the launch of their digital-only label, Hits Revealed, which will include unreleased music by Dionne Farris, rapper YoYo, UK sensation Jade Anderson, Sygnature (produced by Robin Thicke), 15-year-old R&B vocalist Mic Little (featuring Ne-yo and Snoop Dogg) and previously released titles by the O'Jays and Blaque.

The two-day conference featured performances by IB3, The Bamaz and Lady Lux, all Houston, Texas-based talent, who were announced to be Music World's first digital-only artists, IB3 and Lady Lux with singles releasing digitally on May 15. The Bamaz currently have "Meet the Bamaz" available digitally.

IB3, a female rapper born and raised in the Third Ward, delivers witty one-liners and a brusque and edgy, yet feminine delivery on her debut digital single, "Rep Da Souf," due out on May 13. IB3's music is currently featured on MTV's "Sweet Sixteen" program and was a part of this year's Dr. Pepper/Wendy's New Artist promotion at SXSW.

Lady Lux, an R&B/Pop female group, is comprised of three beautiful, professionally trained singers and dancers. They are a soulful trio who are currently working on their debut album with producers that include Bryan Michael Cox, Troy Taylor and Cameron Wallace. The former Houston Rockets Power Dancers command attention with their high-energy performance and up-tempo, party starting jams and recently performed at this year's SXSW. Their first single, "This My Song," will be available digitally on May 13.

The Bamaz are a production and songwriting team who have worked with the industry's elite including Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, Destiny's Child, Mike Jones, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Trin-i-tee 5:7, Sunshine Anderson, Kelly Rowland and more. In addition to working with other artists, The Bamaz are also artists with their own sound that combines live music with hard-hitting programmed drums and intelligent lyrics. Their debut album, "Meet the Bamaz," is available digitally now.

For more information, press kits and interviews, contact Chanel Green, VP Publicity, at 323-785-6400 or via e mail at chanel.green@musicworldent.com.

For more information on IB3, visit www.ib3music.com

For more information on Lady Lux, visit www.ladyluxmusic.com

For more information on The Bamaz, visit www.bama-boyz.com

Contact:
Chanel Green
VP Publicity
323-785-6400
chanel.green@musicworldent.com

Woods, Houston rap pioneer dies at 37
Artist known as O.G. Style had recently fallen ill


By ANDREW DANSBY
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle

Hear music and more
Artist's MySpace page

Eric Woods, a Houston rap pioneer who recorded as O.G. Style, died Thursday night. According to friends, Woods, 37, felt ill Wednesday night and was taken to St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital. He suffered from a brain hemorrhage and slipped into a coma Thursday morning.

Woods is best known for Catch 'Em Slippin' (I Know How to Play 'Em), a song that was popular in the region in 1991, though it didn't chart nationally. Still, one of O.G. Style's contemporaries, K-Rino (aka Eric Kaiser), calls the song "a true hood anthem, one that you still hear to this day. Every rapper in this town knows the lyrics to it."

Said rapper Smurk, aka Dwight Allen, a friend and frequent collaborator: "A lot of people talk about the pioneers of Houston rap, the people who made an early impact. If they don't mention O.G. Style, they don't know what they're talking about."

Prior to adopting the name O.G. Style, Woods performed around the city as Prince Ezzy-E starting in the mid-'80s.

When rapper Eazy-E began to draw attention with N.W.A around the same time, Woods tweaked his moniker to Original E. With the late DJ Boss he started a group called O.G. Style, which signed to Rap-A-Lot records and released its only album in 1991. DJ Boss soon formed another group, and Woods adopted the name O.G. Style as his own.

Woods grew up in the Fourth Ward, a neighborhood west of downtown Houston and a frequent backdrop for his music over two decades. "Fourth Ward," said Smurk, "he owned that. He represented that."

In 2006, he shot his Gangsta video there. As with his music more than 15 years earlier, O.G. Style chose an alternative to glorified gangster rap. The song is a reaction to 50 Cent's rise. "Watch how many gangsta rappers start coming out," he raps. "Sticking out their chests like they're hard. ... Walking with a gangster limp, talking like you is a pimp."


Regional ripples
I Know How To Play Em', the album Woods and DJ Boss recorded as O.G. Style, is out of print today. It's also a tough find: Used copies on Amazon.com are on sale for more than $40. That album included the popular Catch 'Em Slippin', which Woods (as Original E), DJ Boss and local producer/engineer Carlos Garza created based on an old sample of a song by New Orleans singer King Floyd.

Garza said he and Woods listened to hundreds of records at Garza's duplex to find the right sample. They assembled "a skeleton" for the song with just turntables and a drum machine.

"Plain and simple, we were just trying to find something that sounded like a hit single," Garza said.

Woods and DJ Boss built the song up from the demo into the version that appeared on the O.G. Style album. Another song from that album made regional ripples. Free World, with its "sitting in the Harris County jail" hook, was the flip side to a 12-inch of Slippin'.

Peers and fans say Woods' style stood out on these songs.

"He was a real lyrical rapper," said K-Rino. "A real skillful artist, real clever with wordplay. He had a hell of a voice and his delivery was as good as anybody's. He was one of the best Houston ever produced. It's a shame he was in a category of forgotten rappers.

"There's a new generation coming up that don't even know who these people are who built the foundation for what happens today. The new guys don't mention guys like O.G. Style on BET and MTV. And then they get written out of history."

K-Rino and UGK rapper Bun B appear on O.G. Style's single Steppin' on Toes and addresses that issue.

"It was about representing the South and how weak the game had gotten in Houston," K-Rino said. "He wanted to get three originals, OGs, together and really rep that. That song was really tight. And it never got heard."


'He was independent'
A lack of national exposure didn't keep O.G. Style from recording. He remained active up until the week of his death.

"We were always friends, but he kind of did his own thing," said Garza, who last produced O.G. Style in 2000. "He would move from producer to producer to get a recording done. He had to, he was independent. He couldn't wait. When he was ready to do something, he did it. He was go-getter, and he was focused, and he never gave up."

O.G. Style and Smurk were about to begin work on a new album, combining some new material with re-recorded tracks from Return of Da Game, the final album he made before his death.

"It was still going to sound like new material because a lot of people hadn't heard that last album," said Smurk, who appeared on Return of Da Game and a mixtape called Mixed Drinks, Blunts & Exstacy with O.G. Style. "He had another new album he was working on. This was just untimely, man."

He doesn't plan to abandon the project entirely, though. One of Woods' sons, also named Eric, is a teenage rapper.

"When I went to see him at the hospital last night, his son told me, 'We're still gonna get it done.' I told him I was gonna hold him to that," Smurk said.

O.G. Style included commentary about a lot of his work on his Web site. With Return of Da Game, he wrote, "I've learned how to do songs and not just be a rapper. This is a grown folks' rap album."

It ended up being his last. But the Internet has made his music easier to find and allows an early voice of Houston rap to be heard.

"You have to give credit to him," said K-Rino, "He got love everywhere in this city. He was always concerned with the present state of rap in Houston — the direction, the subject matter. Him being from that first era, he was just trying to bring it back to the true essence of what it was."

Smurk said his first impression of his friend was one that endured until his death. "O.G. Style was the bomb," he said. "If that term sounds old school, well, I said it intentionally."

Woods is survived by his wife, Shelley, their five children, his father and three siblings.

andrew.dansby@chron.com

Z-RO TO THE ROC?


I had not heard this until Mu$h Da Great said something, but I thought it was worth putting out there. People are spreading the rumor that perhaps Z-Ro might be going to the Roc as an artist. I don’t know, but it's not a ridiculous thought. The Roc and Def Jam have been pulling in talent from the South and H-Town to be specific. What up ‘Face! Anyway, we’ll see what happens.

Where were you when you found out he died? Who told you?

I don't want to get into all that because I don't want to put other people's grief out there. It was a very close person to myself and him. Because no one was there [when he died], we have to wait to receive information, receive the right information. But we got a call, and when they called, they were crying, and we knew what it was. It was my wife and I together. I was home with my wife. And we're moving this week, so we were packing up a lot of different boxes. And it kind of helped me, because it helped me occupy my mind, but then I'd get a phone call from somebody, and different people wanting to make sure I was okay. It was and it is rough. It's still very, very new. And for a lot of people, it's still very surreal.

When was the last time you saw him?

We performed together in Dallas the day after Thanksgiving. And we attended the Young Jeezy concert together Thanksgiving. And that was the last time I physically saw him. We met, we hugged, said we loved each other. When we separate we always make sure we hug and say we love each other. And keep in mind, Pimp C and I, we didn't agree on everything. We had our differences about different things. And I know people are going to draw conclusions, but it's not like that. I've been knowing Pimp C since he was 16 years old. By nature, our personalities and our character tended to be at odds, but because of who we were and where we were from, and where we were trying to go and what we were trying to prove, we were always together in that respect. And I loved him, and he loved me, and we're never ashamed to say it. And I know we're in the era of "pause" and "no homo" and all that, and that's all fine and dandy, but if you really love your homie, don't feel like you can't tell him you love him. Who gives a fuck how somebody take it. Because when things happen, you're going to wish you had said it. You're going to wish you said it louder.

Artists React To Sudden Death of Pimp C
Source: bet.com
Posted On: Wednesday, December 5, 2007 09:39 MST

The sudden death of UGK rapper Pimp C has shocked the hip-hop community. Many rappers have credited UGK as an influence on their own music and Southern hip-hop in general. Here are some words from Pimp C's fellow artists and friends.
T.I.: "My heart goes out to Pimp C's family. He was a pioneer in the rap game. I have a lot of respect for him and his accomplishments. It's definitely a sad day in hip-hop."

Too Short: "That was my homie from when he first first signed to Jive. We did a lot of shows together over the years. We did tours together, we did several songs. He was like my little brother. I always kept in touch with him. I just saw him Saturday and Sunday in L.A. I did a show at the House of Blues, and he popped up backstage and came on stage, and we hung out after the show that night. I talked to C like once a week. My man was on top of his game, getting his hustle on, doing good and he was happy.

Rick Ross: "We lost one of the greatest icons in music, period. He's one of my favorite lyricists that inspired me, Ricky Ross, that pushed the boundaries of Southern hip-hop. I felt like Ridin' Dirty was one of the best three albums in the history of Rap. And just to see the loss of life, it's a sad thing. He won't be forgotten. My prayers go out to Bun B and Pimp C's kids. And it's sad to watch him go to prison and for him to come home and...they just had their number one album. Their future was in front of them. There was so much left on the table for Pimp C and UGK. My deepest sympathies go out to him and his family, straight up."

Pimpin' Ken: "A friend of mine named Paper Chase called me, telling me that Pimp C was dead. I was like, 'nah. I just talked to the man yesterday. He can't be dead, unless he died recently.' He was like, 'It's all over the internet. It's all on TMZ and this and other stuff.' So I called my manager, Rick Martin, who is also Pimp C's manager. My brother just died Friday. He was supposed to come to my brother's funeral. I was like, 'Wow! Not again.' It was total shock, 'cause you know Pimp was like my little brother. They called me to calm him down a lot of times. I'm the one that told him to apologize to Atlanta. I'm the one that told him to reach out to [Young] Jeezy and make peace. I mean, he listens to me. I was one of the only people that went to visit him when he was in jail. We used to sleep over his momma's house, be in the studio and kick it. He loved the game and he was all about the game."

DJ Drama: "It's a sad thing. It's a bittersweet day for me, personally. I'm coming out on the same day we're losing a legend, Pimp C. I got the honor of being on a song with him on T.I.'s album called "Front Back." I got to meet him at the video. It was an honor and a privilege. I haven't heard too much outside to his passing. I send my condolences to Bun. We gon' rep for the big homie. Keep his legacy alive."

Update: Pimp C Believed To Have Died From Natural Causes

The Los Angeles coroner’s office has revealed that UGK member Pimp C may have died from natural causes.

As reported earlier, the legendary Houston rapper was found dead in bed in his room at the Mondrian Hotel in Hollywood, California on Tuesday morning (December 4).

According to the L.A. coroner’s office, Pimp C was found fully clothed on his bed. No drugs or drug paraphernalia was found in the room and they were no signs showing the rapper had fallen or injured himself.

“It appears that he died naturally,” said Capt. Ed Winter of the L.A coroner office. “There were no signs of trauma, no signs of drug paraphernalia.”

“At this time there's no signs of foul play but pending autopsy and toxicology, we can't say the cause,” he added.

Pimp C, whose real name is Chad Butler, was only 33 years old and is survived by a wife and three children.

Pimp C and his partner in rhyme, Bun B, released their seventh group album titled U.G.K. Underground Kingz earlier this year . The set debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

It was the group's first project together since Pimp C’s 2005 release from prison. During Pimp C’s incarceration, Bun B released a solo album titled Trilla. Pimp C would release his solo project, Pimpalation, in 2006.

Pimp C’s untimely death has overwhelmed his friends, fans, his peers in the music industry.

“The passing of Pimp C will not only be felt by the southern Hip-Hop scene, but by the Hip-Hop world as a whol e,” DJ Chuck T told Sixshot.com. “Pimp C was a solo great artist and one half of a rap group that is legendary. His incarceration in his prime kept us from realizing his true star power and now his untimely death will keep us from truly seeing how great he could've been. Pimp C's presence in the rap game will be missed.”

“Chad was finally seeing the results of the years of love and labor that he and Bun B have put in over the years, culminating in the tremendous success of their album, Underground Kingz.,” said Pimp C’s manager, Rick Martin, via a statement. “Chad was set to soar with not only a new solo deal on Jive Records, but a lucrative publishing deal, a new satellite radio show, several group projects and a national cologne endorsement. Chad had everything to live for, making his unexpected passing a travesty.”

Oct. 15, 2007, 1:21PM
Houston rapper Big Moe dies


By KRISTIE RIEKEN Associated Press Writer
© 2007 The Associated Press

TOOLS
Email Get section feed
Print Subscribe NOW
Comments (16) Recommend (6)
HOUSTON — Big Moe, a Houston rapper whose 2002 album reached No. 3 on Billboard's hip hop charts, has died.

Big Moe, whose real name was Kenneth Moore, was 33. He died Sunday afternoon at Houston's Ben Taub hospital after being hospitalized for more than a week, said Bryan McLeod, a spokesman for the county public hospital system.

McLeod did not release a cause of death, but numerous hip hop Web sites said the obese rapper suffered a heart attack.

Big Moe, who rapped and sang, was a member of the late DJ Screw's rap collective the Screwed Up Click. DJ Screw died of a heart attack in 2000 after a reported overdose of codeine-laced cough syrup.

Big Moe often rapped about the drug and the titles of his first two albums made reference to it. His first album was called "City of Syrup" and his most successful offering was 2002's "Purple World," for the color most often associated with the drug.

Big Moe's top two singles, "Barre Baby" and "Purple Stuff" were odes to the drug. He also released a third album, "Moe Life," in 2003.

"He was a great influence to the music community here in Houston," said Swishahouse Records founder Michael "5000" Watts. "He was a good person and one of the founding fathers of the music movement here."

He collaborated with various Houston rappers including Mike Jones, Z-Ro and Pimp C.

Other Screwed Up Click members who have died are Big Hawk, who was shot to death last year, and his brother Fat Pat, killed in 1998.

Mike Jones 'American Hater' Episode 2 and TI's Gun Pics

So, what's up I've got a new episode of the American Hater. That's the Mike Jones internet video series and this one is brand new and at least a little bit entertaining. I know Mike Jones fans have been waiting and waiting and waiting for that album to drop and it's still being pushed back so it looks like for now all we've got to look forward to are these videos.

Slim Thug, Z-ro, Lil Keke, Trae The Truth And More Among Those On Hand To Celebrate The Life Of DJ Screw
Date: 10/9/2007


On September 30, 2007, nearly 10,000 fans, friends and loved one's gathered at Houston 's Reliant Arena to pay tribute to the city's own DJ Screw. Robert Earl Davis, Sr., (aka Papa Screw) the father of the legendary DJ, received a standing ovation as he was brought on stage to be recognized for birthing the father of Chopped and Screwed music. DJ Screw's untimely death left a void that was visibly missed as crowds of people packed the arena to experience some of Houston's biggest supporters of DJ Screw pay homage to the late great one.

The world famous BumSquad DJZ sponsored the concert and car show which hosted over 150 custom cars and bikes, a bikini contest, graffiti show, DJ exhibition and a star-studded roster of Houston's finest who were on hand to pay tribute. The crowd couldn't get enough as the likes of Slim Thug and the Boss Hogg Outlaws, Lil Keke, Z-Ro, and Trae the Truth gave amazing tributes to the deceased DJ. Also taking the stage for the event were: Swisha House: Archie Lee, Coota Bang, E-Class & Young Redd, the Original S.U.C.: D-Redd & the Botany Boys, Lil' O, Big Pokey, Big Moe, Mike D, Youngster, Mr. 3-2, Madrid Pimps, G.R.i.T. Boys, Papa Reu, Wonderous, Billy Cook, Steph Jones, Juan Gotti ft. the Thug Rock Kingz, Rob G., Pryme Status, Grade A, D1, Cubanito, Raquel Serenil; as well as amazing DJ showmanship from: Micheal "5000" Watts, Choppaholix: DJ Cool Aid & DJ Ovadose, Crisco Kid, DJ Chill, DJ Demo, DJ Goofy, DJ Kaos, DJ Mpulse, DJ Noble, DJ OG Ron C, DJ Play>boy, DJ Rockwell, Eddie Deville, Latin Prince, Lyrikal Wun, Nina 9, and Wu Chang.

Event organizer, Elaine Gracia of Kloud 9 Productions & Vice President of the BumSquad DJZ, was astounded by the support she received for the event. "All the artists that were in attendance gave freely, and passionately of their time simply based on the love and respect they had for a man that did so much for the Houston music scene, and to see them all give back in his memory was extremely touching and it virtually brought tears to " Papa Screw" to see how much his son was loved and appreciated." A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the DJ Screw Foundation & The "Big Hawk" Hawkins family which will help young adults & children in music studies by awarding scholarships for music lessons and audio engineering and production classes

For more on DJ Screw, DJ Screw: The Untold Story DVD tells the story of Robert Davis Jr. before fame from the people who were there. This DVD also contains never before seen footage of the one man who gave Houston it's sound identity, at work and at play as well as interviews with the original members of S.U.C (Screwed Up Click), Davis family members, the last interview from "Hawk" and his thoughts about his brother and DJ Screw filmed just 3 days prior to his untimely death. This DVD is available in major outlets including Best Buy, Sam Goody, etc.

"Oh No They Didn't! Oh Yes They Did!"

Let's play a little game today and throw up what are some of the worst collabos and features done by southern artists that you've seen in recent times or if you've got that old man memory , then from way back in the day too. I'll start with... Hillary Duff With Love remix featuring Houston's very own Slim Thug. Yeah that's right a Hillary Duff song with Slim Thug, get that money boss!

No Houston, There Isn't Any Problem
Posted: Friday - July 6, 2007
By Bear Frazer




There isn't any secret that the Houston Movement blew the fuck up back in 2005 when Mike Jones, Paul Wall and Slim Thug were introduced on a national scale via "Still Tippin'." From there, it was pandemonium.

Everybody jumped at the opportunity to holla at Mike Jones on his cell phone and every artist holla'd at Paul Wall to get a pair of grillz, while Slim Thug was trying his best to make sure some fool didn't leak his album. The guys in demand and the H-Town sound was something new to most of us.

I enjoyed it and still do to this day. Paul Wall and Slim Thug are some of the guys whose music I look forward listening to everyday. They're delivery is smooth and they don't try to complicate what their saying. Plus, I don't mind hearing them talk about how cool their whip is or how nasty their grillz are.

But as we fast forward to 2007, some hip-hop media outlets are questioning whether Houston is just a fad. I think this is fucking ridiculous, and what makes this even more ridiculous is the fact that some of the people who have been saying this have never lived in the South.

This year alone has been big for Houston. So far, Paul Wall, Lil' Flip and the Boss Hogg Outlawz have released albums, and by the end of the year, new records from Mike Jones, UGK, Slim Thug and Chingo Bling will be on shelves. That's not even mentioning the young artists coming out and dropping for the first time like the G.R.i.T. Boys. Plus, Michael Watts and the Swishahouse is in the process of dropping his latest mixtape, Something To Smoke 2. And we haven't even touched on the smaller independent labels in the area, including the ones owned by operated by some of these artists.

I'll admit, the Houston Movement may not have the same zing it first had when it emerged onto a mainstream level in 2005, but then again, does anything when it first comes out? Yeah, that's what I thought. And I'll also admit, some of these artists may not see the same success in moving units because they might not have the right single for radio, because record sales as a whole is dropping, etc.

Regardless, Houston isn't a fad. It's only getting stronger and even a blind man can see that.

Your BFF,
Bear.Fuckin.Frazer.

(PS - If someone sees a blog comment under my name, it isn't from me. I don't respond to blogs.)

Mike Jones' Manager Accuses Texas Police Of Assault

Mike JonesThe manager of rapper Mike Jones has reportedly filed a police complaint in Texas claiming he was assaulted by two cops last month. Terrance 'T' Flowers, who filed the complaint on May 25, says he was confronted by authorities when he got into an argument with his ex-girlfriend in a Jersey Village car park.

He co-operated with the two officers, identified as Virgil Thomas and Mark Zatzkin, and alleges that even though his ex explained there was no problem with the situation, he was still physically assaulted.

Flowers claims the cops taunted him saying, "You think you can get away with certain types of behavior because of who you are", before they handcuffed him and forced him to the ground.

He adds, "They jumped out their car, pulled their pistols out, told me to get down, yelling and screaming, so I automatically did what they told me to do.

"I get down to my knees. They shove me down. A black cop put a foot on my head. They still had their pistols on me, telling me to get down, get down, but I'm already down, though."

Sergeant Stephan Ruff of the Jersey Village Police Department admitted he had only heard about the allegations when Flowers filed the complaint, because the officers had not written an incident report.

Ruff has now launched an internal investigation into the claims.

OutKast and UGK's "International Players Anthem": Song of the Year
posted: 4:34 PM, June 5, 2007 by Tom Breihan

UndergroundKingz.jpg
Ask ask Paul McCartney

There are a couple of schools of critical thought about Andre 3000's recent blitzkrieg of guest-raps, a hobby it once looked like he'd given up after murdering the intro of Sleepy Brown's "I Can't Wait" a few years back. One side of the debate has greeted Andre's return with unqualified hosannas: one of the greatest rappers of all time finally rediscovering the joy in what he does best, figuring out that he's better at putting verses together than he is at doing gallingly cutesy Prince impressions. The other side says that Andre has duped us all, that his long absence from rap made us miss him so badly that we're falling all over ourselves to praise his rhythm-free mickey-mouse guest-spots; Al Shipley even went so far as to compare him to Murphy Lee. Before UGK's new single "International Players Anthem" hit the internet a while ago, I would've placed myself somewhere between the two poles. I was definitely happy to hear Andre rapping again, and I really liked that he was making his big return alongside jokers like Jim Jones on pop-rap megaliths like "Walk It Out" and "Throw Some D's," treating his big return like it wasn't even a big deal at all. But I didn't like how he brought his new cartoonishly cheery persona to those verses or how he'd altered his slippery flow to the point where he was just rushing to cram in syllables, barely paying attention to the beat at all. On the remix to Lloyd's "You," he talks about meeting a girl in Whole Foods, and it's a really nice bit of storytelling, observant and fluid, but it's also got a sort of Wes Anderson forced tweeness, like he's trying to transform himself into a stuffed animal before our eyes. Andre's verse on "International Players Anthem" isn't really all that different from the other stuff he's been doing lately, but works perfectly within the context of an amazing song. The "International Players Anthem" video hit the internet yesterday, and I've already watched it about fifteen times. I wouldn't change a thing about it. It's perfect.

Actually, that's overstating things a bit. Useless cameo-machine Bishop Don Magic Juan hogs precious seconds of screen-time like this was a Snoop Dogg video, and I sort of don't like the way a UGK video somehow reduces Pimp C and Bun B to Andre's supporting cast. Still, it's an amazing piece of work, and anyone who hasn't seen it yet should probably go watch that shit right now before reading another word of this entry. The whole thing is set around Andre's wedding, starting out with UGK and Three 6 Mafia sitting around and taking good-natured shots at Andre. (Honestly, I could listen to Southern rap luminaries make fun of Andre's clothes for hours.) From there, everything unfolds in a gorgeously sunny haze: Andre's groomsmen goofily lip-sync his lyrics at him, more Southern rap luminaries make split-second cameos, two video-chicks inexplicably wrestle in the wedding cake. The whole thing comes with a fuzzy glow that I just love. This is going to look ridiculous, especially if Bridget's reading this, but I've been engaged for a little more than a year now, and in that time no piece of pop-culture ephemera has made me more excited to be getting married than this video. Even if Pimp C is almost certainly not showing up to my wedding in a giant white fur hat, this thing looks like a whole lot of fun.

The song, probably my favorite single of the year thus far, plays on similar romantic impulses in similarly goofy ways. DJ Paul and Juicy J produced the track, swiping the woozy and euphoric horns and vocals from Willie Hutch's "I Choose You." Paul and Juicy have used that exact same beat once before, for Project Pat's "Choose U" a few years ago, but I'm not really mad at them for that. It sort of dampened the track's cinematic lilt to hear Pat talking about spending your child support money on it, and anyway it's exactly the sort of warm, slow, organic track that generally works perfectly with Bun and Pimp's thick, wizened voices. Originally, Paul and Juicy also rapped on the track, but I guess record-company politics kept that version from seeing the light of day. I've heard the track's original version, and it's fine. It starts out with the Pimp C verse, tacking the serviceable verses from Paul and Juicy onto the end. If it'd showed up on the UGK album in its original form, it would've been a really good deep-cut. But with OutKast on the song instead of Three 6 Mafia, it's transcendent.

Andre shows up on the track before the beat actually drops, a trick that makes the most of his idiosyncratic sense of rhythm. There aren't any drums to worry about, so he doesn't have to worry about falling on and off the track. Andre's verse is happy and dazed and confused. It's about falling in love, about diving headlong into the idea that you'll never be single again and feeling vaguely smug about it. When Andre's verse ends, the huge thumping drums come in suddenly, and Pimp C's verse starts right away; it's an absolutely thrilling moment. In terms of technical skill, the verses from Pimp and Bun and Big Boi all just bury Andre's verse, but all of them need Andre's verse to give them a grace they wouldn't have had otherwise. Pimp and Bun both talk about pimping in bald terms, about convincing girls that it'd be a good idea to work for them. Big Boi raps about getting frustrated wondering what's happening to child-support payments. None of these are particularly laudable sentiments, but coming after Andre, they're humanized, almost romantic. In his verse, Andre effectively casts all of them as the friends who don't understand why he's getting married, a conceit that the video pushes further. There's a lot going on in the lyrics, and the verses seem to contradict or at least clash with each other in small ways, but that just makes them feel more like different sides of a conversation. And even when the buzz from the song fades, which it hasn't since it first leaked, we'll still have ideas to pick apart. I don't know whether "International Players Anthem" can become a bona fide hit; after all, it basically doesn't have a chorus. At this point, that doesn't matter. It's already a great pop moment.

Lil' Wayne, Baby, David Banner, UGK Help Raise HIV Awareness With Free Concert
By Roman Wolfe
Date: 5/30/2007 4:45 pm

xml


Rappers Lil' Wayne, Baby, David Banner and UGK will perform during the "Hip Hop 4 HIV - Know Your Status" concert, which takes place this June in Houston, TX to raise youth's awareness about HIV/AIDS.

The Texstars Foundation Project is hosting the free concert featuring the superstar rappers at Houston's Reliant Arena on June 30.

The Foundation is a non-profit organization created by Texas State Representative Borris L. Miles in 2007.

The organization's goal is to promote, sponsor, and assist inner city communities in developing education, leadership development programs, as well as promoting tolerance (racial and sexual orientation).

In order to get tickets to the free concert, fans must first attend an HIV seminar and get tested for the HIV/AIDS virus at local testing stations, which will be staffed with counselors and health professionals.

The event is also sponsored by local radio station 97.9 The Box and according to organizers, the goal is to test at least 3,000 young adults between the ages of 15-30, with the primary focus being young, African-American males and females.

According to statistics, African-American's account for almost 60% of HIV/AIDS cases among those ages 13 to 24.

In Houston, African-American's make up 18% of the population, but account for 54% of the adult HIV cases since 1999.

Those over 30-years-old can still get tested at no cost, but the free concert is for young adults between the ages of 15-30.

The concert starts at 2:00 PM and ends around 6:00 PM.

Also on the bill are Mista Madd, Shei Atkins, J. Xavier and others.

Devin the Dude - Waitin' to Inhale


By Simone Wilson
Hiatus Editor

April 05, 2007 — Everystoner Devin the Dude watches most of his life from a permanent ass-dent in the couch. He fumbles with the remote, calls for a dusky sax loop and some guitar clucks, mumbling a sloppy - if ever lovable - flow of dirty talk from the left corner of his mouth, so as not to drop the bobbing joint clamped down on the right.

After three solo albums and an overstuffed scrapbook of guest spots, most famously on Dr. Dre's "Fuck You," the Texas-born rapper is finally starting to be recognized as a major player for the Southern team in America's location-based hip-hop tournament. He makes as fly a case for the bottom states as any of his teammates, rubbing the sweat of each - Scarface's cool sting, T.I.'s slow heat, UGK's rich, salty melody - into most every track of Waitin' to Inhale. But he's still nowhere near their status, and that's where a distinct self-awareness comes in to cap off the bowl: a sheepish scrawl that begs for free sex, complains about inflation and admits to getting boners when rapping about pussy (and he does - a lot).

Dev pulls killer cameos from Snoop, Lil' Wayne, Bun-B and former partners the Odd Squad ­- even convincing Andre 3000 to chill back for a sec - but this glory is his own. Some week-old purp beats roast in the center console, letting off a warm, wet skunk. Devin even dots his "i" with a marijuana leaf. Not like the herb is new to his genre, but this Dude's kicked-back, charred raps and smoldering tracks positively reek of it.

UGK: "The Game Belongs to Me." I

f this and "International Players Anthem" and "Next Up" are any indication, I really shouldn't be worrying about the new UGK album. On those other two tracks, Pimp and Bun manage to pull their guests into their world rather than awkwardly attempting to adjust their styles to fit their guests. And that UGK style is one of the most enduring in rap, a humanely downcast combination of sweet, organic Southern soul and dense, banging old-school drum-programming. They might be outsourcing some of their production, but they're finding people whose strengths complement theirs. Still, neither of those tracks has quite the eternal warmth of "The Game Belongs to Me," where Bun and Pimp sink determinedly back into their comfort zones and do away with any outside help. Pimp's track is a thing of beauty: fluttering guitars piled into undulating layers and wrapped around slow Ant Banks drum-ticks. Pimp's nasal singsong honk sounds like a natural outgrowth of the track; he knows exactly how to use one of rap's thickest accents. Bun's gravelly boom is just as intuitive, but his syllables come in quicker clumps, pushing and poking the track around rather than just rising out of it. They know what they're doing. Now if Jive will just go ahead and release the fucking album, we'll be set

At only 26, rapper Lil' Flip is thinking about his legacy

By ANDREW DANSBY
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

TOOLS
Email
Get section feed
Print
Subscribe NOW
Lil' Flip looks comfortable — decked out in a Hotel Derek robe and Ralph Lauren flip-flops — but he does a little light grousing about a perceived lack of respect from his inner circle.

"If Beyoncé wants something done, it gets done," he explains. "If Flip wants something, he's lucky to get three out of 10."

He laughs at his own put-down.

Complaint aside, Lil' Flip actually seems to be doing OK on this day. It's past noon, yet he's just getting going, having worked his way through a big plate of breakfast in front of a wide-screen TV with the shades pulled in a sprawling hotel suite.

"I don't like it too bright," he says.

Flip's manager points out the rapper has had a few late nights in a row. "He visits two schools a day and two clubs a night," the manager says.

Flip is promoting I Need Mine, another lengthy double album by the Freestyle King. Despite Flip's often playful manner, he takes the album title seriously.

Flip sprung on the scene here as a teenage protégé of DJ Screw and took his rhymes national years before a new wave of Houston hip-hop was nationally recognized (his breakthrough Leprechaun still sounds fresh). Sunshine gave Flip a hit in 2004, but he was a little early to cash in the way others here did in 2005. Instead he found himself in the middle of silly feuds with other rappers — here and elsewhere — and stuck in a sour label deal.

But the guy doesn't sport a four-leaf clover medallion for nothing. If he doesn't believe good luck seeks people out, he certainly believes in creating your own.

"It just seems like as rappers, we tend to help everybody else," he says of his new album's title. "Family members, friends. A lot of times people take it for granted. At this point, with this record, I want to put the focus on me."

At 26, a veteran

Several times Flip talks legacy, which isn't the craziest topic for a 26-year-old who's been doing this for a decade. He doesn't stick to the usual touchstones (Tupac, Biggie). "I want to have a legacy like the Beatles," he says. "I want to sell 150 million records."
He's aware that hip-hop doesn't have tenure track careers like rock 'n' roll, so he's expanding his name brand. He passes over a bottle of Lil' Flip's Gangsta Lean Raspberry Lime Rickey, a nonalchoholic (and despite the name, codeine-free) fruit-flavored drink.

"That's the first one, those just came in" he says.

Flip also has worked up an alcoholic beverage that will soon hit retail.

He has an XM radio show, and he's filming his every move and uploading clips onto YouTube, where he eventually plans to host Lil' Flip's The American Rapper, a new talent search.

"It'll be the opposite of American Idol," he says. "I'm looking for somebody who wants to understand the rap game. It won't be a mockery of rap. There will be media training, freestyle work, you'll learn to carry yourself."

A two-album deal also will come of the competition. It's Flip's opportunity to try and help a young talent the way Screw helped him. Flip is never at a loss for words until Screw comes up, at which point his answers are preceded by long pauses.

"Mostly I just want to keep his name out there," he says.

He looks surprised when it's mentioned that Screw has been gone for seven years.

But where Screw's bag was slowing things down, Flip's work ethic is caffeinated by comparison.

There are 37 tracks on I Need Mine, and he points out that he flung every style and sub-style he could at the wall.

"You have to have these different sounds to break things up," he says. "There's girl songs, club songs, sad songs, street songs, but not two of them together."

While the music biz seems to be moving back toward the single, Flip's defiantly album-minded.

Something for everyone

"Nowadays it's about having one hot song," he says. "Well, I still want to have one hot album. I feel like every song on here could be a single.
"I've been putting out doubles since my first record. I like to give people a reason to buy them. Why buy Flip's albums? Well, I don't limit myself to urban music. There's some rock 'n' roll on there."

He points to Find My Way, which is built on a cool acoustic guitar groove.

Flip says he has no regrets about starting so early.

"I feel like I've learned things. I was able to see how people treat you. How they take advantage of young artists."

There also have been personal finance lessons that he hopes to pass along to the winner of his reality show.

"You know, simple stuff: Don't buy jewelry unless you have a place to live. You have to set your priorities."

He suggests that the new album is a result of his ongoing education about the business.

"I wrote more than usual on this one," he says. "It's cool to freestyle, but sometimes that's difficult to convert to records. I wanted to come with more concepts, some messages.

"There's less cursing on this record. Not that I usually curse that much."

Why?

"It sounds horrible on the radio," he says laughing.

"You don't hear anything but the beeps. Who wants to hear that?"

andrew.dansby@chron.com

Paul Wall wears his emotions on his sleeve with tattoos


By ANDREW DANSBY
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

TOOLS
Email Get section feed
Print Subscribe NOW


RESOURCES
Check out Paul Wall's tattoos
Paul Wall in The 4123 Chronicle
Paul Wall's tattoos tell two-part stories: Pre- and post-fame, happiness and sadness, life and death, home and away, and that sort of thing.

They're united by one factor, well, one other than his skin being the canvas: "Each one of them hurt like hell," he said. "On a scale of 1 to 10, they were all a 9 1/2 . The ones right here on my wrist bones are the ones that hurt the most. I guess it's because it's right on the bone. I've seen other people get tattoos, they got the cool face. But me, I've never had it."

Wall's blue forearms are prominently featured on the cover of Get Money Stay True, his new album out this week. As with his previous record, the million-selling The People's Champ, Wall's latest is something of a document of his likes: cars, grilles, Houston, etc.

His tattoos tell a similar story. Earlier this week, Wall offered the stories behind his ink. Well, most of it. He opted not to put his chest tattoos on display. "I got to lose some weight first," he said, before flashing a sparkling smile.

The two prominent tattoos on the album cover — a Texas logo with an Astros emblem on his right hand, and a "Freedom/Broderick Brown" on his left forearm — represent very different aspects of his story. They mark with earnest love the happy parts of his life (his family, his hometown) and with regret some of its rougher parts (friends killed or in prison).

There also are two different styles represented. His upper arms were inked by an artist named Junior at Dago's , a tattoo place that's been a Houston staple since the '70s.

Those tattoos, he said, were his way of "venting" and marking when "something significant was going on in my life."

His first four tattoos came in pairs: One arm has "Paul," the other "Wall." Pretty self-explanatory, as was his second set. One arm reads "Houston," while the other has "Texas," "because I got such love for where I'm from."

Many of the upper-arm tattoos — "Underdog" and "Me against the world" — document Wall's struggle to find respect on the hip-hop scene as a white rapper.

"I felt I had to earn my way," he said. "I had nobody to support me. Then I got these over here: 'Against all odds.'

"Of course, those are 2Pac quotes. Anytime you get tattoos, you can't go wrong with 2Pac quotes."

There's a " 1/2 -full/ 1/2 -empty cup" on his left upper arm. He favors the former because "that was my outlook on life. I try to find the good in a situation."

And then "Waterboy," a reference to the Adam Sandler film of the same name about a waterboy who becomes the star of his football team; Wall also used the word as a name for one of his groups.

"I started off doing street teamwork for No Limit and Def Jam. I was the waterboy, the scrub. I was passing out demo tapes, and nobody wanted to hear them."

He credited Michael "5000" Watts of the Swishahouse label for giving him "a spot on the team. Then I earned a starting spot."

There is a microphone on the back of each arm. On the right arm, the top of the mic is shouldered globelike. "It's the universal man," he said. "The globe is a microphone, and the microphone turns into a key." There's a padlock with his name on it.

"It had to do with what my life was. My life was music, I love music to the fullest."

A clock features the caption "In due time," a phrase Wall says his mother used.

"Be patient. That's something a lot of people don't have. A lot of rappers, they don't have patience. Let God's will be God's will."

Wall said he stopped getting inked around 2003. When he posed for the Chronicle in 2005, his forearms were bare.

Now they hold the work of Mr. Cartoon, a Los Angeles tattoo artist who also designed the cover of Get Money Stay True. Wall met him through former Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker. Barker and Skinhead Rob are in a band with Wall called Expensive Taste.

Wall says two events — the birth of his son, Will, last April and the murder of rapper Hawk last May — sent him back to the chair.

Will's name is on his left hand, and Hawk is one of three names (DJ B-Swift and a friend named Duke) on an "R.I.P." scroll on his right forearm. A wing for Hawk pokes through some clouds.

There's further tragedy on Wall's right arm. The "Freedom/Broderick Brown" tattoo is his tip to a childhood friend who made different life choices. Brown is six years into a 45-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to robbery. (It was the aggravated variety, with a deadly weapon.)

But Wall's ink isn't all struggle and tragedy. His recent tattoos were done after he'd had national success, selling 1 million copies of his last record.

In that celebratory vein, he also took us through his loves, including the Astros logo on his right hand, his son's name on the other and on the inside of his left arm his wife's name, Crystal. "I represent for the wife 100 percent," he said.

And each forearm holds one of Mr. Cartoon's two trademarks. On the left is a smoking skull with the caption "Live by die by," which Wall took from a F.T.F. album.

Just below that, he said, "we got sunrays shining down on the great streets of downtown Houston." That arm also reads "Expensive taste," the name of his band and also "a motto for our lifestyle."

The other Mr. Cartoon icon is Wall's visage reimagined as a clown.

"He took a picture of me and printed it out and freehand-drew the clown," Wall explained.

"It looks just like me.

"The grille looks just like me, the beard has gray hairs, the eyebrows are bushy. That being his trademark, it was an honor for me to get him to do it."

And that's the inky tour through much of Wall's life from his teenage years to the present. There are triumph and tragedy, persistence and ignorance (admittedly some would argue that all tattoos fall into the latter), family and friends and more.

Wall and his wife are expecting their second child in November, and he's left some open forearm for another name. He'll undoubtedly cringe throughout.

"You can ask Junior, you can ask Mr. Cartoon, I'm a wuss when it comes to tattoos," he said. "I'm squirming in the chair, making sideways faces, yelling. You might not think that, because I have so many of them, but I'm an absolute punk when it comes to tattoos."

andrew.dansby@chron.com

The People's Champ Retains His Title
CD Review

By: Stephen Ortiz
Posted: 4/5/07

There's something about these Houston rappers and their money. They have it. They flaunt it. They rap about it. They spend it on "grillz" and "purple drank." So why do the listeners and fans keep giving them more? Because of artists like Paul Wall.

The Swishahouse spokesman is just one of many rappers coming out of Houston who have found great success on the national level with their joining the ranks of Mike Jones, Lil' Flip and Chamillionaire. Paul Wall first found fame after appearing on Mike Jones' first commercially- distributed single, "Still Tippin'," from his first major label album, "Who Is Mike Jones?" and eventually went on to release his first LP, "The People's Champ," in 2005.

Thanks to his charming flow and catchy, materialistic rhymes, Wall went platinum easily, and looks to do so again with his sophomore album "Get Money, Stay True."

What "Get Money, Stay True" is able to do best is capture the magic that made Wall's first album work so well and turn it up a notch. There is more of the trunk- thumping bangers meant to be played at high volumes, preferably in residential areas - Southern looping beats that run so slow they never really go anywhere and of course, those Southern trademarks from diamond coated grills to "sipping on sizzurp."

Wall never takes himself out of his boast, brag and party comfort zone and covers up a whole lot of redundancy with top-notch productions and easy-to-follow, solid raps that drop just enough punch lines to keep the listener hooked.

"I'm fresh like green bananas / I'm fly like Continental / Cuz I stay up on my grind late night like Jimmy Kimmel," he rhymes on "Everybody Know Me," which also features a smooth guest shot from Snoop Dogg on one of his best verses in recent memory.

"Get Money, Stay True" was produced by Houston's great beat maker, Mr. Lee, who handled a handful of tracks on the album including the kickoff track, "Get Your Paper" - an excellent opener with an instantly gripping, synthetic organ backing and features emcee Yung Redd on the chorus - and "Call Me What U Want," on which Wall raps his life motto: "Call me what you want / As long as you don't call me broke."

The late, legendary DJ Screw gets honored on producer Russell Howard's work, "Bangin' Screw," which sports a "chopped and screwed" - or slowed down vocals and usually altered - chorus with an addictive synthesized beat with the occasional clap.

The final track on the album, "Slidin' On That Oil," is a preview of what's to come for the Houston emcee. The song is a product of new rap group, Expensive Taste, which is made up of Skinhead Rob (the Transplants,) Travis Barker, currently the drummer for (+44) and best- known for his work with Blink-182 and Wall himself. Barker is solely responsible for producing the track, but Rob and Wall compliment each other very well and demonstrate their talent without stepping on each other's toes.

Although the album is much of the same and runs short at under 60 minutes, "Get Money, Stay True" enlists numerous guest stars that helps keep the album fresh and enjoyable for the entire time. The People's Champ may just keep his title for another year

Next Few Months Will Determine The Future Of Houston Hip-Hop

What's good Houston? The next few months are gonna be huge for Houston hip-hop with major Houston artists dropping albums left and right. We have established ourselves as a major hip-hop culture city, and this next few months will determine if we actually stay up on top or not.

Today I just want to go over some of the good things we can definately expect to come out of this nexy quarter, and some things that may or may not go well.


Let's start if off with a CD that will definately be straight fire. The new album from UGK called U.G.K Underground Kingz is set to release on April 3rd of 2007 and is definately one of the albums this year that I am looking forward to buying on the day of it's release. This will be the 6th major release from Bun B and Pimp C's group UGK. When you think of southern rap UGK has got to be the first thing that pops into your head. Nobody puts together that down south country vibe like these dudes, and that is why they call their music "country rap tunes." It's been a minute since the last UGK album and I know everybody in the H and all over the map is ready for the release of this album. According to UGK's website, http://www.the-ugks.com/, this will be a double album with 32 tracks. The line up of guest artist is rediculous with appearances by Z-Ro, T.I., Talib Kweli, Rick Ross, Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Young Buck, Mike Jones, Sleepy Brown, Three 6 Mafia, Birdman, Lil Wayne, and many more. You can also hit up the website I posted above to hear a few cuts off the new album. The first single is entitled "The Game Belongs to Me" and is already blazing on radio stations all over the place.

Here's an old UGK video just to let you get a feel of how these dudes do their thing:

UGK- Take it Off




Another album that we know is gonna be jammin all over Houston is the new Devin the Dude album, set to release on March 13, 2007. This album is another reason that I am confident Houston, TX will remain a hip-hop powerhouse and continue to put out some of the best in hip-hop for years to come. Devin is one of the most well-rounded artists I have ever heard. He can go from being a comedian to a preacher in a split-second. He is a dude I have started listening to more and more, and cannot wait to cop his new album. As well respected as Devin is he has never gotten the national attention he deserves (atleast sales wise), and hopefully this album can push him into the nation spotlight. One of the tracks off the new album is called "Little Girl Gone" and I have posted it before so I know some of ya'll heard it...however I can no longer find the video to post so you'll have to listen to it on Devin's myspace at www.myspace.com/devinthedude.
I'm gonna post one of my favorite Devin songs. This shit is just funny and chill. Devin is one of rap's best kept secrets.

Devin the Dude- Lacville '79




Here is an album that I can see going either way. Lil' Flip is either gonna come back huge on this album, shooting the middle finger up to Sony and all the people who doubt his return, or he's gonna blow it. I have heard a few cuts off the Flip album that is scheduled for release March 27, 2007 and I have dug 'em all so far. The album is entitled I Need Mine. A few months back Sony leaked the entire album, causing Flip to change labels to Asylum, and re-record most of the album. Now the fact that it's been 3 years since Flip dropped an album scares me a little. After the whole T.I. beef thing I feel like Flip lost alot of credibility...regardless of if any of that shit was true. I think that whole situation affected Flip and T.I. negatively, and put their situation in the rap game under bad lighting. Now, T.I. has already come back dropping King and has obviously proven that the beef didn't affect his work ethic or album sales. Lil' Flip is going to have to try and prove the exact same thing when he releases I Need Mine. I know Flip has money in the bank and has already established himself nationally, but somtimes I wonder if dude really gives a fuck anymore. We will see on March 27th.

Lil' Flip- I'm A Balla

Here is one of the first singles that will be released off of the new album. Looks like a good start to me.

Lil' Flip- Fly Boy

Another single. Diss track? Haaa. Obviously the video is in no way related to the song.

Lil' Flip feat. Lyfe Jennings- Ghetto Mindstate

I know I already posted this...but it's gonna be on the new album and it's a throwed song.
You gotta agree with that line "Why everybody tryna bring me down? Because of me they respect H Town." I mean Lil' Flip was the first dude to break out huge from Houston and really get that national attention. He was the first dude to go out and go platinum (actually double). I know ya'll remember the first time you saw Flip on BET or MTV and you were like holy shit...that's Flip.

(update)

Also on the R&B tip undaground grinda Shei Atkins is releasing her new CD entitled "Girl Talk". There is a lot of Buzz on the Streets of H-town about this chick and if the first single "Trunk Bangin" with Lil Flip is any indication, she is going to go far...

Alright ya'll later this week we'll talk about the Jokaman album, update on the Cham album, and talk about Paul Wall and Mike Jones albums also.

Paul Wall touts family and grill
He's a new dad, and not your stereotypical rapper
By Kevin W. Smith
KSMITH@AZSTARNET.COM
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 01.11.2007

For a platinum-selling rap star, accessories may include money spilling out of pockets and a diamond-studded grill.
Houston rapper Paul Wall has both, plus a Grammy nomination and song with Kanye West. But unlike many rappers, he has no desire to parlay all that into conquests with women.
Wall got married in 2005 and has a 9-month-old son, William Patrick.
"Getting married and having kids is the greatest reward you can possibly have," said Wall, whose first album on a major label, "The People's Champ," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard album chart. "The house, the cars, the money, the jewelry, the accolades, the success — it's all great and it's all fine and dandy. But the most important thing is family."
If you're thinking Wall isn't your stereotypical rap star, you're right.
On the surface, there's his skin, which has a lighter pigmentation than most rappers. Wall says that's never been an issue for him, but also gives credit to Eminem and others for breaking down color barriers in hip-hop.
He's down with diversification, too. He owns Grills By Paul Wall, a company that sells customized bling for the teeth and ready-to-wear mouth gear with names like Snow Storm and Count Ice-Ula — sold with a dentist's consultation, of course.
And that's not all for Wall, whose calendar last year included a trip with some other rappers to Sierra Leone, where he learned about the perils of the diamond trade.
"It changed my life," he said about the trip, which was filmed for a VH1 documentary. "I just feel embarrassed that I never knew this."
The recently enlightened Wall said in an interview last week that he won't use conflict diamonds. Also, all profit from rubies will be donated to humanitarian efforts in Sierra Leone and other troubled countries.
Atlantic Records used to maintain Wall's MySpace page, but he recently took control of it. He uploads the pictures, moderates the comments, writes about raising his son and posts typo-filled messages to his fans.
As for his mic skills, Wall stands out with his distinctive low, Southern drawl and wordplay, which works especially well when he flows about what he knows: teeth jewelry, for example, on the Grammy-nominated "Grillz" with Nelly:
"My mouth piece simply certified a total package / Open up my mouth and you see more karats than a salad / My teeth are mind-blowing / Giving everybody chills / Call me George Foreman / 'Cuz I'm selling everybody grills."
Wall is now finishing his new album, due in early April, "Get Money, Stay True," and looking forward to Expensive Taste, a project he's working on with Travis Barker of Blink-182 fame.
This year looks to be eventful for Wall, who sounds more than credible when he spouts the I-never-expected-to-make-it-big cliché.
"If I wrote a book about this, I wouldn't even believe it," he says.

Paul Mooney, Jesse Jackson Ask Everyone To Stop Using The N Word
By: SoundSlam
Published: Nov. 29, 2006 - New York, New York





Black leaders Monday presented the entertainment industry with a challenge: to stop using the "N-Word."

The word that was used in Michael Richard's violent outburst is seen as a racial slur by any of those who use it, and politicians and entertainers decided that they have had enough of this intolerance. Rev. Jesse Jackson was one of the leaders who was there to speak, and voiced his concerns about the use of the "N-Word." "We want to give our ancestors a present," said Jackson. "Dignity over degradation." Jackson says he and others plan to meet with TV networks, film companies and musicians to discuss the word's use.

Comedian Paul Mooney, who is known for his work on The Chappelle Show and with Richard Pryor, claims the he will now remove the word from his act entirely, and he thanks Michael Richards. "He's my Dr. Phil," said Mooney. "He's cured me."

Rappers Paul Wall, Noreaga and Chamillionaire also discussed their beliefs and opinions of how the infamous slur should be viewed. "I think the word is very offensive for anybody to use," said Wall. "It's a disgraceful, offensive word that was used to belittle people because of the color of their skin." Wall went on to say that he supports the NAACP and all of their efforts to stop the word's use.

Queens rapper Noreaga took a different stance. "I definitely don't plan to change my vocabulary or speech pattern because of [the Michael Richards] incident," said the Queens lyricist. "You never hear from these leaders until something controversial happens."

Chamillionaire tried to shed some light on the issue. "It's not just rappers, it's as African-Americans in general, we do a lot of things that are opposite of past history," said the southern rapper. "We promote violence and drugs, but complain about violence and drugs. We don't vote, but complain about who is in office. We throw the 'n-word' around like it's a good thing, when in the past it was one of the most dreadful words. All of this stuff has grown to become part of the culture."

On of the leaders Democrat Maxine Waters, from Los Angeles. She is hoping that, no matter what becomes of this issue, that people focus on the racial problems that are still current in today's society. "This is not simply whether or not the black community forgives and forgets," said Rep. Waters. "This is about understanding that this is pervasive, that this happens in all of our institutions one way or another."

UGK Album Pushed Back
By: SoundSlam
Published: Nov. 29, 2006 - New York, New York





Those hoping to get UGK's new double disc for Christmas, or another upcoming holiday will be out of luck this year. The duo's long awaited seventh album, U.G.K. Underground Kingz will not be released until February 27, 2007.

The Houston rap group was preparing to release the album on December 19th through Jive records, but will now wait till early 2007. The album has 26 new recordings by Pimp C and Bun B. Pimp C also showcases his production skills, and is joined by LIl Jon, Jazze Pha, Swizz Beatz, Scarface, and Marly Marl behind the boards. Bun B and Pimp C teamed up vocally with Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, T.I., Rick Ross, Slim Thug, Sleepy Brown, Three Six Mafia, and Willy D.

The first single, "The Game Belongs To Me," was produced by Pimp C, and a video will be released in early 2007.

The group's first album, The SouthernWay was released in 1988. In 2000 The group received major exposure following their appearance on Jay-Z's "Big Pimpin'."

Lil' Flip: My Motivation

— by Mike Cooper


Of all the titles or honors that can be bestowed upon a rapper, perhaps "Freestyle King" is the most reputable. With that name comes respect. It means that anytime, on the spot, you can drop a line that will make young MC hopefuls sh-- in their britches.

Supposedly, that "King" is the versatile and highly talented prodigy named Wesley Eric Weston Jr., aka Lil' Flip. The Houston rapper has earned that label after years of hard work and struggle, which has resulted in him helping the Texas rap scene rise to the top the last couple years.

Flip got started early battling others in his Cloverland neighborhood. Soon word got out, and with a little help from DJ Screw, Flip eventually signed with Sucka Free Records at the precarious age of 16. Since then, it's been an eventful ride to stardom and fame.

The rapper has worked with the likes of Ludacris, Three 6 Mafia and David Banner. He's had #1 hits and platinum albums, but now, he's back for more. And with a 150-0 freestlying record, according to Flip, it appears unlikely that anyone can stand in his way.

BallerStatus.com: How have you been lately?

Lil' Flip: Just trying to get my business going and all those little entities that I'm working on. My main goal is to have my music put out the way I fell it should be put out. By leaving Sony, I'm able to have some motherf---er that have faith in a motherf---er. They're not going to treat me like I haven't sold any records.

BallerStatus.com: You were born in Texas correct?

Lil' Flip: Yep in Houston.

BallerStatus.com: What was it like growing up down there for you?

Lil' Flip: The neighborhood that I grew up in, Everybody had Lexus's and all that type of sh--. Seeing everyone around me living like that, I knew that whatever I did in the future, I had to get me some money. Sh--, you see dudes driving around in big cars made you want to have a plan to get this money.

BallerStatus.com: How hard was it to make it down there in hip-hop? Was there a good scene when you were starting out?

Lil' Flip: Back in the day, I listened to a lot of the Southern hip-hop, you know? Like 8 Ball and all tha, so that's all I grew up listening to. You know, you had your guys like Too Short and LL, but I was mainly a ghetto boy. I really liked Goodie Mob.

BallerStatus.com: How much did DJ Screw have to do with your success?

Lil' Flip: There are no words, because if I was to try to... What I can say is that I didn't realize how far those Screw tapes would migrate. He didn't even realize how big his sh-- got because he was so down to earth. Screw doesn't walk around with an attitude. He doesn't say, "Hey I'm rich, f--- you." If you needed some money, he'd give you the last bill out of his pocket. He liked to help motherf---er like I try to do. He would invite them to his house. Some would f--- him over, but he taught me a lot. I know he gave me a strong underground following.

BallerStatus.com: Didn't you start your own label at age 16?

Lil' Flip: Right, right. That's a whole different story.

BallerStatus.com: How were you able to get it going so early? You just have a gift?

Lil' Flip: I mean, my grandmother, she played the piano for church, so of course. And they got me in the choir singing.

BallerStatus.com: I know you were shot in a drive-by a while back, but I never really heard the details.

Lil' Flip: I kind of don't even talk about that sh-- no more.

BallerStatus.com: I can understand that. You reached platinum status on your sophomore album, even without much promotion. Did that give you a sign that rapping for a living was certainly something you were capable of doing from then on out, perhaps even on your own?

Lil' Flip: Well see, the whole thing -- which I've been talking to my lawyer about now -- when you press or do a double album, it gets counted as two. The reason Tupac sold ten million records on All Eyez on Me was because he sold five, but then they counted double. My sales are close to double platinum, but that's another story. I feel like they promoted U Gotta Feel Me more than "The Way We Ball." Because with Underground Legend, we only did one video. Sh--, we spent a little cash on the video and after that it was a wrap. If I wouldn't have stayed on the road doing shows that album wouldn't have gone to platinum because I was really discouraged after my first week of sales. We only sold like 78,000 records. I was like, "Damn, how the f--- am I going to go platinum." [When] you think major, you think big numbers. I was like, "What the f---." So, going on the road helped.

When they told me it went gold, I was like, "Ok, ok." But, when they told me it went platinum, I was like, "Damn." I just wish I knew back then that I could take my own money and shoot my own videos. I was so young, and sh--, when you come in the game young, a lot of motherf---ers take advantage of you.

BallerStatus.com: You are known for your freestyling all across the country, maybe even up on Mars. Who are some of the best cats you went up against and beat?

Lil' Flip: Two of the best guys I went up against would have to be Big Pokey and Hawk. I'll never forget it. One day, we were at Pokey's and we just had some instruments. We were working on some album or whatever and he had some beats and he was just playing them, and we put them on repeat. What we would do, I would rap like four bars and then the next guy who have to pick up where I left off by rhyming to what I said, and we did that sh-- for like an hour man. And that day, they kind of respected me more because that was the first chance I had to be alone with them. You have to understand that when we're entertainers, we have a million motherf---ers that are trying to be around us. You know what I mean? So, you have to make time to be by yourself. There's so many f---in'people around you trying to get a piece. And at that particular moment, it was just us three and sh--. We were just freestyling. I will never forget that sh--. And RIP to Big Hawk.

BallerStatus.com: What exactly happened with your new album, I Need Mine, getting leaked over the internet?

Lil' Flip: Yeah, that's the biggest question. I've been asking Sony. We're working on that right now. But anyway, I had a chance to add some new songs and I took off like four songs. I was only going to do four videos, but now I'm going to do eight. I just hope the fans appreciate the quality of the music, and they always do when I drop it. I apologize to them, that they have to buy this bullsh-- that's out right now. That's why I'm doing mixtapes and all kinds of sh--. In the next month, I will have about 20 mixtapes out. And I have my own show on XM Radio.

BallerStatus.com: Really? I don't know why I didn't know this. For someone who works at a radio station, I try to listen to anything but radio. I've come to the conclusion that regular radio is so shoddy, and plays such horrible music, because true music fans know what they want and will go out and buy it. They don't have to be told what to buy, or listen to, by some bald Hawaiian shirt wearing cokehead morning host.

Lil' Flip: Yeah, it's on Thursdays at 5:00 p.m. eastern.

BallerStatus.com: What happened to that suit over the "Pac Man" beat?

Lil' Flip: They had the track for literally four months. I didn't want to do it because Beanie Sigel did a song to that beat. I don't like copying dudes, and a group from down here did it. So, I wouldn't rap to the beat for three months. Then somebody offered me $30,000 like, "Hey man, we're going to give you $30 grand man, and we're not going to do nothing with it without your permission." So you tell any dude out of the hood that you're going to give them $30,000.. So I said, "shoot I'll do it." If you listen, I was actually trying to cuss the f---in' first six words, so they wouldn't push that sh--. And those motherf---ers put it out anyway. But to make a long story short, they had to pay for that sh-- because they did that sh--. They arranged that sh--. And thank God.

BallerStatus.com: Well, tell us more about this new album and what we can expect from it.

Lil' Flip: What inspires me is trying to... I see where a lot of cats get in this rap game and they get to a certain point and they get comfortable thinking it's all good. But then, you see people -- dudes like The Beatles and these dudes that make so much money off their merchandise, these rock stars that tour and get a $100,000,000. And Celine Dion, who does a show at the same f---in' place and gets... You know what I mean? To see that, that is possible is part of the motivation. You know what I mean? But as far as this album goes, I've got Nate Dogg on that album. I've got a ton of great guys on this, it's amazing. I'm thrilled and honored. I give some up and coming cats the same chance I would a big name producer. The fans are going to see a whole different sides man. We have a lot of live instruments on the album.

BallerStatus.com: What brings you the most satisfaction in your life right now? Or simply just music, is it driving by and hearing your song playing, or seeing yourself in a magazine or on the screen?

Lil' Flip: I think it's a combination of all those. I couldn't say that one is greater than the other. It goes from being in high school, hearing your song on the radio, and then the next day, people singing your lyrics. Then to dropping an album, then hearing somebody actually riding by listening to your sh--, who actually bought your sh--. So, it's a combination of all those man. And from every aspect man, that sh-- is f---in' amazing man to know that that many people pay and listen. They listen to whatever the f--- I have to say. Now I've got more conscious lyrics. But when I'm freestyling, I can say whatever the f--- I want, of course. For the most part, knowing that I've got this type of power, I'm not going to abuse it. You dig what I'm saying?

BallerStatus.com: This is a critical time for conscious, certainly politically ones.

Lil' Flip: So, I'm not going to go overboard with it. But the first song on my album, Underground Legend, was "What I Been Through." It was to let motherf---ers know what I was going through at the time.

BallerStatus.com: What's next for you?

Lil' Flip: I'm doing lots of mixtapes and of course, there will be more albums. I'm hard at work. There are a couple movies in the works and of course, the radio show on XM. It's on Thursdays, so tune in. And I have a watch coming out. I know, I know, it looks good though. I'm just trying to do it all man. Relaxing is for old people. And I'm just trying to make a little money dog with every aspect.

MixCast, a leader in hip-hop and urban lifestyle television, today announced the addition of T.V. Johnny & Paul Wall to the rising number of companies that provide video programming for the MixCast Network. MixCast is a global urban lifestyle channel that offers an insider’s peek at urban culture through the eyes of the tastemakers setting the trends. Now the TV Johnny and Paul Wall Show will be available to viewers worldwide through MixCast’s phone, web, and television distribution.

The T.V. Johnny & Paul Wall Show is a new reality show that takes the viewer along for a ride. Hip-hop mega star Paul Wall, and Jeweler to the stars, T.V. Johnny Dang, give viewers an all access pass to hip-hop’s hottest events, celebrities, and music videos.

“In addition to being incredibly entertaining, The T.V. Johnny & Paul Wall Show offers viewers a truly unique perspective on celebrity life, and allows them to virtually attend the most exclusive hip-hop events,” said Gary S. Murray II, Founder of MixCast. “Adding the show to our growing service is a great addition to the authentic programming MixCast already offers as we strive to give consumers video that they can’t see elsewhere on television.”

MixCast will offer all current and future episodes which range from award shows, to festivals, to the Playboy Mansion. Viewers can tune into the show free of charge at MixCast’s online video portal or download it through MixCast’s video on demand service.

“We are extremely pleased with MixCast’s decision to offer the T.V. Johnny and Paul Wall Show to its viewers,” said T.V. Johnny. “Their innovative marketing strategy and multi-platform distribution expands our reach tremendously.” Consumers can access the Internet version of MixCast’s channel at www.mixcast.tv.

About Mixcast
The MixCast Network is a global urban lifestyle channel for your phone, web, and TV. It is the only television network offering a first hand peek into global urban culture through the eyes of the tastemakers setting the trends. In addition to powering the digital offering for some of the most credible names in hip-hop, MixCast is establishing a worldwide network of independent affiliates who report on the local trends and culture of every major city. Additionally, the Company assists major sponsors with delivering highly effective promotional campaigns to the urban market.

UGK Working On New Album, Bun B. Addresses Fellie Fel Diss Rumors
By Nolan Strong and Houston Williams
Date: 8/1/2006 3:50 pm





Bun B. of UGK is setting up the next leg of their career by positioning their status as mature, vets amid a rush of new talents.

According to Bun B., maturity and perseverance is what allowed the group to remain longtime fixtures in the rap industry.

"Being a southern n***a, we used to have to fight for our position. But now southern rappers are valid and we just have to make the most of it. We know all the drills and all the plays. I know the play book and that's what's important. We learned how to deal with radio, record stores. We just didn't have the push and that's what all Southern acts were missing at one time."

To continue, the Texas rappers UGK are preparing their final solo album as Jive recording artists and are assembling a team of all-star producers to help create the self-titled album.

An all-star line up of hit making producers have lined up for the group's latest effort, according to Bun B.

"We are about to go to Las Vegas for a week to lock in with Timbaland, 36 Mafia, Cool and Dre," Bun B. revealed to AllHipHop.com. "This album is going to be a beast, I wouldn't bullshit you. Jazzy [Pha], Manny [Fresh], Timbaland, Blackout Movement [and] The Runnaz.

"We [are] trying to make a well rounded album," Bun B. said. "We want to take Southern rap back to a certain feel. Banging ass music and real talk. The solo albums were to keep this UGK going and this is new album is for the hardcore fans."

As artists, the new album will reflect the continued growth of UGK, who released their first album The Southern Way for Big Tyme Records in 1991.

Bun B. also addressed a growing controversy stemming from a lyric on the new single "Can't Stop the Rain 2006" featuring Shaq and Papoose, from Kay Slay and Greg Street's compilation, The Champions: North Meets South.

Rumors started speculating the Bun B. took a swipe at West coast DJ Felli Fel of Power 106, with the line "n***as used to be on top/but now you fell like Felli/"

"Fellie knows I f**k with him," Bun B. clarified. I don't have any issues with Fellie Fel. He knows I f**k with him. But then everyone calling saying 'that n**