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Former Arsonists' Member Q-Unique Preparing Solo Album
By Nolan Strong
Date: 8/9/2004 12:48 pm

Q-Unique, former frontman for The Arsonists is preparing to release his solo debut album, Vengeance Is Mine.

The album is labeled as more aggressive than his past works and features performances from Ill Bill, Necro and Swell 79.

Q-Unique, Necro, Ju Ju of the Beatnuts and Context produced the album. Q has been on tour all summer, sharing the stage with Atmosphere, Non-Phixon, Stretch Armstrong on the popular Warped Tour.

The first single from the album is “The Set Up” and also features an accompanying video, which can be viewed at www.q-unique.com.

Vengeance Is Mine hits stores October 10, 2004 on Uncle Howie Records/ Caroline Records.

West up..Here is the latest news on Krayzie Bone and The Relativez,courtesy of Ball'r Records.


ALBUMS TO BE RELEASED THROUGH DISTRIBUTION DEAL WITH BMG
Los Angeles, CA - August 2, 2004 - Newly formed Ball'r Records announces September releases for Krayzie Bone and The Relativez. Critically acclaimed rapper Krayzie Bone is slated to release his new solo album 'Gemini: Good Vs. Evil', while label-mates The Relativez will drop their new album 'Money Respect Money' both on September 28.

KRAYZIE BONE'S 'GEMINI: GOOD VS. EVIL'

With his legendary style, Krayzie created a more thought provoking side of hip-hop with innovative rap melodies on some of the biggest songs of the genre, he returns with his latest album, 'Gemini Good Vs. Evil'."I'm trying to open up their minds and give them some good music." With 'Gemini:Good vs. Evil' Krayzie Bone will do just that.

Lil Jon produces "Getchu Twisted," the first single with the remix featuring the entire Bone thugs-n-harmony family. On the album, Krayzie pays homage to the artists that inspired him on the spectacular, Fred Wreck-produced "Nuttin but Music." Krayzie shouts out such well-known hip-hop icons as N.W.A and Ice-T and also acknowledges the contributions of such lesser-known
acts. 'Gemini' also features production by longtime collaborator DJ U-Neek(Bone thugs-n-harmony), Def Jef and The Platinum Bros (Adina Howard, Will Smith). "We all want to do good. But sometimes we don't do it. We do the opposite.We get caught up in the world and we get drawn more to our evil side and we do the wrong thing. Basically, that's what inspired the whole concept for the album."

With Bone, Krayzie has sold more than 30 million albums, won a Grammy, an American Music Award, the coveted Soul Train Michael Jackson video award and captivated the world with live performances. He remains one of the genres most respected and successful artists. His new album solidifies his place as a visionary hip-hop icon.

THE RELATIVEZ 'MONEY RESPECT MONEY'

California natives The Relativez are gearing up for a hot summer with the release of their new album 'Money Respect Money' which includes the smooth hit single "Ride Wit Me" featuring Butch Cassidy. The song is a tribute to the L.A. lifestyle that extols pool parties in the middle of January.Other highlights include "Pimpin," which features Too $hort, breaks down the world's second oldest profession over a beat seemingly pulled from a Blacksploitation film,while "Like We Do" contains the type of West Coast funk that made The Relativez one of California's most promising acts.'Money Respect Money' also features production by Rashad "Big Rush" Coes,Scott Storch, Mark Sparks, and Aftermath Producers DJ Khalil and Focus.

The Relativez are no strangers to the rap game releasing 2000's 'Dirty
Money' and 2002's 'The Takeover', which featured such California rhyme icons as Snoop Dogg and WC. Both albums received regional success independently and The Relativez staked their claim as one of California's best rap groups.Now on their third album,the magnificent 'Money Respect Money', The Relativez have put themselves in position to become hood superstars.

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Rumors have surfaced stating that there is a strong possibility that the Westcoasts own Damon “Damizza” Young may be named to the head of Universals Westcoast A&R position within the coming weeks. The deal would not only include the A&R position, but Damizza would also join Universal with a joint-venture for his own label. Sources close to Ice Cube state that there is a strong possibility that Ice Cube would be the first artist to drop an album on Damizza’s label. Reports also state that other labels have opened up negotiations, in pursuit to attain this joint-venture.

In other news, Scott Storch has already been slotted to produce the first single on Damizza’s debut album, which will be released later this year. In addition, DJ Quik has begun to mix Sly Boogy’s They Don’t Know that features production and a guest appearance by Damizza, the song will be featured on Sly Boogy’s forthcoming album due later this year on J Records.

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Mobb Deep celebrated the release of their sixth album Amerikaz Nightmare last night in New York at club Spirit. Raekwon the Chef, Black Thought, M.O.P., the Roots, Treach, Sean Price and Shyheim took to the stage and gave enthusiastic performances. Lil Jon, Talib Kweli, Buck Shot, Grand Master Caz, Styles P., Jadakiss and others were also present. It was also announced that Mobb Deep and M.O.P. would be collaborating on an upcoming untitled album.

Kevin Liles, who recently resigned from his CEO position at Def Jam, has announced that he has accepted a position at Warner Music Group. Liles is reunited with former Island Def Jam CEO, Lyor Cohen. “Reuniting with Mr. Bronfman and my good friend Lyor sets the stage for one of the greatest shows on earth,” Liles said in a statement. “We all know how to win big and won't accept anything less."

As AllHipHop.com reported in June, Lil Kim is launching her own line of watches. It was recently announced that she will now extend her reach into the fashion world and will launch a line of perfume and a bag and clothing line. Kim’s scrapped the original plans to have replica diamonds and has teamed with Jacob Jacob the Jeweler" Arabo, who also did a deal with Kanye West to produce custom “Jesus Pieces.”

Hieroglyphics will be dropping a new DVD titled “Full Circle.” In addition to the DVD, fans will receive a bonus CD of Hiero live. The Oakland, California vets are also preparing “Hieroglyphics Video Retrospective DVD” and Del The Funky Homosapien’s "Funk Em" 12." The DVD hits stores in October 2005.

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YOU ONLY GOOD AS WHAT YOU COME UP AGAINST

The Wu-Tang Clan's first show in a decade with all nine of its principal members is heading to CD and DVD this fall. The album Disciples of the 36 Chambers arrives first on September 28th via Sanctuary, with the DVD to follow on October 12th. It is drawn from a July 17th set at the Rock the Bells festival in San Bernardino, California.The album will also feature solo cuts by ODB ,Ghostface ,Method Man and Raekwon.

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YOU ONLY GOOD AS WHAT YOU COME UP AGAINST

Mobb Deep celebrated the release of their sixth album Amerikaz Nightmare last night in New York at club Spirit. Raekwon the Chef, Black Thought, M.O.P., the Roots, Treach, Sean Price and Shyheim took to the stage and gave enthusiastic performances. Lil Jon, Talib Kweli, Buck Shot, Grand Master Caz, Styles P., Jadakiss and others were also present. It was also announced that Mobb Deep and M.O.P. would be collaborating on an upcoming untitled album.

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The tension has been really heated between southern artists, Lil' Flip and T.I., lately. The two have continued to exchange words through the media about each other every since T.I. took the stage Hot 107.9's annual Birthday Bash 9 in Atlanta on June 19th and dissed Flip publicly.

If you thought it was gonna die down any time soon, it hasn't. Flip says there ain't really a beef, but T.I. will understand this whole situation in the "minute."

"Nah, it's really not beef because you don't discuss beef on wax," Lil' Flip told BallerStatus.net. "He was in my trailer for The Source photo shoot. If he had a problem, he could've said something, we could've handled it right there."

Flip went on to say that T.I. is jealous of him and of his success. "He was in my trailor telling me how he wanted to be on the 'Game Over' remix. I had already did a remix, so I was like 'I've already did one.' I guess he's jealous because it took him four videos to go gold," Flip continued.

As the beef continues to the gain media attention, both artists continue to move more units. T.I.'s current album, Trapp Muzik, has been certified gold while Flip's U Gotta Feel has already hit platinum sales.

Flip's closed our discussion on T.I. saying, "if you disrespect me, you disrespect the whole Screwed Up Click. He doesn't understand that, but he'll understand in a little bit."

"Sunshine," LIl' Flip's current single featuring Lea, is #5 on Billboard's "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles" chart. The next single is set to be "We Ain't Playin'," with a video being shot in the near future.

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Jay-Z's career as part-owner of an NBA franchise has officially begun. The NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved the sale of the New Jersey Nets on Thursday to an ownership group that includes the star rapper. In January, the group, led by developer Bruce Ratner, had its $300 million offer accepted by the New Jersey Nets, though the sale still needed approval from the league (see "Nets Accept Bid From Jay-Z Group; Brooklyn Move Closer"). Ratner recruited Jay-Z and a number of prominent Brooklynites with the idea of moving the franchise from the swamps of New Jersey to downtown Brooklyn. He plans to build a 19,000-seat arena in time for the 2006-2007 NBA season as part of a $2.5 billion development project, although the plan faces community opposition. Jay-Z holds a minority interest in the team. His participation in the ownership ranks, though, set the stage for another rapper to enter the sports field: Nelly. Last month, Nelly became an investor in the ownership group that runs the Charlotte Bobcats expansion NBA franchise, led by former BET owner Robert Johnson (see "Nelly Joins the NBA As Charlotte Bobcats Owner"). The 2004-2005 season will be the Bobcats' first.

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YOU ONLY GOOD AS WHAT YOU COME UP AGAINST

The turmoil at hip-hop label Def Jam continued yesterday when founder Russell Simmons criticized current chief Antonio "L.A." Reid in an open letter. In the letter ? which was addressed to the recording industry ? Simmons voiced concerns about the future of the rap label under Reid, who's made a career in the more polished worlds of pop and R&B music. "My concerns, however, are about the future of Def Jam and the industry as a whole as to whether the legacy that Def Jam established will be maintained to the benefit of the artists and the culture," Simmons wrote. A source close to Simmons elaborated: "The foundation of his argument is that [Def Jam] should go above the record company role and mentor these artists by people who know the streets." A spokeswoman for Island Def Jam declined comment. Reid joined Island Def Jam earlier this year after being let go by BMG's Arista Records. While at Arista, Reid was responsible for the launch of such superstar artists as Avril Lavigne, Usher and Outkast. In July, Def Jam President Kevin Liles was fired by Reid ? and at the time The Post first reported that Simmons was likely to distance himself from the new regime at the label. His letter went on to detail the numerous artists Simmons worked with at Def Jam ? and how the label's executives became intimately involved in nurturing their careers.

"During the time Slick Rick was unjustly incarcerated, Def Jam executives helped lead the national and international campaign with his devoted wife, Mary, to secure his freedom from a Florida prison," he wrote. Slick Rick had been held on immigration charges and threatened with deportation. He also mentions imprisoned rapper Shyne, who was signed earlier this year to a deal with Def Jam. "Will the new transition team at Def Jam see Shyne for the potential he has to become a Spiritual Prophet as he defines himself or will he be reduced to the thug that the street is racing to define him as?" he wrote. He closes the letter with, "What will Shyne come home to?" Simmons founded Def Jam in 1985, then he and former Def Jam chief Lyor Cohen sold half of the label to PolyGram ? which eventually became the current Universal Music ? in 1994. Simmons and Cohen later sold the second half of the label after PolyGram merged with Edgar Bronfman Jr.'s Seagram. "No one owes an artist anything but a fair record deal, marketing and promotions," Simmons wrote. "But Def Jam always in the past worked hard to offer more." Simmons' contract for his role as chairman of Def Jam expired last year, and it's likely that it won't be renewed. Simmons is the chairman of the activist group Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, produces movies under Simmons Lathan Media, continues to run his fashion empire Phat Farm and runs the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation.

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YOU ONLY GOOD AS WHAT YOU COME UP AGAINST

Offensichtlich gibt es Anfang 2005 eine JMT Europa-Tournee, so muss man wohl die Newz auf der JMT Homepage verstehen:

JMT is looking for European promoters interested in hosting the Legacy Of Blood Tour in early '05. Contact: Mike Mori @ The Agency Group (NYC)

Twin Gambino von Infamous Mobb wird demnächst wohl sein Solo-Album veröffentlichen, die Gästeliste wird von Mobb Deep angeführt und Alchemist wird ein paar Produktionen beisteuern. Möglicherweise gibt es als Bonus ähnlich wie beim Blood thicker than water Vol. 1 Album eine (diesmal allerdings nur 30 minütige) DVD. Man darf gespannt sein, denn der Mann mit der an Nine erinnernden Reibeisen-Stimme hat auf bisherigen Veröffentlichungen fast durchweg gute Arbeit abgeliefert. Zudem haben Fans auf der Seite www.infamousmobb.com/remix die Möglichkeit ein Accapella des Songs "Empty Out (Reload)" herunterzuladen und einen Remix zu produzieren. Der beste Remix wird dann eventuell als Bonus-Track auf dem nächsten Infamous Mobb-Album zu hören sein. Daneben erhält der erfolgreiche Nachwuchs-Beat-Bastler ein handsigniertes Infamous Mobb Album und ein T-Shirt, eine sehr großzügige Geste der QB-Crew .

Kirk Burrowes, 41,former president of Bad Boy Entertainment and also the former manager of Mary J. Blige---has been charged in an indictment with laundering $1 million in drug money through a music entertainment company, Gutter Keys, and obstructing justice. The indictment, unsealed last week in Manhattan Federal Court, alleges that between April 2000 and August 2002, Burrowes received $1 million in cocaine proceeds and deposited the illicit funds in a bank account.It says that in October 2002, a wiretap on a cell phone recorded Burrowes in a discussion with a New Jersey man about using the money for "purposes related to the operation of a music and entertainment business known as Gutter Keys." The New Jersey man pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges last year and became a government informant. The indictment also alleges that after Burrowes was summoned to appear before a grand jury two months ago, he obstructed justice by having documents removed from his home.
Burrowes is now president of another rap promotion company, Plan B Entertainment. He is free on $250,000 bond but barred from leaving his Harlem home. His attorney, Alexander Eisman, said Burrowes is being framed. Last year, Burrowesclaimed in a $25 million lawsuit he was forced to relinquish his stake in Bad Boy in 1996 after Combs threatened him with a bat. The suit was tossed out by a federal judge.

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YOU ONLY GOOD AS WHAT YOU COME UP AGAINST

"Nas is scheduled to appear on Jill Scott's sophomore album. In the cover story of The Source magazine's September issue, God's son revealed that DJ Premier called him to appear on a track he was working on for Scott's album. The article also reported that Nas' last Columbia LP is slated to be entirely produced by DJ Premier."

der Godfather und sein Sohn.

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YOU ONLY GOOD AS WHAT YOU COME UP AGAINST

After being featured on six songs from Ludacris’ two albums and Disturbing Tha Peace’s Golden Grain album, rapper I-20 is preparing to drop his solo album, Self Explanatory.

According to the rapper, his album will be a memorable release in the annals of Atlanta’s Hip-Hop history books.

“It’s an explanation of me,” I-20 says of his album. “I speak through my music. I’m coming from leftfield and I’ve got a good, wide range of music. I’m going to put the exclamation point on Southern Hip-Hop music. No one is doing what I’m doing musically, lyrically. Outkast and Scarface came before me, but I’m bringing a defining moment in Southern Hip-Hop history with my album.”

And while he appeared on Luda’s songs, which are usually more carefree, I-20 says fans should expect his solo debut to be more serious than his mentor’s.

“I represent the ‘Disturbed’ in ‘Disturbing Tha Peace.’ I represent a different side, the bleak reality of what’s going right and what’s going wrong in America. Regardless, I’m going to give it to you honest.”

And like a select few rappers that are starting to state their political views, I-20 states his opinion on the United States in the song “I Pray for America.” On the song, I-20 explains how he feels America will pay for the alleged injustices committed across the planet.

“I wrote it because I see life for what it is,” I-20 continued. “Now don’t get it twisted. I love America, but we’re a hustle country. I wanted to let people know that I’m aware of what we’re doing. We’re a bully. America realizes it’s the only superpower left.”

The album features production by Kanye West, Salaam Remi, Jook and Shondrae as well as guest appearances by Chingy, Three 6 Mafia, Juvenile, Shawnna, Ludacris and others. Self Explanatory hits stores September 21.

The full track listing is below:

1. Eyes Open (Intro)
2. Meet the Dealer feat. Ludacris
3. Fightin In The Club feat. Lil Fate, Tity Boi, and Chingy
4. The Realest
5. Backstage
6. Break Bread
7. May Sound Crazy
8. Hennessy and Hydro feat. Three 6 Mafia
9. Point Them Out feat. Juvenile
10. So Decatur
11. O.G. Anthem
12. Slow Fucking feat. Shawnna
13. Kisha
14. Hey Shawty feat. Devin The Dude
15. The Realest remix feat. D-Block

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Bay Area's Rasco is back again with a new release from his Pockets Linted label. Like his past compilations, this new one titled The Minority Report will introduce artists that Rasco are introducing into the game along with underground favorites he's always worked with.

Although some artists on the project are unknowns, Rasco assures fans that these new rappers have talent.

"This one has got dudes on there that can SPIT real sh--," Rasco explained enthusiatically to BallerStatus.net. "There ain't gonna be no funnyness--just straight hip-hop, so people are really gonna get a chance to see where we are headed."

Some of the new talent you can expect from The Minority Report will be Mikial, Chuck Taylor, Prophet and Aarophat along with underground veterans such as Planet Asia, Jean Grae, Phil Da Agony and Thirstin Howl III to name a few while production duties were handled by 9th Wonder, Architect, Brisk One and Fanatik.

Rasco is quite confident that this new project will show the way the label is going in and show how his music is always better than his last.

"I think it's alot better than 20,000 Leagues honestly," says Rasco. "I'm looking forward to everybody getting a chance to peep it out."

The Minority Report is currently out on shelves. Upcoming projects to expect are Rasco's next solo titled The Dick Swanson Theory and Architect's Music 2 Write 2.

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