HIP-HOP LEGENDS RUN DMC REPRESENT THE ESSENCE OF RAP MUSIC, by Wayne Hodges

QUEENS, New York - “I’m the King of Rock, there is none higher. Sucker MC’s should call me sire. To burn my Kingdom, you must use fire. I won’t stop rockin til I retire…” Remember these lyrics? You should. Because this phrase, in my opinion, signifies the climax of contemporary rap music. These cocky words were spoken by the big three, known to many around the world as ‘Run DMC.’ That’s right baby. I’m talking about Joseph Simmons (DJ Run), Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell.

There’s no question Run DMC is the most influential rap group to ever hit the hip hop stage. In addition to droppin’ funky rhyme after funky rhyme, the group has been largely credited with breaking hip hop into mainstream music. Billboard smashes “King of Rock” and “Tricky” remain popular today. And, in 2007, the crew was appropriately named the “Greatest Hip Hop Group” of all-time by MTV. Run DMC, to be candid, is more than just a group of talented vocalists. Run DMC, in my opinion, epitomizes true hip hop greatness.

HIP-HOP DIVA MC LYTE DOMINATED THE CHARTS IN EARLY 1990’s, by Wayne Hodges

BROOKLYN, New York – Yeah boyz! Ms. Lana Michele Moorer, better known as MC Lyte, made her mark in a male-dominated industry by releasing “def cut” after “def cut.” At the tender age of 12, Lyte released her first single “I cram to understand u.” The song, which focuses on a lying boyfriend’s addiction to crack cocaine, was produced by Lyte’s older brothers and became a somewhat modest hit. Then, in 1988, Lyte released her debut album “Lyte As a Rock” and the rest, my friends, is history.

In 1989, Lyte delivered her second album “Eyes on This” which featured the hit single “Cha Cha Cha.” One year later, Lyte turned to producers Wolf & Epic to push out her third album “Act Like You Know.” After taking a three year breather, Lyte returned to drop the ever popular “Aint No Other” album which featured the hit single “Ruffneck.” The song earned Lyte a Grammy Award nomination for “Best Rap Single” and was the first ever gold single by a solo female rap artist. Unbelievable! After transferring her contract to Elektra records, Lyte hooked up with Missy Elliott on the def #1 track “Cold Rock a Party” and showed no signs of slowing down.

Lyte also made a cameo appearance on the “Sunset Park” movie soundtrack with her biggest pop hit to date entitled “Keep On, Keepin’ On.” The single reached #10 on the “Billboard Hot 100.” After Rhino Entertainment released “The Very Best of MC Lyte,” the talented artist mounted a comeback with “Da Undaground Heat,” Vol. 1 with production team “Maad Funk” in 2003. During this time, Lyte released her first album on her own label with vocalist/comedian Jamie Foxx. The album entitled “Da Underground Heat Vol. 1″ went on to receive yet another Grammy nomination. What can I say? MC Lyte is without question the original diva of hip-hop.

DOUG E. FRESH IS KNOWN AS “THE ORIGINAL HUMAN BEAT BOX.” by Wayne Hodges

HARLEM, New York – Hip-Hop pioneer and record producer Doug E. Fresh, born September 17, 1966, is nationally known as the original ‘Human Beat Box.’ The legend from Harlem captured the interest of hip-hop fans worldwide by giving accurate imitations of drum machines and special effects using only his mouth, teeth and tongue. As a member of the Boo-Dah Bliss Crew, Fresh made his recording debut in 1983 with the hit single “Pass the Boo-Dah.” A year later, Fresh made an appearance in the movie “Beat Street” before releasing his first solo records “Just Having Fun” and “Original Human Beat Box.”

In 1985, Fresh’s hit single “The Show” dominated the music charts. The record featured the “Get Fresh Crew,” DJ’s Barry B. and Chill Will, and MC Ricky D who would later achieve fame and fortune as Slick Rick. The Show, though popular, was just the beginning of Fresh’s greatness. In 1986, the hip-hop icon released his first full-length album with the “Get Fresh Crew” entitled “Oh, My God!” The album received accolades worldwide for incorporating elements of reggae and gospel. In addition to “The Show,” other notable tracks included “All the Way to Heaven” and “Play this Only at Night.”

In 1988, Fresh released his second album “The World’s Greatest Entertainer.” The album was so cold, it appeared on Billboard magazine’s charts. The notable track from the album “Keep Risin’ to the Top” received major play on virtually every radio station across the U.S. After clashing with management of Reality/Fantasy records, long-time friend Slick Rick was asked to leave the group. In hindsight, Rick’s dismissal proved to be a blessing in disguise as the eye-patch wearing artist went on to kick booty with his popular 1989 solo album “The Great Adventures of Slick Rick.” And yes, the album reached #1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop charts.

But, enough about Rick. Let’s get back to today’s feature. On May 23, 2007, Fresh performed variations of “The Show” with “American Idol” finalist Blake Lewis; the first ever hip-hop performance in ‘Idol’ history. Fresh’s appearance was viewed by over 200 million people worldwide. In addition to producing music, Fresh has also hosted several events for celebrities Tom Cruise, Will Smith, Sean “Diddy” Combs, former President Bill Clinton and many others. To add icing to the cake; in 2008, VH1 ranked “The Show” number 51 in its ‘100 Greatest Songs of Hip-Hop.’ What can I say? Doug E. Fresh is a true music legend.

‘A TRIBE CALLED QUEST’ DOMINATED THE CHARTS IN EARLY 1990’s, by Wayne Hodges

QUEENS, New York – Ah yeah. In 1985, a musical talent was born by the name “A Tribe Called Quest” (TCQ). The New York based group is composed of rapper/producer Kamaal Ibn John Fareed (a.k.a. Q-Tip), 5-foot hip-hopper Malik Taylor (a.k.a. Phife Dawg) and DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammad. A fourth member, hip-hop artist Jarobi White, made the fatal mistake of leaving the group after their first album. What was he thinking? After forming a union with fellow music group “De La Soul,” TCQ became a central part of the “Native Tongues Posse” before achieving major commercial success in the 1990’s.

By creating crisp innovations of hip-hop and jazz, the group was largely credited with expanding the art of contemporary rap music. And, believe me, TCQ had more hits than the New York Yankees. Check this out. Many of their songs, such as Bonita Applebum, Scenario, Check the Rhyme, Jazz, Electric Relaxation and Award Tour, are still regarded as legendary classics of the genre. During a remarkable ten year stretch, TCQ released five albums; three of which were highly acclaimed.

In 2006, former member Jarobi White came to his senses and re-joined the group. Afterwards, TCQ went on a highly celebrated U.S. tour to give fans a taste of real hip-hop music. And they may not be done. Rumor has it the group is planning to release another album sometime in the near future. As iconic pioneers of alternative hip-hop music, TCQ received a ‘2005 Special Achievement Award’ at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta. The group was formally honored at the 4th VH1 Hip Hop Honors. And the group received the well-deserved distinction of “most intelligent artistic rap group during the 1990’s” from Allmusic. What can I say? ‘A Tribe Called Quest’ and hip-hop are synonymous.

Wayne Hodges, an MBA from St. Mary University, is the Editor-in-Chief of “Mass Appeal News.” He is also a candidate for Kansas Senate District #7, an adjunct professor, and MPA at Kansas University. Wayne welcomes your comments at whodges@massappealnews.com

To see Chubb Rock’s “Treat me right” video, click the play arrow.

BRISTOL PALIN FIANCE LEVI JOHNSTON TO FILM R&B MUSIC VIDEO, The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES – Levi Johnston will make his music video debut as a lover whose romance is thwarted by his girlfriend’s disapproving mother, according to a Universal Music Group record label and Johnston’s attorney. Johnston, 20, who is Bristol Palin’s fiance, has agreed to appear in the video with singer-songwriter Brittani Senser next month in Los Angeles. The project is based on the song “After Love” by Senser, 26, a sultry-looking R&B and pop performer from Minneapolis.

“He’s looking forward to doing it,” Rex Butler, Johnston’s attorney in Anchorage, Alaska, said Friday. “It will give him an opportunity to act a little bit in front of a camera. He’s done a commercial before, but something like this is a little more involved.” Johnston recently become re-engaged to Palin, 19, the daughter of former Republican vice presidential candidate and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. Bristol Palin, who has a toddler son with Johnston, has said her mother doesn’t support the couple’s marriage.

According to a written description of the video’s story line, the couple share tender moments before they are driven apart by the young woman’s mother. Unaware that her mom’s interference forced her boyfriend to go, she “throws herself into her mother’s arms. She tells her mother that she was wrong about Levi.” Asked if there might be concerns about Sarah Palin’s reaction to the project, Butler replied: “I don’t think we’re going to be concerned about what Gov. Palin would want. I think that given the script, he (Johnston) should be able to turn in a good performance.”

Johnston and Senser are scheduled to shoot the video on location in Los Angeles on Aug. 9, the day after the pair attend the Teen Choice Awards, according to Butler and Senser’s publicist, Belinda Foster. Johnston went to the ceremony last year with comedian Kathy Griffin. Senser said she’d be glad to have Bristol Palin “come on down and hang out” with her and Johnston at the Teen Choice Awards and during the video shoot.

Senser’s producer and manager, Roy Belfrey of MN Finest Records, said he approached Johnston about the project in March, before Johnston and Bristol Palin announced they had reunited after a falling out and planned to wed. Johnston has previously expressed interest in acting. But he’s quoted in the July 26 edition of US Weekly as saying he is “almost out of the limelight” after posing for a Playgirl photo spread and intends to get his high school equivalency degree and become an electrician.

Butler was asked Friday if Johnston still aspired to an acting career. “Yes, he’s still interested in that. Of course, he’s got to merge his perspective with that of his prospective wife. In other words, this is not a decision he’s going to be making alone,” the attorney said. Senser is the daughter of Joe Senser, who played tight end for the Vikings football team in the 1980s. “After Love” is off her first album of the same name (MN Finest Records/Bungalo Records/UMVD). Senser was asked if she thought Johnston was right for the role.

“Why not? Seriously, what he does, people are interested in him. They want to know who is this guy who’s involved so closely with the Palins,” she said, adding, tongue-in-cheek, “He’s not a bad-looking kid.” She said Johnston’s personal situation and the video’s story line are a “little bit” parallel, but said the same is true for her and many other people. Evan Winter, the video’s creator and director, said in writing it he “kind of riffed off the real-life situation” and found a kernel of universal truth in it. He said the couple’s “pure and honest love” ends as everyone tries to do the best they can.

Belfrey said the video will follow quickly on the heels of the “After Love” radio release, which he said should be in the next few weeks. Bungalo Records executive Leo Rodgers said he considers Senser to be among “new generation of artists” coming out of Minneapolis, home to Prince and other music stars.

FOXY BROWN ARRESTED FOR VIOLATING AN ORDER OF PROTECTION, Associated Press

BROOKLYN – Foxy’s acting feisty again. Police say rapper Foxy Brown has been arrested in Brooklyn for violating an order of protection. A police spokesman had no details on Wednesday’s arrest, which is not Brown’s first brush with the law. Brown, whose real name is Inga Marchand, pleaded guilty in 2008 to menacing a neighbor with her cell phone.

The rapper and neighbor Arlene Raymond got into a fight in July 2007 over Brown blasting her car stereo outside their building. Brown was busted at 5:40 p.m. on Wednesday after getting into a “name-calling run in” with Raymond, according to the New York Post. A lawyer for Brown did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The 30-year-old entertainer, whose real name is Inga Marchand, also spent seven months in jail for a Manhattan case involving a fight with manicurists in a nail salon.

To see Foxy Brown’s “I Can’t” video, please click the play arrow.

LIL’ WAYNE OWES OVER $1 MILLION IN TAXES; WESLEY SNIPES’ APPEAL DENIED. By Linda Doell

NEW YORK – Rapper Lil’ Wayne is again dancing with the IRS, this time over $1.14 million in back taxes. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service filed liens last month in Dade County Circuit Court against the Young Money rapper’s Florida property totaling $1,138,759.71 for back taxes in 2004, 2005 and 2007, according to court filings. The address listed on the liens is the same address as Lil Wayne’s One Family Foundation. The group couldn’t be immediately reached today for comment.

Lil Wayne, who is now serving a one-year sentence in New York’s Riker’s Island prison for gun possession, paid another IRS lien of $977,840 in 2008, the Detroit News reports. While in prison, the platinum-selling musician has been posting letters to his web site, telling fans what he’s up to behind bars and sending shout outs to supporters. Lil’ Wayne, also known as Weezy and less frequently by his given name, Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., is not the only celebrity with run-ins with the IRS.

Actor Wesley Snipes faces up to three years in prison now that a federal judge denied on Friday his appeal of a 2008 conviction for not filing tax returns between 1999 and 2004 — amounting to about $17 million in owed taxes. The star of the Blade vampire movies, White Men Can’t Jump and most recently, Brooklyn’s Finest, has been out on bail awaiting the appeal decision, The Los Angeles Times reports.

This article was written by Linda Doell of WalletPop.com. View this article and others by clicking here.

AMID RUMORS, THE DREAM ANNOUNCES SPLIT FROM CHRISTINA MILIAN. Wired from MSN.com

LOS ANGELES – Back-to-back vow-swaps weren’t enough to seal the marriage deal for Christina Milian and The-Dream. The musical pair, who said “I do” during separate September ceremonies in Las Vegas and Rome, are already kaput. “Terius ‘The-Dream’ Nash is saddened to announce that his marriage to Christina Milian was unsuccessful,” the hit-making producer’s rep tells Us. “The couple reached this decision in late 2009, but decided to keep the news private in efforts to protect their baby daughter, Violet. They ask for consideration and respect for their family moving forward.”

Just weeks ago, The-Dream dismissed rumors that he and Milian, who gave birth to Violet in late February, were on the outs. “The rumors are not true and it really boils my blood,” he insisted. “Christina and I are cool.” Or not so much. On Monday, photos surfaced of The-Dream getting a firm grip on various parts of a bikini-clad woman while enjoying the surf and sand in the Caribbean. Us identifies the bendy lady in question as his assistant of about a year, Melissa Santiago. Oh, and The-Dream’s busy hands are sans wedding ring.

“WHATEVER YOU THINK.. BELIEVE IT,” Milian tweeted shortly before the separation announcement. Moments after the news broke, she added succinctly, “Ugh.” At least the chanteuse won’t have to pick up a lot of extra child-rearing slack. When asked last month if he helps out at home, The-Dream, who has three children with ex-wife Nivea, responded, “I don’t because my ‘helping out’ turns into expectations. I’ll get Violet on a late night maybe one or two times, but after that, no. If Christina’s tired, call the nanny, call Violet’s granny. We got people.”

To see Christina Milian’s “Say I” video, click the play arrow.

DID JAY-Z & RIHANNA SKIP BET AWARDS BECAUSE OF CHRIS BROWN? By Chuck “Jigsaw” Cheekmur

LOS ANGELES  (AllHipHop.com Special) – After the BET Awards, there was a tremendous uproar in the Hip-Hop Community over the lack of dedication to the life of Guru of Gangstarr. Most notably, J-Smooth said via Twitter, “what i learned watching the BET Awards: apparently Chris Brown is completely redeemed, and Guru is completely forgotten.” But, the popular cultural commentator, along with millions of others, were unaware what was truly going on behind the scenes of the heavily watched program.

In this AllHipHop.com News special, Stephen Hill, BET’s Executive Vice President of Entertainment and Music Programming, explains exactly what happened with Guru, as well as Chris Brown, Jay-Z and Beyonce and more.

AllHipHop.com: There’s quite a bit of buzz going on in particular with the Hip-Hop Community with regards to Guru. He didn’t get a shoutout at the BET Awards over the weekend.

Stephen Hill: In a show that had every few technical glitches, it was nothing more than a technical glitch. It was the same reason you didn’t see anything about Naomi Sims (the first African American supermodel) a Black model who passed, and Marvin Isley of the Isley Brothers. So, Guru, Naomi Sims and Marvin Isley were all tied to this one [ video ] package that didn’t fire off the way it was supposed to. What was supposed to happen is you see this package and Naomi and Guru and and Marvin end up on Gary Coleman. For some reason, we couldn’t get it to fire and it kept Gary Coleman up there a freeze [frame]. That’s why we kept Gary up there as a freeze.

AllHipHop.com: Right, I saw that.

Stephen Hill: That’s why it looks a little awkward when Todd [Bridges] started, because he was supposed to have a bit of a ramp up. So, Todd did his thing and we continued on with Lena and Teddy Pendergrass [dedication]. You can best believe there will be something significant for Guru during the Hip-Hop Awards. We realized there was nothing we could do [during the BET Awards]. We had to keep it moving after that technical glitch. Guru, Naomi Sims and Marvin Isley were all victims of that technical glitch. All extremely influential in different ways.

AllHipHop.com: Do you want to give your thoughts overall on the awards? I know Prince is your guy so…

Stephen Hill: The best thing about the awards was the audience, which we try so hard to please and entertain seemed to really enjoy the show. It had something for everyone. It had great surprises with El DeBarge and Chris Brown. Besides that being a great surprise, that really… I think the pressure of the year and the lyrics of that song really just resonated. And, as someone who was backstage, there was nothing fake about that. I think there is a US Weekly story today about like his bodyguard gave him something to induce tears. Its just not true. I’ve been around actors who cry and when you fake cry, you don’t get…your throat doesn’t get swollen like it does [when you cry for real]. When he was trying to sing, he couldn’t get anything out. That’s a hard thing to fake. I appreciate people wanting to create controversy, but this guy has gone though a lot this past year, let this emotion be what it is. Everybody comes to the moment where you gotta make that change.

AllHipHop.com: I don’t want to jump to far off script, but people are naturally saying that Jay-Z, Beyonce and Rihanna skipped the awards because of Chris Brown.

Stephen Hill: They missed the awards, because…we have this conversation almost every year. And, some years we are really fortunate when Jay-Z and Beyonce are in the house and other times, they go on vacation. But I can absolutely say without reservation that there was no conversation at all around, “If Chris Brown’s coming, I’m not coming.” That’s just false.

This article was originally published on AllHipHop.com.

ARTIST LAURYN HILL FINALLY BREAKS HER SILENCE IN RECENT INTERVIEW, by Zoe Chace

NEW YORK (Rap-Up.com) – Lauryn Hill hasn’t granted many interviews as of late, but NPR managed to score some one-on-one time with the reclusive singer during her visit to the Harmony Festival in Santa Rosa, Calif., earlier this month. Reporter Zoe Chace was invited to ride in the former Fugees member’s car following her performance and soon found out that Ms. Hill, as she prefers to be called, is doing just fine despite the rumors.

On why she stopped putting out music: “There were a number of different reasons. But partly, the support system that I needed was not necessarily in place. There were things about myself, personal-growth things, that I had to go through in order to feel like it was worth it. In fact, as musicians and artists, it’s important we have an environment—and I guess when I say environment, I really mean the [music] industry, that really nurtures these gifts. Oftentimes, the machine can overlook the need to take care of the people who produce the sounds that have a lot to do with the health and well-being of society, or at least some aspect of society. And it’s important that people be given the time that they need to go through, to grow, so that the consciousness level of the general public is properly affected. Oftentimes, I think people are forced to make decisions prematurely. And then that sound radiates.”

On wanting to sing more: “I’m trying to open up my range and really sing more. With The Fugees initially, and even with Miseducation, it was very hip-hop—always a singing over beats. I don’t think people have really heard me sing out. So if I do record again, perhaps it will have an expanded context. Where people can hear a bit more.”

On why she started to perform again: “I don’t know if you know this, but I have five children. The youngest is 2 now, so she’s old enough that I can leave her for a period of time and know she’s going to be okay. That’s one reason. And I think it’s just time. I’m starting to get excited again. Believe it or not, I think what people are attracted to about me, if anything, is my passion. People got exposed to my passion through music and song first. I think people might realize, you know, ‘We love the way she sounds, we love the music, but I think we just love how fearless she is. How boundless she is, when it comes to what she wants to do.’ And I think that can be infectious.”

On staying healthy: “I think if I was created with such power or an ability, then what’s also been put in me is the blueprint for the responsibility part, as well. I have to take care of myself in order to take care of this gift, which has affected so many. I don’t treat it lightly. It’s important to me to be healthy and to be whole.”

This article, written by Zoe Chace, was originally published on Rap-up.com

To view the Lauryn Hill & the Fugees’ “Ready or Not” video, click the arrow.

EMBATTLED SINGER CHRIS BROWN PAYS TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON, by Brad Wete

LOS ANGELES (Music Mix) – As far as I’m concerned, there’s only been one Michael Jackson tribute. On Sunday (June 27) Chris Brown finally got his shot at paying homage to his fallen idol, Michael Jackson, at the BET Awards 2010. Jackson’s brother Jermaine introduced Brown, who popped up on stage in a blue shirt, black slacks, white socks, and Jackson’s trademark black loafers. It was a spot-on pull from Jackson’s look at 1988′s Grammy Awards.

He started of performing Jackson’s Bad smash “The Way You Make Me Feel” and then changed into a sequined black jacket and donned a glittered white glove for Thriller‘s “Billie Jean.”  Brown’s obviously the only singer capable of doing Jackson’s moves justice. He popped, spun, and moonwalked as the “King of Pop” did for decades. The performance’s most touching moment came when Brown started to sing Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror.”

Within a few lines he got too choked up to finish the track, bursting into tears. Because last year’s BET Awards happened just days after Jackson died, they were not able to put together a proper tribute to the legend. At this time last year Brown was also dealing with the repercussions of his assault charge for beating his ex girlfriend Rihanna. Even though a Chris Brown tribute to Jackson seemed obligatory, I’m not too sure it would’ve been appropriate for the embattled talent to make the awards ceremony. A year later, people may still question BET’s rationale.

Did you see Brown’s tribute? You glad he got to perform for Michael? How did he do? Weigh in below.

MORE NEWS FROM BET AWARDS…

KANYE WEST RETURNS TO SPOTLIGHT (Story by Simon Vozick-Levinson): Kanye West just finished performing his new single “Power” to open the 2010 BET Awards. Even more than usual, all eyes were on Mr. West tonight: This was his first major televised appearance since that ill-fated open mic moment during the MTV Video Music Awards last September. So how did he do? The man definitely still knows how to make an entrance. Dramatically backlit, West stood on top of a periodically erupting volcano set piece with images of majestic mountain peaks projected behind him.

Shades and shadows hid most of his facial expressions, so all we could see was his stylish red suit and enormous chain. But that body language was all Kanye. Striking a defiant pose, he began bellowing out the thoroughly unapologetic lyrics to “Power.” For some reason, the network kept bleeping those lyrics, but it sounded as if he was already self-censoring all the profanities from the song. (They inexplicably muted Dwele’s recorded backing vocals, too.) That’s because Kanye is a consummate professional.

If he left viewers thinking he’s shouting mad, ready to take on the whole world at once, that’s exactly the impression he wanted to leave. “Power” is an angry, conflicted, brilliant song. As I’ve said before, it’s a very unconventional choice for a comeback single. And tonight, Kanye West gave it a masterful rendition that pulled no punches. As he reached the song’s eerie “beautiful death” coda, he boldly gestured for applause from the crowd — and he got it. This audience, at least, seemed 100 percent ready to welcome West back with open arms. After watching that performance, so am I. How about you? Sound off in the comments below.

RAP STAR DRAKE: THE ALL HIP HOP INTERVIEW PART 2, by Chuck “Jigsaw” Cheekmur

NEW YORK – In Part 1, Drake addressed a myriad of topics from critics to Rihanna, haters to Nicki Minaj, Thank Me Later to Lil Kim’s present beef. In Part 2, Drizzy is already thinking about the next move to further his career. He discusses his potential project with Lil Wayne, Young Money and a certain overused rap style. (Click here for Part 1)

AllHipHop.com: So I gather that you are already working on your next album already.  Maybe Andre 3000, maybe a Wayne project.  What do you have on deck?

Drake: Well I have some time coming up, so I am already trying to figure out where in the world I am going to start this next album.  I have had some discussions with Oliver, who is my creative partner, I know the story I am going to tell, obviously since my story continues naturally but its just more like what is the approach we are going to take.

Me and 40 (his producer and friend) had a long talk the other day about new sounds that we could use and new equipment we could by. I really do actually want to evolve this go around.  I think I understand what people like about me and I think I can see what the majority likes and I think it will be dope to focus on it then try some new things and see if they like that too.

But yea we are working on it.  Working on the second album, really trying to get the R&B out there and looking to see who is working on a project, who I can lend my talent to and working just waiting for Wayne to get out so we can make more music.

AllHipHop.com: Can you talk about the Wayne/Drake project, have you guys discussed it at length at all?

Drake: When I went out to see him at jail, he just expressed his mutual interest in making that happen.  I’ll tell you that some of my favorite songs I have ever done, most of the songs that I really like are with me and Wayne.  I just think that we have this dynamic, where its like we have two different and dynamic individuals, so the song is never boring, and its never repetitive.  Me and Wayne really do have two different things to talk about but we do it in a way that everyone loves so I think that project would be very beneficial.  I am excited to work on that because I am excited to compete with Wayne. When we get in the studio it is pleasantly competitive and when what he comes up with makes me realize that I have a lot of work to do.

AllHipHop.com: How much do Young Money artists bounce off each other? I noticed you have similar inflections and cadences or rhyme patterns. I noticed this one thing that Nicki said, “It’s going down. Basement.”

Drake: Well, that flow has been killed by so many rappers. And, I never want to use that flow again in life. [Laughs] I wanted to take if off my album, because I was like, “I shut ‘em down. Onyx.” I hate the fact that that rhyme is still in there. To be honest, that flow, you can trace it back to like…I trace it back to Big Sean (artist on Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music). That’s the first guy I heard utilize that flow throughout the duration of a verse. I’ll give him that credit. I think Kanye got it from him. Me and Wayne found a dope way to do it.

I don’t want to sound cocky, but the best way its been used was on “Forever.” Those lines just all individually make so much sense. They’re all punchlines. Then a bunch of rappers started doing it and using the most terrible references in the world. I don’t want to offend somebody…I hate that rappers picked that flow up. I wish they had left that for people that know how to use it. [They go like] “It’s a parade! MACY’S!” At that point, you never want to use it.

AllHipHop.com: How hard it for you to appease this Young Money crowd and the commercial realm that you’ve managed to penetrate.

Drake: Well, those two to me are the same thing – Young Money and commercial. Its harder to please my “Comeback Season” / Cudi / J. Cole fans. Those are the people that I only please on songs like “9am In Dallas,” were I really get a chance to rap. Where I really get a chance to rap and rap my heart out – like no breaks.  That’s where I get to please those people. I choose beats that’s still sexy, still melodic, but I can say great raps on it and that appeals to both ends. It’s a toss up. I mean, some people are never gonna give you a break.

I feel like I do a great job getting on commercial records and holding it down for lyricism. I spend a lot of time thinking my verses through. I never waste bars. I try to fill a verse. Even if you take the Alicia Keys verse from “Unthinkable,” its not a bunch of punchlines or the most impressive [verse], but I want to make sure that at every moment, I am saying something.

The way I measure it, even though I don’t go on there much, when people quote me on Twitter, that’s how I know I’ve done something right. Its like they are taking pieces of that verse and it means something to you. Its interesting to see what lines mean what to certain people.

AllHipHop.com: How come Nas wasn’t on the album? He’s somebody you admire a lot.

Drake: He was someone that I wanted to study from afar because I didn’t necessarily understand his style.  Nas’ rhyme scheme to me was always so complex so, sometime I realize that the way I am rapping is sort of the same way so I wanted to understand how someone else thinks and how they could not rap like me and Nas was just the best subject because its just so good and so complex.  I have talked to Nas about music, which will happen, just wanted to use him more as a reference point for this album than as a feature.

AllHipHop.com: How has it been to thrive, I know a lot of times when a leader of a hip hop crew goes to jail, the rest of the crew suffers.  But you and Nicki have managed to thrive, what do you attribute that to?

Drake: I would attribute that to our leader being a fearless leader.  He doesn’t try to use his power to control us or change us in any way.  We have been summoned to make people love us for who we are and what we really want to be.

(Phone call is cut and Drake calls back shortly to pick up the conversation)

AllHipHop.com: You were talking about Wayne.

Drake: His approach with his artists is very trusting, very fearless, and because of that, we have been put out into the world like trying to make people love us for who we are on our own, without Wayne. So with Wayne gone, its possible for me and her (Nicki Minaj) to still thrive. I think that’s the best approach and I respect Wayne so much, because he urged us to be ourselves maybe in anticipation for the day that he’s not here.

So we can still be ourselves without him. I don’t need Wayne to be Drake. I’m a better Drake when Wayne is here, but I don’t need Wayne to be Drake. Nicki doesn’t need Wayne to be Nicki.  She created Nicki [Minaj]. We’re all a better team when he’s here, but it’s not a necessity. For us, it’s a great thing so we can still carry this movement.

This article was originally published by Chuck “Jigsaw” Cheekmur of AllHipHop.com.

LADY GAGA IS BANNED FROM YANKEES LOCKER-ROOM AFTER LOSS, the Associated Press

NEW YORK – Lady Gaga can still play Yankee Stadium — she’s just gotta follow the ground rules. The outlandish pop singer talked her way past security and visited the Yankees clubhouse after the team lost to the New York Mets on Friday night. The New York Post reported Sunday that Yankees co-chairman Hal Steinbrenner was upset with Lady Gaga’s antics and permanently barred her from the locker room. “She’s not banned,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Sunday. “Celebrities aren’t banned. If Michael Jordan showed up here he would have access (to the clubhouse), but not after a loss.”

While in the clubhouse, she reportedly drank whiskey while wearing a bikini bottom and a pinstriped jersey that was unbuttoned to reveal her bra. Several Yankees, including Robinson Cano and Alex Rodriguez visited with her. “That was the wrong time and the wrong place,” Cashman said. “It’s been taken care of.” Cashman said it was “not her fault.” About two weeks ago Lady Gaga, who grew up a Yankees fan, attended a game at Citi Field and made an obscene gesture while being photographed.

To view Lady Gaga’s “Eh Eh Nothing Else I Can Say” video, click the play arrow.