A Tale of Two Deejays: Mick Boogie & Nick Catchdubs  For its first installment, iHipHop sat down with renowned DJs Mick Boogie and Nick Catchdubs for a conversation about button-pushers, DJ Drama, terrible gigs and must-haves when DJing for Jay-Z. Hey Nick, hey Boogie. Thank you both for being a part of the first-ever iHipHop.com Tale of Two Deejays.   To take it way back – what was your first gig as a DJ? Nick Catchdubs: New Year’s Eve party at a friend’s apartment in New Brunswick in 2003. A bunch of dudes were grilling me the whole time I was setting up, but the Lox remix of “Fiesta” got them giving “oh shit” look to each other and it was chill after that. Mick Boogie: My first ever residency was at Spy Bar in Cleveland in the late 90s. playing all instrumentals and “trip-hop.” Where did you go to college? And while you were there, did you DJ at all? NC: I went to NYU, and was playing in bands, doing posters and flyers for shows, and collecting records the whole time but didn’t start DJing until the summer I graduated. MB: John Carroll University in Cleveland.  I did college radio from 96 til about2001 at WJCU.  Fun times. What was the first CD/record you ever bought with your own money? NC: Guns N Roses Use Your Illusion I and II MB: “He’s The DJ, I’m The Rapper.” A classic until this day.What was the first concert you ever attended? Don’t be embarrassed. NC: Soul Asylum at Garden State Arts Center in Jersey. I begged and begged my mom to let me go to every single concert that summer, and the least cool one happened to be the one she gave in on.  MB: The Pharcyde in 1996 in Pittsburgh, PA. First piece of equipment you bought for either production or DJing? NC: Two Technics 1200s and a Rane 56 mixer. MB: Some bullshit Realistic mixer from Radio Shack.  It was cutting edge for themid 90′s though. What do you see for the future of hip-hop? Not in regards to sales, but in regards to sound. NC: Options are going to increase while industry gatekeepers hold less and less power, which is healthy for the music. Creatively, everything goes in cycles – I think for every artist who goes in a more left-field direction, you’ll have guys coming back to rap over the most basic, classic breakbeats. MB: More merging of styles…I.E. Underground rappers over hipster tracks, anddeejays placing rudimentary Southern a capellas over fun, electro or B-moretracks. Making them more interesting. Is house music becoming more of a presence in pop music? In hip-hop?  NC: Yes, because the bigger artists and producers are going to those clubs. If you’re a millionaire (or an aspiring one), you’re not going to the grimy hip-hop spot, you’re getting bottle service somewhere expensive in Miami! Uptempo shit has always been around, but specific elements of house and other electronic music keep creeping in more and more as a result of that. Pitbull’s last few singles have all sampled huge mainstream house tracks like “Calabria” and “Cream.” MB: Totally. Uptempo music in general is making a big comeback, and I am VERY happy about that. We all get bored with what we’re used to. So, name three artists who genuinely have you excited about new music, in any genre. NC: The whole Fool’s Gold roster is what I’m most excited about, obviously. I think Wale has a great rap record in him. And everything I’ve heard off the TV On The Radio album has been incredible. MB: I really like The Ting-Tings and Tokyo Police Club.  Hiphop-wise, I like this group Fly Union.  They’re dope. Is the Rock the Bells tour the best thing to happen to hip-hop? NC: Yes and no – they’ll never admit it, but it’s basically an oldies show, the same way rock music has had package tours for Poison and Skid Row and Ratt to keep touring and make money together for years. I’m not comparing Q-Tip to Brett Michaels but you catch my drift. It’s a strong lineup and a very dope tour, but it’s no revolution, just another show geared towards an adult, 25-30+ crowd who miss being able to hear their favorites perform. This year they made a conscious effort to get younger, more “alternative” acts on the bill, but they played out in the parking lot while everyone inside was getting hyped to “Passing Me By.” A good start but they can do more to be relevant. MB: Definitely. Does it bug you to watch artists who have “DJs” who just stand behind the turntables and watch the crowd? Are some DJs getting more and more lazy, or just less and less useful? NC: I don’t mind the button pushers on Instant Replay as long as the show is still fun. DJing for an artist is not about scratching – the best DJs are more like musical directors, leading the energy and ups and downs of the show. Of course, you need to be attentive and flexible and in full control of the music and the mix in order to do that. MB: Yeah. I mean, DO something.  It’s great that someone like Jay-Z has always employed real deejays, no matter how big he has gotten.  From Just Blaze to Green Lantern, and now my homie Neil Armstrong. He has always had dope deejays.  Kanye, too, obviously, with A-Trak. What do you think about the ubiquitous “You never spun vinyl, so you’re not a real DJ” accusations? NC: I learned a hell of a lot about music from collecting and digging for records, setting up crates and picking out records before shows, lugging all my gear around, and all that other “paying dues” stuff. But in a few years, NO new DJs will have spun vinyl, so who cares? There’s more than one way to learn, and if you’re good, you’re good on any format, and programs like Serato only give you more options and opportunities. If you’re wack, you’re still gonna be wack. MB: I love that I came up in the vinyl era, and then switched to Serato. Makes you appreciate it more.  But today’s kids won’t be able to find new stuff on vinyl. So we can’t be mad at them.  Not their fault. Which is more important (for you, and for hip-hop in general) – Dr. Dre’s Detox, Nas’s planned album with DJ Premier, or Eminem’s return?  NC: I don’t think any of those are necessarily “important” in the great scheme of things (sorry guys), but Nas is one of my favorites and I think he and Primo have the potential to cook up something great if they can get it together. MB: Detox, definitely. Hip-hop needs that.  A solid album from beginning to end would be remarkable, and probably impossible in 2008. Who is one artist you really rooted for, but never quite made it the way you thought they would? NC: Way too many to name. So many guys from the Bay (The Federation, Turf Talk, Keak Da Sneak), perrenial underdogs like Devin The Dude, shit, I always wished The Firm would stay together, you know? MB: Joe Budden.  He has really gotten shafted along the way, after such a promising debut. Should producers/song-writers (i.e. Swizz Beatz, Sean Garrett, The-Dream, Timbaland) stay behind the scenes rather than coming out with their own music and albums?  NC: Not necessarily, if you have the desire to be a performer go all out for it! But these guys should also make sure their tracks go to the best artist for the job. A hot song is a hot song, but a hot song in the hands of a real superstar becomes a classic. People respond to iconic personalities – a lot of producers have tons of raw talent, but don’t always bring that added element, that X factor. MB: No.  Swizz and Timbaland had some of the best deejay-friendly songs of the year. I wish more artists would come out with songs like “It’s Me” and “The Way I Are” rather than some of the crap they come out with. How important are mixtapes nowadays? Have they lost their essence because of the Internet, or are they still as great a tool as ever? NC: If anything has hurt the essence of mixtapes, its total over saturation. When everyone has a free mixtape out every few weeks, it helps create an environment of disposability. You have to really put the work in on creative concepts and real MIXES, not just a collection of songs, in order to be memorable and stand out. MB: It’s a new concept.  Digital.  Marketing.  Promotion.  Added-value (branding it with limited edition tees and hats).  It’s definitely not about spending $5 on a burned disc anymore.  Not at all. In five words or less, describe how you feel about DJ Drama getting arrested last year for the mixtape fiasco with the FBI.  NC: Depressing but inspiring. Game-changing. MB: Unfair and unjust. Mark Ronson was a very successful DJ for years and was a staple on the NYC DJing scene before he segued into producing for everyone from Amy Winehouse to Nas. DJ Green Lantern and Preemo join Mark Ronson as DJs-cum-producers. Is DJ-to-Producer the natural progression? NC: I look up to Mark a whole lot, his transition has been incredible yet somehow totally natural. I don’t think all DJs are meant to be producers, but it is great training for making music that can’t be gained elsewhere. MB: I think so.  It makes sense.  We know rhythm and know what people want. Even though I’m not really producing a lot, I executive produce lots of things. By telling my producers exactly what I want, and thankfully, they are talented enough to make it perfect. Dream artist to work with? NC: I want to find an R&B singer – or even a more rock or indie singer – open to working on projects the same way I’d work with a rapper, sending tracks back and forth, doing blends, etc. MB: Shawn Corey Carter. Worst artist you’ve ever worked with? NC: I’ve been lucky enough to steer clear of jerks so far… MB: They know who they are. Favorite mixtape so far of 2008? NC: Not a lot so far. Diplo and Santogold’s Top Ranking mix is solid. I re-discovered Morse Code’s Fusion Batches mix, which is all modern soul and jazz fusion, and that hasn’t left my tapedeck in months. And all my tapes, of course! MB: Me and Busta’s Dilla tribute – Dillagence. Although it came out around theholidays of 07, it lasted wayyyyy into ’08.  Dilla RIP. Dream city and/or venue to DJ? NC: I can’t wait to go to Tokyo. MB: I really want to do Ibiza and Dubai and those far-away, exotic locales. Recite four lines from your favorite hip-hop track ever.  NC: I sip the Dom P, watchin Gandhi till I’m charged/ Writin in my book of rhymes all the words past the margin/ To hold the mic I’m throbbin, mechanical movement/ Understandable smooth shit that murderers move with. MB: Honey, check it out, you got me mesmerized/With your black hair and your fat-ass thighs/Street poetry is my everyday/But yo I gotta stop when you drop my way. Dream person to DJ for? NC: I think a young (but not totally green), energetic artist like Juelz or Fabolous would be real fun to put together a killer DJ set for. They have a good back catalog, and people respect them as MCs, but their live shows are kind of unremarkable. A complete show with tons of energy and changes is the missing puzzle piece to take them to the next level as artists and performers. MB: Tie: Jay-Z and Red Hot Chili Peppers Worst party you ever DJ’d at? NC: Corporate party in a midtown office early in the afternoon. Vibe could best be described as “thoroughly bizarre.” MB: I drove 3 hours to this party in the middle of Ohio once, and there were about 10 people there. If you could say one thing to Nick Catchdubs/Mick Boogie, what would it be? NC: Welcome to Brooklyn! Lets do some parties.MB: I want to do a Fool’s Gold mixtape! If you could say one thing to Jam-Master Jay, what would it be? NC: Thank you for so much music and style. And for Bob James!MB: Thank you. Hypothetical – Jay-Z is hosting a party on a rooftop in NYC next weekend, and he asks you to DJ. It’s going to be his close friends, Def Jam label-mates, Beyonce’s friends, and some random guests – totaling about 100 people. Name three things that you bring with you (besides the technical stuff), and five tracks that are an absolute must for an event like this.  NC: Personal cameraman, Patron silver, fresh sunglasses. Gotta go with some bbq classics (Maze “Before I Let Go”), some rapper-approved rock stuff (maybe Swizz’s Coldplay-sampling “That Oprah” to split the difference), some curveballs (I made a blend of “Roc Boys” that goes into the “So Ghetto” beat that always kills) some non-single cuts off new street records (new Jeezy album for sure), and as always, the hits. Wait for it…wait for it…BBD “Poison.” 110% of the time, it works every time. MB: My new, limited shiny purple YSL sneakers (gotta make a statement!)My wife (most beautiful woman in the world!)A deejay friend (who can open for me so I can enjoy the soiree)Jay-Z: PSA (obviously)Luther Vandross: Never Too Much (classics like this always get the floormoving)Biggie: Hypnotize (again, obviously)NERD: She Wants To Move (chicks dig it, and Pharrell would probably be there)Common: The Light (truthfully, Jay wants to rhyme like him, so might as wellplay him)Note: Nick Catchdubs is co-founder of Fool’s Gold Records and has recently put out mixtapes with Izza Kizza and Wale. Meanwhile, Mick Boogie has recently worked on mixtapes with Talib Kweli, Busta Rhymes and Young Chris and is a resident DJ for the Cleveland Cavs.

In a recent interview with the BBC R&B singing sensation, the hat wearing Ne Yo explained how until he left America he didn’t realize how big the world was. (NOTE TO SCHOOLS…TEACH MORE GEOGRAPHY). Talking on expanding his fan base with up and coming third album Year of the Gentleman, Ne Yo had this to say on his understanding of life beyond his back yard. “I didn’t realize until I got out of America how small it is compared to the rest of the world. Take the World Cup – it’s the biggest thing on the planet everywhere else but America. We came over here right in the midst of it in 2006, and you could get killed if you walked into a bar with the wrong jersey on! It was amazing to see how America is so much in its own box. But once I got out I thought: “Hey, forget America – this is the rest of the world! This is a huge planet!”. We are pleased he has made that discovery.

Possibly one of the best soul, R&B acts we have seen emerge in the new millennium Robin Thicke has ousted Vibe in a recent interview for not putting him on the cover because he is white. The Lost Without You singer who is a personal fave of Jimmy Iovine, Andre Harrell, Pharrell Williams and married to Paula Patton (Deja Vu and Idelwide) put the glossy on blast in a recent interview with Billboard and rightly so. Their response to Thicke asking if a cover story was a possibility was this  ‘Why can’t I get the cover? This is a magazine I love. If there’s one magazine that I’d want to be on the cover of, it’s Vibe,’ “Thicke said. “Their response was they don’t have white artists on the cover; that the only white artist they’ve had on the cover was Eminem.” Funny that as I can think of Justin Timberlake on the cover of Vibe, I remember No Doubt front lady Gwen Stefani on the front cover and going through my old collections of the YEAR…wasn’t Robert DeNiro on there too. Come on good people at Vibe you need to sort your lies out if you gonna lie, becasue remarks like that are going to be put on blast. Robin Thickes Something Else project hits shelves on September 9th.

In recent years, style has become an essential element of hip-hop, and it has gone in many directions – from pioneers like Andre 3000 to newcomers like The Cool Kids. Some artists try to emulate the likes of Kanye and Pharrell (stylistically and otherwise), and others create their own lane and make a name for themselves because of their uniqueness. One of those artists is DC-bred Tabi Bonney, who broke through a few years ago with his infectious single “The Pocket.” Now a few years removed from that single, he’s prepping his sophomore album, Dope Meets Fresh…Fresh Meets Superstar. He sat down with iHipHop to discuss bringing hip-hop to the White House, why he doesn’t follow trends and why Andre 3-Stacks is the ish. Your fellow DC comrade Wale is consistent in exclaiming that DC fans hate on any progress that he’s making. Do you ever get the same feelings towards your success?Yeah, but I wouldn’t say overall. I don’t think he means DC fans period, either – probably other rappers in the area more so than the fans. I’ve gotten nothing but support, and even if there is a little hatred, it’s overwhelmed by the love. I read that you have your own clothing line, Bonney Runway. So many rappers have clothing lines nowadays, what makes yours different?Well my line started way back when I was in college. I’ve always been into fashion, and I didn’t do it as a trend or a fad. My line is also more of a euro-chic. It’s not urban at all. There’s a new wave of fashion-inspired artists, and it’s slowly becoming a much more accepted quality in hip-hop. Whose one artist who’s style you’re inspired by?Definitely Andre 3000. Speaking of Andre, have you seen his new line, Benjamin Bixby?No, not yet. But I’ll definitely check that out. Who’s one modern artist that inspires you musically? And they don’t have to be from hip-hop.Jay-Z. I’ve looked up to him since he came out, when I was in college. Lyrically, no one else could ever compare. A lot of people are saying Jay is too old to rap and that he should hang up the mic. What do you think?But “American Gangster” was a beast! If anything, he’s been the most consistent rapper. And he inspires me especially more than just in the music art form, I look at the business too. He’s accomplishing things that haven’t been done in our genre. He’s showing us that you can take everything to another level. You, Wale and other DC artists are known for infusing Go-Go into your music. But, is there really any popular demand for Go-Go on the radio?I think on the radio in DC it’s just Go-Go, period. But I don’t per say use Go-Go the same way Wale does. I don’t rap over Go-Go beats. But I think it’s still in popular demand – like back in the days of Salt N’ Pepa and Kid N’ Play – that’s all they used to rap over. I was with a few friends when I first saw the video for “The Pocket,” and since then we’ve all thought of you as just a cool and stylish dude. What made that song just stick to people’s brains?I think it was the inflection in tones. I think that’s the science in hooks. Other than that, it’s completely different sound and just me. I saw you perform live in New York at Wale’s mixtape release party, and you just did “The Pocket.” Are you getting sick of a lot of fans knowing you just for that song?No, because true fans know me for more. I’ve had a handful of other videos and the people that aren’t in-the-know know me just for that. Everybody will see me when the next album drops, everybody will see the difference. How do you expect your album to do, and where do you see yourself by the same time next year?Definitely way bigger than what I am right now. Hitting up a couple of awards, digging deeper into the history of hip-hop. Right now, there’s no other artist doing what I’m doing – completely independently. I don’t have any backing from investors or a major deal, and yet I’m having runs on MTV Jams and MTV Africa. As far as my plans for the label, it’s going to be something like a modern-day Rocafella. Do you classify yourself with the new era of backpackers – Lupe, The Cool Kids, Mickey Factz?Not at all. My music is completely different. My music is more like the popular kid [in high school] sitting at the popular table. Everybody can’t sit at that table. So my music puts people onto what they don’t know about yet. I don’t follow trends. I know you went to FAMU in my home state, and you have a degree so you’re one of few formally educated artists that I’ve ever spoken with. With that being said, tell me how you feel about Barack and bringing Hip-Hop to the White House.I think it’s great. To me, it’s not even a comparison [between McCain and Obama]. His running mate doesn’t even matter – it’s going to be a landslide already. It’s a new time, and it’s a new day and age. Since you’re based out of DC, would Barack winning the election affect you more directly?Yeah I think so. It’s a transient city so you see the difference with a new president or a different party. Certain people come and go from the city, and at this point I live down the street from capital hill. Tell me a little about the artists on your record label, Organized Rhyme, and what listeners should expect from them in the near future.Pretty much…jet setting music for dreamers of leaders of tomorrow. There was a moment when Kanye got on, and a lot of people began to find out about Kweli and Mos Def because they were featured on Kanye’s album. Do you feel that happened at all with you when Wale got on?Yeah, we bonded together. We know that you can’t do it on your own, and we wanted our city to come up just as Texas, New York and Atlanta did. Me, Wale and Raheem Devaughn are headlining DC right now. In a few words, tell me about the new album.Dope meet fresh, fresh meet superstar. It’s not for everybody. It’s only for those cool people that get it – those trendsetters who don’t follow the beaten path. Are you worried about coming off a bit pretentious, since you’re saying the music is only for some people?Um, I don’t think so. Just like everybody wont come to a 50 Cent show or a Celine Dion show – you cant please everybody. If I only cater to 1 percent of the world, that’s 65 million people, so that’s a lot of people that will get my message. Some artists I’ve talked to smoke weed, go for a drive, or spend time with their kids to find inspiration? What’s one place you draw inspiration from?Women and traveling. Hypothetical – You’re going to the Grammy’s next week. What do you wear?I wear a Bonney Runway hoodie, Maybe some up high-top Gucci shoes and mix that with some ill slacks. Speaking of wearing things – do you have a stylist or are you genuine with the clothing picks.Its all me. I don’t need a stylist. I might probably need one when I get super busy though. E-40 was the headliner for the Bay Area a few years back and used a lot of energy to try to make the Hyphy movement actually happen. Will the DC movement actually happen?It’s happening, man. You got Raheem on the forefront. You got Wale that just got signed at Interscope – he is making the biggest buzz on the underground. Then you got me whose not even signed and just imagine what it’ll be like when the album drops.

If you are on the net every day checking the sites, catching up on the lies and gossip circulating, chances are you have seen, heard or read about our next IHIPHOP Introduction. Donny Goines took home a UMA this year for biggest buzz, showing that his constant work really is paying off. REPRESENTING: I represent the people of this Hip Hop culture. Artists like myself are the new generation and it won’t be long before the tides change. My music speaks for the communities that are not represented in the mainstream and at the end of the day I rap for them. INVOLVED IN MUSIC:Seriously about two and a half years now. I started back in January of 2006 and once I decided this is what I wanted to do I never looked back. In this relatively short period of time I have accomplished many things and the best is yet to come. IF YOU WEREN’T RAPPING WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING? Probably getting drunk or high somewhere wasting my life away at a bullshit 9 to 5. Before music I had no real motivation or passion do anything worthwhile. Although I’ve had many jobs, careers, etc.nothing I did ever really made me happy so I would just go through the motions and get wasted on my off time. That’s exactly what many people do and I would still be doing had it not been for music. CD/DIGITAL-ONLINE/PRINT, YOUR TAKE ON THE WEB: CD, Online and Good. That’s the short version haha. Here’s the realanswer. The internet has leveled the playing field and in this day in age when everything is at the tip of your fingers the music business has changed. Now instead of waiting weeks for that new magazine to hit the stands, in one press of a button you can read about the artist instantly on any blog or website. Why go to the store and purchase a album that only has one or two good songs when you can buy ringtone from your home? Instead of mailing out CDs to A&R’s you can find their Myspace page and contact them directly with your music and save on the postage stamps. It’s the future and the Internet is the key to it all right now. Once you have that, you have the world at your fingertips. HANG OUTS: I am from the Hood U.S.A. It’s just like any other hood I suppose. Specifically tho, I live in Harlem. I go right to the Africans to cope me a clean white tee, then the McDonald’s down the block or if I’m in the mood the Soul food joints on 125th. I hang out right on the benches scattered across my block or sit on the curb if there full. This is where you can find me. In the hood. FAVORITES: SONG: At the moment my favorite song would have to be California Dreaming by the Mamas and Papas. VIDEO: Juicy by Biggie. PRODUCER: DJ Static (don’t worry, you’ll know that name soon enough). CONCERT: I have never been to a concert in my life and once I decided I wanted to rap chose not to attend any until I’m performing at one. MOVIE: One of my most favorite movies is Awakenings starring Robert De Niro and Robin Williams (Close second would be Leaving Las Vegas) BOOKS: My favorite books are by James Patterson (The Alex Cross series). THE FUTURE OF HIP-HOP IS: Artists such as myself. Skyzoo, Sha Stimuli, Mickey Factz, Torae, Kidz in the Hall, AC, APinks, Jon Hope, Termanlogy, Esso, Nina B, The Cool Kids, Rain, Sic Osyrus, Farrah Burns, Sav Kills, Homeboy the Sandman, Fresh Daily, Emillo Rojas, Phase One, Gym Class Heroes, Drake, Panama…….. I can keep going if you’d like haha. The future of Hip Hop are all the MCs out there who are making good music. **ELECTION FEVER** PLACE YOUR BETS: Neither. I don’t follow politics and none of the candidates really impress me. One is just too old and the other is just hype as far as I can see. When the smoke clears the the winner is in office, what he does will make me a believer. For now all I hear is talk. HIDDEN SECRETS: I listen to Danity Kane haha. I can’t get enough of that Damaged song and they’re all hot. TAKE ON THE INDUSTRY: Earning respect. Anyone can rap but to actually earn the respect of people within this business is something that not many can achieve. Ringtone sales, hit records, new dances won’t get you that. It’s your actions as an artist that set you apart from the rest and if you are lucky enough to earn your peers and the public’s respect then you will never fade from the spotlight even after it dims. To listen to a track from Donny click on the link below for Wordplay produced by DJ Static http://www.zshare.net/audio/14863935ed0ffdfc/

There is a lot of talent out there who we show love to by placing their music and videos on the site, but occasionally it is cool to read a lil summin summin on these guys and gals that are out there grinding. So here at IHIPHOP we have developed a new column called IHIPHOP Introductions to familiarize you with some of the talent on the serious come up. First up we have Mickey Factz, y’all heard of him, so now read some more about him: REPRESENTING: I’m representing the Mecca of The Hip Hop world. Bronx, New York City INVOLVED IN MUSIC: For about 2 years now. Being consistent, persistent and talented got me where I am now. IF YOU WEREN’T RAPPING WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING: I’d prolly be in school studying to be an attorney. Hip Hop has saved my life. CD/DIGITAL-ONLINE/PRINT, YOUR TAKE ON THE WEB: The internet has opened the floodgates for everything possible. Right now its a good and bad situation. I prefer print articles because you conduct actual photoshoots. But I prefer digital music becaue it travels alllll over. The good thing about the internet is you have a fanbase all over the world. The bad thing is we have yet to capitalize on selling millions of records online. When that happens let the games begin. HANG-OUTS: I’m from The Bronx but I grew up in New York City. So I hung out around my area a lot. In the different projects. Basketball courts. Now I’ll hang out at Sugars, or a Starbucks and have pow-wow meetings. I go to show rooms to shop. So truthfully I get clothes for free. But shout out to Joe from Concrete. FAVORITES: Song: Mickey Factz – Automatic Video: Nelly – Tip Drill Producer – Precize Concert – Glow in the Dark Movie – Malcolm X Book – Manchild in the Promiseland THE FUTURE OF HIP-HOP IS ……… Mickey Factz and GFCnewyork. Clearly **ELECTION FEVER** PLACE YOUR BETS: Obama. He’s the people’s champ and he gives hope to every american who’s tired of the bullshit happening done by the republican administration. HIDDEN SECRETS: That I can cook my ass off… All the honey’s holla at me… TAKE ON THE INDUSTRY BY: Being yourself… Once u accomplish that, your dreams will come true. www.Myspace.com/itzmickey TO DOWNLOAD THE INSPIRATION FROM MICKEY FACTZ CLICK ON LINK BELOW http://www.zshare.net/audio/17049862988181d4/

Game knows how to stir up some buzz for himself I give him that. In a recent interview on Kiss 104.7  the outspoken rapper said that Jigga has to be literally shaking in his shoes when it comes to having beef with him. Game is convinced that Jigga just doesn’t want it with him even though Jigga said while in London this Summer that ‘Game should just commit suicide’. As he talked to Chino the Kiss co-host, Game sounded quite shocked that ‘Lips,’ as he now calls Jigga, had made comments about him but he was giving himself a pat on the back for killing G- Unit thats for sure. Will J buy into the hype and come at Game like you know the Compton rapper wants him to? He even said it himself, he has his album dropping on August 26th and is happy to lyrically destroy anyone who comes up against him. Alrighty then

The 50 Cent the rap world has come to know and love (or hate) has been one who’s rather obnoxious, vengeful and consistently willing to beef with anyone who comes his way. But, in a recent interview with MTV News, 50 talked about his mentor Dr. Dre, their recording process, and why the fu** Dre just won’t put out Detox. In the interview, 50 explained his time in the lab with Dre -  “When I walk in the studio, I record the first [beat] that comes on regardless if I think it’s a hit record or not. We get in work mode, get comfortable and go through the material that’s in the computer. Dre always has hit records. Sometimes, artists that need producers, they need someone to create a direction for them musically. I need the jewels he’s just got laying around. He don’t gotta tell me what to do with it.”Further, when 50 was asked about Detox, he explained, “Hopefully he get it done and put it out. I’m waiting for the Detox.” Yet another artist drops his two cents, and gives patient fans no timeline or hope. If this album ever drops, I think it’s cause for a national holiday…perhaps Dre Day?Look out for 50′s Before I Self-Destruct and Dr. Dre’s Detox to drop before 2009.

Coveted Hip-Hop journalist dream hampton, a major taste maker in the industry has developed a new blog. The column which you can check out here http://ebonyjet.com/culture/music/index.aspx?id=8558 caters to the unsigned and independent talent who use platforms such as MySpace, FaceBook and other ‘new’ ways of marketing to promote themselves and their music. Aptly titled The New New Things, the column which kicked off yesterday talked about Jay Electronica, Niki Minaj and The DirtBombs. dream hampton has written for The Village Voice, The Source, Vibe and she was also an associate producer on VH1s Behind the Music: The Notorious B.I.G which won the channel an Emmy.

On the day he led a petition outside Fox News Studios in New York, Nas showed up on the news show-parody “The Colbert Report.” The show is on Comedy Central and is a spin-off of “The Daily Show” and is hosted by the ever-witty Stephen Colbert. After he had a humorous back-and-forth with Colbert as they sat on the boxes holding Nas’s signed petition, Nasir performed his Fox News jab “Sly Fox.” The appearance definitely did not disappoint, and if you missed it check out a clip below… Nas on Colbert.