HipHopBase.net http://hiphopbase.net Hip-Hop's New Center Of Attention Thu, 18 Aug 2011 19:32:06 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Willie Da Kid http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/18/willie-da-kid/ http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/18/willie-da-kid/#comments Thu, 18 Aug 2011 19:32:06 +0000 teks http://hiphopbase.net/?p=87 Badnews: You were born and raised in Michigan, how did you get into the industry?

Willie Da Kid: My father collected records, he used to be a DJ when he was young he always was into hip hop you know always playing records in the crib and the car there was always a bunch of CDs everywhere so I was always around it. My older brother went out and got a record deal, it was a independent situation affiliated with the Wu-Tang Clan he went by LA the Darkman and put a album out called ice of the century that was like ’98-’99. But me watching that whole process from him shopping a deal to touring with the Wu-Tang Clan, to seeing the flyers and tours to the photo shoots and the lifestyle just gave me a vision that I can do it one day. Now there not too many outlets in Michigan to do all this so I moved to Atlanta and made doing music one of my priorities.

Badnews: So now your based out of Atlanta, seeing how much talent and connections there are in Atlanta was it very difficult to get put on?

WDK: Its difficult period no matter where you are, you cant really walk up on this thing. I myself never got put on, that is a misconception about me. I never submitted a demo and was given a record deal. I was friends with Don Cannon and he was friends with [DJ] Drama, and my brother always was coaching and managing so we were al just always together making music as friends with a DJ, doing beats and rapping, we just formed a union and called ourselves The Affiliates and the Gangsta Grillz thing Drama did was the big thing we put out front, so for me I was fortunate to have a group of friends that knew what there doing and gave me a lot of information.

Badnews: Now its hard to get your material in the right hands, but its even more harder to get the right people to like your music how did Drama and company like your music in the beginning?

WDK: Cannon and I always made good music in the beginning and Drama was more interested when we got the whole process laid down, so everyone always had a interest, if they didn’t they wouldn’t have a interest right now.

Badnews: That makes sense. And one way they showed they had an interest was your first single love for money featuring Trey Songz, Gucci Mane and your brother LA on the track. How did that single transition you to where your are now?

WDK: I don’t even know to be honest with you, I think that single was a record that introduced me to a more broad audience, because it was on TV and radio. We also put out a record called 5,000 Ones on Drama’s first album that got similar rotation then a record called feds taking pictures, but love for money was the one that drove it all the way home to reach that broader audience, but for transitioning I just hope I get to use that to catapult to a bigger fan base and more exposure. The music I been putting out recently has not been a continuation from love for money but it did give me a way to get exposed to a new audience.

Bandews: Now it really wasn’t a mainstream hit, but more of a mainstream record. What is more important to you, getting that mainstream record to reach a bigger audience or doing what your doing now and trying to grab more fans through the mix tape circuit?

WDK: I think there both important. I can’t take away from either one. Commercial success is definitely good that should be every artist objective and it is definitely one of my goals but I think, right now at this moment I think it’s just more important for me to just reach out and generate a base of listeners who appreciate what I do. And once I grow commercially they will love what I’m doing now. When your thrown in a position where you have to create a hit you will have to think commercial and that might lose some fans in the process so that’s why I want to gradually grow so I don’t lose a beat, step, fan all that. And I hope I can stay there forever once I get there. When I do make it to mainstream I want it to be because of the formula and tendencies that got me there by sticking close to my music and fans enjoying and supporting it. I don’t want to make a wrong move that my fans or new fans wont like.

Badnews: I don’t want to sound like I’m taking shots, but for example like Common and the Electric Circus album?

WDK: That was the name that came to mind. When I was little he had a video that always came on Rap City called Take it easy. and I went out and got the CD. he’s from Chicago and I’m from Grand rapids, MI that’s like a three hour drive from there. After I bought that CD he always put out good music to me– CLASSIC MUSIC! and he never strayed from the artist he always was. And he still is the same guy he is today. Now Electric Circus album, some people say he took a different direction, but even in all of that I still seen the artist Common for who he was the whole time in his whole career.

Badnews: I agree he will never change. Now you worked with Trey Songz, Gucci Mane and all these current new artists, who do you want to work with that you haven’t worked with yet?

WDK: Just really producers like The Riddler, Havoc, Kanye I just want to work with producers. I like what Scram Jones is doing– Alchemist I want to work with them that would be pretty exciting

Badnews: Ok you will make that happen in the future. Do you have any new projects coming out now?

WDK: You can go on itunes and cop Never A Dull Moment a EP from Me and my homeboy Lee Bannon, its doing really well on the itune charts, then we have the Never a Dull Moment LP coming out soon, were currently negotiating a deal for that right now, I got the new Gangsta Grillz project coming soon with Drama, I’m still in the studio with my boy Hitman and working on some things with The Affiliates Midwest up there La the Darkaman has a album I got involved in that’s real crazy, then another project called Guns and Roses that’s crazy. So I’m just trying to stay active

Badnews: Sounds like a lot is on your plate plenty time to stay busy. Now final question. I’m going to play the hater on the Internet. And I’m going to ask you one question. I got 15 bucks in my pocket in the record store I see your poster on the wall to tell me to cop your mix tape. Why should I go buy your mix tape?

WDK: I think if your a true hip hop fan I will make you feel a way you haven’t felt about hip hop in a long time. Willie Da Kid is different his music is different, it sounds different it reminds you of something different.

]]> http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/18/willie-da-kid/feed/ 0 Is Kanye West Collaborating With Jil Sander’s Raf Simons? http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/is-kanye-west-collaborating-with-jil-sander%e2%80%99s-raf-simons/ http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/is-kanye-west-collaborating-with-jil-sander%e2%80%99s-raf-simons/#comments Wed, 17 Aug 2011 04:47:43 +0000 teks http://hiphopbase.net/?p=78

It seems like every day Kanye West is at the center of another fashion industry rumor! This time, the hip-hop fashionisto is said to be working with Raf Simons, Jil Sander‘s creative director. Word is Simons is stepping down from his prominent position to work on West’s collection, set to debut at Fashion Week this September. With whispers of collaborations with Zanotti, and names like Louise Goldin on his design team, it sounds like Yeezy’s collection is going to be epic! (StyleCaster)

• Running out of celebrity fragrances to wear all at once? Not to worry! Mary J. Bligeunveiled her second perfume, “My Life Blossom” on HSN this weekend. (WWD)

• In continued efforts to drain our bank accounts before Fashion Week, United Nude is having a spring/summer inventory sample sale! From August 15-21, get up to 70% off! Catch the sale at 25 Bond Street from Monday-Friday at 11am-8:00 PM, Saturday 11am-7:00 PM, and Sunday from 12-6PM. Happy shopping!

• No, Beyoncé is not attempting to catch flies with her open mouth– she’s posing for herHouse of Deréon UK promo shots! Catch the line at Selfridges in London this September. (Beauty is Diverse)

]]> http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/is-kanye-west-collaborating-with-jil-sander%e2%80%99s-raf-simons/feed/ 0 Weekend Hot! or Hmm…: Nicki Minaj, Zoe Saldana, Tyra Banks and more! http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/weekend-hot-or-hmm%e2%80%a6-nicki-minaj-zoe-saldana-tyra-banks-and-more/ http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/weekend-hot-or-hmm%e2%80%a6-nicki-minaj-zoe-saldana-tyra-banks-and-more/#comments Wed, 17 Aug 2011 04:43:10 +0000 teks http://hiphopbase.net/?p=75

What a weekend I had. Weddings, parties, dinners, the works…I’m truly relishing these last few weeks of summer!

 

And it seems a slew of our fave celebs did as well. Let’s take a look:

 


Our Madame Ty Ty seems to have a thing for jumpsuits, so slipped on a delightfully colorblocked number for VH1′s Do Something Awards in Hollywood. While Tyra’s yellow piped leather choice from last week elicited quite the number of hmms, I think her option here is hot! The fit is great, the colors vibrant, and her smile just makes it all come together. Work!

 

Kerry Washington went for old school glamour for the awards, looking regal in a Zuhair Murad Fall 2011 mini dress. The silk one shoulder screamed cocktail party, but her Jimmy Choo booties added just the perfect dash of youthful edge for the event. Hot!

 

 

Kim Kardashian also made it to the awards in a lovely light beige form fitting gown with a plunging neckline. Kim, as always, looks nice, but I’m ready for her to step out the box! Try some color, a pattern, something draped even…just something. Her looks are starting to bore me…hmm…

 

 

Our dearest Nicki Minaj hosted a Superbass party at Luxy Club in Toronto, doing what she does best: mixing varying patterns and textures to create her singular look. While I wanted Kim to turn it up, Nicki might have needed to turn it down. From the prints to the hair to the leggings…hmm…we can do better, can’t we?

 

 

Estelle and Swizz Beatz attended Billboard’s Summer Blowout Concert, with Estelle in William Rast and Swizz in a Givenchy t-shirt and Reebok sneaks. Swizz looks casual and cool, and Estelle seems to be taking more fashion risks, tying on turbans and opting for funky pants. I kinda like this look and applaud her bold confidence. Hot!

 

 

Letoya Luckett looked prim and pretty at the 9th annual hoodie awards, wearing a black belted white shift and black peep toe heels. Letoya always manages to look polished and that night was no exception. Hot!

 


Zoe Saldana was spied getting her shop on in an olive green jumpsuit anchored by strappy heels. Her hair is flawless, and this look is super cute for a casual day of retail therapy. Hot!

 

]]> http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/weekend-hot-or-hmm%e2%80%a6-nicki-minaj-zoe-saldana-tyra-banks-and-more/feed/ 0 Mixtape: A-Mafia – My Side Of The Story http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/69/ http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/69/#comments Wed, 17 Aug 2011 04:32:05 +0000 teks http://hiphopbase.net/?p=69

You’ve heard all kind of rapper’s stories through the years. Everyone has a different one or a similar one to this guy or that guy. Well, A-Mafia has been working hard for the last year since getting released from prison. An almost non-stop grind. For his *insert number because I lost count* tape, he invites you to hear his side of the story over dope production from Gotti Gator, A-Million and Max Dollas. Every now and then, a guest will pop in to add to the story including Tity Boi, Uncle Murda and J.R. Writer.

The United Front Ft. Shoota

Love Train

 DOWNLOAD: A-Mafia – My Side Of The Story

 

 

]]> http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/69/feed/ 0 Video: Young Jeezy – TM 101 Concert Documentary http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/video-young-jeezy-%e2%80%93-tm-101-concert-documentary/ http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/video-young-jeezy-%e2%80%93-tm-101-concert-documentary/#comments Wed, 17 Aug 2011 04:27:44 +0000 teks http://hiphopbase.net/?p=67

Click here to view the embedded video.

A few weeks ago, Jeezy invaded the Highline Ballroom for his TM 101 sixth anniversary concert. Go behind the scenes of him discussing his extraordinary debut album as well as prepping all the mechanics for the show. TM 103: Hustlerz Ambition dropping September 20.

]]> http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/video-young-jeezy-%e2%80%93-tm-101-concert-documentary/feed/ 0 Video: Vado – Celebration http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/video-vado-%e2%80%93-celebration/ http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/video-vado-%e2%80%93-celebration/#comments Wed, 17 Aug 2011 04:26:53 +0000 teks http://hiphopbase.net/?p=65

Click here to view the embedded video.

Wolph Creations celebrates all the hard work with Vado from his slept-on Slime Flualbum. Slime Flu 2 is rumored to be coming in a couple weeks but you know rappers. Boss Of All Bosses 3 is set for October 5, no push backs.

]]> http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/video-vado-%e2%80%93-celebration/feed/ 0 Mixtape + Review: Meek Mill – Dream Chasers (Untagged) http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/mixtape-review-meek-mill-%e2%80%93-dream-chasers-untagged/ http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/mixtape-review-meek-mill-%e2%80%93-dream-chasers-untagged/#comments Wed, 17 Aug 2011 04:19:58 +0000 teks http://hiphopbase.net/?p=56

Motivation seems to be the theme of 2011. On one side, you have Kendrick Lamar’sSection 80 that is putting consciousness and hope into the music. Jetting down south, Ace Hood is inspiring the hustlers with Blood, Sweat & Tears, particularly the first two singles; “Hustle Hard” and “Go N Get It.” Taking a trip up north, Rick Ross riding shotgun, we have Philly’s Meek Mill. Dream Chasers from the title to the music has to deal with inspiration and motivation a lot.

Granted, not everybody can experience this. Some people don’t react to what a rapper is spitting about, even though it seems like a hard task not to. On the intro to this DJ Drama-hosted tape, Meek chronicles his rise to fame from getting arrested and doing time to his new adventure under Maybach Music. DJ Drama ends on a strong note with, “this is where dreams…..become reality.” Several other cuts including, “Get Dis Money,” “Work” and the title track featuring Beanie Sigel.

It’s not all about trying to give his story and possibly motivate the listener. Meek and Rick Ross announce that their in the double digits on one of the hardest records, the Lex Luger-produced “Body Count.” You have a record similiar to Will Smith’s “Summertime” classic with “Middle Of The Summer.” Aligned with Mel Love, you get a nice head nodding beat with an account of what growing up in Philly was like.

Despite his Maybach Music signing, Meek still makes music like he did when he was fresh out of prison hungry and works with the same people he would. Outside of utilizing Rick Ross’ hooks and verses and Lex Luger’s production, the bulk of production and features come from Tone Beats, All Star, Young Chris , NH and a couple others mentioned earlier.

The one thing that has changed is he’s gotten sharper with the pen. “Tony’s Story” is a beautifully crafted street tale about a killer, Tony, who lives reckless and cheats death a few times. Anytime an artist can do a story and keep it interesting for four minutes, it shows strength in their abilities.

Dream Chasers does suffer from one big thing and that’s repetitive sounding production. When you have two Lex Luger-produced songs (“Work” and “Body Count”) and both feature Rick Ross, you are going to get too much diverse outside of a concept. “Derrick Rose,” despite it’s beat provided by All Star, takes a page out of the aforementioned Luger’s style. Surprise surprise (sarcastically) with “Panic,” assisted by Rick Ross and Yo Gotti.

With 19 songs, there’s enough variety to go around. Some will like the MMG formula and some will prefer everything else. Regardless, Meek’s hunger hasn’t ceased and he’s still improving with more competition in his view now. Dream Chasers satisfies his audience and invites in more to catch the show.

Download: Meek Mill – Dream Chasers (Untagged)

]]> http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/mixtape-review-meek-mill-%e2%80%93-dream-chasers-untagged/feed/ 0 Neako – In Every City (Prod. By Lex Luger & Neako) http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/neako-%e2%80%93-in-every-city-prod-by-lex-luger-neako/ http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/neako-%e2%80%93-in-every-city-prod-by-lex-luger-neako/#comments Wed, 17 Aug 2011 04:15:40 +0000 teks http://hiphopbase.net/?p=50

Neako puts his spin on Kid Ink’s “Black Out,” adding his own instrumental enhancements. These have been some warm-up records for The Number 23. His official self-produced first single is coming sometime next week. I’ll count this as my favorite joint from him next to “Staircases & Elevators.”

Neako – In Every City (Prod. By Lex Luger & Neako)

]]> http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/neako-%e2%80%93-in-every-city-prod-by-lex-luger-neako/feed/ 0 Ne-Yo – She Uses Me (Masturbation) http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/ne-yo-%e2%80%93-she-uses-me-masturbation/ http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/ne-yo-%e2%80%93-she-uses-me-masturbation/#comments Wed, 17 Aug 2011 04:11:54 +0000 teks http://hiphopbase.net/?p=47  

 

First “Otis” and now this. It just sounds like Ne-Yo isn’t taking his upcoming mixtape serious. It’s got an R&B Sorry 4 The Wait vibe going. Can’t artists be diverse? Stop spitting over the same instrumentals? I guess I ask for too much. Nav‘s fault. Haha.

 

 

Ne-Yo – She Uses Me (Masturbation)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/ne-yo-%e2%80%93-she-uses-me-masturbation/feed/ 0 Video: Juice Ft. Menace & Famous Fresh – One Hunnid (Remix) http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/video-juice-ft-menace-famous-fresh-%e2%80%93-one-hunnid-remix/ http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/video-juice-ft-menace-famous-fresh-%e2%80%93-one-hunnid-remix/#comments Wed, 17 Aug 2011 03:56:33 +0000 teks http://hiphopbase.net/?p=43

Click here to view the embedded video.

Bruce Cole does one hell of a job for Juice’s biggest video yet. All the Black Wall Street people came out to support. This one can be found on American Me II. The Commitment dropping sometime in September.

]]> http://hiphopbase.net/2011/08/17/video-juice-ft-menace-famous-fresh-%e2%80%93-one-hunnid-remix/feed/ 0