Kanye and the future Mrs. West

I never thought I'd say this but the BET Awards 2006 most definitely trumped last night's VMA's. The show was whack at best and pretty much threw hip hop to the wind. There were only a couple hip-hop performances (1 full one from T.I. and Luda/Pharrell, and a mini set from Busta) and several folks didn't even show up. I guess MTV was salty about last year's VMA's where hip hop basically took over the whole damn show.

nas2.jpg
Nas and fam

I don't like to talk about people's family--so I'ma keep it movin.....

diddy.jpg
Who the f*ck Diddy think he was having a damn spokesperson on the red carpet? Jackie Long (Esquire from ATL) is officially whack in my book for even agreeing to that shit of being his spokesperson.

jt.jpg

JT’s opening was anti-climatic at best. Nothing special at all and Timbaland did not bring the heat. Other than the heat of all the weight he gained back. Whack. It’s sad when Jack Black’s [the host’s] whack ass opening performance is better than yours Tim.


kim.jpg

Then Lil Kim came out to present suited up in her orange jailsuit. And after she ripped it off you could tell she wasted no time making herself look like a ghetto Barbie again. I f*cks with Kim all day, but I wasn’t buying the whole “My FDC girls hard as hell and thank you for holding me down” speech. She coulda kept all that.

50 and LL hit the stage together to present and award:
50 and ll2.jpg
On the red carpet LL was talking about he and 50’s newfound friendship. Looked real forced to me.

50.jpg
50 kissin' on Nicole of the Pussycat Dolls

I see 50 is still tryin' hard to dispell those homo rumors.

luda2.jpg
luda.jpg

Pharrell and Luda performed “Money Maker”. And it was all good till the Asscat Dolls came on stage for no reason to join in on the track.


Beyonce tore it down with her “Ring The Alarm” performance.
b2.jpg
b.jpg

A lot less seizures than her BET Award performance for “Déja Vu”. Thank God.

nas.jpg
Jay was there to support his main chick and to open the show with a "Welcome back to NY" speech.

TI.jpg
ti2.jpg

T.I.’s performance was the hypest of the night. He had Young Dro as his hype man and brought damn near a whole school of kids on stage to back him up on "What You Know About That".

And as for the important awards handed out:

slim.jpg
Best R&B video-Beyonce and Slim Thugga for "Check Up On It"

cham.jpg
Best Rap video—There were some heavy hitters in this category—T.I., 50, Yung Joc, winner was Chamillionaire ft. Krazy Bone, "Ridin Dirty". I disagree with this one. Then that dude Cham said 20/20 cancelling the interview with him about Ridin Dirty ruined his week, but this VMA made up for it. Damn.

pea.jpg
Best Hip Hop Video—Black Eyed Pea, "My Humps"

missy.jpg

Hype Williams received a tribute award for video directing called the 2006 Video Van Guard Award. Long overdue. Kanye presented it and Busta and Missy did a mini set as a tribute to him.

SOHH Fabulous' rating for the show: 5
Posted by SOHH Fabulous at September 1, 2006 10:27 AM
Comments

T.I. and Beyonce tore it down.

Posted by: BigJ at September 1, 2006 11:33 AM

Luda and T.I. performed, so how was hip hop not represented? This is not a hip hop show, so why do you feel hip hop has to be the center of attention. If it was more hip hop than the rest I'm sure there would be no compliants.

Posted by: truth at September 1, 2006 11:42 AM

who the hell is that little girl with nas and kelis!!???
please say it aint his daughter!!!!

Posted by: aleis at September 1, 2006 11:42 AM

oh dear dissapointing night,
props to t.i and chamillionaire for doin it big,
what is LL on, 50 Cent?!
in new that LL's new album was wack but dear god wat is going on with him suddenly bumboys with fifty?
oh well they both an embarassment.
Murda 4 life

Posted by: murda at September 1, 2006 11:45 AM

MTV has to appease their alternative rock fan base sometimes, but trust me, the multi billon dollar hip-hop monster will have them back on their Sh*$ next year.

Posted by: OGREALTALK at September 1, 2006 11:45 AM

Yung Joc didn't perform with T.I....it was just Tip and Dro.

Posted by: I'm Telling You Right Now at September 1, 2006 11:46 AM

i agree with you about hiphop taking a back seat. first was it me or was there alot of awards going to rock bands that included hiphop acts in the category. it seemed like every category that had a rockband competing against a hiphop act. the hiphop act lost out. i could be wrong but thats what it seemed like to me.

Posted by: mo at September 1, 2006 11:48 AM

And how the fuck are you gonna say that Hip-Hop wasn't represented last night?? Every shot of the crowd was a different rapper. 3 performances were Hip-Hop acts, plus Christina, Shakira and Justin were backed by Hip-Hop icons. Y'all SOHH niggas need to check yaself b4 ya wreck yaself...

Posted by: I'm Telling You Right Now at September 1, 2006 11:48 AM

i agree with you about hiphop taking a back seat. first was it me or was there alot of awards going to rock bands that included hiphop acts in the category. it seemed like every category that had a rockband competing against a hiphop act. the hiphop act lost out. i could be wrong but thats what it seemed like to me.

Posted by: mo at September 1, 2006 11:48 AM

Maybe this came as a result of a shitty year for hip-hop. You know your in trouble when people are saying that the best Hip-Hop album of the year was by TI....

Posted by: I'm Telling You Right Now at September 1, 2006 11:51 AM

Could you people please not make fun of that man's daughter. We all can tell thats his daughter, she looks just like him. Thats shit is not cool to talk about kids. All this stuff on this blog to talk about lets avoid that one

Posted by: Urban Legend at September 1, 2006 11:51 AM

HIPHOP TOOK A BACK SEAT BECAUSE,,


EVERYBODY KNOWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: ANSWERD at September 1, 2006 11:52 AM

HIPHOP TOOK A BACK SEAT BECAUSE,,


EVERYBODY KNOWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: ANSWERD at September 1, 2006 11:53 AM

as an old schooler and a "real hip-hop" fan I'd say that hip-hop wasn't the part of the big showcase BUT we can't be greedy people. other genres have/need their chance to shine.

Posted by: sinister1 at September 1, 2006 11:54 AM

FUnny how that chick that 50 is kissing from PCD looks just like his managers wife! aint that crazy

Posted by: answerD at September 1, 2006 11:54 AM

Beyonce is lookin good in that pic. All I gotta say is "Face First"

Posted by: The Playa at September 1, 2006 11:56 AM

Was this the MTV rap award show? I think not.

Posted by: roasta at September 1, 2006 11:56 AM

This award show was for all types of music, and hip-hop doesn't have to be the center of it. MTV did whatever it could to make it fair, and every particuallar type of music had its share. I haven't seen the whole show but I enjoyed Shakira's performance, and it got me excited. Cham winning that award was great too, I think he is the best rapper of the game now, and best lyricist. I was high on some meds when I was watchin the show but it was great, I was relaxed. G2g to class so I will catch up with you later aight SOHH, peace,

Posted by: Africa at September 1, 2006 11:57 AM

thats not nas daughter thats kelis neice

Posted by: iyhguybv at September 1, 2006 11:57 AM

Don’t you hate it when sensitive little punk rock suburban kids and old heroin dazed over the hill Led Zeppelin fans get jealous and upset about the fact that hip-hop is more exciting, makes more money (and when used correctly) has a more powerful internationally permeating effect on the world. HIP-HOP rules the world and that angers the establishment!!!

Posted by: OGREALTALK at September 1, 2006 11:59 AM

im sorry but beyonce is white she looks more white than black.i no shes mix but u no..

Posted by: tina at September 1, 2006 12:00 PM

That IS Nas' daughter and she is a cute girl.

Posted by: truth at September 1, 2006 12:02 PM

To whoever was talk'n bout Nas' kid..that's foul. She a lil girl with baby fat. She'll grow outta that..who gives ah anyway. Das why ur kidz prolly gonna be disfunctional if not already. U don't talk about a niggaz kid.

Posted by: TakDat at September 1, 2006 12:02 PM

50 cent looks shook of ll cool j in that pics lol did ll cool j son him before the vmas?

Posted by: boot at September 1, 2006 12:02 PM

that lil girl looks just like nas. beyonce was on her janet ish last night.

Posted by: hunni at September 1, 2006 12:04 PM

I thought yall said yall wasnt going to wacth the show so dont hate on mtv for trying to please everybody at the same time
chamilitary mann

Posted by: randy at September 1, 2006 12:04 PM

To whoever was talk'n bout Nas' kid..that's foul. She a lil girl with baby fat. She'll grow outta that..who gives ah anyway. Das why ur kidz prolly gonna be disfunctional if not already. U don't talk about a niggaz kid.
***********************************
I agree!! We need to see more family units like that amung black people in Hip Hop anyway.

Posted by: OGREALTALK at September 1, 2006 12:05 PM

Granted I didn't catch some of the performances because I dozed off...but the best one I saw was T.I./Dro...by far.

Beyonce...swagger jacking again, as mentioned in Soulful...

The rest of that shit? Zzzzzzzzzzz.....

Posted by: Cic at September 1, 2006 12:06 PM

Look, Beyonce is fine as a muthafucka. I guess people can keep picking shit to try to say about her to make they self feel a little better but it is what it is. She fine as hell. People need to go to some insecurity workshops or something.

I wish Missy would retire and stick to songwriting.

Posted by: Enlightened at September 1, 2006 12:13 PM


The reason why Hip Hop took a backseat this year is because Hip Hop sucked this past year. Last year was the first time ever that Hip Hop dominated the VMA's. But you know the powers that be(MTV) wasnt about to let that happen again this year.

I think we got a little too comfortable last year and expected Hip Hop to dominate again this year. Not gonna happen. Overall we were definetly representing though.

But it just seem like the regukar VMA's of past years. Nothing but rock n roll bands that youve never heard of, white celebrities presenting awards and oh yeah ,a hip hop performance here and there.
Nuffin special.

Posted by: quE at September 1, 2006 12:14 PM

i swear to god, i thought that slim thug pic was AJ from BET....then i read the caption.....and is that Nas sitting next to Jay-Z? that's the business right there. i can't wait for an album....and Chamillionaire is ugly....that fool looks retarded...he should just ghostwrite or do radio or sumthin....also, don't be lying, you know you wish your girlfriend was hot like the pussycat dolls.....why all the hatin on them?

Posted by: marc at September 1, 2006 12:17 PM

I'm a B fan to the fullest, but her performance was mediocre at best. The breakdown just completely fucked up her momemntum. Mase better watch out it looks like 50 has a new boyfriend. Sorry LL you still won't sell. Did Nicole kiss 50 on the mouth? Ugh. You shouldn't talk about people's kids. That shit just ain't right.

Posted by: Whateva at September 1, 2006 12:18 PM

When were their rumore of 50 being gay??? Nevamind, but id beat that PCD bitch 2... the show was aaigh on the hip hop tip, u cant really expect much from mtv... at least they didnt fucc up ti's music like bet..

Posted by: dAmn at September 1, 2006 12:22 PM

I also disagree about the "Hip Hop Taking a Backseat" comment. TI, Dro, Luda, Pharrell, & Beyonce performed. Busta and Missy did mini-sets. The show opened with Jay-Z's little announcement. Timbaland performed with Justin and Wyclef performed with Shakira. Also, Snoop, Lil Kim, and Diddy all presented awards. AND, let's not forget, Hype Williams (a HIP HOP video director) was honored. How much more Hip Hop do you need? The VMAs represent all genres of music, not just hip hop so your comment is not accurate.

Posted by: JL at September 1, 2006 12:45 PM

pcd chick is hot essai!!!!! nas kid is chubby but so what....

Posted by: chavez at September 1, 2006 12:55 PM

Nicole kissed 50 on his mouth????...ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwyuckkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk!!!!!!what a hot mess.....!!!!does she know who 50 has kissed before her????

Posted by: barbaraa.jackson at September 1, 2006 12:57 PM

damn i red those hospital papers thats floating on line it says that beyonce was born with half of a males ballz rite in her middel,dam so does that mean she was a man, dam thats crazy ,but it said the doctors got rid of it when she was 4..

Posted by: dam at September 1, 2006 12:59 PM

Backseat my ass ... honestly folks there are a few of us out here who think there was far too much of that shuck and jive for the masses ... I would think most African Americans would not want to be represented by "artists" who can not rise above and and create a new day beyond the OLD AND TIRED "Gangsta and Ho" routine ...
Beyonce - HO
Snoop - Classic OLD Gangsta
LL - Classic Pre-Gangsta Hood
P-Cat Dolls - Pre-Fab Multi-Racial H0's
50-Cent- Gangsta
Pharrel- So sad to see his shuck and jive with Chris - I am sorry I will use his "Gangsta" name Ludacris
And the gold lame shorts, the money, the sad RETRO hip hop clothing.

The VMA took a lot of heat for beating LAME last night ... and it was because the black artist are still playing the same Steppin Fetchin role they have been for 20 years. The classics of Motown and Jimmy Hedrix must be rolling in their graves to see black music come to this... stuck in the same act that makes poor blacks feel "OK" about the tragic lives they live - instead of presenting an adult mature version of what people can become ... Beyonce, JayZ, Snoop, 50 Cent, Ludacris, Lil Kim ... lets be honest people ...street trash is street trash. All Americans and especially Black Americans have a better musical history than this posse of low lifes entertaining white kids with an endless show that - HONEST - white people just laugh at ... look at the silly clowns. How about they just start doing it in black face!

Posted by: RJP3 at September 1, 2006 01:04 PM

Beyonce,Beyonce,Beyonce...yeah she does her thang,but she's overrated...Ring the alarm isn't even supposed to be her next single...so that performance is null and void....

Ciara lookng like she's finally start to somewhat "Fill Out" that dress was cheezy but if fit perfect....and Nicole of PCD stock is rising rapidly....

What was up with all the androgonist/half-gay ass rock groups winning last night..is that the way the wanna be repped...if so they can have that shit...did yall see them white boys wigs last night...and that last dude had on eye-liner/mascara......yuck!!

Posted by: Caprice Tha 1st at September 1, 2006 01:20 PM

bee snatch janet style like foxy snatch those two belts dam

Posted by: erica at September 1, 2006 01:22 PM

I liked Chamillionaire's song Ridin, but I have not been able to stop clownin him for looking like the spawn of Curious George. Every time I see him I chuckle a little. I was proud of him last night. Articulate rappers are few and far in between. He conveyed his thoughts well and I have a new respect for him.

I agree with quE. The awards show last night was a throwback to a few years ago when the show was more pop/rock oriented. Maybe they thinkin they don't need our money no more. I say fuck em. This year Janet gets the could shoulder, maybe they will add a few more of our icons to their ban list next year. We ought to boycott they azzez.

Posted by: Bird at September 1, 2006 01:22 PM

HIP HOP is a low end culture ... just look at the homophobia all over the comments on this website.

Many black white married and gangsta men get off together ... especially muscle bound hot black men ... chill

It actually is cool if a man is man enough to get off with his buddy

Posted by: RJP3 at September 1, 2006 01:25 PM

best performance of the night was that lovely lady singing "Manhattan Cowboy" at the pre-show.she got an incredible voice

Posted by: markmanuel18 at September 1, 2006 01:34 PM

best performance of the night was that lovely lady singing "Manhattan Cowboy" at the pre-show.she got an incredible voice

Posted by: markmanuel18 at September 1, 2006 01:34 PM

@RJP3

Normally I wouldn't respond to shit like this but

"It actually is cool if a man is man enough to get off with his buddy"

Say fuckin what?

Posted by: Cic at September 1, 2006 01:35 PM

HIP HOP is a low end culture ... just look at the homophobia all over the comments on this website.

Many black white married and gangsta men get off together ... especially muscle bound hot black men ... chill

It actually is cool if a man is man enough to get off with his buddy

Posted by: RJP3 at September 1, 2006 01:25 PM
************************************
The RJP3 that wrote this comment is probably not the same person that made the previous (rather insightful and intelligent) comment above it.

This person just sounds like a ranting homo.

By the way, hip-hop (much of it, not all) is low end culture, but at the same time potentally the most powerful force for mobilizing the youth for global change.

Posted by: OGREALTALK at September 1, 2006 01:38 PM

I really think dat HIP-HOP in general is goin down cuz u know,ur alwayz seein some fuckin commercialzm videos like"ooohhh im 20 carrats,niggaz hate us cuz we wear new bapestas"maaaan fuuck!!!!they cant bring da real hip hop,cuz dey know dat real hip hop is dead,real hip hop is fo 90's,real hip hop is fo realz,cuz actually i really cant find some real hip-hoppas,daamn!!!

Posted by: Crack-mack at September 1, 2006 01:39 PM

A RJP3 TAKE THAT GAY SHIT TO MTV TALKIN ABOUT HOW U LIKE DICK IN THE ASS AND HOW U DONT LIKE K Y JELLY U ONLY USE VASELINE. NIGGA THIS IS SOME REAL HIP HOP SHIT WHERE WE SPEAK ARE MINDS, SO WHAT IF WE DIS U GAY MOTHA FUCKAS TAKE YO DICK IN THE BOOTY ASS TO THEM GAY SITES OR HOW WE LIKE TO CALL THEM MTV "YOU GET IT FIRST"

Posted by: REAL TALK at September 1, 2006 02:08 PM

Im agreein with some people on this blog, Hip Hop didnt get the backseat. The VMAs always try to provide diversity amongst music with these awards, so they gotta balance it out. If it was too much hip hop then the audience outside of hip hop would be disappointed and vice versa.
We were represented enuff to know that hip hop is still a powerful music genre. On the other hand, we should feel good to have people like Dj Premier and Wyclef branch out into the pop world to expand hip hop's sound and audience.

Posted by: Blazze One at September 1, 2006 02:10 PM

I have to say puff having a spokesperson is hilarious, but hey its puffy.

Posted by: diddy pop at September 1, 2006 02:23 PM

Maybe they thinkin they don't need our money no more....

Maybe you should stop typing in ebonics

Posted by: WastedYouth at September 1, 2006 03:31 PM

NIGGA THIS IS SOME REAL HIP HOP SHIT WHERE WE SPEAK ARE MINDS, SO WHAT IF WE DIS U GAY MOTHA FUCKAS

... tsk tsk

Hatred is hatred.

And MTV is one of the gayest networks in the world ... well it's sister site LOGO actually is!

Posted by: rjp3 at September 1, 2006 03:33 PM

Look at Chamillionaire all dressed up!

I missed the awards show...i saw some performances at MTV.COM...Beyonce was hot and so were T.I. & Young Dro...Pharrell & Ludacris...though the pussycat dolls' presence was unnecessary...very unnecessary...Justin Timberlake was pretty good too...but aside from that, the award show didn't seem all of that, based on what i'm reading here...that's three hours of your life that you won't ever get back...oh well, there's always next year

Posted by: May at September 1, 2006 04:16 PM

The sheer volume of knuckle-draggers who listen to hip-hop alone is cause enough to inject some variety into the program. Even if we, as listeners, are fans of hip-hop, you have to admit that ... like the majority of internet websites, most of it is crap. Pure and simple, crap, especially a lot of it that rises to the top. And people buy that crap by the millions with their welfare checks or alimony payments or loose change between the cushions, or whatever. It's ridiculous.

Should some rock be in the show? Absolutely. Bring in the country music too for good measure, I don't care. Some variety is good. All you hip-hop zealots should do what your mama should have told you when you were a kid -- if you can't say anything good, shut the fuck up.

Peace.

Posted by: Damage at September 1, 2006 04:17 PM

HIPHOP IS DEAD, AND YOU SHOULD GET USED TO IT! SO DON'T BE SURPRISED IF THE NEXT VMA DON'T SHOW NO LOVE TO HIPHOP AT ALL!

Posted by: Thesouthkilledhiphop at September 1, 2006 04:25 PM

DUMBASS. THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO ARE COMPLAINING ARE THE SAME PEOPLE WHO SAY THEY LISTEN TOO ALL KINDS OF MUSIC... WHICH INCLUDES "RAP, HIP-HOP, AND R&B."

IF YOU'RE SMART ENOUGH, YOU'D KNOW RAP IS NOT A GENRE, IT'S WHAT RAPPERS DO, THEY RAP! YOU DON'T HEAR PEOPLE GOING AROUND SAYING "I'M A HIPHOPPER OR R&BER."

Comment! (0) | Recommend! | Categories: music buzz [t]

Friday - September 1, 2006 by Janeé Bolden
Hype Williams

The prestigious Video Vanguard Award was given to Hype Williams at last night's (August 31) 2006 MTV Video Music Awards for the first time since 2003, when Duran Duran received the honor.

Williams was presented the award by Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes, who have both starred in some of Hype's greatest masterpieces. Since1994, Hype has directed over 200 videos for No Doubt, Aaliyah, Kanye West, Outkast, Nas, DMX and many others. Past Video Vanguard recipients include David Bowie, Madonna, U2 and Michael Jackson.

"I'm very excited to get here," Hype told SOHH.com exclusively. "I put a lot of time and effort into doing things that I thought people would like to see from their favorite artists. It's been a long road to get here and it's good to see MTV is celebrating the art of music videos. I appreciate Van Toffler and Judy McGrath (at MTV) for making it happen."

In addition to his Video Vanguard award, a number of Williams-directed videos were nominated for VMA's this year.

In recognition of his Vanguard award, Palm Pictures is planning the re-release Hype Williams: The Videos Vol. 1 DVD, which includes an interview with Hype and ten Williams-directed videos including videos by the Wu-Tang Clan, Jay-Z, Craig Mack, LL Cool J, Nas, Mase, Busta Rhymes and more.

"Jay-Z "Big Pimpin'" is one of my favorites because we were able to communicate a lifestyle -- as far as Rocafella. That video set a trend for all future rap videos and created a template. That's where the image of the partying baller lifestyle came from. I'm hopeful that we'll get a good response and can do more. I've done hundreds of videos that are all relevant to youth culture," Hype told SOHH.

Fans can also look forward to a Jay-Z/Hype reunion in the near future.

"I'm potentially directing the video for Jay-Z's first single," Hype revealed. "Jay and I have been really good friends from a long time ago and he asked for me to work on his new project."

Williams told SOHH he's working to branch out as much as he can in media. In addition to the re-release of DVD, Hype has a TV show in the works, Hype Television; he also has new feature film work on the horizon and is looking to collaborate with film critic Armond White (who honored Hype this summer at Lincoln Center) on a book of still photography that is currently a work-in-progress. The book would contain never-before-seen photographs of some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry.

Hype Williams: The Videos Vol. 1 DVD is scheduled for re-release on September 11th. The first 75 people to purchase the DVD will receive a Hype Williams autographed copy. For more information on Hype Williams please visit: www.hypewilliams.com.

Comment! (0) | Recommend! | Categories: music buzz [t]

Friday - September 1, 2006 by Carl Chery
Ludacris

In this special VMA edition of the Pulse Report, Ludacris clarifies who is being dissed on "War With God," Lil Wayne disses Gillie Da Kid and Remy Ma moves on without Fat Joe.

Earlier this week, SOHH.com set up shop at the Pre-VMA Media Forum and had the chance to chop it up with Luda, Weezy, Birdman, Remy Ma and Chamillionaire among many others.

1. Luda clarifies "War With God" target. It turns out that Ludacris' "War With God" wasn't about him afterwards. Within hours of the track leaking onto the internet earlier this summer, heads began speculating on who Luda was targeting on the track.Luda had then supposedly revealed that the song wasn't aimed towards Young Jeezy or T.I., but himself. Hmmmmm, not really! "They misquoted me saying it was about me. What I was telling them is that I divulged a lot of information about myself. I'm not battling myself on a record, that's ridiculous" Luda told SOHH.com exclusively. "What happens is, you got a lot of people taking subliminal shots at me, but nobody really says my name, so I'm not for sure, so that's my way of taking subliminal shots right back." So there you have it. One could say it's not aimed at anyone in particular. But if the shoe fits, wear it. "If anybody wanna catch feelings too hard then you can definitely do so," Luda added. "But I'm sitting here letting you know."

2. Weezy responds to Gillie Da Kid. While Gillie Da Kid has made his rounds, alleging that he has written for Lil Wayne, Cash Money's youngest in charge has yet to say much on the subject. Maybe cause the Birdman Junior doesn't have much to say. "Get rich, son...cause I am," Weezy challenged as he looked straight into the SOHH camera.

"That's just cheap talk," Birdman added. "We getting paid to talk." Weezy then continued, "All I'm saying is if you wrote something for me, how come you ain't rich. A nigga like me good. That nigga said he got 25 thousand a pop for when he does songs for us. Un-fucking believable!"

3. Remy steps out on her own. Last we heard, Remy was reportedly up for sale. Ma told SOHH she was already hard work on a sophomore disc, There's Somethin Else About Remy, but doesn't know where it'll be released. One thing is sure, don't expect it to drop via Terror Squad Records or SRC. "As far as the Joe situation, that's my dude but we gon keep it strictly friendship," Remy shared. "The whole business thing, I just felt like it was a conflict of interest to me, the business situation." Remy also spoke on the lack of label support the Ne-Yo-featured "So Good" received from SRC. "I wanted to kill people, but you know...that's illegal. I went up there (SRC offices) in April. I'm telling them, 'this is the one, I'm telling you. It could be the next 'Lean Back'... and they didn't wanna shoot the video," Remy recounted frustrated. "They had their own agenda on how they wanted things to work out. At the end of the day, they didn't shoot the video and the record is still being added. Even without the support, I've managed to stay in front of the line, mainstream, in people's eyes so you could see."

4. Chamillionaire speaks on working with Paul Wall and Mike Jones again. Though Chamillionaire and the Swishahouse camp have agreed to disagree, heads are hoping that a collaboration may still be in the cards. While he seemed iffy about recording with his former label mates, Chamillionaire didn't entirely dismiss the idea of working with them. "It definitely would be dope. I just can't rule that out," he told SOHH a future collaboration with Wall and Jones. "But I feel like we need to do our best to keep Houston moving right now. There's power in numbers. I think even a tour would be dope. If all of us went on a big tour and really just went everywhere across the nation and overseas, we could make it happen. It's just about everybody putting pride and egos to the side."

5. What you may not see at the VMAs. Sohh... as SOHH chopped it up with the likes of Luda, Pharrell Williams, Weezy and Birdman, the interviews unfortunately conflicted with Ciara, Snoop Dogg and Monica's availability. Missing them was cool, but missing Cassie was unacceptable. While you won't see her on any upcoming VMA-related podcast, you'll also miss me complaining to Slim Thug that he's the cause for me missing Cassie. You won't see rappers in awe as they cheese for photos with the Hulkster, you won't see Ne-Yo and Cool and Dre exchanging numbers and making plans to work together, Tyrese declaring he loves Remy as he passed by the SOHH camera or Rem calling Method Man all sorts of names, including his government to get his attention. Oh, and you definitely won't see me call Webstar of "Chiken Noodle Soop" fame Webster. However, you can catch some of the highlights of the Pre-VMA Forum on SOHH's VMA Sneak Peak.

[For any questions, comments, criticisms, hatemail, etc hit up Carl Chery on myspace at http://www.myspace.com/hdottt.]

Comment! (0) | Recommend! | Categories: music buzz [t]

Fuck, has it been another year already?

mtv-moonman.jpg

Due to prior obligations, I couldn’t attend the VMAs to give you folks the lowdown on what was really goins on… so we’re just gonna do what we do best. Thank god last night’s production was by far the worst VMA I’d ever seen. We’re gonna sit around in a circle and light these niggas up.

Nacho, you’ve really let yourself go, haven’t you? Jack Black look like he bout halfway to Chris Farley. Okay, maybe only a third. But he’s definitely a space cowboy with Burger King in his food tube.

Speaking of big, bucking chicken… why does Rihanna sound like Penelope Cruz? I’ve never heard her speak aside from announcing the award with 2005 Johnny Mathis. (Yes, that’s a closet joke.)

I was, of course, paying attention to the cutaways and seating arrangements just as much as you were. Did Jay-Z and Nas really have to sit next to one another like best buddies? Got Kelis and Beyonce on the outsides posted up like The First Wifeys’ Club. Boss lady got her ring. I wonder how long Hova is gonna pipe for free.

Did y’all catch that Beyonce performance? It was pretty good. I respect going live with the dance routine a la Janet Jackson in her prime, pre-titty. However, what the fuck is goin on? I am convinced Beyonce goes to the bleach clinic. She continues to get lighter every time. A couple years ago I thought I was watching a J-Lo performance on SNL. This time she came out looking like Carmen Sandiego. I’m waiting for some 11-year-olds to run around dropping placemarkers on the floor looking for Uzbekistan.

Switching gears, All-American Rejects really ripped shit. They also got hella ripped. When they won their award I don’t think they had any idea they were even up. Dude was blented, coked up and talking to hoes. Did you see the acceptance speech? “I’m getting sooooo trashed tonight.” Yet the rappers are supposed to be the bad influence on little Timmy in Idaho.

I'm surprised them backstage cameras didn't catch nobody snortin up or puffin on a vanilla Dutch.

You know who else is filthy? Panic! At The Disco. That was one of the better live performances I’ve seen at the VMA. The dudes on the treadmills were cool. If only Jamiroquai hadn’t shut that routine down 10 years ago, it would have been really impressive.

WTF is up with Jared Leto? Wasn’t he a semi-respectable actor at one point. Oh… Jake Gyllenhaal took all his cookies, didn’t he? Daaaamn, homie! In high school you was the maaaan, homie. The fuck happened to you? I remember cats used to want to be him. Little did we know Jared wanted to be Freddie Mercury, but settled for lead singer of The White Stripes. (Except Jack White will lean your punk ass.) I guess this is J-Let’s final role.

Damn, I gotta get up on my white boy music. I’ve obviously been slippin this year. Too much “Chain Hang Low.”

You know something is wrong with the VMAs when that Stayfree maxi pad commercial Shakira and Wyclef made is nominated for like fitty-leven moonmen. Sweet Christ! Do you think Clef hit it?

Puffy is getting more Deion Sanders by the day. As this thought crossed my mind, Young Dro and T.I. come out to “Shoulder Lean.” “Now I’m ridin’ Deion!” Strange, indeed.

I can’t be the only nigga that likes “loaded AYYYY! OHHHH!” better than “loaded .44” in “What You Know” can I?

What the fuck was Napoleon of the South doing with that chorus of retarded children? Was that the well-behaved MIS class of Bankhead? Looked like Jerry’s Kids doin the lean wit it, rock wit it.

On the subject of retards and otherwise Special Olympic hopefuls, I've never suggested or endorsed anything like this even in jest, but... If you watch “Laguna Beach,” kill yourself.

Peace to Chamillionaire. No jokes this time. He got burned one of the hardest on the blog this season. His acceptance was truly heartwarming and he deserved that shit. "Ridin’" was definitely the best video out of the ones nominated. Kanye believes the outcome would have been different had “Touch The Sky” been nominated instead of “Gold Digger” but eh, fuck Kanye.

Also, fuck Fergie. How she gets to come on stage without Peas is beyond me. Their entire institution disgusts me as you all well know.

Eh, fuck that little girl too. Little Miss Sunshine or whatever. She can’t read or dance and she ain’t gonna be “cute” forever. She better watch Macaulay Culkin’s moves real close or else she gonna be on Flavor of Love in 15 years.

jcpenney-logo.gif

This program has been brought to you by JC Penney.

"We have no chance in hell of getting you guys to buy this shit. We hope your parents are watching!"

jcpenney-portrait.jpg

"Hmmm. How do we get these niggers to buy this shit?"

[email protected]

Comment! (0) | Recommend! | Categories: music buzz [t]

Friday - September 1, 2006 by Carl Chery
Method Man

With his fourth solo album, 4:21: The Day After, hitting stores, Method Man spoke to SOHH.com on the state of hip-hop and his preferences on independent labels versus major companies.

After releasing albums via major labels for well over a decade, Method Man has since himself gone from a priority to an act fighting for his company's support. In fact, independence is looking pretty good to Mef these days.

"The indie route is the best route right now, all you need is distribution. You don't necessarily need the record companies anymore," Mef told SOHH.com. "That's why I root for the underdog. I'd love to see more independents doing shit, for the simple fact that I'm tired of getting raped." [Watch]

He may be turned off by majors, but Mef isn't part of the "hip-hop is dead" bandwagon like most veteran artists. He just thinks some key emcees aren't given a voice.

"What do I think of the state of NY hip-hop? Well NY hip-hop, I mean it's still here just the right motherfuckers just ain't being heard, and like I said, the media is playing a big part in that, cause they poppin all that shit like we ain't significant anymore, but a lot of it has to do with the music," he explained. "There's this new production going on now and It's like either you get with it or get lost. It's like NY always had its own sound and shit, you know niggas is stubborn, 'we ain't trying to do that, let them do that, that's they thing, we ain't trying to do what they do, that's they thing, let them do that, we gonna do us.' It all comes back around though, they gonna want the grimy shit again." [Watch]

Method Man's 4:21: The Day After is in stores now.

Comment! (0) | Recommend! | Categories: music buzz [t]

By J. Alise

xml

Before Miskeen Originals could be found in stores across the country, and even before the likes of Bernard Hopkins, Bun B, Snoop Dogg and Alicia Keys donned the colorful, hand painted shirts; artists were painting and selling Miskeen in the streets of West Philly. The team built a buzz, their brand and a name in the fashion business by opting for the unique concept of making every piece an original piece of art. Since the time founders Yaniv and Ilan Zaken painted their first shirts, they have expanded Miskeen’s to 34 artists.

Just how does Miskeen seamlessly merge art with fashion? AllHipHop.com Alternatives went behind the scenes at their Camden, New Jersey headquarters to investigate the secrets of this innovative company.

The Miskeen factory itself is just as colorful and ornate as the clothing inside, with graffiti murals covering the outside walls of the factory. Inside the studio, the sales and marketing teams work side-by-side with the artists, ensuring that the artistic and business aspects are in sync. The art transcends just fashion; there are hand-painted desks and chairs along with the vibrantly colored walls decorated with original paintings. Next to the office area is the silk-screening room, where the silkscreen artists work directly with the design team to create images digitally and translate them to shirts. The entire process from computer to production, theoretically, takes only a couple of hours. In reality, the team experiments with colors and styles, and apply their own creativity to make each work original.

“We do silkscreen in house, and we do hand art in house, because fashion catches so quickly and we have to be prepared,” Marketing Director Jasmijn Rijcken explained during our tour. “For instance, as soon as Bun B wore that Pink Panther shirt [in Beyonce’s video], everyone else wanted it the next day.”

On the other side of the silkscreen room is a huge art studio where about 15 to 20 artists create the looks for Miskeen simultaneously. They start with an initial design and add their individual flavor and flair to each shirt. Once the shirts are produced, it is up to the retailers to pick and choose which designs they want to sell. However, when they place the orders, store buyers are not entirely sure what they will end up with, as each shirt is uniquely made. They will know what color shirts they will receive, but the finished product depends on the artist’s vision at that moment. From time to time, Miskeen does create exclusive lines for certain major retailers, such as Finish Line.

While Miskeen’s customer base is mostly men, they do have a women’s line in the works. They have 37 stores throughout the United States under their Dr. Denim line, and the Miskeen brand is available at hundreds of retail stores nationwide.

According to Jason Moody, Sales Manager for the Southeast region, the South has embraced Miskeen and boasts some of the best selling stores in the country. “There is a store in Raleigh, North Carolina that might be the best damn store in the country. I’ve been to some big glossy stores, and then I’ve been to some hood ass stores, but the love that the clothing line gets is crazy nationwide.”

In addition to spreading their artistic vision across the U.S., Miskeen is working closely with Upliftment Jamaica, a St. Thomas based non-profit organization dedicated to educating and empowering Jamaican youth, supported by Russell Simmons, Dr. Ben Chavis, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Buju Banton and other industry heavyweights. In their hometown of Philadelphia, the Miskeen crew organizes frequent fundraisers to support Upliftment Jamaica’s vision. In July 2006, two Miskeen artists flew down to Jamaica to teach art classes and design shirts with some of the Upliftment Jamaica campers.

The secret of Miskeen’s success is, that through their original art, they can always breathe new life into fashion. They can adjust in accordance with the frivolity of fashion, and can always rely on their basic artistic skills as trends come and go.

Comment! (0) | Recommend! | Categories: music buzz [t]