By: Alexis Jeffries

August 18, 2006

His highly-anticipated album hasn’t even been released yet (with exception given to an untimely internet leak), and he’s graced the covers of international magazines after only a few short months in the spotlight. As one of the most highly-acclaimed new artists and by far one of the most popular, it would seem surprising that Lupe Fiasco, 24, is as laid back as he is.

“I’m a regular guy, but I’m nerdy, too” says Fiasco, born Wasalu Jaco, a self-proclaimed “nerd” from the West side of Chicago. “In high school I was a nerd, and I haven’t changed.” Yet, as he flips through a magazine in the lobby of the ultra-chic Le Meridian Hotel in Beverly Hills, it’s hard not to notice his colorful BAPE sneakers, Cartier frames surrounding his eyes, and all of the expensive pieces of jewelry he sports nonchalantly. The ideal depiction of a “nerd” seems light-years away from who Lupe Fiasco is today.

The young rapper insists, however, that he is NOT the typical depiction of a nerd; not for how he dresses, but for how he uses his mind and abilities.

“It wasn’t even that I studied a lot in school,” Lupe says before his show at the famed House of Blues in Hollywood. “I collected comic books and I knew massive amounts of information about the most trivial subjects and would ‘wow’ my peers. I was on the Knowledge Bowl Decathlon Team!”
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With all the hype surrounding his upcoming album release, his connections and collaborations with artists like Jill Scott, Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park, and Jay-Z, Lupe is anything but a regular guy. He grew up in the hood and managed to stay away from all of its negative influences until he landed a record deal in high school. He watched television for hours as a child and hardly ever left the house. He was the Muslim kid in the neighborhood whose father was a devoted teacher of the martial arts and told him constantly that young Lupe should “never want to go to the dark side.”

He developed an affinity for modern Spanish culture, wanting to dress like his Latin friends and have a Latin girlfriend. He has always wanted to be (and still wants to be) a rocket scientist. By this point, anyone would be convinced that Lupe is indeed as nerdy and uniquely different as he says.

Even with all of the positive reviews and press he’s garnered, there are some who still believe he’s fake; skateboarders think he’s latched onto the culture to be cool, but he’s supposedly not really “down for the cause” so to speak. Others have noted that his nerdy mentality is overrated, saying he tries too hard to be different when he’s really just like everyone else. Lupe’s response to this is simply that he is a regular guy, and doesn’t try to be anymore than who he is.

“I can’t skate that well, honestly. People be pumping me up, but I’m not trying to front like I’m a good skater, because I’m not,” Lupe says about the hateration he’s received, even though the amount is small. “I know how to skate, but I’m not the best, by any means. I’m just different because I don’t think like everyone else…I know I don’t.”

Lupe has also received backlash from fans after his recent VIBE article statement saying that he wanted to “burn the hood down.” With a frustrated glare emerging from under his glasses, the former hood resident shakes his head in disbelief, confused as to how people have misinterpreted his words. “I love the hood because it’s my history, but the hood is one of the most destructive places all around,” he says firmly. “It’s not a good place to be. It’s like you already lost the fight when you choose to stay there. You’re fighting yourself and your brethren instead of fighting the system and making some real change.”

As much as his love and hatred for the hood co-exists within him, he recognizes that his disdain for the hood lifestyle is different from those who’ve led a different existence than he has. “I know it’s probably worse for others, because I was never in the hood where I needed protection. I wasn’t the gangster. I wasn’t toting guns or none of that. I was the nerdy kid. I love it because it’s history, but I’d love to burn it down to the ground because of what it does to people and the limitations it sets on people.”

All the while, the young rapper continues to acquire superstar status while acting like he’s hardly gotten famous at all. This is what distinguishes Lupe Fiasco from the real Wasalu Jaco; a cool kid from Chicago who really does read science magazines, is scared to wear contacts because “they might shatter in my eye”, and watches ants on the ground while pondering how small their world is compared to ours.

“My fans think I’m crazy because I’ll just walk into Dunkin’ Donuts, and they’ll wonder why I don’t have security around me or anything,” he says. “They flip out, and I never understand why. I’m just trying to get some donuts! I’ll just talk to them, because that’s how I am.”

As he jumps out of his seat and heads for his hotel room to eat quickly before his performance at the famed House of Blues on in Hollywood, Lupe Fiasco acknowledges fellow hotel guests who obviously have no clue who he is. Yet, the well-known lyricist from Chicago’s West side garners their attention not because he’s the black kid with glasses donning a skateboarder’s gear and a Rolex watch, but because he dares to be the person he is without any inhibitions. That aura radiates all around him, which is why his fans have taken such a positive response to his music. That’s what makes him cool, and he’s on a mission to make everything around him the same way.

“I want to make it cool to be uncool. I want the cool things to become uncool, and the world will be less destructive,” he says.

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Tuesday, September 05, 2006
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News Headlines
Mario Slated To Drop New Album

By: Alexis Jeffries

August 8, 2006

After making his acting debut in the high-powered dance film Step Up, R&B crooner Mario is slated to drop his new album later this year, and he seems to be rather excited about it.

“The album is coming along wonderfully. There’s a lot of different producers that are helping me bring a different flavor,” Mario said during an exclusive interview with Vibe.com.
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In this midst of filming, Mario managed to pump out a track for the movie’s soundtrack featuring his on-screen love interest Drew Sidora called “For the Love.” Although still in production, the 19-year-old songster’s currently-untitled album is said to bring a different sound, not typical of Mario’s classic style.

“Usually my music is really melodic. Now, it’s still melodic, but it’s much more passionate,” Mario said.

The album is set to feature tracks produced by Akon, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Brian Cox, Scott Storch, Rich Harrison, and several new producers, adding to Mario’s changing style of music.

“I still have another month to put into the project, and I did some production on it myself, and it’s coming along great,” the singer said. “I hope that everybody enjoys it.”

Have a news tip? Email us.

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* Lupe Fiasco: Weirder Than Your Average
* Usher Stars as Lead Role In The Broadway Musical “Chicago”
* MTV Adds Additional Performers To Video Music Awards Lineup
* Justin Timberlake Releases New Album, Stars In New Film
* Jennifer Lopez and Former Husband Battle Over Tell-All Book
* Pharrell, Snoop, and Others Talk on Myspace “Pharrell and Friends” Concert
* Pharrell Williams' In My Mind Album Review
* Mario Slated To Drop New Album
* Step Up Movie Review
* Soul Rebel

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Comment! (0) | Recommend! | Categories: HIP HOP NEWS [t]

By: Bomani Jones

August 31, 2006

Though their marriage is over, Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons still come together in the names of commerce and philanthropy.

The formerly happy couple, still partners in the Phat Farm clothing company, inked a deal with Coty, Inc. to launch a men's fragrance called Atman on September 3. The cologne is an extension of the Phat Farm line, but all proceeds from its sale will be donated to charity.
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Atman means "spirit of man," and Simmons hopes the fragrance embodies that notion.

"I wanted to design a fragrance that would inspire men to connect with their power, spirit and destiny and take the Phat Farm lifestyle to the next level,” says Rush, well known for his devotion to yoga. "The spirit of man has unlimited potential – nothing is out of reach.”

Atman's proceeds will be given to several organizations including Keep A Child Alive, a group that provides anti-retroviral drugs to African children with HIV.

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Wednesday - September 6, 2006 by Anthony Roberts
J-Dilla Sneakers

Sneaker Pimps, the world's largest touring sneaker exhibition, will be coming to Funkmaster Flex's Custom Car and Bike Show in Atlantic City, NJ this weekend.

The event, which boasts appearances from Diddy, Cam'ron, Fat Joe, Lupe Fiasco, Jermaine Dupri, Jim Jones, DJ Premier and Flavor Flav, is set to take place on September 9th.

Sneaker Pimps features over 1,000 pairs of rare, vintage and limited edition kicks along with original artwork by various graffiti and graphic artists.

Having already invaded several U.S. cities this year including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Atlanta, Sneaker Pimps is set to hit Baltimore on September 17 and a special stop in New York City at the Avalon in Manhattan on October 13.

"Sneaker Pimps NYC is going to be the biggest in our 80 show history," Peter Fahey of the Sneaker Pimps told SOHH.com. "[We will be] releasing the Sneaker Pimps New Era Cap with over 15 artists painting live and a very special guest music artist performing live."

Garnering an international following, the tour has visited countries like Japan, Australia, Singapore, Thailand and China in recent years.

For more information on the tour, log onto sneakerpimps.net.

Funkmaster Flex's Show will also feature a celebrity poker tournament hosted by Diddy and an international sneaker battle hosted by Fat Joe.

Funkmaster Flex's Custom Car and Bike Show will be held on September 9th from 12 -8pm at the Atlantic City Convention Center. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com.

Comment! (0) | Recommend! | Categories: hip hop news [t]

Or can Terror Squad hold it down without Remy Ma?



"I swear mothafuckas gonna hear the Squad/Ya’ll betta fear Prospect and Joe the god/Armageddon, Tony Sunshine and Remy Ma"

These few bars, taken from "She's Gone" on There's Something About Remy, were the words that ensured her loyalty and pledge to the South Bronx rap crew. These words appear to be a thing of the past now.

Most guys, primarily the kids from Brooklyn and other lower areas in New York City that don't favor Terror Squad as much as the Uptowners, say the only thing sparking their interest in Terror Squad is the street savvy, 'hood chick swagger that is Remy Ma. They say she's the backbone of the crew's existence, and that they wouldn't even give TS the benefit of the doubt without her present.

tseis.jpgcubanlink.jpg

But Remy's departure comes as no surprise, as Fat Joe and his ways first alienated the original members Triple Seis and Cuban Link after Pun's death, and later coerced Remy to step away from the crew, from whom she later reconciled with after a short period of time. This isn't the first time she has decided to step back. In addition to this, Tony Sunshine, the R&B crooner who isn't an original front man of TS but appeared heavily throughout the first TS album, STILL hasn't dropped his debut. Prospect, another talented rapper on TS' roster, hasn't made much of a sound in the past couple of years. Also, Armageddon is doing his own thing. But why should he even have to if Fat Joe has all the resources and connects necessary to produce an Armageddon (or even Tony Sunshine) LP? My assertion would be because Joe only thinks about himself.

Although he has a little bit of street cred, Joe is something like another Benzino -- years of trying, years of failing. Even my peoples in The X don't even deal with Joe like that. Basically, it's because we see this: Forget all my mans and everyone else who has the potential to be a good artist, I'm gonna keep pushing myself in hopes that I can grab another successful LP. I'll worry about them later.

It was enough that Pun passed away. Even though the Terror Squad hasn’t been that successful, can’t they preserve the memory that once made up the Squad? Pun wouldn't be happy to see where TS is today. And now that Remy's pretty much gone, the streets are pretty much going to sabotage whatever clout TS ever had. They're finished.

terrorsquad2.jpg
Posted by SOHH Reckless at September 7, 2006 04:32 AM
Comments

Yo, who really cares about TS?!?! They haven't done anything since Pun! Remy, do ya thing Ma! You don't need to rock with Fat-a$$ Joe to be real with you. Your skills are dope no matter who you run wit! (Just don't sign with G-Unit, PLEASE!)

Posted by: Jerz609 at September 7, 2006 06:15 AM

Yo, who really cares about TS!??! They haven't been dope since Pun!! Remy, do ya thing Ma! You don't need Joe and them. You were TS, and now it's offical, they DONE!

Posted by: Jerz609 at September 7, 2006 06:17 AM

I'M FIRST PUNK BITCHES....YOU RIGHT SOHH. NIGGAS IN BROOKLYN IS FEELING REMY NOT TS...CUBAN LINK SHIT IS OFF THE HOOK TOO. THAT NIGGA WILL FUCK FAT JOE UP ON LYRICS. ON ANOTHER NOTE NIGGA HAVE TO GIVE IT UP TO 50...HE IS REPPING NYC TO THE FULLEST. ONLY UPTOWN NIGGAS IS FEELING DIPSET(BITCHSET) BUT THE WHOLE WORLD IS FEELING G-UNIT...IT IS WHAT IT IS...THAT LYOD BANKS SHIT IS FIRE....HOVA NEED TO COME BACK. BUSTA RHYMES IS DOING HIS THING AND FUCK WHAT SOHH SAID ABOUT BUSTA ALBUM LOSING STEAM...THAT SHIT IS FIRE. NIGGAS IN NYC JUST DON'T SUPPORT LIKE EVERYWHERE ELSE DOES BUT HIS SHIT IS GETTING MAD SUPPORT FROM THE TROOPS IN IRAQ AND EVERYWHERE ELSE. STILL WAITING FOR THE NAS SHIT TO DROP AND WHY AIN'T NOBODY IE. ROCAFELLA, BAD BOY OR WHOEVER TRYING TO SIGN AZ...NIGGAS IS BUGGING. THAT NIGGA IS STILL SPITTING FIRE. PAPOOSE WILL HOLD US DOWN, NIGGAS IS SLEEPING ON FAB, SAIGON GOTS MAD FIRE....PEOPLE ARE STILL SLEEPING ON WU-TANG...METH AND GHOST SHIT IS FIRE. OH YEAH...NIGGAS NEED TO PUMP MOS DEF AMD TALIB KWELI SHIT BECAUSE THEM NIGGAS IS THE TRUTH IN THE LYRICAL AND CONTENT OF RAP. NEW YORK AIN'T GO NOWHERE...NIGGAS JUST HITTING THE PANIC BUTTON TO QUICK...PARANOID NIGGAS. ALL NYC NEED TO DO IS RIDE TOGETHER. ONE.

Comment! (1) | Recommend! | Categories: HIP HOP NEWS [t]

There are a couple of big events taking place in Atlanta this weekend and I'm trying to find my way to both of them at some point.

The first event that every aspiring artist, industry professional or anything along those lines needs to attend is The Billboard R&B Hip Hop Conference and Award Show. It's all going down from now until Friday (Sept. 6-8) at The Renaissance Waverly Hotel, so if you're trying to grind this music thing out and really kick in some doors then this is the place to be.

Click here for a schedule of events.




(Yeah you see what Chris is throwing up)

And then... Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Cherish and the rest hit Chastain Parkon Saturday, September 9 at 7:00PM. If you've had a chance to catch "BET's Access Granted" lately then you may have seen some of the behind the scene's footage of the concert. It promises to be BIG -- it's already sold out so if you haven't picked up your tickets yet you might be in trouble.

Not to be outdone, Lil Wayne, Dem Franchise Boys and Juelz are expected to be in the building as well.

Comment! (0) | Recommend! | Categories: HIP HOP NEWS [t]