Master P. Announces Health Awareness Concert In Honor Of Teena Marie In Feb

(AllHipHop News) Rap mogul Master P. will host an event during Grammy week honoring late R&B singer Teena Marie, in hopes of raising awareness about health related issues, whether its diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity.

Master P. and his son Romeo are rallying celebrities to support Michelle Obama's anti-obesity campaign via his Move With Music organization, which is dedicated to fighting child obesity.

According to reps for Master P., the mogul and his son will host an event on February 11th in Los Angeles, which is sponsored by ME Entertainment Network, RTC Media Group and Urban Born Foundation.

"We are taking the initiative to help fight child obesity by educating the next generation on how to eat right and exercise through music, dance and entertainment," a rep for Master P. told AllHipHop.com in a statement. "We are connecting musicians and entertainers through concert events to bring awareness to this epidemic of childhood obesity and health issues."

In 2010, a number of popular figures lost their lives to health-related issues. Artists like Solomon Burke, rapper Apache, Teena Marie, Guru, Marvin Isley, Shannon Tavarez, Gregory Isaacs, Teddy Pendergrass and others.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 67% adults are overweight or obese and over 33% of children/adolescents are also overweight or obese.

For more information go to: http://www.movewithmusic.org/

Via All Hip Hop

YOFI x NEW ERA「Hungry Bear」59Fifty Fitted Cap

YOFI shows some more love for Cali with the “Hungry Bear” fitted. The cap comes in either purple, teal or white with the state animal throwing down on some pink salmon. Check the other colors after the jump and though the Yofi online store says extinct, you can find every colorway at the Streetwear Direct eBay store. Via Strictly Fitteds

adidas Originals Superskate Mid – White – Studded | January 2011

A slightly beefed up, midtop take on the classic Superstar shelltoe (sans shell, of course), the adidas Originals Superskate Mid seems like it only bothers to come out for special occasions. Following a couple of Star Wars collaborations is this new pair for Spring 2011 that does its best to keep pace with the variety of wild animal looks Three Stripes will offer upcoming in Q1, by adding an array of studs to the side panels of these joints in an irregular distribution that kinda looks like a newly discovered diamond mine. This white pair will hit retailers soon after the new year. Via Sneaker News

Air Jordan VII – White – Black – Orion Blue – Infrared

The Air Jordan VII was recently featured in Sneaker News’ Michael Jordan Through The Years feature; did you pick up any new information on the Air Jordan VII you didn’t previously know? The VII was indeed inspired by African tribal artwork, which explains the funky design of the tongue and midsole as well as the Air Jordan VII Premio colorway, and because of the unique color-blocking ability of the shoe, you can go so many different ways. Take for example the upcoming ‘Orion Blue’ Air Jordan VII; white and black provide the primary foundation for this colorway but just the perfect splashes of punchy orion blue and infrared give these a sweet all-new appeal. Via Rstor & Sneaker News

Vintage Nike Air Force Pump Collection on eBay

The lifelong search for the Holy Grail might stop here for a few sneakerheads; check out this six-pair collection of vintage Nike Air Forces from the late 80′s-early 90′s that featured the short-lived Air Pump technology. The Nike Air Pressure, Nike Air Command Force, and Nike Air Force 180 Pump were three super high-top basketball classics that despite not having a long life, have garnered an insane cult following to this day. The Air Pressure came attached with a pump module and a plastic see-through case and a $180 price-tag (an insanely high price at the time), and was recently retroed (in a sense) in a lighter form called the Air PR1. The Command Force as well as the Air Force 180 Pump also featured the Air Pump tech and were worn by David Robinson on court during the Force vs. Flight era of Nike Basketball, where David Robinson’s power/finesse game allowed him to be one of the representative for Nike Force. Finding just one pair of these is hard enough, but in this auction, you’ve got SIX pristine pairs up for grabs in one fell swoop. Check out the auction from authentic_sneaker_powerseller on eBay. Via Sneaker News

Nike Air 180 – Black – Alarming Blue – Red | New Images

The Nike Air 180 finds its place in the Nike Sportswear catalog as something of a cult favorite. There aren’t too terribly many new Air 180s being released these days, so discerning heads will find this new pair even tantalizing-er. They start with a perforated black leather base and add tonal ripstop nylon whose ‘grid’ gives an interesting contrast to the similarly squared-off perf pattern. And so it’s all about geometry in the dark until you add just a hint of South Beach flavor with bright hits on the tongue, heel and signature Air unit that also happens to be about a degree away from the OG Ultramarine colorway. It’s not every day you can get your hands on a new Air 180 and a black pair at that, so don’t wait; pre-order yours today from CrookedTongues. Via Sneaker News

Alexander McQueen for Puma – Spring 2011

Late British fashion designer Alexander McQueen’s collaborative capsule with Puma will continue as with a posthumous tribute in Q1 2011. The latest Alexander McQueen for Puma pack is perhaps the simplest we’ve seen in the history of this tag team, with just tonal uppers resting on white low-profile soles. The key to these joints is the subtle elegance of how the satiny side panels contrast rich leather on the toe and heel, or the unique metallic tongue tag. Via Sneaker News

BACKCHANNEL x NEW ERA「Denim」59Fifty Fitted Cap

BACKCHANNEL keeps it pretty simple again with their “Denim” fitted. As with most their caps, the old english “B” is on the front with “BACKCHANNEL” on the back both in white, over an all denim body. Get over to BackWoodsBorough to get your hands on one. Via Strictly Fitteds

Obama calls Eagles owner to congratulate him for signing Vick

Michael Vick has been getting support from all sides during his road to redemption. He's now getting it from the leader of the free world.

NBC's Peter King reports that Barack Obama called Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie earlier this week to congratulate him for giving Vick a second chance after his release from prison. According to King, the president said that released prisoners rarely receive a level playing field and that Vick's story could begin to change that.

Forget your political allegiances or feelings about Michael Vick and take a step back to think about this. The sitting president of the United States went out of his way to publicly praise a man who, 3 1/2 years ago, many thought would never play again in the NFL. Even the most ardent believers in Vick couldn't have fathomed a turn-around like this.

In retrospect it seems obvious that Vick would get a second chance in the NFL, but it wasn't so clear-cut back when he was lying to the commissioner, getting sternly admonished in federal court and serving out a sentence at Leavenworth. We tend to take for granted unbelievable events when they slowly unfold before our eyes. The step-by-step nature of these sorts of tales tend to minimize the shock when taken in over a long process. So though it now seems like it was all pre-destined to work out like this, it wasn't: Vick's rise and fall and rise is a truly stunning tale. He went from star to pariah to inmate to backup to MVP candidate to political prop for the leader of the free world all in a span of a couple years.

For Obama to praise Vick now shows a number of things, namely that uttering the quarterback's name is thought to be a safe political move. He's playing the best football of his life for a playoff team and was the second-leading vote getter for the Pro Bowl. At the moment, he's the model of redemption, someone worthy of praise.

Because, if you think about it, Vick got that "second chance" from Lurie 16 months ago. There was no phone call from the president then. Praising Vick at that time would have been a political third rail. But now that Vick is playing great and most people seem to have either forgiven him or stopped caring about his transgressions, it's a shrewd political move. After what could be termed a rough two years in office, the president is looking for a second chance from the people who have turned against him over the past two years. Supporting a huge star like Vick could help with the president's recent image problems. It may not register much nationally, but it couldn't hurt in Pennsylvania. After all, it's a swing state and 2012 is just around the corner. Via Shutdown Corner

R&B Singer Teena Marie Dead At 54

(AllHipHop News) R&B legend Teena Marie has died, her manager confirmed today (December 26th).

Although no cause of death has been released as of press time, Teena Marie's publicist revealed that the singer had suffered a grand mal seizure last month in Los Angeles.

Teena Marie, 54, was born Mary Christine Brockert. She recorded a number of hit singles in the 70's, 80's, 90's and the 2000's.

Teena Marie was known for classic songs like "I'm A Sucker For Your Love" featuring Rick James, "Fire and Desire" featuring Rick James, "Behind the Groove," "Portuguese Love," "Dear Lover," "Out on A Limb" and "Square Biz," which featured her rapping.

Teena Marie originally signed with Motown in 1976 and was a protege of James, who took her under his wing shortly after she signed with the label.

Throughout the years, Teena Marie's was regularly sampled by a variety of rappers.

Artists like The Fugees ("Fu-Gee-La"), The Firm "Firm Biz" Jadakiss "By My Side featuring Ne-Yo" and numerous others have all incorporated Tina Marie's music into their own.

At one point, Teena Marie was also signed to Cash Money Records, where she released two albums for the label.

La Dona (2004) produced the single "I'm Still In Love," while her final album for Cash Money titled Sapphire (2007) produced the Top 40 single "Ooh Wee."

Bryan Williams paid tribute to Teena Marie via his official Twitter page. "R.I.P. Tina Marie," Birdman said.

“We’re shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Teena Marie," said Philadelphia International Records' founders, Gamble & Huff, who honored Teena Marie in Philadelphia in 2008, during the R&B Foundation's Hall of Fame Induction ceremony for the singer.

"She was one of the most memorable, soulful and unique R&B vocalists to come out of Motown. We send or condolences to Teena’s family, the entire Motown family and of course, our dear friend Berry Gordy,” Gamble & Huff said. Via All Hip Hop

Air Jordan V (5) Retro PE – Chris Paul ‘Away’

Player samples are always highly sought after and coveted by the most dedicated collectors.

This pair of Air Jordan Retro V (5) made specifically for Chris Paul are extremely rare and equally appealing. Black nubuck uppers with vibrant yellow and teal accents work together like peanut butter and jelly. Add the drop shadow ‘3’ on the heel and you have yourself one of the best looking PE’s in almost any retro model.

These rare AJ5 PE’s are now available on eBay. Via Sneakerfiles

NBA x NEW ERA「Photo」59Fifty Fitted Caps

The NBA honors legends of the league’s past with their latest 59Fifty fitted cap series. The Photo series features epic shots of former NBA All-Stars printed across the front panels. Pictured above is Patrick Ewing during his 15 season tenure with the New York Knicks as well as Magic Johnson in all his glory representing the Los Angeles Lakers. Both caps feature the player’s respected teams embroidered on the rear. Look for these at select New Era NBA accounts worldwide. Via Strictly Fitteds

Nike Zoom Huarache Trainer – Medium Grey/Obsidian-Metallic Silver

Showing just how versatile the Nike Zoom Huarache Trainer is, New York Knicks big man Amar’e Stoudemire has surprised many by wearing the shoe on the hardwood for majority of the 2010-2011 season. While the numbers alone can’t speak for performance, Amar’e is enjoying the best season of his career thus far, so he’s clearly found some level of comfort with the trainer. Some Knicks fans have inquired about Amare’s PE colorway dropping, and while we have no information about that just yet, they may interested in this new “Yankees” colorway of the Zoom Huarache Trainer.

As far as we know, we’re not aware of any official connection to the Bombers, but the design is Yanks all the way. A mostly medium grey exoskeleton gets from minor metallic silver detailing and hits of obsidian on the inner bootie, tongue, Swoosh and midsole. Making the look even more interesting, the liner appears to feature a white pinstripe pattern. Grey and obsidian work together to finish off the outsole. You can grab this pair today over at NikeStore. Via Sole Collector

Color: Medium Grey/Obsidian-Metallic Silver
Style: 414975-041

Flavor Flav to Release Memoir

Looks like Public Enemy hype man Flavor Flav will be the next hip-hopper to hit bookshelves.

According to a listing on amazon.com, Flav will be dropping his memoir, simply titled Icon, on March 1, 2011, through Farrah Gray Publishing, Inc. The book will find the Long Island rep reflecting on his 25 years in P.E., his career as a reality show star and his much-publicized struggle with drugs.

In related news, Prodigy of Mobb Deep is also currently prepping the release of his own tome. Set to drop a month later, My Infamous Life: The Autobiography of Mobb Deep’s Prodigy, will hit stores on April 11 2011. —Elan Mancini for XXL

Pro-Keds 69er ‘Wool Pack’ – Holiday 2010

Absent since this summer’s collaboration with San Francisco-based boutique HUF, here’s a quartet of new Pro-Keds 69er colorways for the holiday season. This 69er Wool Pack is well timed with their fuzzy uppers so toasty you can practically feel yourself getting warmer just looking at them. The comparisons to the Woolrich x Converse Chuck Taylors are inevitable but grabbing a pair of Pro-Keds certainly makes a different and perhaps more calculated statement. Click through to see black, grey, navy and red pairs all with sole stripes to match their uppers and grab a pair now at select Pro-Keds retailers like Britain’s Foot Patrol. Via Sneaker News

Merry Christmas From The Retro Sole!

Jordan Prime 5 - "Grape"

Next month, the Jordan Brand is set to introduce the Prime 5, an all-new Jordan model that combines elements of the Air Jordan I and Air Jordan V. The general silhouette of the shoe in inspired by the I, while several of the design cues are pulled from the latter. This particular shoe is a definite salute to the V, sporting a full Grape Ice upper with metallic silver 3M reflective material used for the tongue. Tonal branding turns up on the ankle and heel of the shoe, which is finished with an icy translucent outsole.

This colorway drops next month, but is available to purchase now over at Dunk. Via Sneaker News

Color: Grape Ice/Grapce Ice-Metallic Silver
Style: 429489-501Price: $115.00

All is not well in Sacramento

The next few days, even with all those pretty lights and presents wrapped with care, aren't going to be too fun for the Sacramento Kings. The team has lost 21 of 23 games, some in an almost cruel fashion, and no member of the organization is immune from criticism. In last night's loss to a mediocre (at least thus far in the season) Bucks team, the Kings scored just four points in the final eight minutes of the game. It was as brutal a watch as you could imagine.

And word filtering around today is that both coach Paul Westphal (as has long been assumed) is about to get the axe, along with GM Geoff Petrie. Petrie's alleged impermanence may come as a surprise, he was the guy who put together those fabulous Kings teams from the earlier part of this decade, but he was also the guy who put together this (young, but not super-promising) roster, while hiring and extending Westphal's contract along the way.

Ken Berger of CBSSports.com has the heads-up:

A person with direct knowledge of recent statements by a high-ranking member of the organization painted a different picture, telling CBSSports.com that frustration with the Kings' 5-22 record had reached a breaking point. At one point after the Kings' 84-79 home loss to the Bucks Thursday night, owner Gavin Maloof was overheard in the tunnel saying that the culture of the organization had to change. "It's time to hit the reset button," Gavin Maloof said, according to the source.

It is time to hit the reset button. Because blowing on this particular cartridge just isn't going to help.

Which is a pity. Because Petrie is quite talented, and Westphal is one of this league's truly nice guys. Honestly a very kind, sincere soul that (honestly) does some ridiculous things when it comes to running an NBA team. Like pitching a battle against Spencer Hawes last year, or his needless demotion of the (admittedly, clueless) DeMarcus Cousins this year. You can take Cousins out behind the proverbial woodshed for his moronic choke signal behind the scenes, but you don't have to make your punishment of the guy so blatant and public. That never ends well.

And the Kings won't end well. Because bringing in a new GM (unless it's me; I'd turn that lot around in a jiffy, no sweat) and coach mid-season is just a recipe for frustration. This doesn't mean I disagree with a possible clearing house (especially if Sam Amick is right, and he usually is, about the Kings even considering Bill Walton as a coaching replacement; that would be brilliant), but it's just an unfortunate situation that seems to be hitting the wrong team. The Kings are desperately trying to stay in Sacramento, but while there is a fighting spirit behind this team, you just get the feeling that everything's gone terribly wrong with this whole organization.

So send some goodwill Sacramento's way, over the next few days. Bless them, every one, because even the owners that might be lying on record and the GMs that have made many bad choices and the coach who really isn't doing it the way he should and (shock horror) the players that are playing clueless, bad basketball do, honestly, have their hearts in the right places. I understand that run-on sentences aren't exactly what these guys need right now, but every little bit helps, right? Via Ball Don't Lie

Lauryn Hill Announces 2011 Winter Tour

(AllHipHop News) Rapper/R&B star Lauryn Hill is heading out on a Winter tour starting next, playing a series of mid-sized venues possibly for the last time in her career.

The Grammy Award winning artist will hit the road on a 17-date tour, which will kick off December 27th in New York, at the High Line Ballroom.

Hill is pegged for six-dates in New York, a pair in New Jersey, five dates down south (North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia), the mid-West and Canada.

Lauryn Hill will hit the road with a live band, well aware that she "may never play venues of this size again," some of which she hasn't played since the Fugee days."

She will perform reworked version of classics from her catalog, including tracks off her hit 1998 album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

According to Hill, she is looking forward to "see her loyal supporters up close and personal again."

Tour dates are listed below:

Mon/Dec-27
New York, NY
High Line Ballroom

Tue/Dec-28
Brooklyn, NY
Music Hall of Williamsburg

Sat/Jan-01
New York, NY
Bowery Ballroom

Mon/Jan-03
New York, NY
The Blue Note

Tue/Jan-04
New York, NY
The Blue Note

Wed/Jan-05
New York, NY
The Blue Note

Sat/Jan-08
Charlotte, NC
Amos' Southend

Sun/Jan-09
Asheville, NC
The Orange Peel

Wed/Jan-12
Charleston, SC
The Music Farm

Fri/Jan-14
Atlanta, GA
Centerstage

Sun/Jan-16
St. Louis, MO
The Pageant

Tue/Jan-18
Minneapolis, MN
First Avenue

Thu/Jan-20
Chicago, IL
House of Blues

Sat/Jan-22
Toronto, ON
Sound Academy

Sun/Jan-23
Montreal, QC
Metropolis

Sat/Jan-29
Atlantic City, NJ
House of Blues

Fri/Feb-04
Montclair, NJ
The Wellmont Theatre

Via All Hip Hop

Nipsey Hussle Talks Leaving Epic

He was singled out as one of the rising MCs slated change the game in 2010, and now it looks like Nipsey Hussle will be back on his indie grind in 2011.

In a sit-down with HipHopDX, the Left Coast spitter said he's in the process of getting out of his deal with Epic Records, but maintained the split was amicable, citing high turnover at the label and ouster of many of his key supporters among the reasons for leaving the major-label hustle behind.

"But, just to keep it completely 100, I'm in the process of negotiating my release right now. And we just gonna go back to doing what we been doing, as far as an independent company and serving our region," he said. "But it wasn't really no big fallout with the label or nothin' like that, it's just Epic went through internal changes: they fired the president, Amanda Ghost, [after] actually becoming a subsidiary of Columbia [Records]. Half of they staff is gonna be laid off or fired. And the original staff that brought me in the building, that shared the original vision of really what Nipsey Hussle was, they're all gone. So, being fair, it ain't really nobody in particular that we can point the blame on, it just kinda was like a [dissolving] of the core team that started on the project. So it serves both interests for us to just go back to what we was doing originally."

The Cali spitter also maintained everything will be good on the business end as well.

"I'ma walk away with all my masters; I'ma walk away unobligated, with my brand built," he said. "And it's all love and respect for everybody at Epic. We took a chance together. It was a lot of money spent, a lot of success together, and it's no hard feelings."

Up next for the "Feelin' Myself" lyricist, who's wrapping up a year that includes guesting on the star-studded "We Are The World — 25 for Haiti" collabo and scoring an MTV News "Hottest Breakthrough MC of 2010" nod, is releasing the much-delayed South Central State of Mind. Nip said he's currently checking out distribution-deal offers, adding that he may take a cue from The Purple One when it comes to putting out new music.

"Actually, we weighing the options right now. We got a lot of offers for it. But I'm just trying to really come up with the best idea of how I wanna do it," he said. "I was entertaining new original ways to distribute music, kinda like in the sense of what Prince did with one of his projects he put out in [2007]. It was called Planet Earth, and what he did was he distributed it through a magazine in Europe who had a subscription base of like 1.5 million. This a new era, and I think it was a paradigm shift in how people receive content recently. So I'ma gamble on that paradigm shift and I'ma try something original. And I don't wanna go in to too much detail, but it'll be something along the lines of what Prince did with his album … "

The West Coast MC released his mixtape The Marathon on December 21. Via RapFix

Prodigy Autobiography Coming in April 2011

Prodigy is reportedly the next in line to put the story of his life into book form.

According to a listing on amazon.com, the memoir will be titled My Infamous Life: The Autobiography of Mobb Deep’s Prodigy and is set for release on April 11, 2011.

The book, published by Touchstone, will cover everything from P’s lengthy career to his upbringing and his multiple run-ins with the law.

P, who is currently locked up in Mid-State Correctional facility for gun possession charges, has a scheduled, conditional release date of March 7, 2011. —Adam Fleischer for XXL

Lil Kim Reveals Plans to Work With 50 Cent & Dr. Dre

One month after dropping her diss record to Nicki Minaj, “Black Friday,” Lil Kim is ready to reveal more details about her comeback.

In an interview with Funkmaster Flex last night on Hot 97, the Queen Bee revealed that she is working with Dr. Dre and 50 Cent.

“That’s my baby,” Kim said about Fif. “The stuff we working on together is crazy. And this time around it’s not just gonna be one song, it’s gonna be a whole movie behind it, so I’m excited about this project.”

While it is unclear where the Brooklyn rapstress and the G-Unit general’s tracks will appear, Kim shared that she will be working with Dre for her forthcoming album. —Elan Mancini for XXL

Air Jordan 1 Phat Low – Black – Varsity Red – Stealth

Air Jordan 1 Phat Low ‘Vamps’? These share quite a resemblance to the SB Dunk Low colorway from 2003 but of course we know that the black-and-red Air Jordan outdates the Nike SB Dunk (then again, one could argue that the Nike Dunk outdates the Air Jordan). Moving along, this new colorway of the Air Jordan 1 Phat low features the aboriginal Air Jordan colorway with a translucent outsole and a stealth grey inner lining and ’23′ on the tongue. The patent leather red swoosh as well as the contrast stitching on the midsole as well as on the Wings logo on the heel provides even more ‘umph’. Take a detailed look after the jump and expect these to hit Jordan Brand retailers soon. Via Sneaker News

Style: 338145-007
Color: Black/Varsity Red-Stealth

Nike Air Force 1 Premium High & Low on NIKEiD

Just when you thought Nike was going to give your pockets a break, NIKEiD has dropped their latest bombshell. In addition to recently adding the Zoom Kobe VI to their custom program, both the low and high cut versions of the Air Force 1 Premium are now available to customize. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, including Max Orange, Vivid Grape, Neo Turq and Stadium Green to name a few. Full-grain leather, Original Suede, Heritage Mesh, Metal Grid and Chenille are the materials you can use on the upper. You can also personalize the hang tag. The AF1 iDs are priced at $190 for the low and $200 for the high. Stop by NIKEiD and work on your pair today. Via Sole Collector

Sacramento Jordan XI CG release

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Hundreds of people lined up at Arden Fair Mall in Sacramento early Thursday for a chance to buy the new Air Jordan XI sneakers.

Police were present at the mall, but no disturbances were reported.

Many shoppers waited in line for hours.

The shoes cost just under $200 for adult sizes, and about $50 for toddler sizes. Via KCRA News

Watch Video: Shoppers Line Up For Hot Sneakers - Sacramento News Story - KCRA Sacramento

Nike Convention High – Air Escape ACG Inspired

The design is something of an ’80s basketball simulacrum, so it was only a matter of time before the Nike Convention High saw a release with Air Jordan influence. But did you also expect that the first Convention Highs to feature Elephant print would also be an ACG-inspired pack? Check out these new colorways straight from the recently retroed Nike Air Escape ACG. Everything down to the multi-speckled midsole is just like the OG Escapes except for an Elephant infusion on the toebox and eyelets. Via Sneaker News

Lil Wayne Buys Wheelchair for Fan’s Mother

Lil Wayne would make Santa Claus proud. The New Orleans rapper recently got into the holiday spirit and bought a fan’s mother an $11,000 motorized wheelchair.

According to New York’s Daily News, Weezy felt compelled to help New Jersey woman Evelyn Austin, after receiving dozens of letters from her daughter Ronda while he was locked up in Riker’s Island, where he served eight months for gun charges.

Wayne surprised Ronda one day with a phone call, where he found out her mother’s wheelchair had broke and decided to buy her a new one.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Ronda told the paper of the gift. “I never asked for nothing. I just told him all kinds of different things about me. I never even said I needed help.”

“I pray for him every night thanking him for this chair,” Evelyn added. “I love every bit of it. It changed my life.” —Elan Mancini for XXL

Picture Of The Day: 12.22.10

Toby Bryant. via nbaoffseason & The Hightop Fadeaway

Waka Flocka Says He Doesn't 'Care Nothing' About Being A Lyricist

In October, we debuted our coveted Hottest MCs in the Game for 2010 and Waka Flocka, our #8 MC, is still a hot topic of conversation. On Friday (December 17), the Brick Squad MC talked to Jenny Boom Boom of Hartford, Connecticut's 93.7 radio station about his ranking.

"I thought that was a lyrical list. I thought all the lyrical rappers were supposed to be on that list," Waka said, of his initial surprise on being included. "But you know I'm good, as long as I make hits and money, I'm straight. When I got on that list I said, ‘Oh yeah, I’m gonna sit back for two hours, watch some blog sites and see how many haters I get.' "

But the MC didn't get the reaction he expected.

"I got more good comments," the Brick Squad rapper said. "A lot of people was like 'Eh man, your work showed dog,' you know how it go ... I personally don't feel like I'm a success, I'm not successful yet. All my friends ain't got it all yet, I ain't fed my fans right."

Finally, after a bit of prodding, Waka had to admit his good fortune this year.

"It's success, I'm not ungrateful for it but successful for me is to be calling like five or six other label mates like 'Aye, where ya'll at? I'm over here,' " Waka said. "Me with six or seven other businesses going, that's better."

When asked about his reaction to his making the list - he told MTV News "Come on, man, I never thought I'd be on something like that" — Waka defended himself.

"I said that was a lyrical list, meaning since I'm not lyrical I wasn't supposed to be on that list," Waka clarified. "People commenting [on MCs that] should be on that list, I ain't hear no music from them folks in months and I ain't hating on nobody. I'm just keeping it gangster. I don't talk for the past, I talk for the present. So don't talk about how such and such used to rap back in the day and I can't mess with such and such, 'cause you was in diapers when such and such was rapping. I'm popping now. You can hate on me all you want but I'm popping."

Then the interview became comical the rapper was asked if Waka wished he were "a more lyrical rapper?"

"What? No," Waka said. "Nope, I don't care nothing about it. If I don't get better than that's just what it is." Via RapFix

Nation Of Hardwear: CGSJ

And now a few words from Nation Of Hardwear: Closing 2010 with one last joint and we keeping it light! This ones for those with a sense of humor, LETS GO! "The CGSJ" tee is now AVAILABLE for MENS PRE-ORDER These will be shippping out after Christmas.

The 2ND and 3RD DROPS from our "ARTIST SERIES" tees ARE NOW IN PRODUCTION, The 1ST drops looking like a Feb release...

Charles Hamilton Arrested In Cleveland, Ohio

Troubled rapper Charles Hamilton’s strange and emotional ride full of curious antics — ranging from supposed beat stealing to forged friendships — landed the former Interscope Records rapper in jail on December 10.

According to sources in Hamilton's camp, RapFix learned that Charles Hamilton was embarking on a cross-country journey to Los Angeles to work on new music with the record label NewCo. Along the way Hamilton decided to stop in Cleveland, Ohio, his city of birth, and the erratic behavior many have witnessed over the years was on full display. There are reports that Hamilton was being disruptive and screaming at restaurant goers and employees before the police were deployed to apprehend the 23-year-old rapper. In an ensuing scuffle, Hamilton allegedly struck an officer in the face and was immediately taken to jail.

According to Cuyahoga County's Clerk of Courts' records Hamilton has been charged with assault and the MC's bail is set at $25,000. It is unclear whether the MC is still in jail, however he did have a scheduled court date on December 16.

With seemingly no support system (although he is the cousin of hip-hop icon MC Lyte), even after a reported six-week stay in a New York mental institution during the summer, the Sonic The Hedgehog-loving MC appears to have lost all direction after such a promising start with ferocious freestyles and a prolific mixtape roll-out he dubbed The Hamiltonization Process.

The downward spiral of young Hamilton’s career began when he allegedly stole a beat from St. Louis rapper-producer Black Spade and later falsely associated himself with the late iconic producer Jay Dilla. Both events pushed Hamilton fans to abandon ship and may have also led to his untimely dismissal from Interscope in 2009. Via RapFix

Chill out, Miami

Chill out, Miami. Via doubleclutch & The Hightop Fadeaway

50 Cent Launches New Label GNote Records

(AllHipHop News) Queens, New York mogul 50 Cent recently announced the launch of a new record label, GNote Records.

According to 50 Cent, the first artist on the new label is Phoenix, Arizona rapper Hot Rod.

"@officialhotrod is the first artist of G NOTE he gonna do his numbers watch," 50 Cent Tweeted.

At press time, it is not clear what company will handle distribution of GNote and Hot Rod's debut project.

In August of 2010, 50 Cent's G-Unit ended its deal with Interscope Records and signed a new distribution deal with EMI Records.

The first release under that deal was Lloyd Banks' critically acclaimed album H.F.M.2 (Hunger For More 2).

In addition to Hot Rod's album on GNote, Tony Yayo's album is slated to be distributed through G-Unit/EMI in 2011 as well. Via All Hip Hop

E-40 & Too Short Prep Collabo Album, The History Channel

West Coast legends E-40 and Too Short have been making records together for years, but the two have finally decided to work together on an entire album. XXLMag.com recently spoke to 40 Water to find out the details on the disc.

“We’ve been pretty successful every time we do a song,” the Ambassador of the Bay Area told XXL. “So we been trying to do it. We both off of Jive records. He’s free and clear; I’m free and clear. No disrespect to Jive, we got love for them, [but]we wanted to do it years ago. For some strange reason they didn’t want to do it. We never could figure it out, but now we’re ready.”

“Me and Short, that’s my rapping partner,” he continued. “We really friends. That’s my dude. We got a lot of respect for each other. He was before me, and I pay homage to him. A lot of new artists don’t pay homage to people before them, but I do.”

40 told XXL that the LP, titled The History Channel, will be coming out in the summer time, through Sick Wid It/Up All Night/EMI Records. —Jesse Gissen for XXL

Reebok Insta Pump Fury – Outdoor Pack | Spring/Summer 2011

Ready to unleash the Fury on the outdoor trails? Check out these two new colorways of the Reebok Pump Insta Fury set for a release this coming Spring/Summer 2011 Season. The vibrant-colored uppers, which are constructed from a wide array of materials like mesh, leather, and suede, are matched with concrete-like speckled midsoles. This outdoor-friendly duet of new colorways could be the Reebok counterpart of the Nike Air Huarache ACG Mowabb Pack that released a couple of years ago so don’t miss out on these once they drop. Take a look at both colorways after the jump and let us know what you think. via Provider. Via Sneaker News

Nation Of Hardwear: Classic HARDHEAD (Fog)

Drop by Nation Of Hardwear to pick up their classic logo tee! It comes it multiple colors and features both logos (front & back). At $19.99 it's a steal of a deal!

Video: J.R. Smith obliterates the dunk competition

Earlier this week, I posted a James Harden dunk on J.J. Hickson with the comment that it was a serious competitor for Dunk of the Year honors. Obviously, I was mistaken, because I completely forgot the real Dunk of the Year candidates sear your retinas and make you speak in tongues.

For proof, watch last night's J.R. Smith dunk over, on, and through Gary Neal of the Spurs. If any other dunks match this one for the rest of the season, I will eat my shoe with a side of cole slaw.

In case you have trouble keeping track of awesomeness, here's a list of amazing things Smith does on this play: the crossover, the leap from a step inside the free-throw line, the ability to maintain power through the collision with Neal about six feet from the rim, the finish with two hands, and the extraneous hanging from the rim to add an exclamation point to the play. This dunk is the equivalent of an entire dominant game; Smith only scored 10 more points on the night, but this jam will be remembered for years.

The only question now is if anyone already has topped it or can hope to for the rest of the season. In my mind, the only worthwhile challenger is Blake Griffin, although his aerial artistry comes more from the sheer volume of dunks than any one slam. In terms of single-moment greatness, J.R. Smith may have just turned the next four months of dunks into a competition for honorable mention.

As with any great play by Smith, the temptation is to claim that he could be a real star if he ever got his brain to work. I beg you not to resort to this line of reasoning. It diminishes the immense power of this moment and robs you of an awe-inspiring experience in a world increasingly lacking in wonder. This play is to be cherished, not analyzed within the context of an entire career. Via Ball Don't Lie

Nike ACG Air Max Bakin’ Posite Boot – Black | Available

Certainly one of the Nike’s highest priced shoes in recent memory, the Nike ACG Air Max Bakin’ Posite rode the Foamposite wave into the Holiday 2010 season as the must-have Nike Boot of the holiday. Drawing inspiration from the Nike Air Bakin’, which was recognized more for its controversial logo rather than the design itself, the ACG Air Max Bakin’ Posite Boot first arrived last month in the loud cranberry colorway. Available now is the classic matte-black Foamposite upper and midsole; if you can recall the earlier previews of this shoe, the silver midsole section has been removed in favor of a tonal-black offering. If you’ve been looking forward to a pair of these, Long Island’s Extra Butter just got these in, but you can also find yourself a pair on eBay. Via Sneaker News

Air Jordan Retro 14 - Countdown Pack Look-See Sample

In 2008, the Jordan Brand released several Collezione Countdown Packs to commemorate the release of the Air Jordan XX3. One of the packs included retro versions of the Air Jordan 9 and 14. The Retro 14 featured a sleek black on black look with white contrast stitching and minor red accenting. Images have surfaced of a Look-See Sample of the Retro 14 from the Countdown Pack. This pair, however, is a little more generous with the red.

Like the released pair, the shoe features a black nubuck base, but opts for a true red contrast stitch on the side panels and heel. Other accent points, like the tongue bar, heel tab and branding make use of red as well. The inner lining and laces are black, as is the midsole and "teeth." An obvious standout feature on this shoe is the use of red rubber on the outsole. Via Sole Collector

Shaquille O'Neal will "conduct" the Boston Pops

In a league where most stars are basketball obsessives, Shaquille O'Neal has always stood out as having a wider range of interests. Between his loves of acting, rapping, law enforcement, comedy, and reality television, Shaq has dabbled in more fields than most famous people have dreamed of.

Next Monday, he'll add another entertainment accomplishment to the list: conductor of the Boston Pops. From the Associated Press:

Shaquille O'Neal will climb the podium, put on his tailcoat and white tie and lead the orchestra in Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride" during a concert Monday night at Symphony Hall.

The Boston Celtics' 7-foot-1 center will participate in a program otherwise conducted by Keith Lockhart focusing on Christmas and holiday-season music.

We should probably use the term "conduct" loosely here -- I don't know much about "Sleigh Ride," but I would guess that the Boston Pops can play it without the assistance of a novice conductor. My prediction is that he'll wave the baton around with mock seriousness before biting it. If that won't bring the laffs, I don't know what will.

But while I feel the need to mock Shaq, it's also worth noting that his appearance with the orchestra will likely bring more attention to an art form typically neglected by anyone who hasn't been retired for a decade. He's doing important work, even if it's a little goofy. As usual with Shaq, his need for attention is tied to a willingness to help others.

Incidentally, it turns out that the Keith Lockhart in question is not the retired MLB infielder, but rather one of the most respected orchestral conductors in the world. The more you know! Via Ball Don't Lie

50 Cent Invests in Eyewear Company

50 Cent is expanding his empire once again, and this time, he’s reaching into the world of eyewear.

According to Fast Company, the Queens native has invested in Gunnar Optiks, which specializes in digital performance eyewear—creating indoor and outdoor frames, as well as 3D shades.

50, who tweeted about the brand a few months back and included a picture [above], reportedly expressed interest in becoming involved with the company to co-founder Jennifer Michelsen after seeing billboard advertisements. Not only is he now an investor, but he’s functioning as the face of the company and an endorser in many ways, as exhibited by the tweet. 50 will also help to bring other celebrities on board; B.o.B. has already signed an endorsement deal with the company, as has 50′s November XXL cover-mate, Soulja Boy. Manager and industry vet Chris Lighty is also an investor.

Typically, Gunnar Optiks frames retail between $70 and $200. —Adam Fleischer for XXL

LA Lakers' Ron Artest Launches New Label Artest Media Group

(AllHipHop News) Los Angeles Lakers star player Ron Artest has launched a new independent record label Artest Media Group, which will be distributed by San Francisco based label, SMC Recordings.

According to Ron Artest, his new label is looking to sign established Hip-Hop acts, while developing the talent currently associated with the label, Artest's second such venture since launch the Tru Warier imprint in 2002.

"I am really happy to partner with SMC, this will be my first real shot of getting the music of myself and my new artists out," Ron Artest said. "I love music and I love my fans so I am looking forward to sharing this with them."

Artest Media recently finished its first major project, which was the launch of www.ronartest.com, which is a multimedia website that highlights all of Ron Artest's entertainment businesses.

"Partnering with Ron Artest and his Artest Media Group puts us in an incredible position for acquiring new artists," said SMC Records' CEO, Ralph Tashjian. "Ron's passion for the music and entertainment business, as well as his incredible reach to already established Hip Hop acts, makes this a perfect marriage."Ron Artest will announce artists signed to the roster in early 2001. Via All Hip Hop

Air Jordan IX (9) – Mike Bibby Hawks PE

Mike Bibby’s PE collection is one of the most impressive we’ve ever seen but here’s a look at one in particular that would be sizzling even without the ‘PE’ designation. This PE dates to 2008 and features the ‘OG’ white, black, red colorway, but the black sections do not feature the slightly-glittered black nubuck, but a shiny black patent leather allowing for a true ‘tuxedo’ look. Patent leather has never been done on a mid-cut Air Jordan IX until the Air Jordan IX ‘For The Love of The Game’,and had these released as a general release, there’s no doubt that they’d fly off the shelves. Only 42 pairs of this rarity have ever been produced, but if you’ve got the dough to spend, check out this auction from depeche23mode on eBay. Via Sneaker News

Are the New Jersey Nets becoming the 'Brooklyn New Yorkers'?

There are signs the New Jersey Nets are considering renaming themselves the "Brooklyn New Yorkers" in two years when they move from Jersey to the NYC metropolitan area, and we just can't help but wonder if the Nets, or New Yorkers, are a lot better than this.

Two Philadelphia lawyers have filed for trademark protection for the name, along with three possible logos.

NetsDaily did a little digging, and this is what it came up with:

The logos, more concepts than finished drawings, make it clear the trademarks are for a Brooklyn basketball team. In one, a basketball player straddles the Brooklyn Bridge. In another, the words, "Brooklyn New Yorkers" fronts a basketball featuring a world map while in a third, another version of "Brooklyn New Yorkers" is imposed on a basketball. The Patent and Trademark Office continues to review the applications.

The decision to seek trademark protection around the time the team informed the NBA it would be changing its name from the "New Jersey Nets". The NBA requires a team to file two years prior to a name change but it does not require a team to state what the new name will be. Under an agreement with the Empire State Development Corp., the Nets' new name must include either "Brooklyn" or "New York" in its name.

This is where I have to remind you that the Nets are under no obligation to change their name, because they've been the New York Nets before. The franchise was originally an ABA team that played out in Long Island, named the "Nets" so as to fit in with the already-established New York Jets, and New York Mets. "Nets" never was, and doesn't have to be, a Jersey thing.

So there's really nothing wrong with the Brooklyn Nets, decision-makers. The "Brooklyn" lettering in the proposed logo is pretty cool, it looks like the sort of tagging you see on a subway car, but the "Brooklyn New Yorkers?" Via Ball Don't Lie

T.I. Moves 160K in First Week, Nicki Minaj Outsells Kanye West

T.I. may be currently behind bars, but that won’t stop him from selling records. The Atlanta-native’s latest album, No Mercy, debuted high on The Billboard 200 sales charts, released earlier today (December 15).

According to the Nielsen SoundScan, Tip landed on the charts at the No. 4 spot after moving 159,500 units in his first week. The Grand Hustle general pushed about 15,000 more copies than projected by hitsdailydouble.com last Wednesday.

Sitting two spots down at No. 6 is Nicki Minaj. The Young Princess’s Pink Friday surpassed Kanye West’s sales for the first time since entering the charts three weeks ago, with numbers reaching 81,900. The stats were enough to make Minaj’s debut go gold. Her overall tally now stands at 561,000.

Kanye West fell from No. 7 to No. 14 this go-round. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy picked up an additional 66,500 in sales this week, making his three week total equal 672,000.

Rounding out the Top 40, at No. 25 is Eminem’s Recovery. The Grammy-nominated disc pulled in 49,300 in sales. In 25 weeks the Detroit lyricist has pushed out 3,145,800 CDs.

Entering the charts at No. 118 is Redman. The Def Jam vet’s latest LP, Reggie, earned about 10,500 receipts this week.

Next week look for Diddy’s Last Train to Paris and Sheek Louch’s Donnie G: Don Gorilla to impact The Billboard 200. —Elan Mancini for XXL

Lil Kim The Most Popular Rapper On Twitter In 2010

(AllHipHop News) Rap star Lil Kim may not have dropped an album in over five years, but her popularity soared in 2010, according to new data recently released by social networking website Twitter.

Despite many high profile releases and events in Hip-Hop over 2010, Lil Kim was the only rap artist to place on Twitter's "2010 Trends on Twitter" People list.

The Queen Bee landed at #5 on Twitter's "People" list, just one slot behind Mel Gibson (#4) and ahead of celebrities like Zilda Arns (#7) and future princess, Kate Middleton (#8).

Pop singer Justin Bieber landed at #1 on the list, which also includes Lady Gaga (#3) and Wikileaks founder Julian Assange (#4).

Other top trends on Twitter in 2010 included the Gulf oil spill, the Haiti earthquake, the conflict's between the Koreas, "Cablegate," Lebron James, Mike Vick, Google Android, Apple IOS and others.

Rappers Drake, Lil Wayne, Kanye West and Rihanna all landed on Twitter's "Top 10 Most Retweeted Tweets" list as well.

For a full list, click here: http://yearinreview.twitter.com/trends/

Via All Hip Hop

SneakerTube.TV Launch

That’s how Premium Pete describes his latest project, SneakerTube.TV. Premium Pete launched SneakerTube as a sneaker-related video sharing community where you can upload your own videos straight to the site or embed your YouTube clips. Site features include brand-specific channels, user-created groups, featured videos and live chat. It’s great to see more and more outlets for expression on the internet as the sneakerhead culture grows and you can check out Mayor’s welcome video by heading over to SneakerTube.TV now. Via Sneaker News