“Ready For Tipoff” – Interview With Def Jam’s Khalil

Signed to the house Russell and Rick built, Def Jam’s newest talent Khalil is poised to deliver on the investment. His debut album Hot Like Summer, which is set to drop in early 2011 has already attracted the lines of Rico Love and Jim Jonsin while securing features from everyone like Young Money’s Lil Twist to the head Diplomat himself, Cam’ron.

While sitting in the office making changes to his office website, the 15-year-old West Coast born (California) and East Coast bred (North Carolina) singer opened up about how he became close friends with Diggy Simmons and Lil Twist, the recent “younger artist boom,” the one record he cannot wait for people to hear and if he could beat Cam’ron in basketball one-one-one.

DJ Soundwave Interviews Curren$y

So admittedly this video is coming to ya’ll somewhat delayed. Apparently there were some hold ups on the cutting room floor, which is basically PC (politically correct) for somebody was slippin’. Now who that is, we shall leave nameless. But with that in mind we’ll cut this intro short in the essence of getting straight to the main attraction.

Judging by the picture probably recognized The Hot Spitta Curren$y alongside the homie DJ Soundwave, well at least you should have. Either way Soundwave caught up with Spitta at Club 24 in D.C. recently to chop it up about the release of his album Pilot Talk.

J. Cole Talks Quality Of Music & Expectations In London

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October 26 will be a big moment. That’s the day J. Cole comes full circle with his debut album, (insert-whatever-name-you-think-it-is-because-he-hasn’t-released-that-yet). Until then, it’s long nights and even shorter days as he literally runs around the world promoting its release. While traveling across the pond with Jay-Z for the Wireless Festival, the pride and joy of Fayetteville (who was actually born in Germany) caught up with the OG, Semtex. After the more formal in studio interview (and freestyle) the night before, Sem took Cole on a tour throughout the streets of London which including food and shoe shopping.

They also speak about the quality of the The Warm Up and how it compared to albums. The most intriguing part of the interview actually came from Semtex himself, however. He referred to Cole’s upcoming project as a mix of Illmatic and College Dropout. We’ll all make our own assumptions once we hear the project, but talk about expectations.

After the jump, view footage of Cole speaking certain tracks off his new album.

Eminem Talks Near “Career Suicide” (by J. Tinsley)

Since the moment Eminem’s latest album, Recovery, leaked, one of the tidbits many focused on was his revelation on the track “Talkin’ 2 Myself.” Here, Marshall admitted that during his days of drug addiction, he damn near dissed Kanye and Lil Wayne. His reasoning being they were the two who were “killing the game” (the good kind) at that point in time. I know the first time I gave the album a spin that this statement caught me by surprise mainly because of the honesty. When it comes to Hip-Hop, I’m a sucker for honest type tracks. It’s also proof of the paranoid drug addiction can subconsciously induce.

Bun B: “I Don’t Feel Like The Best Music From Me Has Been Done Yet.” (by J. Tinsley)

It’s a good and bad thing that Bun B is so closely associated with Pimp C. He’s a reminder that the spirit of Sweet James will always cast over Hip-Hop. However, it’s also a reminder that we will never see another UGK album again. I’ve always said Bun has handled that situation like the OG he is. His propensity to gravitate towards (and accept) the younger generation when it wasn’t the “cool” thing to do was some stand up sh#t as well.

Bun has always been the type of guy to keep it moving. Recently, YN caught up with the Trill O.G. to discuss his new album, Trill OG. Specifically, his studio sessions and respect for Drake.

Foxy Brown Interview On “The Monique Show” (by J. Tinsley)

Let me find out Mo’Nique is becoming the late-night Oprah with all these emotional scenes. She still has a way to go before she can think about even mentioning Oprah with her show, but this was a rather dope piece. The Academy Award winner recently had Foxy Brown on her show, joined by the original Foxy Brown, the timeless beautiful Pam Grier. 

Truthfully, I haven’t listened to a Foxy Brown record in years. I really haven’t felt the need to, but I will say this was good television for about six minutes – even though the actual interview doesn’t start until about two minutes in. (Rapper) Foxy speaks about the inspiration (actress) Foxy had on her life and career and even went so far to refer to her as a “second mother.” (Actress) Foxy even gave (rapper) Foxy permission to use the iconic name when she first entered the rap game. I’m just glad she didn’t go with “Sheba Baby.”

“Wise Words From A Decent Man…” (by J. Tinsley)

With all the high profile records surfacing lately, only one thing in the world would force them to take a back seat. You guessed it – a Hell Rell interview. How this man doesn’t lock down more of these is baffling. It’s one quote after another, after another, after another. Almost as if he thinks of this stuff before hand. Since we’re on the topic, however, let’s cut all the nonsense right now. Ruger is one of the greatest Hip-Hop interviewers of all time. There, I said it.

Recently, Dee Vazquez caught up with the Top Gunna frontman. He wasn’t “Coogi down to the socks,” but the information he provided, well, let’s just say it was nothing short of legendary. As I always like to do, here are three gems I pulled away. And there are way more than three, so consider this a preview.

Putting It Bluntly With Big Boi, DJ Burn One, Freddie Gibbs & Curren$y (by J. Tinsley)

April 20th. Numerically known as “4:20.” Just the thought of date and its subliminal meaning alone creates euphoria. The civil union of marijuana and music dates back not only years, but decades and genres. Jimi Hendrix was a known herbal supporter (along with several other substances). Satchmo, otherwise referred to as Louis Armstrong, smoked marijuana on a daily basis. A personal doctor, Dr. Gary Zucker, even admitted there was no evidence it did him any harm. Arguably the plant’s most famous endorser, Bob Marley, still finds himself plastered on the walls of Mary Jane connoisseurs worldwide.

Hip-Hop has long since professed its love for Mary Jane as well. This love is so blatant, it may be easy to believe that April 20th is simply another day and the meaning behind it serves no purpose. Not exactly. La La loyalists, Big Boi, Burn One , Freddie Gibbs and Curren$y, recently took the time to reflect on their favorite marijuana memories. Stories of Animal Planet, dinosaur chases, Family Guy and the ever-so-useful “4:20 Survival Tip” await. Light up.

Stat Quo: “The Long Road To Statlanta“ (by J. Tinsley)

Patience is a virtue. Time is of the essence.

Two completely different clichés, but two describing the progression of Stanley “Stat Quo” Benton. Since signing with Aftermath nearly a decade ago, Quo’s debut album, Statlanta, has been ready for liberation. However, due to the inner workings that are the politics of the industry, the album has yet to hit shelves. That’s not to say the ATLien hasn’t found success in his own right. In a recent interview with Stat, he candidly spoke about the album, SXSW, the possibility of seeing Detox before 2012, his new label situation with Sha Money XL, March Madness and even about new track he has which is slated to feature Lauryn Hill. Yes, that Lauryn Hill.

Diggy Simmons: Hip Hop’s Youngest Old Soul (by J. Tinsley)

Aside from the Jacksons, there aren’t many families in music who have had more of an impact on pop culture than the Simmons clan. Russell is one of the founders of Def Jam, a timeless and storied institution in music industry history. His brother, Joseph (known to the world asRev. Run), is a member of iconic trio, Run DMC, and the inspiration behind the hit television show “Run’s House.” Seemingly next up to bat is Run’s son and Russell’s nephew, Diggy. Since releasing his debut mixtape, The First Flight, last November, the praises and accolades have been coming hand over fist.

We recently had the chance to chop it up with the MC/fashion-fiend where he spoke candidly on a handful of topics such: the show’s impact on his music career, the negative comments regarding his older brother JoJo, his feelings towards Lil Twist and Bow Wow, the stigma about “child rappers” and what he personally feels he needs to improve on.