Funny how @MCHammer is dissing Jay-Z, meanwhile, Hov bigs him up in his book, Decoded. – B. Dot
For those that don’t know, Rap Radar’s own B. Dot recently cross the burning sands and became the newest member of the Illuminati. While that previous statement was a joke, he did call it damn near verbatim. Jay-Z sat down with Semtex for an interview on a list of topics. The number one surrounding Hov at the moment involves MC Hammer and his “diss” video, if you want to call it that.
The following audio clip is Shawn’s take on the entire nonsense.
No need for an introduction this week. We think the news links we’ll speak for themselves. It seems like there’s always a lot of drama, news, and craziness during this part of the year. Do people really SHOCK you anymore? Click the links to see if you’ve lost your fear factor.
Sade Says She’s Denied Jay-Z For A Collaboration [BallerStatus]
E-Cycle: The 5 Best Ways To Get Rid of Your Old Gadgets [Complex]
Is Charlotte's own Tasha Michelle Grade A Material? - Twitter:@_TashaMichelle
Let’s toast to another week of news, information, and shocking events. Watching the news in many ways can be full enough entertainment to satisfy a lot of people’s needs. But nonetheless, we at #GradeA continue to keep you in the know. So click the jumplink to see what you need to know for school, work, or just general convo for the rest of the week.
Top 10 Cities For African-Americans To Live [HipHopWired]
Google is testing cars that drive themselves [Mashable]
Then again, I’m just a sucker for a good story, regardless of the topic. To this day, my grandmother will tell me stories of what life was like in the Great Depression and the Civil Rights Movement. And each time I still find myself in amazement. It’s the same way with music and probably explains the reason why I watch that damn Jackson movie every time it comes on VH1. With that in mind, Hip-Hop has more than its fair share of back stories. The Welcome To Death Row DVD has tons of them if you find yourself interested. However, one of the dopest involves Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z and the George Westinghouse Technical & Vocational High School cafeteria.
It’s be a rocky couple of months for DeAndre Way,better known asSoulja Boy. The now infamous video with Kat Stacks alleging to his cocaine usage became an internet sensation and a stigma he has yet to escape. His tweeting attack against Fabolous was largely looked down upon. Knowing all this, VIBE decided to Soulja their first ever digital cover. In it, the rise of one of Hip-Hop’s youngest success stories is explored.
SOULJA BOY is boiling inside. Despite his building anger, he clings to his resolve as his father asks that same damn question. He’s infuriated, yet sits quietly, praying for a conclusion to his father’s preaching. That is until young’n’s invocation is answered, allowing him to answer. Read the rest of this entry »
As a LeBron James fan, it’s been a rough summer. The critics, the analysis, the Comic Sans font, the old heads. Pretty much, the guy has seen his image go from Barack in ’08 to Kat Stacks in 2010 in one offseason. Throughout the summer, I’ve found myself in a countless number of debates defending LBJ and the fact he’s still arguably the best player on the planet. That’s about the time when the wolves come out in defense of Kobe Bryant. True #24 supporters are a different breed of fans, you see.
Is BMore's Tierra Porter Grade A Material? Contact - Tportermk@ymail.com
Another day, Another Dolla as they say. As the world turns so does the events that grasp the attention of the world. As always we work to keep you informed and educated on a few things that will at the very least provide you with the means to break any akward silence. Thank us later – GradeA.
From the moment it leaked, talk of who had the best verse on “So Appalled” rang loud. Some say Pusha. Others petitioned for CyHi. Myself, I was on the Hov bandwagon. There’s not many artists better in the history of rap music than an angry and sharp Shawn Carter. When he’s in such a zone, lyrical casualties are normally the result and this time was no different. To the chagrin of no one, the man who made parachute pants poppin’ – MC Hammer – fell for the bait in the form of the said bars.
“And Hammer went broke so you know I’m more focused
I lost 30 mil so I spent another 30
Cause unlike Hammer 30 million can’t hurt me.”
Hammer then took to his near two million Twitter follower audience to let folks know he was none too pleased with the shot. On one hand, being called out sucks. On the other, everyone and their publicist knows Hammer is known as the antagonist for money management. So while it may be a diss, there’s also a lot of truth in Jay’s allusion as well. Read the rest of this entry »
This actually happened nearly two weeks ago, but I’m pretty sure a lot of people don’t know about it. We all know Bob Marley. His timeless music. We’ve all got our favorites. The marijuana connection. We’ve all see the posters and paid homage in some shape or fashion. And his untimely death. We’ve heard damn near as many conspiracy theories around his as with Tupac’s.
The name “Marley” is as polarizing as it is symbolic. Given this, it only makes sense that his name would be able to support his family for decades. Not exactly. Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Denise Cote ruled UMG Recordings was the copyright owner of five Bob albums he recorded between the years of 1973-1977. His family, on the other hand, was left out to dry. Read the rest of this entry »
Jim Jones loves the kids and apparently he’s running for the title of the hood’s “Robin Hood.” You may remember earlier this year Capo stepping into a classroom and giving kids the run down on the music business. That act was well received by the public and Hip-Hop community alike. With that in mind, Jones is taking it a step further. Harlem’s own popped up at a school in the Bronx this past Saturday and blessed the people with laptops and iPod Touches.
Why? I’m not sure, but there’s now law stating you must have a reason to give back those less fortunate and remembering where you came from. Respect to Jim for the act of generosity and making sure his money goes to good use. Don’t expect to see this on your evening news though.
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