As the footage above suggests, Meek Mill has quickly achieved prominent status in the rap industry.  During his August 27th show at Irving Plaza in Manhattan, the Philadelphia rapper brought a plethora of hip-hop legends, including Slaughterhouse, Young Chris, MGK, Rick Ross, and Busta Rhymes.  In the clip, Rhymes performs his 1997 hit “Put Your Hands Where I Can See”, in addition to a new single.  Mill’s “Dreams and Nightmares” tour has previously seen famous guests, such as Drake at the Fillmore Silver Spring, but never on such a level.  Although the debut album, Dreams & Nightmares, won’t be available until October 30th, Mill has continued to promote the Dreamchasers 2 mixtape.  Just this week, the Maybach Music Group artist has released the “Face Down” music video, featuring Trey Songz, Wale, and Sam Sneaker, and made his acting debut in the BET film Streets.  Despite heavy support from his following, Mill continues to struggle with authority, as suggested by Assistant D.A. Noel Ann DeSantis warning the rapper to “tread lightly” after dissing her on “The Ride”.  Use the links below for further coverage of Meek Mill’s sudden rise.

Drake Makes Surprise Appearance with Meek Mill at the Fillmore

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/drake-makes-surprise-appearance-with-meek-mill-at-the-fillmore/2012/08/25/939c607c-eed5-11e1-b829-786e028dccb3_story.html

Meek Mill (Feat. Trey Songz, Wale & Sam Sneaker): “Face Down” (Music Video)

http://www.ballerstatus.com/2012/08/30/meek-mill-ft-trey-songz-wale-sam-sneaker-face-music-video/

Meek Mill Shows Off His Acting Chops on Upcoming World Premiere BET Film “Streets”

http://allhiphop.com/2012/08/27/meek-mill-shows-off-his-acting-chops-on-upcoming-bet-film-streets/

Meek Mill Gets Court Warning About His Lyrics

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1690975/meek-mill-ride-lyrics-court-warning.jhtml

Anyone even remotely familiar with modern rap culture understands Lupe Fiasco’s affinity for his hometown of Chicago, Illinois.  In this interview, the Atlantic recording artist expresses his allegiance by criticizing the impact of rapper Chief Keef’s image on the city.  “Chief Keef scares me,” Fiasco claims.  ”Not him specifically, but just the culture that he represents.  Specifically in Chicago. And I don’t speak this about any other city because I’m not from there.”  The 1st and 15th Entertainment CEO proceeds to state, “The hoodlums, the gangsters…they all look like Chief Keef.”  Meanwhile, Fiasco hopes to better represent the Windy City with the July release of his fourth album, Food & Liquor 2: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1.  Lupe has previously confirmed the completion of the album, now taking to Twitter announcing the first label listening session.  After Atlantic Records repeatedly delayed Fiasco’s third album, Lasers, fans took to organize mass protests for the release.  ”The only thing that’s holding Food & Liquor 2 up…is whether or not it’s gonna be a double CD or not,” said the rapper at a recent concert.  Find the track list of the new album below.

1. Ayesha Says (Intro)
2. Strange Fruition (Feat. Casey Benjamin)
3. ITAL (Roses)
4. Around My Way (Freedom Ain t Free)
5. Audubon Ballroom
6. Bitch Bad
7. Lamborghini Angels
8. Put Em Up
9. Heart Donor (Feat. Poo Bear)
10. How Dare You (Feat. Bilal)
11. Battle Scars (Feat. Guy Sebastian)
12. Brave Heart (Feat. Poo Bear)
13. Form Follows Function
14. Cold War (Feat. Jane $$$)
15. Unforgivable Youth (Feat. Jason Evigian)
16. Hood Now (Outro)
17. Things We Must Do For Others

In a preview of the “How it Feel” music video, Big Sean presents his trademark luxury and honed lyricism.  The song will be included in his new mixtape, Detroit, due September 5th.  With Sean finally famous, fans can expect plenty of additional material in the upcoming months, including features in the G.O.O.D. Music compilation album, Cruel Summer, and on his sophomore album, which should be available by the close of the year.

In a recent interview with Hard Knock TV, underground hip-hop phenomenon Immortal Technique discusses Jay Electronica’s alleged ghostwriting of “Queens Get the Money”, the opening track off Nas’ 2008 Untitled album.  The self-acclaimed KGB of rap, Technique claims to have witnessed extensive ghostwriting, further validating his criticism of the scandal’s handling.  The interview also features the Afro-Peruvian urban activist’s negative feedback for the producers of Rock the Bells, a traveling hip-hop music festival taking place this weekend in Holmdel, New Jersey.  Find Technique at the Paid Dues Stage, Sunday, September 2nd, between 7:35 and 8:15 PM.  If you’d like to read more about the ghostwriting accusations or purchase tickets to Rock the Bells, click the respective links below.

Hip Hop DX Explains Ghostwriting Scandal

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.20795/title.jay-electronica-sticman-of-dead-prez-reportedly-ghostwrote-portions-of-nas-untitled

Rock the Bells Tickets

http://rockthebells.net/tickets-all-dates

Opposites attract as Travis Barker and Yelawolf join together as Psycho White for their self-titled EP, Psycho White.  The project will contain all five songs recorded by the Shady Records rapper and Blink 182 drummer. Featured vocals include Skinhead Rob and Tim Armstrong of The Transplants, an alternative trio completed by Barker. Michael Myers and Superman also join as guests on the album, expecting a late October or early November release via Famous Stars and Straps.  Watch Psycho White’s first official interview above and check out the EP’s track listing below.

Psycho White Track List

1. “Push ‘Em” (Feat. Skinhead Rob & Tim Armstrong)

2. 6 Feet Underground (Feat. Tim Armstrong)

3. Funky Shit

4. Whistle Dixie

5. Director’s Cut (Feat. Michael Myers & Superman)

Since Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded ‘s April 2nd release, Nicki Minaj has coasted off the hype of her sophomore album.  Uploaded on Vevo Friday, the Young Money songstress’ “I Am Your Leader” video has been racking up the hits.  Featuring Rick Ross and Cam’Ron, the Collin Tilley directed video finds an exotic-wigged Minaj rapping from her bubble bath.  Seeking to capitalize off that eccentricity, the American Idol producers have offered Nicki a reported $8 million to judge season twelve of the singing competition.  Besides awaiting that decision, fans hope Minaj will overcome strained vocal chords by tomorrow to headline the 4Music Stage at V Festival.  Neglecting doctor’s orders, Nicki performed at New York’s Roseland Ballroom Tuesday night, further damaging the already bruised chords.  Links pertaining to these stories below.

Nicki Minaj Nearing American Idol Deal

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-nicki-minaj-keith-urban-judges-365339

Nicki Minaj Battles Strained Vocal Chords

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1692047/nicki-minaj-v-festival-vocal-chords.jhtml

Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, and Royce da 5’9” of hip-hop conglomerate Slaughterhouse recently joined Young Jack Thriller in a highly entertaining interview for This is 50.  After discussing their potential participation on the VH1 reality show Love & Hip Hop, the rappers ask Thriller which five hip-hop artists, dead or alive, are his favorites.  In part two, the crew break down the meaning behind their new Cee Lo Green collaboration, “My Life”.  Discussion extends to the entire forthcoming album, Welcome to: Our House, in the third clip.  Links to the interviews are available below, as well as access to pre-order the album, available tomorrow on Shady Records.

This is 50 Interview: Part Two

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GN_G3LPLnEY

This is 50 Interview: Part Three

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtM1V6gXBd0

Pre-Order Welcome to: Our House on Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Welcome-To-Our-House-Explicit/dp/B008Y0X1MM

Sean “Diddy” Combs recently released the first promotional video in support of his new documentary, IBIZA.  The film will present the entertainment mogul’s explorations of the unofficial electronic dance music and nightlife capital of the world.  Adding to a comprehensive repertoire of media offering an inside look into Sean John lifestyle, the movie is expecting a fall release.  Meanwhile, Belizean American rapper Shyne took to Twitter elaborating on his Diddy diss track, “You’re Welcome”, calling Puff a “rat” (link below).

http://allhiphop.com/2012/08/23/hip-hop-rumors-shyne-strikes-again-goes-off-on-diddy-over-twitter-calls-him-a-rat/

I don’t like New York”
- Lil Wayne

”

—

Two days after Young Money boss declared his dislike for the Empire State to MTV, the media still dwells on the bold comment.  While XXL Magazine drafted a timeline of Tunechi’s relationship with the “Big Apple”, MTV has recorded Birdman’s support for the wild statement.  State politician Malcolm Smith and his supporters have still not received the public apology requested from the New Orleans spitter.  I’ve attached the links essential for a comprehensive analysis of the situation.

“Lil Wayne & New York: A Timeline of Young Money Boss’ Relationship with the Rotten Apple” - XXL Magazine

http://www.xxlmag.com/features/2012/08/lil-wayne-new-york-a-timeline-of-young-money-boss-relationship-with-the-rotten-apple/#1

“Birdman Backs Lil Wayne’s ‘New York’ Comment” - MTV News

http://rapfix.mtv.com/2012/08/23/birdman-backs-lil-waynes-new-york-comment/

“Snub to City by Little Wayne Outrages an Official” - The New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/23/nyregion/malcolm-smith-demands-apology-for-lil-waynes-insult-to-new-york.html

Yesterday morning Game dropped by Big Boy’s Neighborhood to premiere his new track, “Celebration”, featuring some of the hip-hop community’s finest.  Chris Brown, Tyga, Lil Wayne, and Wiz Khalifa all congregate to spit straight fire over the sample of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony’s “First of the Month”.  This preview is our exciting first look into Game’s fifth studio album, The Dispensary.  The Compton lyricist has also been confirmed as a guest on Napalm, Xzibit’s forthcoming album, which presently has an October 9th release date.