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Prince & The New Power Generation’s “Diamonds And Pearls” Released in Immersive Audio

September 29, 2023 by newhiphopnews

NPG Records and Paisley Park Enterprises, in collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Records, have unveiled a groundbreaking release for Prince fans. The iconic 1991 album, “Diamonds And Pearls,” has been reimagined in Dolby ATMOS and Sony 360 RA formats, marking the first time a Prince studio album has been available in immersive audio.

Engineered by GRAMMY-nominated Prince audio engineer Chris James, the new Dolby ATMOS and Sony 360 RA mixes promise an unprecedented listening experience, allowing fans to rediscover “Diamonds And Pearls” in a whole new light. These immersive audio formats and newly remastered stereo audio are available for streaming now.

“Prophetically, the production aesthetic of this album seems predestined for immersive formats. The songs with high track counts and cinematic sound effects play fantastically into the surrounds and ceiling, while less embellished arrangements come alive, effectively putting the listener into the very same room as Prince and band.”

– Chris James

In addition to this remarkable audio upgrade, today also brings the release of two previously unreleased tracks: “Get Blue” and “Live 4 Love (Early Version).” These gems are part of the upcoming expanded “Diamonds And Pearls ” reissue, which is set to release on Oct. 27th.

“Get Blue” offers a glimpse into Prince’s creative process, showcasing his mastery by playing every instrument and overseeing the recording and mixing. This unreleased demo later appeared on R&B artist Louie Louie’s 1993 album “Let’s Get Started.”

“Live 4 Love (Early Version)” serves as an early attempt to track “Live 4 Love,” featuring prominent “live for love” chants recorded during Prince’s 1990 Nude tour. The song was ultimately included in the commercially released version of “Diamonds And Pearls.” The early version showcases Prince’s ingenuity, with members of The New Power Generation contributing to its unique sound.

Alongside the expanded reissue, a multi-part podcast series on the creation and legacy of Diamonds And Pearls is set to launch on Oct, 12th. Hosted and produced by Andrea Swensson, the podcast will offer insights from every member of that era’s New Power Generation, providing a comprehensive exploration of the album’s creation and its enduring impact on Prince’s legacy.

This reissue contains 47 previously unreleased audio tracks and over two hours of high-intensity live concert footage. It also features a 120-page hardback book with rare photos, Prince’s handwritten lyrics, and more, in addition to the remastered album. “Diamonds And Pearls” is a pivotal moment in Prince’s career, blending hip-hop, dance, gospel, and pop to reclaim his position at the top of the charts.

The release of “Get Blue” and “Live 4 Love (Early Version)” follows the introduction of “Cream (Take 2),” “Alice Through The Looking Glass,” and “Insatiable (Early Mix-Full Version)” in August, offering fans an unprecedented peek into the genius of Prince’s creative process.

The post Prince & The New Power Generation’s “Diamonds And Pearls” Released in Immersive Audio first appeared on The Source.

The post Prince & The New Power Generation’s “Diamonds And Pearls” Released in Immersive Audio appeared first on The Source.

50 Cent Accidentally Dislocated Stunt Man’s Finger In ‘Expendables 4’

September 28, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Rapper-turned-mogul 50 Cent has been keeping up with the challenging action scenes on The Expendables 4. Stunt coordinator Alan Ng told PopCulture.com that the rapper/actor was “very powerful and strong, like a tank,” so much so that he inadvertently injured a stunt performer while filming the fourth installment in the star-studded action franchise.

“He was actually so strong that in one of the scenes, he was supposed to barge into a stunt performer and his strength resulted in the guy going flying and dislocated his finger,” he said. “The guy and his finger are okay now, of course.”

Ng added, “50 Cent is very powerful and strong so that made it very easy to work with him.”

Following Ng’s interview, 50 Cent (real name Curtis Jackson) shared a screenshot of the headline to Instagram, offering some additional context.

“I was 237 lbs in EXPENDABLES 4 I’m back down to 208,” Jackson wrote in the caption. “I still got a little POWER check out the movie.”

The post 50 Cent Accidentally Dislocated Stunt Man’s Finger In ‘Expendables 4’ first appeared on The Source.

The post 50 Cent Accidentally Dislocated Stunt Man’s Finger In ‘Expendables 4’ appeared first on The Source.

Love & Hip Hop’ Star Erica Mena Disappointed She Was Left Out Of Show’s Colorism Special

September 28, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta star Erica Mena has been in hot water when she was recently cut from the show after calling a co-star a racial slur. Now she is striking back at the show claiming she is disappointed she wasn’t invited to the post-finale special, Racism, Colorism, and the Uncomfortable Truth.

Hosted by Colorism Healing founder Dr. Sarah L. Webb, a few Love & Hip Hop Atlanta stars sat down for a roundtable discussion about racism and anti-Black bias in society. Mena was notably absent, and allegedly she was asked not to participate.

According to her rep, Steve Honig, Mena would’ve wanted to participate in the special and conversation but said the show instead chose to “silence her.”

In the Aug. 29 episode of the reality series, co-star Spice insulted Mena’s children, and Mena responded by flipping a table and yelling obscenities including, “You should’ve died” and “You monkey, you f—ing blue monkey.”

The following week, the show announced on social media that Mena would be removed from the series. “The Love & Hip Hop franchise has never shied away from hard conversations in our community,” the statement began. “Working hand-in-hand with our partners, viewers will see the impact of Erica Mena’s remarks play out in the final three episodes of the season. Effectively immediately, she will not appear in the next season.”

Mena has since apologized for the remark. “I deeply regret my insensitive comment and want to humbly apologize to anybody I hurt or offended by my thoughtlessness,” she said.

Honig also claimed that reports saying they stopped working with her immediately is false, and the show continued filming with Mena for months after the incident.

Thoughts?

The post Love & Hip Hop’ Star Erica Mena Disappointed She Was Left Out Of Show’s Colorism Special first appeared on The Source.

The post Love & Hip Hop’ Star Erica Mena Disappointed She Was Left Out Of Show’s Colorism Special appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Method Man and Redman Released Their Joint Debut LP ‘Blackout!’ 24 Years Ago

September 28, 2023 by newhiphopnews

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On this date in 1999, Wu-Tang Clan member Method Man and Def Quad standout Redman collaborated on their first full-length studio album entitled Blackout! on the Def Jam Recording imprint.

Serving as a prequel to their 2001 blockbuster silver screen debut in How High, Red and Meth’s debut album, which was originally to be titled Amerikaz Most Blunted, debuted on No. 2 of US Billboard 200 and sold over a quarter-million copies in its first week.

The 19-track album failed to disappoint, churning out singles like “4 Sessions” featuring Queens legends LL Cool J and Ja Rule, the RZA-produced “Cereal Killer” and “Run 4 Cover” which featured Meth Wu cronies Street Life and Ghostface Killah.

Salute to Red and Meth for their timeless collaborations, especially this one that set the pace for their inevitable popularity that you see today!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Method Man and Redman Released Their Joint Debut LP ‘Blackout!’ 24 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Method Man and Redman Released Their Joint Debut LP ‘Blackout!’ 24 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: KRS-One’s ‘Return Of The Boom Bap’ LP Turns 30 Years Old!

September 28, 2023 by newhiphopnews

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Blastmaster KRS 1 dropped his first solo album 30 years ago today.

Sometimes the best way to do things is to do it yourself. This is the realization that KRS, the general of the Boogie Down Productions crew, came to when he dropped Return Of The Boom Bap. It was his first solo LP and was recorded almost totally in the legendary D&D Studios. With production from DJ Premier, Kid Capri, and Showbiz of Showbiz & A.G. while being promoted and marketed by Jive Records, this album is one of Hip Hop’s buried treasures. Rated 4 mics by The Source Magazine, songs like “Outta Here” spoke directly to new jack emcees seeking fame, while tracks like “Black Cop” and “Sound Of The Police” spoke consciousness to the masses and still rocked the clubs. The album peaked at #37 on the Billboard 200.

We thank the Blastmaster for such a classic project that has stood the test of time. Salute!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: KRS-One’s ‘Return Of The Boom Bap’ LP Turns 30 Years Old! first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: KRS-One’s ‘Return Of The Boom Bap’ LP Turns 30 Years Old! appeared first on The Source.

Charlamagne Tha God Says Colin Kaepernick’s Letter to Jets is ‘Down Right Pathetic’

September 28, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Charlamagne Tha God isn’t feeling Colin Kaepernick’s letter to the New York Jets asking to become a practice team member. During Wednesday’s edition of The Breakfast Club, Charlamagne called the letter “pitiful.”

“It’s tragically said and down right pathetic that Colin Kapernick wrote that letter,” Charlamagne said. “He has let his setbacks become his identity. God has exalted Colin Kaepernick into a position of leadership in regards to activism and it pains me to see him begging to be in a league that he compared to a plantation.

“I hate that he can never speak for himself. He always has someone speaking for him or putting out a message for him and that’s so wack to me. I wish Colin the best in all his endeavors but this begging the same people he called racist for an opportunity is absolutely pitiful to me.”

In case you missed it, Colin Kaepernick is attempting to make the New York Jets practice squad, and J. Cole is down to help. Hitting Instagram, Cole released a letter from Kaep to the Jets’ General Manager, Joe Douglas.

“I asked Colin @kaepernick7 if I could share this letter with the world. He was reluctant,” Cole wrote. “My argument was that I believe the people and all organizations should know the truth about how hard he works and how much he still wants to play. And always has. In the end, he agreed to let me.”

Kaepernick detailed how his abilities could prep the Jets’ defense for future games against mobile quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson, and Jalen Hurts in the letter. Kaep also stated he was not attempting to undermine the current starting quarterback, Zach Wilson.

You can see his full message below.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cole World (@realcoleworld)

The post Charlamagne Tha God Says Colin Kaepernick’s Letter to Jets is ‘Down Right Pathetic’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Charlamagne Tha God Says Colin Kaepernick’s Letter to Jets is ‘Down Right Pathetic’ appeared first on The Source.

SOURCE SPORTS: Jimmy Butler Jokes About Milwaukee Bucks Tampering in Damian Lillard Deal

September 28, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Jimmy Butler to Coach Spoelstra in Closing Moments: 'Let Me Be That Guy'

Jimmy Butler wants the NBA’s version of a RICO opened on the Milwaukee Bucks. In case you missed it, the Bucks landed Damian Lillard in a trade, a deal that long thought would send the point guard to the Miami HEAT.

According to ESPN, the other teams in the deal are the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks. The Blazers will receive Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, Milwaukee’s 2029 unprotected 1st-round draft pick, and unprotected Milwaukee swap rights in 2028 and 2030.

The Suns will get Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little, and Keon Johnson.

Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo in recent years flirted with idea of playing with one another but the hold up was each star wanted the other to join their team. Milwaukee landed Antetokounmpo’s desired star mate.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) September 27, 2023

In a Fresno barbershop called Phase II a few months ago, Giannis Antetokounmpo was asked of the one player he would like to play with. His response was Damian Lillard.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) September 27, 2023

Hitting social media, Butler wants the NBA to look into the Bucks. Although, it could just be a joke to the moment.

“Yo NBA man, y’all need to look into the Bucks for tampering,” Butler said. “Y’all didn’t hear it from me, but I heard it from somebody.”

“Yo NBA man, y’all need to look into the Bucks for tampering… Y’all didn’t hear it from me, but I heard it from somebody.”

Jimmy Butler speaks on Damian Lillard being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks

(via @JimmyButler / IG)pic.twitter.com/fDBMSEHN3h

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 27, 2023

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Jimmy Butler Jokes About Milwaukee Bucks Tampering in Damian Lillard Deal first appeared on The Source.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Jimmy Butler Jokes About Milwaukee Bucks Tampering in Damian Lillard Deal appeared first on The Source.

Usher Receives Massive Streaming Jump Following Super Bowl Announcement

September 28, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Usher is getting ready to close an epic 2023 and get ready for a more grand 2024. With plans for the Super Bowl underway, Usher’s catalog is receiving a big boost.

According to Billboard, Usher’s music is rising in streams, with increases headed into the millions. Between Sunday’s announcement and Monday, Usher saw a 16% increase. His most streamed single over the time period is his recently released “Good Good,” featuring Summer Walker and 21 Savage. The single was streamed 1.1 million times, a 5% jump. His staple “Yeah!” also got 962,000 streams, while “My Boo” moved 527,000 streams. On Tidal, “You Make Me Wanna…” had a 55% jump.

With a Super Bowl performance on the way and an album loaded, Usher‘s 2024 is about to get crazy. The next announcement is reportedly a world tour.

According to Billboard, Usher is scheming on a global tour, his first in a decade. Usher’s team is reportedly working to secure locations worldwide to bring his live show.

The full report is below.

Usher Is Planning a Global Tour to Follow Super Bowl Halftime Show https://t.co/Pow4qk9Jn3

— billboard (@billboard) September 26, 2023

Usher recently enjoyed a playful moment with Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union as he took his residency globally for a stay in France. His current set of dates is as the La Seine Musicale in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, and the power couple was in attendance.

As Usher reaches the point of his set where he serenades a woman, he approaches Union to sing but then hits a pause. “This is Dwyane Wade, I ain’t crazy! That man will knock my whole head off and then dunk it.”

The two laugh it off before Usher says, “So happy to see you.”