News Exclusives

Today In Hip Hop History: Mobb Deep’s Classic ‘The Infamous’ LP Released 27 Years Ago

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Much more successful than their debut, The Infamous is hailed a New York classic. Its gritty underground style is a staple in the hardcore movement that was going on at this time in New York. This album helped New York Hip Hop to separate itself from the mediocre backpacker style that was popular a few years prior. Havoc and Prodigy‘s production shaped a new sound that could separate them from any NYC crime rhymer at the time.

Helping to pave a way for future artists like The Diplomats or A$AP Mob, The Infamous promoted a sound a lifestyle that appealed to a side of New York that wasn’t being spoken to or about by the politically charged artists that came in the late 80s and early 90s. Much like Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) Mobb Deep acted as street prophets, spitting the truths of the hood without trying to be outwardly righteous about it. Featuring artists like Ghostface Killah, Nas, and Q-Tip, this project is a titan among it’s peers.

The album was a commercial success debuting at #15 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on the R&B/Hip Hop charts. The album was certified gold within the first month of its release and the three singles from the project all made appearances on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart with “Shook Ones Pt. II” and Survival of the Fittest” both making it on to the Billboard Hot 100.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Mobb Deep’s Classic ‘The Infamous’ LP Released 27 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: X-Clan Dropped Their Debut Album ‘To The East, Blackwards’ 32 Years Ago

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On this day in 1990, “The Verbalizer” Brother J, Professor X “The Overseer”, Paradise “The Architect” and DJ Sugar Shaft “The Rhythm Provider” collectively known as X-Clan, released their debut LP To The East, Blackwards on 4th And B’Way/Island Records.

Produced by the entire crew that was put together by Paradise, who at the time ran the NYC Hip Hop hotspot Latin Quarters nightclub, this album helped to pioneer a movement of Black empowerment in Hip Hop culture with an infusion of Parliament/Funkadelic that was attractive to the youth of that era. Their “Blackwatch” organization, which was led by Professor X’s father, Brooklyn activist Sonny “Abubadika” Carson, legitimized their involvement in raising the consciousness of the Hip Hop generation and their 11 track, debut project was one of the tools that they used to attract their cult-like followers.

Tracks such as “Funkin’ Lesson” and “Heed The Word Of The Brother” led to the album’s mainstream visibility, however, other songs like “A Day Of Outrage(Operation Snatchback)”, “Verbs Of Power” and “In The Ways Of The Scales” allow Brother J to instruct the listeners about the socio-political issues of people of African descent around the world, but primarily in the United States.

Salute to the original members of X-Clan as well as those who continue to carry the legacy of the Clan. Thanks for this timeless piece of Hip Hop history!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: X-Clan Dropped Their Debut Album ‘To The East, Blackwards’ 32 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] Pretty Lou’s 4th Annual Cancer Research Charity Concert Feat. Fat Joe, Capella Grey, Dream Doll Brings New Life To Irving Plaza

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On Wednesday, April 20th, HOT 97’s Heavy Hitter, DJ Pretty Lou celebrated his 4th annual birthday and benefit concert for cancer research at Irving Plaza in New York City. 

Performances included a soulful set by Suzann Christine, energy-charged sets by CJ and King Bulova, B-Lovee gave a birthday shout-out to Kay Flock during his set. J.I. the Prince of NY performed some of his fans’ favorite hits. Dream Doll and Capella Grey performed “You Know My Body.” Additional performances included Nemz, Baby Boy Slimee, Soribel, Lito, Deon Young, Rowdy Rebel, and Black Goon.  

Fat Joe, who has been a close support system throughout Lou’s seven-year battle with Leukemia, returned to the plaza to close out the show, performing classics and newer hits. Joe stated, “Whatever was donated in the event, I’ll double it.” 

During an intermission, Lou stated that the night was dedicated to his mother as he revealed that she is battling lung cancer. He explained to the audience that he almost canceled the concert due to the news, but his mother said, “No amigo, the concert goes on.” Before the show, he told her, “If I fought and won, I need you to win too.” 

The concert was hosted by HOT 97’s Mia Belle and Power 105.1 FM‘s Len Boogz. Notable attendees included Hot 97’s DJ Enuff, Hot 97’s DJ Camilo, DJ E. Stylez, Sexxy Stace Face, Maserati Maine, Gorilla Nems, Iman Nunez, Prince Lawrence, Marty Fresh, 5ive Mics, and more. Sponsors included Color Works and Bell Mistubishi.

The proceeds of this year’s event went directly to the Hebert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, which treated Pretty Lou. Premium boutique and lifestyle brand, Extra Butter donated an additional four thousand dollars to the charity event. 

J.I. the Prince said, “Pretty Lou ’s a warrior, a champion.”

The post [WATCH] Pretty Lou’s 4th Annual Cancer Research Charity Concert Feat. Fat Joe, Capella Grey, Dream Doll Brings New Life To Irving Plaza appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] Mike Tyson Smokes With Ric Flair And Rick Ross After Airplane Knockout

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After a stressful flight from San Francisco where he had to put hands on an annoying passenger, Mike Tyson decided that the best way to blow off steam was actually by sharing a joint with rapper Rick Ross and wrestling legend Ric Flair and just blowing smoke.

Tyson was seen with Slick Ric and Ricky Rozay at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference afterparty at LIV Miami smoking and joking, probably about the knockout incident on his JetBlue flight just 24 hours earlier. Tyson was reportedly scheduled to speak at the conference, but his appearance was apparently cancelled after the passenger beatdown video went viral.

As we previously reported, a viral video shows Tyson brutally putting the beats on a flight passenger who has now been identified as Melvin Townsend, II, with eyewitnesses saying Townsend was visibly intoxicated and continued to provoke the boxing legend. It was even reported that Townsend threw a water bottle at Tyson, but his lawyer denies that claim.

“When Mike Tyson boarded the plane, he became overly excited,” the lawyer told TMZ. “At first, their interaction was cordial. At a certain point, Mr. Tyson clearly became agitated by an overly excited fan and began to strike him in an excessive manner. This situation could have been avoided simply by contacting the flight attendant. Our client denies throwing a water bottle prior to being struck by Mr. Tyson.”

The post [WATCH] Mike Tyson Smokes With Ric Flair And Rick Ross After Airplane Knockout appeared first on The Source.

ASAP Bari Claims ASAP Relli Snitched On ASAP Rocky

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Not long after A$AP Rocky was released on $550K bail after being arrested at LAX on a assault with a deadly weapon charge, fellow ASAP Mob member ASAP Bari accuses ASAP Relli of dropping dime on Rocky because he was allegedly the victim in the crime.

In his IG story, ASAP Bari called out Relli, posting. a pic of him with the caption, “This rat ass n***a Told on rocky F**king rat.”

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TMZ reported that an unidentified victim went to police after he was allegedly shot by A$AP Rocky. The victim claimed the rapper pulled out a handgun and shot him in the hand. The victim was said to have a “minor injury” in the shooting and was later treated.

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Today In Hip Hop History: GangStarr Dropped Their Debut LP ‘No More Mr. Nice Guy’ 33 Years Ago

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On this date in 1989, Boston native Keith Elam and Houston native Christopher Martin, better known as Guru and DJ Premier, came together to continue the legacy of Gangstarr and released the group’s first full studio album entitled No More Mr. Nice Guy.

Released by overseas label Chrysalis Records, Gangstarr, and their debut release ironically had a heavy influence on the NYC Hip Hop sound, even though neither artists were native New Yorkers. Tracks such as “Positivity”, “Conscious Be Free” and the album’s lead single, “Manifest”, exposed Guru’s unparalleled slow flow, while instrumentals like “DJ Premier In Deep Concentration” just set the pace for who Hip Hop would later recognize as one of the greatest producers in the game.

Supreme salute goes out to DJ Premier, Guru(RIP), the Elam family, the Gangstarr Foundation and the entire East New York for creating a pivotal moment in Hip Hop history.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: GangStarr Dropped Their Debut LP ‘No More Mr. Nice Guy’ 33 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Mike Tyson’s Rep Says Flight Passenger Threw Water Bottle At The Champ

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The footage of boxing legend Mike Tyson putting the beats on a harassing passenger before leaving the plane on the flight from San Francisco has gone viral and now Tyson’s rep claims that the visibly intoxicated individual threw a water bottle at the champ before he got his lumps.

According to Iron Mike’s rep, “Unfortunately, Mr. Tyson had an incident on a flight with an aggressive passenger who began harassing him, and threw a water bottle at him while he was in his seat.”

Additionally, the San Francisco Police Department detained two people believed to be involved in the incident, but their identities were not revealed. San Fran Police did confirm that the individual who was treated for his injuries “provided minimal details of the incident and refused to cooperate further with the police investigation.”

TheSource.com will be providing details to this story as they develop.

The post Mike Tyson’s Rep Says Flight Passenger Threw Water Bottle At The Champ appeared first on The Source.

A$AP Rocky Released From Jail After Posting $550K Bond

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As previously reported, A$AP Rocky was detained yesterday at LAX Airport on his way back from Barbados for his connection to a 2021 shooting and was charged with assault with a deadly weapon upon his arrival to Los Angeles. Last night, Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Meyers, was released from L.A. County Jail on a $550K bond.

The L.A. Police Dept. issued this statement concerning the Harlem rapper’s arrest: “The argument escalated and resulted in the suspect firing a handgun at the victim,” the statement reads. “The victim sustained a minor injury from the incident and later sought his medical treatment. Following the shooting, the suspect and two additional males fled the area on foot. Detectives worked diligently to investigate and corroborate the reporting information, which helped identify the suspect(s) involved.”

TheSource.com will bring more updates to this story as details develop.

The post A$AP Rocky Released From Jail After Posting $550K Bond appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: The Beastie Boys’ Third LP ‘Check Your Head’ Turns 30 Years Old!

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Three decades ago today, Beastie Boys released their third studio album entitled Check Your Head released on Capitol Records.

This was a return to their punk rock roots after the few releases they had prior to this LP. They were back to playing their own instruments on this particular project, which gave it that organic feel they wanted. This was the album that made sure they would stick around and help them become a household name.

It was also the album that returned them Billboard’s Top 10 album chart, and most importantly it introduced them to a demographic that critics claimed was not listening to their sound anymore. “Check Your Head” only further cemented the Beastie Boys name in Hip Hop history!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: The Beastie Boys’ Third LP ‘Check Your Head’ Turns 30 Years Old! appeared first on The Source.

Happy Birthday To Killer Mike!

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On this day in Hip Hop history, Dungeon Family member Killer Mike was born in Atlanta, Georgia. From Grammy’s to politics, Killer Mike maybe one of the most slept on figures of this culture we call Hip Hop.

Killer Mike’s Hip Hop career began with a feature on OutKast‘s 2000 album Stankonia, on the track “Snappin & Trappin.” His follow up feature with OutKast on “The Whole World” won him a Grammy at the 2003 Grammy Awards for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. That same year Killer Mike released his debut studio album Monster, which peaked at #10 on the Billboard 200 chart and #4 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart.

Over the next few years, Killer Mike released I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind 1 & 2 before announcing in 2008 that he was signing to T.I.‘s record label Grand Hustle Records. Not much was heard from Killer Mike musically until he teamed up with El-P in 2011 to become Run the Jewels.

Killer Mike and El-P were introduced to each other by Cartoon Network executive Jason DeMarco. Later that year, El-P produced Killer Mike’s album R.A.P. Music. In the same year Killer Mike featured on El-P’s album Cancer 4 Cure. Due to the fact the albums were released within weeks of each other, the two decided to go on tour together. The success of the tour led the two to team up under the moniker Run the Jewels. The duo has since released two self-titled albums and plan to release a third this year. Run the Jewels 2 peaked at #50 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Aside from music, Killer Mike is one politically active and conscious brother. Most recently, he has been heavily campaigning for Bernie Sanders, introducing him at speaking engagements, sitting with at interviews, and even going to his fundraisers as an honored guest. Over his career he has passionate against police brutality against people of color, systematic racism, and has fought for social equality. It is obvious in his music and when he speaks in interviews that Killer Mike is passionate about humanity and wants to get us all on track and acting like civil, equal human beings.

Killer Mike has also appeared on T.V. and in movies and is currently active as a rapper. His next solo project, Elegant Elephant, has been in the works since 2013 but there’s no word on when it will be released. Killer Mike is an icon and his image in Hip Hop is one of the more positive ones the genre has to offer. Take some time today to enjoy some of the fruits of his labor if you don’t already listen on the daily. From everyone here at The Source, happy born day, Killer Mike. May you see many more years of success.

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