OKC THUNDER STAR HINTS AT DROPPING RAP ALBUM: "RAPPING IS ONE OF THOSE THINGS I JUST ENJOY DOING"

Written by Cyrus Langhorne

Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant is preparing to display his off-court skills by hinting at plans to hit the recording booth and piece together a possible hip-hop album.

Although mum on the details, Durant dished out his love for spitting a few bars.

"I enjoy doing a lot of different things. I'm a basketball player. That's what I do and what I love but that's just not all who I am. I'm talented in a lot of different areas. Rapping is one of those things I just enjoy doing. I have fun doing. [Basketball player]Stephen Jackson is pretty good. He's a nice rapper. It's a privilege to be on a song with him. It's not one of those songs where you're just talking about how much money you got. It's one of those inspirational kind of deals. ... I think I'm going to do something. I have some resources and some nice people that's going to help me out. I have a studio in my house already. Maybe I might put out a little something and have a little something." (Washington Post)

Last summer, retired NFL super star Deion Sanders talked toSOHH about the popularity of athletes, including himself, trying out the music industry.

"I think there's a commonality that athletes and [music] entertainers share," Sanders told SOHH. "Athletes have a dream about being an entertainer. We want to entertain in some form or fashion. And then you have a lot of [music] entertainers who dream about being an athlete. That's why you see a lot of them playing in these celebrity charity games. They want to show off their athletic skills because they never made it into that realm and we never made it to the other side." (SOHH)

He also cited sports stars like Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant forwanting to fulfill their music dreams.

"It just so happens you have the notoriety and means to be able to fulfill some of your dreams," Sanders added. "That's where it came from. That's what I did, fulfilled a dream. That's what Shaq, Iverson, Kobe and many of the others did. I'm sure they just fulfilled the dream they had. Whether it's with a basketball in your hands or a microphone." (SOHH)

Recently, music newcomer Hazel-E hit up SOHH and discussed OKC Thunder's James Hardenand Durant's love for hip-hop.

"James is cool. He is actually a big fan of this rapper Y.G. out in Cali. Y.G. had this record out and so he hit me up on Twitter about a year and a half ago and he said, "Yo, I like that record you've got with Y.G." He has a record label and was talking about how we could get together and do some tracks. He was down in Houston a lot when I was signed to Swishahouse doing his summer camps. I would just go and hang out with him and Kevin Durant. We'd just hang out, do freestyle verses and stuff." 

GAME CREDITS KANYE WEST FOR HELPING HIM FIND "JESUS" [VIDEO]

Written by Cyrus Langhorne

West Coast rapper Game recently delved into his recently nixed F.I.V.E. (Fear Is Victory's Evolution)album title and why Kanye West is largely responsible for inspiring its current title, Jesus Piece.

The Black Wall Street leader also said Cool & Dre's Dre helped inspire the title change.

Originally titled F.I.V.E. (Fear Is Victory's Evolution), he changed it to Jesus Piece after Trey Songz released his similarly-titled album Chapter V. Game, who owns several Jesus pieces, told DJ Skee how he came up with the title. "I did a song with Kanye that was called 'Jesus Piece,'" he said. "One day we was in the studio and Dre from Cool & Dre was just like, 'We should call the album 'Jesus Piece." You know how much controversy that will be?" (Rap-Up)

A few days ago, Game said the current popularity of the number five in music ultimately forced him to nix his previously titled LP.

"Trey Songz came with his album Chapter V, and of course 50had 5 (Murder by Numbers), I just felt like I should jump off that wagon," says Game. "So I went back into the studio and started doing songs that leaned more towards the title. I think people gon' appreciate the concept once they hear the music. -- Jesus Piecegives me an opportunity to speak about situations that people like me who love God but are still street and still wanna remain themselves without going the Pastor Mase route. It gives the opportunity to know that it's somebody out there that feels them." (VIBE)

He also dug deeper into the meaning behind his album title.

"You can still have swag and be a Christian, you ain't gotta wear a suit to church, you ain't gotta take a bath in Holy water. You can still have your Ciroc in the club, it's just a faith thing and making sure you try to do right. I'm still a father, I still smoke, I still rep Compton, I still might shoot dice or have a fight if I have to defend myself. ... I wanted this album to supersede what The Documentary did lyrically. Every time someone walks into the studio and listens--from Wayne, to Ross to Khaled--everybody says 'that's the Hurricane.' That makes me feel like I'm the old Game again. I'm just happy because I was able to find that creative space. I'm having fun." (VIBE)

Back in May, R&B singer Ne-Yo talked about giving his upcoming LP the same title as Game's 2011 solo effort, R.E.D.

R&B megastar Ne-Yo says he's NOT GUILTY of stealing the title of his upcoming album R.E.D.from The Game ... even though Game released his R.E.D. album last year. "No ... I don't feel like I ripped off The Game's album," Ne-Yo told us at LAX ... insisting he carefully selected the name of his album (which stands for Realizing Every Dream) because he felt it had a good fit ... not because he was trying to copy the rapper. FYI -- Game's R.E.D. album debuted #1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. "Until The Game comes up to me and says he has a problem with it, I don't care what people think." ... Ne-Yo said. He also points out that he's not the first artist to inadvertently use another artist's album title -- "Jay-Z did The Blueprint and so did KRS-One." (TMZ)

Check out Game's interview below:

EVELYN LOZADA BREAKS SILENCE ON OCHOCINCO: "[CHAD MADE] A BAD CHOICE THAT DESTROYED HIS LIFE" [VIDEO]

Written by Cyrus Langhorne

Reality star Evelyn Lozada has finally come forward to speak out on her estranged husband Chad Ochocinco getting arrested on domestic violence earlier this month and the publicized aftermath

Based on an excerpt from her "Nightline" interview tonight (August 31), Lozada does not hold back her emotions.

Evelyn Lozada says despite his arrest for allegedly head-butting her, she still loves estranged husband Chad Johnson -- but adds she can't imagine speaking to him any time soon. In an interview with "Nightline" that airs tonight, Lozada described the alleged domestic violence incident as "a bad choice that destroyed his life ... But it was his choice, it wasn't mine." Lozada said she hopes Chad is getting help and she wants "the best for him," but says that being apart is "the right thing." Johnson is expected to be arraigned in September. Evelyn filed for divorce 2 days after his arrest. (TMZ)

Prior to losing a coconut water drink endorsement, VH1 pulled the plug on airing Evelyn and Chad's reality show.

VH1 scrapped plans to produce a reality show series based on Chad Johnson's marriage to reality star Evelyn Lozada, who appeared on the network's "Basketball Wives" series. "Due to the unfortunate events over the weekend and the seriousness of the allegations, VH1 is pulling the series Ev and Ocho from its schedule and has no current plans of airing it," the network said in a statement. (Chicago Tribune)

Ochocinco also got cut from the Miami Dolphins in light of the arrest.

Attention, young wide receivers: If you have a flair for the dramatic, a need for media attention and you frequently create headlines for things other than football accomplishments, consider these flaws that you need to correct. These qualities do not pay any longer. Chad Johnson, Terrell Owens and Plaxico Burresshighlighted the era of the diva wide receiver in the NFL. They have not enjoyed the respective twilights of their careers. Chad Johnson was released on Sunday night , a very short time after he'd been arrested for allegedly head-butting his new bride . Whether or not he'll find a job again in the NFL is unclear, but at the very least, it's no sure thing. When the Dolphins signed him back in June, it was for $925,000 - the league's veteran minimum - with no guaranteed money. It's not like there was a bidding war for his services, even before the arrest. (Yahoo Sports)

The publicized NFL player has since released a statement apologizing for his actions.

It's been a nightmare couple of days since Chad Johnson was arrested for alleged domestic assault against wife Evelyn Lozada. The wideout was released by the Dolphins, his reality television show was canceled and Lozada announced she's filing for divorce. On Tuesday, Johnson issued an apology for "recent events" and didn't refute Lozada's claim from earlier in the day that he "made false accusations against" her. "I would like to apologize to everyone for the recent events that have occurred. I would like to wish Evelyn well and will never say anything bad about her because I truly love her to death," Johnson said in a statement. "I will continue to be positive and train hard for another opportunity in the NFL. To all the fans and supporters I have disappointed, you have my sincerest apologies. I will stay positive and get through this tough period in my life." (CBS Sports)

Check out a clip of Evelyn Lozada's interview below:

Barry Hankerson, Uncle To The Late Aaliyah, Releases Alleged Cover Art For Posthumous Project

by DANIELLE HARLING

A man claiming to be the uncle of the late Aaliyah posts a picture of the alleged cover art for the singer's posthumous album.

In a series of posts made on Twitter this week Barry Hankerson (@BarryHankerson), the man claiming to be the uncle and former manager of the late Aaliyah on Twitter, revealed the alleged cover art for what he says will be Aaliyah’s posthumous album.

Hankerson also revealed that the album will be released sometime next year.

“Aaliyah posthumous 2013 16 unreleased tracks produced by @Drake @OVO40 Enough said #TeamAaliyah RT,” said Hankerson in various Tweets.

The cover art features a black and white picture of the singer as well as the singer’s signature “A” logo.

As of now neither the cover art nor the 2013 release date have been confirmed by any other agencies.

Chris Lighty, Founder Of Violator Found Dead

by ALLEN JACOBS

UPDATE: Police reports confirm that Chris Lighty took his own life amidst a difficult year for the veteran music executive.

Longtime Hip Hop executive Chris Lighty has died. News broke today (August 30) first on Twitter and thenconfirmed on VIBE.com that the Bronx, New York native and founder of Violator Entertainment died from an alleged suicide. Details are still emerging.

Lighty was integral to the careers of 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes, N.O.R.E., Diamond D, and many others. After growing up under the tutelage of Hip Hop icons like DJ Red Alert, Lighty began working professional at Russell Simmons' RUSH Management firm in the late 1980s, where he helped work with Def Jam Records artists and others in securing endorsement deals and touring.

A part of the Native Tongues at the turn of the decade, Lighty and his brother as The Violators, helped the movement alongside A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul.

The Violator name carried on in the late 1990s and 2000s, when Lighty launched his own firm. The management company handled clients ranging from Diamond D and Foxy Brown to Busta Rhymes and Q-Tip. In recent years, Lighty was working on Brand Asset Group with Lyor Cohen, his longtime associate and friend, and Warner Music Group. Last September, Violator merged with Primary Wave to form powerhouse management company Primary Violator.

N.O.R.E. mourned the passing on Twitter, saying, "I will be a Violator for life 4ever."

UPDATE: The New York Daily News confirms that Lighty was found dead at his apartment in Bronx, New York this morning at 11:30 am EST. He was shot in the head in what arriving officers reported was self-inflicted. Police officials also told the newspaper that Lighty, 44 years old, was newly divorced and owed the IRS several million dollars.

On The G!  extends our condolences to the Lighty family, Violator and all of Chris' friends and associates.

50 Cent Sues Sleek Audio For $285,000 Unpaid Loan

by STEVEN J. HOROWITZ

50 Cent goes after his former business partner for his wireless headphones, "Sleek by 50."

50 Cent has sued Sleek Audio LLC over an unpaid $285,000 promissory note that he lent to the company in 2010, according to The Miami Herald.

Fif initially partnered with Sleek for his “Sleek by 50” wireless headphones and terminated his partnership with the company in May. He claims that Sleek Audio agreed to make payments on the loan once it reached $750,000 in revenue, an amount that was apparently met in February 2011. After 50 partnered with SMS Audio, Sleek claimed that the initial loan was nullified since he took the idea to a competitor, and “purposely omitted and misstated information during their negotiations with intent of fraud,” according to the suit.

“Sleek would have never borrowed money from [Curtis] Jackson or allowed him to invest in its company had it known that Jackson would ultimately use this tactic (of misusing the money) to steal its design, technology and headphones," said the company in an un-sworn court statement.

50 tried to recoup the money in March 2011 but the company “essentially refused” by making itself unavailable to meet.

In addition to asking for his advance money returned, he is demanding $61,429 in back interest as well as an additional 15 percent for any unpaid debt moving forward. He also requests that Sleek Audio cover any legal fees connected to this issue.

Craig G "Ramblings Of An Angry Old Man" Tracklist & Release Date

by Jake Paine

                

UPDATE: The Queensbridge O.G. is back with an October LP that features involvement from Styles P, Devin The Dude, Jake One and Da Beatminerz, among others.

Veteran emcee and longtime Juice Crew member Craig G has announced his fifth solo album. According to Craig, Ramblings Of An Angry Old Man will release in the the third or fourth quarter of 2012, on Soulspazm Records. The follow-up to Craig G & Marley Marley's 2008 Operation Take Back Hip Hop album will feature Styles P, Mr. Cheeks, Rapper Big Pooh and Sadat X, among others. Production is be handled by Da Beatminerz, Marco Polo, Jake One and K-Salaam & Beatnik, among others.
"Oh Oh It's" released to the web in February.
The tracklist to Craig G's Ramblings Of An Angry Old Man is as follows:
1....Intro (Produced By Dremost)
2...Back At Em (Produced by Dj Nastee)
3...Thats Good For You (produced by Marco polo)
4...Classic Personafied (produced by Callie Ban)
5...Effortless ft Chaundon & Big Pooh) (produced by Jake One)
6...Rabbit Season (produced by Kold Shoulder)
7...Interstate Travelin Ft Mr Cheeks & Devin The Dude (Produced By Whuteva)
8....I'm Just Saying (Produced by Dremost)
9....Rare Day (Produced by flub tinsdale)
10...Heaven & Hell ft Styles P (produced By Dj Nastee)
11...Commercial Break Ft Mr Who (Produced By Soul Theory)
12.....Call That Hip Hop? (produced by K salaam & Beatnik)
13....It's Real ft Mr Cheeks & Sadat X (produced by Dj Nastee)
14....Oh Oh Oh It's (Produced by Dre Most)
15....Power Of Rhyme (produced by Marco Polo)
16....Originality (produced by James LMNO)
17....Money Don't Matter (produced by Dremost)
18....Get It In The Streets (produced by Da Beatminerz)

Mizay Entertainment's Deb Antney Calls Nicki Minaj Her The "First Born Child" Of Being Successful

by Nadine Graham

                            

Exclusive: A force in the careers of Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka Flame and formerly Nicki Minaj describes her love of charity and service work, before becoming an industry mover and shaker.

Deb Antney of Mizay Entertainment is pushing forward, despite what the comment sections say. Antney is just as militant in her business dealings as she always was. The Queens, New York native can be credited with kicking off the careers of Gucci Mane, Nicki Minaj, and of course Waka Floacka Flame, her son. Now, she’s on to the next chapter- expanding her empire and signing on to produce Hip Hop’s next superstars.
Although Antney professes herself to be naturally aggressive, there’s a thread of goodwill that runs through her and her growing brand. The idea of women in power is one that appealed to Antney even before working with Minaj years ago. It’s clear that her way of thinking had some part in how the first lady of Young Money conducts business. As Mizay Entertainment continues to build, the label’s owner holds steadfast to her desire of putting women at the forefront of a culture where that image is scarce.
HipHopDX recently had a moment with Deb Antney at this year’s Core DJs conference in Atlanta, Georgia. After speaking on a panel dedicated to Power in the industry, she told us about her new signings, growing ambitions, and the hardest part about being Miss Deb.
DX: Who’s currently on Mizay’s roster?
Deb Antney: We all know Tarvoria of Tarvoria.com. [Her most recent work] is the Street Couture project and the Me Nobody Knows album comes out on October 23rd. There’s two sides to me, let’s go here first: there’s the label side and I have the management side. And although my management company is still run like a label, there’s still a difference between the two.
So on the management side, I have my son of course, Waka Flocka plus his whole BSM crew. I manage all of them: Dirt Gang, Fetti Gang, Cartier Kitten, Wooh Da Kid, OJ Da Juiceman is still very much a part of that. I still do things with [Gucci Mane]. Then we have Suga Shane, Reema Major is the newest one added into the family. We have a slew of producers, you know, Lex Luger, Southside, TM, L-Don, Big Phraze… I’m also into reality stars now, so I have Ashley and Sharon from [Vh1’s] Mama Drama and I can’t talk about the other ones that we’re in negotiations with now. So we’re growing into the movie side of things as well.
DX: Speaking of reality stars, what’s the likelihood that you’ll be managing Rasheeda from Love & Hip Hop Atlanta? You’ve been featured in a couple of episodes and it’s been said that you may become part of her team.
Deb Antney: I can’t talk about it. I cannot talk about it.
DX: Okay, well, what’s been the hardest part of your job after years in the business?
Deb Antney: It’s gaining the respect of people and people learning to respect you for who you are. I think the hardest part is the rumors. When people try and slander you, me losing my identity… Like, at first, me being Nicki Minaj’s manager then me being Gucci Mane’s aunt, then it was OJ Da Juiceman, now it’s Waka Flocka’s mama, but the biggest thing I want people to know is that I’m Deborah Antney. Don’t rob me of my identity, of who I am, don’t take that away from me. I’ve been out here- even longer than this. I’ve been in this game for even longer than my son was alive- even going back to DMC and ‘em, Kelly Price, like, I’ve been around for a minute, but it was on the charitable side because that’s what I love. My first love was charity. I love charity work. So I used to work with a lot of underpriveliged children and bringing celebrities in to do a lot of things for them. That’s how I gained my notoriety here in Georgia.
Thanks to Ludacris and Poon Daddy - that wasn’t Ludacris at the time, he went by Chris Lova Lova when he was with Hot 107.9 with Poon Daddy. No matter what went on, whether or not they were doing whatever, they’d come out to support the kids. That’s what this really started from - all the basketball players and everybody else who supported me. It wasn’t until Gucci came along… He really wanted me to come in and be a part of his career and manage him. I ain’t wanna do no management because I really loved case management and social work. That’s my background. I love helping and doing for people but what I learned in the industry is that social service is definitely needed here. So I got to run my company as if it was social services, like, doing case management on artists.
DX: Would you say your job gotten any easier?
Deb Antney: No. No, because it’s still very threatening. People still spread rumors and instead of them coming along… I open mad doors. I don’t care, I’ll help anybody and work with anybody. I don’t care who they are. Me being tough is because I’m in a male-dominated business and they come at me all the time. I don’t wanna be like this. I’m an aggressive person anyway though because I’m gonna go after what I want and I’m gonna do what I wanna do. My mama’ll tell you that. I’ve always been that person but do I find it easier? No. Because I’m not cliquish. I love everybody and I wanna hang out with everybody. I don’t want to just belong to you. You know what I’m saying because there’s a lot of me to go around and I wanna share me with everybody because I have a lot going on up here in my head and I need to release it. It might not only be able to be released to you, I need to help a lot of people and the biggest thing for me is the women.
That’s how Nicki [Minaj] became such a big play, that’s my baby. That was my first-born child as far as being able to be successful, I thank God I was able to stand up and see her walk across that stage. That was the plan, that was the move and it’s done. Now it’s time for other ones. Other people need to come in. That’s the biggest thing that I want: for us to be able to respect each other. Women should just respect one another. That’s super huge. Not tear each other down. Not ridicule, not every time you turn around I wanna bash you or I have something to say about you. My next big thing is that I want to see a chocolate [complected] girl up on stage because we come in different shades. First and foremost though? The women.
DX: So, what advice do you have for young women looking to move into positions of power?
Deb Antney: Legs closed, pocketbooks open. That’s the motto I have for all women. I want them to stand there and feel strength. That’s really huge for me. For all shapes and sizes, not to feel uncomfortable with who they are. That’s why Tavorria is so important to me. I’m not changing her because I don’t think she needs to be changed. I want people to recognize her for the talent that she has. Not because she went out and got ass shots or breast implants, but every woman is beautiful and the beauty is only skin deep. I want every girl to feel comfortable enough to where she can get up there onstage and not be ashamed of who she is, but she can get up there and do whatever it is that she wants to do.

VIDEO PICK OF THE WEEK: DonStraw "Flavor" Live from GD Day

League of Young Voters Exec Biko Baker Addresses Kendrick Lamar’s Recent Anti-Voting Stance

by Seandra Sims

Kendrick Lamar is one of the fastest rising, young rappers of today. But, he hasn’t been overly political in his music as of late, especially in his recent smash hit, “Women, Weed and Weather”, featuring mentor, Dr. Dre.

It came as a surprise to some when Lamar spoke out recently against voting – saying “I don’t do voting” – particularly at a time when activists and politicians are working overtime to engage people to exercise their right to vote.

Rob “Biko” Baker, Executive Director of the League of Young Voters Education Fund, is one of those leaders in the trenches in these last critical months before the 2012 Election. He has worked closely with rappers, pundits, activists, and even media partners like AllHipHop.com to cast their voter engagement far and wide.
Baker felt it was important to address Kendrick’s statements – perhaps in an effort to avoid Lamar from dissuading his fanbase from showing up at the polls in November:
“I respect Kendrick Lamar’s opinion. He isn’t the only young leader frustrated with the state of the political process. But, by not participating in this and future elections, Kendrick Lamar is giving the very people he is frustrated with more free reign to continue to pull the levers the way they want to.
“This past weekend, I hung out with my family members who live in Kendrick’s hometown, Compton, California. If Kendrick inspired his neighbors to think seriously about the strength of their vote, we could begin to alter the popular discourse, and more importantly, the economic policy of local and statewide government. I’ve seen it happen before, and I believe poor people in Compton can be mobilized to improve their living conditions.
“We have to stop thinking about ourselves as individual actors, and take our collective strength more seriously.
“I would love to chop it up with him.” – Rob “Biko” Baker
RELATED: Learn about the League of Young Voters “Vote 4 Urself” campaign here.
About the League of Young Voters Education Fund: LYVEF empowers young people nationwide to participate in the democratic process and create progressive political change on the local, state and national level – with a focus on non-college youth and youth from low-income communities and communities of color. The League meets young people where they are, works on issues that affect their lives, and provides them with tools, training and support to become serious catalysts for change. For more information, visit YoungVoter.org.