How ironic given that last summer, Lil Wayne kicked off his "America's Most Wanted Music Festival" in right here in NEPA at Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain. Anyways, enjoy (NOTE: NOT CLEAN VERSION!).
Big thanks to my homie DJ Woogie for putting me up on this.
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Showing posts with label lil wayne. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lil wayne. Show all posts
4.06.2010
Lil Wayne's New Website
Lil Wayne's overcome much adversity during his rise from a Cash Money Millionaire to a musical pioneer. I suppose it shouldn't come as a shock then that while he serves a year-long jail sentance for a weapons possession charge, he launched a new website.
weezythanxyou.com is a blog-driven site that looks as if it will feature fan mail Wayne receives while incarcerated, along with his response - and random musings. The site also features the address to write Weezy in prison, along with a countdown til his release.
weezythanxyou.com is a blog-driven site that looks as if it will feature fan mail Wayne receives while incarcerated, along with his response - and random musings. The site also features the address to write Weezy in prison, along with a countdown til his release.
2.10.2010
EXCLUSIVE: Kevin Rudolf On New Single/LP, Lil Wayne
Since the success of his debut single, “Let It Rock” – Kevin Rudolf’s fame and fortune have risen to new heights. In addition to preparing his sophomore LP, Rudolf now finds himself in demand as a songwriter/producer – working with some of the biggest names in the business. But the Cash Money artist is grounded – and very cognizant of his success due not just to his talent, but the popularity of his hit song.
“Once you have one big hit, you can walk through a wall that you could not get through before,” explained Rudolf, who called “The Ralphie Radio Show” from his Los Angeles home. “And don’t think I haven’t used it, because it’s like, if I want to get in the room with somebody and work on their project, on their record, I go after it too.”
Rudolf helped out on Cobra Starship’s “Good Girls Go Bad” and tells me that he’s currently working with Natasha Bedingfield and Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo. The singer/songwriter started his career as a studio guitarist for producer Timbaland, working on all of his tracks – whether it be for Justin Timberlake, Nelly Furtado, or The Black Eyed Peas.
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Download the mp3
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“He’s a pioneer – which is the greatest compliment you can give,” remarked Rudolf on Timbaland. The two haven’t collaborated with each other since Rudolf worked for him in studio – although they’ll occasionally run in to each other at shows/functions and exchange greetings. “He’s got the entire package – he’s such a talented guy.”
Rudolf finds himself surrounded by more talent now that he is a part of Cash Money Records. The stable, which also calls Lil Wayne and Jay Sean their own, has seen its share of success over the years. Now, as the label’s top money maker heads to prison, Rudolf reveals that Wayne is rapping, recording, and shooting videos right up until March 2 – when he’ll be sentenced to a year behind bars in conjunction with a plea deal over a weapons possession charge that stems from 2007. Rudolf says a single from Tha Carter IV could be released to radio during or shortly after Weezy’s prison term – which could be shortened to eight months on good behavior.
Before then – Wayne dropped Rebirth – an album Rudolf contributed to and calls “really dope.” The “Lollipop” rapper also dropped a verse for the first single from Rudolf’s new LP – “I Made It.”
“Birdman, he said to me, ‘Yunno, why don’t you make a record that everyone on Cash Money can get on,’” Rudolf said. “I just kinda whipped up this beat in like 20 minutes and threw the hook on it and sent it out to everyone. When it came back to me, I was like, ‘This thing is crazy!’”
The final version features Weezy, Birdman, and Jay Sean. The video is out now. Rudolf confirmed on “The RRS” that he is shooting for a May release on the album, but has yet to think of a title.
“Once you have one big hit, you can walk through a wall that you could not get through before,” explained Rudolf, who called “The Ralphie Radio Show” from his Los Angeles home. “And don’t think I haven’t used it, because it’s like, if I want to get in the room with somebody and work on their project, on their record, I go after it too.”
Rudolf helped out on Cobra Starship’s “Good Girls Go Bad” and tells me that he’s currently working with Natasha Bedingfield and Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo. The singer/songwriter started his career as a studio guitarist for producer Timbaland, working on all of his tracks – whether it be for Justin Timberlake, Nelly Furtado, or The Black Eyed Peas.
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Download the mp3
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“He’s a pioneer – which is the greatest compliment you can give,” remarked Rudolf on Timbaland. The two haven’t collaborated with each other since Rudolf worked for him in studio – although they’ll occasionally run in to each other at shows/functions and exchange greetings. “He’s got the entire package – he’s such a talented guy.”
Rudolf finds himself surrounded by more talent now that he is a part of Cash Money Records. The stable, which also calls Lil Wayne and Jay Sean their own, has seen its share of success over the years. Now, as the label’s top money maker heads to prison, Rudolf reveals that Wayne is rapping, recording, and shooting videos right up until March 2 – when he’ll be sentenced to a year behind bars in conjunction with a plea deal over a weapons possession charge that stems from 2007. Rudolf says a single from Tha Carter IV could be released to radio during or shortly after Weezy’s prison term – which could be shortened to eight months on good behavior.
Before then – Wayne dropped Rebirth – an album Rudolf contributed to and calls “really dope.” The “Lollipop” rapper also dropped a verse for the first single from Rudolf’s new LP – “I Made It.”
“Birdman, he said to me, ‘Yunno, why don’t you make a record that everyone on Cash Money can get on,’” Rudolf said. “I just kinda whipped up this beat in like 20 minutes and threw the hook on it and sent it out to everyone. When it came back to me, I was like, ‘This thing is crazy!’”
The final version features Weezy, Birdman, and Jay Sean. The video is out now. Rudolf confirmed on “The RRS” that he is shooting for a May release on the album, but has yet to think of a title.
1.25.2010
EXCLUSIVE: Omarion Says He'll Be The Simon Of MTV's ABDC; Admits He Was Originally Slated For "Bedrock" Hook
During a check-in to “The Ralphie Radio Show” – Omarion revealed that he was originally on the hook of Young Money’s “Bedrock” – until he chose to leave YM.
“I actually wrote a hook, that’s true,” said Omarion, whose third solo LP, Ollusion, is in stores now. “I would’ve enjoyed to be on a record that is, you know, as successful as that record right now, but it wasn’t meant to be.”
Omarion does not have any regrets regarding his time with Young Money, and says there is no bad blood between him and the crew.
“When things are meant to be, they happen,” he said. “They don’t stutter-step, they don’t almost happen, they happen.”
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Part 1: Mentors, Ollusion and illusions about his life
Part 2: Pharrell, "Speedin'", Young Money
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Much has happened for the R&B crooner since the beginning of 2010. Ollusion dropped a few weeks ago, and now MTV tapped Omarion to replace Shane Sparks as a judge on “America’s Best Dance Crew”.
“I would call myself, something like, a ‘Simon’,” said the singer, comparing his style to of course that of “American Idol” judge Simon Cowell. “It’s gonna go down.”
Speaking of Idols though – Omarion talked about artists that he looks up to. With Ollusion a play-on-words from the illusion that some people have with his life, O credits his family, friends, and past experiences in being able to keep his own personal life on the "DL".
“I really look up to Pharrell (Williams),” said Omarion – citing the artist/producer as not just a “genius”, but a friend. “He gives me really, really super advice.”
“I actually wrote a hook, that’s true,” said Omarion, whose third solo LP, Ollusion, is in stores now. “I would’ve enjoyed to be on a record that is, you know, as successful as that record right now, but it wasn’t meant to be.”
Omarion does not have any regrets regarding his time with Young Money, and says there is no bad blood between him and the crew.
“When things are meant to be, they happen,” he said. “They don’t stutter-step, they don’t almost happen, they happen.”
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Part 1: Mentors, Ollusion and illusions about his life
Part 2: Pharrell, "Speedin'", Young Money
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Much has happened for the R&B crooner since the beginning of 2010. Ollusion dropped a few weeks ago, and now MTV tapped Omarion to replace Shane Sparks as a judge on “America’s Best Dance Crew”.
“I would call myself, something like, a ‘Simon’,” said the singer, comparing his style to of course that of “American Idol” judge Simon Cowell. “It’s gonna go down.”
Speaking of Idols though – Omarion talked about artists that he looks up to. With Ollusion a play-on-words from the illusion that some people have with his life, O credits his family, friends, and past experiences in being able to keep his own personal life on the "DL".
“I really look up to Pharrell (Williams),” said Omarion – citing the artist/producer as not just a “genius”, but a friend. “He gives me really, really super advice.”
1.19.2010
MTV NEWS' SHAHEEM REID: Lil Wayne Working On Tha Carter VI
Download the mp3
MTV News reporter Shaheem Reid called in to "The Ralphie Radio Show" last week to chat about footage posted on mtvnews.com of Lil Wayne from a new DVD entitled, “The Nino Brown Story, Pt. 2.” The footage is unprecedented – showing the rapper as his fans have never seen him… laughing in the vocal booth, chatting in the mixing room, hanging out in his New Orleans home.
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Check out MTV News here.
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After chopping it up about the DVD, which hits stores January 22, I asked Reid what new music we could expect from Wayne before he heads to prison next month. I also inquired about a possible release date for Tha Carter IV.
“I talked to Wayne, and he’s already on Carter VI,” revealed Reid. “It just depends on what music he wants to release.”
The reporter – who visited Scranton to cover the kickoff of Weezy’s summer tour at Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain – says Wayne will be in prison for 8 to 12 months, and that there’s a chance the we could begin hearing material from the album while he’s away.
MTV News reporter Shaheem Reid called in to "The Ralphie Radio Show" last week to chat about footage posted on mtvnews.com of Lil Wayne from a new DVD entitled, “The Nino Brown Story, Pt. 2.” The footage is unprecedented – showing the rapper as his fans have never seen him… laughing in the vocal booth, chatting in the mixing room, hanging out in his New Orleans home.
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Check out MTV News here.
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After chopping it up about the DVD, which hits stores January 22, I asked Reid what new music we could expect from Wayne before he heads to prison next month. I also inquired about a possible release date for Tha Carter IV.
“I talked to Wayne, and he’s already on Carter VI,” revealed Reid. “It just depends on what music he wants to release.”
The reporter – who visited Scranton to cover the kickoff of Weezy’s summer tour at Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain – says Wayne will be in prison for 8 to 12 months, and that there’s a chance the we could begin hearing material from the album while he’s away.
1.12.2010
12.21.2009
EXCLUSIVE: Lil Wayne Packin' A BB Gun In TMZ Photo
Early Saturday morning, TMZ posted a photo of Lil Wayne, claiming he clutched what appeared to be an automatic weapon, with the caption that the picture was taken on July 27, 2009 in Pennsylvania.
The Ralphie Radio Show can confirm the photo was taken that day, in Scranton, outside of Lil Wayne's hotel - The Radisson. As I reported back in July, the "gun" in question is actually a BB gun. According to my source, Wayne went as far as to hide it from people on his bus, as he didn't want a picture like the one above surfacing.
The Ralphie Radio Show can confirm the photo was taken that day, in Scranton, outside of Lil Wayne's hotel - The Radisson. As I reported back in July, the "gun" in question is actually a BB gun. According to my source, Wayne went as far as to hide it from people on his bus, as he didn't want a picture like the one above surfacing.
Oops.
11.04.2009
ATTY. ELIZABETH KELLEY: Lil Wayne's Plea Deal
Download the mp3
Weezy could spend up to a year in jail, but avoided a bigger sentance, according to Ms. Kelley.
Read more about Lil Wayne here.
Visit Elizabeth Kelley's website.
8.26.2009
EXCLUSIVE: Jay Sean All-But-Confirms Drake Collab, Stops Short Of Naming It Second Single
In an interview which aired Wednesday on The Ralphie Radio Show, English singer Jay Sean all-but-confirmed a forthcoming song with rapper Drake. But, the Cash Money crooner admits that the next single off of All or Nothing is not determined.
Jay Sean mentioned in past interviews that he would not speak about the track with Drizzy before the details were finalized. However, his response Wednesday hinted that the feature could be a done deal.
“Well, actually, I still have to stay tight-lipped about it,” Jay remarked. “(Laughing) I can’t say nuttin!”
After pressing about his choice of words, particularly interjecting the word “still” in to his response, the “Down” singer elaborated.
“Yesterday I went in to the studio and I did this song,” Jay Sean revealed. “To be honest, I just sent it straight away to the boss man (presumably Cash Money’s Ronald “Slim” Williams). I was like, ‘Dude, I think I might have just messed up our plan here.’”
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Download the mp3 Jay Sean also reveals during the interview his inital thoughts when he first heard Lil Wayne's verse on "Down"...
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The aforementioned arrangement may have been to release the track with Drake as the next single. That idea might be in flux after Jay’s studio session. The Englishman notes that he actually entered the studio to write songs for someone else, but that he ended up with a track that he feels strongly about.
“This sounds like a huge single to me,” Jay said of the track he wrote. “So who knows? I think we might have to give Drake a phone call.”
Surely Drake would be able to answer the phone – he’s currently back in Canada after reinjuring a torn ACL while on tour with Lil Wayne.
Jay Sean’s LP, All or Nothing, will drop around Thanksgiving, according to Jay himself. This timeframe is pushed back from an original October target.
Jay Sean mentioned in past interviews that he would not speak about the track with Drizzy before the details were finalized. However, his response Wednesday hinted that the feature could be a done deal.
“Well, actually, I still have to stay tight-lipped about it,” Jay remarked. “(Laughing) I can’t say nuttin!”
After pressing about his choice of words, particularly interjecting the word “still” in to his response, the “Down” singer elaborated.
“Yesterday I went in to the studio and I did this song,” Jay Sean revealed. “To be honest, I just sent it straight away to the boss man (presumably Cash Money’s Ronald “Slim” Williams). I was like, ‘Dude, I think I might have just messed up our plan here.’”
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Download the mp3 Jay Sean also reveals during the interview his inital thoughts when he first heard Lil Wayne's verse on "Down"...
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The aforementioned arrangement may have been to release the track with Drake as the next single. That idea might be in flux after Jay’s studio session. The Englishman notes that he actually entered the studio to write songs for someone else, but that he ended up with a track that he feels strongly about.
“This sounds like a huge single to me,” Jay said of the track he wrote. “So who knows? I think we might have to give Drake a phone call.”
Surely Drake would be able to answer the phone – he’s currently back in Canada after reinjuring a torn ACL while on tour with Lil Wayne.
Jay Sean’s LP, All or Nothing, will drop around Thanksgiving, according to Jay himself. This timeframe is pushed back from an original October target.
8.20.2009
EXCLUSIVE: We The Kings Set The Trend For Pop-Rockers
You could credit Lil Wayne as the first artist of this era to release music with no short term monetary goal in mind. Sure he caught a lot of grief over his marketing style from Universal Motown, but the scheme worked off: Tha Carter III sold more copies than any other LP in 2008.
Now it seems Weezy’s plan is transcending the hip-hop realm. Take We The Kings for example. According to lead singer Travis Clark, the pop-rock quartet has been writing and recording demos for about a year and a half. Now, with the assistance of S-Curve Records, WTK is headed back to radio with a new single, “Heaven Can Wait.”
Now it seems Weezy’s plan is transcending the hip-hop realm. Take We The Kings for example. According to lead singer Travis Clark, the pop-rock quartet has been writing and recording demos for about a year and a half. Now, with the assistance of S-Curve Records, WTK is headed back to radio with a new single, “Heaven Can Wait.”
Apparently Heaven isn’t the only thing that can wait. The song emerges with not even an iTunes sale date, let alone an album to promote. But, that didn’t stop Clark from calling up The Ralphie Radio Show on Wednesday evening to talk about the track and the thought process behind its release. 97 BHT became the third radio station in the country to play the track.
“I feel like there’s an A.D.D. generation that’s growing tired of music,” Clark said. “I’m part of that A.D.D. generation, where it’s just, we have all of these songs, let’s make a record and let’s do it.”
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Download the mp3
Ralphie & WTK in Allentown, Early 2009.
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There’s no timeline to create the sophomore LP in place – but the front man predicts that recording will finish in September.
“This is literally so new that it’s like, we’re pretty much recording the rest of it now,” revealed Clark – who gave his label this track along with other demos the band recorded. Both WTK and the label felt strongly about the single – both the song itself and the direction in which it’d take the band. S-Curve put We The Kings in a studio, mastered the track, and will now promote it to radio stations across the country.
“No one’s ever heard it. It’s crazy,” said Clark. “We’ve been playing it live for, yunno, four or five shows, and then you guys are literally the third station in the entire country to play it.”
“I feel like there’s an A.D.D. generation that’s growing tired of music,” Clark said. “I’m part of that A.D.D. generation, where it’s just, we have all of these songs, let’s make a record and let’s do it.”
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Download the mp3
Ralphie & WTK in Allentown, Early 2009.
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There’s no timeline to create the sophomore LP in place – but the front man predicts that recording will finish in September.
“This is literally so new that it’s like, we’re pretty much recording the rest of it now,” revealed Clark – who gave his label this track along with other demos the band recorded. Both WTK and the label felt strongly about the single – both the song itself and the direction in which it’d take the band. S-Curve put We The Kings in a studio, mastered the track, and will now promote it to radio stations across the country.
“No one’s ever heard it. It’s crazy,” said Clark. “We’ve been playing it live for, yunno, four or five shows, and then you guys are literally the third station in the entire country to play it.”
The song fits the catchy melodies that WTK fans are familiar with - but the new sound is infused with less strings and more keyboard and electronic effects.
We The Kings will spend September finishing the new record before heading out on a fall trek with All Time Low and Hey Monday.
We The Kings will spend September finishing the new record before heading out on a fall trek with All Time Low and Hey Monday.
8.18.2009
EXCLUSIVE: Jason Derulo Talks "Whatcha Say", Lil Wayne
His song, "Whatcha Say" is blowing up across the country. 19 year-old Jason Derulo calls The Ralphie Radio Show to chat about the track, sampling Imogen Heap, writing for Lil Wayne, and how he knows our buddy A.J. In The Afternoon.
Part 1: "Whatcha Say", Imogen Heap's Reaction
Part 2: Writing for Lil Wayne; A.J. In The Afternoon
Part 1: "Whatcha Say", Imogen Heap's Reaction
Part 2: Writing for Lil Wayne; A.J. In The Afternoon
8.07.2009
EXCLUSIVE: Soulja Boy Tell 'Em/Drake/Lil Wayne/Trey Songz - Successful
Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em told “The Ralphie Radio Show” first about his planned collaboration with “America’s Most Wanted” tour-mate Drake. It may have spurred when the Toronto emcee called Soulja, “the smartest artist of our generation, period,” on The RRS. Soulja Boy went as far as to upload the audio clip to his YouTube channel, and then paid the love forward when I chatted with him two weeks ago.
“Drake is a real dude. Most rappers, they don’t like to give the other rappers props,” Soulja Boy said. “He showed me my respect. Drake is a good artist.”
So with all of the props exchanged both in person and through The RRS – it only made sense that Soulja would afford me the first shot to play a Soulja/Drake track, right? Correct, and I did, but it isn’t how it seems.
Early Wednesday morning, Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em “at replied” me on Twitter – he basically sent an update that his 1.2 million followers could read, with my username in it, asking me to direct message him my e-mail address. Soon, Soulja hit my inbox with a new mp3.
“Successful” is a track that originally appeared on Drake’s mixtape, So Far Gone. “Best I Ever Had” spawned from this same compilation. “Successful” featured Trey Songz and Lil Wayne. Soulja left Weezy on the end and Trey on the hook, but rapped a couple verses of his own over the instrumental. From what I gathered, he just finished the song on his studio bus, and sent it to me.
Soulja’s version showcases a side of the Chicago-born artist that his fans are beginning to see more of – style with substance, more emphasis on lyrics, less emphasis on catchiness.
Of course, with four different artists on the single, I had to put the remix on it. Almost immediately after Soulja Boy sent me the song, I went to work – editing Soulja’s first verse with Drake’s second, Weezy’s final, and Trey on the hook – all while editing the track for content/language.
The result? A Ralphie Radio Show exclusive, which can be heard below:
“Drake is a real dude. Most rappers, they don’t like to give the other rappers props,” Soulja Boy said. “He showed me my respect. Drake is a good artist.”
So with all of the props exchanged both in person and through The RRS – it only made sense that Soulja would afford me the first shot to play a Soulja/Drake track, right? Correct, and I did, but it isn’t how it seems.
Early Wednesday morning, Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em “at replied” me on Twitter – he basically sent an update that his 1.2 million followers could read, with my username in it, asking me to direct message him my e-mail address. Soon, Soulja hit my inbox with a new mp3.
“Successful” is a track that originally appeared on Drake’s mixtape, So Far Gone. “Best I Ever Had” spawned from this same compilation. “Successful” featured Trey Songz and Lil Wayne. Soulja left Weezy on the end and Trey on the hook, but rapped a couple verses of his own over the instrumental. From what I gathered, he just finished the song on his studio bus, and sent it to me.
Soulja’s version showcases a side of the Chicago-born artist that his fans are beginning to see more of – style with substance, more emphasis on lyrics, less emphasis on catchiness.
Of course, with four different artists on the single, I had to put the remix on it. Almost immediately after Soulja Boy sent me the song, I went to work – editing Soulja’s first verse with Drake’s second, Weezy’s final, and Trey on the hook – all while editing the track for content/language.
The result? A Ralphie Radio Show exclusive, which can be heard below:
8.03.2009
EXCLUSIVE: Young Jeezy Works On New LP, Keeps In Touch w/ T.I.
As politically active as Young Jeezy was last fall, it only made sense that last week, he felt right at home in what the pundits called, “The Ground Zero of the Presidential Election.”
“I appreciate Scranton for standing behind (President Obama),” Jeezy told me backstage at the first stop on the “America’s Most Wanted Music Festival.” Obama won both Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. “We here now, we’re trying to make the world a better place.”
The Atlanta-rapper is both realistic and patient – he believes it’ll take President Obama two terms to fix the various big ticket issues our country faces. But he also recognizes the other half of the winning ticket.
“Joe Biden! What up homie!” he cheerfully shouted when I reminded him that Vice President Biden is from the Electric City.
The conversation quickly turned to music, as Jeezy is working on his fourth studio LP: Thug Motivation 103. No release date is set – and the rapper is rather evasive on details. Jeezy did tell me that fans can expect, “a little bit of everything,” referring to a conglomerate of material that people grew accustomed to between Thug Motivation 101 and The Recession.
“Everything still pretty much in the can right now,” Jeezy revealed. “It’s gonna be a very special album, but at the same time, the streets gonna love this, Scranton are gonna love this, people are gonna love this album.”
Still, Jeezy would not as much as divulge any type of timeline for the record’s release, simply stating that he’ll drop it once it’s finished. You would think that if it’s already in production, it’ll be released by the time fellow Atlanta rapper T.I. leaves jail. Young Jeezy told me that through their respective camps he keeps in touch with T.I.P.
“He’s gotta pay his debt to society and get back on it. We here for him though.”
“I appreciate Scranton for standing behind (President Obama),” Jeezy told me backstage at the first stop on the “America’s Most Wanted Music Festival.” Obama won both Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. “We here now, we’re trying to make the world a better place.”
The Atlanta-rapper is both realistic and patient – he believes it’ll take President Obama two terms to fix the various big ticket issues our country faces. But he also recognizes the other half of the winning ticket.
“Joe Biden! What up homie!” he cheerfully shouted when I reminded him that Vice President Biden is from the Electric City.
The conversation quickly turned to music, as Jeezy is working on his fourth studio LP: Thug Motivation 103. No release date is set – and the rapper is rather evasive on details. Jeezy did tell me that fans can expect, “a little bit of everything,” referring to a conglomerate of material that people grew accustomed to between Thug Motivation 101 and The Recession.
“Everything still pretty much in the can right now,” Jeezy revealed. “It’s gonna be a very special album, but at the same time, the streets gonna love this, Scranton are gonna love this, people are gonna love this album.”
Still, Jeezy would not as much as divulge any type of timeline for the record’s release, simply stating that he’ll drop it once it’s finished. You would think that if it’s already in production, it’ll be released by the time fellow Atlanta rapper T.I. leaves jail. Young Jeezy told me that through their respective camps he keeps in touch with T.I.P.
“He’s gotta pay his debt to society and get back on it. We here for him though.”
EXCLUSIVE: MTV News' Sway Calloway on America's Most Wanted Tour
Don’t necessarily call it a homecoming to hip-hop, but for MTV News reporter Sway Calloway, it sure felt good to cover the America’s Most Wanted Music Festival’s first date in Scranton, PA.
“I’ve been on the road doing a lot of stuff with MTV,” explained Calloway – mentioning the Michael Jackson memorial as well as numerous political events. “I really wanted to come back to the core of how I got in this game, and that’s through rap, hip-hop music.”
Producers and MTV News beat reporter Shaheem Reid joined Calloway to cover the event. The team from MTV arrived on Sunday and caught Lil Wayne’s dress rehearsal. By all accounts, it seemed as if the crowd at Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain would be in for a special show. But the event impressed Calloway on other levels as well.
“Especially in this time of economic crisis, people said you can’t put together a tour,” said Sway. “Young Money Records, Lil Wayne, stuck their neck out there and they got truly America’s most wanted.”
The lineup is something to marvel at – the front of the bill includes Jeremih (top 10 hit in “Birthday Sex”) and Pleasure P, formerly of Pretty Ricky. Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em takes the stage next, followed by Young Jeezy and Wayne – who brings his entire Young Mula crew for the ride. At least for now, that will be sans Drake, who reinjured an already torn ACL on Friday in Camden, NJ. The R&B singer returned to his home of Toronto, where he will undergo surgery this week.
But with a tour this deep, almost any hit to the card is sustainable, especially when you have one of your opening acts tossing out thousands of dollars to the crowd.
“I’ve seen that gimmick over the years a thousand times,” Sway noted of Soulja’s parting act. While performing “Turn My Swag On,” the 19 year-old reached in to his pocket and began tossing out Ben Franklin’s to the crowd as if he was shooting free throws in a gym. “Soulja Boy is the first person I’ve personally witnessed to throw out real, $100 bills, continuously for at least six minutes.”
The MTV reporter estimated that Soulja gave “at least $5,000” to the fans.
“I talked to people who walked away with a couple hundred dollars,” he said. “(Soulja Boy) paid them, to come see him.”
Certainly no one needed any more incentive to show up. Over 12,000 people entered Montage Mountain for the event – a solid figure in an area that has generally struggled to support hip-hop and rhythmic shows. Again, just another testament to the lineup put forth by Wayne. The “maturity” of the acts also impressed Calloway. While we spoke, Young Jeezy performed behind us, backed by a 9-piece band.
“Music is a universal communicator,” said Sway. “You see people right now, partying together, to one beat… and it’s a great venue.”
“I’ve been on the road doing a lot of stuff with MTV,” explained Calloway – mentioning the Michael Jackson memorial as well as numerous political events. “I really wanted to come back to the core of how I got in this game, and that’s through rap, hip-hop music.”
Producers and MTV News beat reporter Shaheem Reid joined Calloway to cover the event. The team from MTV arrived on Sunday and caught Lil Wayne’s dress rehearsal. By all accounts, it seemed as if the crowd at Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain would be in for a special show. But the event impressed Calloway on other levels as well.
“Especially in this time of economic crisis, people said you can’t put together a tour,” said Sway. “Young Money Records, Lil Wayne, stuck their neck out there and they got truly America’s most wanted.”
The lineup is something to marvel at – the front of the bill includes Jeremih (top 10 hit in “Birthday Sex”) and Pleasure P, formerly of Pretty Ricky. Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em takes the stage next, followed by Young Jeezy and Wayne – who brings his entire Young Mula crew for the ride. At least for now, that will be sans Drake, who reinjured an already torn ACL on Friday in Camden, NJ. The R&B singer returned to his home of Toronto, where he will undergo surgery this week.
But with a tour this deep, almost any hit to the card is sustainable, especially when you have one of your opening acts tossing out thousands of dollars to the crowd.
“I’ve seen that gimmick over the years a thousand times,” Sway noted of Soulja’s parting act. While performing “Turn My Swag On,” the 19 year-old reached in to his pocket and began tossing out Ben Franklin’s to the crowd as if he was shooting free throws in a gym. “Soulja Boy is the first person I’ve personally witnessed to throw out real, $100 bills, continuously for at least six minutes.”
The MTV reporter estimated that Soulja gave “at least $5,000” to the fans.
“I talked to people who walked away with a couple hundred dollars,” he said. “(Soulja Boy) paid them, to come see him.”
Certainly no one needed any more incentive to show up. Over 12,000 people entered Montage Mountain for the event – a solid figure in an area that has generally struggled to support hip-hop and rhythmic shows. Again, just another testament to the lineup put forth by Wayne. The “maturity” of the acts also impressed Calloway. While we spoke, Young Jeezy performed behind us, backed by a 9-piece band.
“Music is a universal communicator,” said Sway. “You see people right now, partying together, to one beat… and it’s a great venue.”
7.30.2009
EXCLUSIVE: Soulja Boy Tell 'Em To Collab W/ Drake, Tweak Live Set
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the most tech-savvy artist of our generation is using all of his gadgets while on tour this summer to continue creating, producing, and finishing projects.
“I got the studio bus actually on the road, the whole tour,” explained Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em. “So I’m recording my third album, I was tellin’ ya about, The DeAndre Way, it drops in November. I’m recording my album while we’re on tour. So ya’ll can look out for the Soulja Boy/Drake collaboration.”
I sat down with Soulja during Lil Wayne’s set on the opening night of the America’s Most Wanted Music Festival. The summer long tour features Weezy and his Young Money crew, Young Jeezy, Soulja Boy and S.O.D.M.G., Drake, and Jeremih. Pleasure P, formerly of Pretty Ricky, also made it on to the bill.
Drake, who just signed a deal with Universal Records that affords him a $2 million advance, called Soulja, “the smartest artist of our generation, period,” on The Ralphie Radio Show in June. It seems the respect is mutual.
“Drake is a real dude. Most rappers, they don’t like to give the other rappers props,” Soulja Boy said. “He showed me my respect. Drake is a good artist.”
At least when it comes to artistry, it seems most of the rappers on the bill are taking cues from the headliner. Even after the first show, Soulja Boy already found himself inspired and pushed by Weezy.
“I just got through watching Wayne’s show. I’m about to go back to the drawing board,” revealed Soulja. “I feel like, my next show, I just gotta go back and critique everything a little bit, but we straight though.”
However, I’m sure one part of the performance that will not change is the end. The crowd inside Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain exploded when Soulja dropped “Turn My Swag On.” The first few rows of the venue near came to a boil soon after – when the 19 year-old began tossing out $100 bills in to the crowd. MTV News reporter Sway Calloway estimated that Soulja gave back atleast $5,000 to the crowd. But for the Chicago-born rapper, the money itself wasn’t much of a driving factor behind the move.
“I flash back in my head to when I was 15, 14 years -old, just wanted to become a rap star,” he said. “For me to make it, and to become a millionaire, and for my dreams to come true, all that just be flashing through my head.”
“I got the studio bus actually on the road, the whole tour,” explained Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em. “So I’m recording my third album, I was tellin’ ya about, The DeAndre Way, it drops in November. I’m recording my album while we’re on tour. So ya’ll can look out for the Soulja Boy/Drake collaboration.”
I sat down with Soulja during Lil Wayne’s set on the opening night of the America’s Most Wanted Music Festival. The summer long tour features Weezy and his Young Money crew, Young Jeezy, Soulja Boy and S.O.D.M.G., Drake, and Jeremih. Pleasure P, formerly of Pretty Ricky, also made it on to the bill.
Drake, who just signed a deal with Universal Records that affords him a $2 million advance, called Soulja, “the smartest artist of our generation, period,” on The Ralphie Radio Show in June. It seems the respect is mutual.
“Drake is a real dude. Most rappers, they don’t like to give the other rappers props,” Soulja Boy said. “He showed me my respect. Drake is a good artist.”
At least when it comes to artistry, it seems most of the rappers on the bill are taking cues from the headliner. Even after the first show, Soulja Boy already found himself inspired and pushed by Weezy.
“I just got through watching Wayne’s show. I’m about to go back to the drawing board,” revealed Soulja. “I feel like, my next show, I just gotta go back and critique everything a little bit, but we straight though.”
However, I’m sure one part of the performance that will not change is the end. The crowd inside Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain exploded when Soulja dropped “Turn My Swag On.” The first few rows of the venue near came to a boil soon after – when the 19 year-old began tossing out $100 bills in to the crowd. MTV News reporter Sway Calloway estimated that Soulja gave back atleast $5,000 to the crowd. But for the Chicago-born rapper, the money itself wasn’t much of a driving factor behind the move.
“I flash back in my head to when I was 15, 14 years -old, just wanted to become a rap star,” he said. “For me to make it, and to become a millionaire, and for my dreams to come true, all that just be flashing through my head.”
7.29.2009
EXCLUSIVE: Weezy F. Bulletproof
Remember our friend Brenda? She is the one who grabbed this footage of Lil Wayne and his crew fighting over a BB gun Sunday at their hotel. On Monday night after the show, Brenda met Weezy, although apparently the BB gun wars hadn't ceased.
As you can see, Wayne's wearing a bulletproof vest and goggles. With his automatic BB gun in tow, he was plotting to target Young Money's Mack Maine, again. However, with the amount of fans around the tour bus, and cameras everywhere, Wayne didn't want to give the wrong impression to anyone (this BB gun, which I have not seen, allegedly looks like a machine gun).
Weezy F. wore the vest for the duration of Brenda's time on the tour bus, which she says was a little over an hour.
As you can see, Wayne's wearing a bulletproof vest and goggles. With his automatic BB gun in tow, he was plotting to target Young Money's Mack Maine, again. However, with the amount of fans around the tour bus, and cameras everywhere, Wayne didn't want to give the wrong impression to anyone (this BB gun, which I have not seen, allegedly looks like a machine gun).
Weezy F. wore the vest for the duration of Brenda's time on the tour bus, which she says was a little over an hour.
7.28.2009
EXCLUSIVE: Lil Wayne's Hotel Tussle
Lil Wayne and the rest of his Young Money crew arrived in Scranton on Sunday, checking in to the Radisson before heading to Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain for a rehearsal. Earlier in the day, my friend Brenda shot the following footage. Apparently Lil Wayne owns an automatic bb gun, and was firing it (or atleast attempting to) at Mack Maine. Drake and a few other bystanders watched as Weezy and his crew wrestled each other over the gun.
Wayne eventually emerged victorious, quickly dashing in to the elevator to escape his crew.
Wayne eventually emerged victorious, quickly dashing in to the elevator to escape his crew.
Backstage Notes From Opening Night of The America's Most Wanted Music Festival
- It’s the first tour of any kind for newcomer Jeremih. The Chicago-native currently owns a Top 10 hit in “Birthday Sex.” Talk about being thrown in to the fire of a hectic schedule: while all of the other acts on the bill arrived in Scranton on Sunday, Jeremih touched down in Avoca around 4:30 on Monday. Less than two hours later, he kicked off the show with a quick set of songs from his self-titled, debut LP.
As per the suggestion of myself and Kidd Kraddick In The Morning producer Adam, he ended with the up-tempo version of “Birthday Sex.”
- National media descended again on Northeastern PA for the kickoff of Lil Wayne’s summer tour, and a familiar face showed up in the crowd. I had the pleasure of watching Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em’s set on stage left with not only Scranton’s DJ Woogie, but also MTV News reporter Sway Calloway. In March of 2008, I met Sway at Whistles in downtown Scranton, where he hosted an MTV Choose or Lose event with President Barack Obama.
In our interview, Calloway mentioned how impressed he was with the maturity of hip-hop (at the time, Young Jeezy performed behind us with a six piece band). He also acknowledged an on-stage stunt by Soulja Boy. Calloway has seen the “cash gimmick” many times (hip-hop artists throwing out money to the crowd), but he noted that usually the money is either dollar bills or fake. However, the “Crank That” rapper was tossing out genuine Benjamin Franklin’s in to the stands. Calloway estimated that in those short few minutes, Soulja easily tossed about $5,000 back to the fans.
- Speaking of Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em, his night ended on a bit of a down note. Soulja joined Pleasure P (formerly of Pretty Ricky), Sway, Jeezy, and Jeremih on the VIP Deck at stage left to watch Lil Wayne’s performance. During the show, Arab – who is one of the rappers in Soulja Boy’s “S.O.D.M.G.” stable of artists, accidentally spilled a drink on Soulja’s white jeans. When I hopped on board his tour bus, Soulja’s entourage was trying to figure out how they could get to a washing machine: the rapper wanted to wear the jeans to Cancun, where he will be celebrating his 19th birthday.
Despite the misfortunate clothing accident, Soulja was more than happy to speak with me. 97 BHT played “Kiss Me Thru The Phone” more times than any other radio station in Northeastern PA. And apparently, the rapper is keeping tabs on me.
“Ralphie man, I see you blowin’ up, you grindin’ here in Scranton huh?” said Soulja Boy immediately when I walked on to the bus. “I see you on Twitter sendin’ out links and sh**. That’s what’s up man.”
Apparently you never know who is reading what you write on the Internet. But, this didn’t come as a complete shock – since we first met last February, Soulja Boy has uploaded two of my interviews to his YouTube channel – with cumulative views over 200,000.
Soulja is currently working on two new LPs, another solo project with a November release date, and a S.O.D.M.G. album that will drop in December. He’s traveling with a second tour bus that is equipped with a recording studio, so he can finish the projects on the road.
- How tight was security backstage at Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain? I spoke with two venue employees, who each were there over 10 years. Both said that they’ve never seen the backstage area on lockdown as much as Monday night’s show.
As per the suggestion of myself and Kidd Kraddick In The Morning producer Adam, he ended with the up-tempo version of “Birthday Sex.”
- National media descended again on Northeastern PA for the kickoff of Lil Wayne’s summer tour, and a familiar face showed up in the crowd. I had the pleasure of watching Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em’s set on stage left with not only Scranton’s DJ Woogie, but also MTV News reporter Sway Calloway. In March of 2008, I met Sway at Whistles in downtown Scranton, where he hosted an MTV Choose or Lose event with President Barack Obama.
In our interview, Calloway mentioned how impressed he was with the maturity of hip-hop (at the time, Young Jeezy performed behind us with a six piece band). He also acknowledged an on-stage stunt by Soulja Boy. Calloway has seen the “cash gimmick” many times (hip-hop artists throwing out money to the crowd), but he noted that usually the money is either dollar bills or fake. However, the “Crank That” rapper was tossing out genuine Benjamin Franklin’s in to the stands. Calloway estimated that in those short few minutes, Soulja easily tossed about $5,000 back to the fans.
- Speaking of Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em, his night ended on a bit of a down note. Soulja joined Pleasure P (formerly of Pretty Ricky), Sway, Jeezy, and Jeremih on the VIP Deck at stage left to watch Lil Wayne’s performance. During the show, Arab – who is one of the rappers in Soulja Boy’s “S.O.D.M.G.” stable of artists, accidentally spilled a drink on Soulja’s white jeans. When I hopped on board his tour bus, Soulja’s entourage was trying to figure out how they could get to a washing machine: the rapper wanted to wear the jeans to Cancun, where he will be celebrating his 19th birthday.
Despite the misfortunate clothing accident, Soulja was more than happy to speak with me. 97 BHT played “Kiss Me Thru The Phone” more times than any other radio station in Northeastern PA. And apparently, the rapper is keeping tabs on me.
“Ralphie man, I see you blowin’ up, you grindin’ here in Scranton huh?” said Soulja Boy immediately when I walked on to the bus. “I see you on Twitter sendin’ out links and sh**. That’s what’s up man.”
Apparently you never know who is reading what you write on the Internet. But, this didn’t come as a complete shock – since we first met last February, Soulja Boy has uploaded two of my interviews to his YouTube channel – with cumulative views over 200,000.
Soulja is currently working on two new LPs, another solo project with a November release date, and a S.O.D.M.G. album that will drop in December. He’s traveling with a second tour bus that is equipped with a recording studio, so he can finish the projects on the road.
- How tight was security backstage at Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain? I spoke with two venue employees, who each were there over 10 years. Both said that they’ve never seen the backstage area on lockdown as much as Monday night’s show.
7.27.2009
Dana Wins FRONT ROW LIL WAYNE TICKETS Live On The RRS!
Download the mp3
More info on The America's Most Wanted Music Festival here.
Dana from Clarks Summit though she won a 4-pack of lawn seats to The America's Most Wanted Music Festival for being 97 BHT's Human Billboard... little did she know...
Check out video of Dana at Sneaker King!More info on The America's Most Wanted Music Festival here.
BHT-V: 2 Sneakers, 2 Tickets, 2nd Row - Lil Wayne/Soulja Boy Tell 'Em
97 BHT listeners ran frantically through Sneaker King in Wilkes-Barre in search of an autographed Yums Soulja Boy Tell 'Em Sneaker. The winner would be awarded the second sneaker, along with 2nd row tickets to check out The America's Most Wanted Music Festival starring Lil Wayne & Soulja Boy Tell 'Em. Thanks to The Ralphie Radio Show & 97 BHT!
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