SOHH Atlanta

Since there isnt much going on today I thought I would post this funny email I got today. As many of you know I put my email at the bottom of every post unlike most bloggers. I do that because I really want you all to reach out if there is a problem with the blog, if you got some information that just popped of, or if you got some good music you trying to get out there. But if I can be honest with you all [and you know I always am] my inbox is usually always filled with boring party promotions, some African trying to tell me that I've won a million dollars and all they need is my checking account information to transfer funds, and mind numbing music from alot of downright whack internet rappers. So when I got this email from The Mic Fiend I knew I had to share it. Check it out below.

I just went through about 100 emails, and listened to about 60 CD's I attend a lot of conferences throughout the year so I get a lot of material, and a lot of email. You know what else I get a lot of? Dumb ass statements like this…." Yo I'm -----This my hit single I'm gonna change the game, or "Yo I'm the truth I'm what the game is missing! " I'm hot in the streets", I sold x amount of units already.

Man! Shut the F*ck up already, if you really was hot in the streets, or was selling units you wouldn't have to introduce yourself. I and every other person would already know who you are. Artists act like we in the club, and that's they pick up line. Like we automatically suppose to believe you first off, and second off just, because the kids in ya crew, and ya girls crew got you all on their top 8 on MySpace does not justify you being hot. Lines like the ones above will get you deleted real fast from my email.

If you have to tell me your hot, you probably not. I support the up & coming artist so I'm always going to listen to your stuff, but if 20 people come to me at a conference and say "I'm the next one", then; I can see you all fit the same mold, and you not really grinding to get your buzz up, you begging for a buzz. If you want to promote yourself, and let people know you are hot; Put together a press kit, do a press release for the single, take an ad out with a magazine..Invest in your product instead of shoving me a mixtape with Sucka MC written on it with a sharpie. If you can't spend money on yourself; why the hell would anybody else? Stop stepping to djs like you already on. Humble yourself, network, and build a relationship. Find out who works at what magazines, and websites, do e-blasts. I know what you thinking "I don't have that type of bread" No Duh if you did you would be on already making corny ass music with Young berg, and Ray J. That's a different story. Where was I?

Oh Money, I know everybody want money for something. No one sees the big picture. Well my man Donny Goines is doing big things with no money, I see upcoming cats building a buzz everyday just networking and putting in a little work. If you stop frontin trying to get in the Source, and XXL, and support these upcoming magazines you might get your buzz up. Jump on these other hot websites like www.Wordofsouth.com, or www.yoraps.com That's SUPPORT once again. Then you can finally stop feeding people the lies of how hot you think you are.

They'll already see it.

Well gotta get back to playing Frisbee with your cds…

Untill next time………………………………………………………………………..!

The Fiend

Real talk I agree with homie 100%. Alot of you "rappers who are trying to get put on" are down right lazy. If I had a dollar for every time someone hits me up trying to get a feature on SOHH Atlanta I could quit this game and move out to LA and chill for the rest of my life. I'm at parties and people try to act like we all buddy-buddy, and in the same breath they are asking me for my math or email so they can fill up my inbox with their material.

Hey, I'm not hating do what you do. But know that most people who are actually in the game are not SOHH quick to help you out unless your sh*t is SOHH tight that we just wanna tell the whole world about you. Now I've done some features on people I truly beleive in. Proton, Fundisha, The Thunderkatz, etc are all people who I truly beleive the world needs to know about. But trust and beleive that nobody I've ever invested in got on SOHH easily.

SOHH for all the "aspiring" talent out there get your sh*t right before you start passing out mixtapes, and flooding email accounts with ya non sense. Because as far as Gyant is concerned it only goes in the trash.....if its lame that it.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 2:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

Last week I got an offer to stop by Ludacris new restaurant STRAITS, after his foundation's Ralph Lauren event at Lennox, but like a dummy I chose to go to the BMI showcase to try and get some footage of Lil' Wayne...silly me. But for those who aren't aware STRAITS is now open for business. Read More Below.

While I was dealing with the BMI nonsense a few of my friends stopped by to participate in food and spirits at the swanky venue that's nestled in the suburban part of midtown. I actually live three blocks down the street from the prime location and have been watching it develop every since word broke a few months ago. Lachelle Morris, who is "that girl" if you trying to get into Chima Brazilian Steakhouse, told me that the food was amazing. She insisted that I should of been there.

I had hoped to bring you all some pictures and a little review of the Asian inspired eatery when they had a big opening party, but from what I understand they aren't having one. Or if they did last Friday's meet and mingle was it. However don't worry because I am already working on getting some access to come by and do some sampling of my own so I can break down all the buzz about yet another Ludacris business venture.

STRAITS
793 Juniper Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30308
(404) 877-1283
www.straitsrestaurants.com

But Since We're Talking About Ludacris......

Here's what the NYPost is saying about the aspiring mogul:

CHRIS "Ludacris" Bridges has an eye for women - and for clothes. The hip-hop artist/actor arrived at a benefit for the Ludacris Foundation at the Ralph Lauren store in downtown Atlanta the other night, but stayed in his car with a mystery woman while a salesperson fetched him a new shirt. "He was late and got held up because there was lipstick on his collar and he had to change," said an insider. After his switch, the pristine horndog joined Fergie, Ciara, India.Arie and Dallas Austin at the event.

Now I was there, and though I did not see Ludacris actually stepping out the car, I did see him as he arrived in the Lenox Mall [which for the record is not DOWNTOWN Atlanta NYPost], and from what I could see he arrived with Ciara and Chaka Zulu. I saw no "mystery woman" anywhere hovering around Ludacris the entire night. I even got homie on video.

I don't know I think the Post is just trying to get people talking.

And speaking of trying to get people talking...

Big Cat Records new signee is trying to get some attention off Lil' Wayne's shine by dropping a horrible "ladies anthem" of the hit "Lollipop". I guess Khia didn't get the memo that ain't nobody trying to lick nothing on her. Don't she look like her cat trap just stinks like a week old maxi pad left in the summer heat?

Take a listen to the track. I warn you now es muye horrible.

Oh and one last thing, y'all know the angry lesbian with no soul is trying to start some mess with Bow Wow and Berg with this picture. I already called up my very reliable source at 300 who told me that didn't nothing happen between Bow and Young "damn" Berg. First off the reports that surfaced over Bow and Berg didn't even hit the net until yesterday. SOHH clearly their wouldn't be any kind of reaction from a post that ran the day after their meeting? I'm just sayin.....

Matter of fact I'm happy to report that there were NO fights whatsoever this past Sunday. Damn, why am I coming to the defense of Bow Wow SOHH much these days?

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 10:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (35)

Today is Tuesday, SOHH you know T.I. has dropped his new song from his highly anticipated forthcoming CD, Paper Trail. And I'll be damned.........ITS F*CKING AMAZING!

Now y'all know me I'm a real dude. And I will admit that I was the first one to say that T.I. was done. I just couldn't see anyone, let alone a black male in this country walking away from such a bad situation without living the rest of his natural born life behind bars. I remember sitting in the courtroom the first day Cliff was arraigned and he seemed SOHH calm as his eyes gazed over the crowd of people who came out to support him.

But I'll be damned if T.I. hasn't done it...and done it pretty damn well might I add.

"No Matter What" is a break down of all the sh* the embattled rapper has been doing through this past year. The chorus is fire, the lyrics are relatable , and I think we all can hear that the self-proclaimed "King Of The South" has returned.

Take a listen to it [Here]

But if you hate Zshare like I do go on over to mediafire to get your download.

What do you all think of the track? Am I the only one who hears the google gchat chirp on the track? I've listened to it 5 times and I keep hearing the gchat chirp. Someone please confirm that I'm not crazy. LOL

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 12:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (39)

Wow. Just when I thought hip-hop just couldn't get any more lamer Yung Berg had to open up his mouth. It seems the Z list celebrity is looking to drum up some attention for himself by taking some pot shots at his apparent rival Bow Wow. Check it out below.

My media brethren Carl "Jackpot" Cherry put me on to some news about Berg. Here's what Carl put up on his blog.

Yung Berg recently threw shots at Bow Wow on his street single, “Do That There,” taunting the pint-size emcee in the opening lines: “It’s too late to start writing your rhymes, homie/ we’ve been doing this.” Now, the “Sexy Lady” rapper said he’s getting the co-sign from Mr. Beef himself, 50 Cent. “First and foremost, 50 told me some smart shit. 50 told me move him [Bow Wow] out the game, period. He told me to crush him. He told me demolish him,” Berg revealed to XXLMag.com. “He told me do the ‘Do That There’ remix with him on it and then come up with my diss record and totally move him out of music. “But, I don’t wanna do that,” Berg continued. “I can see me and Bow fucking a lot of bitches together. My whole thing is either you’re going to be an alliance on this [Snoop Dogg] tour this summer, or it’s, ‘Fuck you!’ Period. I don’t need you as a friend. I came in the game by myself.”

Now we all know that I am not the biggest fan of Shad AKA Bow Wow. But I got to come to his defense on this one [not that he needs me to], but I'm going to need for Berg to sit his no talent ass down and stop trying to make money of Bow's name. First off there ought to be a rule in hip-hop that you got to be to on the same level to attack another in the game.

Yung Berg has no hit singles. His first album bombed horribly on Billboard. He can't sell a show by himself. Who is this guy? He's a nobody who I'm pretty comfortable in saying won't be anybody in this game. SOHH I'm, going to need lil homie to fall back, pick up "How To Rap For Dummies" study that sh*t real hard and then come back with a better lyrical spit. If he's trying to "move Bow Wow out the game".

Oh, and I'm also going to need Berg to pick his battles more wisely next time. Let's say oh I don't know maybe Lil' Mama would be a better selection. I mean y'all are both on the same level. Well kind of. I mean she does have a T.V. show on MTV, SOHH that does make her a little better than you bruh.

Look at me defending oh Bow. Damn y'all I'm growing up. LOL!

Oh, and speaking of Growing Up......

I just had to give one of Atlanta's hometown boys a major shout out for all his achievements lately. Georgia Tech running back Tashard Choice got some good news over the weekend because he's going to team up with Terell Owens next year. That's right the Riverdale/Lovejoy representer was picked in the 4th round of the NFL draft this past weekend. Here's the scoop:

The 5-11, 190-pound tailback became the Dallas Cowboys' second running back selection of the draft when they pegged him with the 23rd pick of the fourth round.

Starting 12 games a senior last season in Atlanta, Choice rushed for 1,412 yards and 10 touchdowns on 261 carries. He also posted 14 receptions for 107 yards and added an 11-yard touchdown pass. [Source]

Though I don't know Tachard personally I did my research and apparently he's been doing his thing. I tried to figure out exactly how much he was offered, but I dont know sh*t about the NFL. SOHH I don't know if he is still in negotiations, or if he's been made an actual offer just yet. But clearly it's a million dollar + deal [Insert groupies here]

[Blog Note: Something I didn't know

Drafted in the 4th round does not gurantee anything. It just means that he can practice with the team. If he does well, he'll be signed. If not, he'll go home. And if he is signed, it will probably be a six figure deal, not seven.]

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 10:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (25)

You know I've been on the fence about talking about Sean Bell and the incredibly disappointing events that unfolded last week. If some reason you've been living up under a rock all three officers who pumped 50 bullets into an unarmed black man were acquitted of all charges. But while I wasn't sure how I was going to discuss it and tie it into Atlanta, thankfully my media brethren Charlamagne Tha God has written a thought provoking commentary on the situation. Check it out below.

Here's Charlamagne had to say:

I was starting to have the feeling that things where changing here in Amerikkka. I was starting to think that the American creed of Freedom, Justice, and Equality was starting to be applied to all races and was just not exclusively for the rich, high class, white people. I was starting to think with the rise of Barack Obama that maybe, just maybe we where starting to be treated equally in all facets of American society. I mean even though Barack Obama is of mixed race he is in every aspect looked upon as a black man. When I saw people like Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, and the likes of them embracing Obama I started to feel like, wow MLK's dream is being realized! A black man is not being judged by the color of his skin but by the content of his character.

My fairy tale came to a screeching halt on Friday April 25th 2008 when the Sean Bell verdict came down. I was reminded quickly and swiftly that a black man's life has never had any value here in Amerikkka. Detectives Michael Oliver, Gescard Isnora, and Marc Cooper, the three New York City police officers accused of shooting 50 times and murdering Sean Bell, were found not guilty on all counts. Oliver fired 31 times and claims to not remember shooting the first time that's why he reloaded and started shooting again? How could Judge Arthur Cooperman not find that utterly insane? Is that not the epitome of incompetence? When I hear a man speak like that I have to question his mental state and have to wonder is he even psychologically fit to be a cop. Isnora, who fired 11 times, had been charged with manslaughter, felony assault, and reckless endangerment. Cooper, who fired four times, faced up to a year in jail if convicted of reckless endangerment. They faced up to 25 years in prison if convicted on all charges, yet they where all found not guilty.

Another black man murdered; two others shot the fuck up and the old ass white judge Arthur Cooperman's reasoning was the demeanor of the witnesses made him question their character and the past police records of the victims played a role in his decision. Wow, so Malcolm X had a police record, he was a former felon; Martin Luther King Jr. had a police record also. He had been to jail several times. Does Judge Arthur Cooperman believe those great brother's murders where justified because of their past records? Since Judge Arthur Cooperman wants to talk about character and demeanor I have to question the character of every NYPD police officer I run into now because of the murderous demeanor of these cops who got off, not to mention the murderous demeanor of the cops who killed Eleanor Bumpurs, Michael Stewart, and Amadou Diallo. The same way they can't tell a good black man from a black man who might actually be causing them a threat, I can't tell the difference between a good cop who might really being trying to protect and to serve and a bad cop who can't wait to use his brand new government issued pistol on me.

Situations like this are why the hood says fuck the police. This is why the stop snitching campaign is in effect because even when it's justified for me to cooperate and help, why should I cooperate and help a system that will never cooperate and help my black ass? When Barack Obama speaks of people being bitter and having no faith in government this is why. Verdicts like this are the reason we cling to our respective religions, why we cling to our guns and why we have resentment towards a so called justice system that delivers us an injustice every chance they get. I must say Amerikka stayed true to tradition with that verdict. They reminded everyone that a black man's life has absolutely no value here in Amerikkka.

Have you ever read 100 Years of Lynching by Ralph Ginzburg? Pick that up and read how a black man in Louisiana was lynched by an orderly mob on March 17th, 1908 because he was suspected of stealing a mule. Read how on July 14th, 1914 in Mississippi a black man was hung because he was suspected of stealing cows. Read how on December 5, 1914 in Spartanburg, SC they hung a black man because he was suspected of stealing a chicken. History continues to repeat itself. In 2007 Michael Vick was sent to prison because he fought and killed dogs, and in 2008 three cops who kill a black man get off? Animal life has more value than a black man here in Amerikkka.

It's a damn shame in 2006 Sean Bell was killed because he was suspected of having a gun, the same way a black man was killed because he was suspected of stealing a cow. Well, these public killings, lynching, if you will, still go on today because on November 25th 2006 Sean Bell was shot and the public hanging and burning of Sean Bell's body happened on April 27, 2008 when that abortion of justice was handed down as a verdict. How am I supposed to feel empowered as a young black man in Amerikkka? When situations like this happen a feeling of fear comes over the black community. If I'm educated they can still shoot me down if they want to, if I'm rich they can still shoot me down if they want to, if I'm a highly religious spiritual leader they can still shoot me down if they want to.

This public lynching of Sean Bell rekindles the fear they want us to have for the system. It's the same fear slave masters like Willie Lynch instilled in his slaves while he spoke on the banks of the James River in the colony of Virginia in 1712. He demanded those devils to instill fear in black people because it was a cardinal rule to make a Negro submissive. The Sean Bell verdict is the equivalent of taking the meanest and most restless negro, stripping him of his clothes in front of the other male negroes as well as the female and the kids, tying each leg to a horse faced in opposite directions, setting the brother on fire, and beating both horses to pull him apart in front of the remaining negroes. This puts the fear of this evil system into black people. Not only will they be submissive, but they won't get out of line.

Well I'm telling you black people all I fear is Allah. I submit to no one but the creator. I'm telling you it's time to get out of line, No Justice, No Peace. All you leaders calling for peace, I understand you but it's against the laws of nature. It's against the laws of Karma. What's about to happen is Cause and Effect. Good Deeds create good consequences, injustice creates war. You must destroy in order to build, that's a Universal Principal that existed before us and it's going to be here after we are gone. You gang bangers want to bang, well now is the time and that energy should not be directed at each other anymore. I can show you who the real enemy is. You brothers are going to have to start being the frontline of defense in the communities.

It's not a black versus white thing either. I know white people who are just as pissed about this situation as we are. Racism is a learned behavior. Whites where not born to hate blacks and blacks where not born to hate whites. The law of karma, the law of cause and effect, and the law of polarity have created these racist conditions. We must unlearn what we have learned and see each other in each other and fight together because the truth is, with all these black men falling in love with white women and having babies that look like Barack Obama, whose to say your child might not be getting murdered by this evil system in the future? As Martin Luther King Jr. said an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere and we will get justice in the words of Malcolm X, "By Any Means Necessary."

Learn more about Charlamagne from his myspace page CTHAGOD

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 12:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (37)

I have been hearing from all my female friends that this new song by Lil Wayne called "Lollipop" is the current "jam".

While I wasn't in any rush to listen to a song that's obviously geared towards the ladies I did finally listen to it last week and wasn't at all impressed.[Are you surprised?] Why cant the man just say "hair like mine, rather then her like mine?" But, I got a chance to listen to the remix version with Jeezy and I thought I'd give you all the chance to get your download on.

For me this song is totally whatever. I guess if you're a chick then this song speaks to you on many levels. However I did witness a dude blast this shit out of his car speakers this weekend in Buckhead, and I couldnt help but clown on him. I don't know maybe its just me, but am I the only who finds dudes grooving to this song just a tad bit suspect? I'm just saying....

While you're mulling that over here is a listen to the remix with Young Jeezy.

For my Divshare savy peeps. Here you go.

Here's another download option for you.

And because I have literally three weeks before my much needed vacation and I'm in high spirits here's the zshare to download it for your i-Pod.

SOHH what do you think? Does Jeezy help or hurt Wayne's cause?

You're welcome!!!

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 10:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (28)

Summer time is almost here and you know what that means - Mauldin Brand is gearing up for the annual Scream Headlining Tour. Last year they by far out did themselves with T.I., Ciara, T-Pain and Yung Joc on the bill. And with them announcing their new line up in the coming days I thought that I'd take us all back to when they came to Atlanta last year. Check it out below.

50 and Ciara.

Ciara and Tiffany Evans

50 Cent

Scream Tour collective.

Isn't it amazing how time flies? It seems like last summer was just here, and here we are going into a new summer.

I wonder what kind of amazing surprises are in store for us this year? Y'all already know I'm gonna bring you a taste of the tour first hand.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 8:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

I got some information for y’all on Serius Jones, and it’s not good. If you’re a fan like I am, and you were waiting for his highly anticipated CD to drop it looks like we might all be waiting around for a lot longer then we thought.

Last night I spoke to an insider who revealed to me under complete anonymity that Serius Jones got dropped from Def Jam and DTP records. But wait, this time it seems that Serius is the one to blame â€" not the record label[s]. Sources close to the now free agent MC told me that his attitude was the major factor in the abrupt decision. I hear that his deal, which was estimated to be in the millions, is all but a memory now.

There’s no word yet on where he is now or what he’s doing. I don’t know about you all but I’m pissed. I’ve been looking forward to the New Jersey rapper to drop his sh*t for almost two years.

Why can't rappers act right?

Oh, And Speaking of Acting Right…….

Last night is easily one of the worst events that I’ve attended SOHH far this year. A couple of weeks ago I posted the BMI showcase information that was supposed to have some of today’s most popular acts doing it big in the spirit of unsigned artists. But by last night's disaster it’s clear that the people at BMI just don’t have their sh*t together.

Did you all know that there are apparently two types of celebrities in Atlanta? Oh yea, last night Luckie Lounge was divided into “current hitmakers” on one floor, and “one hit wonders” on another. The red carpet, where people come to show their love and support for the sponsors and the press was one big joke â€" because nobody wanted to walk it. It’s clear that the organizers of this event invited way too many people, and as a result they ran clear out of proper credentials, making something as simple as entering the spot a truly daunting task.

Usher and I arrived pretty much at the same time, and I couldn’t help but drop my mouth in complete awe as even he struggled with the bouncer at the door to gain entrance for him, Tameka [who was looking a HOT mess by the way], and his crew.

I saw so much high octane bullsh*t that I could produce an entire book on the do’s and don’t’s to throwing an event. But as I sit here typing this out to you all it’s suddenly hitting me that this event, and the people who were operating it aren’t worth the keystrokes.

All I can say is that if you ever hear of another BMI showcase happening in a city near you….don’t even waste your time. Because I know for damn sure I sure won't EVER AGAIN!!! And y'all know I'm being nice on my report. I usually ether people on this blog, but honestly this sh*t isn't even worth the keystrokes.

I really wanted to get you all some footage of Lil' Wayne performing live. But the bullsh*t just became to unbearable. Sorry guys!

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (37)

The self-proclaimed "King of The White Girls", Polow Da Don, brought the Fergalicious white girl, Fergie, to Luckie Lounge last night for the Jason Jeter/Jerry Clark Premier event. Atlanta's top celebrity heavyweights like Young Jeezy, Keri Hilson, T.I., Chingy, Rich Boy and Mannie Fresh all came out to support.

I can't even front I had promised one of my new home girls that I would come out and celebrate with everybody, but for those of you who don't know I've been dedicating my self to the gym this past month trying to get it right for summer.

I've been putting in 2-3 hours at the LA Fitness with my trainer [which is costing me a fortune] and I just don't have the energy to do much these days. SOHH unfortunately I can't bring you all the happenings first hand. However luckily for you guys my girl Necole Bitchie was in the spot and she got all the tidbits over on her blog that you can all check out. I know y'all ain't trying to look at the angry lesbians site, and trust me I feel you on that.

But anyway, check out Necole's site to get all the info.

Oh, and y'all know Uptown is slowly becoming another alternative to get your party on. Jamal Coleman sent me over a graphic letting you all know what's going down this weekend. Check it out.

Tell em Gyant sent ya!

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 2:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

I mean damn, here I was completely comfortable in my judgment of Usher "damn" Raymond. The overly sensitive pop star who I had internally written off as a "has been" seems to be pulling out all the stops on his new CD. And I'll be damned if his new remix of "Love In Da Club" with Beyonce and Lil' Wayne is HOT AS HELL! Have a listen below.

[doesn't it sound a little like "Lovers and Friends"?]

Now I got to be honest the biggest reason why I love this remix is because it's an actual remix. Don't y'all remember back in the day when artists would drop a remix and it would be a completely different song? R.Kelly's child molesting ass was the King of the remix. But now-a-days when people drop a remix it's just the same damn song with a rapper added to it.

I think this song is hot, and now I'm suddenly interested in seeing what Usher can do with Here I Stand. Y'all already know that I was going to try and get an interview out of homie, but his camp is being extra tight with media access. I hear that Usher isn't a fan of the blogs ever since we [yes, all bloggers] clowned on him and his new wife Tameka hard last year. I don't know when these artists are going to get it. New Media is the way to go if you want to get some major attention on your project. Some learn that lesson faster than others.

Mad props to Low Key over at You Heard That New. I don't know how you be getting the exclusive sh*t first, but you starting to get into a league of your own.

Is T.I. banned from all Cobb County schools? That's what I'm hearing. Apparently the embattled rapper, who is still trying to complete his 1000 hours of community service, tried to reach out to Pebblebrook High School students but was brutally rebuffed. From what I could ascertain the Cobb County School district has nixed the idea.

Community Activist, Gerald Rose, says that he received confirmation that it was OK for Clifford Harris, AKA Tip, to speak to students about staying out of trouble, but when one last phone call was made to the principal of Pebblebrook it seems the offer was reneged.

Of course when confronted about the districts abrupt decision, they reportedly said that its just not a good time to have T.I. at their schools due to heavy gang violence and tension surrounding the death of a student in the area.

But I'm confused. If T.I. is coming to talk to the students to discuss the downfalls of criminal actions and violence then does their excuse measure up?

And if that news isn't shocking enough, Cobb County is not the only district banning T.I. either. From what I heard Fulton County is also banning the self-proclaimed "King Of The South" as well due to criminal charges he still faces. But at least there's a glimmer of good news coming out of this because Dekalb County has said that they have no problem with T.I. talking to its students. I hear he has several engagements scheduled for next week talking to Dekalb students.

My girl Dorma at So So Def wanted me to let all y'all know that its going down this Sunday with 9th Ward, and Nitti Beat out at 300 Bowling Alley. I'm sure everybody already knows that Sunday's are off the chain at 300. And if you don't know you better ask somebody.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 10:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (25)

You know I've always had a fondness for Cee-Lo's style and musical flare. But I never knew how truly talented homie was until I heard Gnarls Barkley's last album. That album was one of my favorite ones from last year, and when I was looking at the CD jacket, I was amazed to find out how much influence the Atlanta representer had on that project.

But for those of you who might not know, Cee Lo has had his hand in a lot more projects than many of us know about.

I know most people only know Cee Lo from the Goodie Mob era, but to only acknowledge the singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer from that pioneering group alone wouldn't be giving the man his just due. He has appeared as a featured singing vocalist on songs by artists such as De La Soul, Kelis, Common, Royce Da 5'9", Nas, Twista, OutKast, Rehab, Black Eyed Peas, Musiq, Diddy, Mad Skillz, Lil Kim, Erykah Badu and Trick Daddy, and sings background vocals on TLC's hit single "Waterfalls". [no sh*t]

He collaborated with Trick Daddy and Lil' Kim on the smash 2005 song, Sugar (Gimme Some), and also produced, and wrote "Dont Cha" for the Pussycat Dolls.

And with all of those credits up under his belt the funkadelic star is moving forward with other projects. His second album [The Odd Couple] is in stores now, and he's also working with Academy Award Winner, Jennifer Hudson, and Beyonce's little sister Solange. Here's what I found out below:

The track written for Hudson, "All Dressed Up In Love," will appear on the soundtrack for the highly-anticipated Sex in the City movie, while his contributions to Solange's sophomore release, SoL-AngeL and the Hadley Street Dreams, are the songs "T.O.N.Y." and "Sandcastle Disco."

Knowles said she "literally had to beg Cee-Lo to listen to my music" before he agreed to come aboard.[Source]

Here are some of my favorite Cee-Lo videos:

I thought this would be a break from the norm.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 1:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)

I had seen this video that's slowly making its way around the internet earlier this week and didn't want to post about it because I knew that if I was the first one to talk about it y'all would some how blame me for spreading gay gossip around the blogs. SOHH I purposely stayed out of it until others started to weigh their opinions on the matter. There's a new video out of Soulja Boy, and new comer Arab that's got people looking at them sideways. Check the video below.

In the video clip above Soulja Boy is giving his fans a little inside to his life on the road. But clearly something went south, no pun intended, between he and rap protégé Arab. Soulja Boy is seen greeting his pal by initiating a sexual hump. Now look, I personally can overlook that action as two young kids just having a good time, and just not thinking about their actions SOHH for me I really don't see the big deal. But when I emailed this video to a few of my homies and asked their opinions, and even added their age range, their responses were less forgiving.

SOHH since some of you always want to call me a homo because I don't dress the way some of you feel that I should, or because my thought process, and expression are a tad bit more eccentric than most I wanted to know what you all think.

Was the actions in this video just harmless fun or a shocking revelation?

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 10:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (48)

FINALLY!! I can now show you all the video for one of my favorite songs SOHH far of 2008. Even though it was technically released in the late part of 2007, B.O.B.'s song "Haterz Everywhere" is my sh*t. I get SOHH much hate from you guys that when I first heard the track I could really relate. I mean hey, I hate on the celebrities and in turn you all hate on me. It's apart of the game. But anyway check out the video below.

The video was shot in the ATL a few weeks ago. I actually should say it was re-shot because they had already done a video back in December but I heard it came out looking horrible. SOHH they went back to the drawing board to give us the fans a much better quality visual.

I'm not even going to front, I really like B.O.B. I have had the opportunity to hear a few of his cuts and I like what he's doing. I also got a remix of his anthem "Hatez" over the new Usher beat that I thought is better than the original. Listen to it below:

What do you all think about the video? How about the remix? Where my B.O.B. fans at?

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 1:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (20)

Well it’s good to know that we mere peasants aren’t the only ones feeling the damn gas crunch. David Banner created a video expressing his frustrations, while he’s actually pumping gas. This is some classic sh*t you got to see.

Now that's some real sh*t right there. He's most definitely right about rappers talking about something that truly matters. I want a rapper to make a song about how the high gas prices suck ass.

And here's some random information I found out.

What the hell? I hear that Atlanta's sweetheart, Keisha Knight Pulliam is set to play a whore in Tyler Perry's new movie "Madea Goes to Jail" which is currently filming. For those of you who don't know Madea [than you're clearly not black] here's a quick synopsis:

The play-turned-movie centers on Madea (Perry), whose propensity for causing trouble lands her in jail. She comes to the rescue of Candy (Pulliam), a fellow inmate who is locked up for prostitution and gets preyed upon by a woman named Big Sal in jail. Luke is on track to play Joshua, an attorney who has a past with Candy. [Source]

A few weeks ago I sat down with Irv Gotti's new Atlanta hybrid group the Thunderkatz.[Read Story Here] Well they hit me up with their lead single titled "Anything". Check out the song and share your thoughts. I think it's a positive song and now that the Black Eyed Peas have clearly moved on to solo success this group can slide right in and take the mic.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

According to the [SOHH News Department] 50 Cent has publicly thrown Buck out of the G-Unit group, and you just know the southern rapper wasn't going to just sit quiet. He's released a new lyrical assault on the bad boy of hip-hop. I thought you all might want to weigh in on this nonsense.

Young Buck - My Interview ( Response to 50)

What do y'all think about this nonsense? I mean does Young Buck, who frequents Atlanta often, need to have Fiddy on his side to make good music that sells?

Thanks to Nigel over at Realtalk for the info.

DJ Trauma, and RL

Gyant, and Necole Bitchie

Last week I stopped by Luckie Lounge to check out Marsha from Floetry, and Mario perform live. However unfortunately it seemed that Mario couldn’t seem to pull himself away from HOT 107.9’s fashion show at Compound SOHH I never got a chance to see it. I would break down the event, but I left before anything happened.

But the hip-hop publicist seemed to review the evening perfectly. Here’s what he had to say:

Look who finally decided to show up last night at R&B Live Atlanta. Mario, the D-list R&B sensation came 2 ½ hours later then expected. No hatred intended to the PR Firm (Garner Circle Pr) that invited us out to the event â€"[their only doing what they are told] ; but the ‘Dancing with the Stars’ guy to damn late.

Half the media left way before the Mario actually decided to show up. Lets be for real , Mario is you not that HOT to come that late to a performance. [Source]

--SOHH Gyant,

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 12:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (26)

I don't think there's ever been a time in the new Black Hollywood where three of Atlanta's top lyricists were all working on movie projects at or around the same time. But since it's here I thought I'd give you all the scoop.

T.I. is in final negotiations to possibly co-star in Screen Gems' upcoming heist drama "Bone Deep," according to the film's Atlanta-based producer.

Will Packer, who soon will begin filming "Obsessed" in Los Angeles with Beyonce Knowles, says he is in the "final stages" of a deal to have T.I. join his "Bone Deep" cast. The film, which will star Matt Dillon and Idris Elba, involves a planned robbery that Packer has described as a kind of cross between "Heat" and "Ocean's Eleven."

"Bone Deep," tentatively set for 2009 release, could be filmed this fall. Atlanta is under consideration as a location, Packer says. Source

Here’s the poster and trailer for the upcoming film Battle in Seattle, about the riots that took place during the 1999 WTO conference.

I hear Andre 3000 is only in the film for 20 seconds or so, but you see how the poster tries to lead us to believe that he's got a prominent part.

Ludacris is set to star alongside Mark Wahlberg in the upcoming film version of the hit video game Max Payne. Wahlberg is already confirmed as New York City DEA Agent Max Payne whose family was brutally murdered in a twisted government conspiracy while Ludacris will play the role of NYPD Chief Jim Bravura.

Am I the only one who's not familiar with Max Payne? I hear that Ludacris has already secured a home in the Toronto area.

Damn, it's just like Cato says, "Welcome To Black Hollywood!" [Contributing Information Provided By Woohah.com]

If y'all didn't know Ashanti touched down in the ATL last week at HOT 107.9's Fashion show. I heard she put it down and here's the video - what you think?

Now if you're a reader of this blog regularly then you already know I wasn't going to be in the building because I don't fux with the Gideon's on any level. So the second I found out they were apart of the festivities I knew I already knew that it was a wrap.

And it's a good thing that I didn't because did y'all hear about the shoot out? I heard somebody got shot and was rushed to the hospital. Of course the police have no leads, but that just goes to show you that people still just don't know how to act. Oh, and I know everybody already knows by now that Whitney was there with Ray-J. Read Up On That Debacle Here

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (18)

Today is just one of those days when not a lot is going on. Yesterday in the ATL was crazy. John Legend, Estelle, Ashanti, Mario, Ray-J and Yung Berg were all here SOHH you know they had me running around this city. I will have more on that stuff next week. But while surfing one of my favorite sites today I found something that I know should interest my music heads.

My media brethren Randy Exclusive has compiled an iPod download that I thought was pretty damn good. Here's the track listing:

Is it just me or has Buck been making better music on his own. Getting kicked outta G-Unit might be a good thing, it was for The Game.

Young Buck - Kill Me A Nigga

Young Buck ft. Snoop Dogg & The Outlawz - Drivin Down The Freeway (Gmix)

Mariah Carey ft. R. Kelly - Touch My Body (Remix)

Akon ft. Ray L - Fallin In Love

Ne-Yo - Let Just Be

Nelly ft. Akon - Body On Me

The Game - Nigga Wit An Attitude

Vic Damone ft. Lil Wayne - Lil Mama (Remix)

The Cool Kids - Oscar

Pacific Division - Taste

Stat Quo ft. B.O.B. - My Ride

Ryan Leslie ft. Cassie - Addiction

Phyzikal ft. Jazze Pha - Who Let Em In

Cato - Black Hollywood

DJ Green Latern ft. Akon, Fabolous & Fat Joe - So Fly

Kate Nash - Dickhead

Wale - Conclusion

Download Playlist Here

And be sure to check out Randy's site [View Here]

But if the music isn't really your thing then check out Jazze Pha and Lil Duvall cooking it up Jazzy's new online cooking show.

Um, I think they are going to need to go back to the drawing board on this one. And I got a lot of luv for Jazze, but I'm gonna need for someone in his camp to get him into a gym. I'm an advocate for health and am only trying to look out. Carrying around all that weight is just not good in the long run. Y'all know I'm telling the truth.

Oh and before I forget...

Shout out to Nikki Walker of NW Public Relations for celebrating her one year anniversary yesterday. Nikki held a private affair at Seven Over Escape Boutique in Buckhead, and I stopped through to show some luv. Check out the pix, and clown away.

Gyant, Nikki, Erica and the Falcons Ovi.

Gyant and Nikki

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email:sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)

The SOHH production department complied a bunch of video clips from some of our most shocking, yet entertaining, video clips of people going off on something I've blogged about. For those who just love to see me getting cussed out this video is for you.

Damn, I've pissed off a lot of people in my career. But hey what can I say the game needs someone like me.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 1:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (32)

And just when I thought I was going to have nothing to post today the Smoking Gun just posted an expose that I know is gonna have a lot of people talking as the day progresses. Why these rappers try and lie about their criminal past is beyond me? Confused? Well read all about it below.

While Akon is not from Atlanta he does have roots here. He just opened up a business office in Sandy Springs not to long ago, he's always down here scoping out new talent, and he's also signed a few Atlanta acts to his Konvict Music Record label. The man's done seemingly well for himself despite his criminal record that he claimed has prevented him from obtaining a real job back in the day. Akon has openly talked about his troubles with the law as well as getting back on the straight and narrow of society. Watch the video below.

Well it seems that the African hip-hop star's entire criminal past, a past that he built his entire empire on, was for the most part fabricated. As I mentioned at the begining of this post one of my favorite websites, The Smoking Gun has posted an expose on Akon that's almost surely going to damage his creditability.

Akon has publicly spoken out about years spent in the prison system. He painted himself as a hardened criminal who headed up a car theft ring right here in the ATL. He even burst on the music scene with his popular son "Lock'd Up" where he depicted life behind bars. But it seems that it is all a lie. Check out what TSG found out.

Akon's ad nauseum claims about his criminal career and resulting prison time have been, to an overwhelming extent, exaggerated, embellished, or wholly fabricated, an investigation by The Smoking Gun has revealed. Police, court, and corrections records reveal that the entertainer has created a fictionalized backstory that serves as the narrative anchor for his recorded tales of isolation, violence, woe, and regret. Akon has overdubbed his biography with the kind of grit and menace that he apparently believes music consumers desire from their hip-hop stars.

While the performer's rap sheet does include a half-dozen arrests, Akon has only been convicted of one felony, for gun possession. That 1998 New Jersey case ended with a guilty plea, for which the singer was sentenced to three years probation. Another 1998 bust, this one in suburban Atlanta, has been seized upon by Akon and transformed into the big case that purportedly sent him to prison (thanks to his snitching cohorts) for three fight-filled years. In reality, Akon was arrested for possession of a single stolen BMW and held in the DeKalb County jail for several months before prosecutors dropped all charges against him.

So there was no conviction. There was no prison term between 1999 and 2002. And he was never "facing 75 years," as the singer claimed in one videotaped interview.

Akon's invented tales appear to be part of a cynical marketing plan, but one that has met with remarkable success. Few press interviews conclude without Akon being asked about his criminal exploits and his prison days. He obliges with canned and well-rehearsed claims, false as they may be, and compares his supposed nationwide operation to those depicted in the movies "Gone in 60 Seconds" and "New Jersey Drive." And in interview after interview over the years, he always makes sure to point out the "notorious" nature of his theft ring (as if the adjective's inclusion makes him sound even more felonious). Akon repeats the phrase "notorious car theft operation" so frequently it seems like he is reading it from a sheet of talking points. [Read The Full Story Here]

Of course calls made to Akon's manager Robert Carnes were diverted to Akon's record label, who didn't return phone calls.

I got to say that this news, as juicy as it is, does not shock me. I've ran into many a rapper who tries to relate to the hood by making up fake street war stories. But on a professional level, this makes Akon look like one big fool. And there's no way out of this. Not even Patti Webster, who is a PR guru could fix this debacle. There are police records backing up all TSG's claims.

He had better just come out and admit that he lied and did what he had to do get in the game. I mean at this point the man still makes catchy ass tunes that I listen to regardless.

However I did find this little tid bit interesting.

In a February 2007 story in Creative Loafing, Atlanta's weekly newspaper, readers were assured that "Akon doesn't need to embellish, since he's already lived an unusual and turbulent life."

I hear Akon is currently on tour in Africa, and I've been meaning to wish his tour DJ, DJ Benny D, a happy birthday.

Benny Demus has gone on to become world renown as a highly entertaining DJ known for mesmerizing an audience with his mastery of the mix and engaging stage show. You may have caught him in one of numerous TV appearances including 106 & Park; Regis & Kelly; Jimmy Kimmel Live; Craig Killbourne; Nokia Unwired: Hard Rock Caf Live; MTV Europe Awards or the Source Awards. He appeared on stages for the BET Awards, MTV Discover & Download; and the career-affirming Soul Train. No stranger to foreign lands, he has performed in countries such as Africa, Germany, London, Japan, Switzerland, Sweden, New Zealand, Australia, Antigua, Barbados, Paris and Holland. Definitely a breakout DJ and full on entertainer, Demus has also received coverage in VIBE and Rap Pages. With skills as critical as those of a stealth bomber, Benny Demus has frequently been called upon for use as a secret weapon by industry insiders. He has worked with labels such as Universal Records, Sony Music and SRC Records. He was called upon for his production expertise to contribute to the score of Midway Games NBA Ballers series. Responsible for the theme music of MBC Networks 2002-03 Black College Football and Basketball Season, he also created their slogan Play Hard, Play Tough. Next on his menu is to drop a new album from his super group Rock City (formerly 2EKWHIP) and to ensure just exposure for his homeland and the awesome talents it holds. Dont worry if you did not catch him at the Tweeter Center in Boston, Club Speed in NYC, the Michigan Music Festival, or at the Car Shows for Funkmaster Flex or Wyclef Jean hell be receiving rotations at a station or inciting frenzies at a venue near you, all in the very near future. Just be careful, Benny Demus is on fire, and nothing but success can satiate it. Always remember he's not just a DJ he's a producer, rapper and most of all an ENTERTAINER!

SOHH fans what do you all think? Please discuss...

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (59)

I got an email from DTP last night regarding a new video from Playaz Circle. At first I didn't even bother opening it because they haven't been on my radar ever since "Duffle Bag Boy", and even that was only because of Lil Wayne. But then I got a follow up email asking me to check it out, and I'll be damned! The sh*t is hot.

DTP didn't send me any information with this video so I don't know if this track is from their old album, or a new one. By the video I can tell it was shot in midtown ATL. I'm from NYC, so this track, to me , is so reminiscent of the hip-hop that I love. And the homie, Phonte on the hook definitely added something extra that I dig. Check it out.[Bloggers Note: This track is off of their last album "Supply And Demand" album]

I love how they switched up their style on this. Y''ll know I love to start trouble with people, and though I've had my not so nice run ins with Tity Boy, I always give props where they are due. And I like this a lot. Somebody send me the mp3 so I can load to my i-Pod please. What do y'all think about it?

Earlier this week I ran a post on this new track that I had hear Polow Da Don produced [Listen To Song Here], but apparently Polow didnt have anything to do with it. I got an email from someone at Kidz With Machine Gunz clearing the air:

yo, whats good man, write now i am hitting you up about the mix of closer u posted on your site a few days ago. Polow did not produce it. me and my producing partner of our group KIDZ WITH MACHINE GUNZ -we have done tracks for( bubbasparxx/newsouth,Alfamega/grandhustle,young la/grandhusgtle, young dro/grandhustle, tracey t, jre or making the band 4, dion/aftermath,macboney /grandhuslte, jackie chain/universal, da backwoodz/rowdy, caz clay, killer mike,small world)- produced that track. we do not know how it got to you or why anyone would say polow produced it. We have some connects in high places at def jam that sent us the track saying the need to re-do this track because radio wasn't feeling it. so we did the mix and sent it to them and our peoples.....we dont know if ne-yo's folks like it or what they are planning to do with it. So man polow did not do that beat, it wasn't even mixed yet... but gyant man we appreciate you like it man.. and that it got uploaded to your i-pod, and we would of sent you a reply but we just got word it was posted today.... But man feel free to check us out at myspace.com/kidzwithmachinegunz. and keep doing yo thang man

I just wanted to clear that one up, if any of you cared. Whoever did I thought did a great job, because I love that version a lot better than the first.

For all the DJ Drama, and Dogg Pound fans out there here's a video I got of them out on the town recently at Club Motion.

Click To Play

This is a video segment is apart of a video documentary in the making. I will update you all as I become updated.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmai.com

Posted by Gyant at 2:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)

Was it last week when I did a post on Young Jeezy inquiring about where the hell he's been recently? Well it seems that one of Atlanta's most pioneering MC's reads the blogs because he's just dropped a new mixtape. And y'all know I got it for you below.

The 32 track mixtape should be just enough to keep the fans at bay until Jeezy's highly anticipated CD drops sometime this summer. Catch the download clip below.

1. fuck is a gangsta intro 0:07
2. side effects ft. mariah carey (world premiere) 3:39
3. get em young (world premiere) 1:32
4. dickies ft. ugk (prod. by shawty redd) 2:24
5. superstar remix ft. lupe fiasco mathew santos t.i. 3:24
6. chasin it ft. bloodraw diesel the don 3:07
7. black bandana (prod. by swizzo) 2:56
8. luv ur girl remix ft. the dream 2:03
9. blow it up ft. r. kelly young dro 2:24
10. after the show ft. slick pulla 2:10
11. fuck the other side ft. slick pulla trick daddy 2:14 rick ross (cartel remix)
12. shake and bake ft. slick pulla (prod. by knoxville) 1:41
13. the good life remix 1:10
14. rock song (prod. by j.u.s.t.i.c.e. league) 2:00
15. ready to roll ft. slick pulla 2:22
16. i hustle ft. b.g. (gotnow blend) 2:11
17. wanna bes ft. snoop dogg nate dogg 3:12
18. eyes closed ft. 2 pistols (prod. by j.u.s.t.i.c.e. 2:12 league)
19. luxury tax ft. lil wayne rick ross trick daddy 3:44
20. cant tell me nothing remix ft. kanye west 2:12
21. diamonds remix ft. fabolous lil wayne 2:27
22. baby powder remix ft. boo 1:48
23. when cte come around ft. slick pulla 4:06
24. white girl ft. u.s.d.a. (gotnow blend) 2:16
25. louie bag ft. bloodraw 2:59
26. duffle bag boy ft. slick pulla 2:37
27. in this club ft. usher 2:32
28. hurt remix ft. t.i. 1:54
29. cte till the death ft. slick pulla 1:53
30. brown paper bag ft. slick pulla 2:05
31. all eyes on us 1:22
32. g-move ft. roccett gorilla zoe (prod. by p.c.) 3:14 33. talk real slick ft. slick pulla (prod. by drumma 3:24 boy)

I downloaded a copy so its a trusted link!

And for those who aren't interested in getting their Jeezy uploaded into ya iPod, check out another Jermaine Dupri video with him and 9th Ward.

Am I the only one who's not really feeling 9th Ward? I don't know, maybe I need to hear some more music. Nitti holla at me SOHH I can listen to some music from ya artist.

I'm sure everybody knows that T.I. spoke to the AJC last week on a range of things, but I found this information particuarly interesting, and thought I'd share it with you all:

“GM had to back up off of me,” T.I tells the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “There are films that I missed out on. Not speaking of, of course, shows. Tours. Tons of business. I’ve probably lost about $10 to $12 million dollars.”

You know I forgot that I haven't seen a GM commercial with T.I. in a minute. But I'm sure he'll bounce back with this new album, Paper Trail.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (23)

OK, so clearly the cheese [me] stood alone on my last post. What can I say, I have a strong opinion. Just to be clear my rant wasn't on the guys personally just on their career as of late. But anyway let's move on.

SOHH I hear that Def Jam's, as well as Atlanta resident, Vawn has just signed a deal with Peachtree TV and the Atlanta Braves. I've done a few posts on homie, but I've never really gotten any feedback from you all the readers. What y'all think of him?

From what I hear Vawn has been doing his thing in the A for a minute. I also hear that LA Reid signed the ATL representer directly after hearing the music. And while he's getting all these deals and garnering media attention, I wanted to know what the SOHH Atlanta readers think about ole boy.

Here's his new single with Scar called "Cuz I Hustle". I think it's dope!

And here is some more information on homie's new deal.

Peachtree TV has signed Def Jam’s Atlanta-based rapper Vawn to be showcased in two on-air promotional campaigns touting the Atlanta Braves’ new television home. The campaigns, which feature original songs based on the tagline “The Braves Play Here,” were filmed in Atlanta . In 2008, Peachtree TV will air 45 regular season Braves games.

For more information on Vawn checkout his myspace page [Click Here]..

Someone from Vawns camp needs to holla at me so we can see if can set up some things with interviews and stuff.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 2:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (27)

Three Six Mafia is back with some new music courtesy of DJ Montay. I don't know about y'all but I've kind of lost all respect for the rap group ever since they became coons for the MTV audience with that damn reality show, Welcome To Hollyhood. But pushing that all aside I chose their new video, 'I'd Rather" for SOHH Atlanta's Poppin' or Floppin' video of the week. Check it out below.

Call me an asshole but this is one of my biggest gripes about hip-hop. While I can appreciate a good strip club track for the dollar kings of the world, must we as fans of real rap music be subjected to one releasing almost every damn week?

Here you have a group of guys who made history by nabbing an Oscar, which in my opinion was only given to the them by white Hollywood to catch a laugh at our expense, for “It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp" and how do they decided to contribute to an already dying musical culture? They take part in a modern day minstrel show and drop some bullshit ass "music" for the hood that won't get any damn airplay outside of Strokers or Body Tap.

A few weeks ago I was invited to come out and take part in their strip club promo tour, and I instantly declined. "I'd rather" be front and center at a Bow Wow/Omarion concert than to take part in spreading that buffoonery to the world.

While I know this post might be a little too harsh on the guys, I am just SOHH sick of the nickel, and dime rap music that is infiltrating a culture that I love. But honestly, what was the purpose of this sh*t? I know even the most anti-Gyant reader has to side with me on this one.

Tell me if I'm trippin.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 10:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (36)

One of Atlanta's newest residents, Ne-Yo is back with some new music that I hear was remixed by Polow Da Don. While I can't confirm this information just yet, I still think it's a lot better than the original. What do you all think?

The original version didn't catch my attention at all. It sounded like something Rihanna would do and coming from homie I didn't think that was a good look. But when I heard the newest version that a reader emailed to me over the weekend that sh*t got uploaded to my iPod immediately. The beat is BANANAS

And here's the supposed remix. What y'all think? Is it a banger or should the prince of Def Jam go back to the drawing board? I hear the title of his new album is called "The Year Of The Gentleman" [Check out pics from the video shoot here.]

And while you're mulling that one over, all my aspiring entertainers need to be at Luckie Lounge on April 24th because Ciara, Lil' Wayne, Sean Garrett, and Teyana Taylor will be in the building.

BMI will present its 11th Annual Unsigned Urban Showcase Thursday, April 24, featuring some of the recording industry’s eminent stars and most promising unsigned talent. Held Thursday, April 24 at Atlanta’s Luckie Lounge (375 Luckie Street), the event begins at 9 p.m, doors open at 8 p.m. The festivities are open to the public, but attendees must be 21-years-old with valid identification. Admission is $20.00 until 10 p.m.

Headliners for the highly-anticipated night of music are Cash Money/Universal Records star Lil’ Wayne; hit-making wordsmith Sean Garrett, aka The Pen; and Star Trak/Interscope buzz recording artist Teyana Taylor, who will each bring their respective high-energy sounds.

Hopefuls from across the country vied for a chance to display their talent in front of Atlanta’s influential, superstar-spotting music community, and the showcase finalists were chosen by a group of top BMI songwriters, producers and industry executives from over 300 submissions. The contenders include southern-bred MC Jarren Benton (Atlanta); R&B crooner Brandon Hines (New York); genre transformers Holly Weerd (Atlanta); and East Point rapper Trimm (Atlanta).

The night provides a unique opportunity for BMI affiliates to showcase before a room of industry professionals. The final four will perform for a panel of celebrity judges including producer Don Vito (Jermaine Dupri, Yung Joc); Universal Music Publishing Vice President Ethiopia Habtemariam; producer DJ Toomp (Kanye West, Ludacris, Rick Ross); producer DJ Montay (“Low,” Flo Rida feat. T-Pain); entertainment attorney Reid Hunter; Chrysalis Music Vice President Val Patton; entertainment attorney Sandra Brown; producer No I.D. (DMX, Janet Jackson, Jay-Z); The Clutch songwriters J. Que (Ciara, Omarion, Usher) and Ezekiel “Zeke” Lewis (Mary J. Blige, Omarion, Jennifer Lopez); singer/songwriter Keri Hilson (member of creative hive The Clutch and solo artist signed to Timbaland & Polow da Don’s label Mosley Music Group/Zone 4/Interscope Records); producer Teddy Bishop (LeToya, Usher, Aaliyah); Grand Hustle producer Lil C “C Gutta” (TI, Young Jeezy, Young Dro); lifestyle specialist Kenny Burns (Kenny Burns Show) and Bad Boy Director of A&R and songwriter/producer Slam (Diddy, Keyshia Cole, Christina Aguilera).

BMI will also present the Legends of Atlanta Award to a community leader, recognizing his or her contributions to the Atlanta music scene. Past recipients of the prestigious honor include Big Oomp and Organized Noize.

Y'all already know that I'm going to be in the building to get that video for you guys of Lil' Wayne doing his thing. Let's hope he's sober.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 1:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)

Damn, just when I started to forget all about that damn Chingy/Charlamagne beef it seems that the Midwest MC has teamed up with Ludacris and 4-IZE to remind us all that it’s still on and poppin’ between the two. The track is titled “Do It For Haterz Again”. Have A Listen Below. Followed by Charlamagne's response.

Now if I've learned anything these past couple of weeks is that you've got to know to just leave well enough alone. If you involve yourself in a tit-for-tat war with an enemy it's never going to end. And with that I'll turn to my brethren in the business, Charlamagne Tha God. Check out his extremely comical video that he created just for Mr. Chingaling.

I can't even front that coaster skit had me dying!

I wonder if Chingy is going to learn to leave well enough alone or if he's going to come at the people of the "The Experience" again.

Moving Right Along....

I know some of y'all are still recovering from the celebrity invasion of Jay-Z and MJB last week, but there's another video that I spotted on TheMostAccess.com of the afterparty.

In Da Streetz Recordings and their artist Cato wants to welcome us all to "Black Hollywood". What y'all think of the the song?

No that's not Tyra Banks in the video, it's none other than Ms. Ciara and she's still hosting them damn dance auditions for aspiring hip-hop dancers across the United States. It seems that y'all been doing the "one, two step" SOHH well that the princess of the ATL has added three additional audition in Chicago, St Louis, and back here in the "A".

Y'all know I was there at the last audition, and some of y'all got it on and poppin [See Video Here].

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (18)

Last night I got a complimentary ticket from the Purple Ribbon camp to come check out Big Boi’s theater debut.

The Atlanta Fox Theater was where one half of Outkast took to the stage to elevate hip-hop to the next level. I’m not even going to front, I went to this event expecting to hate it. I mean, I know pop culture tries to incorporate hip-hop into almost everything these days, but I just didn’t see how something as technical and elegant as ballet would mix with hard, edgy rap music. But the minute the curtain rose and the Outkast catalog took over, I’ll be dammed if I wasn’t staring at everyone in complete awe.

Now I don’t know too much about ballet dancing, so I am not going to begin to try and break down exactly what I took in visually. Thanks to my camera I won’t even have to go there. Just check it out for yourself.

I got to say that Janelle Monae stole the damn show. I mean Big Boi most certainly did his thing, and the dancers were great. But something about her awkward movements, and soulful voice just had me captivated.

All in all I got to give EVERYBODY their props. This is a show you got to check out for yourself. You got two more days to get your chance to see Antwan Patton, and the Purple Ribbon crew get their culture on. For ticket information click here.

Big Shout out to Tamiko for the hook up.

Talk to y’all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email:sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (23)

There is more T.I. drama that has just unfolded. Check it out below.

OK, so today I was going to go check out T.I. at an event geared towards teens. The organizers apparently invited him to come out and talk to the kids at the YMCA in downtown Atlanta, and sent out a press release asking selective media to come out and participate in the affair. Well clearly nobody told Kevin Liles this information because when I got there I was stopped dead in my tracks.

From what I could ascertain it seems that the Judge over this case may not be happy with T.I. using his community service as a publicity [that's what I heard, I'm not quoting anybody] because the publicist overseeing event said that calls got funneled down from the HNIC over at Atlantic records, Kevin Liles [by way of the company's publicist] to not allow any form of media to record his community involvement, ESPECIALLY BLOGGERS! It appears as if whoever decided to use this in T.I.'s favor didn't consult the proper people.

So as I stand there getting all kind of apologies for basically wasting my time, and most importantly my damn gas, it seems that a bunch of media [not me] decided that they were going to sit in the parking lot and capture images of T.I. going inside. And that's where it all got a little tense because in the parking lot of the YMCA where kids come to build themselves up, and interact with each other in a safe non violent establishment, a members of T.I.'s camp started shouting and threating the media [dude in the yellow hat in the video] saying: "If anyone points a camera at him, I'm bashing ya equipment". And naturally that's when the media went in even harder to get Clifford on camera. Now by this time T.I. hadn't even arrived at the venue yet.

I for one didn't want to get involved with this one, so I calmly sat on the sidelines and watched the scene play out, and this is what I got.

Now I don't know where the break down happened because clearly T.I. seemed to be in high spirits. But everybody knows that once you invite the media to participate in any event you're handling they're going to participate whether you want them to or not.

But concerns have been raised over the terms of T.I.'s probation since his court hearing two weeks ago. First he was sentenced to a year under house arrest followed by an immediate one year prison term. However just days after sentencing the self-proclaimed "King Of The South" made a surprise appearance at an Atlanta-area event. His lawyers are claiming that though T.I. is under house arrest he was free to roam the streets, but under certain terms.

This whole case has me completely puzzled. It's got to be one of the most unique ones I've ever witnessed. But at the end of the day CBS, and all the other news stations got their footage, and I got something for you all too. But I got to tell ya, it feels good to not have been the sh*t starter for once in my career. LOL!

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email:sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (25)

Jermaine Dupri is teaming up with Proctor & Gambles’s TAG brand to create a new record label. This leads me to believe that the industry must not be hurting as bad everybody I saying.

Here’s what my blog homie Drew over at Drewreports.com is saying:

The new label will be led by hip-hop mogul Jermaine Dupri, who will act as president of the New York-based venture. As president, Dupri will set the creative vision for the label and play an integral part in identifying and developing its musical talent.

This is a milestone for the music industry as TAG Record’s artists will be supported with a multi-million dollar marketing effort that is unprecedented for any new artist, including television, print, radio, digital and event marketing.

“Today, we make history in the music industry with TAG Records,” said Jermaine Dupri, president of TAG Records. “This label is going to provide new artists with a chance of a lifetime. New artists will receive ten times the typical marketing support â€" a first in the industry. I’m hand selecting and molding these artists to make history in hip hop.”

I don’t know about y'all, but I’m indifferent about this new venture for JD. I mean on one hand I got no problem with anyone who is trying to get that paper. But on the other I thought the industry was hurting from lack of CD sales, Itunes, and unauthorized downloads across the internet.

Clearly the game isn’t hurting that bad if companies are coughing up multi-millions of dollars to create a brand new record label.

But while I am still mulling that one over in my head I think it’s GREAT that this new venture is going to be aimed at truly marketing artists the way they need to be marketed. A lot of these labels have become lazy, and unfortunately many talented artists never seem to reach their full potential.

And lets hope they don’t brush off new media because like it or not there’s no away around us. LOL!

For more information on TAG Records and the announcement of its first artist, visit www.tagrecords.com.

Check out yet another Jermaine Dupri video that he just posted on youtube.com. It looks like Jay-Z, Usher, JD "Williams" and Anthony Hamilton are working on some stuff that is said is going to "f*ck us up", or "grown us up".

Let's see what develops with that.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 1:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)

Lowkey sent me over a track that I know the T.I., Usher, and Young Jeezy fans are going to enjoy. Shawty Lo, and Gucci are probably two of the dumbest n*ccas to walk the earth, and I got some video of Trina still showing us that she's the baddest bitch! Check it out.

As you can already imagine now that T.I.’s free [kinda] people are all vying for his signature sound to be on their record, and Usher is no different. Take a listen to the remix of “Love In Da Club”. Big shout out Nigel at YouHeardThatNew.com for the music.

And for those who are SICK TO DEATH OF DAMN T.I. Don't worry, I got you.

You know it never ceases to amaze me how my people portray themselves in the media. Case and point this video I found online. In the clip below you’ll see D4L’s Shawty Lo and Gucci Mane having a “day in the life” moment with a video camera. And while I can appreciate them trying to “keep it real” is it me or do they just come off as two dumb looking n*ccas?

On one side of the pool table you got Shawty “L-O” showing to the world how much he’s ballin by pulling wads of cash out of his pockets and tossing it on the pool table as a game of shooting dice is about to commence. And on the other side you got Gucci Mane showing the whole world that he’s probably NEVER seen, much less even been to a gym. However, brushing that last sentence aside I can’t help but wonder why we still have SOHH many rappers, especially in our current downward spiral of the music business, trying to front to the world that they are flossing outta control. It’s like c’mon already! The Jig is up, we already know.

Oh, and let’s not forget them putting themselves in harms way in the process.

Call me crazy, but I don’t see the point in showing to all the “have not’s” of the world that you carry stacks of cash around with you. You might entice those who have nothing to lose to pull outrageous stunts on you to get some of what you’re showing off.

I don’t know maybe it’s just me.

Trina stopped by Atlanta last week, and I decided to stop by an in-store to see her engage with the fans. South Dekalb Mall apparently wasn't the spot for the baddest bitch because there was probably 30 or so fans in attendance.

I know Trina has a lot of fans, but apparently they just couldnt seem to make it to this particular signing. But she made various stops in the "A", and I've heard that other spots was PACKED! Shout out to Trina's publicist Krystle for the access.

Trina fans don't forget to cop that disc.

My girl D. over at So So Def just put me on to a new group that just got signed to Island/So So Def. The Miami quartet goes by the name Git Fresh. And while I think that they might need to go back to the drawing board on the name, I think their sound is picture perfect for today's music.

I wouldn't buy their album, but sh*t I'm sure they aren't being marketed for the grown ups. It's all about the screaming young girls with that disposable income.

Take a listen Here and share your thoughts.

Talk to y’all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Posted by Gyant at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (30)

Last night/earlier this morning I stopped by Jermaine Dupri’s official “Heart Of The City” after party, and after much bobbing and weaving I finally got the Jay-Z on camera. Yes, people I’m talking VIDEO! Oh, and did I mention that it’s also with Usher, Jermaine and Jeezy?

Let’s be honest, everybody in the ATL who was trying to get their party on was torn between JD’s and Alex Gideon’s competing events. Do you go with Diddy or Jay-Z? While I didn’t go to Dreamz [because you know, I don’t fux with the Gideons like that] the star power alone at JD’s party clearly, in my opinion, was the winner.

Not only did the ambassador of Atlanta [JD] bring the King of hip-hop [Jay] to his spot, but he also managed to get Beyonce, Usher, Ricky Ross, Lil Jon, Chingy, MTV’s Sway, Yung Berg and a host of others all up under the same roof.

I'm sure it's no surprise that Beyonce's handlers were not allowing any pictures to be taken of her, and while I normally ignore those kind of silly demands when they are out at a public event they made sure to keep B well hidden. I saw her come in with her assistant Angela, but she went straight to VIP and sat down in a way to where sneaking a picture was impossible. Add the fact that her extremely burly bodyguard was telling any and all eager photographers that if he saw one flash from a camera that the culprit was going to get tackled to the ground, I thought it best to just B E Z. I SOHH wanted to call his bluff, but I thought to myself "it just isn't worth it."

I got some video for you all thanks to the FANTASTIC staff at 72 who allowed me unprecedented access to collect all my footage. Check it out.

I don’t think you all know how big this is. Jay â€"Z is probably the only rapper in the game who refuses to do online media. Though we’ve made many attempts to try and get him for an interview here at SOHH.com he simply refuses to be a part of new media. I mean it’s not like it can help him. Jay and Beyonce are probably the only two in urban music who don’t have a need to fux with the bloggers of the world. At least not yet anyway!

I got to give a special shout out to Chew, Solo, Mia, Dorma, and a BIG shout out to Jermaine Dupri for looking out for me with the pictures. In all the hoopla you could have truly ignored a brutha and just kept it moving. But you didn’t, and I will always appreciate that.

OK, sh*t I’m going to bed!

Talk to y’all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email:sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (57)

[First off I apologize for the picture.I was in a rush.]

Many people may not know this, but Mariah Carey was down here in the ATL recording parts of her new album, E=MC2. And though I was not able to get her on camera, or-even-better-video, she was definitely doing her thing. And now, thanks to my super surfing internet skills I got a track from the album with Young Jeezy. Check it out below.

For those of you who don’t know Mariah Carey’s new album has leaked online [See Story Here], and while I’ve learned my lesson from leaking albums on the internet one of my personal favorite track off the new LP is called “Side Effect” with Young Jeezy. Listen to it below:

[In Case The Stream Stops Working Listen Here]

I know a lot of people are anticipating a new Jeezy album. SOHH far this year there hasn’t been any break out stars from the freshman rappers of Atlanta. Both Shawty Lo, and Rocko tried, but clearly nobody cares. B.o.B. had my ear for a minute with his catchy ass “Haterz Everywhere” but after months of no video, and subsequently, no other follow up tracks that have caught my attention I’m over that.

But as we all wait around to see what’s Jay Jenkins new project is gonna do, why don’t you tell me how you feel about the southern sound mixed with the legendary Voice.

And since we’re speaking of voices……

Check out Chilli’s new record which was written by Cri$tyle called, Dumb, Dumb, Dumb. It looks like former TLC member is attempting to finally do her own solo thing. I got a chance to sit down with she, and Cristyle last night at Signature Sound Studios to get a listen. Both Chris, and Chilli are some of the coolest people in the industry.

But I can’t help but wonder if its about ten years too late. I know people were looking for her to do a solo project back when TLC was showing signs of derailing. But she stuck with her girls, and as a fan I loved her for that. But in 2008 will these kids get Chilli? I mean her core fanbase have grown up and now have their own children. Will today's youth get her?

What do you all think?

Talk to y’all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 12:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (30)

Right on the heels of T.I. garnering leniency from about a dozen United States attorneys in a federal case it seems that someone in the world is out to paint Mr. Harris in even more negative light than he's already being portrayed in.

A new track leaked online late yesterday called "Hunt Em' Down". Check it all out below.

The unauthorized track is a raw and gritty portrayal of an obviously angry Clifford expressing his anger and frustrations towards something. At first it wasn't clear to me who the self-proclaimed "King of the South" was targeting in the track, but after getting a response from T.I. himself by way of his record label, which you all can listen to below, its clear this track stemmed from the unfortunate shootout that happened in Ohio. Listen to the track below:

But for those who are going to try and be all judgmental after hearing such a disturbing track. T.I. breaks it down for everyone below. Take a listen:

It's clear that T.I. is really making an attempt to stay on the straight and narrow while fulfilling his community service obligations. For those of you who don't know he took his celebrity out to Stockbrige this past Friday to address over one thousand high school students. In his 20 minute speech, T.I. spoke some poignant words by saying:

"If any of you know me, you know I'm (gonna) keep it real ... I don't laugh if it ain't funny. I don't scratch if I don't itch. If helping you guys wasn't something that was a passion of mine â€" and really something on my heart â€" I wouldn't be here,"

"... Hopefully the mistakes I've made can come across to you. And you can see where I went wrong, so you don't have to go down the same road."

OK, maybe I over sold it a bit. But hell I'm trying to keep it positive around here dammit! LOL!

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (24)

Chicken heads get your weaves touched up and fellas make sure your cash is right because Atlanta will be turned upside down for the next 24-48 hours as two of music’s biggest stars will descend upon the jewel of the south.

First off let's get the spoilers out of the way. I hear that the Phillips Arena will be star studded. But never mine who's gonna be in the crowd I hear the stage is gonna be on fiyah as Lil Kim, Diddy, T.I., and possible Young Jeezy are all rumored to be joining Jigga in between sets. And if that happens, it will be possibly one of the most exciting times in hip-hop SOHH far this year.

And now for the party information......

Just in case some of you are still undecided as to which line you’re destined to stand in and how much cash you’re going to be required to fork over just to be in the same breathing space of Diddy, Lil' Kim, Mary J, and of course Jay-Z- you know I got you.

If you’re like me, and didn’t get tickets to the concert let me suggest you not miss out on the parties which are sure to be off the hook. As you can imagine every club promoter in the city probably used every connection they had to try and score the newly wedded Jigga. But it’s clear that nobody has more connections than the unofficial ambassador of Atlanta, Mr. Jermaine Dupri. JD will have the self-proclaimed “best rapper” alive sippin on his favorite champagne, Aces of Spades, at Studio 72 out in Lawrenceville.

I know I don’t have to tell you this, but please believe that if you’re attempting even a glimmer of hope of making it into the venue: Ladies make sure you are looking right, and looking tight. And fellas, make sure your attire game is a step above the rest. You already know security is going to be bananas so make it your duty to leave all that hostility at home. I would hate to get you on video being man handled to the ground. And you already know that I’d put it up on SOHH Atlanta for everyone to see. [For More Information/Address To Venue Go Here]

But if Jay-Z ain't your thing and who could blame you, then that damn Alex Gideon will get the other party poppin over at Dreamz [formerly known as Atlanta Live].

From what I hear Diddy, Mary J Blige, and Lil Kim will be getting their party on over there. Anybody who’s been to Dreamz knows that their dress code is more relaxed. I believe you can even rock sneakers [but don’t quote me on that]. [For Dreamz Info/Address Click Here]

Either way out of all the parties that are poppin off on Tuesday night these are the top places that’s going to have all the hoes [and ladies I’m just adding that part in for dramatic effect for the fellas].

Y’all already know that I’m going to be out and about so that I can file my report on Wednesday. So if you see a tall, debonair dude with a camera holla at me.

--SOHH Gyant

Email:sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (17)

This week Grammy Award winner Big Boi’s ballet debut will take place at the Fox Theater on April 10th. Last year when word broke that one of Atlanta’s most successful, and talented hip-hop heads was turning to the ballet stage responses were mixed.

I can’t deny that even I poked fun at the notion that hip-hop and ballet could be successfully merged together. But after digging around I found a video that leads me to believe that this sh*t can actually be possible.

Here’s some more information on the play that I snagged off of the Fox Theater’s website:

An adventuresome, exhilarating evening featuring the world-renowned musical artistry of Grammy Award-winning Antwan `Big Boi’, Patton as well as artists of Purple Ribbon Entertainment.

Daring, progressive, soulful, these very talented artists perform a stunning collaborative
piece, LIVE on stage with Atlanta Ballet’s exquisite dancers.

Preliminary song list for big include such tracks as “Morris Brown” from the Idlewild
soundtrack, “The Way You Move” from Speakerboxx, and possibly, one of OutKast’s
defining songs “Bombs Over Baghdad”.

Now that this idea has come to fruition I might go and check this out. Who’s with me?

I'm working on getting tickets for two lucky readers. Stay Tuned....

Talk to y'all lata,

Oh, and for those who would like to know what I have to say about Byron Crawford, and others.

Read My Response Here

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 1:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)

I've been meaning to talk about this kat's new music for a minute but kept forgetting. For my DG Yola fans out there I got some new music for you. And he's also created a video documenting his recovery from that gun shot wound to his face. Check it out below.

For those of you who don't know DG Yola fell victim to an an attempted carjacking that left him fighting for his life a little over a year ago. The gutta rapper was listed in critical condition suffering from a direct shot to the face at an Atlanta area hospital. Surgeons inserted a small plate into his face to hold his shattered jaw together.

But with all that behind him now after making a speedy recovery Yola is back in the game and has dropped some new music. The title of the song is called "I Know You Like Dat". Check it out below.

And just in case you need a reminder on homie:

And check out the video of DG Yola's recovery. I've got a new found respect for this dude.

What do y'all think of his new track?

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email:sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 11:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (17)

Today marks the 40th Anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., [April 4th 1968]. I think it would be only right that SOHH Atlanta takes this day to provide some remembrance to one of the world's greatest leaders.

The Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Robert Kennedy speech on death of Martin Luther King, Jr.

The day before his assassination, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., delivered his final speech in Memphis, TN. You can see a portion of that speech above.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Posted by Gyant at 10:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Earlier today I kept getting phone calls from people asking me if I knew how to get a hold of Polow Da Don. Of course I do, but I'm not one to just pass along people's information without talking to them first. I had no clue as to what was brewing online. But after doing my usual surfing I've found out what all the hoopla is about. And all I can say is DAMN! Check it out below.

In the video clip above you can see a young music aficionado attempting to expose Polow's latest work from Usher's number one single "Make Love In This Club". Now if I have learned anything these past couple of days it's that things are not ALWAYS as it seems, and you have to give people a chance to explain their side. SOHH I am not going to make any judgments on of Atlanta's most popular, and prosperous producers.

The video doesn't look good though. I hope this is just some young kid playing a prank, and trying to garner some publicity for himself. I'm not familiar with apple music programs SOHH I cant make a judgment call on this one.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email:sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 10:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (57)

Where the hell is Young Jeezy? I know I can’t be the only one pondering that question. He made a little noise a month ago when he helped out a fan in a nationwide contest but what’s going on with the music?

We’ve already heard new tracks from Outkast[Listen Here], and Ludacris[Listen Here] and when I spoke to Jeezy, and his camp a few weeks back they told me that his project was coming soon. But they were extremely coy on giving me any additional information. Where my Jeeezy fans at? Are y’all checking for lil homie? I know I am. He’s made me an even bigger fan after hearing his “Good Life” freestyle that someone sent to me yesterday. Listen closely to the lyrics.

I couldn’t have said it better myself J.

Oh, And I Got Some Info On D4L member, Fabo..

According to published reports hip-hop star Fabo â€" real name Lafabian Williams â€" and his friend Curtis Alfonso Watkins were pulled over in South Carolina in 2006. After a search of the vehicle officers found various illegal substances and weapons. Fabo, who is a convicted felon, was charged with possession of marijuana and ecstasy, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and carrying a concealed weapon.

However, miraculously Tuesday, April 1, the district attorney office did not pursue the charges against one of Atlanta’s most outgoing rappers. Watkins pleaded guilty to the counts and was sentenced to 15 years' probation. He was also fined $3,700.

Sh*t between T.I., Busta, and now Fabo it looks like our justice system could be giving our bad boys temporary leniency [yea right]. Or maybe they just got some damn good attorneys. Either way I aint mad.

Nitti Beat, and Jermaine Dupri are teaming up with new Artist 9th Ward. You can check out his sound under SOHH.com's Digital Treats, but here is a video from Core DJ's Conference in New Orleans. Check it out.

Also, check out homies Bio:

9TH WARD was born Jamaal Williams in New Orleans, Louisiana on September 10, 1979. The name 9TH WARD came from the projects he was raised in.

Raised in a ghetto of New Orleans, when it had the second highest murder rate in the country, 9TH WARD was determined to make it. 9 TH WARD was encouraged to start rapping by his best friend Joe. He has thought about rapping but never became serious until now.

9TH WARD & Joe went out and purchased studio equipment. He started recording and made several songs. Then Hurricane Katrina the city and he were displaced with no place to call home. 9TH WARD decided to relocate in Atlanta.

Relocating in Atlanta all 9TH WARD had his studio equipment and his faith. After searching the Internet for all the open mic showcases, 9 TH WARD started to beat the pavement to promote his music. There was one song that caught the attention of Super Producer NITTI, called Secret Lovers. NITTI really liked his music and told him he would get back with him in a couple of months.

Seven months went past and 9TH WARD had moved back to Louisiana. He started working a job trying to get back on his feet. He was off from work this particular day and was watching BET Rap City when he saw NITTI sitting on the couch giving an interview. NITTI stated that he was getting ready to sign a cat from New Orleans named 9TH WARD Gucci. 9TH Ward got in his car pack all his belongings and moved to Atlanta. NITTI and 9TH WARD having been working together ever since preparing for 9TH WARD's anticipated album to be completed

Are y'all checking for lil homie?

Talk to y'all lata,

SOHH Gyant

Email:sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 2:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)

Since Jay-Z is coming to Atlanta this Tuesday with MJB for their "Heart Of The City" tour, I thought it would be OK for me to discuss his new landmark deal that he’s on the verge of signing with Live Nation. Have you all heard about this sh*t?

The SOHH News Department posted a story on the Jigga man’s rumored new deal with Live Nation that’s going to provide the self-proclaimed “Best Rapper Alive” with his own label called Roc Nation. The new business venture is reportedly going to pay Hov a stagger 150 million dollars making this one of the biggest deals in music history. Here’s the break down:

1. Live Nation will contribute $5 million a year in overhead for five years.
2. $25 million available to finance Jay-Z's acquisitions, or investments.
3. An upfront payment of $25 million.
4. A general advance of $25 million that includes fees for his current tour.
5. An advance payment of $10 million an album for a minimum of three albums during the deal's 10-year term.
6. $20 million in exchange for certain publishing, licensing and other rights.

While I am not the biggest fan of Jay anymore, the terms of this deal sound completely outrageous. Hip-hop, much like the rest of the music business is in a decline. Albums aren’t selling, ringtone sales are dropping â€" it’s a complete mess right now. To sign anybody in today’s shaky music industry to $150 million dollars, much less to a rapper, just seems like bad business to me.

According to wikepedia Jay’s, Kingdome Come album sold 2,456,00 copies, and, American Gangster, has sold 1,014,905 copies here in the United States alone â€" though I believe that those figures have been inflated a bit. But with those kind of numbers how can Live Nation honestly recoup the $10 million dollars it paid for Jay to go back into the studio? It’s clear that Live Nation does not have their ears to the streets because if they did then they would know that this deal, to me, just doesn’t make much cents[yea that was intentional people]. And let's also not forget the fact that hip-hop is a young man's game, and Jay-Z is pushing 40 years old.

I often time battle with my opinion on Sean Carter. While he’s definitely done his part in bringing hip-hop more into the mainstream I can’t help but feel that he’s also had his hand in destroying it. He’s proven that he’s not much of a CEO â€" I mean just look at his time spent at Def Jam. OK, so he brought us Rihanna, but what other contributions did he make other then create a huge conflict of interest by returning back to the mic that he vowed to walk way from? And from what I hear pushing Def Jam further into debt.

What do y’all think? Is Jigga worth a 150 million dollar contract?

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email:sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (74)

First it was Outkast who blessed Atlanta, and the world with new music. And now it seem that Ludcaris is doing the same. He's got a new song and you all know I got it for you below. Check it out.

The leader of the DTP crew has taken a small break from his thriving acting career to give music fans some real music. There's no denying that hip-hop is in a slump on all levels as of late. But with Outkast, Ludacris,and now T.I. [now that he's free] doing their thing on their respective projects it looks like we might have an interesting second quarter. Check out Luda's new track below and express how you feel. Is it poppin or floppin?

And In Related News....

The SOHH News Department is reporting that rapper/actor Ludacris has signed on to face off against rocker Tommy Lee in a new eco-centric reality show called "Battleground Earth," slated to air on the Discovery Networks' Planet Green channel this summer.

It's good to see somebody from the hip-hop community get involved with environmental efforts

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email:sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 4:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (39)

How much longer can I sit by and watch all this unfold? I thought that if I literally just sit quiet that all this would pass. Unfortunately it seems that it won’t. So now I have no choice but to clear my name.

Rather then right a whole lot of nonsense let’s just stick with facts.

Sandra Rose and I used to be good friends. She helped me out in the very beginning to get myself established in this city. And in return I helped her with security protection, exclusive information, and a sound ear when she needed to talk about all her personal issues. Like any other friend we would talk and share information on the regular. I’m not one to share anything with people, but I did give her small insights to my life which you see she is posting in GREAT exaggeration. Sandra Rose is the kind of blogger who takes a piece of the truth and stretches it out until it’s no longer the truth. So rather then attack her let me just state the facts.

1. I have never been arrested for going to or assaulting anyone at any DL Club. Anyone can go down to the court house and pull court documents and see what my 2007 arrest stemmed from, and its NOTHING that Sandra Rose is implying .

2. I have done NOTHING but been a friend, bodyguard, and watch dog for Sandra Rose at events all across Atlanta. Everyone knows about her almost getting beat down at Rocko’s strip club party. The only reason it didn’t happen is because of me.

3. I have NEVER recorded or leaked any music of the MANY studio sessions that I’ve attended. I am often times invited to listen to new tracks, interview celebrities on the regular. And it is common knowledge that you NEVER record any music because you can get sued not only by the artist, and the record label, you loose your creditability as well. I have done nothing but act extremely professional at all times while out and about in this city.

4. Tasha at the Theybf.com and I are very cool with one another, and Tasha and Sandra Rose are enemies. Sandra has done “exposes” on Tasha before and is using me in order to further that beef.

5. Anyone who knows Gyant, and who knows Sandra knows that she is clearly hurt by something that I did to her and is lashing out in the only way she knows how, which is through Sandrarose.com

6. I have obtained legal counsel and have had Sandra severed with a cease and desist notice which she brazenly has ignored. Here is a piece of her response in the email she fired back at my attorney:

I hope this is an April Fool's joke? I don't have to tell a smart man like yourself that Mr. Dinwiddie is a public figure which means he is open to criticism.

7. I can’t defend lies with the truth. People are going to inevitably believe what they want to believe. We live in a society of perception not realities. Celebrities go through this on a daily basis so if I am to escalate in my career, and in this game then I’m going to have realize that people can say whatever they want to say about you NO MATTER WHAT.

On a personal note though, I have to say that I am saddened that one blogger would attack another in such a vile, disgusting, and non factual way. Sandra Rose and I have had many conversations and she always trusted me more then I ever would trust her. She’s shared with me things that would make people's mouth drop. But if I’ve learned anything from recent events is that the more you feed into gossip, and innuendo the bigger it becomes. So for those who are looking for a response from me about her and our private moments you’re not going to get it. As salacious as her stories are it also showing the world what kind of person she is. And how far she will go to get garner clicks. Let's just hope she writes me a check when this is all said and done.

I will let my work, and fantastic blogging skills speak for itself. I will still be out and about doing my thing. And as every industry person in Atlanta knows some will continue to stay home. I have to thank God for this lesson that is being taught to me. It's a lesson that I'm glad to have learned now rather then later.

But just so we can clear things up even more...

[Oh, and thanks to the my wonderful IT team here at SOHH.com. Since you all cant seem to comment responsibly it has been taken away from you. All comments must be approved before they are posted. You knew it was bound to happen, and finally it has.]

Talk to y'all later,

--SOHH Gyant

Posted by Gyant at 10:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (35)

[Pictures courtesy of hiphossip.com]

I’m sure you’ve all heard by now that T.I. made a surprise appearance at an Atlanta affair honoring celebrity photographer Derek Blanks. And of course the one night I decide to stay in the unexpected happens. And while some are brining you still shots of the newly freed rapper. Thanks to Meisha White of Juice Report I got a little video for you. Check it out below.

I heard T.I. shut the party down when he arrived. But I’m still extremely perplexed by his ability to be away from his home. I was in court and I know I heard the judge say one year under house arrest, and then one year behind bars. There was absolutely no mention of him being allowed to leave his residence. SOHH many questions….

In a way I’m kinda happy I missed the party. I heard Mychael Knight and Serious was there and lord knows I got enough drama to deal with than to handle those two.

[Source]

But While Y’all Scratching Your Heads As To Why T.I. Gets To Roam The Streets…Check This Out!

First Coolio announced that he was taking it to the internet for a new cooking show. And now it seems that Atlanta’s most charismatic producer and record label head, Jazze Pha, is about to get his G. Garvin on. According to published reports Jazzy Phizzle is about to do his cooking thing in a new culinary show titled, What’s Cooking With Jazze. Of course y’all already know he’s gonna bring in a celebrity guest each week and show off his culinary skills.

Anybody who knows Jazze knows that man loves him some savory cuisines. But I’m not necessarily sure people are going to be tuning in to watch him throw down. However, I could be wrong. What do y’all say? Would you watch the man who put Ciara on the scene on weekly cooking show?

Yo Jazze, holla at me if you want me to drop by one time and show you how I put it down. My momma taught me some of the most illest dishes. LOL.

Talk to y’all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email:sohhgyant@gmail.com

Lesson of The Day:

Law 1

Always make those above you feel comfortably superior. In your desire to please or impress them, do not go too far in displaying your talents or you might accomplish the opposite â€" inspire fear and insecurity. Make your masters appear more brilliant than they are and you will attain the heights of power.

Posted by Gyant at 10:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (38)

It looks like while many of us, present company included, were hatin on Soulja Boy that hasn't stopped the teen idol from getting his paper. Forbes magazine did a list on today’s Hottest New Music Stars. And look who’s topped the list.

Forbes tallied up their list by examining several measures of popularity and success. They looked up the the top searches and downloads on peer-to-peer networks during the past 12 months as measured by BigChampagne, as well as press mentions as measured by Factiva.

Then they looked at the digital track downloads for the United States as well as album sales in 2007, and the first two months of 2008 as measured by Neilsen SoundScan. Finally, they took a look at "mastertone" ringtone sales during the same period, as measured by Nielsen RingScan (mastertones are ringtones that play a snippet of the actual recording of your favorite song).

After all that, this is what they got:

On top: Soulja Boy Tell 'Em, whose "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" was one of the biggest hit songs of the year. Soulja Boy (DeAndre Way, to his mom) got his first exposure by posting songs and videos on his YouTube and MySpace pages, which helped attract the attention of hip-hop producer Michael "Mr. Collipark" Crooms and eventually landed him a contract with Universal Music Group's Interscope Records.

To refer to "Crank That" as a mere "song" would probably underplay its multi-platform ubiquity. The official video racked up tens of millions of hits on YouTube and spawned a dance craze that prompted Soulja Boy to shoot an instructional video that generated more than 30 million hits of its own.

Then there were the countless spoofs and imitations that featured mashups of SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora The Explorer, Alvin and the Chipmunks and others. "Crank That" has also sold more than 3 million song downloads and more than 2 million ringtones. With that kind of reach, it was hard to escape the song's catchy refrain of "Yoooooo!/Crank that Soulja Boy, now watch me/Yoooooo!"

Other noted chart petitioners:

2. Sean Kingston
3. Colbie Caillat
4. J. Holiday
5. Flo Rida
6. Piles
7. Jordin Sparks
9. Huey
10. Hurricane Chris
11. OneRepublic

Clearly Soulja Boy, like myself, are laughing at all the haterz!

Is Baby D about to take ATL by storm? That's what he'd like us to believe. The SOHH news department caught up with the Atlanta legend recently and to hear Baby D tell it he '' Run’s The 'A' For Real''. Check out what lil homie had to say:

"I don't title myself because when you do that you put limitations on where you can go," he explained. "My fans and the people from Atlanta know the impact I put down for the whole crunk movement. Action speaks louder than words."

"People go around saying 'I'm the A' or 'I'm the King' but your fans label you," he continued. "That's all I'm in it for, my fans. I run the A for real, I ain't gotta run around saying it. I never got into the title thing. Just like you give yourself that title, somebody's gonna try to take it away. It's too much that comes with that. Your fans will label you. That's how you get real, genuine love."

D is a good dude. I’ve ran into several times. I even had to help him get into a party once because the chick at the door wasn’t from here and had no idea who he was. I had to let her know, and she quickly got in line and gave lil homie the respect he deserved.

Let’s see what he’s gonna do with new album. Are y’all trying to support him?

Much Love To All The Haterz!

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 12:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (44)

My boy Bezu Halliwell told be that Zoe's new music video was the sh*t, but I could never seem to get around to getting my exclusive sneakk peek. Well it's been released, and the good people over at Block ENT sent it over my way. Check it out below.

What do y'all think about it? I think Gorilla, and Koc demonstrated that videos dont have to be a lot for you get your message across. A lot of times less is in fact more.

I hear Yung Joc is feverishly working on his new album which should be hitting stores sometime next quarter. Let's see if he's evolving on the lyrical side.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email:sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (19)